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Committee Agenda
9 February 2021
Item 6 - Attachment 1
Noosa Bushland Reserves
Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026
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Section 2
Acknowledgement of Country
Noosa Shire Council acknowledges the traditional Country of the Kabi Kabi peoples and
recognises that these have always been places of cultural, spiritual and social significance.
We wish to pay respects to their Elders – past, present, and emerging – and acknowledge the
important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the Noosa
community.
© Noosa Council 2021
www.noosa.qld.gov.au
General Enquiries:
By telephone: (07) 5329 6500
By email: [email protected]
Fax: (07) 5329 6501
Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN
Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565
Endorsed by Noosa Council [date to be inserted] or insert document date
Section 3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Council’s Bushland Reserve Network ....................................................................... 4
1.2 Reserve prioritisation................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Purpose of the Plan .................................................................................................. 5
2. Vision & Objectives ............................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Council’s Vision for Noosa Bushland Reserves Network .......................................... 6
2.2 Noosa Bushland Reserve Network’s Objectives ....................................................... 6
3. Statutory & Strategic Obligations ....................................................................................... 8
3.1 Legislative Drivers .................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Planning Drivers ....................................................................................................... 9
4. Bushland Reserve Values ................................................................................................. 11
4.1 Biodiversity values ................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Ecosystem Services Values ................................................................................... 14
4.2.1 Catchment Values ........................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Recreational Values......................................................................................................... 15
4.2.3 Landscape and Scenic Amenity Values .......................................................................... 16
4.2.4 Climate Change Amelioration .......................................................................................... 16
4.3 Cultural & Historical Values .................................................................................... 16
5. Pressures on the Bushland Reserve Network ................................................................. 18
5.1 Invasive Species .................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Fire......................................................................................................................... 20
5.3 Nutrient Pollution .................................................................................................... 20
5.4 Human Impacts on Open Space and Urban Interface ............................................ 21
5.5 Human/Wildlife Conflict .......................................................................................... 21
6. Current Management Planning & Resourcing ................................................................. 22
6.1 Reserve Planning History ....................................................................................... 22
6.2 Reserve Tenure ..................................................................................................... 22
6.3 Current Management Resourcing .......................................................................... 23
6.3.1 Internal Council Investment ............................................................................................. 23
6.3.2 Community Involvement .................................................................................................. 23
7. Noosa Reserve Management Framework 2020-2025 ....................................................... 25
7.1 Formal Management Framework ........................................................................... 26
7.2 Reserve Prioritisation Method ................................................................................ 27
7.3 Reserve Prioritisation Results ................................................................................ 29
7.4 Reserve Management Planning Mechanisms ........................................................ 30
7.4.1 Reserve Management Plans ........................................................................................... 31
7.4.2 Ecological Restoration Plans ........................................................................................... 31
7.4.3 Bushland Operational Assessments ............................................................................... 32
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 2
Section 4
7.5 Annual Reserve Inspection Reports ....................................................................... 38
7.6 Service Levels ........................................................................................................ 38
8. Operational Management Review ..................................................................................... 39
8.1 Management Planning Activities ............................................................................ 39
8.1.1 Reserve Naming Convention Introduced ........................................................................ 39
8.1.2 Reserve Signage ............................................................................................................. 39
8.1.3 Reserve Protective Mechanisms ..................................................................................... 39
8.2 Management Resourcing Activities ........................................................................ 39
8.2.1 External Investment Opportunities .................................................................................. 39
8.2.2 Offset Area Designation & Management Funding........................................................... 40
8.2.3 Regrowth Carbon Offset Investigation ............................................................................ 40
8.3 Community Education and Engagement Activities ................................................. 40
8.3.1 Community Education & Awareness ............................................................................... 40
8.3.2 Bushland Care Program .................................................................................................. 40
8.4 Operational Activities.............................................................................................. 41
8.4.1 Reactionary Issues – Customer Requests ...................................................................... 41
8.4.2 Invasive species management. ....................................................................................... 41
8.4.3 Fire Management. ............................................................................................................ 42
8.4.4 Recreational Trails ........................................................................................................... 42
8.4.5 Habitat enhancement....................................................................................................... 43
8.4.6 Collection activities .......................................................................................................... 43
8.4.7 Addressing impacts from unauthorised use .................................................................... 43
8.5 Building Reserve Knowledge Activities ................................................................... 43
9. Action Plan ......................................................................................................................... 45
10. Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy ..................................................................................... 48
10.1 Noosa Bushland Strategic Plan Review ................................................................. 48
10.2 Operational Works Review ..................................................................................... 50
10.2.1 Annual Reserve Assessment and Budget Review .......................................................... 50
10.2.2 Expert Panel Condition Assessment Reviews ................................................................ 50
10.2.3 BOA / Ecological Restoration Plans ................................................................................ 50
11. References ......................................................................................................................... 51
12. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 52
12.1 Appendix 1 – Noosa Bushland Reserves (Full List) ................................................ 52
12.2 Appendix 2 – Noosa Environment Strategy – Relevant Themes & Outcomes ........ 61
12.3 Appendix 3 – Reserve Prioritisation Methodology .................................................. 62
12.4 Appendix 4 – Reserve Prioritisation Results & Tier Level ....................................... 70
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 3
Section 5
1. Introduction
Noosa Shire is internationally recognised as being a destination of choice for residents and visitors
alike. The shire contains extensive areas of natural bushland and areas of biodiversity value that
are of significance internationally.
