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FINAL Ecological Management Plan Stage 1_Grasstree Court 5 February 2021
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Log in to see the plans as drawnECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
STAGE 1 – Lot 6
Incorporating the:
• Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan – Stage 1
• Rehabilitation Management Plan – Stage 1
Prepared for Blue Care
Grasstree Court
Sunrise Beach, Qld, 4567
Lot 6 RP 901384
Author: JUSTIN WATSON
Date: February 2021
Gondwana Ecology Group Pty Ltd - PO Box 535, Kenmore, QLD 4069 - www.gondwanaecology.com.au
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Page 2
DISCLAIMER
In accordance with the Copyright Act, no part of this report or attachments may be reproduced without the explicit
permission of Gondwana Ecology Group Pty Ltd. This report does not constitute legal advice.
This report has been produced for Blue Care (Client) specifically for the purpose for which it is supplied.
Several assumptions have been made during the preparation of this report. This includes the accuracy of information and
documents provided to Gondwana Ecology Group by the Client and that accessed on Commonwealth, State and other
databases.
If any other Party makes use of the information contained within this report, Gondwana Ecology Group will not be held
liable to a Third Party for any loss, damage or claim as a result of the use of information contained herein.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
# Author Signature Date
1 J. Watson* Draft November 2018 for review
J.Watson (with K.Treers &
2 JW 19 December 2018 for Council approval
L.Phelan)1
8 May 2019 for Council approval
3 J.Watson JW (incorporating State conditions & Council 2019
conditions)
5 February 2021 for Council Approval
4 J.Watson2
(updated to address staged development – Lot 6)
CONTACT DETAILS
Gondwana Ecology Group Pty Ltd (ABN 20 143 747 326)
PO Box 535
Kenmore
QLD, 4069
www.gondwanaecology.com.au
GONDWANA ECOLOGY GROUP operates in accordance with the following approvals, permits and ethical principles:
• Scientific Use Registration (Animal Care & Protection Act 2001) – 508
• Animal Ethics Committee (DAFF Animal Ethics) – CA 2013/11/732
• Scientific Purposes Permit (Nature Conservation Regulation 2006) – WISP 13794613
• *Certified Environmental Practitioner (Environment Institute of Australia & New Zealand)
• Registered as a Suitably Qualified Person with Queensland Government for protected flora surveys
1 ArborCare Queensland
2 With input from E.Pratt Harmony Landscapes Restoration Ecology
NOTE:
This plan has been updated to reflect the Staged Development and improved Rehabilitation process.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 SUBJECT LAND AND APPROVED DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................. 1
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 STATEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2. STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 3
ATTACHMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 6
FIGURE 1- SUBJECT LAND (IDENTIFIED BY WHITE DASHED OUTLINE) .................................................................. 7
FIGURE 2 - APPROVED DEVELOPMENT (MINOR CHANGE LOT 6) ......................................................................... 8
FIGURE 3A – APPROVED STAGED DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 9
FIGURE 3B –STAGED CLEARING PLAN ................................................................................................................. 10
APPENDIX A - VEGETATION AND FAUNA MANAGEMENT PLAN – STAGE 1 .......................... 11
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 12
2. GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO TREES............................................................................................................ 12
2.1 ACTIVE FEED TREE IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................... 12
2.2 SEED COLLECTION AND PROPAGATION ............................................................................................. 12
2.2 THREATENED FLORA .......................................................................................................................... 13
3. VEGETATION PROTECTION ...................................................................................................................... 14
4. FAUNA MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................ 15
4.1 PRE-CLEARING .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.2 CLEARING & CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................................................... 15
4.3 HABITAT CREATION ...................................................................................................................... 15
5. VEGETATION CLEARING ........................................................................................................................... 16
5.1 DEVELOPMENT AREA - LOT 6 - CLEARING METHODOLOGY ......................................................... 16
5.2 BUSHFIRE BUFFER AREAS ............................................................................................................. 16
5.3 CLEARING DIRECTION ................................................................................................................... 16
6. LIGHTING.................................................................................................................................................. 17
7. FENCING ................................................................................................................................................... 17
8. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................. 18
APPENDIX B - REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT PLAN – STAGE 1 ......................................... 23
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 24
2. SITE TREATMENT AND TRANSFER METHODS .......................................................................................... 24
2.1 OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................... 24
2.2 SOIL SEED BANK TRANSFER................................................................................................................ 25
2.3 CLEARING METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 25
2.4 TRANSPORTING MATERIAL ................................................................................................................ 25
3. THREATENED FLORA AND SEED COLLECTION .......................................................................................... 26
4. RECEIVING SITE REHABILITATION ............................................................................................................ 27
4.1 DESCRIPTION AND TENURE ............................................................................................................... 27
4.2 TREATMENT AREAS ............................................................................................................................ 27
4.3 RECEIVING SITE PREPARATION .......................................................................................................... 27
4.4 RECEIVING SITE PLANTING AND HABITAT CREATION ........................................................................ 28
4.5 IRRIGATION AND WATERING ............................................................................................................. 28
5. REHABILITATION ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE ......................................................................... 29
6. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND MONITORING ......................................................................................... 30
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Subject Land and Approved Development
The subject land is located at land on Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach and formally described as Lot 6
on RP901384 and Lot 9 on SP252905 (FIGURE 1 – Aerial of Subject Land).
On 20 December 2011, the Sunshine Coast Council (Council) approved a development application for
a Material Change of Use for Multiple Housing – Type 3 Retirement and Special Needs, Commercial
Business – Type 2 Medical and Wellbeing –Type 1 Health; and the Reconfiguring a Lot (1 into 2 lots).
The State (DERM) approved the development in June 2011.
The proposal will result in the residential aged care facility to be situated on Lot 6 (northern lot) and
a retirement facility to be situated on Lot 9 (southern lot) which includes independent living
apartments / units, and a community facility.
Minor Change 2019
A minor change amendment application was made to Noosa Shire Council (Council) in December
2018. The minor change does not result in change of approved uses but rather minor changes to
internal building layouts to meet current market expectations, industry standards and the existing
approval conditions. While the changes are considered to be ‘minor’, the changes improve the
development outcome in terms of design quality, reduced hardstand area, bushland and waterway
protection and bushfire safety Council granted approval of this change request on 28 March 2019
with updated set of conditions. Conditions relating to the ecological component (other than change
to Lot numbers) are unchanged from the original approval. The conditions (under #12) also state
that “The establishment of the vegetation offsets must be completed prior to the commencement of
the use of the first stage”.
Minor Change 2020
In November 2020 Council granted a minor change to stage the development (FIGURE 2 – Approved
Development Plan – Minor Change Lot 6). The development is to proceed in a staged approach with
Lot 6 (as stage 1) followed by Lot 9 at a later stage (FIGURE 3A – Approved Staged Development and
FIGURE 3B – Staged Clearing Plan). There are no other changes that adversely alter the vegetation
clearing, fauna management or rehabilitation actions. In accordance with the approval conditions,
the rehabilitation process will be implemented as part of Stage 1 and finalised when Lot 9 is cleared.
The staging approach has allowed some ecological enhancements, including staging of the clearing of
vegetation (and trees), and an improved rehabilitation strategy for the offset/rehabilitation site.
Relevant amended conditions (10 November 2020) associated with the Minor Change are 12.3.7 and
12.4, as follows:
All information must be prepared by a person with industry experience in the successful establishment
and/or re-establishment of heathland vegetation. Industry and educational institution involvement is
recommended.
