2016-09-06 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                              6 SEPTEMBER 2016


Non-statutory Koala Requirements
The Noosa Koala Policy, adopted, in 2015, provides a structure and coordinated framework to
help conserve and protect koala populations within the Noosa Shire. The Policy states
development is to be assessed in accordance with statutory requirements and lead to the
formulation and adoption of Noosa’s Koala Conservation Plan.
The Noosa Koala Conservation Plan 2016 koala habitat mapping identifies road reserve to the
south of the site as containing koala habitat and designated the habitat “Remnant Habitat
Known”. The mapping is based on State mapping of Regional Ecosystem 12.2.5. This
ecosystem is strongly correlated with koala sightings. It is considered the removal of 3 food trees
and the required clearing of the pedestrian footpath will not significantly impact on koalas in the
area and the provision of a financial payment for koala habitat restoration will enhance koala
survival in the area and provide net benefit.
Proposed Vegetation Offset via an Infrastructure Agreement
As noted previously, the applicant has agreed to provide a vegetation offset contribution of
$18,400 secured through an Infrastructure Agreement with Council. An Agreement has been
signed by the applicant and is awaiting execution by Council. The offset contribution would be
directed to works that implement the Noosa Koala Conservation Plan, which include a
programme of koala habitat plantings in the adjacent Girraween Nature Refuge. This land is
managed by Council and has received previous financial contributions from developments to
restore and maintain koala habitat. Girraween Nature Refuge provides koala habitat areas and is
adjacent to Noosa National Park. It is recommended Council agree to the offset arrangement
and the Infrastructure Agreement be executed accordingly.
Visual & Scenic Amenity
The site is elevated, rising to around to around 35m AHD to the ridgeline at the rear, has western
aspects and is visible from parts of Noosaville, Weyba Creek, Lake Weyba and beyond. The
applicant was advised it is important the development incorporates finishes and landscaping to
ensure it blends with the natural hillside setting and make it visually unobtrusive. The submitted
architectural plans include a proposed a suitable colour palette, as shown below.




                          Figure 16 – Proposed Colour Palette Extract
However, areas of the front elevations of the higher buildings (D, E, F & G) appear to include
substantial areas of white. A condition is recommended to ensure the colours are muted
environmental tones consistent with the above palette and use of white is generally avoided. A
condition is also recommended to ensure outdoor lighting complies with the relevant Australian
Standard to avoid obtrusive light emissions.




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