NSRRA Submission MCU21-0110

The proposed development will result in the removal of Non-Juvenile Koala Habitat Trees (NJKHTs) to the
north and close to Resort Drive.

We consider this application directly conflicts with Noosa Council’s Strategic Outcome that:

“The natural environment is protected and enhanced to maintain and improve biodiversity, ecological
processes, native habitat, connectivity, native species health, landscape character and scenic amenity.”

And that “Koala habitat and connectivity is maintained and improved contributing to the long term health
and recovery of koala populations across the Noosa Shire and SEQ.”

NSRRA refers to the Applicant’s own Planning report description of their environmental impacts:

“The direct impacts relate to the loss of individual trees, vegetation, and fauna habitat, while indirect
impacts include edge effects including weed invasion, fragmentation, etc., which compromise of fauna
movement opportunities.”

NSRRA notes the area of vegetation adversely affected by the proposal is adjacent to a larger area of
protected vegetation north east of the site. Therefore any destruction of adjoining habitat only fragments and
puts further pressure on threatened local species such as Koala’s.

Whilst NSRRA acknowledges the Applicant has offered a Biodiversity Offset to counter their intended
habitat destruction, considering the maturity of the existing habitat and its proximity to a larger protected
area, we consider the Applicant’s offer is inadequate and ineffective in balancing the impact.

4. Community Need

Any unanticipated development requires demonstration of a high level of community need.

NSRRA considers the Applicant has failed to demonstrate an overriding need in the public interest for the
development which would justify its inconsistent use, planning conflicts, destruction of habitat, loss of
scenic amenity and additional external pressure on the Noosa region, particularly during peak tourism
periods. Eg. Increased Vehicle Traffic.

We believe the proposal conflicts with Noosa Council’s stated objective to:

   •   Consistently take a long-term planning approach to sustainable planning. It is this long term approach that
       has ensured that the community's values and principles are not diminished by unintended development
       decisions.
   •   Broaden the economic structure of the local economy by achieving growth in 'smart' industry sectors that
       offer high economic value and low environmental impact.
   •   And to “develop an economy less reliant on tourism and population driven industries.”
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         Noosa Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc   President: Adrian Williams JP
         PO Box 94                                      Ph: 0418477089
         Noosa Heads Queensland 4567                    E-mail: [email protected]