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2020-01-16 Ordinary Meeting Agenda
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AGENDA
Ordinary Meeting
Thursday, 16 January 2020
commencing at 6pm
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Crs Tony Wellington (Chair), Jess Glasgow, Ingrid Jackson, Joe Jurisevic,
Brian Stockwell, Frank Wilkie
“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
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Section 2
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
1 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES 3
2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 3
3 MAYORAL MINUTES 3
4 PETITIONS 3
5 NOTIFIED MOTIONS 3
6 PRESENTATIONS 3
7 DEPUTATIONS 3
8 CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 4
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATIONS 4
9 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 13
1 DRAFT SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND KOALA CONSERVATION
STRATEGY 2019-2024 13
10 CLOSED SESSION 19
11 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 19
12 NEXT MEETING 19
13 MEETING CLOSURE 19
Page 2 of 19
Section 3
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
1 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 19 December 2019 be received and confirmed.
3 MAYORAL MINUTES
4 PETITIONS
5 NOTIFIED MOTIONS
Nil.
6 PRESENTATIONS
Nil.
7 DEPUTATIONS
Nil.
Page 3 of 19
Section 4
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
8 CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATIONS
13 JANUARY 2020 - Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Jess Glasgow, Ingrid Jackson, Joe Jurisevic
and Tony Wellington
Apologies: Cr Brian Stockwell
1 AMENDMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT LEVY POLICY AND PRIVATE LAND
CONSERVATION POLICY GUIDELINE
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Wellington
Seconded: Cr Jurisevic
That Council note the report by the Conservation Partnerships Officer to the General
Committee Meeting dated 13 January 2020 and
A. Approve amendments to the Environment Levy Policy as provided at Attachment 1;
B. Approve amendments to the Policy Guideline - Private Land Conservation Partnerships
as provided at Attachment 2, with wording of the fifth dot point under the heading Support
for Land for Wildlife to read “An incentives program which may consist of other initiatives
consistent with the intent of the Land for Wildlife Program such as free native tubestock,
training/assistance with environmental weed management, equipment loans such as
fauna cameras, nest boxes, resource books, and open property days.” ;
C. Write to the Queensland Government Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier
Reef, Science, and the Arts expressing support for the Nature Refuge program and
requesting that the program be adequately resourced.
Carried unanimously.
2 51987.44.01 OTHER CHANGE APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR
ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING BUSINESS - TYPE 2 SHOP & SALON - 6 THOMAS
STREET, NOOSAVILLE
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Glasgow
Seconded: Cr Jackson
That Council note the report by the Development Planner to the General Committee Meeting
dated 13 January 2020 regarding Application No. 51987.44.01 for an Other Change to a
Development Approval for Entertainment and Dining Business - Type 1 Food & Beverages and
Retail Business - Type 2 Shop & Salon, situated at 6 Thomas Street, Noosaville Qld 4566 and:
A. Approve the change and add the following conditions:
When Conditions Must Be Complied With
12. Unless otherwise stated, all conditions of this Decision Notice must be complied
with prior to the use commencing, and then compliance maintained at all times
while the use continues.
Page 4 of 19
Section 5
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
Approved Plans
13. Development undertaken in accordance with this approval must generally comply
with the approved plans of development. The approved plans are listed in the
following table unless otherwise amended by these conditions.
Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date
15.0319.1.3A A New Ground Floor Plan Aug 2019
15.0319.1.4A A New First Floor Plan Aug 2019
15.0319.1.5A A Elevations Aug 2019
Nature and Extent of Approved Use
14. The total use area (excluding kitchen and food storage areas) of Entertainment
and Dining Business - Type 1 Food & Beverages on the site must not exceed
54.4m2.
15. The total gross floor area of Retail Business - Type 2 Shop & Salon on the site
must not exceed 209.25m2.
16. The approved uses must not operate outside the hours of 7am to 10pm, 7 days a
week, except Friday and Saturday, where Entertainment and Dining Business
Uses may operate until 12 midnight. The requirements of this condition must be
included in the Community Management Statement for any Body Corporate for the
subject site.
17. The development must be undertaken and operated in a manner that causes no
detrimental effect upon the amenity of the neighbourhood by reason of the creation
of excessive noise, lighting nuisance or other emissions.
