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2022-05-10 P&E Committee Agenda - Item 5 - Attachment 1 - DRAFT - Noosa Threatened Fauna species Recovery Road Map
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Draft Noosa Threatened
Fauna Recovery Road Map
-Strategy 1.3 of the Noosa
Environment Strategy-
Noosa Shire Council
2022
Prepared by: David O’Gorman
Fauna Management Project Officer
© Noosa Council 2022
www.noosa.qld.gov.au
General Enquiries:
By telephone: (07) 5329 6500
By email: [email protected]
Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN
Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565
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Full text of the other 18 sections
Section 2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Background .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Prior works - the Noosa Nine .................................................................................... 4
2.2 Supporting desktop assessments ............................................................................. 4
2.3 Active threatened species conservation and stakeholder involvement ...................... 4
3. Desktop review of supporting information ......................................................................... 6
3.1 Resources ................................................................................................................ 6
3.1.1 Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report .............................................................................6
3.1.2 Noosa Shire Priority Species Assessment .........................................................................6
3.1.3 Desktop review process .....................................................................................................6
3.2 Findings .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Regional habitats ................................................................................................................7
3.2.2 Regional threatened ecological communities.....................................................................7
3.2.3 Regional fauna of conservation significance ......................................................................7
3.2.4 Regional threating processes .............................................................................................9
3.3 Summary of findings ................................................................................................. 9
4. Evaluation ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Decision Matrix ....................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Selection criteria ..................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Analysis .................................................................................................................. 11
4.4 Species representation across habitats .................................................................. 11
5. Results ................................................................................................................................ 12
5.1 The Noosa Nine ...................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Management priorities ............................................................................................ 12
6. Delivery ............................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Threatened species recovery and conservation strategies...................................... 13
6.1.1 Case Study – Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan ..................................................13
6.1.2 Approach - species recovery and conservation plans .....................................................13
6.2 Development and implementation........................................................................... 13
6.3 Periodic review ....................................................................................................... 14
6.4 Anticipated delivery and resources ......................................................................... 14
7. Priority Recommendations ................................................................................................ 16
8. Conclusion.......................................................................................................................... 17
9. Attachment One – Decision Matrix (to be reviewed by expert panel) ............................. 18
10. References .......................................................................................................................... 19
Section 3
1. Introduction
Noosa Shire is located within the Southeast Queensland bioregion, an area of exceptionally high biodiversity that
supports a diverse range of ecosystems. It is this ecosystem diversity that results in a significantly high proportion
of regional threatened species and ecological communities. To ensure the future protection and enhancement of
existing biodiversity values, The Noosa Environment Strategy (NES) was developed in 2019. In relation to long-
term survival of threatened and protected fauna, the NES details Council’s commitment to significant
implementation actions for the first three (3) years of the Strategy (19/20 to 21/22). Hence, the objective of this
Road Map is to guide Council’s approach (and funding) to the on-going management of regionally threatened
fauna.
The NES identifies specific targets for each of Council’s environmental strategies. The primary focus of Strategy
1.3 is to, ‘Ensure populations of key threatened indicator species remain viable’ (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Strategy 1.3 of the Noosa Environment Strategy (2019)
For net improvement of regional biodiversity values, an integrated approach in threatened species conservation is
required to support other related Council environment strategies, across a diverse range of key habitats. This will
be achieved through the provision of clear strategies and key performance indicators, via the pathway described
in this document;
1) Review of Council’s previous and current actions and strategies in threatened species conservation
2) Identification of stakeholder involvement in threatened species conservation
3) Desktop review of Council’s supporting biodiversity assessment reports and applicable resources
4) The identification of regional habitats, ecological communities and fauna of conservation significance
5) Identification of regional threating processes to fauna, habitats and ecosystem processes.
6) A comprehensive analysis of threatened species susceptibility to regional threating processes
7) The nomination of key threatened fauna species for management priority
8) Clear processes and actions required to deliver threatened fauna recovery programs
9) The supply of a detailed anticipated delivery schedule and budget to achieve the deliverables of Strategy
1.3 of the NES.
