080620 BCR02_EcoAssess_20071109_Final_MT.pdf [As Published] · 132008.1128

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PLACE Environmental was engaged by Blue Care Pty Ltd to prepare an Ecological Assessment Report to
address relevant Commonwealth, State and Local Government environmental planning policies in
regard to a proposed master plan and stage one construction of an aged care development at Grasstree
Court, Sunrise Beach. The total subject site is comprised of Lot 6 RP901384 and lot 1 SP177650. The
subject site is located in the Local Government Area of Sunshine Coast Regional Council (specifically the
former Noosa Council) and comprises a total area of approximately 136.79 ha. The area affected by
development includes Lot 6 RP901384 and proposed lot 9, which is currently part of Lot 1 SP177650
(totalling a development area of 5.53 ha). Grasstree Court provides access to the development area.

The aims of this assessment are 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.

The site is located in the west of Sunrise Beach between the existing residential area and Noosa National
Park. The Sunshine Beach State High School is located immediately to the north of the site while the
large southern lot is also bounded to the south by the national park. A small community shopping
centre is located adjacent to the north east corner of the site and a church is located at the western end
of Grasstree Court. The area slopes to the west towards Burgess Creek located within the Noosa
National Park. The geology of the site is coastal sand deposits.

Under The Noosa Plan (2006) the majority of the southern half of the site is zoned as Open Space
Conservation. The Open Space Conservation Zone generally excludes development or the subdivision of
freehold lots. The development area occurs outside of this zone. The remainder of the site is zoned as
Community Services. The development intent within this zone is consistent with the overall outcomes of
the Community Services zone, as it qualifies as multiple housing Type 3. The SEQ Regional Plan
designates Lot 6 RP901384 as 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 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.

While the proposed development will result in loss of disturbed native vegetation, this outcome has
been envisaged by the Planning Scheme (which designates the area proposed for development as
suitable for this purpose). The Site’s most significant habitats (in the south) will be retained, as will a
buffer to Noosa National Park.




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

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