Noosa shire entirely comprises the land areas of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, making it an area
that is globally recognised as having outstanding environmental values, whilst achieving a
balanced relationship between humans and the environment.
The Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report commissioned by Noosa Council revealed that 55% of
the shire’s terrestrial area contains native vegetation, and that approximately one third of the shire
is under some form of protective tenure. These protected tenures include National Parks, Nature
Refuges, Voluntary Conservation Agreements and Council’s bushland reserves. These 178
Council bushland reserves cover a total area of 3,469 hectares and protect a remarkable range of
native ecosystems.
Noosa’s bushland reserves play an important role in protecting biodiversity, acting as wildlife
corridors between large core areas of native vegetation, contributing to good water quality in the
shire’s waterways, and providing residents and visitors with a range of nature-based recreational
opportunities. The community is very much engaged in the management of many of these
reserves, with an active Bushland Care program in place within the shire.
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan is the operational mechanism for the implementation
of several targets identified within the Noosa Environment Strategy. The Noosa Bushland Reserve
Network delivers values across all 4 themes of the Noosa Environment Strategy, namely:
Biodiversity; Waterways, Wetlands and Coasts; Sustainable Living; and, Climate Change
Adaptation and Resilience.
This Bushland Strategic Management Plan;
describes the values and threats to biodiversity within Council’s bushland reserve network
analyses tenure and protective status
prioritises individual reserves for active management based on a set of values and
feasibility of achieving reserve resilience
provides a series of recommendations at both the planning and operational levels to
achieve cost effective outcomes.
1.1 Council’s Bushland Reserve Network
Noosa Council’s bushland reserve estate is termed ‘network’ to acknowledge the interconnection
between land parcels in terms of movement of native animals and dissemination of plant pollen
and propagules. The complex (and largely unknown) patterns of wildlife movement on seasonal,
altitudinal and diurnal scales transcends reliance solely on protected areas as repositories for
biodiversity. Native vegetation within road reserves, and both rural and urban private properties
playing a major role as both habitat and corridors for native species.
A snapshot of the bushland reserve network’s biodiversity values indicate that the reserves:
Contain 413 hectares of ‘Endangered’ and 1,345 hectares “Of Concern” Regional
Ecosystems (Biodiversity Status under the Vegetation Management Act 1999).
Protect a number of poorly-conserved Regional Ecosystems. For example the endangered
rainforest community (Regional Ecosystem (RE) 12.5.13) at Cooroibah Conservation Park
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 4
Section 6
is one of the largest protected patches within the greater Sunshine Coast region of this
poorly-conserved Commonwealth-listed Lowland Subtropical Rainforest.
Protects 100 hectares of Commonwealth-listed Critically Endangered Subtropical Lowland
Rainforests of Australia ecological community and 63.3 hectares of Commonwealth-listed
Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh ecological community.
Provide habitat for a diverse range of State and Commonwealth listed native fauna and
flora, including Boronia keysii, the Shire’s floral emblem.
Similar to other areas of native vegetation in south-east Queensland, Noosa Council’s bushland
reserve network is facing a number of pressures that threaten its biodiversity values. Many of the
reserves within Noosa Shire are degraded to some extent and will require a large amount of effort
to restore them to an ecologically resilient condition.
