RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND CONSIDERATIONS                                                          2-1


2       STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND CONSIDERATIONS
        Existing values of the site and adjacent areas that influence environmental management strategies
        developed for this EMP include the following:
        •     The soils on site are primarily sand with very low nutrient levels and poor water holding
              capacity;
        •     The adjacent heathlands and waterways surrounding the RHD area are of high conservation
              value;
        •     The maintenance of the natural infiltration of rainwater to the groundwater aquifer and the
              associated quantity and quality of seepage at the base of dune/wetland interface is critical for the
              maintenance of the ecosystems within the adjacent wetland area and Weyba Creek (a Fish
              Habitat Area) and Noosa Inlet. The maintenance of high water quality is critical for these areas;
        •     Associated with the above, the maintenance of the elevated acidity (pH 4-5) and low nutrient
              environment in the wetlands is critical for survival of key species such as the Wallum Froglet
              and its habitat;
        •     The vegetation in adjacent areas is of significant conservation value. The retention of native
              vegetation cover on the steep eastern slopes immediately adjacent to the RHD area is vital to the
              maintenance of slope stability and viable wildlife corridors;
        •     Weeds are prevalent in the low lying areas of the site, particularly in areas affected by external
              catchment inflows with high nutrient loads;
        •     The site and adjacent land is part of a corridor for the movement of koalas and other threatened
              species such as Glossy Black Cockatoos and provides habitat for these species; and
        •     The development site is adjacent to established residential areas.

        It will be important that the Principal Contractor, SEO and Wildlife Ecologist convey and elaborate
        on the above points to personnel working at the site during the Site Induction training program and
        during the life of the construction program.




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