18. Service vehicle movements associated with the approved use (including loading
and unloading) must not occur outside the hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to
Saturday and not at all on Sundays or public holidays. The requirements of this
condition must be included in the Community Management Statement for any body
corporate for the subject site.
Building Height
19. The maximum height of the development must not exceed 5.05 metres above the
finished ground level and the natural ground level.
Performance Bond
20. Security in the form of a cash bond or trading bank guarantee to the sum of
$10,000.00 must be submitted to Council, to secure performance of all conditions
of this approval, prior to the issue of a Development Permit for Building Works. The
cash bond or trading bank guarantee will be returned on performance of the
conditions of approval less any costs incurred by Council in respect of enforcing
performance of this permit. Council reserves the right to call upon the bond or
guaranteed sum to effect compliance with conditions.
Building Appearance
21. Ground floor shopfront glazing along the western frontages must be fully
transparent to a minimum of 50% of the street frontage to allow passive
surveillance and encourage social interaction.
22. All mechanical equipment and other service infrastructure located on the site must
be:
a. located not less than 2 metres from a property boundary
b. fully enclosed or screened such that they are not visible from the street
frontages nor adjoining properties.
Page 5 of 19
Section 6
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
23. No structures, excluding a street awning for weather protection, may be located
outside of the property boundary. Proposed planter boxes within the road reserve
are not approved.
24. The building must be well articulated, with strong vertical design feature elements.
The building must include subtle changes in colours, textures and materials to
break up the building facades. The proposed awning located within the road
reserve must be a lightweight structure, and the parapet reduced in height to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Manager Development Assessment to comply with
the Noosaville Locality Code.
Advertising Devices
25. Any advertising devices proposed on the site must comply with the provisions of
The Noosa Plan.
Waste Storage
26. The development must provide waste storage and disposal facilities in accordance
with Planning Scheme Policy 9, Waste Management.
27. Waste storage areas are situated to the rear of the building and are visually
screened by fencing.
Weather Protection
28. Street awnings must be provided along the full length of the western property
frontage, as shown on the Approved Plans. The awnings must have a minimum
width of 3.3 metres from the building line, and must be designed to provide
continuous solar and rain protection and promote all weather activity.
Public Safety
29. All ground floor shopfront glazing must be protected against vandalism by the use
of a form of safety glass such as toughened or laminated glass.
Easements
30. All works must be kept clear of any existing or proposed easements on the subject
land, unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Grantee.
ENGINEERING
Car Parking
31. The applicant will comply with the requirements of any Infrastructure Agreement
entered into with the Council with respect to the payment of car parking
contributions in relation to the proposed development. In the event that the
Infrastructure Agreement does not apply a minimum of 11 car parking spaces must
be provided and marked on the site and made available and accessible at all times
while the use is open for business.
32. A minimum of 9 car parking spaces must be provided on the site in accordance
with approved plans; made available and accessible at all times while the use is
open for business. The carparking must include in particular:
a. Sealed and non-slip approved surface.
b. 7 customers parking spaces within the total, which are clearly marked for that
purpose.
a. 2 staff parking spaces within the total, which are clearly marked for that
purpose.
b. Parking spaces and line marked and sign posted crossfalls and gradients in
accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2890.1. Parking Facilities-
Part 1: Off-street car parking.
Page 6 of 19
Section 7
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
c. Marked pedestrian routes in accordance with the conditions of this Decision
Notice.
b. Provision of vandal resistant public lighting with intensities to satisfy the
requirements of Australian Standard AS1158: Public Lighting Code.
33. All car parking areas and access driveway must be maintained exclusively for
vehicle parking and manoeuvring and kept in a tidy and safe condition at all times.
34. A certification by a suitably qualified person for the upgraded car parking area is
required upon the completion of works and prior to issuing the Certificate of
Classification to confirm compliance with the conditions of this permit.
B. Delete existing conditions 1 to 11.
C. Agree to enter into an Infrastructure Agreement with the applicant that provides for
contributions in lieu of 2 on-site car parking spaces.
D. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve
the application:
1. The proposal complies with the Overall Outcomes of the Noosaville Locality Code
as the development will provide for Business Uses that directly service visitors
accommodated in the immediate area and foreshore, including entertainment and
dining activities, which will contribute to the economy of the Shire through the
tourism and hospitality sectors;
2. The development is consistent with the bulk and scale of buildings within proximity
to the subject site, maintaining the visual continuity and pattern of buildings along
Thomas Street, and presenting a high quality and interesting streetscape; and
3. The proposal will result in an improvement in built form through structural and
aesthetic changes to the existing building.
E. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.
Carried unanimously.
3 MCU19/0054 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A
MIXED USE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SITUATED AT 2-18 & 20 HOFMANN DRIVE,
NOOSAVILLE
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jackson
Seconded: Cr Wellington
That Council note the report by the Development Planner to the General Committee Meeting
dated 13 January 2020 regarding Application No. MCU19/0054 for a Development Permit for
Material Change of Use for undefined uses – Showroom, Office, Health Care Service, Indoor
Sport and Recreation, Low Impact Industry and Food and Drink Outlet, situated at 2-18 and
20 Hofmann Drive Noosaville and
A. Refuse the application for the following reasons:
1. The proposed development being predominantly retail, does not comply with the
SEQ Regional Plan’s Elements, Strategies and Outcomes relating to Goal 2 –
Prosper as it:
1.1. fosters retail employment rather than employment in the export oriented and
high-value sectors;
1.2. is using land set aside for non-retail employment which inhibits the ability of
Noosa Shire to meet employment planning baselines;
Page 7 of 19
Section 8
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
2. The proposal does not support the Economic Vision for the Shire to create a strong
viable niche economy as the proposal introduces a small second shopping centre
into the Noosa Business Centre limiting available land for growth in identified
priority focus areas of wellness industries, knowledge-based businesses,
education and service industries, heritage and creative arts industries.
3. The proposal, being predominantly retail, is contrary to the Desired Environmental
Outcomes of the Noosa Plan as:
3.1. The extent of large format retail is not envisaged for the centre with a
proportion of Noosa’s Shire’s higher order needs intended to be fulfilled by
the Principal Regional activity Centre of Maroochydore; and
3.2. It will impact on the long term viability of the Noosa Business Centre, as the
principal business, retail and administrative centre.
4. The proposed uses are clearly defined by The Noosa Plan and the applicant’s
proposed use definitions are unnecessary, inappropriate and have the potential to
cause confusion.
5. The proposed development is contrary to the Noosaville Locality Code as the
proposed extent of retail is not planned and significantly exceeds the retail caps
set by the Noosa Plan; and
5.1. will not support the growth of the Noosa Business Centre as being a multi-
function employment node which provides for a wide range of business uses;
5.2. will not retain the development capacity within the centre in the longer term
to take advantage of potential new employment opportunities.
6. The proposed built form, design and layout does not comply with the Noosaville
Locality Code as:
6.1. the proposal has the characteristics of a standard retail commercial design
without the architectural features unique to Noosa;
6.2. overall the built form is more suited to retail uses than to the other uses
proposed such as low impact industry;
6.3. the applicant has not demonstrated that some buildings would be sufficiently
screened from Council’s major road network;
6.4. building 4 exceeds the maximum building height for the area and has a
reduced building setback from Hofmann Drive; and
6.5. pedestrian connectivity and access is poor.
7. The proposal does not meet the Landscaping Code as the car parking area is
deficient in landscaping with unsatisfactory provision for shade trees.
8. The proposal is significantly deficient in car parking and does not comply with the
Noosa Plan’s Driveways and Car parking Code.
9. The applicant has not satisfactorily demonstrated that the development will not
adversely impact on the external traffic network contrary to the Noosaville Locality
Code and the Transport, Roads and Drainage Code.
10. The applicant has not demonstrated that stormwater management can be
successfully and appropriately integrated into the current development layout
consistent with the Water Sensitive Design Code and the Transport, Roads and
Drainage Code.
Page 8 of 19
Section 9
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
11. The proposal includes clearing of significant vegetation as part of the proposed
measures for stormwater management contrary to the purpose of current
environmental covenants registered over the site and the Noosaville Locality Code
requirements for Precinct OS3.
12. The proposal does not comply with the draft Noosa Plan as:
12.1. the quantum of retail proposed is not envisaged on the site and does not
advance or assist in preparing for a transitioning or changing economy;
12.2. the proposal is not contributing to the identified key priority sectors;
12.3. carparking is grossly deficient and the applicant has not demonstrated there
will not be adverse effects on the surrounding traffic network;
12.4. the development does not reflect a good subtropical design and is not
distinctively recognisable as being Noosa Style; and
12.5. the stormwater management of the site does not comply with the Water
Quality and Drainage Code.
