RFI Reponse

RESPONSE
An ecological assessment has been undertaken to assess any impacts on flora and fauna from
the development and justify the proposed cabins within the riparian buffer area, given that despite
this mapping, the location proposed for the cabins is the most suitable for the site, offers adequate
setbacks to the waterway and is within already cleared areas.
The findings of the assessment concluded that the proposed development has been sited in the
previously cleared (including existing access tracks) non-remnant areas to avoid impacts on
vegetation, flora/fauna species, habitat for least concern and listed threatened species and
waterways.
The proposed locations for the proposed eco-tourism development have specifically been sited
within previously cleared areas to avoid impacts. Whilst the proposed locations are within the
Noosa Council Riparian Buffer Area, the cabins are set back a minimum of 30m from the top of
bank (35-40m from the waterway centreline). Most of the riparian vegetation directly east of the
proposed development has previously been cleared. The proponent proposes to revegetate this
previously cleared area. Given the minimum 30m set-back distance, siting of cabins in the open
cleared areas and proposed revegetation of the riparian area, the proposed eco-tourism is
considered consistent with purpose of the Noosa Council Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands
Overlay Code; as it will:
    • retain aquatic and terrestrial habitat in riparian zones;
    • maintain and enhance wildlife corridors and connectivity along watercourses and
        drainage lines for native fauna movement;
    • avoid edge effects and damage from adjacent land uses
    • maintaining stream integrity and bank stability by minimising bank erosion and slumping;
    • maintaining water quality through filtering sediments, nutrients and other pollutants.


A threatened flora species (Xanthostemon oppositifolius (Southern penda), EPBC Act – V, NC
Act – V) was identified during the field survey. The two (2) large individuals are growing along Kin
Kin creek in an area mapped as non-remnant. The development will not impact the two (2) trees
as they are more than 30m from the closest proposed tent location. Now they have been identified
and located, they can be utilized for education purposes for guests.

Existing farm access tracks and creek crossings are proposed to be utilized which will avoid
impacts to waterways and vegetation. No works are proposed in Kin Kin creek and therefore the
development does not trigger assessment provisions under the Fisheries Act 1994


Issue – Bushfire Hazard
The subject lot is located in the Bushfire Hazard Overlay, identified with having potential to high
bushfire intensity. Therefore, the application requires assessment against the Bushfire Hazard
Overlay Code.
Information Required
 10.    Provide a full assessment against the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code.
        10.1. Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code PO2 and Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands
              Overlay Code PO12 details Bushfire Management and mitigation measures must
              not impact ecologically important areas. No detail has been provided on whether
              vegetation clearing would be required to meet the bushfire requirements.