2016-04-19 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                  19 APRIL 2016


5.   Informed infrastructure decisions
Local maps identify known koala habitat areas within the Noosa Shire. The Plan proposes that
Council capital and operational works within known koala habitat areas must comply with
Councils Tree Management on Council Land Policy and the Koala Conservation Policy.

6.   Effective wild and domestic dog control
Domestic dog attacks on koalas account for a small number of fatalities and it is unknown what
impact wild dogs have on Noosa Shire’s koala populations. The Plan proposes a number of
actions in relation to wild and domestic dogs including enforcement, targeted wild dog control in
mapped koala habitat areas and more research into the significance of wild dog attacks.

7.   Implement translocation of koalas consistent with State policy
The State has very stringent controls with translocating koalas. While there may be some
benefits of translocation, the Plan recommends that a cautious approach be taken and there is a
strict adherence to State policy.

8.   Increased community awareness and participation in koala conservation
Council is already involved with a number of environmental programs and events. Awareness of
koala conservation can be promoted through these mechanisms in partnership with local
environmental groups.


Action Plan
The Plan identifies twenty-eight (28) actions to help meet the above objectives. Some of the
actions have already been delivered (e.g. local koala habitat mapping) and other actions are an
ongoing part of Council and community activities. The following actions are worth noting:
   The latest round of proposed planning scheme amendments include provisions for
     protecting trees outside the Noosa Plan Biodiversity Overlay (former Temporary Local
     Planning Instrument-Vegetation Protection);
   The Plan proposes to restore koala habitat on private land next to mapped koala habitat
     areas. These plantings would be protected under the new vegetation protection planning
     scheme provisions if approved by the State. A new initiative will be included as part of the
     2017/18 budget process;
   Council will be providing in-kind support to University of Sunshine Coast for koala research
     over the next 3 years;
   Council infrastructure projects in mapped known koala habitat areas will need to be
     consistent with Council’s Tree Management on Public Land Policy and the Koala
     Conservation Policy.
   The Plan proposes an audit of current koala infrastructure (e.g. road underpasses) be
     undertaken and infrastructure ‘gaps’ be identified;
   Council’s wild dog control program is to target areas adjacent to mapped known koala
     habitat.




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