The key pressures on these biodiversity values are:
Pest animals directly impacting on native fauna and flora populations;
Invasive plants displacing native vegetation and transforming ecosystems;
Nutrient and sediment pollution of waterways and wetlands with associated impacts on
biodiversity;
Inappropriate fire regimes. Insufficient fire activities to maintain the 88.5% fire adapted
vegetation communities within reserves;
Interference to vegetation from adjoining property owners;
Impacts on reserve integrity from unauthorised recreational vehicle use;
Wildlife/resident conflicts.
1.2 Reserve prioritisation
To ensure the shire’s bushland reserve network is managed to the highest standard possible, it is
necessary to prioritise where the finite resources are best allocated to achieve its objectives.
The prioritisation process used within this plan has addressed the biodiversity values (taken largely
from the Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report), waterway values, carbon sink values and social
values of each reserve. The feasibility for each reserve to be restored to an ecologically resilient
state, with consideration of realistic operational resource availability, is a particularly relevant
consideration and has been identified for each reserve as part of the preparation of this plan. This
and other data was determined by seeking the views of the Council Stakeholder Group who
manage the entirety of the bushland reserve network and hold in-depth knowledge of the majority
of reserves.
The philosophy behind prioritising reserves for their feasibility to recover recognises that it is best
and most cost-efficient to manage the more ecologically resilient reserves first, as better
biodiversity outcomes can be achieved with the limited program resourcing available to manage
the reserve estate. Implicit in this philosophy is the reality that some of the smaller highly-degraded
reserves in urban areas, while still possessing some biodiversity, waterway and social values, may
not be able to be restored to an ecologically resilient condition in the near future.
1.3 Purpose of the Plan
The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 (The Plan) outlines the values and
management issues within Council’s bushland reserve network.
The Plan provides recommendations as to how Council should manage its bushland reserve
network over the next five years to achieve the bushland reserve network’s objectives as
presented in section 3. In addition to refining and defining the management planning framework for
the Natural Areas Program, three reserve management program categories (‘Protect’, ‘Enhance’,
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 5
Section 7
and ‘Monitor’) have been allocated to the prioritised reserves with associated planning
documentation required identified.
It is intended that the Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan will provide an over-arching plan
for all Council owned and managed Bushland Reserves, and establish clear and consistent
management objectives for all issues that relate to or impact upon Noosa’s bushland reserve
values for the next five years.
2. Vision & Objectives
2.1 Council’s Vision for Noosa Bushland Reserves Network
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan is the operational mechanism for the implementation
of several targets identified within the Noosa Environment Strategy. The Noosa Environment
Strategy sets the ‘big picture’ for our environment and sustainability across all plans and
subsequent implementation documents. The Noosa Bushland Reserve Network will deliver
outcomes across all of the 4 themes of the Noosa Environment Strategy being Biodiversity;
Waterways, Wetlands and Coasts; Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience; and Sustainable
living.
The following vision statement provides an overarching framework for driving the management of
Noosa Council’s bushland reserves network:
“Council’s Bushland Reserve Network is protected, enhanced and valued by the Noosa
community for its natural, cultural and social values.”
2.2 Noosa Bushland Reserve Network’s Objectives
The principal objectives listed below contribute towards achieving the Noosa bushland reserves
network vision.
1. Protect and improve biodiversity values within the bushland reserve network using best
practice management.
2. Contribute towards improvement of water quality within the Noosa River, Mary River and
coastal creek catchments.
3. Identify and protect Indigenous and European cultural heritage sites within the bushland
reserve network.
4. Develop and foster partnerships with the community..
5. Manage hazardous vegetation, bushfire, flooding and pest species within the bushland
reserve network according to Council’s policies, plans, risk appetite and legislative
requirements.
6. Provide opportunities for outdoor recreational activities that are compatible and
complementary with natural and cultural heritage values within the bushland reserve
network.
7. Work with bushland reserve neighbours to achieve mutually beneficial biodiversity and
community safety outcomes.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 6
Section 8
8. Identify and implement carbon sequestration and preservation activities within the bushland
reserve network.
The below table shows the Noosa Bushland Reserve Network Objectives and how they relate to
the outcomes of the Noosa Environment Strategy.
Ref# Objective Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 Outcomes
Protect and improve biodiversity values within the
1 bushland reserve network using best practice Biodiversity- B, D, E, F and G
management.
Contribute towards improvement of water quality
2 within the Noosa River, Mary River, Maroochy Waterways, wetlands and coasts- A, B, D, H & I
River and coastal creek catchments.