The establishment of the vegetation offsets for each stage must be completed prior to the
commencement of the use for each stage. The Vegetation Clearing Offset program, required by these
conditions, must be implemented in a staged manner reflective of the approved staging of the
development. To this end separate Vegetation Clearing Offset programs must be developed to reflect
the staged delivery of the development, in particular the staged development of lot 6, and the
subsequent development of lot 9.
No clearing is permitted unless in accordance with the approved staged Vegetation Clearing Offset
program 1.
1
i.e. this 2021 EMP.
1
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
1.2 Purpose of the Plan
The overall purpose of the plan is to implement the approval conditions 12-20 provided by Council
(and the State) in order to minimise impacts to ecological values, where possible. The plan (as per
the approval conditions) aims to address recognised ecological and restoration principals.
1.3 Objectives
In accordance with approval conditions the overall objectives of the plan are to:
• Manage vegetation and fauna during the clearing operations;
• Identify glossy black-cockatoo active feed trees in order to collect seeds (for future
propagation);
• Identify an area offsite for rehabilitation;
• Describe the rehabilitation process and associated maintenance obligations; and
• Management of threatened flora, where necessary.
1.4 Statement
The author (Justin Watson) and co-ordinator for this management plan has been involved in the
research, ecological and consulting field for more than 30 years, including nearly 20 years in the
Noosa and SEQ region. He has a PhD in ecology, is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with the
Environment Institute Australia and New Zealand and a past committee member of the Queensland
Environmental Law Association and past councillor for Birds Australia (now Birdlife) and Birds
Southern Queensland committee member. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Institute
for Land, Water and Society (Charles Sturt University). His PhD, subsequent research has focussed on
biodiversity, rehabilitation, understanding ecosystem functioning and identifying a practical
approach to restoring landscapes (including in the Noosa and Sunshine Coast region). He is regularly
engaged by local and State government to provide specialist/technical review of project EIS’ and
threatened species (including the Commonwealth provisions and koala management). He has given
expert evidence in the Planning and Environment Court, Land Court and the Land Tribunal and has
provided advice to the Court since 2003.
Emrys Pratt (Harmony Landscapes – restoration contractor) has provided practical advice regarding
an update rehabilitation strategy. Harmony Landscapes is a Sunshine Coast based family-owned and
operated company that was established in 1978. They have successfully completed ecological
restoration and rehabilitation projects over the last 40 years in both the Noosa and Sunshine Coast
Regional Council areas and have won several awards for excellence.
2
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
2. STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The measures to be implemented to achieve the conditions of approval and appropriate ecological
outcomes are provided in two separate attachments, as follows:
Appendix A - Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan (VFMP) – Stage 1
• Activities on subject land prior to and during clearing, including appropriate management of
fauna
Appendix B – Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP) – Stage 1
• Management of subject land and rehabilitation of the offset site
The relevant Council (i.e. 12-20), and State (i.e. DERM 1-16) approval conditions associated with
ecological matters are identified in the Table 1 and 2 respectively, with corresponding
Section/Attachment provided for reference. Note that many of the DERM conditions simply require
confirmation and no specific measure/action within the VFMP or RMP.
The acceptable implementation of the VFMP and RMP will be the responsibility of contractors
engaged by Blue Care.
Due to the nature of the Council and State approval conditions, and for completeness, some sections
are repeated in both the VFMP and the RMP.
3
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Table 1. Council Ecological Conditions (LANDSCAPE & ECOLOGY) of Approval with Management Plan Reference
# Condition Reference
In conjunction with an application for operational works on the site, the applicant must submit an operational works
12 application for Vegetation Management for the development site. The Vegetation Management operational works
application must detail:
Identification of all active Glossy Black Cockatoo food trees within the development footprint or
12.1 VFMP Section 2
in areas likely to be impacted upon by the operation or construction of the development.
A Vegetation Clearing Offset program to be undertaken to re-establish the habitat to be cleared
from the site to a nearby location with similar soil properties. A receiving site is to be identified
12.2 RMP Sections 1-7
and maintained for a specified period (minimum 5 years) after the establishment of the receiving
site.
12.3 The Vegetation Clearing Offset program must include the details of the transfer methods to be engaged including:
12.3.1 The transfer of soil/seed bank media off the site to the designated receiving site(s), RMP Section 2
Methods of transfer including, inter alia, mastication of native vegetative matter, tile transfer of
live soil/plant matrix, peat locations and extents, sexual and vegetative methods of revegetation
12.3.2 RMP Section 2-5
of offset receiving site and other deemed pertinent matters by a person with industry experience
in the successful establishment and/or re-establishment of heathland vegetation
VFMP Section 2
12.3.3 Transfer of rare and threatened plant species (sexual and/or vegetative)
RMP Section 3
Details of pre-treatment works prior to transfer of soil/seed bank media off the site and methods
12.3.4 RMP Section 2
of transplanting.
VFMP Section 2
12.3.5 Details of seed collections times and estimated establishment procedures and times.
RMP Section 3
Details of the receiving site, including tenure, contractual details, establishment, monitoring and
12.3.6 RMP Section 4-5
maintenance details and suitability of the site for the purpose.
All information must be prepared by a person with industry experience in the successful
12.3.7 establishment and/or re-establishment of heathland vegetation. Industry and educational EMP Section 1.3
institution involvement is recommended.
12 Refer updated Conditions 12.3.7 and 12.4 in Section 1.1 re Minor Change approval. RMP Section 5
The Vegetation Management operational works application must detail the protection of
13 vegetation off site from the impacts of clearing. That is, the demarcation of the vegetation to be VFMP Section 3
retained by the use of temporary fencing or alike.
The Vegetation Management operational works application must detail the location and extent
of vegetation disturbance on Lot 9 SP 252905 and Lot 6 RP 901384 must be accurately marked
14 VFMP Section 3
on-site, including any setback requirements for bushfire mitigation purposes, for Council officers
to inspect prior to commencement of any vegetation clearing.
Vegetation must only be removed or disturbed in accordance an approved Fauna Management Plan for the
15 development must be prepared by a qualified person and submitted to Council prior to the issue of any Development
Permit for Operational Works.
The fauna management plan is to detail the methods to ensure the fauna values of the site are
managed in a way that the removal of vegetation from the site does not cause immediate harm
15.1
to fauna. The application must ensure spotter/catchers are engaged and reports are supplied to VFMP Section 4
the relevant statutory authorities. The fauna management plan is to prohibit on-site dogs or cats
during the construction process and prohibit cats or dogs during the operational use of the site.
All identified Glossy Black Food trees are to be propagated at a ratio of 8:1 from the parent tree
16 and replanted in landscaping areas on the development site and maintained for a specified VFMP Section 2
period of time (minimum 3 years).
All protected vegetation removal must be undertaken in accordance with the relevant provisions
17 of applicable legislation. Any operational works application must detail the clearing procedures VFMP Section 4-5
and address any relevant Koala clearing guidelines or regulations.
Any lighting to the development is not to impact on the ecological values of the adjacent National
Park and the southern portion of Lot 9 SP 252905, i.e. lighting must not be directed toward, and
18 light spill must be minimised to, the adjacent National Park or remnant vegetation to the south. VFMP Section 6
Details of the design response to this requirement must be submitted with the application for
operational works.
With the exception of fencing to the boundaries with adjoining residential allotments or the Sunrise Beach shops, any
19 new fencing to delineate boundary alignments must be constructed to allow for the movement of fauna. Such fencing
must:
19.1 Allow adequate clearance at ground level for local macropods VFMP Section 7
19.2 Not include any use of barbed wire or similar materials VFMP Section 7
19.3 Provide regular opportunities for passage over and through for local native fauna VFMP Section 7
Any new fencing to common boundaries with adjoining residential allotments or the Sunrise
20 Beach shops shall be of timber construction or incorporate timber koala poles of at least 200mm VFMP Section 7
diameter at maximum centres of 10 metres.