13. There is no significant need for the proposed retail and the proposal does little to
advance the priority sectors envisaged by Noosa’s Local Economic Plan.
B. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.
Carried unanimously.
4 MCU18/0165.01 REQUEST TO CHANGE A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL
CHANGE OF USE OF PREMISES - MULTIPLE HOUSING TYPE 4 CONVENTIONAL (17
UNITS) AT 25 KAURI STRET, COOROY
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jackson
Seconded: Cr Glasgow
That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting dated 13 January 2020 regarding Application No. MCU18/0165.01 to
make a minor change to an existing approval for Material Change of Use of Premises (Multiple
Housing Type 4 Conventional) situated at 25 Kauri St Cooroy and:
A. Approve the minor change application;
B. Amend conditions 2, 14, 15 and 24 to read as follows:
Approved Plans
2. Development undertaken in accordance with this approval must generally comply
with the approved plans of development. The approved plans are listed in the
following table unless otherwise amended by these conditions.
Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date
DA01 18E Site Calculations & Staging Plan, prepared by All 06.11.2019
Design and Drafting (as annotated by Council)
DA02 18E Site Plan, prepared by All Design and Drafting (as 06.11.2019
annotated by Council)
DA03 18E Site Plan – Landscaping and Fencing, prepared by All 06.11.2019
Design and Drafting (as annotated by Council)
DA04 18E Site Elevations, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
DA05 18E Site Elevations, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
DA06 18E Unit Type T1A, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
DA08 18E Unit Type T1B, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
Page 9 of 19
Section 10
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date
DA09 18E Unit Type T2, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
DA10 18E Unit Type T3, prepared by All Design and Drafting 06.11.2019
DA11 18E Exterior Materials and Colours, prepared by All Design 06.11.2019
and Drafting
ENGINEERING
Site Access and Driveway
14. Vehicular access driveways to serve the development shall be constructed from
the Olivine Street frontages of the site generally in accordance with the final
approved layout plans and as annotated by Council and amended by the
conditions of this permit and in compliance with the applicable engineering
standards and drawings.
15. Two sealed access driveways must be provided from Olivine Street frontages of
the site to all parking and manoeuvring areas of the development generally in
accordance with the final approved layout plans as annotated by Council and
amended by the conditions of this permit. The works must be undertaken in
accordance with an Operational Works approval and must include in particular:
15.1. Driveway crossovers generally in accordance with IPWEAQ standard
drawings R-049 and R-050, and to grades that prevent vehicles from
scraping and/or bottoming whilst also allowing for compliant grades and
levels that match any existing or proposed pathway and grassed verge
without posing trip or safety hazards to the public.
15.2. For pedestrian safety on the footpath and vehicles exiting the site, the
driveway and any associated fencing or vegetation near the driveway must
comply with the minimum sight line requirements as defined in AS/NZ
2890.1, section 3.2.4.
15.3. The proposed driveway must have a maximum width of 6m at kerb line.
15.4. Driveway must have clearance of 1.0m from a power pole and 0.5m from and
any service pit or manhole (e.g. telecommunication pit, water meter) unless
a written approval obtained from the relevant provider.
24. A new 2.0m wide concrete path must be constructed along the Kauri Street and
Olivine Street frontages of the site in accordance with an Operational Works
approval and to a desirable and smooth alignment for the comfort of users and
protection of trees identified in this permit for retention. The new path must be in
compliance with IPWEAQ standard drawing SEQ R-065 Concrete Pathway
Construction Details. The works must be provided as part of Stage 1 of
development and include:
24.1. A sufficient number of pram ramps to be provided near the intersection of
Kauri Street and Olivine Street where identified by Council to connect to
existing and proposed pathways network.
24.2. A pedestrian pathway connection 1.5m wide from Kauri Street’s public
pathway into the development site to be located north of proposed Unit 9.
The above condition is imposed pursuant to s145 of the Planning Act 2016 being
non-trunk infrastructure
C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.
For: Crs Glasgow, Jackson, Wellington and Wilkie
Against: Cr Jurisevic
Carried.
