Attachment 4 - Terrestrial Ecology Report_RACV_2022 June

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The subject land is located at 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads (Lot 3 on SP 126203), is part of the existing RACV
resort landholding and encompasses some 0.55ha. Council owned/controlled land occurs to the immediate west
and northwest with Weyba Road - Leslie Drive and the roundabout to the immediate south and east.

Historically there has been an approval (2008) for a residential development over the entirety of the subject
land. Under the current Noosa Plan, the majority of land is zoned as Tourist Accommodation.

RACV intend to develop the land in accordance with the mapped land use (i.e. for tourist accommodation). A
low key “eco-style” cabin design has been adopted with 16 cabins (eight villas/units) proposed which have been
strategically placed throughout the land. Villa design and construction allows for a low footprint impact area
being raised above ground-level. The intent is for a “green-eco” experience which incorporates retention of
existing trees enhanced with landscaping and rehabilitation between the villas.

Ecological assessment and inspections of the land have been undertaken (by Gondwana Ecology Group) since
December 2018 and have included numerous discussions with Council regarding site history, ecological values
and proposed land use.

The most common canopy tree species within the subject land were Eucalyptus robusta (swamp mahogany),
Glochidion ferdinandi (cheese tree) and Melaleuca quinquenervia (paperbark teatree). The suite of canopy
species reflected the regional ecosystem mapped across the subject land, Regional Ecosystem (RE) 12.2.7
(described above) but more specifically RE 12.2.7c, described as:

The ground and midstorey was highly disturbed and dominated by weed species. The most widespread and
dominant weed was Chonemorpha fragrans (frangipani vine). This vine was climbing into the canopy of the
native trees, competing with them for light and other resources. Also widespread was the vine Dioscorea
bulbifera var. bulbifera (aerial yam), which although naturally occurring in north Queensland, is a weed species
in southeast Queensland.

Of the 375 native trees surveyed within and immediately adjacent to the subject land, 74% are to be retained
and include 86% of the eucalypts (to be retained).

More than 75 fauna species have been recorded within the survey area and comprise five amphibians, 44 birds,
16 mammals and 10 reptiles. This includes several pest/non-native species. Of these 25 species have been
recorded within the subject land and comprise two amphibians, 12 birds, six mammals and three reptiles. Koala
and Grey-headed Flying-fox (both vulnerable status – Commonwealth) have been recorded on the subject land
and surrounds.

Villa location has been determined in consultation with bushfire, koala, arborist and design input. Numerous
iterations considering the most appropriate design have resulted in the final design layout which:

     •    Ensure retention of the trees identified as being higher retention value (ecological and arborist
          consideration);
     •    Avoids unnecessary additional clearing for bushfire purposes;
     •    Maintains a corridor/connection through the subject land (for fauna movement);
     •    Allows for the removal/control of the highly invasive vine (and other weeds) which may invade adjacent
          open space areas;
     •    Allows for the planting/establishment of a native understorey (and mid/canopy) between and
          throughout the layout; and
     •    Establish a land use that is envisaged by the scheme.

It is acknowledged that the proposed land use is for tourist accommodation. While the subject land is heavily
degraded and lacking a native under (and mid) storey, the land supports ecological values in so far as native
canopy trees exist (albeit are infested with the vine) and the land is adjacent to an open space area.

The proposed low-impact eco-style development achieves an acceptable balance by integrating the villas with
the ecological values of the landscape. The project also has the ability to enhance the local (and surrounding)
ecological values, would not compromise the intent or relevant assessment benchmarks of the Noosa Plan and
could be approved with reasonable and relevant conditions.
Terrestrial Ecology Assessment – RACV Noosa
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