SARA RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

Ecological Assessment Report
3 - 7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads

       consistent with the RE, which will lead to an increase in both species richness and
       abundance on site.
   ● The proposed change accounts for opportunities to retain Cymbidium suave, a
       special least concern species, and any additional trees located within the open areas
       of the proposed landscape plan (refer to Section 6).
   ● The proposed change has been designed to retain a connected area of additional
       vegetation along Serenity Close and Banksia Avenue and within Noosa Council’s
       Environmental Management and Conservation zoning; therefore, fragmentation and
       impacts to vegetation composition / structure and edge effects will be further
       minimised.
   ● Due to unmanaged impacts resulting from existing development / cleared areas on
       site, edge effects and weed invasion are prevalent on site; however, the proposed
       change is unlikely to exacerbate these impacts to the extent that they are significant.
   ● Whilst the desktop assessment indicated that the proposed change could impact on
       habitat for conservation significant species such as White Throated Needletail, Koala
       and Glossy Black Cockatoo, the impacts are not expected to be significant because
       the proposed change:
       ­   results in a net positive impact to potential fauna habitat on site;
       ­   does not result in any additional habitat loss; and,
       ­   does not result in barriers to fauna movement within the site or wider landscape.
   ● Direct and indirect impacts on native vegetation and fauna are avoided or otherwise
       minimised by the fact that the proposed change will result in a net positive impact
       on vegetation on site.
   ● Whilst no direct impacts were identified, indirect impacts on adjacent waterways
       and wetlands, such as stormwater runoff and erosion are avoided or mitigated as the
       proposed change will result in an increased vegetation buffer along the southern
       boundary of the site and the proposed change will utilise design measures such as a
       rapid infiltration pit and overland flow path.
   ● Despite the low potential for significant impacts on matters of environmental
       significance, there are opportunities to avoid, minimise, mitigate or reduce impacts
       of the proposed change. Opportunities to avoid, minimise, mitigate or reduce
       impacts are discussed in the following section of the report.




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