Page 10 of 19
Section 11
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
5 DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT FEES & CHARGES VARIATIONS FOR 1 APRIL 2019 TO
31 DECEMBER 2019
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Glasgow
Seconded: Cr Wellington
That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General
Committee Meeting dated 13 January 2020 regarding the waiver or partial waiver of
development application fees for 1 April 2019 to 31 December 2019 as detailed in the Report.
Carried unanimously.
6 NOOSA DISTRICT SPORTS COMPLEX MASTER PLAN - FINAL
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jurisevic
Seconded: Cr Glasgow
That Council note the report by the Community Development Officer (Sport and Recreation)
to the General Committee dated 13 January 2020 and:
A. Approve the Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan, included as Attachment 1 of
this report; and
B. Request the Chief Executive Officer develop a prioritised implementation plan for
consideration in the 2020/21 budget process.
Carried unanimously.
7 COOROY SPORTS COMPLEX MASTER PLAN - FINAL
DOCUMENT INFORM AT ION
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jurisevic
Seconded: Cr Glasgow
That Council note the report by the Community Development Officer (Sport and Recreation)
to the General Committee dated 13 January 2020 and:
A. Approve the Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan, included as Attachment 1 of this
report; and
B. Request the Chief Executive Officer develop a prioritised implementation plan for
consideration in the 20/21 budget process.
Carried unanimously.
8 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - DECEMBER 2019
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jackson
Seconded: Cr Glasgow
That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services to the General Committee
Meeting dated 13 January 2020 outlining December 2019 year to date financial performance
against budget, including key financial sustainability indicators.
Carried unanimously.
Page 11 of 19
Section 12
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
9 LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE REFORMS ELECTORAL & OTHER LEGISLATION
(ACCOUNTABILITY, INTEGRITY AND OTHER MATTERS) BILL 2019
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jackson
Seconded: Cr Wilkie
That Council note the report by the Governance Advisor to the General Committee Meeting
dated 13 January 2019 and that the Queensland Electoral and Other Legislation
(Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 has been introduced into
the Legislative Assembly and may result in several key changes for Council and Councillors
as outlined in this report.
Carried unanimously.
10 UPDATE ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE GROUP
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Wellington
Seconded: Cr Glasgow
That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting
dated 13 January 2020 regarding the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group and:
A. Note the Report on the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group (provided as
attachment 1) which has been written by Cr Wellington and provided as an update on
the deliberations of that Group to date, but not endorsed by the Group and on the
understanding that this is not a Council endorsement or adoption of the report;
B. Note the The Value of Tourism to the Noosa Community report (provided as attachment
2); and
C. Note that Noosa Council and Tourism Noosa will continue to engage with and work with
the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group on the issue of sustainable
tourism.
D. Recommend that membership of the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group
be open to other community groups with an interest in the opportunities, issues, benefits
and impacts of tourism.
Carried unanimously.
Recommendation
The General Committee recommendations dated 13 January 2020 be adopted except where dealt
with or held over by separate resolution.
Page 12 of 19
Section 13
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
9 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS
1 DRAFT SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND KOALA CONSERVATION STRATEGY 2019-2024
Document i nformati on
Author Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne
Environment and Sustainable Development Department
Index ECM /Subject /Fauna / Wildlife, Environment Strategy / Biodiversity Plan &
Koala Policy / Management
Attachments 1. Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024
(44 page attachment provided separately to this Agenda)
2. Noosa Council Submission on the Draft South East Queensland Koala
Conservation Strategy 2019-2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16
January 2020 and note the release of the Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy
2019-2024 provided at Attachment 1, which is open for public consultation until 31 January 2020;
and
A. Approve Council making a submission to the Queensland Government on the Draft South East
Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024 based on the key issues outlined in
Attachment 2 to the report;
B. Authorise the CEO to make minor amendments to the submission following the Department of
Environment and Science training sessions scheduled for Council’s development assessment
officers prior to the submission close; and
C. Note that a 2020/21 budget submission will be made to undertake a comprehensive review of
local koala habitat mapping, as a requirement of the Queensland Government transitional map
validation process.
REPORT
In 2015 the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection commissioned a study
into the conservation status of koalas in seven local government areas in South East Queensland
(SEQ) including Noosa Shire. The study found significant declines in koala populations in some
areas in SEQ. The ‘Koala Coast’ (Wellington Point to Logan River) had an 80% decline in population
densities and Pine River a 54% decline between 1996 and 2014, which may be an indicator of trends
elsewhere. In response, the Queensland Government formed a Koala Expert Panel to review the
findings and make recommendations on conserving koalas in SEQ.