Section 4
2. Background
2.1 Prior works - the Noosa Nine
Previous works undertaken in 2017 (prior to the development of the NES), nominated nine (9) key and iconic
threatened fauna species (known as the Noosa Nine) for management priority. Moving forward, this Road Map
formalises the decision process, scientifically justifies, and prioritises (through a comprehensive decision matrix),
a list of key threatened fauna species which satisfy section 1.3 of the NES.
Given Council has already marketed the Noosa Nine to the community and some stakeholders, warrants a revamp
of the program. Hence, a total of nine (9) key threatened fauna species for management priorities will be
nominated under the NES.
2.2 Supporting desktop assessments
Council developed the NES in 2019, to prioritise investment and deliver an integrated approach to managing
Noosa's environment over a ten-year period. In response, two (2) key shire wide biodiversity assessments were
commissioned to support the development and implementation of the Strategy;
• The Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report 2019 (Eco Logical 2016)
• The Noosa Shire Priority Species Assessment 2019 (Noosa & District Landcare 2019)
2.3 Active threatened species conservation and stakeholder involvement
Noosa Shire Council is pro-actively invested in threatened fauna conservation, and works closely with community
groups, landholders and other agencies to ensure the protection and enhancement of regional biodiversity
values. Council also has existing monitoring and management strategies in place for regionally iconic species,
including koalas. Table One details Council’s active threatened species conservation programs, along with the
involvement of key stakeholders, who will be instrumental in the development and implementation of future
threatened species management strategies.
Section 5
Establishment
Species Item Outcomes
Year
Noosa Shire Koala Details Councils commitments to monitoring and
2016
Conservation Plan 2016 management of the species
2 ,400ha of land transitioning to National Park status
2017 Yurol and Ringtail Project
Koala over the next 10 years
QUT Yurol-Ringtail State
2020 Forest Koala Baseline Baseline population monitoring
and Monitoring Project
Supporting the Glossy Black Conservancy and the
Annual Great Glossy Counts regional community members active in population
Glossy-black monitoring
cockatoo Financial funding to the
Annual Glossy Black Contribution to management of the species
Conservancy
Annual Operational budget Sustainable reducing human / wildlife conflicts
DES Flying-fox
2021 Flying-fox Roost Management Plans
Management Grants
Flying-foxes
Regional Flying-fox
Developing a regional approach to sustainable flying-fox
2022 Statement of
management
Management intent
Table 1: Noosa Council’s active involvement in threatened species conservation
It is intended to undertake a consultation program with external stakeholders, including key conservation groups
under the implementation of this Road Map (see Section 6). Consultation plans will be developed in accordance
with Council’s templates and distributed internally for review.
Section 6
3. Desktop review of supporting information
3.1 Resources
To aid in the nomination of the Noosa Nine for management priorities under the NES, a comprehensive desktop
review was undertaken of supporting information including the Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report (NBA) and
the Noosa Shire Priority Species Assessment (NPSA). This process identified regional biodiversity values, fauna
species of conservation significance and key threating processes (e.g. climate change). For context, the
background, objectives and outcomes of the two assessment reports are summarised below.
3.1.1 Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report
The NBA was prepared by Eco Logical in 2017 to guide planning and decision-making in the development of the
NES. The assessment details the scientific understanding of biodiversity values across the Noosa Region to assist
in determining the key issues for local conservation management (Eco Logical 2016). The report addresses habitat
values, ecological communities and flora in detail, while nominating nine regionally key and iconic fauna species
from one hundred and eight-five identified fauna species of national, state or local environmental significance.
Threats to biodiversity values are also presented and discussed at general habitat and ecological levels.
3.1.2 Noosa Shire Priority Species Assessment
The NBA was prepared by Noosa & District Landcare in 2019 to compliment biodiversity goals (Strategies 1.1, 1.2
& 1.3) of the NES. Council identified there had been several independent studies which have contributed to
threatened species knowledge in the area, but an overview of practical conservation action relevant at council
level had previously not been undertaken (Noosa & District Landcare 2019). Thus, the assessment was
commissioned to consolidate a list of conservation significance fauna and flora known to occur within the Noosa
Region. A total of forty-five (45) conservation significant fauna species were identified under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) and the Nature Conservation Act (NCA). In addition, the paper
succinctly identifies regional conservation threats and potential management actions.
