Submission regarding RACV proposal 2023 Kim De Vantier

Submission to the Noosa Council regarding RACV’s development proposal (MCU22/0118)

To whom it may concern,

I am asking the Noosa Council to decline RACV's development proposal (MCU22/0118) in order to reduce further destruction of valuable biodiversity.

The proposal for a material change of use for short-term accommodation and a new lagoon pool at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive will involve the removal of at least 89 trees, 44 of which koalas are known to inhabit.
Not only is the koala a national icon, but the species was also listed in 2022 under national environmental law as endangered.

The Noosa community should feel honoured to still have individuals of such a culturally significant species in our environment, and thus, we have a responsibility to protect these creatures and minimise activities that will undoubtedly worsen their odds of survival.
It would be a great shame if only several native species remain as hand-fed individuals in artificial environments.

The applicant has suggested that the development would benefit koala habitat via the removal of invasive frangipani vines. However, basic ecological theory i.e., MacArthur and Wilson’s theory of island biogeography, informs how the destruction of trees which facilitate food, habitat, and movement (vegetation corridors), would exacerbate threats to the already struggling species.

To confirm this, the QLD State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA) advised
"The site provides an important connection between Noosa National Park to the north through to Leslie Park and larger, interconnected areas of bushland that are mapped as Koala habitat area (KHA) in a Koala Priority Area (KPA) to the southeast. Furthermore, there are 107 records of koalas within 1 km of the site, and four records of koalas on the site. SARA considers that the impacts of the proposed development may result in an unacceptable impact on KHA, particularly as it relates to connectivity, fragmentation and safe koala movement. Based on the information submitted with the application material, it is recommended the applicant consider whether development of the site is appropriate, considering the current threats facing koalas in South-East Queensland.”

Therefore, financial gain from tourism should not be a justification for habitat destruction and should only be conducted if it does not involve harm to local biodiversity, particularly to a globally recognised iconic species.
The wider contributions that this development will have to the climate crisis should also be at the forefront of decision-making, as should obligations to reduce emissions and mitigate global temperature rise.

Thank you for your consideration,
Kim De Vantier