MINOR CHANGE - Attachment 3 - Updated Ecology Advice Gondwana Ecology Group.pdf

3.0 Project Ecology Outcomes
Despite no offset being required by the State, it was suggested that the applicant would plant
a minimum of 120 koala habitat trees. I had recommended these be planted in areas of the
existing golf course where they would enhance the local vegetation and connected patches
of bushland. In addition, it was also recommended that a species such as Eucalyptus
tereticornis be planted (because it is a locally known preferred food for koala, rather than the
brushbox (which is the dominant “koala” tree on the project land). It is common knowledge
that the brushbox is a less preferred species by koalas.

In addition to the planting of gums, I also recommended that at least 25 she-oak
(Allocasuarina littoralis) be planted to enhance foraging resources for glossy black-cockatoo.

Resources for these species have been recommended because they are considered “iconic”
fauna in the Noosa area.

Also, within the development area, a weed control exercise followed by replanting with
suitable native species will enhance the ground-storey/mid storey area associated with the
bushland patch in the north. The updated (2025) Landscaping Plan by Place Design Group
identifies areas of the open space to be landscaped and rehabilitated. Native species,
including koala habitat trees and “less flammable” species are identified for each zone.

The proposed landscaping exercise includes the use of brushbox, i.e. the few native regrowth
trees within the mapped area that are proposed to be removed. The landscaping plan will also
provide a range of resources for native fauna through the planting of a diversity of suitable
species.

It was also recommended that:

   •   Nest-boxes be installed within the golf course or other land as supported by Council;
   •   Habitat material (hollows/dead wood/logs) be salvaged for use elsewhere in the
       landscape; and
   •   A protective mechanism (e.g. covenant) if Council considers this necessary, for the
       retained vegetation in the north.

4.0 Biodiversity Mapping
Council’s Biodiversity Mapping shows and area in the north and along the eastern boundary
as supporting “Areas of Biodiversity” (refer Extract 1). Of this mapping, a small area in the
north is mapped as Koala Habitat (refer Extract 2). Notably the Council mapped areas in the
east are not State core koala habitat or State remnant vegetation.

The ground-truthed/actual values within the mapped area has been previously described
(Gondwana Ecology Group reporting) and it is noted that the mapped areas do not support


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3.0 Project Ecology Outcomes

Despite no offset being required by the State, it was suggested that the applicant would plant
a minimum of 120 koala habitat trees. | had recommended these be planted in areas of the
existing golf course where they would enhance the local vegetation and connected patches
of bushland. In addition, it was also recommended that a species such as Eucalyptus
tereticornis be planted (because it is a locally known preferred food for koala, rather than the
brushbox (which is the dominant “koala” tree on the project land). It is common knowledge
that the brushbox is a less preferred species by koalas.

In addition to the planting of gums, | also recommended that at least 25 she-oak
(Allocasuarina littoralis) be planted to enhance foraging resources for glossy black-cockatoo.

Resources for these species have been recommended because they are considered “iconic”
fauna in the Noosa area.

Also, within the development area, a weed control exercise followed by replanting with
suitable native species will enhance the ground-storey/mid storey area associated with the
bushland patch in the north. The updated (2025) Landscaping Plan by Place Design Group
identifies areas of the open space to be landscaped and rehabilitated. Native species,
including koala habitat trees and “less flammable” species are identified for each zone.

The proposed landscaping exercise includes the use of brushbox, i.e. the few native regrowth
trees within the mapped area that are proposed to be removed. The landscaping plan will also
provide a range of resources for native fauna through the planting of a diversity of suitable
species.

It was also recommended that:

e Nest-boxes be installed within the golf course or other land as supported by Council;

e Habitat material (hollows/dead wood/logs) be salvaged for use elsewhere in the
landscape; and

e A protective mechanism (e.g. covenant) if Council considers this necessary, for the
retained vegetation in the north.

4.0 Biodiversity Mapping
Council’s Biodiversity Mapping shows and area in the north and along the eastern boundary

as supporting “Areas of Biodiversity” (refer Extract 1). Of this mapping, a small area in the
north is mapped as Koala Habitat (refer Extract 2). Notably the Council mapped areas in the
east are not State core koala habitat or State remnant vegetation.

The ground-truthed/actual values within the mapped area has been previously described
(Gondwana Ecology Group reporting) and it is noted that the mapped areas do not support