The Koala Expert Panel was made up of experts in ecology, wildlife management, planning and
environment law. The Panel made 6 recommendations:
1. A strategic and coordinated approach to koala conservation.
2. Ensure koala habitat is protected.
3. Strategic and landscape-scale koala habitat restoration.
4. Coordinated threat reduction and koala population management.
5. Strong community partnerships and engagement.
6. Targeted mapping, monitoring, research and reporting.
Page 13 of 19
Section 14
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
The Queensland Government supported the recommendations of the expert panel. In 2018, a Koala
Advisory Council was formed to coordinate the development of a strategy to deliver the
recommended actions. The Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024
was publicly released on 8 December 2019 and submissions are invited from the community up until
Friday 31 January 2020.
The Draft Strategy has identified a number of objectives for implementing the recommendations of
the Koala Expert Panel:
1. A strategic and coordinated approach to koala conservation
The Queensland Government proposes a collaborative approach across multiple stakeholders to
help conserve koalas. It is proposed to build a central knowledge base and develop online data and
information sharing platforms. Researchers, policy makers and managers will also be able to share
information through regular forums such as ‘Koala Collab’ which has successfully been run in the
past.
2. Koala habitat is protected
Competition for land is high. The human population in SEQ is set to increase to 5.3 million by 2041
and the areas that humans prefer to occupy are often favoured by koalas.
The Draft Strategy identifies a target of no nett loss of koala habitat. To achieve this the Queensland
Government intends to introduce major reforms to the SEQ planning framework to protect remaining
koala habitat. New koala habitat maps have been developed which include Koala Priority Areas
(KPA’s). KPA’s are large areas that contain core koala habitat and areas suitable for restoration, that
experts believe will need to be protected to ensure the long term sustainability of koala populations.
A prohibition of clearing of koala habitat within KPA’s is proposed under the Strategy, subject to
exemptions necessary for property maintenance and safety. Developments outside of the KPA will
need to avoid, mitigate or offset any residual impacts to koala habitat.
The recent bushfires has highlighted the multiple threats that koalas face. Subsequent vegetation
clearing for property protection can further reduce the extent and connectivity of koala habitat.
3. Strategic and landscape-scale koala habitat restoration
The new koala habitat mapping also includes the identification of areas most suitable for habitat
restoration. The delivery of restoration works may be achieved with the new ‘Koala Habitat
Restoration Partner Program’ (a $2 million dollar partnership with Queensland Trust for Nature),
carbon farming projects under the Land Restoration Fund, or through the Environmental Offsets
Framework. The Draft Strategy proposes that the Queensland Government will aim to achieve
1000ha of habitat restoration over the next 5 years. Council officers are working with the Queensland
Government to seek opportunities to fund koala habitat restoration projects within Noosa Shire.
4. Coordinated threat reduction and koala population management
Habitat loss, dog attack, vehicle strike and disease has collectively impacted on SEQ koala
populations. Coastal areas in Noosa Shire appear to be experiencing a decline in koalas but
anecdotally koala population numbers may be improving in some rural areas.
The Draft Strategy aims to have no long-term decline in koala population densities at representative
sites. For high-risk areas it has a target of reducing koala injury and mortality by 25% across ten
road hotspots in SEQ. Other measures include support for koala hospitals, continued investment in
research funding, public koala awareness campaigns and the stream-lining of koala translocation
and release policies.
5. Strong community engagement and partnerships
The Draft Strategy discussed the importance of engaging with Traditional Owners, volunteers and
the general public concerning koala conservation and the benefits of education and extension and
citizen science projects.
Page 14 of 19
Section 15
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
6. Continuous monitoring and improvement based on best available science
Data and information on koalas is used to inform mapping for development assessment purposes
and identifying on ground management actions. The Draft Strategy discusses the need for ongoing
surveys and monitoring to build knowledge on the abundance and extent of koala populations, and
the importance of identifying threats to this species.
Relationship with the Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016
The Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016 is consistent with the objectives of the Draft South
East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024. In particular, the Draft Strategy includes
the Yurol-Ringtail State Forests Conservation Project as a case example of a strategic and
coordinated approach with multiple stakeholders to help protect and enhance a large koala core
habitat area.
