Objection_Nov18 · MCU18/0015

Proposed Development ‘benefits’

The development “benefits” outlined are either non-existent or a poor second alternative
to the existing ‘Open Conservation Space’.

The existing site already conserves ‘Open Conservation Space’ in order to ensure the
protection of habitat, flora and fauna in perpetuity and retain the green visual character of
the hill.
No further detail on the “environmental reserve” is provided (such as outlining public
access or recreation opportunities, residents compliance for dog-walking or usage
conditions) to preserve a wildlife corridor so it can only be assumed that “all care and no
responsibility” for the Reserve / Corridor is passed on to either Noosa Council or the
public.

Proposed ‘benefits’
a) Dedication of 50% of the site to Council as environmental reserve which will secure
   the land in public ownership.

Objection: The development is already required to maintain the wildlife corridor,
the ‘gifting’ is a smokescreen.
In effect the developer is “donating” an ‘environmental reserve’ INSTEAD of a wildlife
corridor. The presence of people, lighting at night, domestic pets (contained or otherwise),
more vehicle emissions and noise will travel directly out over the “Reserve” / Corridor
which will undoubtably have a negative impact over existing Corridor conditions.


b) Prior to the environmental reserve being dedicated to Council, rehabilitation works will
   be undertaken (at the developers cost) to remove weed species and replant native
   species to ensure the function of the reserve is enhanced and it will function as an
   environmental and fauna movement corridor.

Objection: The Ecological assessment and Geotechnical Investigation Reports contradicts
this ‘benefit’ by stating that vegetation clearing will be limited to building and driveway
sites. This affects 61% of the site.


c) The environmental reserve proposed on the subject site will secure an important
   ecological link in public ownership between the site, the adjoining Peppers resort and
   the Noosa National Park to the south-east.

Objection: The ‘ecological link” already exists with Open Conservation Space’
consideration. Secondly, if the “Reserve” passes to Public ownership then it cannot be truly
considered a legitimate Wildlife corridor.