2016-07-12 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                   12 JULY 2016


NEXT STEPS
The Koala Plan includes twenty-seven actions to help conserve and protect koalas. Some of
these actions are already underway. Council will continue to work with the University of the
Sunshine Coast and the Richard Branson Conservancy on koala research. Tree protection
measures are being strengthened through planning scheme amendments and koala feed trees
are being planted by community groups and school groups on National Tree Day and through
Bushland Care activities.
Now that local koala habitat maps have been completed Council can focus on wild dog controls
where it is most effective. A ‘Living with Wildlife’ media campaign will be run each August-
September covering domestic dog control and wildlife awareness. Audits of Noosa koala
infrastructure such as road fencing and underpasses can commence.
Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 28 April 2016 Page 4, Item 4
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting dated 19 April 2016 and agree to commence public consultation on the Draft
Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan.
Finance & Risk
The Plan proposes undertaking an audit of koala infrastructure such as signs, fencing and
underpasses. Capital and operational cost implications will be identified through the audit and
may need consideration in the 17/18 budget.
The Plan also proposes tree planting incentives, either through grants or operational funds, for
landholders in key koala habitat areas commencing in 17/18 over 5 years, also subject to budget
considerations.
Koala habitat maps will require updates every 5 years at a cost of $1000.
The Noosa Biosphere® Reserve Foundation is providing funding support for the University of
Sunshine Coast Koala Health Mapping Project over 3 years.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Key stakeholders are identified in the Koala Conservation Plan and have been engaged
throughout the development of the Plan.
The Draft Koala Conservation Plan was promoted through the Your Say Noosa web portal and
library ‘Pop-Up’ displays were attended by Council and University research staff.
Internal Consultation
Comments on the Draft Koala Conservation Plan were invited from the following business units:
Departments/Sections Consulted:
    Chief Executive Officer                x   Community Services                 x   Corporate Services
    Executive Officer to the Mayor & CEO       Community Facilities               x   Financial Services
    Executive Support                          Community Development                  ICT
                                               Libraries & Galleries                  Procurement & Fleet
                                           x   Local Laws                             Property & Facilities
                                               Waste & Environmental Health           Revenue Services

x   Executive Office                       x   Planning & Infrastructure
x   Community Engagement                       Building & Plumbing Services
    Customer Service                       x   Civil Operations
    Economic Development                   x   Infrastructure Planning & Design
    Governance                             x   Planning & Environment
    Human Resources                        x   Strategic Land Use Planning
    Sustainability



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