Negotiated Report MCU21 0110.pdf

                      j.   Details of all fencing and gates (including but not limited to height, construction type,
                           materials);

                      k. Details of tree protection methods provided by a qualified person* to be engaged to
                         protect trees identified within the conditions of this approval in particular vegetation
                         located within the mapped Koala Habitat Area to the north of the development site.

                      l.   Native trees of a minimum pot size of 100L to replace existing trees to be
                           removed from the site, at the rate of 1 replacement tree for every tree removed
                           that has a diameter greater than 200mm measured at 1.2 metres from ground
                           surface level.

                      m. Vegetated screening of any electrical transformers, bin storage areas and the like from
                         the road frontage.

                      n. Vegetation offsets in accordance with the recommendations Gondwana Ecology letter
                           dated 9 February 2023.

               Applicant’s comments:

               Some of the existing mature vegetation provides valuable screening and amenity to the site and it
               is intended to retain the existing trees, where possible. Full removal and replacement with new
               low-flammable plantings may have unintended environmental and visual amenity impacts.

               It is suggested the condition be amended to make it clear the requirement for 100% less flammable
               plant species applies to new landscaping only and to the north of the Resort Hotel fronting Noosa
               Drive. Confirm that retention of existing mature vegetation within this 20m area is intended even if
               the species are not classified as ‘less flammable’.

               There are compelling horticultural, environmental, and practical reasons why smaller native trees
               outperform larger 100L trees in the medium to long term.

                      •    The smaller trees establish root systems faster after transplanting as they suffer less root
                           disturbance, adapt more quickly to site conditions, and begin new root growth almost
                           immediately. A 100L pot size tree experience transplant shock and studies show it can
                           take 2-3 years for that size tree to match the health and vigour of smaller stock.
                      •    Smaller trees have much lower mortality and maintenance requirements.
                      •    The smaller stock also has a better root-to-shoot ratio i.e. the larger tree tends to have
                           an overdeveloped canopy relative to root mass leading to instability, windthrow risk, and
                           poor long-term form.
                      •    Native trees at 100L size may be difficult to source and the selected species and health
                           of the tree may be compromised.
                      •    The 100L trees are significantly more expensive and costly to transport.

               Accordingly, the requirement of 100L trees imposes an unnecessary cost and risk and smaller
               native trees enhances growth performance, improves survival and adaption, and delivers a better
               long-term landscape outcome.

               The landscaping and tree planning undertaken for the existing development demonstrates the level
               of commitment by the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort to this issue, which has been established
               for over 20 years.

               Applicant’s request:




Document Set ID: 23969548
Version: 5, Version Date: 30/07/2025


[OCR of page images]
j. Details of all fencing and gates (including but not limited to height, construction type,
materials);

k. Details of tree protection methods provided by a qualified person* to be engaged to
protect trees identified within the conditions of this approval in particular vegetation
located within the mapped Koala Habitat Area to the north of the development site.

|. Native trees of a minimum pot size of 100L to replace existing trees to be
removed from the site, at the rate of 1 replacement tree for every tree removed
that has a diameter greater than 200mm measured at 1.2 metres from ground
surface level.

m. Vegetated screening of any electrical transformers, bin storage areas and the like from
the road frontage.

n. Vegetation offsets in accordance with the recommendations Gondwana Ecology letter
dated 9 February 2023.

Applicant’s comments:

Some of the existing mature vegetation provides valuable screening and amenity to the site and it
is intended to retain the existing trees, where possible. Full removal and replacement with new
low-flammable plantings may have unintended environmental and visual amenity impacts.

It is suggested the condition be amended to make it clear the requirement for 100% less flammable
plant species applies to new landscaping only and to the north of the Resort Hotel fronting Noosa
Drive. Confirm that retention of existing mature vegetation within this 20m area is intended even if
the species are not classified as ‘less flammable’.

There are compelling horticultural, environmental, and practical reasons why smaller native trees
outperform larger 100L trees in the medium to long term.

e The smaller trees establish root systems faster after transplanting as they suffer less root
disturbance, adapt more quickly to site conditions, and begin new root growth almost
immediately. A 100L pot size tree experience transplant shock and studies show it can
take 2-3 years for that size tree to match the health and vigour of smaller stock.

e Smaller trees have much lower mortality and maintenance requirements.

e The smaller stock also has a better root-to-shoot ratio i.e. the larger tree tends to have
an overdeveloped canopy relative to root mass leading to instability, windthrow risk, and
poor long-term form.

e Native trees at 100L size may be difficult to source and the selected species and health
of the tree may be compromised.

e The 100L trees are significantly more expensive and costly to transport.

Accordingly, the requirement of 100L trees imposes an unnecessary cost and risk and smaller
native trees enhances growth performance, improves survival and adaption, and delivers a better
long-term landscape outcome.

The landscaping and tree planning undertaken for the existing development demonstrates the level

of commitment by the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort to this issue, which has been established
for over 20 years.

Applicant’s request:

Document Set ID: 23969548
Version: 5, Version Date: 30/07/2025