3.1.3 Desktop review process
To ensure Information presented within this Road Map is current, information extracted from the above sources
was cross-checked against the following resources;
• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ‘Protected Matters Search’
• The Nature Conservation Act ‘Request a Species List’
• Qld Department of Environment and Science – ‘Threatened Species Back on Track Status’
Section 7
3.2 Findings
Noosa Shire is located within the south-east Queensland Bioregion, an area of exceptionally high biodiversity,
lying in the zone where tropical and temperate land zones overlap. This provides for a set of conditions that
support a great variety of plants and animals. Noosa has a large variety of all three levels of biodiversity, at the
genetic, species and ecosystem level. These are supported by a wide range of ecosystem types, including
rainforests, beaches, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, mountains and marine areas.
3.2.1 Regional habitats
From the evaluation of supporting information, seven (7) key Noosa Regional habitat types were identified from a
total of sixty-four regional ecosystems;
• Rainforests and Scrubs
• Eucalypt forests and woodlands
• Ecotones and combined habitats
• Freshwater waterways, wetlands and riparian zones
• Heaths and other coastal communities
• Mangroves and Saltmarsh
• Coastal and Marine
Actions Required under the Road Map
To achieve an integrated approach, key threatened species to be considered as management priorities should
proportionally represent each of the regional key habitat types (listed above).
3.2.2 Regional threatened ecological communities
The Noosa Shire contains four (4) threatened ecological communities that are recognised and protected under
the Commonwealth legislation (EPBC 1999);
• Critically Endangered Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (“Lowland rainforest”)
• Vulnerable Subtropical and Temperate Salt Marsh (“Saltmarsh”)
• Endangered Coastal Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Forest
• Coastal Swamp Sclerophyll Forests (conservation advice soon to be listed)
Actions Required under the Road Map
To support other Council environment strategies, the nomination of key threatened species for management
priorities should prioritise (where justified) fauna species that utilise threatened ecological communities.
3.2.3 Regional fauna of conservation significance
Through the comprehensive desktop review process, a total of thirty-four (34) regional conservation significant
species were identified from the available resources. That is, regional species that are currently listed of
conservation significance (least concern to critically endangered) under either the NCA and or EPBC Acts. Table 2
identifies the regional fauna species of conservation significance shortlisted for management priority under the
NES.
Section 8
Table 2: Identified regional fauna species of conservation significance
Species of National or State Conservation Significance
Current Conservation Status
Species
EPBC NCA
Mammals
Central greater glider Vulnerable Endangered
Grey-headed flying-fox Vulnerable Least Concern
Koala Endangered Vulnerable
Water mouse Vulnerable Vulnerable
Birds
Australian painted snipe Endangered Endangered
Black-breasted button-quail Vulnerable Vulnerable
Coxen's fig-parrot Endangered Endangered
Glossy black cockatoo N/A Vulnerable
Ground parrot N/A Vulnerable
Plumed frogmouth N/A Vulnerable
Powerful owl N/A Vulnerable
Red goshawk Vulnerable Endangered
Reptiles
Common death adder N/A Vulnerable
Great sandy blind snake N/A Near threatened
Green turtle Vulnerable Vulnerable
Hawksbill turtle Vulnerable Endangered
Leatherback turtle Endangered Endangered
Loggerhead turtle Endangered Endangered
Mary River turtle Endangered Endangered
Olive ridley turtle Endangered Endangered
Frogs
Cascade treefrog N/A Vulnerable
Giant barred frog Vulnerable Vulnerable
Tusked frog N/A Vulnerable
Wallum froglet N/A Vulnerable
Wallum rocketfrog N/A Vulnerable
Wallum sedge frog Vulnerable Vulnerable
Fish and Rays
Australian lungfish Vulnerable N/A
Estuary stingray N/A Near threatened
Honey blue-eye Vulnerable Vulnerable
Mary River cod Endangered N/A
Oxleyan pygmy perch Endangered Vulnerable
Invertebrates
Australian fritillary Critically endangered Endangered
Pink underwing moth Endangered N/A
Richmond birdwing butterfly N/A Vulnerable
Exclusions
The primary focus of Strategy 1.3 of the NES is to, ‘Ensure populations of key threatened indicator species remain
viable’. Species that fell under the following categories were excluded from Table 5 (not shortlisted), as the
following species attributes do not satisfy the general requirements for an indicator species.
