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

                                                  Noosa Biodiversity Plan – Biodiversity Assessment Report




 Council engaged the University of the Sunshine Coast-Dog Detection Centre, to conduct surveys and
 build on current knowledge of the distribution of koalas across the Shire. This information was then
 used to update local Koala Habitat Maps and Koala Threat Maps. The Koala Threat Maps identify
 areas of potential risk to koalas. This enables Council to consider planning and management actions
 that may help mitigate threats to this important species and protect koalas in perpetuity. Through
 funding from the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation®, the University has also commenced a Koala
 Health Mapping research project which will further assist with informing Council and community
 actions.




        6.2   En v i ro n m en t L ev y L a nd Ac q u i sit io n P ro g r am
The Environment Levy Program provides an important funding source for a range of strategic
environmental initiatives. Key aims of the Levy are to:


    •    Protect environmentally significant areas through land acquisition.
    •    Support Council's VCA Program where such involvement adds to the protection and
         enhancement of biodiversity and wildlife corridors on private rural properties throughout the shire.
    •    Provide funding to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust so that Noosa Biosphere Reserve
         Foundation Ltd may undertake projects that are in keeping with the purpose of the Levy.

 Noosa’s Environment Levy secures significant riverside land parcel

 Noosa Council has secured a significant riverside land parcel for conservation in a major environment
 levy purchase. The 100-hectare property, off McKinnon Drive, contains remnant koala habitat, provides
 an important linkage with the riparian corridor along the western side of Noosa River and will help
 protect water quality. The land parcel, situated on the banks of Noosa River and Cooloothin Creek,
 overlooks Lake Cootharaba.

 Although much of the site was previously cleared, vegetation had substantially regrown, and this level
 of protection will allow it to naturally regenerate. This is a significant strategic acquisition because it
 provides an important link with the riparian and wildlife corridors along the western side of Noosa River
 and complements the biodiversity values of nearby Cooloola National Park.

 This purchase will also protect koala habitat from the threat of development and potentially provide a
 favourable environment for this species.




  © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD                                                                         87