MCU 14/0106 Appendix F - Ecological Assessment

State and Local Government Ecological Assessment
Noosa Civic Expansion



were closest to the tape. The 10 trees were any species with either a diameter at breast height of 10cm or
greater and/or taller than 4m. Faecal pellet searches under each tree and its canopy were undertaken by
searching on and under leaf litter.

Koala Habitat Tree Density
A plotless distance technique was used to calculate density across the study area of Koala Habitat Trees
(KHT) as defined by DEHP (2010). The “Point-centred Quarter” technique was used. A randomly selected
centre point was used to measure the distance to the nearest KHT in each of four quarters or quadrants.
The distance was measured in a straight line in meters. Average distance to KHT was calculated for each
sample point. Density was then calculated and expressed as average density per hectare using the
following formula:
         Density in ha = 10,000m2 / (average distance to plant in meters)2
A KHT is defined as a tree of any of the following genera (DEHP, 2010):
     Angophora;
     Corymbia;
     Eucalyptus;
     Lophostemon; or
     Melaleuca.
Further detailed analysis of Koalas against the Commonwealth’s Draft EPBC Act referral guidelines for the
Vulnerable Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory)
(DoE, 2013), using the Koala habitat assessment tool, to determine whether the proposed development will
have adverse effects on habitat critical to the survival of the Koala is provided in the Matters of National
Ecological Significance Report (Cardno, 2014). This analysis is included herein as Appendix J.

Opportunistic Observations
Further, incidental observations of Koalas, their scats and scratches were made throughout field work
conducted during the course of the flora and fauna investigations. Particularly, smooth barked eucalypts
were assessed for scratches.

2.1.4.11           Ort Searches
Any she-oak clusters (Allocasuarina spp.) encountered during vegetation, flora and fauna survey were
inspected for feeding traces by the Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

2.1.4.12           Habitat Assessment
Habitat assessments were undertaken throughout the Study Area in each vegetation community and further
assessments were carried out where changes in vegetation structure were noted. Habitat mapping was
applied across the Study Area using a combination of the field verified regional ecosystem mapping and
habitat assessment pro-formas.
Habitat Assessments were undertaken at points across the Study Area using a standard pro-forma to allow a
robust and repeatable assessment to gauge habitat values. Information was based on that identified within
Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et. al., 2012) and other information
relevant to habitat assessment. Other relevant information includes vegetation integrity, fauna refuge
availability (i.e. tree hollows, notable crevices) and water feature presence or absence. Assessments were
undertaken for areas generally 20 meters radius from a central point. The results of the habitat assessments
enabled an assessment of the potential presence of significant species identified in the database search.
Five habitat assessments were undertaken for adjacent land to assist with ascertaining whether suitable
connected habitat occurs. Properties were assessed from the property boundary only, with the exception of
points collected within the adjacent National Park.
Sites at which habitat assessments were completed are indicated in Figure 2. Habitat assessment site
numbers relate to the completed habitat assessment pro-formas.

QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd                                  Version 1                           5 December 2014
J13041_Ecological Assessment State Local_V1.docx   Commercial in Confidence                         Page 10