Appendix B - Terrestrial Ecology Assessment

The Strategic Framework identifies outcomes for biodiversity and environment (Section 3.3.4 of the
Plan). Of particular relevance is (p) i.e.

Adverse impacts from development on biodiversity, ecosystem health, ecological processes, soil, air
and water quality are avoided. Where avoidance is not practicable, adverse impacts are minimised or
mitigated and it is demonstrated that:

   i.     on the balance of social, economic and environmental considerations, the development is in
          the interests of the community; and
   ii.    any adverse impacts incurred are compensated by suitable habitat replacement and
          replanting on site in the first instance or in a way that results in a net gain and enhancement
          of the overall habitat values of the Noosa Shire.

As noted, the development is in an area of existing disturbance, but for a small area in the north, which
is heavily disturbed and separated by a fence and road from the broader habitat in the landscape.

Development has, for the most part avoided impacts on biodiversity, and where impacts occur, these
would not be considered “adverse”. The loss of trees, nevertheless, is to be compensated for through
weeding, landscaping, and replanting of trees and other vegetation. In addition, the few NJKHTs to be
removed are to be appropriately offset.

The proposed development is not considered to compromise the strategic outcomes for biodiversity
ad environment.

5. CONCLUSION
The area proposed for development, for the most part, includes existing cleared areas and facilities.
The small area of bushland in the north retains remnant of the vegetation pre-clearing and prior to
the construction of the road, car park and tennis courts.

While this small patch of vegetation has ecological values, i.e. koala feed trees and other canopy
species, the area is generally segregated from the surrounding (more intact and contiguous) bushland
to the north and east by Resort Drive and a fence. Current fauna use of the site is likely to be limited
to mobile species such as birds, bats and arboreal mammals (e.g. possums).

The proposed development will result in the loss of part of the small patch of bushland and some koala
habitat trees. The development includes an extensive landscaping exercise which emphasizes the
planting of native species. It is envisaged that the landscaping concept will generate resources for a
variety of local fauna.

There would be no ecological reason why the proposed development could not be approved with
reasonable and relevant conditions, with particulars for conditions identified in this document,
including:

     •    an arrangement for offsets of loss of koala habitat trees if these cannot be planted elsewhere
          in the subject land; and
     •    a landscaping management plan (generally in accordance with the Concept Landscape Plan by
          Place) that allows for target weed control in retained bushland patches.




Terrestrial Ecology Assessment – Noosa Springs Boutique Hotel                                         19