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Attachment 6A - Koala Management Plan
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Koala Management Plan RACV Noosa Eco Resort December 2022 Environmental Scientific Services
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Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Development at 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa ................................................................................... 3
2. Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Nominated Person responsible for the Koala Management Plan ............................................ 5
2.2. Induction to the Koala Management Plan and responsibilities of personnel ......................... 5
3. Planning ......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Koala risk assessments ............................................................................................................... 6
3.2 RACV Risk Assessment Template .............................................................................................. 6
4. Threat Assessment and Identification ........................................................................................ 7
4.1 Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation .......................................................................... 7
4.2 Dog Predation ................................................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Other Predators (Native and Feral).............................................................................................. 7
4.4 Risk of Vehicle Strike .................................................................................................................... 7
4.5 Bushfire .......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.6 Disease ........................................................................................................................................... 8
4.7 Swimming Pool Drowning ............................................................................................................ 8
4.8 Harm During Construction ........................................................................................................... 8
5. Threat Mitigation ........................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation .......................................................................... 9
5.2 Changes to Koala Habitat ............................................................................................................. 9
5.3 Dog Predation ................................................................................................................................ 9
5.4 Non-Dog Predation ...................................................................................................................... 10
5.5 Risk of Vehicle Strike .................................................................................................................. 10
5.6 Bushfire ........................................................................................................................................ 11
6 Operational Work ........................................................................................................................ 12
6.1 Koala detection and retention of trees during operations...................................................... 12
6.2 Spraying herbicides or pesticides............................................................................................. 12
7 Koala welfare ............................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Koala welfare check procedure ................................................................................................. 13
7.2 Details of local veterinarians and wildlife carers ..................................................................... 13
7.3 Koala assessment and handling ............................................................................................... 13
7.4 Koala incident process ............................................................................................................... 13
8 Evaluation and review................................................................................................................. 15
8.1 Koala management plan review................................................................................................. 15
References ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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1. Introduction
Since February 2022, koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) have been listed as endangered
under the Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,
applying increased level of protection for koalas in Queensland, New South Wales, and
the Australian Capital Territory. Under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act (1992) the
koala was listed as an endangered species in 2020.
Koalas live over a range of open forest and woodland communities, with habitat quality
reliant on the presence of food trees. Koalas are found in higher densities where food
trees are growing on more fertile soils and along watercourses.
The distribution of koalas covers much of Queensland, with some historically dense
populations in the southeast. Noosa has been home to koalas since records of presence
began, however anecdotal data confirms that the declines documented for other areas of
the state extend to this area of their range.
This Koala Management Plan sets out the requirements for training and induction of staff,
planning operations that may impact koalas, undertaking those operations, addressing the
welfare of impacted koalas and review of this plan.
It is mandatory that the approved Koala Management Plan is implemented.
1.1 Development at 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa
Under the Noosa Plan 2020, the 6.4 Ha (approx.) site is mapped as connecting habitat
area, tourist accommodation, area of biodiversity significance and is subject to the
Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code. The land is mapped by the State as
Category B remnant vegetation and, significantly, has recently been mapped as core koala
habitat. It lies outside of a Koala Priority Area.
With Eucalyptus robusta, a known koala food tree, common across the subject site, its
value to koalas lies in both food and shelter resources. However, encroachment of weeds,
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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particularly frangipani vine (Chonemorpha fragrans) threatens the habitat quality for
koalas, strangling the canopy and hindering on -ground movement of koalas.
The site is mapped as Melaleuca dominated palustrine wetlands (seasonally inundated
open forests and woodlands) joining Eucalyptus open forest to the north along Noosa
Drive and heathlands and associated scrubs behind the current RACV resort site. The
potential connections (with respect to koala habitat) are narrow beyond the site boundaries
to the north and south, consistent with the regulated vegetation mapping, indicating a
narrow band of appropriate vegetation extending north, with some southern connection to
Leslie Park and Weyba Bridge Park, fringing the mangrove and heathlands. As a result,
the site forms part of a bisected patch of habitat that could provide refuge for in-transit
koalas moving between the larger patches associated with Noosa National Park to the
north and bushland to the south of Eenie Creek Rd.
The tenuous links notwithstanding, the management of patches of habitat such as this site
are vital for the persistence of koalas around Noosa. If this site continues to degrade
because of tree death caused by engulfing vines, the north-south avenue for movement of
koalas will be further diminished or lost. A careful approach to the development of the site,
however, could ensure the quality and quantum of koala habitat is improved.
Acting together, the subject site, council reserve and Leslie Park (across the busy Noosa
Drive) constitute a significant node of koala habitat for the local area.
