Ecological Assessment Letter Report · MCU26/0104

movement opportunities for generalist fauna. The paperbark stand (VC3) adjoining the northern dam
contributes moderate habitat values.
Additional habitat values are provided by the surrounding dam network, with permanent water and
fringing vegetation likely to support a variety of local bird, amphibian and reptile species.
A detailed fauna survey has not been undertaken and only opportunistic observations were made during
the field inspection. A limited number of fauna species were identified, mostly an assemblage of urban-
adapted bird species and insects:
 ▪     Birds                                                        ▪   Insects
       −     Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen);                    −   Ants (species unknown);
       −     Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus);                           −   Cicada husk (species unknown);
       −     Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus);                    −   Red dragonfly (species unknown);
             and                                                        −   Spider webs (species unknown);
       −     Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus).                  −   Spotted Amber Ladybird (Hippodamia
                                                                            variegata); and
                                                                        −   Transverse Ladybird Beetle (Coccinella
                                                                            transversalis).

Macropod scats (species unknown) were observed across the Site. No other mammals were directly
observed on-Site however evidence indicated the use of the Site by possums (scratch marks and scats).
The on-site vegetation may provide seasonal foraging opportunities for flying-foxes and microbats.
No evidence of Koala activity was detected on-Site (no scats, scratches or sightings) during the survey.
Given there is suitable habitat on the property and historical local sightings (refer FIGURE 4 and SECTION
4), it is considered likely the property may be utilised by Koalas from time to time.
Several skinks (species unknown) were detected on-Site. It is likely that the Site would be utilised by
common species of snakes and lizards on occasion.
No native frog species were visually or aurally detected during the diurnal field survey. Given the multiple
dams across the property, it is likely that amphibian species suited to these conditions would utilise the
available habitat.
No fauna species of conservation significance at the Commonwealth or State level were detected on-Site
during the field survey.
5.3        Waterways and ecological corridors
According to the VMA’s Vegetation Management Supporting Map no watercourse or drainage features
traverse the property (refer APPENDIX A). The Site is not subject to the Riparian Buffer overlay under the
Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands overlay of the Noosa Plan 2020. Although the Site lacks mapped
riparian corridors, the system of constructed dams support good-quality aquatic habitat characterised by
permanent water, abundant aquatic plants and stable edge conditions. The Site maintains direct
connectivity to Lake Cootharaba via an access track through the adjoining state forest.
Situated within a landscape of large rural and environmental management and conservation allotments
that support a mix of cleared areas, scattered eucalypts and retained open forest, the property is directly
connected to large tracts of state forest to the north and east. The locality is surrounded by an extensive
network of protected bushland areas including Tewantin National Park to the south-west and Boreen
Nature Refuge to the north.
The local road network and limited residential activities in neighbouring properties are considered minor
barriers for fauna movement and dispersal. The proposed low-impact development (dwelling house and
ancillary structures) is considered to have a negligible effect to on-site connectivity throughout the Site.



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