4
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Table 2. DERMs Ecological Conditions of Approval and Management Plan Reference
# Condition Reference
Development must be wholly contained within the portion of a lot zoned for community infrastructure.
1 Building envelopes and associated infrastructure must be placed in the location as shown on the Blue Fig 2
Care Development Master Plan
2 The VMP and FMP are to be submitted to the DERM prior to the commencement of operational works
All koala habitat trees with a height of 4m or greater or a diameter of 10cm or greater at 1.3m above
the ground outside of the approved development zone, which is bound by the fire trail to the south
and west boundaries and the existing lot boundaries to the north and east, will be retained with the
Fig 2,
following exceptions;
VFMP
3 a) Koala habitat trees identified within the proposed western (southern most) detention/bio-retention
Section 3
basin site
b) Koala habitat trees identified within the proposed northern detention/bio-retention basin site
c) Koala habitat trees identified within the building areas which extend into the western conservation
buffer zone
Rehabilitation of Koala habitat is to be undertaken in accordance with the current Landscape Plan,
VMP, bushfire assessment report to be submitted to the DERM and Sunshine Coast Regional Council
prior to commencement of operational works
a) plant species assemblage, density and distribution including the understorey should resemble the
surrounding regional ecosystem
b) depending on availability, all koala habitat tree species are to be derived from local seed stock.
Alternative stock (preference given to 'native to area' species) can be used if prior approval is given by
the DERM
4 c) suitable protective measures are required to be installed around the rehabilitation areas(s) at the RMP
time of planting and remain in place until the maintenance period has finished.
d) All vegetation must be completed within one (1) year of the date an operational works approvals is
issued by Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
e) Maintenance of all completed revegetation is to be undertaken by the applicant over a period of two
(2) years, commencing from the date revegetation is completed. Maintenance actions are to address
the following: stabilisation of soil structure, replacement of dead or diseased tree plantings, regular
watering taking into consideration current water restrictions, removal and management of noxious
plant and environmental weed species.
VFMP
5 Clearing and construction on subject site must be limited to the hours between 6am and 6pm
Section 4
During construction, the driving and parking of vehicles as well as stockpiling of soil and other VFMP
6
materials, must be carried out away from the root zone of trees to be retained Section 4
The applicant shall ensure that all employees, contractors, subcontractors, agents or any other person
engaged or employed to carry out building works under this development permit comply at all times
7
with the requirements of this development permit and do not clear any vegetation that is not approved
to be cleared under this development permit or in a manner that is inconsistent with it.
The applicant shall notify the DERM customer service centre on phone or email at least 5 business days
VFMP
8 prior to commencement of any clearing of koala habitat trees on the subject site of the date clearing is
Section 4
to commence and the koala spotter to be used.
VFMP
9 Domestic dogs are not permitted on the site during construction
Section 4
VFMP
10 Traffic entering the exiting the site should be kept to a minimum between the hours of 6pm and 6am
Section 4
Signage depicting a koala and a maximum speed limit of 30km/h should be erected at the entrance to VFMP
11
the site to inform visitors that koalas may be present on the site. Section 4
The fence to be erected along the western boundary of the conservation buffer zone is to be built with VFMP
12
the intentions of the proposed design plan Section 7
The barrier fence to be erected on the eastern boundary (along Ben Lexen Drive) is to be designed as a VFMP
13
'koala exclusion' fence to prevent eastward movement of fauna Section 7
Any future fencing along the Southern and Northern boundary is to be endorsed by the DERM and VFMP
14
Sunshine Coast Regional Council prior to construction Section 7
Any landscaping to be undertaken on the subject site must consist of at least 70% Australian plants, of
15
which 50% are native to the area including koala habitat trees native to the area.
Artificial lighting on the subject site must be operated to ensure it is directed away from adjacent
VFMP
16 native vegetation and minimises impacts to koalas and other wildlife inhabiting or moving through the
Section 6
adjacent vegetation.
5
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
ATTACHMENTS
Figures
• Figure 1- Subject Land
• Figure 2 - Approved Development (Minor Change Lot 6)
• Figure 3A – Approved Staged Development
• Figure 3B – Staged Clearing Plan
Appendices
• Appendix A - Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan – Stage 1
• Appendix B - Rehabilitation Management Plan – Stage 1
6
Page 10
Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Lot 6
Lot 9
Figure 1- Subject Land (identified by white dashed outline)
7
Page 11
Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Figure 2 - Approved Development (Minor Change Lot 6)
8
Page 12
Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Figure 3A – Approved Staged Development
9
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Ecological Management Plan — Grasstree Court — Lot 6
APPROVED PLANS
NOOSA COUNCIL
19 NOVEMBER 2020
[
BEN LEXCEN DRIVE
staging
stage 1: residential aged care (RAC)
stage 2: central facilities and collocated
apartments and 50% of the villas.
stage 3: remaining 50% villa.
stage 4: dno. apartment buildings.
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Document Set ID: 21300655
Version: 1, Version Date: 20/11/2020
Figure 3A — Approved Staged Development
Page 13
Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Figure 3B –Staged Clearing Plan
10
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Ecological Management Plan — Grasstree Court — Lot 6
CLEARING STAGE 1B:
(Clearing of Lot 6 (approx 0.8Ha)
CLEARING STAGE 1A:
(Cleared material to be relocated .
|to the first stage of the rehabilita- - \Clearing along Grasstree Crt Verges to en:
ition site as per EMP « jable installation of trunk services and foot-
‘ ipaths.
Minor Clearing within Lot 6 and Lot 9 to es-
itablish 2 x Transformer sites to enable
IBalance 2.8Ha to be spread on site |e
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landscape areas, or removed off
NOTE:
|The extents of clearing shown here
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Figure 3B —Staged Clearing Plan
Page 14
Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Appendix A - Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan –
Stage 1
11
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
VEGETATION AND FAUNA MANAGEMENT PLAN – Stage 1
Prepared for Blue Care
Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach, Qld, 4567
Lot 6 RP 901384
1. INTRODUCTION
The overall objects of the vegetation management and fauna management plan (VMFP) is to ensure:
• inadvertent vegetation clearing (i.e. protection of vegetation identified for retention) is avoided;
• appropriate instruction/direction regarding vegetation clearing;
• there is no injury to fauna during clearing operations; and
• direction/recommendations for lighting and fencing design that accommodates fauna.
2. GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO TREES
2.1 Active Feed Tree Identification
Over several days in October/November 2018 active feed trees (Allocasuarina littoralis) were identified by
the evidence of orts (i.e. chewed she-oak cones).
IMPORTANT NOTE - a conservative approach was taken by identifying a “feed tree” even if only a few (i.e. <5 orts were located).
These trees are highly likely not used for actual feeding and would be considered “test” or “sample” trees. Nevertheless, these
were included for completeness. Feed trees were categorised (level of use based on fresh and number of orts) as low (<20), mid
(20-50) and high (>50). Trees were flagged on site and surveyed by Downes Group.
Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2020 confirmed that several of the “feed” trees are no longer used.
Comprehensive surveys in January 2021 across Lot 6, Lot 9 and the surrounding land confirmed the use of the trees is significantly
less than in 2018 and no feeding activity was recorded at many of the “original trees.
A total of 71 trees were identified in 2018 either within or immediately adjacent to the subject land (refer
Figure A1 – GBC Tree Location). These trees are NOT all active feed trees and in 2021 many show little use
– refer note above.