Identify and protect Indigenous and European
3 Biodiversity- E. Waterways, wetlands and coasts- A
cultural heritage sites within the reserve network.
Develop and foster partnerships with the
4 Biodiversity- E. Waterways, wetlands and coasts- A
community.
Manage hazardous vegetation, bushfire, flooding
and pest species within the reserve network
Biodiversity- G. Climate change adaptation and
5 according to Council’s policies, plans, risk
resilience-B, D and F
management procedures and legislative
requirements.
Provide opportunities for outdoor recreational
activities that are compatible and complementary
6 N/A
with natural and cultural heritage values within the
reserve network.
Work with bushland reserve neighbours to achieve
7 mutually beneficial biodiversity and community Biodiversity- E. Waterways, wetlands and coasts- A
safety outcomes.
Identify and implement carbon sequestration and
8 Sustainable living- A
preservation activities within the reserve network.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 7
Section 9
3. Statutory & Strategic Obligations The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021– 2026 sits under the Noosa Environment Strategy and complements and fulfils a large range of local, regional, state, national and international plans, strategies, charters, agreements and statutory obligations. The Plan will have particularly strong links and implementation relevance to the following strategic documents: Conservation Land Guideline Climate Change Adaptation Plan (currently in draft) Noosa River Plan (currently in draft) Coastal Management Plan (not yet developed) Biosecurity Plan Bushland Reserve Fire Management Plan Koala Conservation Plan The diagram below provides an outline of the Noosa Council Environmental Planning Framework. 3.1 Legislative Drivers The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 and on-ground actions within the bushland reserves program require compliance with the following legislature. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 8
Section 10
Level Legislation
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
National
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1998
Biosecurity Act 2014
Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995
Environmental Offset Act 2014
Environmental Protection Act 1994
Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990
State
Nature Conservation Act 1992;
Land Act 1994
Local Government Act 2009 (QLD) (LGA 2009)
SEQ Regional Plan 2009 – 2031
Planning Act 2016 & Planning Regulation 2017 (Schedule 10) - including Koala impacts.
State Planning Policy July 2017 & State Interest Guidelines (various)
Vegetation Management Act 2009
Water Act 2000
State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in SEQ
Noosa Council Planning Scheme 2020
Local
Priority Infrastructure Plan (Local Government Infrastructure Plan)
3.2 Planning Drivers
The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025 aligns with and complements a
multitude of local, state, national and international non-legislative policies, plans and strategies.
The principal policies, plans and strategies that influence the Plan are detailed below.
Level Document Direct Mention or Direct Relevance to Noosa Bushland Reserves
Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026
Numerous Threatened Actions contained within Recovery Plans and Conservation Advice
Species and Ecological Statements, particularly on-ground actions have direct
Community National implementation through reserve management operations.
Recovery Plans and
Conservation Advice Reserves that have identified EPBC listed species and/or ecological
National
Statements registered communities will require special consideration of Recovery Plan and
under the Conservation Advice Statement recommendations during Reserve
Environmental Management Plan and Ecological Restoration Plan development.
Protection and
Biodiversity Commonwealth Government biodiversity investment is directed
Conservation Act 1999. primarily towards actions that address threats to EPBC listed species
& ecological communities.
Back On Track actions The Back On Track framework identifies various actions (Planning,
for biodiversity : taking Research, On-ground, Community Capacity Building) that relate to
action to achieve prioritised fauna and flora species. Actions for each species should
State
species conservation in be addressed within Management Plans at the reserve level where
the South East applicable.
Queensland Natural
Resource Management
Region 2010
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 9
Section 11
Burnett Mary NRM and The BM NRM plan provides actions and targets relevant to natural
Climate Adaptation bushland across the Burnett Mary region. Actions contained within
Plan 2015 the plan are both relevant to on-ground works within the reserves but
also provide potential opportunity for additional financial resourcing
Regional
for on-ground works.
South East Queensland The SEQ NRM plan provides actions and targets relevant to natural
Natural Resource bushland across the SEQ region. Actions contained within the plan
Management (SEQ are both relevant to on-ground works within the reserves but also
NRM) Plan 2014 — provide potential opportunity for additional financial resourcing for on-
2031 ground works.
Noosa Council The Corporate Plan has set a 20 year goal for environmental
Corporate Plan 2017- outcomes and has set a 5 year goal for actions within Key Focus
2037 Areas. One goal is to develop the Environment Strategy and
Subordinate plans and strategies.