o Migratory species with no regionally confirmed breeding activity
Migratory Species (such as some shorebirds) which seasonally occur but do not breed within the Noosa
Region, are not suitable indicator species for ecosystem health changes. This is because their regional
presence may be a result of external impacts when the species is located outside of the Region.
Section 9
o Species with very few, or no recent verified recordings with the region
Species which have limited, or no recent recordings within the Noosa LGA (such as the Spotted-tail quoll)
are not suitable indicator species. This is due to the inability to develop useful baseline population data
monitoring data and indicative longitudinal studies as a measure of species and habitat recovery.
3.2.4 Regional threating processes
From the desktop review of supporting information, the following threats to biodiversity values (and fauna)
within the Noosa Shire Region were identified;
• Climate change impacts (temperature, sea level, fire and weather events)
• Planning and development (vegetation clearing and fragmentation)
• Inappropriate fire regimes (prescribed burning)
• Unsustainable and use practices and water management
• Invasive species (predation, competition, habitat degradation)
• Disease (species specific)
• Human / wildlife interactions and conflicts (vehicle strike, domestic animal predation, human conflict)
• Marine impacts (water quality, debris, boat strike, by-catch)
• Recreational impacts (increasing use of natural areas, four-wheel driving, boating and fishing etc.)
3.3 Summary of findings
The desktop review of supporting information (Section 3) identified the below findings relevant to the planning,
development and implementation of threatened fauna conservation within the Noosa Region;
➢ Seven (7) key regional habitat types were identified
➢ Four (4) regional threatened ecological communities were identified
➢ Thirty-four (34) fauna species of either state or Commonwealth conservation significance were shortlisted
➢ Nine (9) regional threating processes were nominated as key criteria to determine species success.
Section 10
4. Evaluation
4.1 Decision Matrix
A comprehensive Decision Matrix is presented as Appendix One, which scores and ranks the shortlisted thirty-
four fauna species in relation to their conservation status and susceptibility to regional threating processes (the
selection criteria). A total of nine species of conservation significance (the Noosa Nine) will be nominated for
management priority through the Decision Matrix (Appendix One / Figure 2 below).
Figure 2: Decision Matrix (Refer to Attachment One for full matrix)
4.2 Selection criteria
Thirteen (13) criteria were used to score and rank species for management priorities. Weighting was applied to
criteria critical to delivering Strategy 1.3 of the NES. Table 4 (below) lists the selection criteria and weighting used
to nominate the Noosa Nine.
Table 4: Selection criteria and weighting
Criteria Weighting
From Strategy 1.3
Conservation advice 20%
Species utilisation of regional threatened ecological communities 15%
Sensitivity to overall ecosystem change (indicator species) 10%
Iconic status 10%
Threating Processes
Climate change impacts 5%
Development, land clearing and habitat fragmentation 5%
Inappropriate fire regimes 5%
Land use practices and water management 5%
Invasive species 5%
Disease 5%
Negative human / wildlife conflicts 5%
Section 11
Marine impacts 5%
Recreational impacts 5%
Total 100%
4.3 Analysis
The thirty-four regional fauna species of conservation significance were scientifically scored and ranked against
the selection criteria. This was undertaken through reference to the supporting information identifies in Section
3, particularly the DES ‘Threatened Species Back on Track Status’ resource. Where information was absent or
required interpolation (in the application of some selection criteria), evaluation was carried out by a suitably
qualified person (Noosa Council Fauna Project Officer). Furthermore, the Decision Matrix (and this Road Map) has
undergone and internal review process by suitably qualified Noosa Environmental Services staff members. Expert
review is recommended prior to delivery of the final document.