Glossy black-cockatoo trees and activity on site and in the locality were discussed with Bob Carey (Noosa
Resident), Gabriel Conroy (University of Sunshine Coast) and Council officers.
The development approval conditions do not require any Glossy black-cockatoo trees to be retained on the
subject land. However, following the detailed tree survey, discussions with Council and community,
investigation into the potential for tree retention was considered. The design for Lot 6 has been amended,
to accommodate feed trees. Of those surveyed, 13 (11 on subject land) feed trees will be retained. Several
feed trees (confirmed in 2021) that occur in areas surrounding the subject land will be retained. The
retention of these trees (and associated landscaping) has been considered as part of the bushfire
management strategy.
2.2 Seed Collection and Propagation
In 2018 a total of 71 she-oak trees that had some evidence of feed activity are known to occur on the site
and surrounds. Trees to be removed are to be offset at a ratio of 8:1 by seed collection and subsequent
replanting/re-establishment. The planted trees are to be maintained for a period of three years.
12
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Allocasuarina littoralis cones were collected from the site on 22nd November 2018. Seed predominantly
from the feed trees 36, 63, 68, 62, 57 and 68 were obtained by specialists from Arborcare Queensland and
Florabunda Nursery.
Once collected, the cones were taken to Florabunda Nursery and managed for future propagation. The
process generally includes, placing cones in warm dry location for valves to open and release the seed.
Once seed is released, they are stored below 3oC 2 until germination of seeds are required.
Germination of seed will be staggered over time to ensure trees are available for planting in the various
locations as proposed and approved by Council, including the landscaped/retained areas within and
immediately adjacent to the subject land, the proposed rehabilitation/offset site and within local parks and
open space areas.
In late 2020, approximately 800 tubestock have been grown on, with more than 100 larger pots ready for
planting in early 2021.
2.2 Threatened Flora
As part of the State requirements for “threatened flora”, a report was prepared in accordance with the
Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2016) 3 under the Nature Conservation Act (NC) 1992.
The report was submitted to the State on 22 November 2018 for an activity that is:
• Exempt under Section 261ZA – i.e. no EVNT plant species found to occur on site; and
• With regard to the DEHP (2015) Operational Policy - Wildlife Management - When a protected plant
in Queensland is considered to be “in the wild”
As no threatened plants were located within the clearing area and in accordance with the State Guidelines,
a protected plant clearing permit is not required from DEHP. Submission of the survey report to DEHP is
taken to be notification to the Department.
Field surveys (12th and 13th November 2018) were completed by Queensland recognised botanists and
“suitably qualified persons” Dr Stephen Catchpoole and Dr Ann Moran. Additional field surveys
(September, October, November 2018 and January 2021) were completed by “suitably qualified persons”
Dr Justin Watson.
No threatened species were located within or immediately adjacent to the subject land. One specimen of
the Near Threatened Macarthuria complanata and two specimens of the Endangered Blandfordia
grandiflora (Christmas bells) were recorded within Noosa National Park (Lot 147 NPW889). The subject
land and area to be cleared does not support suitable habitat for these species.
The State has approved/acknowledged the report (reference APP0030284) with the following provision:
Clearing of a protected plant under this section must be conducted within two years after the flora survey
report was submitted to the Department of Environment and Science.
Despite no further actions required, protective fencing (to avoid inadvertent clearing of threatened species
and vegetation to be retained) is recommended in the State Flora Report and to be part of the
recognised/best practice measures to be implemented as part of this document. In December 2020,
discussions with the Department of Environment and Science confirmed that Lot 6 is no longer subject to
the “high risk flora trigger” and no further requirements from the State in this regard.
2
Storing seeds at this temperature maintains viability up to 12 months.
3
DEHP (2016) Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants. Version 2.00 Conservation & Biodiversity Policy Unit,
Department of Environment & Heritage Protection, State of Queensland.
13
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
3. VEGETATION PROTECTION
The following vegetation protection works will be implemented for this project prior to any
earthworks/clearing activities.
• Survey accurate identification of areas to be cleared vs areas to be retained;
• Survey accurate the identification of areas for bushfire setback/buffer and property boundaries;
• Installation of high visibility temporary fencing along the boundary of the subject land (property
boundary) with “NO GO” or similar signage;
• Installation of temporary fencing (e.g. star picket/hazard tape) along the bushfire buffer 4;
• Protective fencing to incorporate tree protection measures (TPZ) in accordance with Australian
Standards for Tree Protection;
• Glossy Black-cockatoo trees identified for retention to be cleared marked and individually
protected, if necessary (e.g. close to clearing area); and
• Fauna access/escape passage is to be provided at strategic locations along the fencing (i.e. to allow
fauna to move into retained bushland during the clearing process).
Vegetation protection fencing to be inspected by Council prior to any site clearing works.
Tree protection measures to be in accordance with AS4970: Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
The location of Vegetation Protection Fencing for Lot 6 is provided in FIGURE A2.
4
Vegetation clearing in development area with standard clearing equipment. Selective clearing of vegetation in
bushfire buffer manually or with light machinery.
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
4. FAUNA MANAGEMENT
4.1 Pre-clearing
A qualified fauna-spotter (holding an appropriate State-approved rehabilitation permit) is to be appointed
before commencement of clearing. Pre-clearing fauna management measures are to include the following,
as a minimum:
• Inspection of habitat on site within areas to be cleared.
• Identification of habitat trees (i.e. trees that have the potential to harbour fauna).
• Protective fencing installed to identify protected and clearing areas.
• Tree protection fencing must provide for the evacuation of fauna to retained habitat. Any gaps
between fencing panels must not exceed 1m.
• Fauna spotter to be cognisant of koalas in the landscape and koala management measures in
accordance with State guidelines.
• Fauna-spotter to attend pre-start meeting.
• Signage warning of fauna presence and speed limits (30km/hr) to be installed.
DERM customer service centre is to be notified (phone or email) at least five business days prior to
commencement of any clearing of koala habitat trees on the subject site of the date clearing is to
commence and the koala spotter to be used.
4.2 Clearing & Construction
The fauna-spotter is to be on site during clearing of all vegetation. Fauna management measures during
clearing are to include the following, as a minimum:
• Directional clearing is to occur, i.e. clear from development area towards “conservation” areas (i.e.
to the north and west for Lot 6) (refer Section 5).
• Habitat features to be checked for fauna prior to clearing.
• Habitat features such as hollow-bearing branches/logs are to be salvaged and re-located within the
buffer area.
• Ongoing liaison with Civil Contractor and clearing contractors regarding fauna and vegetation
clearing methods.
• Throughout clearing, the fauna-spotter is to capture, and release fauna as required.
• In the event of an injury to fauna, the fauna-spotter is to deal with the animal appropriately and/or
have treated at local veterinary surgery or registered wildlife carer, as necessary (note below
details).
• No domestic pets (including dogs, cats) allowed on the site during construction.
The Eumundi Wildlife Centre is the nearest wildlife rehabilitation facility (1411 Eumundi-Noosa Road,
Eumundi – tel. 5442 8057) and the nearest vet is the Sunshine Beach Vet (46 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach
– tel. 5447 4569).
4.3 Habitat Creation
While not a condition of approval, following discussions with Council, it is proposed to install a permanent
water feature within the landscaping area/s of the Lot 6 development. This may take the form of
birdbaths/ponds or similar structures that are incorporated into the landscaping features creating a
permanent source of water.
15
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
5. VEGETATION CLEARING
Following implementation of necessary fencing and other pre-clearing requirements (including Council
acknowledgement) the clearing exercise can commence.
