2021-06-17 OM Agenda - Item 2 - Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan 2021-2026

4. Bushland Reserve Values
Within Noosa Council’s bushland reserve network there exists a range of values that are highly
regarded by the Noosa community.                            Figure 5 - Regional Ecosystems represented
                                                               in Noosa bushland reserves

4.1    Biodiversity values
Biodiversity values within Noosa Shire have been recently
documented in the Noosa Biodiversity Plan. Key values are
summarised as:

     Approximately 55% of the shire is covered in native
      vegetation (46.8% classified remnant (Eco Logical
      2016), with >40,000 ha in remnant condition.
     A diverse range of vegetation communities, which
      can be classified into 61 Regional Ecosystems (REs).
      While Noosa Shire comprises 3.9% of the total area
      of SEQ, it contains representations of 39% of the
      REs that can occur in the bioregion. Refer Figure 5.
     Unique ecosystems including rare sub-tropical
      examples of patterned fens, coastal lagoon systems,
      sand lakes and dune systems.
     A number of ecological communities, flora and fauna
      species that are recognised and protected under
      state and federal environmental law, including the
      critically endangered lowland rainforest community.
     A large diversity of wildlife and plants (~1,340 species
      of plants and 348 species of terrestrial vertebrate
      animals). At least 217 species of birds, 45 species of
      reptiles, 55 species of mammals, and 31 species of
      frogs are known from the area. This includes
      endemic species and Gondwanan relicts.
     Habitat for key and iconic fauna species including
      Koala, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Water Mouse,
      Ground Parrot, Coxen’s Fig Parrot, acid frogs,
      Cooloola Blind Snake, sea turtles, migratory
      shorebird species, Mary River Cod and Australian
      Lungfish.
     Critical habitats, including internationally recognised
      migratory bird habitats of conservation importance,
      and sea turtle nesting sites.
     A highly connected network of core habitat areas
      from a diverse cross-section of ecosystem types and
      altitudinal ranges.
     The healthiest river system in the SEQ region.
     A network of diverse wetlands which are in good ecological condition and encompass over
      16,000 ha. Many are recognised as being of national or state significance.
     An extensive protected reserve system that plays a critical role in conservation management
      across the SEQ region. Over one third of the shire is covered by protected reserves, the
      largest being Great Sandy National Park.


Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021 – 2026                                  Page 12