000A88A4.050.tif · 132003.221037

3.5

species or REs were encountered. However, the timing of the survey in winter
was such that some threatened species which could potentially be present
could not be detected. These include, for example, the Wallum Sedge Frog
(Litoria olongburensis), the Wallum Rocket Frog (Litoria freycineti), and the
orchid Prasophyllum wallum. g

On the basis of the assessments of the Flora and Fauna Survey, the site can be
divided into areas of high, moderate, and low conservation’ value (see
Figure 3.2). Most of the threatened flora species (including all of the EPBC
listed species) potentially present (but not encountered) on the site typically
occur. within or adjacent to heathland (RE 12.2.12) or drainage lines
(RE 12.2.7). These areas also provide habitat to some of the less mobile Listed
fauna species potentially present on the site (eg Wallum Sedge Frog), and are
among the least disturbed habitats. On this basis, these areas can be
considered to be of “high” conservation value and are proposed to be avoided
by any proposed development and adequately buffered.

There is, however, also potential for threatened species to occur within the
more upland ‘eucalypt forests (RE 12.9 — 10.4) located centrally on the site
south of the heathland area, including most of the EPBC listed fauna species
which could potentially be present on the site... Apart from providing
relatively undisturbed habitat in its own right, this core: also provides. a link
between the habitats of the Great Sandy National Park to the south of the site
and. the heathland. This core has therefore also been identified as of “high”
conservation value and is included in the Central Conservation Precinct so
that conservation values will be protected.

The remaining areas of the site which contain regrowth mature vegetation
with some level of disturbance by grazing activities have been identified on
Figure 3.2 as “moderate” to distinguish them from the cleared or substantially
cleared areas, which are rated “low”.

The most suitable areas for development are the cleared areas in the West
Visitor Precinct and East Visitor Precinct. Other areas suitable for less
intensive development include the eastern and western ridges of the site.
Development of the central area and eastern boundary areas of the site will be
avoided with the exception of low impact recreational opportunities such as
walking tracks and picnic facilities.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

A Landscape and Visual Assessment of the site was undertaken by Terrain
Consultants (Annex C) according to the parameters of landform types,
visibility and landscape character types, within the contextual characteristics
of the Noosa North Shore landscape. The likely landscape and visual impacts
of the proposed development were evaluated in terms of the assessment of the
site and its significance in its current condition. The following sections
sumunarise the findings of the Landscape and Visual Assessment.

 

8030476RP1 /FINAL/19 SEPTEMBER 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA

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