5.1 Development Area - Lot 6 - Clearing Methodology
The clearing methodology for the development (built) area to be generally as follows:
• Implement fauna spotter and habitat protection/identification measures as described above.
• Once the trees within the area have been given the all clear from the fauna spotter catcher, the
trees will be pushed over using controlled felling techniques with a hydraulic excavator.
• Fauna spotter catcher will be present for all clearing works.
• The vegetation will then be placed in a windrow with a north/south alignment as it is being pulled
down. This will be repeated until all the vegetation required to be removed to facilitate the
development has been knocked over and piled into windrows. Once all the vegetation has been
knocked down, another excavator will be used to downsize the material ready to be mulched,
where necessary.
• A grinder will then be used to process the material into stockpiles throughout the site.
• Stockpiles (mulch or soil) where necessary, are to only be placed within development area (i.e. not
beyond property boundary or within bushfire buffer areas).
Clearing and construction is to be limited to the hours of 6am and 6pm.
5.2 Bushfire Buffer Areas
Following clearing of development area, an inspection of the bushfire buffer area by the ecologist and
bushfire consultant will occur in order to nominate trees/vegetation for retention.
Tree retention in this area is not mandatory (i.e. not a condition of approval), but desirable where practical
for ecological and landscape purposes but must not generate a bushfire risk. Trees for possible retention
include Glossy black-cockatoo feed trees (Allocasuarina), koala feed trees (i.e. eucalypt and allied species),
grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) and other suitable landscape or habitat specimens (e.g. mature banksias). The
retention of specific (agreed) feed trees has been considered as part of the bushfire management strategy.
Understorey/small trees for the buffer areas are to be cleared by hand (or light equipment) as per the
bushfire management plan/requirements (refer Meridian Urban, 2018).
Note: This area is identified for bushfire management which needs to take precedence over landscaping
and ecology.
5.3 Clearing Direction
For Lot 6 - clearing to start from Grasstree Court and progress in a north/north-westerly direction.
A Clearing Direction Plan is provided in FIGURE A2.
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
6. LIGHTING
The lighting design (refer Rixon Design, 2018) will accommodate the site context defined by the site plan,
nature of the site and surrounds and the approval conditions. This includes that lighting must not be
directed toward, and light spill must be minimised to, the adjacent National Park or remnant vegetation to
the south.
As per the Rixon Design approach “the context for this site is the prime form giver to the design approach
to lighting. This is not a central city environment with high ambient lighting levels. Deliberate and well
researched lighting solutions will be used to meet the needs of the site operational requirements while at
the same time take into account the natural context of the site”.
The key standard which will be followed will be current requirements of AS/NZS 4282 – Control of the
Effects of Obtrusive Light.
This Standard sets out guidelines for the control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting. It includes
recommended limits for the relevant lighting parameters to control these effects. This standard will be
used to ensure potentially adverse effects of outdoor lighting on nearby residents, fauna and users of
adjacent roads.
Any external lighting will have shields/deflectors to avoid light fall into the surrounding bushland as
required. The nature of the fittings used will be based on a low glare design” and “no spotlighting will be
directed towards the National Park or remnant vegetation in the south.
7. FENCING
As per the conditions of approval (Council and DERM), any new boundary fencing (other than in the east,
i.e. adjacent to the existing shopping centre) is to be fauna friendly. This fencing design would allow fauna
movement within the bushfire buffer areas.
A detailed fencing design would be provided at a future stage of building works and is to ensure the
following recognised/standard design guidelines or similar:
• A 30-50cm gap between ground level and the first rail or strand.
• Not include any use of barbed wire or similar materials.
• Provide regular opportunities (gaps) for passage over and through for local native fauna.
For any new fencing to common boundaries with adjoining residential allotments or the shopping centre
either be:
• Of timber construction; or
• Incorporate timber koala poles (of at least 200mm diameter) at generally 10m intervals.
A Fencing Plan is provided in FIGURE A2.
17
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
8. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Separately to the State and Council conditions of approval a community consultation strategy has been
developed. Communications with the community and interested parties is proposed to be an ongoing
activity.
Blue Care have been liaising cooperatively with local community groups and will continue to do so as the
project progresses. Blue Care is committed to engaging with the surrounding community and will continue
to identify and build on relationships with key stakeholder groups. Our interaction with the local
community will continue via letter box drops, information sessions and one on one/small group discussions
in the new year, using our dedicated phone number and project email address to facilitate communication
with community groups.
Blue Care will be proactive in our approach and will communicate with residents, schools and local
businesses regarding project developments. In particular, we will undertake the offset works per the DA
conditions and we will look to expand on this by taking on additional commitments where possible.
18
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
FIGURES
• A1 - Downes Group: She-oak trees that show some evidence of Glossy Black-Cockatoo use
• A2 – Lot 6 Vegetation Tree Protection Fencing/Clearing Direction Plan
(Stage 1A and Stage 1B)
19
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FIGURE A1 She-oak trees with some evidence of Cockatoo use Note: plan to be read with notes in text
Page 24
Noosa Council documents
.|.
5
.|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|. .|.
RP890947
.|. .|. .|.
.|. .|.
.|. .|.
4.00
4 5 SELECTIVE CLEARING ONLY
WITHIN FIRE BUFFER IN
3.290
3
3.219
ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED
BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
NOMINAL 4.00m WIDE
VEHICLE ACCESS TRACK
G R A
R
0 FFE
6.0 BU
IRE
S HF
BU
S S T
7
RP890947
R E E
LOCATE NO GO FENCING ON
PROPERTY BOUNDARY
RAC SITE 61
6
RP901384
17
12
16
C O U
15
14
28 27
R T
8
RP901384
LEGEND TRUNK PROTECTION
BUFFER (12xØ OF TRUNK)
PROPOSED WORKS EXISTING FEATURES 3.60m TYPICAL
PROPOSED LIMIT OF WORKS EXISTING KERB AND CHANNEL WEEDING NOTE:
PROPOSED NO GO FENCING EXISTING ROAD CENTRELINE CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE COUNCIL WITH A PROCEDURE TO ENSURE THE TREE TRUNK 0.30m
SITE IS DOES NOTE BECOME WEED INFESTED AND CONTAINS ANY OUTBREAK TYPICAL
PROPOSED AREA OF CLEARING AND GRUBBING EXISTING SEWERMAIN INTERNALLY TO THE SITE WITHOUT AFFECTING EXTERNAL LAND.