Relationship with Noosa Planning Scheme
The current Noosa Plan and the Draft Noosa Plan have code assessment provisions for
development within the Biodiversity Overlay that impact on koala habitat. The Draft South East
Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024 proposes additional provisions to protect and
restore koala habitat within the Koala Priority Areas (KPAs).
The Department of Environment and Science are running training sessions for local government
staff to become more familiar with the Draft Strategy and the new planning reforms. Noosa Council
planning staff will be attending these meetings in January 2020.
Koala Habitat Mapping
The State Koala Habitat Mapping and local Noosa Shire Koala habitat mapping are based upon
Queensland Herbarium Regional Ecosystem mapping. Council’s local mapping has also identified
additional koala habitat areas which increases the extent of koala habitat in Noosa Shire by up to
10%. These are included in the State mapping as Locally Refined Koala Habitat Areas which are to
be validated with Queensland Government within the next two years.
In Noosa Shire 50% of koala records are found in regrowth vegetation. Young regrowth is exempt
from vegetation clearing provisions. Regrowth that has matured may now be High Value Regrowth
or of Remnant status, but State Regional Ecosystem mapping may not have been updated to reflect
this. This means that some vegetation in Noosa Shire, although locally known as koala habitat, is
not afforded sufficient protection either at a State or Local Government level. Validating these areas
requires a desktop review and ground-truthing of several thousand properties to ensure all koala
habitat in Noosa Shire is captured. A recommendation of this report is to commit to a mapping review
as part of the map validation process, as required by the Queensland Government, within the next
two years.
The Vegetation Management Act 1999 has different categories of protection for vegetation. In Noosa
Shire Category X areas are mostly developed and are generally exempt from vegetation protection
provisions. However, other protective mechanisms such as the Noosa Plan Biodiversity Overlay or
State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP) may still apply if relevant. A small number of properties
in Noosa Shire, although mapped as Category X areas, now have High Value Regrowth or Remnant
vegetation which are suitable koala habitat. The most recent draft of the State Koala Habitat Areas
has removed Category X areas that have a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV). The
implication of the proposed removal is the loss of Council’s ability to apply the provisions of the
Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (that were afforded under State koala policy provisions) to mitigate,
to some extent, the loss of koala habitat in Cat X PMAV areas. Noosa Council officers have raised
these concerns with the Department of Environment and Science.
Council submission on the Draft Strategy
Attachment 2 is list of the key issues that should form the basis of a submission on the Draft South
East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024 by Council.
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Section 16
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
It covers:
Consultation process and timeframes
Concerns over removal of PMAV Category X areas
Suggestions for improvements to koala habitat mapping
Comments on the Koala Priority Area (KPA) particularly in terms of identifying key investment
areas for revegetation
Clarification of administrative arrangements between Queensland Government and Local
Government to implement the future Strategy
Request for policy guidance in relation to vegetation clearing exemptions
Advice to DES that time frames have been too short to sufficiently review koala habitat
mapping at an individual property level
Support for investigations into translocation as a measure to support local koala populations
Previous Council Consideration
Nil.
Finance
Queensland Government has entered into a 5 year partnership agreement with the Queensland
Trust for Nature to deliver on-ground koala habitat restoration projects. Council officers are currently
in discussion with QTFN and Queensland Government Officers regarding potential project sites in
Noosa Shire.
A comprehensive review of local koala habitat mapping as a requirement of the Queensland
Government transitional map validation process will prove quite resource intensive, and a proposal
will be put forward through normal budget channels to undertake this work.
Risks & Opportunities
The Draft Strategy, once finalised, may have greater restrictions on vegetation clearing in some
areas compared with the Noosa Plan. Queensland Government will provide further details on the
planning policy reforms through training sessions for local government officers.
It is proposed that the State will be the assessment manager for development that would ultimately
involve clearing of koala habitat. Local government will assess assessable development where
development does not involve clearing of koala habitat within a KPA, and conduct associated
compliance. The administrative arrangements between State and Local Government development
assessment and compliance processes are still being finalised.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
The Queensland Department of Environment & Science (DES) has undertaken consultation with
SEQ local governments on the Draft Strategy and new Koala Habitat Mapping. DES has provided
information sessions, mapping and updates to local government officers. There has been very short
time frames to assess the implications of the Draft Strategy and examine in detail the changes to
Koala Habitat maps. Council officers are working with DES to refine the Koala Habitat maps based
on local knowledge, information and data.
