06/0823 - Applicant's Response to Information Request including Attachments [As Published] · 132006.823

Attachment 8 includes images of the existing gabion wall constructed as part of the
Morwong Villas development. These images demonstrate the ‘flexibility’ of the gabion
structure, and illustrate that significant trees are able to be retained and stepped around. The
proposed gabion wall extension is to be constructed in a similar fashion, with all significant
trees to be incorporated into the design.

Surveyed trees to be retained and removed for the proposed development are detailed on
original development plan titled CEPLA Figure 2: Site Impacts of Proposed Development. As
previously indicated in the original application, five native trees previously designated for
retention will be removed. Two of these trees have already been removed as a Council
requirement for sewer construction, and one tree near the Habitat Pond (a Cheese Tree -
Glochidion ferdinandi) has died since the initial assessment.

These additional trees have limited biodiversity value, and their loss will be offset by the
retention of several other trees in the south-eastern part of the subject site and the additional
landscaping proposed throughout the development. There will little change in biodiversity
values of the site when compared to the CAS. In a wider context, any minor change that may
occur is offset by the retention and replanting of trees throughout Noosa Hill, as well as by
extensive tree planting as part of the proposed landscape plan.

It is noted that a number of other species proposed to be retained are located within close
Proximity to the building footprint. Due to the lightweight construction of these villas, a
minimal amount of limb or root pruning will be required. An example of where similar
construction has been undertaken within close proximity of an existing tree species is
included in Attachment 9.

Specifically, a Blue Quandong (Elaeocarpus grandis) tree located in the riparian area will
require pruning for construction of Building E(G), and some large surface roots of Quandong
trees will be severed to construct stormwater outfall upstream of Building F(J). It is noted that
this outfall has been previously approved as part of the CAS Operational Works, but is being
redesigned and re-routed to avoid removal of riparian trees. The other outfall, between
Buildings H(M) and G(K), will be positioned between trees and will require no tree
disturbances.

Protection methods of retained tree species are specified in Section 7 of the Flora and Fauna
Management Plan contained within the Preliminary Environmental Management Plan. The
following methods are identified:

* Trees located within the construction works areas that are >300mm diameter at
breast height (DBH) are protected and can only be removed with the permission
of Council.

+ Within construction works areas, trees identified may be removed or lopped
following the issue of appropriate development permits for operational and
building works. No other vegetation may be removed or lopped without site
inspection and agreement by both the Council Manager Environmental Services
and the PER, and then only in accordance with Council conditions.

+ In construction works areas vegetation and individual trees to be retained shall
be clearly marked (using stakes or tape of different colour from those marking
buffer areas and trees to be removed) and isolated trees close to proposed works
should be protected by fencing around the tree’s canopy “drip line”. Where
intrusion into the drip line is necessary pier foundations will be used.

+  Stockpiles will be located outside the drip line of retained trees, and no material
will be stored or piled temporarily against the trunk of retained trees.

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