PROPOSED AREA OF GRUBBING ONLY EXISTING SEWER RISING MAIN TREE SYMBOL (SHOWN
PROPOSED DIRECTION OF CLEARING AS PER EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATION INDICATIVELY)
ECOLOGIST REPORT -
EXISTING UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL
BUSHFIRE BUFFER/FIRE TRAIL
EXISTING WATERMAIN NOOSA COUNCIL PROPOSED NO GO FENCING
EXISTING STORMWATER APPROVED PLAN
EXISTING TREE TO BE RETAINED, PROVIDE
28 AN OFFSET OF 12x TRUNK DIAMETER FOR OPW18/0341 22 MAY 2020
PROTECTION BUFFER, REFER ECOLOGIST
REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS RETAINED TREE KEY DETAIL
FILE: 5001-102.dwg DATE: 13-12-2018 USER: NICK VENESS
XREFS: X-18-001942-TITLE, X-18-001942-5001-BASE, X-18-001942-SURVEY, X-18-001942-5001-TREES
FIGURE A2-Plan 1
DESIGN DRAWN CHECK APPROVED DATE STATUS SCALE CLIENT PROJECT DRAWING TITLE
FIRST AMENDMENT DETAILS Calibre Professional Services (QLD) Pty Ltd
ISSUE CB NV SD SP
FOR APPROVAL Level 3, 16 Innovation Parkway BLUE CARE SUNRISE BEACH TREE RETENTION
A CB NV SD SP 18.12.18 DIRECTION OF CLEARING ADDED Birtinya QLD Australia 4575
A
M B CB NV SP SP 19.12.18 FOR APPROVAL NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION 0 2.5
5 10
5 7.5
15 10
20 12.5
25 15
30 17.5
35 20
40
Telephone 07 5314 2520
Facsimile 07 5314 2522
RETIREMENT LIVING & AND CLEARING PLAN
E
C CB NV SP SP 02.08.19 FIRE TRAIL AMENDED
N
D
M D CR NV SP SP 08.04.20 BASIN AMENDMENTS
APPROVED SCALE 1:250
1:500 (A1) SCALE
SCALE1:1000
1:500 (A3) AGED CARE
E BY: SHAUN PILCHER RPEQ 14593 DISCLAIMER
PROJECT No. DRAWING No. REVISION
E
N ALL DIMENSIONS TO BE CHECKED ON SITE BY CONTRACTOR
F
T
S C calibregroup.com PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION. USE WRITTEN DIMENSIONS ONLY,
18-001942 5001-102 D
Document Set ID: 21135850
G SIGN: DATE: 08.04.20 DO NOT SCALE.
Version: 1, Version Date: 26/05/2020 Print Date: 28 May 2020, 9:25 AM
Page 25
LEGEND PROPOSED WORKS
EXISTING FEATURES PROPOSED LIMIT OF WORKS EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
PROPOSED NO GO FENCING
EXISTING ROAD CENTRELINE PROPOSED STORMWATER INLET PROTECTION
PROPOSED AREA OF CLEARING AND GRUBBING
EXISTING KERB AND CHANNEL PROPOSED SEDIMENT FENCE
EXISTING SEWERMAIN PROPOSED AREA OF GRUBBING ONLY
EXISTING SEWER RISING MAIN PROPOSED DIRECTION OF CLEARING AS PER
ECOLOGIST REPORT
EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATION
EXISTING UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL
EXISTING WATERMAIN
EXISTING STORMWATER
TRUNK PROTECTION
BUFFER (12xØ OF TRUNK)
3.60m TYPICAL
TREE TRUNK 0.30m
TYPICAL
TREE SYMBOL (SHOWN
INDICATIVELY)
PROPOSED NO GO FENCING
RETAINED TREE KEY DETAIL
6 8
RP901384 RP901384
5
RP890947
REFER SHEET 5001-102 FOR LOT 6
TREE RETENTION AND CLEARING PLAN FENCING TO LOT 6 FRONTAGE TO BE
INSTALLED AND RETAINED UNTIL SUCH TIME
AS CLEARING WORK OF LOT 6 COMMENCES OR
IS COMPLETED (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST)
U R T
E C O
S S T R E
G R A
TREES TO BE RETAINED
9
FENCING TO LOT 9 FRONTAGE TO BE SP252905
TREES TO BE REMOVED INSTALLED AND RETAINED UNTIL SUCH TIME
AS CLEARING WORK OF LOT 6 COMMENCES OR
IS COMPLETED (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST)
REFER SHEET 4001-104 FOR LOT 9
TREE RETENTION AND CLEARING PLAN
FIGURE A2-Plan 2
FILE: 3001-105A.dwg DATE: 16-11-2018 USER: DANIEL CULLING
XREFS: X-18-001942-3001-TITLE, X-18-001942-3001-BASE, X-18-001942-SURVEY, TREES
DESIGN DRAWN CHECK APPROVED DATE STATUS SCALE CLIENT PROJECT DRAWING TITLE
FIRST AMENDMENT DETAILS Calibre Professional Services (QLD) Pty Ltd
ISSUE CB DC SD SP 12.01.21
FOR APPROVAL Level 3, 16 Innovation Parkway BLUE CARE SUNRISE BEACH TREE RETENTION
A CB DC SD SP 13.01.21 NO GO FENCING AMENDED AND FENCING NOTES ADDED Birtinya QLD Australia 4575
A
M B NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20
Telephone 07 5314 2520
Facsimile 07 5314 2522
EXTERNAL MAJOR WORKS AND CLEARING PLAN
E
C
N
D
M D SCALE 1:250 (A1) SCALE 1:500 (A3) INTERSECTION MODIFICATION
E BY: DISCLAIMER
PROJECT No. DRAWING No. REVISION
E
N ALL DIMENSIONS TO BE CHECKED ON SITE BY CONTRACTOR
F
T
S
G SIGN: DATE:
C calibregroup.com PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION. USE WRITTEN DIMENSIONS ONLY,
DO NOT SCALE.
18-001942 3001-105A A
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Appendix B - Rehabilitation Management Plan – Stage 1
23
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT PLAN – Stage 1
Prepared for Blue Care
Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach, Qld, 4567
Lot 6 RP 901384 {& Lot 9 SP 252905}
1. INTRODUCTION
The primary objective of the rehabilitation management plan (RMP) is to establish a “rehabilitation
program” (vegetation offset proposal) that provides for a good ecological outcome by re-establishing
habitat elsewhere in the nearby locality.
For the purposes of the RMP, the subject land is the site to be cleared (approved development land) while
the rehabilitation site is the receiver site (land to be rehabilitated).
The receiver (rehabilitation) has been identified within the Girraween Sports Complex and Nature Refuge
located at 100 Eenie Creek Road; Noosa Heads (off Wallum Lane), formally known as Lot 1 on SP239726
(FIGURE B1 – Receiving Site Landscape).
Two treatment areas (T1 and T2) have been considered in consultation with Council (FIGURE B2 –
Receiving Site Treatment Areas).
Stage 1 of the development encompasses some 0.8ha of clearing and available soil/seed material.
2. SITE TREATMENT AND TRANSFER METHODS
2.1 Overview
As part of the rehabilitation exercise, soil containing the seed bank of the vegetation within Lot 6 will be
scraped off post clearing and mulching of all above ground vegetation. This live soil will be transferred via
trucks to the receiver site. Vegetation clearing for the subject land is described in the VFMP. The receiver
site is to be prepared prior to any clearing on Lot 6. All vegetation on Lot 6 will be cleared and mulched
prior to lifting out live topsoil. All works will comply with the conditions of the operational works approval
and the VFMP. The proposed rehabilitation exercise staging is summarised below.
Step Action
1 Clear entire site. Mulch, strip and stockpile all top layers and weed material.
2 Install main infrastructure e.g. haul roads, irrigation water line from treatment plant, irrigation holdings tanks.
Provide weed treatment to entire receiver site after clearing, i.e. spray all weeds as they germinate for four
3
weeks prior to seed soil being moved to site.
4 Site soil from Lot 6 transported and installed into the northwest corner (0.8ha) – i.e. stage 1 area.
Irrigation sprinklers installed into stage 1 area, with ability to continue irrigation line into balance (stage 2
5
area).
6 Install minimum of 100 she-oak tubes (i.e. from project site seed at Floribunda) into the stage 1 area.
7 Install monitoring points to entire site to allow for monitoring of entire site from stage 1 onwards.
8 Ongoing weed management over balance area and maintenance for stage 1 area.
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
2.2 Soil Seed Bank Transfer
Once the site (Lot 6) is cleared and all above ground material is mulched and stockpiled, earthworks
machinery will be used to scrape the top 200- 300mm of soil off the ground at the translocation site. This
will be placed immediately into a truck and driven to the receiver site. Approximately 0.8ha (area) of soil is
to be translocated from Lot 6 to the receiver site.
