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UPDATED DA - Attachment 8 - Flora and Fauna Assessment
FAUNA AND FLORA ASSESSMENT
Noosa Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A
Revision 2: Modified Impact Area
For Noosa Council
Native Foresters
Natural Resource Management Consultants
Email: [email protected]
Mob: 0407 757 872
Document No: 241227 - FFA
Date: 7th February 2025
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Native Foresters DISCLAIMER The authors do not accept any form of liability, be it contractual, tortious, or otherwise, for the contents of this document or for any consequences arising from its use or any reliance placed upon it. This report has been compiled on the basis of existing literature, information, and a targeted survey. Native Foresters does not undertake responsibility arising in any way to any persons in respect of the data, errors, or omissions arising, through misinterpretation of information, negligence or otherwise, however caused. Native Foresters is an independent consulting company undertaking projects in Natural Resource Management. All work conducted as part of this survey was conducted under the DERM Scientific Purposes Permit number WQA 0035991 and DEEDI Animal Ethics Committee number CA 2020/08/1398 and in accordance with the relevant regulations. STUDY TEAM Simon McVerry (BASc – NRM) - Project Director Vanessa Moscato (BSc-Hons) – Fieldwork – GIS mapping and Reporting Emily Kost – Fieldwork Tim O’Reilly (BASC) – Fieldwork and Reporting (Rev 1) DOCUMENT CONTROL Project: Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion Document: Flora & Fauna Assessment Document No.: 241227 - FFA Client: Noosa Council Project Manager: Chelsea Bennett ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Native Foresters acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the nation, and pays respects to their Elders, past, present and future. Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 2 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 2
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Objectives of the report ........................................................................................ 5
1.2 Site description .................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Proposed works ................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Limitations of this report ....................................................................................... 6
2.0 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 9
2.1 Applicable legislation ........................................................................................... 9
2.2 Clearing requirements applicable to the proposed activity ................................... 9
3.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Desktop review .................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Field assessment methods - Flora ..................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Flora survey method ................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 Ecological condition assessment ................................................................ 13
3.2.3 Koala Habitat Trees assessment ................................................................ 13
3.3 Field assessment method - Fauna ..................................................................... 14
3.3.1 Fauna survey method ................................................................................. 14
3.3.2 Breeding places assessment method ......................................................... 14
3.4 Method used to assess likelihood of occurrence ................................................ 15
3.5 Justification of survey timing and weather conditions ......................................... 16
3.6 Field survey limitations ...................................................................................... 16
4.0 RESULTS ............................................................................................................. 17
4.1 Desktop review .................................................................................................. 17
4.2 Flora assessment .............................................................................................. 19
4.2.1 Vegetation communities in the impact area ................................................ 19
4.2.2 Threatened species in the impact area ....................................................... 20
4.2.3 Koala habitat trees ...................................................................................... 20
22
22
4.2.4 Vegetation in the Protected Plant 100 metre buffer ..................................... 23
4.3 Fauna assessment ............................................................................................ 24
4.4 Assessment of breeding places ......................................................................... 25
4.5 Likelihood of occurrence of listed threatened species ........................................ 27
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................... 29
5.1 Impacts to native fauna, flora and ecosystems .................................................. 29
5.2 Significant Impact Assessment for MNES .......................................................... 29
5.3 Significant Residual Impact Assessment for MSES ........................................... 29
6.0 SUMMARY............................................................................................................ 31
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................... 33
8.0 REFERENCES...................................................................................................... 35
APPENDIX A – CONCEPT DESIGN ............................................................................... 37
APPENDIX B - DATABASE AND MAP SEARCHES USED FOR DESKTOP REVIEW OF
SITE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .................................................................................. 38
APPENDIX C – CERTIFICATION OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON FOR FLORA
SURVEY .......................................................................................................................... 41
APPENDIX D – VEGETATION ECOLOGICAL CONDITION SCALE ............................... 42
APPENDIX E – JUSTIFICATION OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON FOR FAUNA
BREEDING PLACE SURVEY .......................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX F – EPBC ACT PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH SUMMARY.................. 44
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Native Foresters APPENDIX G - MSES MAPPING .................................................................................... 45 APPENDIX H - REGULATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT MAPPING ....................... 50 APPENDIX I - PROTECTED PLANTS FLORA SURVEY TRIGGER MAP ....................... 52 APPENDIX J – WILDNET CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT SPECIES DATABASE RECORDS WITHIN 1KM ................................................................................................. 53 APPENDIX K – KOALA HABITAT AREA MAPPING ........................................................ 54 APPENDIX M – THREATENED SPECIES, HABITAT TREES AND BREEDING PLACES IN SITE A......................................................................................................................... 56 Figures FIGURE 1: Initial Survey Area, including timed meanders ................................................ 7 FIGURE 2: Amended Survey area, including eastern parcel ............................................. 8 FIGURE 3: Vegetation in the western parcel....................................................................21 FIGURE 4: Vegetation in the eastern parcel ....................................................................22 Tables TABLE 1: Applicable legislative requirements ................................................................... 9 TABLE 2: Weather conditions during flora and fauna surveys..........................................16 TABLE 3: Desktop review of mapped environmental values ............................................17 TABLE 4: Results of timed meander flora survey .............................................................23 TABLE 5: Fauna survey results .......................................................................................24 TABLE 6: Breeding habitat assessment and likelihood of occurrence for listed or likely to occur species ...................................................................................................................27 TABLE 7: Significant residual impact test criteria .............................................................30 Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 2 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 4
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Native Foresters was commissioned by Noosa Council to conduct an assessment of the
protected environmental matters occurring on two parcels of land within the Noosa Landfill
and Resource Recovery Centre (NLRRC), with particular focus on Critically Endangered,
Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened (CREVNT) and Special least concern (SL) fauna
and flora species and ecological communities.
1.1 Objectives of the report
The objective of the flora and fauna assessment is to investigate and report on the
ecosystems and species occurring, or likely to occur, at the proposed project site as
required by Commonwealth and state legislation. The specific objectives are as follows:
To provide the results of the Flora Survey undertaken in compliance with the Flora
Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (Nature Conservation Act 1992);
To provide the results of the Breeding Places Assessment undertaken in compliance
with the Species Management Program Requirements for tampering with a
protected animal breeding place (Department of Environment and Science, 2022),
the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation
2020.
To comment on the potential impacts of any proposed works on native fauna and
flora species and their breeding habitat, and provide preliminary recommendations
on compliance requirements.
1.2 Site description
The survey area (known as Site A) is located at 561 Eumundi Noosa Road, Doonan on Lot
77 SP298776. Noosa Council (NC) initially requested a survey covering 4800m2 to the west
and south-west of the Cleanaway facility within the NLRRC (Latitude -26.4361, Longitude
153.0243) as shown in Figure 1. A flora and fauna assessment was completed and
submitted to NC in July 2024. A subsequent revision of the proposed clearing area reduced
the initial survey area to the west of the Cleanaway site (the ‘western parcel’), however
included an additional area to the east of the Cleanaway facility (the ‘eastern parcel’, see
Figure 2). As a result, the survey area across the two parcels was revised to 2600m2 and
was reassessed by Native Foresters on 19th December 2024.
Topography can be described as flat to gently undulating with elevation of approximately
15 metres above sea level (asl). Underlying geology has been mapped by the State of
Queensland as Land zone 5 - Tertiary-early Quaternary extensive, uniform near level or
gently undulating plains with sandy or loamy soils (Wilson and Taylor, 2012).
The flora survey protected plants Impact Area (IA) is 0.26 ha, and the total Clearing Impact
Area (CIA) which includes suitable vegetation within a 100m buffer, is 6.7 ha. Refer to
Section 3.2.1 for further information on the extent of the survey area.
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The area surveyed contains a patch of unmapped high value regrowth vegetation with
scattered remnant trees in the western parcel. It is mapped as Category X vegetation and
as such is exempt from requirements under vegetation management laws. Vegetation in
the eastern parcel is also predominantly mapped as Category X, and while an area around
its northern margin is mapped as remnant, the flora survey found that it consists of relatively
young regrowth with most trees having a diameter at breast height (dbh) of < 200mm with
a weed-dominated understorey.
The western parcel is surrounded by remnant wet sclerophyll woodland to the north and
south and is separated from a drier sclerophyll woodland on a volcanic intrusion to the west
by the Eumundi Noosa Road. The eastern parcel also has remnant wet sclerophyll on its
northern side and includes an ephemeral drain that discharges into a wetland to the east of
the site. The southern end of the drain contains an area of surface water behind a concrete
barrier.
Existing impacts to the ecological integrity of the site include:
i) Historic vegetation clearing approximately 30 years ago;
ii) Significant infestations of Singapore daisy;
iii) Litter, stormwater runoff and noise pollution from adjacent waste depot and road;
iv) Edge effects (e.g., light, wind) due to narrow linear patch configuration.