In 2008, under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, an application was approved to establish
multiple (10) units on the site. In consultation with ecologists, that approval lapsed, and
two improved (interim) proposals were developed, before the current proposal was
developed. The current approach seeks to establish “eco-cabins” (Attachment 1) amongst
the natural vegetation, retaining connections for ground based and arboreal species by
building above the ground. The goal is to develop the site in a manner that will enhance
habitat connectivity and quality to benefit koalas in Noosa.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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2. Responsibilities
Objective: All personnel involved in site activities know their responsibilities for koala
management and welfare and can perform the required tasks to minimise koala welfare
risks.
2.1 Nominated Person responsible for the Koala Management Plan
The following is the person who has been nominated as responsible for maintaining,
implementing, and reviewing the Koala Management Plan. This person will be the main
contact for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in relation to this plan. QPWS
must be notified by email within 48hrs of changes in this role.
Name:
Position title:
Telephone (office):
Telephone (mobile):
Email:
2.2. Induction to the Koala Management Plan and responsibilities of
personnel
All personnel working on site must receive an induction to this Koala Management Plan
and be made aware of their responsibilities under this Koala Management Plan, and their
legislative responsibilities under The Nature Conservation Act (Qld) 1992.
• Introduction to site
a. Prior to work a copy of the Koala Management Plan must be made available
to any person tasked with operational activity on site.
b. Acknowledgement of this must be diarised by the site supervisor (or person
appointed to oversee work) and retained.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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3. Planning
Objective: Ensure that the welfare of koalas during and after operational activities is
considered and that no koalas are negatively impacted by operations on site.
3.1 Koala risk assessments
Pre work and daily risk assessment *(as below) must be conducted to identify potential risks
to koalas from operations, including stress, injury, exposure, death and orphaning of joeys,
and options to mitigate these risks.
3.2 RACV Risk Assessment Template
Koala Daily Risk Assessment RACV
All work
a) impacting the removal of vegetation;
b) involving creation of noise, light or dust;
c) requiring the use of machinery on site
Must be preceded by the following Risk Assessment Procedure
1. Pre-start inspection: visual inspection of ground in vicinity of work environment
for the presence of koala scat.
a. Scat present: record scat presence, move to section 2
b. None present: move to section 2
2. All trees within 15 m of the areas of operation are visually checked for the
presence of koalas.
a. Koala present: record presence (iNaturalist) no work within 15 m of tree
containing koala, noise and activity reduced, minimal interference
procedures only
b. Enact Koala Welfare Check procedure
c. No koala present: proceed to section 3
3. Conduct all other pre-start safety activities and commence work
a. If vegetation is to be removed, this must be done in accordance with
current (at the date of clearing) best practice and under the guidance of
a koala spotter catcher.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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4. Threat Assessment and Identification
4.1 Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation
Quantifying and providing remedies to habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are
difficult tasks for landscape managers. The size and structure of extant vegetation, the
occurrence of anthropogenic edges and the connectivity of the landscape are just some of
the variables that require attention as landscape modification proceeds.
The site is part of a fragmented landscape within the Noosa region. Bounded and
intersected by roads, open space, and non-native vegetation, the local area has
experienced historical disturbance impacting its vegetative integrity.
There will be some transitional loss of koala habitat and connectivity until replanting and
weed management results in a net gain at this location, and this represents a transitional
threat to koala populations. A key element of the koala management plan is the retention
and care of, and replacement where necessary of, all retained vegetation of value to
koalas on the site.
4.2 Dog Predation
Dog predation of koalas can have a significant impact on populations (Robbins et al. 2019)
and is a likely under-reported cause of population declines (unpublished data – Tyagarah
NSW).
It is probable that koalas navigating newly cleared areas of their range will spend more
time on the ground than they otherwise may, because the usual pattern of habitat and
spacing of trees will be disrupted.
4.3 Other Predators (Native and Feral)
Previous studies have identified that non-dog predators (specifically pythons) posed a
greater risk to koalas than was previously thought (Robbins et al. 2019), and owls and
eagles are also known to prey on koalas. The cause of any koala death on or near the site
will be recorded and reported (see koala welfare).
4.4 Risk of Vehicle Strike
Vehicle strike is a major cause of koala population decline (Preece 2007) particularly as
urbanisation encroaches upon natural habitat. Impacts on site (due to the road network
associated with the project) and offsite (because of traffic flow) are highly probable and will
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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require effective mitigation measures to preserve the connectivity and safety of koala
habitat around the development.
4.5 Bushfire
Bushfire presents a clear danger to koalas, however standards that apply to development
can alleviate this risk in some locations and a bushfire expert has been engaged for the
current project.
