Cover Letter and Assessment

Biodiversity, waterways and wetlands overlay code


The landowner is committed to conserving and improving the ecology of the site and this is driving
their desire to locate the proposed dwelling as indicated. As discussed above, the proposed house site
is the least biodiverse area on the entire block and is largely accessed by an existing track. There is
also an existing cleared area in proximity that can accommodate the effluent disposal area minimising
the need for clearing further. In addition, replanting and regeneration has already been undertaken
and will continue to occur.

In initial advice from Council via email on 19 January 2021 (Attachment F), Council indicated a site
closer (10m) to Kinmond Creek Road would be more likely to be supported. However, the area 10m
setback from the front boundary is a vine forest that has no existing access and has for example 16
individual species of native vine.

It is therefore submitted that ecologically important areas are being conserved and improved as a
result of the proposal (AO1.1) and buildings and infrastructure has been located in existing cleared
areas and/or areas of lowest ecological value. Clearing will be limited to 10m around the dwelling
(AO1.3). If boundary fencing is established clearing will not extend beyond 5m of that fence (AO1.4).

The proposal otherwise meets all remaining relevant criteria under the code.


Landslide hazard overlay code
As mentioned above, the site is unconstrained by grade and it is therefore unclear why this is identified
as an overlay (please refer to Figure 8). Access and the house site are not in a moderate, high or very
high landslide hazard areas or an area with 15% slope or greater. Further assessment against this code
is therefore not warranted.



CONCLUSION
Assessment has demonstrated that the proposed development generally complies with the
requirements of the planning scheme and does not raise any significant issues that cannot be
addressed by reasonable and relevant conditions. On balance the location of the new house as
proposed will result in a lower net loss of vegetation which is the only trigger for the application. The
application should therefore be recommended for approval.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any matter in further detail, please do not hesitate
to contact me on 0448 446 362.

Kind regards,




Terry Frey | Principal