SARA RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

SETTLERS COVE NOOSA
Landscape Master Plan

 

22.1 Koalas

Large areas of the Settlers Cove site provide important habitat and corridor for Koalas.
Of special importance is the enhancement of links in the habitat corridor of the western
wet heath area between the High Density Residential and Single Residential Lot
developments. Koala habitat areas are to be protected and/or restored and are
addressed in the Fauna Management Plan. The long-term design intent in relation to
Koalas relates to the restoration of their prime habitat areas, addressed in the
aforementioned Plan. Risks to Koalas entering areas inhabited by people and
associated traffic situations will therefore be minimised.

A number of design elements are to be incorporated into the landscape of the High
Density Residential Building Envelopes that assist in Koala movement and improve the
habitat for Koalas.

Design elements are summarized as follows:

e Known Koala habitat trees throughout the development site are to be retained
where viable, refer to Vegetation Clearing and Retention Strategy in
Environmental Management Plans.

e Additional Koala food and habitat trees shall be planted surrounding areas of the
residential component where they will not pose safety hazard to Koalas and
people, or threats to infrastructure. Taller species of Eucalyptus and other Koala
food trees, however, will not be selected for plantings in close proximity to major
roads or buildings. Species relevant to Koala habitat are listed under the Species
Palette and Schedules section.

e 25 Eucalyptus tereticornis trees are required to be planted for Koalas in the
Private Open Space for Conservation and Waterway Protection of High Density
Lot 5. These are to be planted as part of Fauna Management and are not part
of landscape operational works.

e Required fence to separate Building Envelopes from Private Open Space for
Conservation and Waterway Protection will provide a min. 300mm gap above
finished ground level. Refer above to “High Density Residential Open Space for
Conservation and Waterway Protection” section.

*® Where swimming pools are in the landscape design an escape device (rope or
log) shall be provided to enable Koalas to climb out of the pool. Properly erected
safety fencing to pool areas can deter Koalas from gaining access to pools.

 

LandGraphics Maroochydore 04.05.2005
Landscape Architects and Environmental Planners PAGE 39