1.3 Proposed works
Noosa Council is proposing to upgrade the NLRRC. This preliminary environmental scoping
precedes the concept design phase. The extent of vegetation clearing, detailed design,
timing or duration of works is still to be confirmed.
1.4 Limitations of this report
The Protected Plants Flora Survey is valid for 12 months from the date of report completion.
If a period of more than 12 months has elapsed since the date of report completion, the
survey and report will need to be updated prior to submission to DESI.
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FIGURE 1: Initial Survey Area, including timed meanders
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Figure 2: Amended Survey area, including eastern parcel
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2.0 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Applicable legislation
This report was prepared in compliance with the requirements of the following
Commonwealth and state legislation:
Commonwealth:
● Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
State:
● Planning Act 2016 and Planning Regulation 2017
● Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA)
● Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014
● Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA)
o Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020
o Nature Conservation (Plants) Regulation 2020
● Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017
o Nature Conservation and Other Legislation (Koala Protection) Amendment
Regulation
● Environmental Protection Act 1999
o Environmental Protection Regulation 2019
o Environmental Protection (Wetland and Water Biodiversity) Policy 2019
● Biosecurity Act 2016 and Biosecurity Regulation 2016
● Fisheries Act 1994 and Fisheries Regulation 2008
● Coastal Management and Protection Act 1995
● Water Act 2000 and Water Regulation 2016
● Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019
2.2 Clearing requirements applicable to the proposed activity
The legislative requirements for the proposed activity are summarised in Table 1.
TABLE 1: Applicable legislative requirements
Legislation, Statutory Obligation
Regulation or
Policy
Environment Are any Protected Matters (MNES or TEC) present ? ☒ YES ☐NO
Protection and
Biodiversity - Impacts to MNES must be avoided in the first instance.
Conservation - Unavoidable clearing of protected matters may require referral to the Australian
Act 1999 Government Department of Environment, depending upon the determination of
whether proposed works trigger the Significant Impact criteria.
- The self-assessment process outlined in the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1
EPBC Act 1999 (DoE, 2013) will be required. Refer to section 5.1.
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Act, Statutory Obligation
Regulation or
Policy
Nature Are any MSES present ? ☒ YES ☐NO .
Conservation
Act 1992 - Impacts to MSES must be avoided wherever possible.
- Under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Environmental Offsets Regulation
2014, offset requirements may apply to assessable developments where it has
been determined that there will be a significant residual impact on a prescribed
environmental matter.
- A Significant Residual Impact (SRI) Assessment is required to determine whether
residual impacts to MSES trigger significance criteria.
Is the IA mapped as a Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Area?
☒ HIGH RISK ☐ NOT MAPPED
- The IA is partly mapped as Protected Plants High-risk area. As such a protected plant
survey of the CIA (IA and 100m buffer) will be required.
Are there any Protected Plants present in the IA or CIA ? ☐ YES ☒NO
- If no listed flora species are found, clearing can occur under Section 45 of the Nature
Conservation (Plants) Regulation 2020.
Animal Breeding Places present ☒ YES ☐NO
- A permit is required to tamper with Animal Breeding Places under the Nature
Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.
- To manage impacts to breeding places of Least concern species, works must be
carried out under the Noosa Council Generic Species Management Plan – Low Risk
of Impacts (SMP-Low Risk).
- If impacts to breeding habitat of CREVNT and SLC or colonial-breeding species
including indirect impacts cannot be avoided, a DESI-approved Species
Management Plan – High Risk of Impacts (SMP – High Risk) will be required to
manage impacts to breeding places of threatened or special least concern species.
- The SMP must be implemented during site disturbance in collaboration with the
Fauna Spotter and a register of animal breeding places must be maintained.
Vegetation Regulated vegetation present ☒ YES ☐NO
Management
Act 1999 - The northern edge of the eastern parcel includes a limited area mapped as regulated
vegetation. However, the flora survey found that this area was comprised of young
regrowth, and as such, clearing works associated within the proposed expansion do
not require assessment under the Planning Regulation 2017 and the VMA 1999.
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Act, Statutory Obligation
Regulation or
Policy
Koala Koala habitat area ☐ YES ☒NO
legislation
The proposed clearing lies within a Koala Priority Area but not within mapped core Koala
Planning Act Habitat Area. Koala has been confirmed on site.
2016 and
Planning - Under the Planning Regulation 2017 (Schedule 10, Part 10) development is
Regulation assessable development unless it is classed as exempted development.
2017 - Clearing in accordance with the accepted development codes is generally exempted
development under the Koala regulations.
Nature - Where an assessment of works is required under the Planning Regulation 2017,
Conservation the following State Codes must be addressed for the works:
(Koala • State Code 16: Native Vegetation Clearing
Management) (https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/67277/
Plan 2017 sdap-v3.0-state-code-16-native-vegetation-clearing.pdf ), and
• State Code 25: Development in South-east Queensland koala habitat areas
Nature (https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/67286/
Conservation sdap-v3.0-state-code-25-development-in-south-east-queensland-koala-habitat-
and other areas.pdf ).
Legislation
(Koala While the proposed works are exempt from the regulatory requirements of the Planning Act
Protection) (2016), it is noted that clearing of a non-juvenile Koala habitat tree is considered a significant
Amendment residual impact to a matter of state environmental significance (MSES). Refer to section 5.2.
Regulation
Fisheries Act Impact area tidally influenced or below HAT ☐ YES ☒NO
1994
There is no requirement for a Marine Plants Assessment.
Does operational work involve constructing or raising a waterway barrier?
☐ YES ☒NO
There is no requirement for compliance with the Waterway Barrier Works Accepted
development requirements.
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3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Desktop review
A desktop review was undertaken to assist in determining the site’s environmental values.
The review consisted of searches of open source, State and Commonwealth government
planning instruments and databases listed in Appendix B. A review of previous
assessments of the site, aerial imagery and academic literature was also undertaken.
Sources of information included:
Noosa Landfill Expansion Fauna and Flora Survey and Assessment of Impacts on
Adjacent Ecosystems (Native Foresters, 2021).
Noosa Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Masterplan Expansion –
Environmental Scoping Report (Native Foresters, 2024)
Noosa Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre – Site A (version 1), Fauna and Flora
Assessment (Native Foresters , 2024)
3.2 Field assessment methods - Flora
3.2.1 Flora survey method
The initial flora survey was undertaken by an experienced botanist on the 10th July 2024 in
accordance with the Flora Survey Guideline – Protected Plants (NCA 1992), (DES, 2020a),
with the follow-up survey covering the amended footprint occurring on 19th December 2024.
The extent of the flora surveys are indicated in Figures 1 and 2.
The Protected plants flora survey covered the area to be cleared, the Impact Area (IA) to
the extent it is within a high-risk area, as well as a buffer area of 100m around the clearing,
which is referred to as the total Clearing Impact Area (CIA) (DESI, 2020a). Areas within the
CIA that were highly modified, disturbed, impervious, regularly mowed or subject to previous
land clearing were excluded from the survey as per the guideline.
Certification by the suitably qualified person who led and coordinated the flora survey is
provided in Appendix C.
Timed meander survey
The methodology employed for the Protected plants survey was a timed meander. This
method is considered appropriate for the site and the target species and is the preferred
methodology advocated by DESI.
To determine the number of timed meanders needed to maximise coverage of habitats and
the encounter rate of different species, the number of different habitat types was assessed
during the desktop assessment. The term "habitat type" is not defined in the Flora Survey
Guidelines and can be stratified using multiple approaches e.g., by vegetation condition or
Regional Ecosystem (RE) type. For this survey, habitat types were determined using
mapped and ground-truthed REs (Refer Figure 1 and Table 2).
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Using the published meander rates in the Guidelines, it was determined that two 30-minute
timed meander surveys were required to adequately survey each habitat type. The total
area per habitat type and number of meanders required is as follows:
RE 12.5.3 = 2.9ha - 2 meanders
Plot Survey
In the event that a threatened or near threatened plant was identified during the timed
meander survey, a more comprehensive and systematic population or plot survey will be
conducted to determine the extent and density of CEEVNT species:
i) The population survey methodology involves capturing GPS points of the
population extent by traversing the periphery of the population and recording the
total number of individuals present to determine the species extent and population
density (Refer to section 6.2.6 of the Guidelines).
ii) The Plot Survey Method involves the establishment of contiguous plots measuring
50m x 10m as described by Neldner et al. 2012 and the Guidelines. Within each
plot the following information is recorded and described:
GPS location of plot.
Number of individuals and observations on age structure, health etc.
Description of vegetation structure including RE type.
The identities of all threatened or near threatened plant species found within
the vegetation community.
Landscape attributes including landform, soil type, geology, slope, aspect, and
altitude; and
Specific habitat features including level of disturbance etc.
3.2.2 Ecological condition assessment
The ecological condition of the vegetation was evaluated using a modified Keighery
Condition Scale (Keighery, 1994), as shown below in Appendix D, which assesses the
components of vegetation community structure, composition and regenerative capacity with
regard to disturbance due to land use.
