Annexure 5 Master Plan 2 (003)

 

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CHOOSING FUTURES: Shire Business Centre Master Plan - Stage 2 8

2.3

CONSTRAINT MAPPING

Preparation of MP1 drew from an extensive range of documents that accompanied an application lodged by
Montbar Pty Ltd on 30/09/2000. In consultation with the then Department of Communication, Information, Local
Government, Planning & Sport and other agencies, the review of the documents led to a request for further
information. The information request had not been satisfied at the time the initial Master Plan was prepared.

Montbar provided further information; however there was little additional constraint mapping that would assist in
the development of this Master Plan.

The constraint mapping for Stage 1 indicated that parts of the site intended for development were habitat for the
elf skink, which is classified as a rare species under the Nafure Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations. The skink is
understood to be associated with the Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum) unit of vegetation on the site. The extent
and viability of the skink habitat over the site was not well understood at the time of preparation of MP1. However
MP2 has benefited from additional studies carried out into the extent and viability of the elf skink on the site and
the broader Noosa area. It is now also believed to inhabit the southem part of the site that is to be protected for
environmental purposes. These additional studies have lead to a conclusion that -

"There are grounds to reconsider the appropriateness of continuing to class E.graciloides (Elf Skink) as a
‘rare’ species. This new work shows E.graciloides is more common and widespread than has been
inferred from museum records and one field study.(Jeanette Covacevich, Senior Curator (vertebrates)
Queensland Museum, 6 March 2002).

As a result of this study, the Elf Skink is no longer a significant constraint in terms of the master planning of the
site. See Council's Minutes dated 11 April 2002. Nevertheless the Elf Skink remains a fauna of significance as
does the culturally significant species Koala which has been recorded at the site. Special measures are to be
applied to operations that removes habitat of these species to relocate fauna present to a suitable altemative
habitat. ‘

Drainage fines through the site were identified in MP1 as key definitional items providing edges to major
functions. Therefore the location of the drainage lines has been refined by further field survey of the site and this
additional field survey is a consideration of MP2. se

Council has named the road proposed in the Strategic Plan to connéct Emu Mountain Road and Eenie Creek
Road, as Walter Hay Drive. The alignment of this road across Eenie Creek and through the site has been refined
following extensive engineering and environmental assessments. The plan with MP2 reflects a design
recommended by Council's traffic consultants and staff. However Council is yet to finally determine the route for
Walter Hay Drive and it may vary slightly from the MP2 plan. The size of roundabouts drawn is indicative and will
be the subject of more detailed assessment by Council.

The major constraints influencing the preparation of the Master Plan are summarised in Table 2.3

GADEP\Projects\SBC\Masterplan-FinalApr04.doc