The Queensland Government had also publicly released the draft Koala Habitat Area maps for a two
week period in late December 2019. The purpose of this release was to allow property owners the
opportunity to comment on the mapping in case there were any inconsistencies, for example, if the
land was mapped as koala habitat but was already developed.
Noosa Council Officers have been in communication with LGAQ and have attended meetings with
other local government officers.
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Section 17
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
Internal Consultation
Departments/Sections Consulted:
Chief Executive Officer Community Services Corporate Services
Executive Officer Director Director
Executive Support Community Development Financial Services
Community Facilities ICT
Libraries & Galleries Procurement & Fleet
Local Laws Property
Waste & Environmental Health Revenue Services
Executive Services x Environment & Sustainable Development Infrastructure Services
Director x Director Director
Community Engagement Building & Plumbing Services Asset Management
Customer Service x Development Assessment Buildings and Facilities
Governance Economic Development Civil Operations
People and Culture x Environmental Services Disaster Management
x Strategic Land Use Planning Infrastructure Planning,
Design and Delivery
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Section 18
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
Attachment 2
Key Issues for Noosa Council submission on the Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024
Subject Comment
Mapping Koala mapping is based on regional ecosystem mapping and sightings. Koalas are notoriously hard to find
in bushland. Mapping based on sightings can create false negatives due to the cryptic nature of koalas. In
Noosa Shire 50% of koala records are found in regrowth vegetation and scattered copse of vegetation. A
science-based approach would also consider the correlation of the pre-clear extent in areas of less mature
regrowth within the koala habitat mapping to provide a more robust and conservative mapping product
which would trigger further assessment at the development assessment stage.
Council objects to the removal of category X PMAV areas from State Koala Habitat maps and requests
relevant Cat X PMAV areas be reinstated back into the State koala mapping. A number of Cat X properties
in Noosa Shire now have significant stands of non-juvenile koala habitat trees, currently classified as
regrowth vegetation, and koalas are known live in these areas. The removal of Cat X PMAV areas exposes
these areas to clearing of koala habitat in the future and is inconsistent with the objectives of the Draft
Strategy for a no nett loss position and is not an accurate representation of the extent of koala habitat in
Noosa Shire.
The ability to update mapping on an annual basis is supported. Council regularly receives new data and
information on local koala populations and vegetation habitat changes over time.
Koala Priority Area (KPA) The Noosa KPA is isolated and not contiguous with adjoining KPA areas to the south. Can consideration be
given to corridor connectivity with other KPAs?
Council would like the opportunity to work with the Queensland Government to identify key investment
areas for revegetation within the KPA, based on local corridor mapping.
Development assessment Further discussion between local and State Government is required concerning administrative
arrangements and roles with development assessment and compliance roles.
Exemptions There are a number of exemptions for clearing of vegetation, particularly concerning fire management,
which impacts on koala habitat. Greater policy guidance based on expert advice is required to ensure that
clearing is relevant and practical to not only help protect life and property, but minimise impacts on koala
populations.
Consultation Time frames have been too short for Noosa Council to sufficiently review new koala habitat maps at an
individual property level and assess the implications of the new Draft Strategy.
Translocation Council is generally supportive of investigating translocation as a measure to restore koala populations in
suitable areas and potentially diversify gene pools, subject to rigorous controls and scientific study. Council
would be interested in being involved in a pilot project in Noosa Shire.
Page 18 of 19
Section 19
ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA 16 JANUARY 2020
10 CLOSED SESSION
Nil.
11 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
1 BRIAN O’CONNOR
Q1: By withdrawing Noosa Council from the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors
that is negotiating with the state and federal governments a 2020 City Deal funding
agreement centred around a bid for the 2032 Olympic Games, has not our shire
lost out on a share of the reported $58 billion in infrastructure investment, economic
and other benefits that will flow from the signing of the City Deal involving all other
local government areas in South-East Queensland, except Noosa?
Q2 By Noosa forgoing interregional cooperation on transport connectivity and other
common interests via the SEQ Council of Mayors alignment, instead as the Mayor
says, to forge closer ties with the Gympie Regional Council, what tangible
outcomes have been achieved through that alliance?
12 NEXT MEETING
The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on 20 February 2020 at the Council Chambers,
9 Pelican Street, Tewantin commencing at 6pm.
13 MEETING CLOSURE
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