2020-02-17 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                              17 FEBRUARY 2020


     ii.    avoiding fragmentation; and
     iii.   maintaining vegetation in manageable and viable configurations.
Specific Outcome O2
For the purpose of Reconfiguring a Lot new lots are only created where they minimise the
fragmentation and maximise the retention of existing vegetation.
Specific Outcome O7:
Development is designed, constructed and operated to—
a)   avoid adverse impacts on koalas and koala habitat;
b)   provide measures to assist the survival of koala populations in the area to mitigate any
     potential threats or risks to koalas;
c)   provide for safe and appropriate koala movement across the landscape; and
d)   provide for a net gain in mature and actively regenerating koala habitat.
Specific Outcome O11:
Habitat trees (including dead trees) and recruitment habitat trees are protected for native fauna
habitat, where practicable.
The application has not demonstrated that these outcomes are achieved as it is proposed to
completely clear lots 4 - 6 and 8 – 16, with the exception of 6 metres of vegetation to the front of
lots 6, 9 and 10. Clearing will also occur on the remaining areas of the site when the lots are
developed and/or further subdivided. As such, the proposal will adversely impact on koala
habitat, does not maximise the retention of existing vegetation and proposes to prematurely clear
significant vegetation.
The site is covered by the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay in the draft Noosa
Plan. The Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code in the draft Noosa Plan also
reinforces the outcomes sought under the current scheme and includes outcomes which seek to
minimise adverse impacts on koalas and their habitat.
4.   COMMUNITY INTEREST
The application is subject to code assessment and therefore is not subject to public notification.
The Planning Act 2016 limits the assessment to the assessment benchmarks within the planning
scheme and matters prescribed by regulation (i.e. State Planning Policy). There is no opportunity
for Council to consider any other relevant matter, including submissions.
Nevertheless due to the significance of the application and visibility within the media
communication has been received raising the following issues:
   Impact of the development on existing residential development within Hofmann Drive;
   The proposed development will result in the loss of a significant amount of native
     vegetation and will impact on wildlife, particularly koala habitat;
   A decision on the application should not be made whilst legislation and policy reform are
     likely in Queensland;
   Not appropriate for residential development adjacent to noisy loading dock which contains
     powerful industrial lighting;
   Hofmann Drive is a No-Through Road and it is not appropriate to direct traffic from a major
     arterial road down a quiet residential street. Heavy and commercial vehicles will use the
     extended Hofmann Drive as will vehicles using it as a short cut;
   Council should purchase the land for conservation purposes;
   Laws will be changing regarding residential development in bushfire hazard zones;
   Lots too small and not enough car parking



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