Once transported to the receiver site, the soil is unloaded directly into stage 1 area, and trucks return to
subject site. Earthworks machinery will spread the unloaded soil as soon as is practicable over the pre-
prepared area. Soil is to be stockpiled for the shortest amount of time possible to retain seed viability. It is
acknowledged that some stockpiling is unavoidable. Stockpiling of live soil will be dependent on how
quickly it can be spread out as well as the rate of removal from Lot 6.
Mulch that is stockpiled throughout Lot 6 will also be transported to the receiver site in trucks and spread
over the live soil mix. This transfer will occur simultaneously with the soil transfer and mulch will be spread
out over the receiver site as soon as is practicable to retain any viable seed within the mulch piles.
2.3 Clearing Methodology
The clearing methodology to be generally as follows:
• Implement fauna spotter and habitat protection/identification measures as described above.
• Once the trees within the area have been given the all clear from the fauna spotter catcher, the
trees will be pushed over using controlled felling techniques with a hydraulic excavator.
• Fauna spotter catcher will be present for all clearing works.
• The vegetation will then be placed in a windrow with a north/south alignment as it is being pulled
down. This will be repeated until all the vegetation required to be removed to facilitate the
development has been knocked over and piled into windrows. Once all the vegetation has been
knocked down, another excavator will be used to downsize the material ready to be mulched.
• A grinder will then be used to process the material into stockpiles throughout the site.
• Note specific (selective and manual) clearing within the bushfire buffer areas.
2.4 Transporting Material
Material will be transported to the receiver site via the existing roadway network. The shortest route is
approximately seven minutes on public roads, pending traffic conditions (refer FIGURE B3 – Transport
Route). Transportation of material will occur in accordance with any specific traffic management plans,
however, would aim to occur outside of peak traffic periods.
25
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
3. THREATENED FLORA AND SEED COLLECTION
Consideration of threatened flora and the collection of seed is described in the VFMP and summarised
below.
A total of 71 glossy black-cockatoo trees that demonstrated some feed activity (note – not all active feed
trees) were known to occur on the site and surrounds (i.e. Lot 6 and Lot 9). Trees to be removed are to be
offset at a ratio of 8:1 by seed collection and subsequent replanting/re-establishment. The planted trees
are to be maintained for a period of three years.
Allocasuarina littoralis cones were collected from the site in November 2018 and taken to Florabunda
Nursery for storage and future propagation. This process has already been initiated. Planting of propagated
material is proposed in the various locations, including the landscaped/retained areas within and
immediately adjacent to the subject land, the proposed rehabilitation/offset site and within local parks and
open space areas.
Floribunda have established more than 800 tubestock, with approximately 100 set for planting in early
2021. These (100) will be planted at the stage 1 rehabilitation site immediately following site clearing and
preparedness. Additional stock (>150) 5 from Floribunda will be incorporated on the rehabilitation site as
soon as ready for planting.
As part of the State requirements for “threatened flora”, a report was prepared in accordance with the
State Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. No threatened
plants were recorded on the subject land.
One specimen of Macarthuria complanata and two specimens of Blandfordia grandiflora (Christmas bells)
were recorded adjacent to Lot 9, within Noosa National Park (Lot 147 NPW889). No other rare or
threatened species were located. Protective fencing (to avoid inadvertent clearing of threatened species
and vegetation to be retained) is to be implemented.
5
To meet the 8:1 planting ratio (i.e. target >200 plants on the rehabilitation site for stage 1).
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
4. RECEIVING SITE REHABILITATION
4.1 Description and Tenure
The receiver site is located within the Girraween Sports Complex and Nature Refuge located at 100 Eenie
Creek Road; Noosa Heads (off Wallum Lane) and formally known as Lot 1SP239726. This area is owned by
Council ensuring that the rehabilitation efforts will be preserved indefinitely and located within close
proximity to the translocation site. A formal survey has located the boundaries for the receiver site and
treatment areas (FIGURE B2).
4.2 Treatment Areas
The area designated within this lot to receive the translocation treatments is approximately 3ha of
degraded land mapped as Category X (i.e. non-remnant) vegetation under Queensland state mapping.
The site currently consists of a bare hillside in the southern portion (T1). The balance area comprises a
weed infested area with scattered/few emergent trees (T2).
The total area of the receiver site is approximately 3ha.
• T1 area is approximately 3000m2.
o Consists of dune hillside, bare of vegetation with sandy, low nutrient soil.
• T2 area is approximately 27000m2.
o Consists of slight slope, dominated with weedy understory and few emergent trees.
The surrounding vegetation consists of a similar regional ecosystem composition to the subject land. It is
made up of a 50/50 ratio of RE12.2.5 and RE12.2.9.
Proximity to the development site, similar land zone, similar surrounding ecology, opportunities/desire 6 for
rehabilitation and long-term ecological benefit and protection justifies the suitability of the rehabilitation
site.
4.3 Receiving Site Preparation
The receiver site is to be prepared prior to any clearing works at the Lot 6 of the subject land. The overall
works involve weed removal from the surrounding buffer areas, weed removal from the T2 area, scraping
away the top layer of organic material at T2 area to expose clean soil substrate, installation of a mulch bund
along the bottom of the hillside to T2 area and placement of coir logs over T1 area to aid soil retention.
Once translocated soil is placed over entire T1 and T2 area, an irrigation watering system is to be installed.
Access is to be granted from Council. Areas to be designated for equipment storage, staff parking,
emergency meeting point and emergency access will be set up and signed. The TPZ of trees outside the
boundary will have fenced temporary with “NO GO” or similar signage.
The T1 area requires an access track to be installed so that machinery is able to enter the area and spread
out the live top soil. Coir logs will be placed along contours of the T1 area and secured with stakes. This will
aid in retaining the live soil mix once placed on the hillside.
The T2 area will undergo extensive weed removal. An excavator will be used to remove the bulk of the
weedy lantana which will be mulched on site. Native trees will be retained with minimum diameter at
breast height (DBH) of 25cm. TPZ’s will be established as per AS4970: Protection of Trees on Development
Sites to ensure their survival throughout the works.
6
Note: part areas identified by Council as in need/preferred for rehabilitation.
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
TPZ’s will be established once the overhead height weed layer is removed and staff can access the trees. All
weed material will be mulched on site and used to create erosion control barriers around the site where
needed. The mulch will be treated for weeds via herbicide spray once laid in place.
The site will undergo earthworks via an excavator to expose bare sand /soil for the translocation material
to be placed upon and spread. All vegetative debris (waste) scraped off the receiver site will also be
stockpiled for a minimum of three months or taken to the local waste facility.
The stage 1 rehabilitation is to incorporate weed treatment across the entire rehabilitation area with
approximately 0.8ha of T2 (northwest) being rehabilitated with soil, seed and mulch from Lot 6.
4.4 Receiving Site Planting and Habitat Creation
Planting of canopy trees to be undertaken to achieve the following:
• approval conditions regarding cockatoo feed trees
• establish canopy/minimise competition with groundcover species
• recreate woodland ecosystem
• enhance koala habitat (i.e. planting of locally occurring suitable feed trees) in the locality
Once the stage 1 area has been covered with the translocated soil material, a minimum of 100 she-oak
trees (part of the offset glossy black-cockatoo trees) will be planted in the area. A minimum of 50 eucalypt
(and allied) species will also be planted as tube stock during this stage.
This will allow for trees to be included within the maintenance period. As works progress, consultation with
the landscape contractor/ecologist and Council will determine the final number and location of trees to be
planted.
