6. Appendix C - Noosa Assessment Benchmark Assessment

Section 3.1.3 (g) Open Space, Environment & Conservation Functions
DEO                                                      Response to DEO

Networks of open space and natural habitat, vegetated lands, wetlands, watercourses and riparian zones
are sensitivity managed and protected and avoid as far as practicable or, where avoidance is not
practicable, minimise adverse impacts resulting from development by -
   i.         protecting and managing the natural environment in a way that—

         a. supports the economy through the             Complies
            tourism industry and contributes to the      The proposal has the ability to help promote the
            region’s competitive advantage and
                                                         area as a tourist destination and offering additional
            lifestyle;
                                                         retail and business uses for lifestyle improvement
                                                         and advantages.
         b. maintains and improves landscape             Complies
            character and visual amenity;
                                                         The development site has been vacant for a
                                                         period of time and the proposed development will
                                                         be a better use and outcome for the site and help
                                                         improve the visual amenity of the area. The
                                                         existing environment rehabilitation areas
                                                         (covenants) are located along the street frontages
                                                         of Eenie Creek Road (north) and Hofmann Drive
                                                         (east and south). These areas will be retained and
                                                         maintained as part of the proposal throughout the
                                                         development stage.
         c.   builds ecological resilience and capacity Complies
              to adapt to a changing climate;           The proposal has the capacity to respond to
                                                        ecology and climate changes.
         d. provides passive, nature-based           Not Applicable
            recreation and educational opportunities
                                                     The proposal is for a mixed-use development with
            including appropriate eco-tourism
                                                     a range of retail and non-retail use as intended for
            facilities;
                                                     the Shire Business Centre Zoning. The proposal
                                                     does not cater for a nature-based recreational and
                                                     educational opportunity.
         e. defines the boundaries to or of each of      Complies
            the distinct urban localities of Noosa
                                                         The proposal is for a retail and business precinct
            Shire; and
                                                         and does not provide a large open space and
                                                         environment that defines the district urban locality
                                                         boundaries. The proposal reinforces the centres
                                                         hierarchy – Shire Business Centre Zone being the
                                                         primary centre.
         f.   provides linkages beyond Noosa Shire’s Complies
              boundaries;                            The proposal is for a retail and business precinct
                                                     and does not provide a large open space and
                                                     environment that defines the district urban locality
                                                     boundaries. The existing covenants in context are
                                                     considered as ‘linking’ strips.
   ii.        ecologically important areas being            Complies
              protected, rehabilitated and enhanced
                                                            The ecological importance of Eenie Creek to the
              including their condition, extent, diversity north and dedicated open space areas/ zoning
              and connectivity to maintain and improve been retained as part of the proposed
              biodiversity, landscape stability, resilience
                                                            development. Additional landscaping works are
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