Sealed Judgement

5. Threat Mitigation
5.1               Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation

The project is designed to retain habitat connectivity and prevent habitat alienation for
koalas. Concurrent vegetation management to reduce weeds and enhancement plantings
should result in only a transient reduction in habitat quality, with no loss of connectivity or
long-term reduction in food resources. The overall impact on fragmentation will be minimal
because extant connectivity will remain – koala sensitive design of any fencing and other
structures and raised boardwalks (> 30 cm) will retain a permeable habitat for koalas.
The revegetation and habitat enhancement (weeding and augmented plating) activities
should ensure only a transient reduction in carrying capacity at the site.

5.2               Changes to Koala Habitat

Changes in koala habitat will result from the initial reduction in food tree availability,
mitigated by enhanced tree health resulting from the removal of choking vines and the
planting of replacement food trees. These changes are intended to mitigate a short-term
reduction in koala habitat as vegetation clearing progresses. Once the works to establish
structures on the site are completed, the retained vegetation with respect to koala food
and habitat trees will conform to the tree retention plan identified in the Arboricultural
Response Statement (Attachment 2) for the site. Ongoing assessment of the health of
retained trees will be conducted at regular intervals and also in response to any concerns
(e.g. personal safety) that may arise as a result of natural tree growth. Where trees are
required to be pruned, this will be in accordance with expert arborist advice.

5.3               Dog Predation

Dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited within the site confines. Unrestrained dogs
will be able to access the site using the koala sensitive design features and a co-ordinated
approach with Noosa Council is proposed to reduce the incidence of such incursions.



5.4               Non-Dog Predation

Other than feral species, the natural predation of koalas is not to be interfered with unless
it is deemed to be because of project activities predisposing the koala to danger of
predation. This can include examples such as:




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