Attachment 4 - Terrestrial Ecology Report_RACV_2022 June

2. MATTERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE – DESKTOP ANALYSIS
2.1 Past Reporting and Site History
Biological & Environmental Services 3 undertook an ecological assessment of the site in 2006. With
respect to the vegetation they concluded that:

     •    More than a third of the plant species recorded on the site were introduced;
     •    The site investigation confirmed the Regional Ecosystem mapping at the time, showing the
          area mapped as RE12.2.7;
     •    The site vegetation was in a degraded state compared to vegetation immediately west of the
          site;
     •    The survey revealed a relative diversity of species, as follows: three amphibian, three reptile,
          17 bird and seven mammal species; and
     •    While no threatened flora under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 or the
          Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were found,
          grey-headed flying fox and koala were recorded (both listed under the Commonwealth
          legislation) 4.

The report confirms disturbance across the entirety of the site and records the regrowth and weed-
infested areas. It is suggested the land was cleared during the 70s-80s and notes the stone wall ruins
along the western boundary with level of mature swamp mahogany higher to the west.

Site investigations (current) confirm the majority of the subject land has been filled, earthen mounds
exist and the remnant of a “wall”, embankment structure is noticeable at the western boundary. The
land has (and is) been subjected to dumping of debris and other waste material, including an invasive
vine (Chonemorpha fragrans - Frangipani vine) which is now rampant through the site.

2.2 Databases and Mapping
The following databases and reports were reviewed prior to undertaking field investigations 5, to
determine vegetation communities and component plant species likely to be encountered on the site:

     •    Commonwealth’s EPBC Online Protected Matters Search Tool with search buffer of a 2km;
     •    Queensland Wildlife Online database with search radius of a 1, 2 and 10km buffer 6 (co-
          ordinates -26.40288; 153.08023);
     •    Queensland Regional Ecosystems Report and Regulated Vegetation;
     •    Queensland Biodiversity and Conservation Values;
     •    Koala Habitat Mapping; and
     •    Flora Survey Trigger Map.

2.3 Commonwealth EPBC Act
The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the
national framework for considering matters of national environmental significance (MNES).




3 Biological & Environmental Services Pty Ltd (2006) Ecological Assessment, 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads. Prepared for

Johanna Thannhauser.
4 Ophiscincus truncatus was recorded during the 2006 survey and was listed as rare under the NCA. This species is no

longer listed under the NCA. Koala is also listed under the NCA.
5 Mapping and database analysis undertaken in December 2018 for preliminary assessments. Updated mapping and

database analysis for reporting, undertaken again in May 2019 and February 2022.
6 10km search buffer restricted to fauna records.

Terrestrial Ecology Assessment – RACV Noosa
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