4.6 Disease
Disease has also been identified as a key driver of population decline in southeast
Queensland, and it is probable that infected koalas may occur in the vicinity if not within
the project site. It is possible that disease impact in koala populations is stress-mediated
and that habitat alienation is a contributing factor in this process.
4.7 Swimming Pool Drowning
Koalas have been recorded as drowning in private swimming pools, hence careful
incorporation of features (such as edge design, exclusion fencing) must be considered to
mitigate the possibility of such events. Ongoing monitoring of wildlife and education of
human residents will be a key to identifying and mitigating this threat.
4.8 Harm During Construction
There are risks associated with any construction process, hence daily risk assessment (as
described above) and adherence to correct clearing protocols (e.g. the use of spotter
catchers) is necessary at any development site in koala habitat areas.
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5. Threat Mitigation
5.1 Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation
The project is designed to retain habitat connectivity and prevent habitat alienation for
koalas. Concurrent vegetation management to reduce weeds and enhancement plantings
should result in only a transient reduction in habitat quality, with no loss of connectivity or
long-term reduction in food resources. The overall impact on fragmentation will be minimal
because extant connectivity will remain – koala sensitive design of any fencing and other
structures and raised boardwalks (> 30 cm) will retain a permeable habitat for koalas.
The revegetation and habitat enhancement (weeding and augmented plating) activities
should ensure only a transient reduction in carrying capacity at the site.
5.2 Changes to Koala Habitat
Changes in koala habitat will result from the initial reduction in food tree availability,
mitigated by enhanced tree health resulting from the removal of choking vines and the
planting of replacement food trees. These changes are intended to mitigate a short-term
reduction in koala habitat as vegetation clearing progresses. Once the works to establish
structures on the site are completed, the retained vegetation with respect to koala food
and habitat trees will conform to the tree retention plan identified in the Arboricultural
Response Statement (Attachment 2) for the site. Ongoing assessment of the health of
retained trees will be conducted at regular intervals and also in response to any concerns
(e.g. personal safety) that may arise as a result of natural tree growth. Where trees are
required to be pruned, this will be in accordance with expert arborist advice. Any trees that
are required to be removed will be replaced with advanced saplings of the same species in
the same location.
5.3 Dog Predation
Dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited within the site confines. Unrestrained dogs
will be able to access the site using the koala sensitive design features and a co-ordinated
approach with Noosa Council is proposed to reduce the incidence of such incursions.
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5.4 Non-Dog Predation
Other than feral species, the natural predation of koalas is not to be interfered with unless
it is deemed to be because of project activities predisposing the koala to danger of
predation. This can include examples such as:
a) Circumstances where a koala is moving across open ground where previously
habitat existed (but is cleared), hence exposing the koala where otherwise it would
be hidden from predators.
b) Occasions where a koala is disturbed from a location by construction or other
activity such that it is predisposed to predation, such as climbing high to avoid
activity or ascending a tree if disturbed whilst on the ground.
In these situations, predators will not be interfered with, but koalas will be monitored and
any necessary steps (such as local relocation to adjacent tree, or perhaps erection of
protective screening from aerial predators) will be initiated by an authorised person (see
koala welfare), so that the threat posed because of activity at the site is removed. Koalas
may be subject to aerial predation if they are unable to shelter in a dense canopy, for
example.
5.5 Risk of Vehicle Strike
A koala road crossing area is required to be established to limit the current risk of road
death for koalas on Noosa Drive – this is a pre-existing threat as indicated by records. The
exact detail of this and appropriate road treatment is yet not determined and may change
over time as new approaches are assessed. In the absence of development at the site it is
hoped that Noosa Council will address this existing threat. A co-ordinated approach
between the developer and council is likely to result in an enhanced outcome.
It is proposed that:
• Lighting and signage will be provided at a potential koala crossing point, to reduce
koala and vehicle collisions. This should include signage at the entry roads to the
local roundabout – signage agreed to be “best practice” in consultation with council
and government experts.
• In addition to driver awareness signage, vegetation management will ensure
visibility of koalas, for example by reducing ground cover adjacent to the road,
• Road treatment should include coloured paving and calming elements to alert
drivers to the presence of koalas and other wildlife, as well as lighting to increase
visibility.
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• Signage will be prominent at the approach to wildlife crossing points.
• In particular, the hours of dawn and dusk are times at which koalas are active and
susceptible to road trauma, so clear driver education will form part of the approach
to mitigating road fatalities.
5.6 Bushfire
A bushfire expert report has been provided: actions in consultation with the arborist advice
to maintain the low threat.
