2014-07-22 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    22 JULY 2014


While some residents may raise concerns about the removal of the mango trees, given they
are highly prominent features, mango trees are not specifically identified for retention by The
Noosa Plan. Furthermore, the applicant is proposing to replace the existing mature mango
trees in the courtyard with a replacement tree (poinciana), which is specifically mentioned by
The Noosa Plan as having character values to the Tewantin area. Mature poinciana trees
are located along both the Poinciana Avenue and Sidoni Street road frontages. The owner
has also confirmed that ex-ground Poinciana trees are able to be sourced for replanting,
thus providing for instant shading to the atrium area.
While Council’s Ecologist has some concerns with the evidence presented in the arborist
report claiming the existing trees are causing structural damage, it is agreed that the mango
trees are lifting pavers and causing some concern due to the ongoing maintenance burden.
Mango trees are not generally an appropriate landscape species for high traffic areas and
the Poinciana trees would be preferable and consistent with the existing landscape character
of the Tewantin Business Centre. In addition, the roots of the replacement trees can be
planted with appropriate root barriers, to protect the existing buildings and underground
services.
It is considered that the applicant’s current proposal to replace the trees with suitably sized
character trees does not unduly offend the Specific Outcomes of the Tewantin & Doonan
Locality. The application is therefore recommended for approval.
4.      CONSULTATION
4.1. IDAS Referral Agencies
Nil
4.2. Other Referrals
The application was forwarded to Council’s Ecologist, with their assessment forming part of
the report.
4.3. Public Notification
Not Applicable

Departments/Sections Consulted:

      Community Services                     X   Planning & Infrastructure
      Disaster Management & Public Order         Building & Plumbing Services
      Waste & Environmental Health           X   DA Planning
      Community Facilities                       Strategic Land Use Planning
      Cultural Facilities                        Asset Design & Investigations
                                                 Asset Planning

                                                 Civil Operations
                                                 Environment
                                             X
      Executive Office                           Corporate Services
      Community Engagement                       Finance
      Customer Service                           ICT
      Executive Support                          Procurement & Fleet
      Governance                                 Property & Facilities
      Human Resources                            Revenue Services




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