3.2.3 Koala Habitat Trees assessment
Koala Habitat Trees (KHT) were surveyed within the impact area. According to the
Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Regulation (DES, 2022), a “koala habitat tree”
means a tree of either the Angophora, Corymbia, Eucalyptus, Lophostemon or Melaleuca
genus.
A “non-juvenile habitat tree” means a koala habitat tree whose:
a. Height > 4m; or
b. Trunk > 31.5cm at 1.3m above the ground.
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3.3 Field assessment method - Fauna
3.3.1 Fauna survey method
Diurnal and crepuscular fauna assessments were conducted on the 10th July and 19th
December 2024 to identify the presence of conservation-significant invertebrates, birds,
reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
The fauna surveys were undertaken in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992
and Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 using the methods described below.
Active search
This technique involved investigation of habitat features and searching for fauna under logs,
rocks, leaf litter and decorticating bark for cryptic fauna, particularly reptiles.
To detect arboreal fauna in the mid-storey and canopy layers including microbats, birds and
habitat features such as nests and dreys, Avalon 10x40 HD binoculars were used.
Passive search
Incidental faunal observations, where species were detected aurally or were witnessed
while moving around site, were recorded. In addition, signs of an animal's presence, such
as scats and tracks, were interpreted. This procedure was generally opportunistic and used
whenever specimens were located.
Aural survey and/or call playback
Recorded calls of target threatened frog species were played to determine their presence
and adjacent areas of known habitat were surveyed to check for calling activity of
surrounding populations.
3.3.2 Breeding places assessment method
A breeding places assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Nature Conservation
(Animals) Regulation 2020. A statement to justify the suitability and qualifications of the
person undertaking the animal breeding place survey is provided in Appendix E.
For the purposes of this report, the definition of “breeding places” follows that provided in
the Species Management Program Requirements for tampering with a protected animal
breeding place in Queensland (DES, 2020b), the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and Nature
Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. For species such as Koala and native frogs, that
do not use a habitual breeding place, the term ‘breeding habitat’ is used in lieu of ‘breeding
place’.
Habitat features that were considered significant for assessing the presence of breeding
places and/or habitation value for native fauna include, but are not limited to:
i. Presence of hollow-bearing trees: These may be used by birds, reptiles or arboreal
mammals to incubate or rear offspring;
ii. Presence of bowers, nests, dreys: These structures are commonly used by birds or
mammals to incubate or rear offspring;
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iii. Presence of caves, mounds, burrows, ground hollows and/or coarse woody debris:
These structures are commonly used by birds, mammals, reptiles or amphibians to
incubate or rear offspring;
iv. Presence of permanent water, ephemeral ponding, depressions and/or, seasonally
inundated areas: waterbodies may be used for breeding by aquatic species or
amphibians, or that may provide intermittent breeding habitat for opportunistic
species.
Other habitat features that are considered significant for assessing the site’s overall habitat
value for native fauna, include but are not limited to:
i. Canopy cover: The uppermost stratum of woody vegetation that forms the canopy
functions as habitat for birds and arboreal mammals, provides food and resources,
and determines the degree of light penetration and heat reaching the lower strata
and ground detrital layer.
ii. Weed cover: Weeds can dominate and suppress native plant growth which affects
the diversity of food sources; they can change the fuel or litter characteristics of a
site, thereby altering the fire regime, and also prevent recruitment and succession
of native vegetation.
iii. Understorey components: The shrub and herb strata generally contain the greatest
plant species richness and can be a useful indicator of disturbance and changes in
condition.
iv. Organic litter, fallen timber and rocks: Litter cover can be indicative of the degree of
disturbance of a site, and can be an important determinant of species recruitment.
It will influence soil microclimates, structure and composition, and provide refugia
for invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and ground dwelling mammals.
v. Recruitment: Recruitment of plant species, particularly woody perennials, within all
strata reflects the site’s long-term viability.
vi. Landscape context: The size of a patch, its connectivity and distance to a core area
of vegetation (i.e., greater than 50 hectares) can affect both its regenerative capacity
and long-term viability. Species–area relationships suggest that large areas support
more species and populations than smaller ones thus retaining greater genetic
variability and providing refuge for species susceptible to disturbances.
3.4 Method used to assess likelihood of occurrence
For the threatened and Special least concern fauna and flora identified by government
databases as potentially occurring within one to two kilometres of the survey area, their
likelihood of occurrence within the impact area was assessed based on the habitats present;
local knowledge of species distribution and the occurrence on site of specific breeding
places or breeding habitat for the species. The criteria used to support the likelihood of
occurrence ratings are:
Known - species positively recorded by this survey or other survey by qualified
ecologists during past 30 years;
Likely - based on the presence of suitable habitat and recent database records from
study area or with two kilometres proximity;
Possible - suitable habitat present for the species, but no recent database records
from the study area or proximity; and
Unlikely - based on a lack of suitable habitat and lack of proximate records.
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3.5 Justification of survey timing and weather conditions
The initial field survey was conducted in fine winter conditions, while the follow-up survey
occurred in overcast summer conditions. Meteorological data was obtained from Tewantin
RSL Park {station 040908} (BOM 2024), approximately 7km away. In the two weeks prior
to the surveys, approximately 62.6 mm of rainfall was recorded before the winter survey
and 129.8mm before the summer survey. Weather conditions are detailed in Table 2.
TABLE 2: Weather conditions during flora and fauna surveys
RELATIVE HUMIDTY RAIN
DATE TEMPERATURE (°C)
9AM AND 3PM (%) (MM)
10th July 2024 14 - 23 91, 80 7.4
19th December 2024 24 - 26 69, 59 0
The timing of the winter survey is considered suitable for the target threatened species,
Wallum froglet, which is known to call in winter. For other threatened species (e.g. Koala
and Greater glider), recent rainfall and cool temperatures may have lowered activity levels.
Conditions during the follow-up survey are considered suitable for all the target fauna
species as breeding activity for most fauna species peaks in spring and summer.
The timing of the surveys was considered appropriate for the flora survey as none of the
species are deciduous, although some of the Special Least concern orchids that lack leaves
may not have been detected.
3.6 Field survey limitations
Emphasis is placed on surveying listed threatened ecological communities, populations
and/or species that are considered likely to occur within the survey area. With respect to
opportunistic observations, the possibility exists that certain species may not have been
detected during field investigations due to:
● seasonal inactivity during field survey;
● species present within microhabitats not surveyed;
● species that occur at very low abundance or in very small populations;
● cryptic species able to avoid detection;
● transient wide-ranging species which were not present during survey period;
● absence of reproductive material for flora identification;
● survey duration and methods used; or
● unknown external factors affecting fauna.
The field assessment for fauna employed passive techniques only (i.e., no live trapping,
hair tube analysis or scat analysis), and the habitat assessment was limited to contracted
timeframes. The lack of observational data on some species should therefore not be taken
as necessarily indicating that a species is absent from the site.
For definitive assessment of species presence/absence, particularly for aquatic, cryptic and
/ or nocturnal species such as small mammals, fish and fossorial reptiles, targeted species
surveys in which a combination of Elliott traps, Fish traps, Camera traps and Herptile Funnel
traps should be conducted over multiple seasons or years.
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4.0 RESULTS
4.1 Desktop review
The desktop review of the site’s environmental values of Site A for the NLRRC expansion is summarised below in Table 3. Listed
species identified in Queensland Government Wildlife Online (WildNet) and Regulated Vegetation Management Mapping (RVMM)
within 1km and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) within 2 km of proposed clearing are listed in Table 6.
TABLE 3: Desktop review of mapped environmental values
DATABASE SEARCH OR SUMMARY OF RESULTS
MAP PRODUCT NAME
The EPBC Act Protected Matters (PM) Report identified the following may occur, or may relate to the survey area
(Refer to Appendix F for the summary):
i) 4 Threatened Ecological Communities
ii) 62 Listed Threatened Species
EPBC Protected Matters iii) 19 Listed Migratory Species
Field verification notes:
No TECs groundtruthed as occurring.
The following MSES occur within Site A (Refer to Appendix G):
i) Species
Threatened (endangered or vulnerable) wildlife
Special least concern wildlife
Matters of State
Environmental Field verification notes
Significance Refer to sections 4.2 and 4.3 for an assessment of flora and fauna and section 5.3 for an assessment of
significant residual impacts to MSES.
The site is not cleared. It contains high value regrowth of the Endangered RE 12.5.3 (Eucalyptus racemosa
woodland on remnant tertiary surfaces).
