2016-06-07 - P&E Agenda - Item 3, Attachment 1 - Noosa Parklands Draft Management Plan

Hydrology and Water Management Consulting also examined the potential effect of
Lomandra plantings on flooding. Lomandras are planted along the edge of mown areas to
define and protect adjacent bushland reserves. The consultants concluded that it is unlikely
that Lomandra will have a significant impact during large flood events as the waters simply
overflow the plants. During minor/moderate flood events, the Lomandras may impact on
minor localised flooding only, and have recommended that any new plantings be well spaced
to allow for drainage.

Council maintenance of trees within the park complies with the Tree Management on Public
Land Policy (Noosa 2015d), including removing fallen and/or damaged trees. Council’s
Parks and Natural Areas team also completes regular pathway and fire trail inspections
throughout the year to check for fallen and damaged trees. It is recommended that any
hazardous trees that have to be felled and cut are chipped onsite or removed. This plan
supports the case for additional arborist resources to undertake pro-active risk/benefit
assessments within recreation areas. . Any incidents of unauthorised interference with
native vegetation on the park will be dealt with under relevant Council local laws (e.g. Noosa
Shire Council Local Law Number 4 Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities,
Infrastructure and Roads).

Council’s Pest and Vector Control Officer (Environmental Services) completes regular
surveys of the mosquito species present within the park. The main ‘biting’ mosquito that
breeds within the park is Aedes procax, which lay their eggs in temporary ground pools or in
shaded vegetation (rather than in stagnant water like other species). This species has rarely
been recorded in parts of the creek and are normally within the bushland areas. Other
mosquitoes recorded within the park are likely to travel from surrounding bushland areas
such as Tewantin National Park. Therefore, it is unlikely that any vector controls within the
park’s creeks will significantly impact on mosquito populations.


4.3      Community engagement, education and interpretation
A number of local residents have expressed a great interest in the conservation and
recreation management of the park. Further community engagement will be undertaken
through the management plan public consultation process. This provides an opportunity to
promote the park and encourage ownership and understanding of the parks unique values to
the local community. In the past the Heritage Park Bushland Care Group has held open
days, inviting residents to be part of the program and exchange ideas on how to best
manage the park. Other locals have taken the initiative by consulting with the local residents
on park management matters. Volunteers continue to play an important role in helping to
protect the park and educating the community on the parks natural and recreation values.

One approach to foster education and appreciation of the values of the park is to upgrade
and develop interpretive and direction signage in key areas (e.g. at entry points; Figure 4).
There is an opportunity to further develop the park’s interpretive material, by:

    •   installing interpretive signage highlighting key conservation values and management
        programs within the picnic area and along walking trails



Final draft Noosa Parklands Park Management Plan                                     page | 23