Town Planning Report - Expansion to Noosa Landfill

“Specialist services and practical solutions”



       Importantly, it will be necessary to amend condition 2.9 to reflect the current properties where
       the environmental offset has been provided within the Lake Macdonald catchment area, as
       required for the removal of regulated vegetation for the existing landfill within 20 years.
       Consequently, the restoration offset is to be provided by 2026.

       In accordance with condition 2.9 the Council has prepared an Offset Restoration Plan (ORP),
       which provides for an environmental offset for the required minimum 24ha of vegetation,
       comprising 19ha of a remnant “endangered” regional ecosystem and the establishment of a
       minimum of 5ha of a remnant “not of concern” regional ecosystem.

       The ecological consultant (Native Foresters) has undertaken a regional ecosystem assessment
       of the offset areas provided, which is provided as Attachment 3. Consequently, it is not the
       case that the condition has not been complied with, with the ongoing restoration of land
       around Lake Macdonald having reached an advanced stage; however, the land properties
       referred to in the condition have changed as has the tenure of this land (as explained above).

       The aim of the ORP was to achieve remnant status of a minimum of 24ha of vegetation in
       terms of canopy height and cover, and species composition by June 2026. This included 19ha
       of “Endangered” listed Regional Ecosystems (RE) 12.3.1 and 5ha of “Of Concern” RE 12.3.2.
       Noosa Council has also aimed to restore up to 11.1ha of additional; “Least Concern” RE 12.3.11.
       The required vegetation communities are summarised in Table 1 (Attachment 3)15. In
       accordance with Table 1, the total area of land to be offset is therefore 39.1 hectares.

       In order to remedy the change in tenure and ensure the long term protection of the land being
       restored and offset, a PMAV has been agreed between Council and SEQ Water. A request for
       a PMAV has been submitted to the State to ensure the protection of the environmental offset
       in the long term. Consequently, the Council has complied with the current condition of
       approval, which should be amended to reflect the current and proposed offset arrangement
       under the change being sought.

       There is no material change in the traffic movements to and from the site as a result of the
       proposed change. The current access arrangements are adequate for the continued operation
       of the existing landfill, including the change.


       Conclusion

       The proposed development seeks to expand the existing landfill over the subject land to
       increase the RRA in response to an identified community and planning need.

       This additional land will provide for a larger pad area, which adjoins the current operation.
       Further, provides for a greater amount of separation between disposal activities, which will
       substantially improve safety for the public and the risk from fire, while also making use of
       existing infrastructure to improve efficiencies. The new HES Basin will adjoin the northern


       15 Regional Ecosystem Assessment, Noosa Council Offset Site, Lake Macdonald, page 6




       22019 – Noosa Council Expansion of Landfill, November 2023                            Page 35