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DATABASE SEARCH OR SUMMARY OF RESULTS
MAP PRODUCT NAME
The Vegetation Management (VM) Report is included in Appendix H. The report identified the following mapped
as occurring in the works impact area:
i) Regulated Vegetation Management Map
• Category X area (non-remnant vegetation)
• RE 12.5.3 Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa woodland on remnant Tertiary surfaces
Regulated Vegetation
ii) Protected plants flora survey trigger map (Appendix I)
• High risk area
Field verification notes
Field verification suggests the vegetation includes high value regrowth with scattered remnant trees. Where field
verification differs from mapped vegetation, refer to section 4.2.
The ground-truthed vegetation across both parcels of Site A does not contain any mapped Essential Habitat for
any listed fauna species as shown on the Vegetation Management Supporting Map. Refer to Appendix H.
Field verification notes
Essential Habitat
The eucalypt and Melaleuca woodland should be mapped as Essential habitat for Koala and sections with
Allocasuarina/Casuarina species should be considered to be Essential habitat for Glossy Black-Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus lathamii)
Two threatened fauna species and one threatened flora species have been recorded since 1980 within a 1km
Queensland Government
radius of the proposed works impact area. Refer to Appendix I for the WildNET database report and Table 5 for
Wildlife Online Report
an assessment of their likelihood of occurrence.
Site A lies within a Koala Priority Area.
Koala habitat is not mapped as occurring as shown in Appendix J.
Koala Habitat Field verification notes
The eucalypt and Melaleuca woodland should be mapped as locally refined Koala habitat as it supports Koala
habitation and dispersal.
Coastal Management The works impact area is not mapped as a Coastal Management District.
Wetlands and
Site A does not contain mapped waterways or wetlands of ecological significance (Refer to Appendix G).
Watercourses
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Native Foresters 4.2 Flora assessment 4.2.1 Vegetation communities in the impact area The vegetation community in the western parcel consists of high value regrowth that is moderately weedy at the southern end transitioning to predominantly native at the northern end. Dominant species in the canopy are Paperbark tea-tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus racemosa). In the midstorey, White hazelwood (Symplocos stawellii), Wild quince (Guioa semiglauca), Cheese tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) and Red ash (Alphitonia excelsa) are dominant. The understory is variable. Some areas are predominantly Bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum) with native sedges, grasses and grass trees (e.g. Schoenus brevifolius, Imperata cylindrica, Entolasia stricta, Lomandra spp, Xanthorrhoea sp), however other areas adjacent to the rainwater tanks and roadways are dominated by non-native species (e.g. Sphagneticola trilobata, Ardisia japonica). There are also elements of wet heath in the north-eastern section with species such as Prickly moses (Acacia hubbardiana), Wallum hakea (Hakea actities) and Queensland wax flower (Philotheca queenslandica). Median canopy height is 15 metres and canopy cover is approximately 30%. Species composition is characteristic of the Endangered RE 12.5.3 – Scribbly gum woodland on remnant tertiary surfaces / weathered sandstone. See Figure 3 for examples of some of the vegetation in the western parcel. The northern edge of the eastern parcel is mapped as remnant RE 12.5.3, however the flora survey found that the patch consisted of young regrowth dominated by Paperbark tea-tree (Figure 4a). Most trees were dbh 200mm or less, with one individual with dbh 500mm the largest tree in the parcel (Figure 4b). Scattered Black she-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) were also present, however no eucalypts occurred in the parcel. The drain through the area was not flowing during the survey, however surface water was present behind the concrete containment area at the southern end of the parcel where planted Creek Mat-rush (Lomandra hystrix) was dominant (Figure 4c). Weeds were prominent around the around the open edges of the site (Figure 4d), while a dense carpet of Singapore daisy was present across much of the site (see Figure 4a). Vegetation was generally found to be in moderate condition across both parcels, with a diversity of native flora species alongside patchy weed incursions, particularly dense infestations of Singapore daisy and a proliferation of the non-local native tree Brown silky oak (Grevillea baileyana). Vegetation condition improves away from the edges where landfill influences diminish. State RE mapping has predominantly designated Site A as non-remnant Category X vegetation. Analysis of aerial history suggests that the vegetation was cleared in 1967 and grazed until 1971, followed by a period of growth (Appendix K). Since 1984, it has not been cleared, except for the road edges near the entrance which were cleared when the waste facility was established in the late 1980s. As such it should be considered high value regrowth (40 years old) that is approaching the structural and compositional thresholds of a remnant ecosystem. Some of the scattered remnant Scribbly gums (Eucalyptus racemosa) in the western parcel are large (dbh 700 – 1,000 mm) and are of hollow-bearing age (see Figure 3) which indicates that scattered trees were retained as shade trees when the area was cleared in 1967. See Figure 2 and Appendix M for locations and details of larger trees, SL plants and other habitat features __________________________________________________________________________________ Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 2 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 19
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Native Foresters There is a very small section (<0.03ha) of unmapped loamy, waterlogged soil near the adjacent shed in the western parcel that appears to fit the description of Land zone 3 – quaternary alluvium, with a degraded vegetation community that loosely resembles RE 12.3.5 (Melaleuca open forest on coastal alluvium). Further soil tests would be needed to confirm this but given the small size of the area, soil testing is not likely to be warranted. Five introduced species listed as Restricted Invasive Plants (RIP) under the Biosecurity Act 2014 were recorded on Site A: Basket asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus), Camphor laurel, (Cinnamomum camphora), Groundsel (Bacharis halmifolia), Lantana (Lantana camara), Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata). Two orchid species listed as Special least concern were identified in Site A: Shepherd’s crook orchid (Geodorum densiflorum) and Giant boat-lipped orchid (Cymbidium madidum). Refer to Figure 2 and Appendix M. Special least concern plants are listed in Schedule 2 of the Nature Conservation (Plants) Regulation 2020. This is a category of protected plants that includes those species that are likely to be subject to increased harvesting pressure due to their commercial and recreational demand, and the nature of their growth and reproduction (e.g. small or slow growing species, species that produce limited seed). 4.2.2 Threatened species in the impact area No threatened flora species were located in Site A. 4.2.3 Koala habitat trees Site A lies within a Koala Priority Area but is not mapped as Core Koala habitat or locally-refined Koala habitat. However, preferred Koala food trees are abundant on site and a fresh Koala scat was found suggesting recent use of the site. Refer to Figure 2 and Appendix M. It is estimated that approximately 240 non-juvenile Koala food trees will be impacted by proposed clearing. __________________________________________________________________________________ Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 2 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 20
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Shepherd’s crook orchid fruit
Shepherd’s crook orchid foliage
High value regrowth Melaleuca and Scribbly gum woodland
Patches of native grass and sedge in the understorey (left) and infestations of Singapore daisy (right).
FIGURE 3: Vegetation in the western parcel
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a) Regowth Melaleucas over Singapore daisy infestation b) Large Paperbark Tea-tree with dbh 500mm
c) Lomandras in drain at southern end of site d) Weedy edge adjacent to Cleanaway facility
FIGURE 4: Vegetation in the eastern parcel
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4.2.4 Vegetation in the Protected Plant 100 metre buffer
The majority of vegetation within the 100m buffer or CIA is classed as remnant and is subject to
the provisions of the flora survey (Appendix H). The 100m buffer provides protection from indirect
impacts such as changes to light penetration, hydrology or soil fertility that may influence the
vegetation community and any threatened flora species that occur within the IA.
The 100m buffer is predominantly remnant Scribbly gum woodland (RE 12.5.3) along with areas
of Melaleuca woodland (RE 12.3.5) with well-established infestations of Singapore daisy in the
understorey.
No threatened flora species were located during the timed meander surveys in the 100m buffer,
however three Special least concern species were found:
- Forked comb fern (Schizaea bifida, 3 specimens)
- Giant boat-lipped orchid (Cymbidium madidum, 17 specimens)
- Shepherd’s crook orchid (Geodorum densiflorum, 13 specimens)
The GPS locations and results of the timed meander flora surveys are summarised in Table 4.
The locations of the timed meander surveys are shown in Figure 1.
TABLE 4: Results of timed meander flora survey
Survey 1 Regional Ecosystem 12.5.3 – Scribbly gum woodland
Starting point GPS coordinates: -26.4367oE, 153.0236oS
Finishing point GPS coordinates: -26.4373oE, 153.0247oS
Target species: Allocasuarina emuina, Durringtonia paludosa, Phaius australis, P. bernaysi, Acacia attenuata
Time Species recorded
11:15am
Nil
11.45am
Survey 2 Regional Ecosystem 12.5.3 – Scribbly gum woodland
Starting point GPS coordinates: -26.4362oE, 153.0266oS
Finishing point GPS coordinates: -26.4384oE, 153.0241oS
Target species: Phaius australis, P. bernaysi, Schoenus scabripes, Acacia attenuata
Time Species recorded
12.00pm
Nil
12.30pm
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4.3 Fauna assessment
The vegetation and habitats on Site A support the breeding and habitation requirements of a
moderate diversity of native fauna, including the Endangered Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). A
fresh scat was detected in the north east of Site A. There are 13 WildNet and Wildcare records of
Koala to the west, north and south. A list of fauna species recorded during the survey is provided
in Table 5.