External Review
It is intended to undertake a consultation program with external stakeholders, including key conservation groups
to review the content of this Draft Road Map. A consultation plan will be developed in accordance with Council’s
templates and distributed internally for further review (see Section 6, Delivery).
Please refer to Attachment One for the Decision Matrix used to nominate the Noosa Nine.
4.4 Species representation across habitats
To deliver an integrated approach, the distribution of the Noosa Nine (were justifiable) should proportionally
represent each of the region’s seven key habitat types. Attachment One (Decision Matrix) identifies species
primary use of each of the key habitat types. Table 3 summarises this breakdown, and then indicates an optimum
spread of the Noosa Nine across the seven key habitats. Given the range of some species cross between habitats,
it is preferable to select two species from ‘Ecotones and combined habitats’ to ensure overall representation and
conservation of regional biodiversity values.
Table 3: Optimal spread of the Noosa Nine across key habitat types
Shortlisted Suggested spread Proposed Species
Major Habitat Type
Species of the Noosa Nine
Rainforests and Scrubs 7 2 Giant barred frog
Richmond birdwing butterfly
Eucalypt forests and woodlands 5 1 Koala
Ecotones and combined habitats 4 2 Glossy black cockatoo
Freshwater waterways, wetlands and 5 1
Mary River cod
riparian zones
Heaths and other coastal communities 6 1 Wallum sedge frog
Mangroves and Saltmarsh 1 1 Water mouse
Coastal and Marine 7 1 Loggerhead turtle
Totals 35 9 Noosa Nine
Section 12
5. Results
5.1 The Noosa Nine
Under the identified selection criteria, the Decision Matrix scored the following species (in alphabetical order) as
most suitable to deliver Strategy 1.3 of the NES;
➢ Giant barred frog
➢ Glossy-black cockatoo
➢ Grey-headed flying fox
➢ Koala
➢ Loggerhead turtle
➢ Mary River cod
➢ Water mouse
➢ Richmond birdwing butterfly
➢ Wallam sedge frog
5.2 Management priorities
The more threatened a species is, the higher susceptibility it may be to regional or national extinction. Therefore,
it is appropriate and justifiable to prioritise resources to these more vulnerable species. For some species (koalas),
Council already has active monitoring and management programs in place. However, this should not impact species
prioritisation over the ten-year life of the NES (see Section 6 - Delivery). In relation to conservation advice, Table 5
proposes the temporal prioritisation for threatened fauna conservation for the remainder of the NES (to 2029).
Table 5: Proposed temporal prioritisation for threatened fauna conservation
Section 13
6. Delivery
This Road Map now places Council in a position where the appropriate scientific justification, planning and
consultation mechanisms are in place to implement Strategy 1.3 of the NES. Council’s foremost organisational
commitments to Strategy 1.3 are;
➢ ‘Significant implementation actions for the first 3 years’
➢ ‘Ensure populations of key threatened indicator species remain viable’
6.1 Threatened species recovery and conservation strategies
6.1.1 Case Study – Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan
As an example, Noosa Council has been pro-active in ensuring regional populations koalas remain viable into the
future through the development and implementation of the Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016. The
twenty-seven point action plan works together with community and various stakeholders to ensure that koalas
remain an essential component of Noosa’s biodiversity.
6.1.2 Approach - species recovery and conservation plans
The development of species recovery and conservation plans are a scientifically accepted, and widely adopted
method to implement threatened species conservation (DES 2021). As well as habitat conservation at the broad
landscape level, some species will also require interventions at the site level to address threating processes (e.g.
climate change). Threatened species recovery and conservation plans will be developed and implemented for the
Noosa Nine.
