Appendix B - Ecological Advice · 132008.1128

Ecological “first” principles: As always, first principles would not necessarily have any statutory weight,
but certain issues would be considered by the Council officers during any assessment. This might be
pertinent given the location and habitat of the site and surrounds. Cockatoos, parrots, acid frogs,
koalas and heathland flora are all iconic ecological issues/concerns in Noosa for both Council and the
public. These issues may generate public interest and additional issues.

4. DISCUSSIONS WITH COUNCIL

As requested I had discussions with Council ecologist, Connor Neville (19 August 2016) and he
confirmed that the conditions had been prepared by himself.

The conditions under Landscape and Ecology (Flora and Fauna) were generally discussed, noting that
the Bushfire SPP has also changed and would need to be considered.

It was identified that the information requested in the conditions needed to be provided with an
operational works application. The conditions were (are) written to address the “relevant/applicable”
requirements at the time, e.g. whichever guidelines are in place at time of operational works
application. This suggests that even if the current approval was enacted now, rather than delayed,
the current (2016) guidelines would apply. He initially commented that Council would need to
consider the relevant guidelines at the time of the new application – then noted the wording in the
existing approval (which essentially states the same). Mr Neville was not certain whether Council
planners had suggested financial offset payment related to koalas only or the other offset
requirements.

Further, based on discussions with Council and an understanding of what could be expected for the
development, the following provides a summary of the relevant conditions (bolding added of what
would be required initially to appreciate the required works/scale of matter):

•   12.1 identify Black-cockatoo feed trees (site survey, map and count)
•   12.2 vegetation clearing offset program (maintained for 5 years) – Mr Neville indicated there was
    land nearby (Girraween National Park near sewerage works) that was degraded and could be used
•   12.3.1 -12.3.7 transfer of soil/seed bank material (mulching of subject site and removal of
    mulch/organic material and soil with seed bank to the offset site)
•   12.3.3 transfer of rare plants (none listed but Mr Neville indicated he knew others occurred, it may
    be a difficult exercise but depends on which species occur and need to be relocated – relocation
    site can be the same as offset site and would be in the single vegetation plan) - (site survey, identify
    species, assess translocation options and possibly initiate in advance)
•   13-14 standard conditions regarding vegetation protection and clearing
•   15 fauna management plan standard for clearing practices
•   16 Black-cockatoo feed trees to be propagated at 8:1 from parent tree planted on site (survey to
    determine feed trees, if some occur, organise seed collection and start propagation exercise in
    advance)
•   17 koalas – noting the offset of koala trees to be in accordance with relevant guidelines at time of
    operational works application (this could be financial or tree planting ratio –Environmental Offsets
    Act) – (survey site, count trees, calculate offset options)
•   18-20 appears to be standard conditions relating to fencing and lighting.


The conditions, as I understand, that are likely to require the following “offsets”:

     1. Glossy Black-cockatoo feed trees – to be planted on site.
     2. Koala trees (offset to be determined in accordance with SPRP and offset legislation) – could
        be planting on site.
     3. Relocation/translocation of threatened plants (likely incorporated in the vegetation offset
        plan).
     4. Vegetation Offset Plan (this offset is for the “vegetation communities” e.g. heathland etc.).

Ecology Notes – Grasstree Court – Blue Care          7