Protected Plant Survey

J000206-003-R-Rev0                                                                                      June 2016


5.0       METHODOLOGY
5.1         Desktop Review
A desktop review of available mapping, reports and databases was conducted. These searches included the
following:

     Regulated Vegetation Mapping / Regional Ecosystem Mapping (DNRM) (Appendix B)

     Wildlife Online Search (Appendix C)

     EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (Appendix D)
The database searches and review were undertaken to:

     Identify vegetation associations and habitats

     Collate significant species records
It should be noted that the database searches identify habitat and species that may potentially occur within the
Site and immediate surrounding area.
Additionally, an historic aerial photo review (1974 to 2006) was undertaken to identify vegetation changes
across the Site and immediate surrounding area (Appendix E).
Utilising the results from the above review, an assessment of the likelihood of endangered, vulnerable and near
threatened (EVNT) plant species, under the NC Act and in accordance with The Guidelines, to occur within the
Site and immediate surrounding area was conducted. That assessment was based on:

     Knowledge of the Site

     Species records

     Habitat preferences of the species

     Knowledge of the life histories of the species

     Professional judgement

     Experience of the assessor

5.2         Flora Survey
A flora survey was undertaken on 13 March 2016. The area surveyed included the proposed clearing area
(north eastern portion of Lot 3 on SP246584) plus a surrounding 100 m buffer where appropriate (Survey Area).
The proposed clearing area, survey buffer and survey transects are shown on Figure 1 – Flora Survey
Transects.
The inclusion of a survey of the buffer strip within the Noosa National Park was not required as the relevant
legislation, being Section 4 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation, states that the
regulation applies only to wildlife that is not in a protected area. Noosa National Park is a protected area and is
therefore exempt.
The Survey Area was segregated into vegetation associations based on:

     Regional ecosystem mapping

     Aerial photography

     Onsite observations
As per The Guidelines timed meander surveys were undertaken in each of the vegetation associations
identified. A minimum of two timed meander surveys were undertaken in each of the vegetation associations,
unless the vegetation community was traversed before the timed meander was complete. A total of 4 meander
surveys were undertaken across approximately 1.8 hectares. The timed meanders survey locations are
presented on Figure 1.



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