Attachment H - Environmental Values Assesment

3.0         SUMMARY

In summary:

           The retained vegetation provides good habitat values with impacts from historical uses, contaminated land, weed
            incursion, stormwater flows and proximity to Commercial and Community areas of the Cooroy Township.

           Due to the presence of ponded water and vegetation type, it is expected the site is able to support listed frog
            species: Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis), which has previously been found near the site.

           The presence of Toothed kamala (Mallotus megadontus) a Vulnerable listed plant species adjacent to Cooroy
            Creek highlights the environmental values of the riparian vegetation.

           The proposed development will not result in clearing any existing native vegetation on site. . It is noted, that if clearing
            is required following detailed design, requirements under the VMA 1999 should be checked, as well as determining if
            any koala trees fall within any proposed clearing areas.

           Although no cultural heritage sites are listed for the Gubbi Gubbi traditional owners, the proximity to a creek means
            there are cultural heritage values for this site.

           The works do not impact on vegetation, but encroach into mapped areas of Riparian Buffer and encroach slightly into
            areas of Environmental Protection as per the Biodiversity Overlay Code of the Noosa Plan.

Overall the works are proposed to be located in existing areas clear of vegetation. The landscaping of the site with native species
will also increase the density of native vegetation within the mapped riparian buffer area, which is a positive contribution to the
area.

The resulting new hardstand areas could have an adverse impact on water quality of Cooroy Creek, however it is proposed to
install a number of treatment systems throughout the new Hinterland Playground to treat stormwater flows to achieve the
accepted pollutant targets. The treatment systems include biopods, treepits, the existing vegetated swale and a bioswale to
achieve the target reductions. This overall improvement in the quality of stormwater entering Cooroy Creek, will improve water
quality in the creek, which in turn will contribute to improving habitat values of the creek.

If you require any further information, please contact me on 5474 9081 or 0401 570 753.

Yours faithfully,
Callaghan & Toth




Jane Davissen BE Environmental
Senior Environmental Engineer

Please view www.callaghanandtoth.com.au for all information on our company profile and terms and conditions for services rendered.




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carparks\Correspondence\Reports\ENV\Playground\EnvironmentalValues_BiodiversityOverlay_Report_HinterlandPlayground.doc               pg. 17