2016-04-19 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                          19 APRIL 2016


4    DRAFT NOOSA SHIRE KOALA CONSERVATION PLAN 2016
Author            Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne
                  Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index             ECM/Koala Policy

Attachments       1.   Draft Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan
                       (Note : 2 x copies of attachment provided in Councillors’ Room)



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting dated 19 April 2016 and agree to commence public consultation on the Draft
Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan.


REPORT
In July 2015, Council adopted the Noosa Koala Conservation Policy. The policy provides for the
development of a Koala Conservation Plan to implement practical actions to help conserve
koalas. Note that any actions to help conserve koalas will also benefit other fauna species and
their habitat.

The Draft Koala Conservation Plan proposes the following key objectives:
1.   Conserve koalas and habitat though statutory provisions
The Plan outlines National and State policy, plans and legislation concerning koalas. The Plan
also includes measures to strengthen local government powers in conserving koala habitat
through the Noosa Planning Scheme and Council policy instruments.

2.   Conserve koalas and habitat though non-statutory means
Non-statutory measures include programs to support protection and enhancement of koala
habitat through the Land for Wildlife Program, Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) program
and the Bushland Care Volunteer Program. The Environment Levy is also a mechanism that can
be used to purchase land as a measure to conserve koala habitat.

3.   Improve understanding of koala needs and behaviour
Council provides in-kind support to the University of Sunshine Coast with their research to better
understand the health and sustainability of Noosa Shire’s koala populations. This research helps
Council and the community direct conservation actions towards areas of highest priority.

4.   Improved data collection and mapping of local populations
Currently there are various databases and maps concerning koalas and their habitat. Council will
continue to use the State statutory mapping to inform development assessment. Recently
Council has developed non-statutory local koala habitat maps which can be used as extrinsic
material to inform development assessment. Council has also developed koala threat mapping
which provides guidance on prioritising areas for Council and community conservation actions.


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