CCheung submission on MCU22_0118

Application Number: MCU22/01181

Address: 94 and 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads QL 4567

Nature of Proposed Development: Development permit for a material change of use for short-term
accommodation (16 Eco-Cabins) and new lagoon pool

Submission by: Catherine Cheung, Noosaville

Date: 6 February 2023

I ask that the Noosa Council refuse the development proposal (MCU22/0118) from RACV for a material
change of use for short-term accommodation and new lagoon pool at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive.
The subject site is within a core koala habitat with feed trees providing shelter as well as corridor for
movements.
According to RACV’s amended proposal, the building of 16 'eco-cabins' would necessitate the removal of at
least 89 trees, 44 or more are koala trees. A further 20 trees including 10 koala trees may also be removed
or severely impacted. There is little mention of other flora and fauna species on the site, and the impacts
on them from the development.
The applicant argues that the proposal would enhance koala habitat by the removal of frangipani vines and
damaged trees, and replanting. But surely such good work can be done without putting in yet more tourism
accommodation and car parks. It is a relatively small and easily accessible site after all. With focussed and
sustained efforts, problematic exotic species (including the frangipani vine which is not a declared invasive
weed in Australia) can be brought under control, allowing the recovery and regeneration of koala trees and
other native vegetation.
I believe RACV who owns the three adjacent blocks of land, having profitted from the resort for many years,
should fund the weed removal efforts, as well as initiatives in providing safe passages for koala and other
wildlife (eg. adequate and well maintained exclusion fences)2, 3 to reduce roadkill and injuries. Such
contributions should not be conditional on the approval of the current development proposal.
Critically, the QLD State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA) advised, “The site provides an important
connection between Noosa National Park to the north through to Leslie Park and larger, interconnected
areas of bushland that are mapped as Koala habitat area (KHA) in a Koala Priority Area (KPA) to the
southeast. Furthermore, there are 107 records of koalas within 1 km of the site, and four records of koalas
on the site. SARA considers that the impacts of the proposed development may result in an unacceptable
impact on KHA, particularly as it relates to connectivity, fragmentation and safe koala movement.
Based on the information submitted with the application material, it is recommended the applicant consider
whether development of the site is appropriate, considering the current threats facing koalas in South-East
Queensland.”
As part of its response, the applicant offered a financial offset4 of some $24,734 for the koala habitat trees
being removed. Sadly, with every offset accepted, endangered species like koala5, glossy black cockatoo
and others that are lesser known, come closer to extinction6. It is my view that no amount of offset money
can buy Australia’s national icon, or indeed any native species and the habitats they rely on.
In addition to giving our endangered7 koala a better chance to survive and recover, please also consider the
unravelling climate catastrophes and Australia’s obligations to reduce emissions fast. Instead of chopping
down carbon-sequestering trees and shrubs time and time again to facilitate tourism development, protect
every bit of remnant vegetation. Riparian vegetation and coastal wetlands play crucial roles in ameliorating
storm and flood damage8 which is becoming more frequent and extreme. It is a lot more effective and less



                                                                                                            1 of 2