Small choruses of Vulnerable Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) were heard calling from ephemeral
ponds to the west of Eumundi Noosa Road and large populations are known to occur in the
groundwater dependent ecosystems to the east, however no froglets were heard calling on site
A. There were no ephemeral ponds noted on Site A, other than the drain near the entrance road.
There are records of Endangered Greater glider (Petauroides armillatus) within similar habitat
1km north of impact area (Hollett Road, Wildcare data), however scat detection survey is required
to confirm presence or absence of this cryptic species. Only two hollow-bearing trees were
identified on Site A, so whilst it may constitute a movement corridor for arboreal mammals, Site
A is considered unlikely to support a viable population of Greater gliders.
TABLE 5: Fauna survey results
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
BIRDS
Cracticus torquatus Grey butcherbird
Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing kookaburra
Gymnorhina tibicen Australian magpie
Macropygia phasianella Brown cuckoo-dove
Myiagra rubecula Leaden flycatcher
Philemon citreogularis Little friarbird
Philemon corniculatus Noisy friarbird
Rhipidura albiscapa Grey fantail
Mammals
Macropus giganteus Eastern grey kangaroo
Phascolarctos cinereus Koala E
Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common ringtail possum
Rattus sp A bush rat
Amphibians
Litoria nasuta Striped rocket frog
Rhinella marina* Cane Toad
Reptiles
Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked garden skink
KEY:
Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Special Least Concern (SL)
Introduced (*)
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4.4 Assessment of breeding places
Site A has been assessed as having moderate habitat values for a range of native fauna,
although due to the small size of the impact area the number of habitat features was limited.
A number of animal breeding places were identified in Site A:
i. Hollow-bearing trees: Two large Scribbly gums with substantial arboreal hollows
were identified. In one of these trees, a termitarium had a disused kingfisher nest
(see Figure 2 (Tree ID 2), Figure 6a and Appendix M).
ii. Presence of bowers, nests, dreys: One Ringtail possum drey was identified in a
Melaleuca near the adjacent rainwater tanks (see Figures 2 and 6b, Appendix
M), while a disused kingfisher nest was observed in an arboreal termitarium (see
Figures 2 and 6c, Appendix M).
iii. Presence of caves, mounds, burrows, ground hollows and/or coarse woody
debris: A large fallen tree with a partially-hollow trunk has become habitat for
small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates (coarse woody debris) (see Figures
2 and 6d, Appendix M).
iv. Presence of permanent water, ephemeral ponding, depressions and/or,
seasonally inundated areas: The drain near the entrance road is capable of
supporting breeding, oviposition, and dispersal of amphibians during suitably wet
periods (Figure 6e), however no frogs were heard calling during the survey. This
drain is likely to be influenced by road runoff and other pollutants.
v. Canopy cover: Whilst canopy cover is relatively sparse (approximately 30%), the
upper stratum still provides foraging and breeding opportunities for a range of
native fauna, including birds and arboreal mammals. The vast majority of canopy
species are recognised Koala habitat trees, and the discovery of a Koala scat
during the survey confirmed the presence of the species in the area (Figures 2
and 6f, Appendix M)
It is likely that several more breeding places occurred but were obscured by vegetation.
Under Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020: A person must
not, without a reasonable excuse, tamper with an animal breeding place that is being used
by a protected animal to incubate or rear the animal’s offspring (QLD Government, 2023).
Landscape context
Connectivity to remnant vegetation to the north is good, with contiguous Eucalypt and
Melaleuca woodland continuing for 650 metres to Hollett Road. To the south and west
connectivity is interrupted by a powerline easement, Walter Hay Drive (four lanes) and the
Eumundi Noosa Road (two lanes).
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a) Large Scribbly gum with hollow b) Ringtail possum drey c) Coarse woody debris
d) Coarse woody debris d) Ringtail possum drey e) Ephemeral surface water in drain – frog breeding habitat f) Koala scat
FIGURE 6: Fauna breeding habitat at Site A
FIGURE 6: Fauna breeding habitat at Site A
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4.5 Likelihood of occurrence of listed threatened species
Table 6 provides an analysis of the potential presence of threatened species as listed in WildNet, RVMM, MSES and/or the
EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool or based on the field assessment and local knowledge of which species may occur within
the area. The criteria used to assign a likelihood rating to each species are defined in section 3.5.
This assessment is important in determining fauna species that may be in the area but whose presence was not detected.
TABLE 6: Breeding habitat assessment and likelihood of occurrence for listed or likely to occur species
LIKELIHOOD PRESENCE OF
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON EPBC
NC ACT ECOLOGY & BREEDING HABITAT OF BREEDING
NAME ACT
OCCURENCE PLACES
THREATENED FAUNA
BIRDS
Species prefers woodlands dominated by she-oak or open
Calyptorhynchus Glossy black sclerophyll forests with a stratum of she-oak. It feeds exclusively
V V Possible Absent
lathami subsp lathami cockatoo upon she-oak seeds and nests in large hollows in large old trees,
usually Eucalypts.
Non-breeding migrant present in Australia from October to Unlikely during
Hirundapus White-throated March. The species is almost exclusively aerial and is often seen winter survey,
V V Absent
caudacutus needletail foraging above a variety of habitats, often seen in numbers in possible during
warm, humid air ahead of storm fronts. summer survey.
AMPHIBIANS
Habitat specialist requires ephemeral, acidic, wallum wetland but
tolerant of disturbance. Also Inhabits paperbark (Melaleuca)
Crinia tinnula Wallum froglet V - Possible Possible
swamps and sedgeland. Breeds all seasons after rain, calling
night and day (DAWE, 2023, and references therein).
Habitat specialist requires ephemeral, acidic, wallum wetland
Wallum with emergent aquatic vegetation, but somewhat tolerant of
Litoria freycineti V - Possible Possible
rocketfrog disturbance. Breed spring and summer after rain (DAWE, 2023,
and references therein).
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LIKELIHOOD PRESENCE OF
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON EPBC
NC ACT ECOLOGY & BREEDING HABITAT OF BREEDING
NAME ACT
OCCURENCE PLACES
Habitat specialist – requires suitable wallum swamp and
Wallum
Litoria olongburensis V - ephemeral wetland areas with emergent aquatic vegetation Unlikely Absent
sedgefrog
(DAWE, 2023, and references therein).
MAMMALS
This species range includes the eastern half of Queensland in
sclerophyll forest and woodland. While being widespread,
Koala
suitable feed species and leaf moisture are the primary
(combined
Phascolarctos determinants of habitat suitability and populations are in decline
populations of E E Known Present
cinereus due to a wide range of threats (DAWE, 2023, and references
QLD, NSW and
therein). They generally have a single joey which stays in the
the ACT)
mothers’ pouch for six months, and then spends the next six to
12 months riding on the mothers back.
Species is largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands,
found in highest abundance in taller, montane, moist eucalypt
Petauroides Central greater forests with relatively old trees and suitable hollows. In southern
E E Possible Unlikely
armillatus glider QLD, greater gliders require at least 2−4 live den trees for every
2ha of e forest habitat. Females give birth to a single young from
March to June (DAWE, 2023, and references therein).
Pteropus Grey headed Inhabits rainforest, Melaleuca and mangrove woodlands,
V V Possible Absent
poliocephalus flying fox swamps and disturbed areas.
Inhabits coastal wallum swamps in areas with sedges and open
Tenuibranchiurus E E
Swamp crayfish water. Nocturnal surface activity associated with rain events and Unlikely Absent
glypticus
ephemeral ponding,
SPECIAL LEAST CONCERN FAUNA
Generalist widespread species that inhabits woodland and open
forest. Feeds on termites. Often found among rocks, in hollow
Tachyglossus Short-beaked
SLC - logs, under vegetation or piles of debris, under tree roots or Likely Absent
aculeatus echidna
sometimes in wombat or rabbit burrows. May leave young in
nursery burrows whilst foraging.
NC Act- Indicates Queensland conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. NC Act codes are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (PE), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered
(E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Special Least Concern (SL) and Least Concern (C).
EPBC Act- Indicates the Australian conservation status of each taxon under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
EPBC Act codes are as follows: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (XW), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V) and Conservation Dependent (CD). Migratory (MI), Marine (M)
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5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1 Impacts to native fauna, flora and ecosystems
Proposed works have the potential to impact the following environmental values of the site:
Vegetation clearing resulting in the loss of native vegetation that provides soil
stability, ecosystem services and fauna habitat.
Loss of approximately six mature native trees which have a diameter at breast
height of greater than 500mm. These trees that provide shade, foraging and
breeding habitat, hollows, termitaria and arboreal connectivity.
Loss of approximately 240 Eucalyptus and Melaleuca species that are recognised
as Koala food trees.
Loss of at least three Special Least Concern orchids.
Loss of breeding habitat for hollow-dependent fauna including Kookaburras,
microbats and gliders.
