Sealed Judgement

particularly frangipani vine (Chonemorpha fragrans) threatens the habitat quality for
koalas, strangling the canopy and hindering on -ground movement of koalas.
The site is mapped as Melaleuca dominated palustrine wetlands (seasonally inundated
open forests and woodlands) joining Eucalyptus open forest to the north along Noosa
Drive and heathlands and associated scrubs behind the current RACV resort site. The
potential connections (with respect to koala habitat) are narrow beyond the site boundaries
to the north and south, consistent with the regulated vegetation mapping, indicating a
narrow band of appropriate vegetation extending north, with some southern connection to
Leslie Park and Weyba Bridge Park, fringing the mangrove and heathlands. As a result,
the site forms part of a bisected patch of habitat that could provide refuge for in-transit
koalas moving between the larger patches associated with Noosa National Park to the
north and bushland to the south of Eenie Creek Rd.


The tenuous links notwithstanding, the management of patches of habitat such as this site
are vital for the persistence of koalas around Noosa. If this site continues to degrade
because of tree death caused by engulfing vines, the north-south avenue for movement of
koalas will be further diminished or lost. A careful approach to the development of the site,
however, could ensure the quality and quantum of koala habitat is improved.


Acting together, the subject site, council reserve and Leslie Park (across the busy Noosa
Drive) constitute a significant node of koala habitat for the local area.


In 2008, under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, an application was approved to establish
multiple (10) units on the site. In consultation with ecologists, that approval lapsed, and
two improved (interim) proposals were developed, before the current proposal was
developed. The current approach seeks to establish “eco-cabins” (Attachment 1) amongst
the natural vegetation, retaining connections for ground based and arboreal species by
building above the ground. The goal is to develop the site in a manner that will enhance
habitat connectivity and quality to benefit koalas in Noosa.




Koala Management Plan       Version:   4       Approved by:   W Ellis       Date approved: 27 Jan 2023
                                               4
                                                                                             191