2020-01-16 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

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.


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