10/0627 M2358 Planning Report.pdf [As Published] · 152010.627

Regional Ecosystem (RE) Mapping (Version 6.0) provided by DERM, identifies remnant
vegetation within the remaining western region of the site. Ground-truthing of the mapped RE
community during a previous site assessments identified this area as containing both remnant
and non-remnant (weed regrowth) vegetation. Much of the regrowth vegetation occurs as an
interface between the cleared caravan park area and the remnant vegetation. The regrowth
vegetation comprises a dense mixture of native and exotic plant species. Remnant vegetation
occurs to the west of the regrowth vegetation, along the western site boundary, and is dominated
by native species. The vegetation within the western region of the site forms an extension of the
Noosa National Park (Emu Swamp Section).

The RE community identified on site is also mapped as containing Essential Habitat (DERM,
2010) for the following species:

ƒ     Ground Parrot – Pezoporus wallicus wallicus;
ƒ     Wallum Sedge Frog – Litoria olongburensis;
ƒ     Wallum Froglet – Crinia tinnula; and
ƒ     Wallum Rocketfrog – Litoria freycineti.


3.0          Proposed Reconfiguration & Development

As part of the proposed reconfiguration, 0.53ha will be dedicated to the Crown (with Council as
Trustee) for Environmental Purposes (Figure 1). The majority of this area is mapped as
containing RE/Essential Habitat. Securing this area of land for conservation is considered a
suitable outcome that enhances the environmental integrity of the broader landscape, and offers
the security of Essential Habitat preservation under a single management regime. A small portion
(900m2) of actual remnant vegetation will be cleared as part of the proposed development. All
other clearing works associated with the development will occur within areas of non-remnant
vegetation.

The proposed development incorporates an approximate 20m setback from the proposed
reconfigured conservation area (Figure 2). In accordance with the Fire Management Plan (FMP;
Natural Solutions, 2007) the proposed setback incorporates a six metre fire access constructed
of stable material which has sufficient turning capacity for a fire fighting vehicle at the terminating
end. This fire trail has been designed to enable accessibility from the development’s internal road
network.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Stormwater Management Plan (SMP; Simmonds & Bristow,
2009), the proposed setback incorporates a 6m wide stormwater treatment area, and a 3m wide
gabion wall diffuser to ensure that stormwater runoff is properly managemed to protect the
ecological function of the wetland (Figure 2).




100414_PR20517-000_DR_letter.doc                                                                Page 2