Dispersal and introduction of Restricted Invasive Plants by machinery, and
potential for them to proliferate in surrounding areas.
Removal of existing vegetation and coarse woody debris (CWD) may cause loss
and/or disturbance of habitat for reptiles, small mammals, and birds.
Compaction of soil and destruction of depressions/burrows used by native fauna.
Disturbance of habitat through stockpiling of cleared vegetation, soil and
construction materials.
Injury or mortality to native fauna, during clearing or as a result of relocation.
5.2 Significant Impact Assessment for MNES
For impacts to MNES – Koala habitat, it was determined using the self-assessment process
outlined in the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 EPBC Act 1999 (DoE, 2013) that a
significant impact is unlikely as the loss of 0.19ha of Koala habitat should not lead to long-
term decrease in the size of any population present or significantly reduce the area of
occupancy.
5.3 Significant Residual Impact Assessment for MSES
In accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Environmental Protection Act
1994, the prescribed activity was assessed against the Queensland Environmental Offsets
Policy Significant Residual Impact Guideline (Queensland Government, 2014) to determine
whether it would cause a SRI to any MSES identified as occurring.
The SRI Assessment determined that there will not be an SRI on the prescribed
environmental matters (regulated vegetation or declared high value waterways and
wetlands) at a Site A. There will be an SRI on Koala habitat.
See brief assessments below.
Regulated vegetation
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Clearing of Category X vegetation (approximately 0.26ha) will not result in a significant
impact on the MSES – Regulated vegetation based on the criteria outlined in the SRI test-
criteria of the SRI guidelines for vegetation with a mid-dense structure as shown in Table 7
below.
TABLE 7: Significant residual impact test criteria
Clearing in an
Clearing in an RE Clearing in the
RE that is within
that is: portion of an RE
the defined
endangered, or of that lies within a
distance of a
concern mapped wetland
watercourse
For clearing other than clearing for linear
infrastructure:
- area greater than 5 ha where in a
1 grassland RE; or
N/A N/A N/A
- area greater than 2 ha where in
a sparse RE; or
- area greater than 0.5 ha in a
dense to mid-dense RE.
2 Clearing within 50m of the defining bank N/A N/A N/A
3 Clearing within 5m of the defining bank N/A N/A N/A
Threatened species and Koala habitat
The project will result in the loss of approximately 240 non-juvenile Koala habitat trees in a
Priority Koala Area. Clearing of a non-juvenile Koala habitat tree is considered a significant
residual impact to a matter of state environmental significance (MSES).
High value waterways and wetlands
Proposed works will not have a significant residual impact on declared high value
waterways or wetlands as the project is unlikely to result in environmental values being
affected in any of the following ways:
• “areas of the wetland or watercourse being destroyed or artificially modified;
• a measurable change in water quality of the wetland or watercourse—for example
a change in the level of the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the water,
including salinity, pollutants, or nutrients in the wetland or watercourse, to a level
that exceeds the water quality guidelines for the waters; or
• the habitat or lifecycle of native species, including invertebrate fauna and fish
species, dependent upon the wetland being seriously affected; or
• a substantial and measurable change in the hydrological regime or recharge zones
of the wetland, e.g. a substantial change to the volume, timing, duration and
frequency of ground and surface water flows to and within the wetland; or
• an invasive species that is harmful to the environmental values of the wetland being
established (or an existing invasive species being spread) in the wetland” (DEHP,
2014).
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6.0 SUMMARY
Overview of proposed works
1. Noosa Council proposes to clear Category X vegetation at Site A for an expansion
at the Noosa Landfill Resource Recovery Centre. After the initial survey in August
2024, NC revised the project footprint to reduce the area proposed to cleared to the
east of the Cleanaway facility within the NLRRC (the western parcel), but included
an additional area on the eastern side of the Cleanaway depot (the eastern parcel).
Based on these amendments the total area to be cleared is 0.26ha. The flora survey
found that there was no remnant vegetation within the site, despite RVMM mapping
of remnant vegetation at the northern end of the eastern parcel and the presence of
a limited number of scattered larger trees across the site.
General legislative obligations
2. Clearing of Category X vegetation on Site A does not require assessment under the
Planning Regulation 2017 and the Vegetation Management Act 1999.
3. A Protected plants clearing permit is not required as there were no protected
plants found in the clearing impact area. However, the proponent must submit a
flora survey report and an exempt clearing notification via Queensland
Government Online Services (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-
business/environment/online-services) at least one week before the start of
clearing and no later than 12 months after the flora survey was completed.
4. Clearing needs to be undertaken within three years of completing the flora survey
report.
5. A permit will be required to tamper with Animal Breeding Places under the Nature
Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.
6. Clearing works will need to comply with relevant Species Management Plans for
threatened species (Low and High Risk of impact).
7. For activities impacting MSES – Koala habitat area, compliance with the ‘avoid,
minimise (mitigate), offset’ obligation outlined in the Environmental Offsets
Regulation 2014 will need to be demonstrated and the significance of residual
impacts, if any, will need to be determined according to thresholds and criteria
contained in the Significant Residual Impact Guidelines (DES, 2014).
Watercourses and wetlands
8. There are no mapped ephemeral drainage lines or sources of permanent water
across the site. A drain that passes through the eastern parcel was not flowing
during the summer survey, despite approximately 130mm of rain falling in the area
during the two weeks prior to the survey.
Native Flora
9. The vegetation across the site has predominantly been mapped as Category X –
non remnant vegetation.
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10. Ground-truthed vegetation on Site A is high value regrowth eucalypt and
Melaleuca woodland (40 years old) in moderate condition with patches of younger
regrowth near the road and in the eastern parcel.
11. No Threatened Ecological Communities were present.
12. No threatened flora species were identified within the proposed clearing area.
13. Two Special least concern species occur in Site A – Giant boat-lipped orchid
(Cymbidium madidum) and Shepherd’s crook orchid (Geodorum densiflorum).
14. There are six large habitat trees present (dbh > 500mm).
15. Broad-leaved paperbark and eucalypt species within the site are considered Koala
Habitat Trees (KHT). There are approximately 240 non-juvenile KHTs in Site A.
Native Fauna
16. Site A is not mapped as Core Koala habitat, but evidence of Endangered Koala
was found in the form of a fresh scat in the north-eastern corner of Site A.
17. Koalas are known to cross the Eumundi Noosa Road and the surrounding eucalypt
and Melaleuca habitats constitute a known dispersal route for individuals moving in
and out of Noosa Shire.
18. Habitat suitable for breeding by Vulnerable Wallum froglet can be found around
Site A in the 100m buffer, so it is considered likely that individuals may disperse
throughout Site A on occasion following rainfall events.
19. Despite the limited extent of Site A, there is a moderate range of microhabitats and
potential breeding places present. There are two hollow bearing trees, two
termitaria, one area of coarse woody debris, and a semi-closed understorey.
Biosecurity
20. Restricted invasive plants listed under the Biosecurity Act recorded within the site
include Ground asparagus fern, Camphor laurel, Lantana, Groundsel and Singapore
daisy.
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7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Native flora
1. Healthy native trees should be retained wherever possible to provide shade, habitat
connectivity and to buffer the impacts (noise, dust, litter etc.) from the surrounding
road and landfill.
2. Impacts to the Structural Root Zone (SRZ) of retained trees should be avoided.
3. Any loss of Koala habitat trees should be offset at a 3:1 ratio as per the Queensland
Environmental Offsets Policy.
4. Special least concern species (e.g. orchids) should be relocated to undisturbed
habitat nearby prior to works.
Native fauna
5. To manage impacts to breeding places of Least concern species, works must be
carried out under the Noosa Council Generic Species Management Plan – Low
Risk of Impacts (SMP-Low Risk).
6. If impacts to breeding habitat of CREVNT, LC and/or colonial-breeding species
including indirect impacts cannot be avoided, a DESI-approved Species
Management Plan – High Risk of Impacts (SMP – High Risk) will be required to
manage impacts to breeding places of threatened or special least concern species.
7. The SMP must be implemented during site disturbance in collaboration with the
Fauna Spotter Catcher and a register of animal breeding places must be
maintained.
8. A Fauna Spotter Catcher will be required to conduct a pre-clear search to relocate
any native fauna found and be on site during clearing of habitat trees.
9. Works should be conducted outside of high rainfall events to avoid coinciding with
potential amphibian breeding events.
10. Any threatened frog species (e.g. Wallum froglet) and Least Concern amphibian
species are to be handled in accordance with the Technical Manual for Wildlife
management, Interim hygiene protocol for handling amphibians (DEHP 2016) and
all relocated fauna species including threatened invertebrate species released into
the most appropriate nearby habitat area.
11. A Koala spotter will be required as per Part 3, section 11 of the Nature Conservation
(Koala) Conservation Plan 2017 (Queensland Government, 2021) if Koala habitat
trees are being removed.
