Updated EMP Stage 2_Grasstree Court April 2023

2023 Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 9




     VEGETATION AND FAUNA MANAGEMENT PLAN – Stage 2

                                               Prepared for Blue Care


                                   Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach, Qld, 4567

                                                   Lot 9 RP 252905



     1. INTRODUCTION
The overall objects of the vegetation management and fauna management plan (VMFP) is to ensure:


     •    inadvertent vegetation clearing (i.e. protection of vegetation identified for retention) is avoided;
     •    appropriate instruction/direction regarding vegetation clearing;
     •    there is no injury to fauna during clearing operations; and
     •    direction/recommendations for lighting and fencing design that accommodates fauna.


     2. GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO TREES

2.1 Active Feed Tree Identification
Over several days in October/November 2018 active feed trees (Allocasuarina littoralis) were identified by the
evidence of orts (i.e. chewed she-oak cones).

IMPORTANT NOTE - a conservative approach was taken by identifying a “feed tree” even if only a few (i.e. <5 orts were located).
These trees are highly likely not used for actual feeding and would be considered “test” or “sample” trees. Nevertheless, these
were included for completeness. Feed trees were categorised (level of use based on fresh and number of orts) as low (<20), mid
(20-50) and high (>50). Trees were flagged on site and surveyed by Downes Group.
Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2020 confirmed that several of the “feed” trees are no longer used.
Comprehensive surveys in January 2021 across Lot 6, Lot 9 and the surrounding land confirmed the use of the trees is significantly
less than in 2018 and no feeding activity was recorded at many of the “original trees”.

A total of 71 trees were identified in 2018 either within or immediately adjacent to the subject land (refer Figure A1 –
GBC Tree Location). These trees are NOT all active feed trees and in 2021 many show little use – refer note above.

Glossy black-cockatoo trees and activity on site and in the locality were discussed with Bob Carey (Noosa Resident),
Gabriel Conroy (University of Sunshine Coast) and Council officers.

The development approval conditions do not require any Glossy black-cockatoo trees to be retained on the subject
land. However, following the detailed tree survey, discussions with Council and community, investigation into the
potential for tree retention was considered. The design for Lot 6 has been amended, to accommodate feed trees. Of
those surveyed, 13 (11 on subject land) feed trees will be retained. Several feed trees (confirmed in 2021) that occur
in areas surrounding the subject land will be retained. The retention of these trees (and associated landscaping) has
been considered as part of the bushfire management strategy.


2.2 Seed Collection and Propagation
In 2018 a total of 71 she-oak trees that had some evidence of feed activity are known to occur on the site and
surrounds. Trees to be removed are to be offset at a ratio of 8:1 by seed collection and subsequent replanting/re-
establishment. The planted trees are to be maintained for a period of three years.

Allocasuarina littoralis cones were collected from the site on 22nd November 2018. Seed predominantly from the feed
trees 36, 63, 68, 62, 57 and 68 were obtained by specialists from Arborcare Queensland and Florabunda Nursery.



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