Where possible, two glossy black-cockatoo nest boxes are to be installed in large (suitable) eucalypt trees.
4.5 Irrigation and Watering
A watering system is to be installed on the receiver site once stage 1 translocation works have been
completed. It will consist of a primary irrigation line to be installed along the top of the hill / western
boundary of T1 and T2 with secondary irrigation lines running from the main line throughout T1 and T2.
It will be connected to either a tank and pump system located at the northern point of T2 or connected via
a pipeline to a temporary water connection at the sewerage treatment plant. Water will be required to be
trucked to fill tanks if temporary water connection and access to recycled water from the sewerage
treatment plant is not obtained.
Infrastructure is to be put in place after all earthworks machinery is no longer needed on the site. Final
alignment of infrastructure will be decided on ground based on local conditions once works have been
completed. This system will allow watering to be done on an as needed basis over the 5 year maintenance
period.
The Receiving/Rehabilitation Site Set-out is provided 7 in FIGURE B4.
7
Set-out Figure updated with E.Pratt (Harmony Landscapes).
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
5. REHABILITATION ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Approval conditions require rehabilitation works to undergo a five year maintenance period.
The On-Maintenance period is proposed to start once the stage 1 area within T2 area has received the
translocated soil treatment and the ecologist and Council has signed off on the works. Once the
maintenance period has started, photo monitoring points will be established for reporting purposes and
operational works approval conditions.
In accordance with condition 12, the establishment of the vegetation offsets must be completed prior to
the commencement of the use of the first stage (i.e. Lot 6). As such, the “establishment” phase will be
deemed completed prior to the start of on-maintenance (i.e. once the initial practical works have been
completed for stage 1 rehabilitation area and balance area weed management).
Maintenance visits will occur every month for the first year. Each visit will involve recording presence or
absence of active regrowth/recruitment, photos from monitoring points, weed control requirements
(including to the surrounding buffer area), watering requirements, mulching requirements, sediment and
erosion control, reporting progress and any other items as needed.
This first year will determine whether the area requires enhancement planting dependent on the success of
the translocation works. Recommendations regarding further planting will be determined at the end of the
first year and will based on the rehabilitation performance.
For the balance of the maintenance period, quarterly maintenance visitation will occur (i.e. years 2-5) with
recording as per year 1.
At the end of the maintenance period it is proposed to have the area established with 90 - 95% native
vegetation cover and showing signs of returning to a self-sustaining ecosystem such as self-mulching,
indications that all levels of strata (ground, mid and canopy) are or likely to be present and fauna
recruitment to the area (refer Section 6).
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
6. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND MONITORING
Monitoring of performance criteria is to occur annually for years 1-5. Performance criteria are based on
practical target outcomes for the rehabilitation following discussions with Council (and in accordance with
the approval condition requirements). Overall Performance Targets to be achieved are as follows:
• Weeds (low)
• Establishment of native species (high)
• Survival of planted trees (high)
An initial report detailing the finished works and photo monitoring points will be completed once the On
Maintenance period has started (i.e. year 0).
Yearly reporting (years 1-5) will include the following:
• species list of all flora present within the treatment areas
• weed composition
• planted offset tree survival
• photos taken from the photo monitoring points
• other works (e.g. enhancement works, watering, weed control, etc.)
Specific Performance Criteria as follows:
Year One – 12 months after On Maintenance:
i. Planted trees (i.e. koala feed trees) have achieved an average height of 1m.
ii. Planted shrubs/small trees (i.e. cockatoo feed trees) have achieved an average height of 0.5m.
Year Two/Three/Four – 24-72 months after On Maintenance:
i. Planted trees (i.e. koala feed trees) have achieved an average height of 2m.
i. Planted shrubs/small trees (i.e. cockatoo feed trees) have achieved an average height of 1m.
Year Five – 60 months - Final Off Maintenance:
i. Planted trees (i.e. koala feed trees) have achieved an average height of 3m.
ii. Planted shrubs/small trees (i.e. cockatoo feed trees) have achieved an average height of 2m.
iii. Plant density shading out and/or self-mulching.
The duration of the on-maintenance period:
i. Adherence to maintenance regime for rehabilitation areas.
ii. No evidence of woody weeds reshooting from stumps, poisoned trees or the regrowth of cut
stumps.
iii. No evidence of over-weeding or impact on non-target species.
iv. Signs of indigenous recruitment in rehabilitation areas.
v. Weed infestations less than 5% of the rehabilitation areas.
vi. Any failed plants within the previous 12 month period have been replaced.
vii. Healthy and vigorous growth allowed to grow to full form.
viii. Mulch layer sufficient to suppress weeds.
Ongoing liaison between contractors, project ecologist and Council is encouraged.
Reporting to Council for compliance with rehabilitation objectives is to be the responsibility of project
ecologist. An example monitoring sheet is provided as APPENDIX B1 (Monitoring Sheet - Rehabilitation).
Initial discussions with the local university indicates potential opportunities for rehabilitation research. This
to be further investigated by Blue Care and project ecologist following initiation of On Maintenance period.
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
ATTACHMENTS
• Figure B1 – Receiving Site Landscape
• Figure B2 – Receiving Site Treatment Areas
• Figure B3 – Transport Route
• Figure B4 – Receiving Site Set-out
• Appendix B1 - Monitoring Sheet – Rehabilitation
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Rehabilitation
Area
FIGURE B1 – Receiving/Rehabilitation Site Locality
Rehabilitation Area (red dashed line approximate)
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FIGURE B2 [OCR of page images] gths are in Metres. 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 120 6130 140 Client — Contour Interval Local Authority — group Lend Lease - NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL _ Level Datum Locality — Poiet~ FIGURE B2 NOOSA HEADS OWTN)EGS || sunrise Beach RL & AC Project [Harzorta!Datum/Werdion —|Scae(a3) | Surveyor] brated 5 PI MGA 1:1000_| HG BJ urveyors - anners - . cep pe Horizontal Co Ordinate System | Date Surveyed Date Drafted Development Consultants Staking for rehabilitation areas T/ & 72 21/11/2018 | 26/11/2018 in part of Lot | on SP239726 Level Origin Sunshine Coast * Toowoomba * Western Downs www.downes.com.au A.C.N. 010 841 639 OPM 138558 RL 15.009m
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Lot 6
Rehabilitation
Area
FIGURE B3 – Public Road - Transport Route (shaded blue)
Subject Land (Lot 6 Development Site) to Rehabilitation (Receiver) Site (red hatching)
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Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 6
Stage 1 Rehabilitation (0.8ha)
FIGURE B4 – Receiving Site Set-out
Stage 1 area identified by white dashed outline
(updated in 2021 from original Arborcare Queensland, 2018)
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APPENDIX B1 - REPORTING CRITERIA/SHEET – BLUE CARE PROJECT REHABILITATION
Date: Reporter: Year: 0 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 Area: T1 - T2
Item Target Criteria Measure/Unit Achieved
GENERAL
Fencing Protection fencing intact Visual
Stabilisation/ No evidence of erosion/stable Visual/Photograph/
Erosion landscape Record erosion
Fauna Habitat Logs in place Unit/visual
Mulch Intact Visual
VEGETATION
Species List Attached
Rehabilitation zones
Unit/Area Count
Weeds significantly weed free (<5%)
No woody weeds
High (90%) survival of planted
Trees Unit count
stock
Planted Trees Height 1-2-3m Unit
Planted Small Trees Height 0.5-1-2m Unit
Natural Recruitment Signs Visual/Species/Unit
PHOTO POINTS
# Attach Photo Record
RECOMMENDATIONS/RECTIFICATION/NOTES