Council Report - 132005.638.03 - OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - EXPANSION OF SPECIAL PURPOSE (WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING FACILITY) & ONGOING CLEARING PURPOSES AT 561 EUMUNDI NOOSA ROAD, DOONAN - Finale

Council’s independent ecologist has reviewed the applicant’s response and accepts the measures
proposed to avoid long term net loss of ecologically important areas, subject to the offset ratio
being adjusted to a 6:1 ratio in accordance with the provisions of the State Government Supported
Infrastructure Koala Policy 2017.
Edge effects
PO3 (c) of the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands code requires that the development
incorporates siting and design measures to protect and retain ecological values and processes
within or adjacent to the site. A site inspection of the surrounding environment indicates that there
has been substantial degradation of adjacent bushland via weed incursion.
Additional information was sought from the applicant to demonstrate compliance with PO3 (c) of
the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Code. In response, the applicant has provided a revised
proposal plan which includes a 5m wide grass buffer area which is intended to be maintained along
the northeastern boundary for the full extent of the proposed resource recovery area. Considering
the nature of the use and having no buildings proposed in this area, the applicant’s ecology
consultant has advised that the buffer is wide enough to allow for adequate weed management.
Furthermore, the applicant proposes to install signage along the perimeter boundary to assist with
minimising edge effects by clearly delineating the operational use areas of the site.
This response was considered acceptable by Council’s independent ecologist as means of
satisfying PO3 (c).
Wetlands
PO6 of the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Code requires the protection of the biodiversity
and ecosystem values of the waterways, wetlands and adjacent riparian zones. The adjacent
paperbark open forest meets the definition of a wetland under the Department of Environment and
Resource Management (2011) Queensland and delineation guideline, meaning it must be
considered for assessment purposes.
The applicant’s ecologist has addressed this performance outcome through their Flora and fauna
assessment (Rev 4) submitted as part of its information response. Their revised response
acknowledges the applicable wetlands, watercourse and riparian buffers to the proposed clearing.
The response also notes the poor health of the wetland proposed to be cleared and that weed
management will be applied to the balance vegetation and a 1.8ha environmental offset will be
provided which includes a constructed riparian drainage line.
Council’s independent ecologist has reviewed and is satisfied that the response adequately
demonstrates compliance with PO6.
Hydrology and ground water effects
PO9 of the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands code requires development to ensure natural
surface water and ground water hydrological regimes of waterways, wetlands and hydrologically
sensitive plant communities are not adversely impacted.
The applicant’s ecologist has advised that they have undertaken an assessment of the flora and
fauna communities on the site with respect to potential change to natural surface water and ground
water hydraulic regimes, including advice from Dr Ed Meyer (an amphibian specialist). Council’s
independent ecologist has reviewed the response and is satisfied that the applicant has adequately
demonstrated compliance with PO9.
Offsets and weed management
PO10 of the Biodiversity, waterways and wetland code requires that ecologically important areas
be restored and enhanced. The applicant’s proposed works include the implementation of a Weed
Management Plan for Singapore daisy and other weed species.
Additional information was required to gain a greater understanding the extent of treatment areas,
which inherently influence the impact of mitigation measures relied upon to protect the adjacent
sensitive habitat from existing and future edge effects.