Fauna habitat
12. Disturbance to hollow bearing trees should be avoided.
13. Where disturbance to existing habitat structures cannot be reasonably avoided, all
hollows, stumps, logs, stags and coarse woody debris should be relocated to an
undisturbed habitat area nearby in consultation with a Fauna spotter catcher.
14. Removal of hollow-bearing trees should be offset with the installation of nest boxes
in suitable trees within adjacent vegetation at a ratio of 3 to 1.
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15. Consideration should be given to fauna sensitive road design so that fauna
sensitive design elements for Koala and other fauna species can be incorporated
into the design, given that the facility upgrade coincides with widening of the
Eumundi Noosa Road further to the north. Suitable safe fauna movement features
such as fencing, refuge poles, culvert furniture, fauna overpasses and underpasses
may be needed to ensure safe movement of Koalas and ensure that long term
dispersal routes for arboreal mammals are not impacted. The following documents
describe safe fauna movement design practices for Koala and other wildlife:
a. Fauna Sensitive Road Design Manual Department of Transport and
Main Roads Volume 2: Preferred Practices -
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Technical-standards-
publications/Fauna-Sensitive-Road-Design-Volume-2.
b. Koala sensitive design guideline
https://www.des.qld.gov.au/policies?a=272936:policy_registry/koala-
sensitive-design-guideline.pdf
Biosecurity
16. The General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) designated under the Biosecurity Act
2014 requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the
risks associated with invasive species.
17. Control of Singapore Daisy and other Restricted Invasive Plants should be
incorporated into works as part of the GBO.
18. Any fill used must be free of weed propagules.
19. Control of Singapore daisy should be programmed to occur at least 6 weeks prior
to works, and timely follow up should be undertaken 3 weeks prior to works to
minimise potential spread during works.
20. All spoil, fill and vegetation contaminated with Singapore daisy fragments should
be appropriately disposed of and transported to landfill.
21. Felled living and dead trees that are not contaminated with Singapore Daisy
fragments should be retained and dispersed in adjacent bushland areas, or donated
to community revegetation projects to augment habitat value for reptiles and small
mammals.
22. Any fill, gravel, mulch or plants from Fire Ant Zones requires a Biosecurity
Instrument Permit (BIP).
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Native Foresters 8.0 REFERENCES Australian Government (2020). Advice to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) on an Amendment to the List of Threatened Ecological Communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. (EPBC Act). Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). (2022). Climate data online. Retrieved from: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/. Business Queensland. (2023). Restricted invasive plants. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing- forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/plants/invasive/restricted Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). (2021). Queensland Waterways for Waterway Barrier Works spatial data layer: Guide to determining waterways. Retrieved from: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1564508/QWWBW-Guide- to-determining-waterways.pdf Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). (2019). ALUM Classification Version 8 (October 2016). Australian Government. Retrieved from: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/aclump/land-use/alum-classification/alum-classes. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). (2023a). Protected Matters Search Tool. Australian Government. Retrieved from: https://pmst.awe.gov.au/#/map?lng=131.52832031250003&lat=- 28.671310915880834&zoom=5&baseLayers=Imagery,ImageryLabels Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). (2023b). Species Profile and Threats Database. Australian Government. Retrieved from: https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=118 Department of Environment and Science (DES). (2020b). Species Management Program Requirements for tampering with a protected animal breeding place. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants- animals/species-management- program#:~:text=Registered%20entities%20with%20a%20SMP,.qld.gov.au. Department of Environment and Science (DES). (2014). Significant Residual Impact Guideline. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/90404/significant-residual- impact-guide.pdf Department of Environment and Science (DES). (2020a). Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants, V2.01. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/99901/gl-wl-pp-flora-survey.pdf Department of Environment and Science (DES). (2022). Environmental Offsets Policy. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/ __data/assets/pdf_file/0018/293400/offsets-policyv1-13.pdf Department of the Environment (DoE). (2013). Matters of National Environmental Significance. Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 35
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Native Foresters Conservation Act 1999. Australian Government. Retrieved from: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/nes-guidelines_1.pdf Eyre TJ, Ferguson DJ, Hourigan CL, Smith GC, Mathieson MT, Kelly, AL, Venz MF, Hogan, LD and Rowland, J. (2014). Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government. Neldner, V.J, Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H.A. (2012). Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland, Version 3.2, Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department Queensland Government (2019) List of exempt clearing work. 20 pages. Retrieved from: https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/847800/vegetation-clearing- exemptions.pdf Queensland Government (2020) General Guide to the Vegetation Clearing Codes. Acceptable Vegetation Clearing Codes. Effective 7 February 2020. For landholders. 48 pages https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1447098/general- guide-vegetation-clearing-codes.pdf Queensland Government (2021). Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. Queensland Herbarium (2021). Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version 11.1 April 2019 (DSITI: Brisbane). Queensland Government. (2021). Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/sl-2017-0152 Queensland Globe. 2023. Queensland Globe. Queensland Government. Retrieved from: https://qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au/ Queensland Government. (2023a). Request a vegetation or property map. Retrieved from: https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/qld/environment/land/vegetation/vegetation-map- request-form Queensland Government. (2023b). Request a species list. Retrieved from: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/report-request/species-list/ Queensland Government. (2023c). Environmental reports online. Retrieved from: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/environmental-reports-online Queensland Government. (2023d). Request a coastal hazard property map. Retrieved from: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/map-request/coastal-hazards/ Queensland Museum (2007) Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum. Wilson, P.R. and Taylor, P.M. (2012). Land Zones of Queensland. Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts. Retrieved from: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0038/89669/land-zones- queensland Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 36
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Native Foresters APPENDIX A – CONCEPT DESIGN Not finalised – yet to be supplied. Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 37
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APPENDIX B - DATABASE AND MAP SEARCHES USED FOR
DESKTOP REVIEW OF SITE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
Commonwealth of Australia
DATABASE / MAP SOURCE DESCRIPTION
PRODUCT
EPBC Protected DCCEEW, This report indicates whether matters of national environmental significance or
Matters Search Tool 2024 other matters protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 are likely to occur in the area of interest – Indicative only.
State of Queensland
DATABASE / MAP SOURCE DESCRIPTION
PRODUCT
Regulated Vegetation DoR, 2024 Regulated Vegetation mapping shows vegetation categories that determine
Management Map clearing requirements as gazetted under the Qld Vegetation Management Act
1999. The Regulated Vegetation Supporting map provides information on regional
ecosystems, wetlands, watercourses, and essential habitat and factors.
Protected Plants DESI, 2024 This tool identifies whether a proposed clearing area lies within a high risk area
Flora Survey Trigger that may contain EVNT plant species. It is used to determine when a flora survey
Map) needs to meet the requirements of the Queensland Flora Survey Guidelines –
Protected Plants (NCA, 1992).
Essential Habitat DoR, 2024 Essential Habitat is a vegetation ecotype that is considered by DESI to form
Map potential habitat for an EVNT species that is listed under the Nature Conservation
Regulations (2020). Essential Habitat mapping is provided in conjunction with
Regulated Vegetation Management mapping as gazetted under the VMA (1999).
Koala habitat DESI, 2024 These maps identify Koala priority areas (KPAs), koala habitat areas (KHAs) and
mapping identifies koala broad-hectare areas under the Nature Conservation (Koala)
Conservation Plan 2017.
KPAs contain Koala habitat which is essential for the conservation of a viable
population in the wild in South East Queensland
KHAs are further refined into ‘core’ habitat and ‘locally refined’.
Map of Referable DESI, 2024 A statewide regulatory map under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008
Wetlands which identifies wetlands of high ecological significance (HES) and general
ecological significance (GES).
Queensland DAFF, 2024 This spatial data layer guides the determination of whether operational work that
Waterways for is constructing or raising waterway barrier works i.e., works that may inhibit the
Waterway Barrier free movement of fish along waterways and onto floodplains, complies with the
Works spatial data accepted development requirements or is assessable development requiring a
layer and guideline development approval under the Planning Act 2016.
Queensland Coastal Qld Govt, Queensland Coastal Hazard Areas maps show areas vulnerable to coastal
Hazard Property Map 2024 erosion or storm tide inundation.
WildNET Database DESI / Wildlife sightings and listings for all flora and fauna species within a designated
DSITIA, area.
2024
Queensland Globe Qld Globe, A web-based platform to view Queensland’s location based information.
