132005.638.04 - Other Change To An Existing Approval For Material Change Of Use - Expansion Of Special Purpose (Waste Disposal And Recycling Facility) & Ongoing Clearing Purposes At 561 Eumundi Noosa Road Doonan · Attachment 2 - 132005.638.04 - Planning Officers Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                9 DECEMBER 2025


The impact area is classified as Category X (non-remnant vegetation) and contains Regional
Ecosystem 12.5.3, described as Eucalyptus racemosa woodland on remnant tertiary surfaces.
Field assessments confirm that the vegetation is predominantly regrowth with scattered remnant
trees, dominated by regrowth Melaleuca quinquenervia (paperbark). Historical aerial imagery
indicates the site was cleared in 1967, grazed until 1971, and subsequently underwent natural
regeneration.
The proposed works involve vegetation clearing on both the eastern and western sides of the
planned Cleanaway Depot, totalling approximately 2,600 m². This clearing will result in the removal
of approximately 240 non-juvenile Koala Habitat Trees (KHT). A detailed survey of KHT within the
impact area was undertaken. Under the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Regulation
(DES, 2022), a “koala habitat tree” is defined as any tree belonging to the genera Angophora,
Corymbia, Eucalyptus, Lophostemon, or Melaleuca. It should be noted that Melaleuca species are
not considered primary food sources for koalas, whose diet consists mainly of select eucalypt
species. However, Melaleuca species, such as paperbarks, can serve as supplementary food
sources when preferred eucalypts are unavailable. The dominant species within the impact area
is Melaleuca quinquenervia.
Although the proposed works are exempt from the regulatory requirements of the Planning Act
2016, the clearing of non-juvenile koala habitat trees constitutes a significant residual impact on a
matter of State Environmental Significance (MSES). The site is identified as Koala Priority (but not
core), triggering assessment against State Code 25 under the Planning Regulation 2017 for
assessable development.
A review of State Code 25 was undertaken concluding that the application meets the relevant
performance outcomes through:
•   Mitigation of vegetation loss via environmental offsets
•   Maintenance of habitat connectivity
•   Implementation of a fauna management plan during clearing and construction
•   Avoidance of impacts to Category C and R vegetation
Environmental offsets are proposed to mitigate vegetation loss, primarily to reinstate koala habitat.
The application includes provisions for rehabilitation works within the vegetated area to be
protected west of the proposed Cleanaway Depot. The applicant proposes an offset for the removal
of approximately 240 koala habitat trees, primarily located west of the existing depot. In accordance
with the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, the required offset ratio is 3:1, equating to 720
non-juvenile koala habitat trees and an area of approximately 0.78 hectares.
Native Foresters, in collaboration with Noosa Council’s Offset Delivery Team, has identified a
suitable offset site within the Noosa Council area at 304 Lake Flat Road, Cootharaba (Lot 4
RP803972).
In addition to delivering environmental offsets, rehabilitation works are recommended within the
retained buffer zone (west of the Cleanaway Depot) and adjacent easement treatment area to
enhance environmental and aesthetic values. Key actions include:
•   Removal of invasive species (Singapore Daisy, Camphor Laurel, Cocos Palm, Brown Silky
    Oak)
•   Placement of coarse woody debris to provide fauna habitat
•   Installation of six nest boxes (various sizes) to replace lost hollows
•   Planting of 50 koala habitat trees (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and 200 native
    midstorey/groundstorey species
•   One-year maintenance program to ensure plant survival and prevent weed reoccurrence
•   Preparation of a detailed site rehabilitation plan outlining these measures
Under the current development approval 132005.638.03 the applicant is required to provide a Fire
Management Plan (FMP). A FMP has been prepared for the change and has required the widening