2016-09-06 P&E Committee - Attachment 1 to Item 6 - Noosa Parklands Park Management Plan

                                                       Noosa Parklands Park Management Plan




and creek would provide only minor or relatively short term reduction in major event flood
peaks, unless where debris is located near a hydraulic structure (e.g. culverts) that is at
risk of becoming blocked. Generally, clearing of all natural debris from Noosa Shire natural
creek systems is not considered best practice for flood mitigation (Hydrology & Water
Management Consulting 2015). It is a recommendation of this Plan that there is no removal
of natural debris from Wooroi Creek and Council resources are best served on more effective
maintenance, such as routine stormwater and culvert works.

Hydrology and Water Management Consulting also examined the potential effect of Lomandra
plantings on flooding. Lomandras are planted along the edge of mown areas to define and
protect adjacent bushland reserves. The consultants concluded that it is unlikely that Lomandra
will have a significant impact during large flood events as the waters simply overflow the plants.
During minor/moderate flood events, the Lomandras may impact on minor localised flooding
only, and have recommended that any new plantings be well spaced to allow for drainage.

Council maintenance of trees within the park complies with the Tree Management on Public
Land Policy (Noosa 2015d), including removing fallen and/or damaged trees. Council’s Parks
and Natural Areas team also completes regular pathway and fire trail inspections throughout
the year to check for fallen and damaged trees. It is recommended that any hazardous trees
that have to be felled and cut are chipped onsite or removed. This plan supports the case for
additional arborist resources to undertake pro-active risk/benefit assessments within recreation
areas. Any incidents of unauthorised interference with native vegetation on the park will be
dealt with under relevant Council local laws (e.g. Noosa Shire Council Local Law Number 4
Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities, Infrastructure and Roads).

Council’s Pest and Vector Control Officer completes regular surveys of the mosquito species
present within the park. The main ‘biting’ mosquito that breeds within the park is Aedes procax,
which lay their eggs in temporary ground pools or in shaded vegetation (rather than in stagnant
water like other species). This species has rarely been recorded in parts of the creek and
are normally within the bushland areas. Other mosquitoes recorded within the park are likely
to travel from surrounding bushland areas such as Tewantin National Park. Therefore, it is
unlikely that any vector controls within the park’s creeks will significantly impact on mosquito
populations.




Photographs by Joan Heavey
                                                                               Noosa Council | Page 23