2024
Biomaps Qld Govt, Online mapping system to access biodiversity related spatial layers and generate
2024 environmental reports
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DATABASE / MAP SOURCE DESCRIPTION
PRODUCT
MSES map series Queensland MSES is a set of layers representing defined values in the State Planning Policy
Government 2017 (SPP) and Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014. MSES are derived
, 2024 from multiple sources as follows:
Protected areas (including all classes of protected area except coordinated
conservation areas) under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
Marine national park, conservation park, scientific research, preservation or
buffer zones under the Marine Parks Act 2004
Areas within declared fish habitat areas that are management A areas or
management B areas under the Fisheries Regulation 2008
A designated precinct, in a strategic environmental area under the Regional
Planning Interests Regulation 2014, schedule 2, part 5, s15(3)
Wetlands in a wetland protection area or wetlands of high ecological
significance shown on the map of referable wetlands under the
Environmental Protection Regulation 2008
Wetlands and watercourses in high ecological value waters identified in the
Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, schedule 1
A legally secured offset areas as defined under the Environmental Offsets
Act 2014
Threatened wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and special
least concern animals under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation
2006
Marine plants under the Fisheries Act 1994 (excluding marine plants in an
urban area)
Waterways that provide for fish passage under the Fisheries Act 1994
(excluding waterways providing for fish passage in an urban area)
High risk area on the flora survey trigger as described by the Environmental
offsets Regulation 2014, schedule 2, part6(1)
Regulated vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 that is
mapped as:
Category B area on the regulated vegetation management map, that
are ‘endangered’ and ‘of concern’ regional ecosystems
Category C area on the regulated vegetation management map that
are ‘endangered’ and ‘of concern’ regional ecosystems
Category R area on the regulated vegetation management map
Areas of essential habitat on the essential habitat map for an animal
that is ‘endangered wildlife’ or ‘vulnerable wildlife’ or a plant that is
‘endangered wildlife’ or ‘vulnerable wildlife’ under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992
Category A,B,C,R areas that are located within a defined distance
from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse identified on the
vegetation management watercourse and drainage feature map
Category A,B,C,R areas that are located within 100 metres from the
defining bank of a wetland identified on the vegetation management
wetlands map.
Koala habitat area - This map identifies Koala Habitat Areas (core and
locally refined) and Koala Priority Areas that contain Koala habitat which is
essential for the conservation of a viable population in the wild in SEQ.
Environmentally sensitive areas / Groundwater dependent ecosystems - A
national Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Atlas developed by the
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) that identifies ecosystems which require
access to groundwater on a permanent or intermittent basis to meet all or
some of their water requirements so as to maintain their communities of
plants and animals, ecological processes and ecosystem services.
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Open source datasets
DATABASE / MAP SOURCE DESCRIPTION
PRODUCT
Atlas of Living CSIRO, Biodiversity data hosted by the CSIRO
Australia (ALA) 2024
iNaturalist iNaturalist, The iNaturalist research-grade observations dataset that are shared with
2024 the Global Biodiversity Information Facility sourced from
https://www.inaturalist.org
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APPENDIX C – CERTIFICATION OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED
PERSON FOR FLORA SURVEY
Native Foresters flora surveys are undertaken by competent and trained personnel. The flora survey at the Noosa Resource
and Recovery Centre was coordinated and led by Vanessa Moscato with assistance from Emily Kost.
Vanessa Moscato BSc (Hons) is an ecological consultant with 20 years’ experience in the following:
Conducting ecological research and fauna and flora surveys’;
Local native flora identification, Regional Ecosystems and QLD Herbarium botanical specimen submissions;
Habitat restoration and revegetation; and
Fauna spotter-catching.
Since 2006, Vanessa has been conducting flora surveys in the Sunshine Coast and Southeast Queensland region and
has been previously certified to lead flora surveys with the following project:
Nambour Landfill (Native Foresters, 2015).
The following statement is provided in certification of the suitably qualified person who conducted the flora survey.
(1) “I certify that:
a) I have adhered to all statutory requirements and flora survey guideline requirements; and
b) In the area surveyed I have not found plants that are currently listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically
endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened in the Nature Conservation (Plants) Regulation 2020;
and
c) The flora survey report is an accurate and full account of the flora survey.
Name: Vanessa Moscato
Signature:
Date: 10th July 2024
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APPENDIX D – VEGETATION ECOLOGICAL CONDITION SCALE
Vegetation Condition Scale for all vegetation communities (Adapted from Keighery 1994 and Casson, Downes and
Harris 2009
Native
vegetation
Condition Definition cover (%)
Excellent (E) Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance or damage >90
caused by human activities since European settlement (undisturbed
remnant).
Very Good (VG) Vegetation structure intact; Some relatively slight signs of damage 75-90
caused by human activities. For example, some signs of damage to
tree trunks caused by repeated fire, the presence of some relatively
non-aggressive weeds, or occasional vehicle tracks (slightly
disturbed remnant).
Good (G) Vegetation structure partially altered by obvious signs of multiple 50-75
disturbances. Retains basic vegetation structure or ability to
regenerate. Signs of damage caused by human activity since
European settlement including low levels of grazing or slightly
aggressive weeds (partly disturbed remnant).
Poor (P) Vegetation structure moderately altered by obvious signs of multiple 30-50
disturbances. Still retains basic vegetation structure or ability to
regenerate it with intensive management. Very obvious impacts of
human activities since European settlement man such as grazing,
partial clearing, frequent fires or aggressive weeds (moderately
disturbed remnant).
Degraded (D) Vegetation structure significantly altered by obvious signs of multiple 10-30
disturbances. Severely impacted by grazing, very frequent fire,
clearing or a combination of these activities. Scope for some
regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without
intensive management. Usually with a number of weed species
present including very aggressive species at high densities (partly
degraded remnant).
Completely degraded (CD) The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact. Areas are <10
completely or almost completely without native species in the
structure of their vegetation, e.g., areas that are cleared or ‘parkland
cleared’ with their flora comprising weed or crop species with
isolated, native trees or shrubs. (degraded remnant).
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Native Foresters APPENDIX E – JUSTIFICATION OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON FOR FAUNA BREEDING PLACE SURVEY Native Foresters fauna surveys and breeding habitat assessments are coordinated and led by Simon McVerry and assisted by Tony Bright. Simon has worked in resource management for 20 years across South East Queensland, focusing on native flora and fauna management and assessment. He has extensive experience in field research for native fauna species and is the holder of a Scientific Purposes Permit for Research Purposes and an Animal Ethics Permit. Tony Bright is a native fauna and flora specialist with over 40 years’ experience in the field. He has spent ten years as a guide working in the Fraser Island region and 30 years doing field–based research in Australia and overseas. Tony is a professional wildlife keeper and a licensed Wildlife spotter catcher (Fauna rehabilitation permit holder) specialising in reptile, mammal and amphibian species. Simon McVerry and Tony Bright are assisted in the field by Vanessa Moscato, Pru McIntyre and Tim O’Reilly. Vanessa Moscato BSc(Hons) is an ecologist and recreational reptile keeper with 20 years’ experience in fauna and flora surveys, habitat assessments and impact assessments. Pru (BEnSc) is an environmental scientist and ecological consultant with 6 years’ experience in flora and fauna surveys, breeding habitat assessments and impact management plans. Tim O’Reilly (BA/BSc-Botany) is an ecological consultant, qualified spotter catcher and professional ornithologist with 30 years’ experience in environmental research and education. He has led bird surveys for QPWS, developed accredited field ecology course content for the University of New South Wales and runs staff training workshops at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 43
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Native Foresters APPENDIX F – EPBC ACT PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH SUMMARY Report created 9th July 2024. Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 44
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Native Foresters APPENDIX G - MSES MAPPING Noosa Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre Expansion – Site A, Rev 1 – Fauna & Flora Assessment 45
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APPENDIX H - REGULATED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
MAPPING
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APPENDIX I - PROTECTED PLANTS FLORA SURVEY TRIGGER
MAP
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APPENDIX J – WILDNET CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT SPECIES DATABASE RECORDS WITHIN
1KM
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APPENDIX K – KOALA HABITAT AREA MAPPING
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APPENDIX L – AERIAL HISTORY
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APPENDIX M – THREATENED SPECIES, HABITAT TREES AND BREEDING PLACES IN SITE A
TREE ID Species Name Common Name DBH (mm) Latitude Longitude Notes
HABITAT TREES
1 Eucalyptus racemosa Scribbly gum 500 -26.436312 153.024624
2 Eucalyptus racemosa Scribbly gum 1000 -26.436337 153.024488 Very large tree with hollow and arboreal termitaria
3 Eucalyptus racemosa Scribbly gum 800 -26.436056 153.024381 Large tree with hollow
4 Eucalyptus racemosa Scribbly gum 700 -26.435881 153.024364 Large tree with hollow
5 Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark tea tree 750,40 -26.435811 153.024453 Large tree with fresh koala scat at base
6 Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark tea tree 500 -26.435821 153.025393
CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT SPECIES
Geodorum densiflorum Shepherd's crook orchid -26.436362 153.024706
Cymbidium madidum Giant boat-lipped orchid -26.435924 153.024406
Cymbidium madidum Giant boat-lipped orchid -26.435556 153.025278
BREEDING PLACES
Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common ringtail possum -26.43636 153.024664 Drey
- Coarse woody debris -26.435924 153.024406 Habitat for small reptiles and mammals
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