2015-07-21 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       21 JULY 2015


Notably the recent Queensland Environment Offsets Policy includes similar provisions to the Net
Gain of Koala habitat in South East Queensland Policy requiring offset plantings to be within the
same local government area as the impact site, although this recent policy only requires three
new koala habitat trees for every one non juvenile tree removed, instead of the previously
required ratio of 5:1.

While it is preferred that the offset planting not be undertaken beside the Bruce Highway the
proposed arrangements are not inconsistent with the state policy provisions. The koala habitat
offset is now proposed in South East Queensland, within Noosa Shire where the development
impact occurred, generally contributes to a koala habitat network, and koala exclusion fencing
has been constructed along the Bruce Highway.

Previous Council Consideration

Ordinary Meeting, 2 July 2015, Item 2, Page 5

That Council note the report by the Environment Officer to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 23 June 2015 and;
A.   Note the Department of Transport and Main Road’s agreement to enter into discussions
     with Noosa Council in regard to finding a suitable koala habitat offset location within Noosa
     Shire and request staff to investigate suitable offset locations and report the matter back to
     a future Council meeting; and
B.   Request that the Environmental Services staff:
     1.    Identify potential Strategic Offset Investment Corridors in Noosa Shire for inclusion
           into the new planning scheme;
     2.    Develop a register of landholder interest;
     3.    Investigate options for securing land for the purpose of providing advanced offsets in
           conjunction with the Environment Levy Working Group;
     4.    Investigate incorporating Matters of Local Environmental Significance into the new
           planning scheme; and
     5.    Present recommendations to a future meeting of Council.

Finance & Risk

There is no statutory obligation under the legislation current at the time of clearing koala habitat
for the Bruce Highway upgrade for DTMR to undertake koala habitat offsets. Notwithstanding
this it is considered reasonable that state government development projects be undertaken in a
manner consistent with state policy for koala habitat offsets.

There is a risk that a significant proportion of the planting may still occur in the Gympie area.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Internal Consultation

Environment Officers




                                                                                     Page 66 of 140