2018-12-20 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                       20 DECEMBER 2018


Site Planning and Environmental Considerations
Noosa Plan 2006
The site is located in the Tewantin and Doonan Locality and is included in the Community Services
Zone. The land to the east containing the Tewantin Cemetery is also included in the Community
Services Zone, with a small portion to the north being included in the Open Space Conservation
Zone. The land currently enjoys existing use rights for an educational establishment, to the extent
that is was developed for the purposes of a TAFE.

The Tewantin and Doonan Locality assessment table identifies a wide range of code and impact
assessable uses noted against the “Community” use zone.

Environmental Considerations
The site is identified by the Noosa Plan’s biodiversity overlay as containing vegetation worthy of
environmental protection due to its remnant status and its endangered classification under the
Vegetation Management Act 1999. The vegetation on the western portion of the site contains
‘endangered’ vegetation’ with a wallum wetland area and the eastern portion of the site is considered
‘least concern’ vegetation, mainly due to a change in land zone.

The site is also mapped as containing koala habitat area under the biodiversity overlay. The site is
mapped under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 as high risk for protected plant species. High risk
areas represent areas where endangered, vulnerable or near threatened plants are known or likely
to exist. Any clearing in a high-risk area may require a flora survey and / or a clearing permit from
the state. A Council site inspection confirmed the presence of endangered vegetation ecosystem
over the majority of the site (excluding the TAFE footprint and golf course encroachment to the west).

The natural hazard overlay identifies the site as medium to high potential bushfire intensity.

The site contains regulated vegetation including endangered regional ecosystem and of concern
regional ecosystem.

The site is mapped as essential habitat for koalas, wallum rocketfrogs and glossy black cockatoos.

Any potential development of the site that results in vegetation clearing may require referral to the
State for assessment and could result in vegetation offset requirements including replanting or
monetary payment.


LIKELY DEMAND OR USE OF THE SITE
Following the initial approach from the State regarding sale of the site in March 2018, Council’s
Project Officer (former Noosa Council Director of Business, David Thomas) investigated what
opportunities may exist within Council and the external market for the ongoing use of the site. This
investigation was reported to Council in the agenda of the Special Meeting of 31 August 2018.

The investigation canvassed the need for the site for current or future Council operations, current
demand or likely need for the facility by community groups, and any likely commercial or other
interests to lease the site in an anchor role. Since then, no further significant investigation has
occurred, although a range of possible uses have been put forward by various interested parties.




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