6.2 Development and implementation
Typical elements within a species recovery and conservation plan include;
➢ Review of species biology, ecology, and distribution
➢ Consolidation of available population baseline monitoring data
➢ Identification of key habitat requirements of the species
➢ Identify the current and future threating processes likely to impact species viability
➢ Review of previous and current management strategies
➢ Consultation with relevant stakeholders (external agencies and community groups)
o It is intended to undertake a consultation program with external stakeholders, including key
conservation groups. Consultation plans will be developed in accordance with Council’s templates
and distributed internally for review.
➢ The identification of any social or economic considerations
➢ Joint development and implementation of monitoring programs and management actions
➢ Development and measurement of key performance indicators (longitudinal monitoring programs).
➢ The periodic review (and potential improvement) of the recovery and conservation plan.
Section 14
6.3 Periodic review
Threatened species recovery and conservation plans must be periodically reviewed to ensure their effectiveness
under changing funding opportunities, evolving threats, and as new population data becomes available. Review
may also be required when longitudinal studies indicate notable changes in a species population or distribution.
Pre-determine key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used annually to evaluate species and habitat recovery
progress, and to identify when management or monitoring actions need to be reviewed. Metrics used will be
species specific, however examples of KPIs that will be used for the Noosa Nine will likely include are;
• Annual (census) population trends
• Breeding effort and success
• Habitat and ecosystem condition
• Type and quantity of human / wildlife interactions
• Active community and stakeholder involvement
• Longitudinal population and distribution monitoring data
6.4 Anticipated delivery and resources
A staged implementation approach is recommended to deliver Strategy 1.3, this will promote;
➢ Maximum outcomes for minimal investment
➢ Allow for any potential project risks to be identified and mitigated
➢ Opportunity for increased stakeholder involvement
Provided below is an Anticipated Delivery Schedule and Budget, which identifies the key milestones and
deliverables of the program. A budget estimate (per financial year) has been proposed to deliver Strategy 1.3 over
the remaining seven years of the NES.
Section 15
Table 6: Draft Anticipated Delivery Schedule and Budget Estimates
Financial Year
Milestone Items 2021/2022
April May June
2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025
Review of supporting information
Project
Development Analysis
Draft Implementation Plan
Funding
Draft Implementation Plan to Council Oct
26 / 27 27 / 28 28 / 29 Totals
Funding, Feb June Oct Feb June Oct Feb June
Funding approval
Consultation
and Finalise Plan Community consultation and expert review
Final Implementation Plan to Council
Consolidate baseline data
Species Species Species Species Species Species Species Species Species Species
Recovery Plans Stakeholder consultation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Development of monitoring / management programs
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 1 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 35,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 2 $7,500 $7,500 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 35,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 3 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 30,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 4 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 30,000
Implementation Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 5 $7,500 $7,500 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 30,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 6 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 25,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 7 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 25,000
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 8 $7,500 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 22,500
Implementation of Recovery Plan - Priority Species 9 $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 20,000
Funding Yearly Funding Totals (ex. GST) $17,500 $40,000 $55,000 $50,000 $45,000 $45,000 $ 207,500
Review Periodic progress review of all species Recovery Plans (using pre-determine metrics) x x x x x x −
Staffing Annual staffing effort to implement the Noosa Threatened Fauna Recovery Road Map 1.0 FTE 1.0 FTE 1.0 FTE 1.0 FTE 1.0 FTE 1.0 FTE −
Section 16
7. Priority Recommendations
To deliver Council’s commitment to significant implementation of Strategy 1.3 of the Noosa Environment Strategy
by 2022, the following priority recommendations require action for the 22/23 financial year.