Noosa Council The Environment Strategy provides the overarching guidance for the
Environment Strategy development and implementation of a broad range of environment-
2019 related plans that contain many of the detailed actions,
responsibilities and timeframes for delivery.
Noosa Cultural Plan The Noosa Cultural Plan identified Indigenous Cultural Heritage as a
2019 - 2023 priority focus area stating that Council will work with Kabi Kabi/Gubbi
Gubbi first nation’s people to increase the awareness and
understanding of our local indigenous cultural heritage. The Bushland
Reserve Strategic Plan contains an objective stating the above.
Noosa Council The Environment Levy Policy outlines the environmental and
Environment Levy administrative principles that will provide direction for the allocation of
Policy 20198 Environment Levy funds by Council. This has strong integration with
the Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan with land acquisition and
Environmental Grants program initiatives.
Noosa Council Open Whilst not an Action Plan, the Study has strong links and integration
Space Study 2017 with the Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan and is the guiding
document for the generation of new reserves through the auditing
and development assessment process.
Local
Noosa Local The Biosecurity Plan contains Noosa Council’s strategic actions for
Government Area Draft the management of high priority pest plants and animals within the
Biosecurity Plan 2019- Noosa Shire Area.
2024 Several Actions with direct application to the Noosa Bushland
Reserves Strategic Plan exist within the Plan. Relevant priorities,
objectives and actions have been directly integrated into the Plan
Actions listed in Section 10 of this Plan.
Noosa Bushland The Noosa Bushland Reserve Fire Management Plan has identified
Reserve Fire 30 Reserves over 10ha in size for specific fire management activities.
Management Plan While this plan is relevant, an alternate fire management planning
arrangement is recommended within this plan moving forward.
Noosa Shire Koala The Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan identified a number of
Conservation Plan actions that have direct implementation within the bushland reserve
2016 network planning and implementation process.
Tree Management on This policy applies to all Council public land including parks, road
Public Land Policy reserves and other council owned land including community facilities.
2018 The policy states: i) Trees are valuable assets and must be managed
accordingly; ii) Council maintains a general commitment to the
sustainable management of trees on public land and also the
greening of open space; and iii) Unavoidable removal of trees from
public land may be offset with planting to ensure there is no net loss
of trees on Council controlled land.
Offset Sites are likely to be within the Bushland Reserve Network.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 10
Section 12
4. Bushland Reserve Values
Within Noosa Council’s bushland reserve network there exists a range of values that are highly
regarded by the Noosa community. Regional Ecosystems represented in Noosa
bushland reserves
4.1 Biodiversity values
Biodiversity values within Noosa Shire have been recently
documented in the Noosa Biodiversity Plan. Key values are
summarised as:
Approximately 55% of the shire is covered in
native vegetation (46.8% classified remnant
(Eco Logical 2016), with >40,000 ha in remnant
condition.
A diverse range of vegetation communities,
which can be classified into 61 Regional
Ecosystems (REs). While Noosa Shire
comprises 3.9% of the total area of SEQ, it
contains representations of 39% of the REs that
can occur in the bioregion. Refer Figure 4.
Unique ecosystems including rare sub-tropical
examples of patterned fens, coastal lagoon
systems, sand lakes and dune systems.
A number of ecological communities, flora and
fauna species that are recognised and
protected under state and federal
environmental law, including the critically
endangered lowland rainforest community.
A large diversity of wildlife and plants (~1,340
species of plants and 348 species of terrestrial
vertebrate animals). At least 217 species of
birds, 45 species of reptiles, 55 species of
mammals, and 31 species of frogs are known
from the area. This includes endemic species
and Gondwanan relicts.
Habitat for key and iconic fauna species
including Koala, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Water
Mouse, Ground Parrot, Coxen’s Fig Parrot, acid
frogs, Cooloola Blind Snake, sea turtles,
migratory shorebird species, Mary River Cod
and Australian Lungfish.
Critical habitats, including internationally recognised migratory bird habitats of
conservation importance, and sea turtle nesting sites.
A highly connected network of core habitat areas from a diverse cross-section of
ecosystem types and altitudinal ranges.
The healthiest river system in the SEQ region.
A network of diverse wetlands which are in good ecological condition and encompass
over 16,000 ha. Many are recognised as being of national or state significance.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 11
Section 13
An extensive protected reserve system that plays a critical role in conservation
management across the SEQ region. Over one third of the shire is covered by
protected reserves, the largest being Great Sandy National Park.
