6. Noosa River DMP Ver0 (Combined)

6        Offset Liability
Under the Queensland offsets framework, development must first avoid environmental impacts
to matters of environmental significance, and then mitigate any unavoidable residual impact.
Offsets compensate for any residual unavoidable loss of environmental values.

If neither of the options for minimising impacts to the mangrove (Tree 3), as described previously
are adopted, the survivability of this specimen is uncertain. As such, it has to be assumed that
this plant will be damaged or destroyed.
Where the provisions of State Code 11 – Removal, Destruction or Damage of Marine Plants
cannot be met (Appendix B), offsets are applicable where there is a significant residual impact.
The Significant Residual Impact Guidelines (State of Queensland, 2014) state that a significant
residual impact will occur if there is a reduction in the extent of marine plants through their
removal.

Environmental offsets are undertaken to counterbalance the impacts of the development on fish
habitat. Section 76IA of the Fisheries Act 1994 provides examples of offsets including:

     •     An environmental offset to enhance or rehabilitate a fish habitat;
     •     The exchange of another fish habitat for a fish habitat affected by the development; and
     •     A contribution to fish habitat research.

Marine vegetation loss is calculated by the area of disturbance. The single mangrove impacted
by this proposal has a canopy spread of approximately 9 m2. Offsets for fish habitat may attract
a multiplier determined in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
(DAFF). For example, this may be 1:1 for fish habitat restoration or 5:1 for fish habitat exchange.

Should offsets be required, an agreed delivery arrangement will be needed between the
proponent and DAFF. An Offset Delivery Report is required to specify how the offsets will be
delivered.




Noosa River                                                                                Page 15
Marine Plant Impact Assessment
Project Number: BC-20067