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6 Operational Work
Objective: Ensure koala welfare and minimise the impacts on koalas during and post
operations.
6.1 Koala detection and retention of trees during operations
Koalas may be endangered by a range of operational works that interfere with vegetation
or involve machinery working on site.
a. The Koala Daily Risk Assessment RACV must be undertaken prior to all work on site
each day.
b. All koala detection checks and koalas located must be recorded. In general:
a. When a koala is detected prior to or during operations, the tree in which the
koala is located should be in the centre of the retained trees within a 15 m
radius. Retained trees must only be removed once koalas are no longer
present.
b. Trees where koalas are located and the additional trees to be retained must
be clearly marked using a standardised marking system that is clearly visible.
c. Where koalas are detected, they must be monitored by a spotter until the
operation is complete to ensure they do not move into danger.
c. Tree retention and removal during operational works will conform to the Arboricultural
Response Statement (Attachment 2).
6.2 Spraying herbicides or pesticides
Spraying with herbicides / pesticides is subject to the same koala risk assessment process
as other activities. Especially during the breeding season, spraying of vegetation is not
recommended and should be avoided. Due to the small size of the site and ongoing
management of vegetation, manual removal of pest and weed vegetation is required.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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7 Koala welfare
Objective: That injured or orphaned koalas are managed in a humane manner.
7.1 Koala welfare check procedure
The koala welfare assessment process is triggered by the Koala Daily Risk Assessment
RACV when a koala is sighted. If a koala is identified in pre-start searches:
• Observation using binoculars is recommended
• If no signs of ill health appear (e.g. stained rump, injury or ocular discharge) the
koala is left in situ and standard practice applies (see the Koala Daily Risk
Assessment RACV).
• If signs of ill health are apparent, the nominated local koala care group is to be
contacted and their instructions complied with until the koala is assessed by them.
No work is to commence until such action is completed.
The welfare assessment records must be kept and send to QPWS as soon as practicable
after the assessment, preferably within 24hrs. This is the responsibility of the koala care
group.
7.2 Details of local veterinarians and wildlife carers
Details of local vets and carers must be always kept on site and must be available to all
employees.
Any sick or injured koala will be reported through the Queensland Government approved
process of calling 1300 ANIMAL (1300264625).
7.3 Koala assessment and handling
No employees or contractors are authorised to interfere with koalas. Any activities requiring
interfering with koalas are to be undertaken by trained and authorised koala carers (or via
1300264625).
7.4 Koala incident process
The following koala incident process must be followed.
1) Koala sighting on site:
a) Record, report act in accordance with the Koala Daily Risk Assessment RACV.
2) Koala not detected but found during operations
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a) Stop work, record, report. Review processes and re-start the Koala Daily Risk
Assessment RACV.
3) Sick/injured koala on site
a) Stop work, report, record, contact carer (1300264625), follow instructions.
4) Orphan koala (dependent young without mother) on site
a) Stop work, report, record, contact carer (1300264625), follow instructions.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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8 Evaluation and review
Objective: Continuous improvement of the koala management system to ensure that the
Koala Management Plan is effective and includes the most up-to-date information.
8.1 Koala management plan review
A review of the Koala Management Plan must be undertaken annually, led by the
Nominated Person responsible for the Koala Management Plan considering:
a. Incidents and near-misses
b. Welfare issues encountered
c. Review of compliance with tree retention and habitat quality assessment
d. Procedural issues
e. New technology or scientific understanding
f. Results of compliance recommendations, and
g. Changes to the requirements set by QPWS.
The review will include the above considerations and necessarily have endorsement from
a qualified arborist / ecologist confirming tree retention and habitat quality outcomes
consistent with the goals of this plan and agreed conditions of project approval. The
outcome of the review must be recorded and retained. Where the review identifies that
amendments to the Koala Management Plan are necessary, the plan must be updated to
reflect the required amendments. Where remedial action is required (for example with
respect to koala habitat quality), a plan of activities must be provided as part of the review.
Changes to the Koala Management Plan must be provided to QPWS for review prior to the
changes being implemented.
Koala Management Plan Version: 3 Approved by: W Ellis Date approved: 17 Dec 2022
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References
Preece, H. (2007). Monitoring and modelling threats to koala populations in rapidly urbanising landscapes:
Koala Coast, south east Queensland, Australia. Ph. D Thesis, The University of Queensland,
Brisbane
Robbins, A., Loader, J., de Villiers, D., Beyer, H.L., and Hanger, J. (2019). Predation by carpet pythons
(Morelia spilota) is an important cause of mortality in a free-living koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
population in South East Queensland. Australian Veterinary Journal 97(9), 351-356.
10.1111/avj.12840
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