Further information of the above values protected in Council’s bushland reserve network is
presented in the below table.
EPBC Ecological Communities and Essential Habitat Statistics
Number of Reserves Total Area (ha)
EPBC Ecological communities* 45 163.63
EPBC ecological communities include: 12.1.1, 12.3.1,
12.3.20, 12.5.13, 12.11.10 12.1.1 and 12.1.2
Essential Habitat 114 2039.99
Bushland Reserve Biodiversity Profile:
Pinaroo Park
This small 6.2 hectare reserve at Noosa Junction preserves a coastal waterbody that provides habitat for
a number of frog species. Black She Oaks (Allocasuarina littoralis) within Pinaroo Park are preferred
feed trees for the vulnerable Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) which are regularly seen
there. Pinaroo Park also contains habitat for Koala’s (Phascolarctos cinereus) and Grey-headed Flying
Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus). Pinaroo Park is a mixture of recreational mown areas and bushland,
and is highly valued by the local community.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 12
Section 14
Reserve representation by Broad Vegetation Groups
Broad Vegetation BVG Description Total Area
Group (ha)
2a Complex evergreen mesophyll-notophyll vine forest frequently with Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) from 8.16
foothills to ranges. (land zones 11, 12, 8) (WET, SEQ, CQC) (Tracey 1982 2a)
4a Notophyll and mesophyll vine forest with feather of fan palms in alluvia and in swampy situations on ranges or 1.04
within coastal san masses. (land zones 3, 11, 12, 2) (SEQ, WET, CQC, CYP) (Tracey 1982 2b,3b, 3c)
4b Evergreen to semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest, frequently with Archontophoenix spp. 62.79
(palms) fringing streams. (land zones 3, [10]) (CYP, SEQ, WET, CQC, GUP) (Tracey 1982 1c)
5a Araucarian notophyll/microphyll and microphyll vine forests of southern coastal bioregions. (land zones 8, 11, 38.84
5, 9) (SEQ)
8a Wet tall open forest dominated by species such as Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum) or E. saligna, E. resinifera 333.2
(red mahogany), Lophostemon confertus (brush box), Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine), E. laevopinea
(silvertop stringybark). Contains a well-developed understorey of rainforest components, including ferns and
palms, or the understorey may be dominated by sclerophyll shrubs. (land zones 12, 8, 10, 11, 3, 5, 9, 2) (SEQ,
WET, BRB, CQC, [NET])
8b Moist open forests to tall open forests mostly dominated by Eucalyptus pilularis (blackbutt) on coastal sands, 76.66
sub-coastal sandstones and basalt ranges. Also includes tall open forests dominated by E. montivaga, E.
obliqua (messmate stringybark) and E. campanulata (New England ash). (land zones 12, 9, 11, 2, 5, 8) (SEQ,
[CQC])
9a Moist eucalypt open forests to woodlands dominated by a variety of species including Eucalyptus siderophloia 22.05
(red ironbark), E. propinqua (small-fruited grey gum), E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), E.
microcorys (tallowwood), E. carnea (broad-leaved white mahogany), E. tindaliae (Queensland white
stringybark), Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood), Lophostemon confertus (brush box). (land zones 11, 12, 9-
10, 5, 8) (SEQ)
9f Woodlands dominated by Corymbia spp. e.g.: C. intermedia (pink bloodwood), C. tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash) 95.04
and/or Eucalyptus spp. such as E. tereticornis (blue gum), frequently with Banksia spp., Acacia spp. and Callitris
columellaris (Bribie Island pine) on coastal dunes and beach ridges. (land zone 2) (SEQ)
9g Moist to dry woodlands to open forest dominated by stringybarks or mahoganies such as Eucalyptus tindaliae 377.44
(Queensland white stringybark), E. latisinensis (white mahogany), E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white
stringybark); or E. racemosa (scribbly gum) or E. seeana or E. tereticornis (blue gum) and Corymbia intermedia
(pink bloodwood). (land zone 5, 12, 9-10, 2, 11, [8, 3]) (SEQ)
9h Dry woodlands dominated by species such as Eucalyptus acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark) (or E. 5.2
portuensis), E. tereticornis (blue gum), Angophora leiocarpa (rusty gum), Corymbia trachyphloia (yellow
bloodwood) or C. intermedia (pink bloodwood), and often ironbarks including E. crebra (narrow-leaved red
ironbark) or E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark). A heathy shrub layer is frequently present. On undulating to
