Attachment H - Environmental Values Assesment

Summary of Environmental Values

A Flora and Fauna Survey has been undertaken by Noosa District Landcare in September 2019. This site survey was
undertaken in relation to the proposed Hinterland Playground to the south of Cooroy Creek, and identified species on and
adjacent to the site and assessed habitat values of the site and surrounds. Environmental values attributed to the site include:

Amenity:
    Scenic amenity – green space, waterway, riparian vegetation, etc.
    Parkland – used for community events, RV parking, public uses and connection to Timber Mill activities to the north
         of the site and library to the east of the site.
    Entry sign and historic water tank add to rustic visual amenity of Cooroy.

Water:
    Cooroy Creek and its riparian vegetation form the north and north-western boundary to the site.
    Water quality of standing water appeared good – water was clear, no algal growth, presence of macroinvertebrates.
    Overland flow paths through vegetated swale and grass areas to the creek.

Fauna:
    A total of two mammal species, thirty bird species, one amphibian species, one fish species and one invertebrate
       species (see Attachment A), were found during the survey.
    Fish habitat - DAF mapping shows tributary to be a High (Red) Risk waterway, and Cooroy Creek has pools and riffle
       systems to support fish life – see Figure 5.
    Mature Eucalypt trees in the survey area are considered “habitat trees” and provide roosting, perching and foraging
       resources.
    Leaf litter, hollow logs, log piles and wood debris present provides good habitat for small reptiles and litter foraging
       invertebrates.
    Cooroy Creek has ponded water which may provide fish-free breeding habitat for EVNT listed frog species.
    Ponded water also supported the short fin eel activity observed on site.
    Presence of weeds and ornamentals in the retained vegetation impacts on the quality of fauna habitat values.




           FIGURE 5:                            Cooroy Creek



X:\JOBS\CT Projects in progress\2001 env reports for cooroy playground
carparks\Correspondence\Reports\ENV\Playground\EnvironmentalValues_BiodiversityOverlay_Report_HinterlandPlayground.doc   pg. 5