Development Application Part 2 - Environmental & Stormwater Management Plans · OPW11/0335

Matrix Projects (QLD)- Essence of Peregian, David Low Way Peregian Beach QLD 4573         Page 3



3.2.2   Koala Habitat Management Plan
        DA condition No 49 addresses retention and protection of trees identified in
        the Koala Management Plan. Review of the KHMP by James Warren &
        Associates found that the site is mapped as an interim Koala Habitat
        Protection Area (KI IMP, page 5 & Figure 5).

        Site assessment by James Warren & Associates found no preferred Koala food
        trees on the subject site. Their inspection also found no evidence of Koala
        activity within the site, therefore they conclude the site isn't considered a
        movement corridor for local Koalas.

        Given this assessment there is no requirement for this report to address any
        trees as per DA condition No 49.

3.3     The Trees

3.3.1   Tree Survey
        The trees surveyed during inspection were dealt with as a group, with some
        individuals outside of any significant impacts assessed for retention value.
        Several points were noted during inspection and assessment.

        The bulk of the trees on the site are mature to over mature Melaleuca
        quinquenervia that have been retained from when the caravan park was first
        constructed or the area was cleared. Several recorded whole tree failures have
        occurred recently, mainly due to basal decay and cavities (see Photo Nol and
        2). The majority of the trees have significant structural issues due to old age
        and damage that has occurred to their trunks and major roots over the lifetime
        of the park. No natural replacement tree germination or new tree plantings
        seem to have been done over the lifetime of the park.

        DA condition No 17 specifically addresses the significant trees in the
        frontages of the site (excluding palms) and requests that they be retained as far
        as practical.

        The trees fronting onto David Low Way and Grebes Street were therefore
        individually assessed as to their viable retention (see diagram No 1).

        Tree No I - Cupantopsis unucardioides (c.n. Tuckeroo) located near the
        existing retaining wall and just inside the property boundary was found to
        hay e a signIf^cant
                 0          basal wound and structural defect that limits its Iongevity in
        a safe and useful form. Retention value is very poor.

        Trees No 2, 3 and 4- weren't identified. Trees No 2 and 4 are located outside
        of the property boundary and are therefore council owned (see Photo No 3).
        In regards to significance, although visible from David Low Way, none would
        be considered significant to the overall treescape due to size. Discussion with
        TOD found that sheet piling will be installed a minimum 1200mm outside the
        building wall where excavation is need, therefore impacts on the root systems
        of all three trees will be almost to their trunks.



Leaf and Limb Horticultural Consultancy©
Prepared by Samuel Cowie                                                      I V h of June 2009