RFI - Attachment 4B - Flora and Fauna Assessment Rev 5

                                                                                     Native Foresters



1.4      Proposed works

The proposed works involve the clearing of approximately 1.02 hectares of vegetation for
expansion of landfill infrastructure.

Noosa Council has not yet finalised the specific timing and duration of proposed works.

Appendix A shows the existing Master Plan for the Noosa Landfill.

1.5      Impacts on ecosystem

Potential direct and indirect impacts to existing flora and fauna habitat from the proposed clearing
works include:

         •    Loss of approximately 1.02 hectares of mapped remnant vegetation (Least Concern
              RE 12.3.13 and Endangered RE 12.5.3) which is designated Essential Habitat for
              Vulnerable-listed Wallum froglet, Wallum rocketfrog, Koala and Eastern Ground
              parrot.
         •    Loss of 1.02 hectares of wetland habitat that is currently being used by Endangered
              Swamp crayfish for foraging and/or breeding.
         •    Loss of mature native trees of the Lophostemon, Melaleuca, and Eucalyptus genera
              with median diameter at breast height (dbh) of 100 mm and 10-12 metres tall, all
              potential Koala habitat/refuge trees.
         •    Removal of ground cover species, and associated disturbance to soil, leaf litter and
              debris, will cause loss and/or disturbance of habitat, including breeding habitat, for
              reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
         •    Potential for introduction and dispersal of weeds by machinery/personnel.
         •    Compaction of soil and destruction of depressions/burrows used by native fauna.
         •    Disturbance of habitat through stockpiling of cleared vegetation, soil and construction
              materials.
         •    Localised waterlogging favouring wet sclerophyll/Melaleuca species around
              stormwater drain areas and discharge outlets.
         •    Shift in vegetation community composition towards species adapted to wetter
              conditions, such as Melaleuca quinquenervia and sedges, reducing recruitment of dry
              sclerophyll species, predominantly in the understorey.
         •    Increased growth of ground cover species assisted by increased soil moisture, with
              resultant increases in fire fuel loads and more intense fire events.
         •    Introduction of nutrients and propagules of invasive plant species into typically nutrient
              poor soils, leading to an increase in invasive plant species.




Central Drive Sippy Downs – Fauna & Flora Assessment                                            7