hilly terrain. (land zones 12, 9-10, 11, [8, 5]) (SEQ, BRB)
10b Moist open forests to woodlands dominated by Corymbia citriodora (spotted gum). (land zones 12, 11, 9, 5, 8) 10.3
(SEQ, CQC, EIU, WET)
12a Dry woodlands to open woodlands dominated by ironbarks such as Eucalyptus decorticans (gum-topped 1.73
ironbark), E. fibrosa subsp. nubila (blue-leaved ironbark), or E. crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) and/or
bloodwoods such as Corymbia trachyphloia (yellow bloodwood), C. leichhardtii (rustyjacket), C. watsoniana
(Watson's yellow bloodwood), C. lamprophylla, C. peltata (yellowjacket). Occasionally E. thozetiana (mountain
yapunyah), E. cloeziana (Gympie messmate) or E. mediocris are dominant. Mostly on sub-coastal/inland hills
with shallow soils. (land zones 10, 7, 9 [11]) (BRB, DEU, SEQ, GUP)
16c Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah (coolabah) or E. microtheca (coolabah) or 12.24
E. largiflorens (black box) or E. tereticornis (blue gum) or E. chlorophylla on floodplains. Does not include
alluvial areas dominated by herb and grasslands or alluvial plains that are not flooded. (land zone 3) (All
bioregions except WET, principally GUP, BRB, MUL, SEQ)
22a Open forests and woodlands dominated by Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp paperbark) in seasonally 822.99
inundated lowland coastal areas and swamps. (land zones 3, 2, 1, [11]) (SEQ, WET, CQC, CYP, [BRB])
28a Complex of open shrubland to closed shrubland, grassland, low woodland and open forest, on strand and 127.97
foredunes. Includes pure stands of Casuarina equisetifolia (coastal sheoak). (land zones 2, 1) (GUP, SEQ, BRB,
CYP, [WET, CQC])
29a Open heaths and dwarf open heaths on coastal dunefields, sandplains and headlands. (land zones 5, 2, 3, 7, 10, 328.65
[12, 11]) (CYP, SEQ, [WET])
34c Palustrine wetlands. Freshwater swamps on coastal floodplains dominated by sedges and grasses such as 36.15
Oryza spp., Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) or Baloskion spp. (cord rush) / Leptocarpus tenax / Gahnia sieberiana
(sword grass) / Lepironia spp. (land zones 3, 2, 1) (CYP, GUP, BRB, SEQ, WET, [CQC])
35a Closed forests and low closed forests dominated by mangroves. (land zone 1) (CYP, GUP, BRB, SEQ, WET, 153.11
CQC)
35b Bare saltpans ± areas of Tecticornia spp. (samphire) sparse forbland and/or Xerochloa imberbis or Sporobolus 28.08
virginicus (sand couch) tussock grassland. (land zone 1, [3]) (GUP, BRB, CYP, SEQ, CQC, [WET])
TOTAL 2541.64
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 13
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4.2 Ecosystem Services Values
Ecosystem Services are the goods and services freely delivered by ecosystems that contribute to
the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Noosa community, and to the well-being
of the national and global community. These services are classified in accordance with
Classification of Ecosystem Services by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA. 2005), and
are as follows:
1. Regulating services: benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as water
regulation, erosion regulation, waste regulation, climate regulation and natural hazard regulation
(e.g. droughts, floods, and storms).
2. Supporting services: those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services.
They differ from provisioning, regulating, and cultural services in that their impacts on people are
often indirect or occur over a very long time, whereas changes in the other categories have
relatively direct and short-term impacts on people. Some services, like erosion regulation, can be
categorised as both a supporting and a regulating service, depending on the time- scale and
immediacy of their impact on people. Supporting services include primary production, nutrient
cycling and water cycling.
3. Provisioning services: products obtained from ecosystems, e.g. fresh water, food, fibre, fuel,
genetic resources, biochemical, natural medicines and pharmaceuticals.
4. Cultural services: non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual
enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences, e.g. cultural
diversity, knowledge systems, educational values, social relations, sense of place, cultural heritage
and ecotourism.
Some specific examples of Ecosystem Services that Council’s bushland reserve network
contribute to include but are not limited to catchment values, recreational values, landscape and
scenic amenity values and climate change amelioration.
