2019-12-11 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 7 - Final New Noosa Plan - Part 8-10 Schedule Appendix - Clean version

(10)   Planting Size
       (a)   The selected planting size will vary depending upon the nature of the development, availability of plant species, the type of
             plant and any specific conditions contained within a development approval. It is recognised that some plant species grow
             better from smaller containers for example Eucalypts and Brush box grow best from a 200 millimetre pot. In each case, root
             systems are to be sturdily established in a container to ensure expected plant size is congruous with size of pot. As a
             general guide the following minimum pot sizes apply:
       (b)   Regardless of pot size, it is essential that plants have not become root bound.

Type of Plant                                                         Minimum Pot Size

Street and feature trees                                              45 Litre (75 litre for prominent areas)
Trees generally                                                        25 Litre
Tall, slow growing or feature shrubs                                  200 millimetre
Shrubs generally                                                      150 millimetre
Ground covers, climbers and tufted plants                             140 millimetre


(11)   Layout – Plant Density and Grouping
       (a)   The plant density will vary depending on the type of landscape character being created for example rainforest areas have a
             much higher density of trees and understorey than an open woodland setting.
       (b)   Obviously a denser rate of planting is required when attempting to create visual buffers or windbreaks. This can be more
             successfully achieved by layering of planting from low at the edges towards taller planting at the centre. A similar method
             can be employed in softening of fence lines or walls.
       (c)   Planting designs should be based on informal layouts of tree groupings or clusters with understorey layers of shrubs and
             ground covers at an appropriate density with the entire planting area covered with a layer of mulch.
       (d)   Apart from the aesthetics of these groupings, plants thrive in groups and in mulched areas, rather than in lawn. The
             grouping and mulching provides protection for plants, avoids damage (from builders and whipper­snipers), conserves
             water and is easier to maintain.
       (e)   As a general guide the following separation between plants would be appropriate:
             (i)     Trees ­ 5 metres apart
             (ii)    Larger shrubs ­ 2 metres apart
             (iii)   Groundcovers – 500 millimetre to 1 metre apart

       (f)   To create a visual buffer, the following separations between plants may be more appropriate:
             (i)     Trees – 2 metres apart
             (ii)    Larger shrubs – 1 metre apart
             (iii)   Groundcovers – 500 millimetre to 1 metre apart

(12)   Structures/Materials
       (a)   Creative landscape works can effectively combine structures with planting. The use of timber slatted screens, pergolas,
             planters, sleeper walls, pervious paving, rockwork etc, in combination with planting is encouraged.
       (b)   Concrete retaining structures such as crib block walls are generally not desirable, as the materials do not integrate as well
             with natural vegetation as timber and local stone. Further, it can take considerable time to soften the look of concrete walls.
       (c)   Utilisation of ‘bio­engineering’ techniques in preference to more traditional engineering forms is also encouraged (e.g.
             vegetated swales to drainage lines rather than concrete­lined drains).
       (d)   Tree grates provide for water and natural air movement however are not to be used as a drain.

(13)   Design for Low Maintenance
       (a)   Landscaping schemes should be designed with consideration to maintenance requirements. Landscaping with simple
             maintenance requirements will achieve a better long­term result. Careful preparation of garden areas prior to planting is
             also essential for successful growth of plants.
       (b)   Local species are better suited to the local environment and therefore have lower maintenance requirements. In addition,
             extensive use of mulched areas provides a better growing environment for plants, suppresses weeds and retains water.


  **FINAL DRAFT ­ Post Consultation 2019**
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