Attachment 4 - Terrestrial Ecology Report_RACV_2022 June

5.3 Potential Impacts to Fauna and Habitats
Loss of habitat and fauna mortality are direct negative impacts to fauna. Several “indirect” potential
impacts on fauna and their habitats are listed as follows:

     •    Inadvertent mortality (mortality during clearing operations)
     •    Loss of habitat features (removal of tree-bearing hollow and ground logs)
     •    Loss of movement opportunities (barriers to fauna movement)


5.4 Impact Mitigation and Management Recommendations
The development design has considered the site “constraints” and due to the proposed development
(i.e. low-key and with an environmental focus), the intention is to retain as much vegetation as
possible. It is important to note that analysis of the tree survey and schedule has assisted in the design
and location of buildings and to limit overall disturbance. An understanding of Council’s expectations
(request) and need for a practical ecological outcome has guided the design in order to achieve an
appropriate balance between development and the environment. Further advice from koala
researcher (Dr Bill Ellis) has also guided the development /building layout with relation to koala habitat
and movement. As such ecological values have been avoided through the design in so far as possible.

The scale of potential impacts is considered with an understanding of the site context (particularly the
significant disturbance/weed infestation) and the existing approved development.

Best practice mitigation and management measures in order to avoid or minimise adverse impacts
are recommended and discussed below.

A range of mitigation measures can be implemented that will reduce environmental impacts (and
improve ecological values) and these include:

     •    implement a weed control strategy 27 (for the frangipani vine) as soon as practical;
     •    clearly identify and demarcate (and install protection fencing) areas, trees, vegetation for
          retention and removal;
     •    use of fauna spotter catchers during clearing to ensure no impacts occur to koalas or other
          fauna during vegetation clearing;
     •    salvage of habitat features (e.g. logs);
     •    landscape design (surrounding buildings) to use indigenous plant species;
     •    planting species which support local fauna, including koala habitat trees (feed and shelter);
     •    enhancing the buffer along Weyba Road and Sanctuary Drive (and the roundabout) with
          suitable native species;
     •    any fencing along the boundaries to be fauna-friendly; and
     •    installation of nest boxes in the retained E.robusta (or other large trees).

It would be expected that a detailed Vegetation Management Plan and Fauna Management Plan
would be part of any approval conditions. Further, given the nature of the proposed development, a
detailed landscape or Rehabilitation Management Plan would allow for the restoration of the subject
land (i.e. amongst the buildings/structures) to achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem and provide natural
habitats for fauna and flora.




27 While there is no evidence to suggest this is the case, it is believed (as per 2019 communications) that Council had

implemented weed control actions for the vine in the adjacent Council land.

Terrestrial Ecology Assessment-RACV Noosa                                                                                 28