RFI - Attachment D - Assessment of Environmental values - Callaghan and Toth

1.3         Summary of Environmental Values

A Flora and Fauna Survey has not been undertaken specifically for this project involving the extension of the carpark areas on
the Lower Mill site. A Flora and Fauna survey was undertaken by Noosa District Landcare in September 2019 for the
proposed Hinterland Playground to the south of Cooroy Creek, and as such the species identified during this survey are
relevant for the Lower Mill site as well. Environmental values attributed to the site include:

Amenity:
    Scenic amenity – green space, waterway, riparian vegetation, etc.
    Adjacent Parkland – green space, corridor for fauna movements, watercourse.

Water:
           Cooroy Creek and its riparian vegetation form the south, eastern and northern boundary to the site.
           Water quality of standing water appeared good – water was clear, no algal growth, presence of macroinvertebrates.
           Overland flow paths / rainwater tank overflows through retained vegetation and grass to the creek.
           Two biobasin’s exist which treat stormwater prior to discharge to Cooroy Creek.

Fauna:
    A total of two mammal species, thirty bird species, one amphibian species, one fish species and one invertebrate
       species (see Attachment A), were found during the survey in 2019.
    Fish habitat - DAF mapping shows tributary to be a High (Red) Risk waterway.
    Mature Eucalypt trees along the creek are considered “habitat trees” and provide roosting, perching and foraging
       resources.
    Leaf litter, hollow logs, log piles and wood debris present within existing riparian vegetation provides good habitat for
       small reptiles and litter foraging invertebrates.
    Cooroy Creek has ponded water which may provide fish-free breeding habitat for EVNT listed frog species.
    Ponded water also supported short fin eel activity observed on site.
    Presence of weeds and ornamentals in the retained vegetation impacts on the quality of fauna habitat values.

Flora:
           A total of 87 native plant species and 31 non-native species were recorded during the survey period (see
            Attachment A).
                 o Two weeds of national significance were detected on site, Basket asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus cv.
                      Sprengeri) and Lantana (Lantana camara var. camara)
           The edges of the existing vegetation is subject to disturbance including nutrient runoff and weed encroachment.
           The riparian retained vegetation closer to the creek is relatively intact retaining a higher degree of floristic diversity
            and integrity across all strata, with fewer weed species encroaching into the creek banks.
           One listed flora species was identified in riparian vegetation on Cooroy Creek in Lot 2 RP47020 – Toothed kamala
            (Mallotus megadontus) which is listed as Vulnerable under the NCA 1992.

Soil:
           Elevation slopes gently to the south and east, falling from approximately 106 metres to 103 metres above sea level
            (asl.)
           The site is generally stable with close to 90% cover with grass, mulch and native vegetation.
           Some very minor soil erosion along drains.

Cultural Heritage:
     Kabi Kabi First Nation are traditional owners in this region.
     Site near waterway – may have been used by indigenous people for access to food sources and may have cultural
         significance.
     Connection to the native fauna and flora in the area.
     No cultural heritage site points or polygons recorded for this area. (See Attachment C).




X:\JOBS\CT Projects in progress\2001 env reports for cooroy playground carparks\Correspondence\Reports\ENV\Lower Mill Carpark\revision
1\EnvironmentalValues_BiodiversityOverlay_Report_LowerMillCarparkExtension_24July2020.doc                                                pg. 5