2021-04-06 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                         6 APRIL 2021


     Vegetation
Performance Outcome PO5 of the Noosa Heads Local Plan Code seeks to retain the existing mature
trees, character vegetation and habitat. Pre-lodgement notes indicate that Council officers advised
that, in particular, at least three of the existing Hoop Pines should be retained on site as well as
investigate the retention of further trees where possible including 4 Canarywood near the existing
driveway and several Brushbox.
The applicant has provided a tree works plan and arborists report in relation to the viability of
retention of these trees. The arborist report indicates that the retention of 3 of the larger Hoop Pines
is not viable due to the tree protection zone likely to be significantly compromised by construction
activities. If these were to be retained, the arborist has indicated constant limb loss may result from
removal of other nearby vegetation.
Figure 9 shows an extract from the arborist’s report identifying those trees which may reasonably be
retained and those which will require removal. The two Hoop Pines which would be removed are
numbered 63 & 67 while White Cypress (12, 20, 57 & 68) are either too close to the boundary or are
identified with poor form. Two Brushbox (34 & 35) are also identified for removal as each of these
are within the building footprint or damaged. The arborist has also indicated that there are several
other trees which could reasonably be retained that have not been mapped.




                         Figure 9: Trees recommended to be retained and removed

Despite being located adjacent to the Noosa National Park and prominence in the streetscape, the
existing trees on the site are not mapped by either the Noosa Plan or State mapping for possessing
significant environmental value. The applicant has provided a vegetation assessment report which
confirms that the vegetation is non-remnant and is not significant koala area due to the absence of
significant Koala food trees. The subject site is also located outside the State Planning Policy and
Noosa Plan bushfire hazard mapping area.




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