SARA RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

SETTLERS COVE NOOSA

Landscape Master Plan

 

Planting designs for the High Density Residential Building Envelopes of Settlers Cove
development are to emulate a natural bush setting via informal layouts of tree groupings
or clusters with understorey layers of shrubs and ground covers at an appropriate
density. Planting densities will be appropriate to the type of landscape character being
created. The entire planting area shall be covered with a layer of specified mulch

Visual screening between High Density Residential buildings and to road reserves will
be successfully achieved by increased densities and layering of planting typically from
low species at the edges towards taller plantings nearer fence lines. Between the High
Density Residential buildings and the sites front boundaries a suite of locally occurring
plants of various pot sizes including 25lt to 45it specimens will be utilised.

As a general guide the following separation between plants shall be adhered to:

e Trees 5m apart
e Larger shrubs 2m apart
e Groundcovers 0.5 — 1.0m apart

To create a visual buffer the following separations between plants shall apply:

e Trees 2m apart
« Larger shrubs 1m apart
e Groundcovers 0.5 — 1m apart

Given that the development is within remnant bushland, native grasses, ground covers
and understorey plants are an important feature of the proposed landscaped effect.

Mulched planted areas are often a better landscape solution than turfed open areas, with
this being the preferred option for the High Density Residential Building Envelopes.
However where areas need to be grassed, native grasses are desirable due to their
resistance to drought, pests and disease, their low maintenance, their significantly lower
nutrient and water requirements.

 

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LandGraphics Maroochydore 04.05.2005
Landscape Architects and Environmental Planners PAGE 18