1) Staff funding to implement year one deliverables of the Road Map
Item 1: Funding for 1.0 FTE Council Officer to implement;
o Community consolation and expert review of the Road Map
o Finalisation of the Noosa Threatened Species Recovery Road Map
o The development of three (3) priority threatened species recovery and conservation plans
o The implementation of two (2) priority threatened species recovery and conservation plans
2) Funding contribution for the progressive implementation of two (2) threatened species recovery and
conservation plans
Item 2: $17,500 in funding to deliver;
o Priority Species One - Recovery and Conservation Plan Implementation (year one) = $10,000
o Priority Species Two - Recovery and Conservation Plan Implementation (year one) = $7,500
Section 17
8. Conclusion
As of 23rd March 2022, Council appointed a Fauna Management Project Officer to develop a Threatened Fauna
Recovery Road Map (this document). With the appropriate scientific justification, planning and consultation
mechanisms now in place, Council is in a timely position to deliver the following organisational commitments
under Section 1.3 of the Noosa Environment Strategy;
1) ‘Significant implementation actions for the first 3 years’
2) ‘Ensure populations of key threatened indicator species remain viable’
Section 18
9. Attachment One – Decision Matrix (to be reviewed by expert panel)
Decision Matrix - Regional Fauna Species of Conservation Significance - Management Priorities
Highest conservation
Indicator of overall Development, land clearing Land use practices and Negative human / wildlife Marine impacts (debri, boat
Selection Criteria advice listing (EPBC or Primary utilisation of threatened ecological communities
ecosystem changes
Iconic status Climate change
and habitat fragmentation
Innappropriate fire regimes
water management
Invasive species Disease
conflicts strike)
Recreational impacts
NCA)
Totals
Scoring CE = 4, E = 3 V = 2, NV = 1 N/A = 0, Low = 1 , Medium =2 , High = 3
Weighting 20% 15% 10% 10% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 100%
Key Habitat Type Species Score Weighted TEC Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Max Score = 32
Black-breasted button-quail 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3.0 1 1.0 1 0.5 2 1.0 3 1.5 3 3.0 3 1.5 2 1.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 21.5
Coxen's fig-parrot 3 6 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3.0 1 1.0 1 0.5 1 0.5 2 1.0 2 1.0 3 1.5 2 1.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 20.5
Cascade tree frog 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3.0 2 2.0 2 1.0 2 1.0 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 21.0
Rainforests and Scrubs Giant barred frog 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 22
Plumed frogmouth 1 2 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3.0 1 1.0 1 0.5 1 0.5 2 1.0 2 1.0 2 1.0 2 1.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 16.0
Pink underwing Moth 3 6 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 1 1.0 1 1.0 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 2 1.0 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 19.5
Richmond birdwing butterfly 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 1 1.0 3 3.0 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 2 1.0 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 19.5
Common death adder 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 0.5 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 1 0.5 0 0 1 0.5 15.5
Greater glider 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 1 1.5 2 2 3 3 2 1 3 1.5 3 1.5 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 18.0
Eucalypt forests and woodlands Koala 3 6 N/A 0 0 2 2 3 3 2 1 3 1.5 3 1.5 2 1 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 2 1 20.0
Powerfull owl 3 6 Lowland Rainforest 1 1.5 2 2 3 3 1 0.5 3 1.5 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 18.5
Red goshawk 3 6 Lowland Rainforest 1 1.5 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 16.0
Australian painted snipe 3 6 Saltmarsh 1 1.5 2 2 1 1 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 2 1 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0.5 18
Combined Habiatats Glossy black cockatoo 2 4 Coastal Sclerophyll 3 4.5 3 3 3 3 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 2 1 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 21.5
(ecotens and species that reside across
habitats) Grey-headed flying-fox 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 2 2.0 3 3.0 3 1.5 1 0.5 2 1.0 1 0.5 1 0.5 2 1.0 4 2.0 0 0.0 3 1.5 22.0
Tusked frog 2 4 Lowland Rainforest 3 4.5 3 3.0 1 1.0 2 1.0 3 1.5 2 1.0 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 21.0
Mary River turtle 3 6 N/A 0 0 2 2 3 3 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 2 1 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 17
