RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

                                                                                  Ecological Assessment Report



5.2    Offsets

Under the Noosa Plan 2020 , the site is mapped within the Biodiversity , Waterways and Wetlands overlay
(Area of Biodiversity Significance , MSES Environmental Values ). The proposed dwelling and shed has a
footprint of around 863 m 2 , most of which is covered by the ‘Area of Biodiversity Significance ’ overlay , but
only around half this area is vegetated . In addition , the bushfire APZ has a footprint of 5,823m2, consisting
of an inner protection area of 1,905m2 (full vegetation clearing) and an outer protection area of 3,918m2 (
understorey clearing only , retention of canopy vegetation ). Most of the bushfire APZ already has a
managed mown grass understorey, so impacts for this will be minimal, except for the canopy tree clearing
within the inner protection area. The proposed clearing meets the bushfire clearing exemptions under the
Planning Regulation 2017 , being less 1.5 times the height of the tallest tree near the dwelling for bushfire
purposes (45 m). A site rehabilitation plan has been prepared to compensate for the removal of
Council-mapped vegetation (54 trees, Figures 3 & 4). 162 new plants (107 trees and 55 shrubs) will
be planted on site. This is considered to comply with PO3 of the Biodiversity , Waterways and Wetlands
Overlay Code.


5.3 Legislative compliance

5.3.1 Noosa Plan 2020

The site is located in the Rural Zone. A Dwelling House in the Rural Zone under the Noosa Plan 2020 is
considered an accepted development subject to requirements . The development footprint area is
mapped under the Biodiversity , Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Map (MSES Environmental Values;
Area of Biodiversity Significance sub -categories , Figures 3 & 4 and Appendix 4). An assessment
against the relevant provisions of the Biodiversity , Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code is required if
vegetation is to be cleared within the overlay . Accordingly , an assessment against this code is provided
in Table 5. The proposed dwelling complies with the Code.




                                                            PR22116_EA_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba         Page 28