2016-12-12 General Committee - Attachment 1 to Item 6 - Biodiversity Assessment Report

                                                 Noosa Biodiversity Plan – Biodiversity Assessment Report




    •   Proportional analyses of values (comparing Noosa statistics with SEQ region) to determine high
        and exceptional values
    •   Detailed analysis of land clearing patterns and rates using Statewide Landcover and Trees Study
        (SLATS) data
    •   Time series analysis to identify trends in clearing rates and waterway degradation
    •   Combined analysis to determine biodiversity significance
    •   Analysis of development risk
    •   Climate change vulnerability analysis.

The foundation of the approach was to identify, map and rank biodiversity values and threats that are
important and noteworthy to the Noosa region (refer to diagram below). The mapping provided a spatial
illustration of the distribution of values and risks across the shire, whilst the ranking allowed for areas of
conservation significance to be identified and prioritised.

For the biodiversity values map a composite vegetation community and condition map was initially
prepared. This integrated current RE Mapping and fine-scale vegetation mapping previously
commissioned by Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC), which was further refined and updated
utilising latest spatial imagery. This composite mapping provided a base, which was attributed by
representative biodiversity values and scored according to level of significance. An overall ranked
biodiversity value map was then produced from the accumulated biodiversity value scores.

For the risk map both climate change vulnerability and development risk were individually mapped.
Climate change vulnerability was mapped and ranked according to anticipated exposure and sensitivity
of BVGs to key climate change impacts such as sea level rise, bushfire and increased temperature and
evaporation. Risk (likelihood and severity) of development and associated impacts such as vegetation
clearing and habitat fragmentation was based on current Council land use zoning.

Areas of conservation significance or key conservation issues identified in the analysis were further
considered in relation to existing statutory and non-statutory protection measures. Conservation issues
or areas lacking existing protection or considered to be of relevance to local government planning were
highlighted as key priority issues to be addressed through targeted actions in the Biodiversity
Conservation Plan.

A detailed reference list is provided that lists the primary documents used in this study, while Appendix
F provides a detailed summary of the spatial data sets that were both used and generated. A detailed
methodology of how the composite vegetation mapping and biodiversity values mapping was compiled
and refined is also provided in Appendix F.

The study approach as well as the context of the Biodiversity Assessment Report is illustrated in the
diagram below.




  © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD                                                                          15