Mary River cod 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 3 1.5 19.5
Freshwater Waterways, Wetlands and
Honey blue-eye 2 4 N/A 0 0 3 3 1 1 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 14.5
Lakes
Oxleyan pygmy perch 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 1 1 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 2 1 17
Australian lungfish 2 4 N/A 0 0 2 2 2 2 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 3 1.5 15.5
Ground parrot 2 4 N/A 0 0 2 2 3 3 2 1 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 17
Great sandy blind snake 1 2 N/A 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 1 0.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 9.5
Wallum froglet 2 4 Coastal Swamp Oak 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 15.5
Heaths and other coastal communities
Acid Frogs Wallum rocketfrog 2 4 Coastal Swamp Oak 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 15.5
Wallum sedge frog 2 4 Coastal Swamp Oak 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 1.5 2 1 1 0.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 18
Australian fritillary 4 8 Coastal Swamp Oak 0 0 2 2 1 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 1 0.5 1 0.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 16.5
Mangroves and Saltmarshes Water mouse 2 4 Saltmarsh 3 4.5 3 3 3 3 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 3 1.5 1 0.5 22.5
Green turtle 2 4 N/A 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 3 1.5 2 1 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 17.5
Hawksbill turtle 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 19
Marine Turtles Leatherback turtle 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 19
Loggerhead turtle 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 20
Olive Ridley turtle 3 6 N/A 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 3 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 3 1.5 3 1.5 19
Estuary stingray 1 2 N/A 1 1.5 2 2 1 1 1 0.5 1 0.5 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0.5 1 0.5 2 1 3 1.5 12
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9. Attachment One — Decision Matrix (to be reviewed by expert panel)
Decision Matrix - Regional Fauna Species of Conservation Significance - Management Priorities
Selection Criteria Highest conservation Primary utilisation of threatened ecological communities Indicator of overall ia Development, land clearing Land use practices and Invasive species Negative human / wildlife Marine impacts (debri, boat
advice listing (EPBC or Innappropriate fire regimes Disease Recreational impacts
ecosystem changes and habitat fragmentation water management conflicts strike)
NCA)
Totals
Scoring NIA=0, Low=1, Medium =2 , High =3
Weighting ee 10% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%
Key Habitat Type as i TEC | was | Score = 32
Black-breasted bution-quail Lowland Rainforest 21.5
Coxen's fig-parrot 3 6 Lowland Rainforest 45 3.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 POE ES
0.0 0.0 20.5
Cascade tree frog ee ee
Lowland Rainforest 1.5 21.0
Rainforests and Scrubs Pink underwing Moth Pp =
Plumed frogmouth Lowland Rainforest 1.0 0.0 os
ee Lowland Rainforest 1.5 Po 0.0
Common death adder Lowland Rainforest 1.5 15.5
Greater glider Lowland Rainforest 1.5 0 18.0
ee Lowland Rainforest ps fete fete
ee Lowland Rainforest ps fete fete |
ee ee ee ee ee ee
Combined Habiatats nee ee I ee le Pe Pe ie Ee ET
(ecotens and species that reside across:
habitats) a ee a 1.0 Pe pe fete fete fs |
Freshwater Waterways, Wetlands and ee Honey blue-eye NIA 3 15 2 15 1 ee 14.5
Lakes
Oxleyan pygmy perch 3 6 NIA 0 0 3 3 15 2 0 0 15 15 0 0 0 0 2 1 7
ee ee be
Australian lungfish NIA 1 15.5
Great sandy blind snake NIA 7
'Wallum froglet 2 4 Coastal Swamp Oak 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0.5 15 15 0 0 0 0 1 0.5 15.5
Heaths and other coastal communities
Acid Frogs peop me ee Pe ee pepe pe epee pep pe
'Wallum rocketfrog Coastal Swamp Oak 15 15.5
mm ee
NOO A COUNCIL PO Box 141 (07) 5329 6500 [email protected]
ABN 4121 TEWANTIN QLD 4565 (07) 5329 6501 www.noosa.qld.gov.auSection 19
10. References
• Australian Government (1999) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
• Australian Government (1999) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ‘Protected
Matters Search’
• Eco Logical (2016) Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report
• Noosa & District Landcare (2019) Noosa Shire Priority Species Assessment
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science (2022) Threatened Species Back on Track Status
• Queensland Government (2022) Nature Conservation Act
• Queensland Government (2022) Nature Conservation Act ‘Request a Species List’
• Noosa Shire Council (2019) Noosa Environment Strategy
• Noosa Shire Council (2016) Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan