RFI - Ecology Response

                                                                                                          J000908
                                                                               25 Pavilion St POMONA - RAL21/0017




                           Plate 3 – Water Act 2000 Mapping (Source: QLD Globe)

As per Plate 3 above, the ‘drainage feature’ captures a minor depression in the landscape which is
likely to only receive very minor sheet flows in heavy downpour conditions, with the majority of rainfall
expected to be subjected to direct soil infiltration at its point of surface impact about the drainage
feature. Revegetation either side of the drainage feature is therefore not expected to significantly
enhance water quality outcomes as compared to the existing grass cover about, and within, the
drainage feature. Furthermore, no vegetative riparian values are associated with the drainage
feature within the site or within adjoining sites to the immediate north and south. The request to
revegetate the drainage feature is therefore not considered a priority conservation outcome for the
site.
In light of the above, it would appear to be a significant and unreasonable constraint on the applicant
for Council to seek to condition the retention and rehabilitation of the subject NSC mapped
watercourse.
In addition, it is understood that a pre-lodgement was conducted with Council concerning the
development in question (Council Reference: PLM21/0036) in which the proposed layout was agreed
by Mr. Conor Neville (Council Ecologist at the time) and Tara Norley (Council Planner) dated 17
June 2021 (per comms Noel Shipp). The request to retain and rehabilitate the mapped waterway at
such a late part of the process is obviously problematic for the applicant and inconsistent with
previous advice given by Council. It is therefore proposed that the mapped waterway be disregarded
as a waterway for the purposes of assessment. It is noted a very significant net gain in riparian
habitat; approximately 0.38ha, will arise as a result of the development given the proposal to
rehabilitate the currently denuded Riparian Protection Area in the west of the site. This cost to the
applicant is significant and should be weighed against the request to rehabilitate the drainage feature
about Lot 6.
Should you have any queries regarding this proposal please do not hesitate to contact me.

          Tel (07) 5450 5652 / PO Box 9566 Pacific Paradise 4564 / Email: [email protected]
                                             ABN 60 625 108 625
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