Letter response to further issues - Noosa Council.pdf

 “Adamson Town Planning, specialising in providing higher order town planning
 advice”




It is also noted that 7 Sheoak trees are to be removed with 3 of these trees having cones. While
some of the trees have cones, Gondwana Ecology has confirmed there is no evidence of the
site being used as a cockatoo feed tree.

Gondwana Ecology has recommended that offset planting occur with 120 koala habitat trees
(ratio of approximately 2:1) and 25 Sheoaks (ratio of more than 3:1) to be provided in two
areas within the golf course to close gaps between existing koala habitats. The golf course and
the planting areas are adjacent to conservation land, this being a further benefit to planting
and enhancing the area. Other ecological enhancement measures have also been
recommended.

Given the NJKHT’s are now not being removed from within the Core Koala Habitat Area, there
is no requirement for a financial environmental offset to be provided. Accordingly,
representations will be made to SARA about changing the referral agency’s conditions of
approval.

It is also noted that under the state mapping, this area is regulated vegetation, which is now
being protected. Consequently, it is likely SARA will not have any concerns with the proposed
development and the majority of the conditions will either be amended or deleted.

Bushfire Advice

With respect to the risk from bushfire, the applicant has obtained further advice from Rob
Friend and Associates about the proposed change, in terms of the retention of koala habitat
trees to the north of the proposed resort. The further advice provided by Rob Friend and
Associates is provided as Attachment 4A with an amended Bushfire Hazard Assessment &
Mitigation Plan also provided as Attachment 4B.

In essence, Mr Friend has confirmed the retention of koala habitat trees to the north of the
proposed resort can be maintained in a low fuel state and will not present a bushfire risk. It is
noted that understorey management of the area is required, which is consistent with making
passive recreational use of this part of the site. This will include the provision of a few low level
timber decks with seating, a pathway, a small number of cabanas beside the open lawn areas,
with landscaping comprising suitable species as shown in the Landscape Concept Package.

Summary

The proposed minor change has been made in response to further issues raised by Council
about the impact the proposal will have on koala habitat trees and other vegetation. This has
resulted in the relocation of all tennis courts above the upper carpark levels. This change
provides for the retention of the 19 NJKHTs previously sought to be removed. Further, will
allow for the passive reactional use of this area by quests, with limited infrastructure being
provided.


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16022 – Noosa Springs “Boutique Hotel”


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“Adamson Town Planning, specialising in providing higher order town planning

Adamson
advice

Town Planning

It is also noted that 7 Sheoak trees are to be removed with 3 of these trees having cones. While
some of the trees have cones, Gondwana Ecology has confirmed there is no evidence of the
site being used as a cockatoo feed tree.

Gondwana Ecology has recommended that offset planting occur with 120 koala habitat trees
(ratio of approximately 2:1) and 25 Sheoaks (ratio of more than 3:1) to be provided in two
areas within the golf course to close gaps between existing koala habitats. The golf course and
the planting areas are adjacent to conservation land, this being a further benefit to planting
and enhancing the area. Other ecological enhancement measures have also been
recommended.

Given the NJKHT's are now not being removed from within the Core Koala Habitat Area, there
is no requirement for a financial environmental offset to be provided. Accordingly,
representations will be made to SARA about changing the referral agency's conditions of
approval.

It is also noted that under the state mapping, this area is regulated vegetation, which is now
being protected. Consequently, it is likely SARA will not have any concerns with the proposed
development and the majority of the conditions will either be amended or deleted.

Bushfire Advice

With respect to the risk from bushfire, the applicant has obtained further advice from Rob
Friend and Associates about the proposed change, in terms of the retention of koala habitat
trees to the north of the proposed resort. The further advice provided by Rob Friend and
Associates is provided as Attachment 4A with an amended Bushfire Hazard Assessment &
Mitigation Plan also provided as Attachment 4B.

In essence, Mr Friend has confirmed the retention of koala habitat trees to the north of the
proposed resort can be maintained in a low fuel state and will not present a bushfire risk. It is
noted that understorey management of the area is required, which is consistent with making
passive recreational use of this part of the site. This will include the provision of a few low level
timber decks with seating, a pathway, a small number of cabanas beside the open lawn areas,
with landscaping comprising suitable species as shown in the Landscape Concept Package.

Summary

The proposed minor change has been made in response to further issues raised by Council
about the impact the proposal will have on koala habitat trees and other vegetation. This has
resulted in the relocation of all tennis courts above the upper carpark levels. This change
provides for the retention of the 19 NJKHTs previously sought to be removed. Further, will
allow for the passive reactional use of this area by quests, with limited infrastructure being
provided.

5|Page
16022 — Noosa Springs “Boutique Hotel”