Updated EMP Stage 2_Grasstree Court April 2023

2023 Ecological Management Plan – Grasstree Court – Lot 9



     4. FAUNA MANAGEMENT

     4.1 Pre-clearing
A qualified fauna-spotter (holding an appropriate State-approved rehabilitation permit) is to be appointed before
commencement of clearing. Pre-clearing fauna management measures are to include the following, as a minimum:

     •    Inspection of habitat on site within areas to be cleared.
     •    Identification of habitat trees (i.e. trees that have the potential to harbour fauna).
     •    Protective fencing installed to identify protected and clearing areas.
     •    Tree protection fencing must provide for the evacuation of fauna to retained habitat. Any gaps between
          fencing panels must not exceed 1m.
     •    Fauna spotter to be cognisant of koalas in the landscape and koala management measures in accordance
          with State guidelines.
     •    Fauna-spotter to attend pre-start meeting.
     •    Signage warning of fauna presence and speed limits (30km/hr) to be installed.


DERM customer service centre is to be notified (phone or email) at least five business days prior to commencement of
any clearing of koala habitat trees on the subject site of the date clearing is to commence and the koala spotter to be
used.

As an additional measure 7, it is also proposed to undertake pre-clearing surveys/fauna to allow for relocation of small
mammals, such as bushrats, melomys, antechinus, bandicoots, etc. if they occur. The exercise would incorporate a
three-night trapping program incorporating Elliott traps (small and large) and cage traps (or otherwise deemed
appropriate by a suitably qualified ecologist). Any trapped animals will be relocated further south, i.e. in the same
vegetation community, but well to the south of the site. The trapping would be undertaken by an ecologist with
appropriate experience and recognised State permits for this activity. The trapping/relocation exercise would occur
within a week prior to clearing.


     4.2 Clearing & Construction
The fauna-spotter is to be on site during clearing of all vegetation. Fauna management measures during clearing are
to include the following, as a minimum:

     •    Directional clearing is to occur, i.e. clear from development area towards “conservation” areas (i.e. to the
          south and west for Lot 9) (refer Section 5).
     •    Habitat features to be checked for fauna prior to clearing.
     •    Habitat features such as hollow-bearing branches/logs are to be salvaged and re-located within the buffer
          area.
     •    Ongoing liaison with Civil Contractor and clearing contractors regarding fauna and vegetation clearing
          methods.
     •    Throughout clearing, the fauna-spotter is to capture, and release fauna as required.
     •    In the event of an injury to fauna, the fauna-spotter is to deal with the animal appropriately and/or have
          treated at local veterinary surgery or registered wildlife carer, as necessary (note below details).
     •    No domestic pets (including dogs, cats) allowed on the site during construction.

The Eumundi Wildlife Centre is the nearest wildlife rehabilitation facility (1411 Eumundi-Noosa Road, Eumundi – tel.
5442 8057) and the nearest vet is the Sunshine Beach Vet (46 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach – tel. 5447 4569).


     4.3 Habitat Creation
While not a condition of approval, following discussions with Council, it is proposed to install a permanent water
feature within the landscaping area/s of the Lot 9 development. This may take the form of birdbaths/ponds or similar
structures that are incorporated into the landscaping features creating a permanent source of water.



7 Not a requirement of State/Council approval conditions or approved EMP, but recommended as a best practice exercise.

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