Ecological Assessment Report

J000202-002-R-Rev1                                                                                     June 2016


8.6        Further Assessment
The current assessment focussed on significant flora survey of the Site and immediate surrounding area and
significant fauna species habitat. Identification of the potential likelihood of a number of significant fauna
species utilising the Site was identified (refer Table 4, above). A majority of these species are highly mobile
and while may occur on the Site are unlikely to be significantly impacted by the proposed works.
However, the assessment identified the likelihood of koalas utilising the Site and identified the Site as
considered valuable koala habitat. Appropriate offsetting of koala habitat shall be required. Additionally,
design plans of the Site shall be required to meet the Koala-sensitive Design Guideline: A guide to koala-
sensitive design measures for planning and development activities (November 2012).
Additionally, a koala management plan shall be required to be in place during the clearing activities of the
Site.

9.0     CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Site is surrounded by Noosa National Park that contains significant ecological values including
significant habitat and connectivity. Protection of the surrounding vegetation (Noosa National Park) is
required. The current vegetation buffers (including the high voltage powerline easement) outline suitable
vegetation buffers to minimise impacts on the surrounding area. Landscaping plans are to utilise endemic
species to the Site and ensure removal and control of all invasive species.
The proposed site itself is considered regrowth vegetation and is considered to contain significantly less
ecological values than the area immediately surrounding the Site. A habitat assessment and Significant
species occurrence likelihood assessment was undertaken. The result of the likelihood assessment
indicates that a number of highly mobile significant species may occur within the Site. However, impact on
these species is likely to be minimal. However, the Site is identified as containing and being mapped as
koala habitat which requires offsets.
The proposed design should minimise impact of mature koala habitat trees with removal of individuals
requiring an offset. Mapping of koala habitat trees should be undertaken following onsite marking of the
proposed impact area.

9.1        Koala Habitat Financial offsets
Due to minimal available land within the site surrounding the proposed construction. A proponent driven
offset is identified as impractical for this Site and for the applicant. The applicant wishes to undertake a
financial settlement offset with Noosa Shire Council under the Queensland Governments Offsets Policy
(Version 1.1) December 2014 for 1.01 hectares of Koala habitat.

10.0 LIMITATIONS
Should you require any further information please contact the undersigned. We draw your attention to the
document, Limitations, which is included in Appendix C.




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