Appendix F - Koala Assessment · REC15/0011

                                                                                          Koala Habitat Assessment
                                                                                             1 George St, Tewantin



4.0       Discussion
Although the desktop assessment indicated vegetation at the site is unlikely to be suitable for Koalas, the
field survey confirmed that this species is utilising the assessment area and that there is foraging habitat (i.e.
feed tree species) present.

The only tree species identified to have been used by Koalas was Queensland Blue Gum, which is a
recognised primary feed tree species (EPA, 2006). Although scratch marks were unable to be observed on
the other tree species (i.e. because of rough bark), the absence of scats suggests that Queensland Blue
Gums are being preferentially selected.

The assessment area is disturbed due to removal of the shrub and mid-storey vegetation layers, which
means little protection is offered to Koalas moving between trees. Although there was no evidence of dogs
observed during the survey, dogs are likely to occur in the area and may present a threat as the site is not
currently fenced.

The site is connected to large expanses of remnant vegetation likely to be important for supporting Koala
populations. For example, remnant vegetation along Wooroi Creek is contained within the Wooroi Creek
reserve, which connects to other significant habitat areas such as the Harry Springs Conservation Park. This
corridor extends northwards to Lake Cooribah and beyond to the Great Sandy National Park, as well as
westwards through the Tewantin State Forest and Lake Macdonald areas.

Although a small habitat corridor traverses the site, connecting vegetation associated with Wooroi Creek to
Douglas Park, this corridor is unlikely to be significant due to high levels of surrounding development. The
assessment area is also not important for contributing to this corridor provided that remnant vegetation
occurring along and south of the waterway is retained.

Koala habitat within the assessment area is probably of moderate value for this species. Although the
assessment area supports Koala feed tree species and evidence for Koala occurrence, it is disturbed and is
unlikely to provide long-term breeding or foraging habitat for this species. It is also unlikely to be important for
facilitating movements between significant patches of habitat.




PR122205-2; Rev A / August 2014                                                                              Page 6