Sealed Judgement Neate 1219 of 2020 · MCU18/0015

Scope:


Arbor Australis Consulting (AAC) has been engaged to re-assess the site for potential planting
locations for Non-Juvenile Koala Habitat Trees (NJKHT). The aim is to determine the number of
infill plantings of NJKHT's that could be achieved and grow to maturity. The desired species to
establish are Eucalyptus tereticornis (Blue Gum), Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box) and
Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood). This updated assessment has considered issues
identified with previous advice (April 2023) regarding planting opportunities proposed in proximity
to buildings and new opportunities that could be established with minor pruning to improve light
infiltration.


Site Assessment:

The proposed development site slopes west to east and south to north. The soil is sandy to sandy
loam. The trees present on site are predominantly native and range in condition from fair to good.
The site and adjoining sites contain both Eucalyptus tereticornis and Lophostemon confertus. The
Eucalyptus tereticornis have established and have grown to maturity. No Corymbia intermedia
was observed; however, this species occurs in this regional ecosystem and on nearby sites (Pers.
Comms, W Moffitt) and the lower portion of the slope would be suitable for their establishment. It
is also understood that here is a value in keeping this fibrous-barked species in areas removed
from buildings (a bushfire consideration).


Planting Site Selection:

The initial sites selected (2023) were areas with open space in the canopy or thinning canopy
density of the existing trees to allow the establishment of the proposed NJKHT. This has been
expanded to include opportunities to achieve a similar light infiltration with only minor pruning of
the adjacent Callitris columnaris (Bribie Island Pines). The intention is to mimic natural
regeneration where trees establish following tree failure in response to increased light availability.
A site review found space for 32 trees to be established and reach maturity. This is a net increase
from the 2023 assessment, which had 22 opportunities.


Proposed pruning is minor and should be a one-off action to increase light penetration. This
determination is based on the size and maturity of the vegetation and the rapid growth of newly
planted trees because of close planting, increasing light competition.




Prepared by Arbor Australis Consulting 26/07/2024
2021-093-LOA-27 Attunga Heights-Planting Opportunities- July 2024
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