Attachment 4 - Terrestrial Ecology Report_RACV_2022 June

Connectivity Table 8.2.2.3 - Criteria for assessable development (part)
Performance outcomes                   Acceptable outcomes                                                             Project Outcomes
Connectivity
PO5                                    AO5                                                                             The design has been informed by Dr Ellis (and Dr Carrick from Council)
Development is designed and operated Development is designed and operated to maintain ecological linkages and          regarding koala movement.
to maintain and enhance connectivity maximise opportunity for connectivity and the movement of fauna by:
between and across ecologically
                                                                                                                       A patch of quality habitat trees are retained in the middle of the villas
important areas and connecting habitat     1. ensuring protection of wildlife refuges;                                 with habitat trees scattered elsewhere.
and support unimpeded and safe             2. maintaining vegetation in patches of the greatest possible size and
movement of terrestrial and aquatic           within the smallest possible edge-to-area ratio;
fauna.                                                                                                                 A corridor/linkage is retained through the subject land between villas and
                                           3. enhancing connectivity through planting and rehabilitation works,
                                                 including across property boundaries, to areas of national park,      through the gap in the northeast. This has been an intentional design
                                                 state forest or reserve;                                              layout.
                                            4.   avoiding the creation of physical barriers and safety hazards (such
                                                 as roads, pedestrian access and instream structures) along and        Barriers to fauna (e.g. retaining walls and fences) are not proposed to
                                                 within the ecological linkage;                                        hinder fauna movement. Where necessary these features would be
                                            5.   providing mitigation measures such as wildlife movement               fauna friendly.
                                                 infrastructure, fauna exclusion and directional fencing,
                                                 underpasses/overpasses and traffic calming devices, signage and       Planting of additional vegetation (including a native understorey which is
                                                 lighting; and
                                                                                                                       currently absent) between the villas and other open areas will enhance
                                            6.   where offsets are necessary, delivering offsets that support and
                                                 enhance ecological linkages.                                          fauna movement and refuge opportunities for a greater diversity of
                                                                                                                       species.

                                                                                                                       Offsets and other “offsite” measures can be investigated at a later stage
                                                                                                                       but it would be expected that these provide an improved/enhanced
                                                                                                                       overall ecological outcome.