080620 BCR02_EcoAssess_20071109_Final_MT.pdf [As Published] · 132008.1128

4.0       CONCLUSIONS

The aims of this assessment were to:

x     Assess the validity of the various environmental protection designations;
x     Identify other items of ecological significance on the site or in the locality which may affect the
      manner or extent to which the site is developed, and advise the design team of a suitable
      development strategy;
x     Suggest means of ameliorating development impacts; and
x     Address relevant Commonwealth, State and Local Government planning policies, and ensure
      compliance.

Surveys have confirmed that, although the site contains areas of remnant vegetation, these vegetation
community types are well represented in areas that aren’t subject to development and also within the
nearby Noosa National Park. It is unlikely that removal of vegetation from the proposed development
footprint will result in any significant impacts on fauna species that occur throughout similar habitat
within the site and in the wider locality. Much of this vegetation type will remain in the southern area
of the site following development, and this area will continue to function as a “stepping stone” of
habitat for mobile species such as birds and bats.

The Site is designated as a Koala management area under the Koala Conservation Plan, however surveys
have revealed that the Site’s Koala habitat values are generally low, and no Koalas, scats or scratch
marks were detected on the subject site or development area.

The SEQ Regional Plan designates the two most northern parcels as both within the Urban Footprint
under the SEQ Regional Plan. The northern portion of Lot 1 SP177650 is also designated as Urban
Footprint, with the balance of Lot 1 classified as Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area.

Under the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016
the development area is classified as Urban Koala Area and Koala Sustainability Area. The requirements
of this policy have been addressed, and where the development proposal departs from the requirements
solutions have been provided.

The Regional Ecosystem Map for the locality indicates that much of the subject site is mapped as an
indiscernible combination (50:50) of Regional Ecosystem 12.2.9 and 12.2.13. The balance of the
investigation area is currently mapped as non-remnant vegetation. These areas represent parcels of
land immediately associated with Grass Tree Court and established infrastructure.

Under The Sunshine Coast Regional Plan (2008) the majority of the southern half of the site is zoned as
Open Space Conservation, which generally excludes development or the subdivision of freehold lot.
This is consistent with the layout of this proposed development, which occurs outside of this zone. The
remainder of the subject site is zoned as Community Services. The development intent within this zone
is consistent with the overall outcomes of the Community Services Zone - Multiple Housing Type 3. As
the proposed aged accommodation development is supported by The Sunshine Coast Regional Plan
(2008) and it is a logical development for the site and its surrounds, the focus of the project should be
to minimize impacts that typically arise from such developments. Such mitigation strategies to be
applied with this development will include fauna-sensitive development, bushfire management strategy
and the application of a vegetation management plan.




Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach      Ecological Assessment Report (BCR02)                PLACE Environmental

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