210055 - 327 Kinmond Creek Road, COOTHARABA - Ecological Assessment Report

                                                                                  Ecological Assessment Report
                                                                             327 Kinmond Creek Rd, Cootharaba




5. Proposed Impacts and Mitigation Measures

5.1       Potential Impacts

The ecological values on site are considered to be moderate. There is some habitat for arboreal fauna such
as hollow bearing trees and good foraging opportunities in the vegetation across the site.

A tree survey (Figure 3) was undertaken for this site within the proximity of the proposed dwelling. Table 4
illustrates the tree schedule. A total of eight (8) trees will require to be removed for the construction of the
house, garage and shed. Additional vegetation will need to be cleared for bushfire.

Potential impacts on ecological values on the site are direct and indirect in nature, including:

      •   The loss of food sources and habitat for common wildlife;

      •   Injury and mortality of fauna species through the vegetation clearing. This includes direct death and
          injury from land clearing and indirect impacts through dispersal into areas already at carrying capacity
          and road trauma; and,

      •   Sediment run-off impacting into retained vegetation communities during earthworks.


5.2       Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures are recommended to reduce the potential ecological impacts:

      •   Where fences require replacement, the use of barbed wire will be avoided.

      •   No domestic animals will be allowed onto the construction site.

      •   Injury or mortality of fauna species will be minimised by managing habitat clearing and by having a
          qualified fauna spotter supervising all clearing activities. Fauna spotters will specifically search for
          koalas and they will be managed on site in line with the koala conservation plan.

      •   Trees will be felled using an excavator with grabs or a ripper. Trees will not be felled and left to fall
          under their own weight.

      •   Clearing will be avoided in Spring to reduce the likelihood of fatalities of juvenile and orphaning of
          fauna during vegetation clearing.

      •   Habitat degradation will be minimised by maintaining hydrology, undertaking weed management
          during construction, managing waste and water quality.

      •   An Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan will be implemented during construction of the dwelling
          to minimise impacts to adjacent vegetation as a result of run-off. Sediment fencing will be required to
          be constructed to protect adjacent properties. Monitoring will also take place to ensure the
          effectiveness of the fencing.




PR20257_EA_327 Kinmond Rd, Cootharaba                                                                     Page 19