SARA RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

Ecological Assessment Report
3 - 7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads

species survey guidelines for Glossy Black Cockatoos (Hourigan 2012). Detection of Glossy
Black Cockatoo presence and foraging signs (orts) was conducted during a detailed tree
survey and botanical survey, with over 100 hours spent on site between May 2022 and
April 2023 by four (4) qualified ecologists. Survey for this species was focused on (but not
solely restricted to) areas with Allocasuarina trees and large hollow-bearing eucalypts. All
Allocasuarina cones contained in trees and surrounding leaf litter were thoroughly
examined during field investigations for damage characteristic of Glossy Black Cockatoo
foraging.

In addition to the targeted surveys, opportunistic records of fauna were collected while
traversing the site.


4.5.2    RESULTS


DESKTOP

Twelve (12) species of threatened fauna have been recorded within 3 km of the subject
site according to the DES Wildlife Online report (Department of Environment and Science
2023). The results of the database search are displayed in Appendix 3.

The fauna habitat suitability assessment indicated that of the 12 species, five (5) species
were deemed to have an unlikely usage of the site. This is largely based on inappropriate
habitat present within the vicinity of the site (e.g., absence of estuarine habitat for the
Beach Stone-curlew).

The assessment also indicated that four (4) species could likely utilise or occupy the site
at some time and three (3) could possibly utilise or occupy the site at some time. Those
deemed likely to occupy the site are discussed below. With full results of the assessment
available in Appendix 7.

White-throated Needletail ( Hirundapus caudacutus): Vulnerable under the NC Act. This
species is typically associated with open-forests to sparse, open-woodlands and scrub
that are mostly dominated by Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Acacia or Callitris species, remnant,
regrowth or partly modified vegetation communities, and within 3 km of permanent or
ephemeral water bodies or watercourses. The species is relatively tolerant of highly
modified areas, and is regularly encountered foraging along roads, railway lines and
around homesteads and cattle yards. The vegetation on site reflects the requirements of
habitat for the species, containing mature Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Callitris species and
within 3 km of permanent riverine water body (Noosa River and Weyba Creek within < 1
km of the site). The disturbed understorey is likely to be tolerable to the species. In
addition, the White-Throated Needletail has been sighted within 3 km of the site (as per
the Wildlife Online report). Therefore, we consider the habitat on site to provide potential
White-throated Needletail habitat.

Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and South-eastern Glossy Black
Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami) (subspecies): Vulnerable under the NC Act.
The Glossy Black Cockatoo is the smallest of the five black cockatoos and occupies a
widespread distribution in eastern Australia. They are highly dependent on the distribution


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