2018-07-10 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                         10 JULY 2018


Council’s consulting arborist also notes that the report of the applicant’s arborist:
      …..although providing a completed ISA Tree Risk Assessment form it does not fully justify
      the site findings within the body of the report with any additional proof of the alleged issues.
      It does not explore the option for remedial action that would prolong the life of the tree and
      allow new vegetation to grow and replace it over time.
      The report does not make reference to the requirement that was placed on the tree to be
      protected and retained within the current development nor does it take into consideration
      the approved development works or any intrusion into the tree’s root area that may have
      occurred.
Based on a preliminary visual assessment Council’s consulting arborist has advised that the tree
can be retained and recommends the following:
1.    Undertake an advanced arboricultural inspection of the root plate and collar in accordance
      with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment procedure. Findings to be presented to Noosa Council
      for consideration.
Where the tree is deemed for retention the following items are required to be addressed to
ensure the tree remains in the landscape long term.
62.   Undertake pruning works to reduce canopy sail area and end weight loading (as suggested
      by ATCAC) within the subject tree report. These works will require Noosa Council approval
      as they are likely to remove more than 20% live foliage but could extend the retention
      suitability of the tree to allow replacement planting to establish.
63.   Undertake a site meeting with all occupiers of the site to convey details of the subject tree.
64.   Adherence to the recommendations laid out in AS4970-2009 Protection of trees on
      development sites throughout the remaining build.
65.   Establish a Tree Protection Zone as per AS4970 requirements.
66.   Any disturbance to the tension side / high side of the tree T28, including landscaping
      works, must be undertaken under the direction of the Project Arborist. Disturbance may
      lead to erosion of the sandy soils.
67.   Regular inspection and monitoring of the tree’s structural condition and potential for
      trunk/root plate movement with photographic and recorded evidence. Monitoring is to be
      undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced AQF Level 5 Arborist and presented in
      a report
68.   As a precaution prior to completing the mitigation measures, it recommended that the deck
      area is vacated during a weather event with high winds to avoid potential impact from the
      subject tree, and others within the site, that are within falling distance.
The tree currently forms an important part of the vegetated backdrop to main beach and its
retention is the preferred outcome. It is recognised the works that have already been undertaken
have the potential to impact on the stability of the tree. Importantly Council’s consultant arborist
has identified that it is reasonable for the tree to be retained on the basis that advanced
arboriculture assessment be undertaken and there is on-going inspection and monitoring of the
tree. It is noted that the advanced arboriculture assessment may result in a recommendation that
the tree be removed.
The works that have already occurred have included the removal of the vegetation above the
footprint of the subterranean access path. The vegetation removed consisted of planted
understory vegetation.
Council’s Environment Officer advises that it is possible for the area above the access path to be
re-planted with species native to the locality. The re-planting will restore the area with species
which stabilise the slope and provide a visual screen of the development when viewed from Main
Beach.


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