4.2.1 Catchment Values
The Noosa River system has the highest water quality rating of all SEQ waterways. Together with
the extensive Cooloola National Park, Council’s bushland reserve network contributes to this high
water quality by protecting riparian vegetation along waterways, maintaining bank stability, and
contributing to reduced sediment load entering the Noosa River.
The Noosa River catchment comprises approximately 63% of the shire while approximately 36% of
the Shire is within the Mary River catchment. Waterways such as Six Mile Creek have intact
riparian vegetation and contribute to reduced sediment flows into the Mary River system. A number
of bushland reserves also protect coastal waterways such as on Noosa North Shore and the
coastal strip south of Noosa Heads to the shire boundary.
Council has a number of reserves within each broad catchment area as outlined in Figure 8.
Reserve representation within Catchments
2
Noosa Shire Catchments Number of Total Area (m ) % of Total Area
Reserves
Noosa River 117 29699224.23 84.21%
Maroochy River 5 453888.20 1.43%
Mary River Sub- 56 4539617.97 14.36%
catchments
TOTAL 178 34692730.42 100%
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Bushland Reserve Biodiversity Profile: Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserves. Six Mile Creek is a tributary of the Mary River System. The headwaters commence in the vicinity of Mt Cooroy, Black Mountain, and Mt Pinbarren. The Mt Cooroy tributary feeds into Lake Macdonald, a potable water supply for Noosa Shire and SEQ. Although subject to large scale clearing for agriculture in the early 1900’s, riparian vegetation along Six Mile Creek and its tributaries is today largely intact throughout much of the catchment and is mostly mapped as remnant Regional ecosystems 12.3.1 and 12.3.2. Six Mile Creek is a significant stronghold for the endangered Mary River Cod (Maccullochella mariensis) due to the presence of intact riparian vegetation, deep pools containing large woody debris, and good water quality. The system is also habitat for listed frog species such as the endangered Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iterates). Council manages a network of reserves along the Six Mile Creek System, including the Yellow Belly Hole at Cooran. This reserve has been actively managed for invasive weeds (mainly Small leaved Privet, Camphor Laurel, and Cats Claw Vine) since 1998 in partnership with Noosa Landcare, and in 2017 exhibits resilience and represents a good example of intact riparian rainforest and adjoining wet sclerophyll tall open forest. Photo Credit – Giant Barred Frog (Eva Ford) 4.2.2 Recreational Values A diversity of recreational opportunities exist within the bushland reserve network. These include bushwalking, horse riding, mountain biking, birdwatching and botany walks. These activities are well utilised by the community. The bushland reserves network contains a number of urban Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 15
Section 17
reserves that contain mown parks and pathways and are valued by local residents for recreation.
Numerous bushland reserves also include sections of the Noosa Trail Network. This provides
further nature based low impact recreation activities for the Noosa hinterland.
4.2.3 Landscape and Scenic Amenity Values
The Noosa community values the natural look and feel of the shire. This is a result of Council
planning for its built environment, and the large amount (relative to SEQ) of vegetated land
remaining within the shire. This is 55% compared to 35.5% for the remainder of the South East
Queensland local government areas (SEQC 2016). Council’s bushland reserve network
contributes to this sense of natural space by protecting scenic vistas such as vegetated fore dunes,
waterways and ridgelines.
4.2.4 Climate Change Amelioration
Being a coastal shire, Noosa is particularly exposed to the predicted impacts of climate change.
These impacts are summarised as:
Increased coastal erosion, coastal hazards, and extensive inundation from sea level rise;
More frequent mass die off of vegetation and vulnerable flora and fauna;
Loss of rainforest and expansion of eucalypt forests resulting in greater intensity, spread
and frequency of bushfires;
Loss of saltmarshes and swamps from sea level rise;
Reduction or loss of native folivores from increased CO2 levels in foliage;
Increased frequency and intensity of flood events;
More disturbance to native ecosystems leading to an increase in weed incursions.
Bushland reserves will play an important role in buffering the effects of climate change both
physically (temperature regulation, stability for ‘at-risk’ landscapes) and through carbon storage
and capture.
Noosa’s bushland reserves can provide refugia during adverse climatic events (such as riparian
areas during a prolonged drought), and as potential dispersal corridors for fauna (and flora
propagules) as species retreat or retract to less impacted areas.
4.3 Cultural & Historical Values
Both European and Aboriginal cultural values are present within the bushland reserve network.
European cultural and historical values include historical relicts such as early European built
structures, tree stumps with springboard scars, and commemorative (early 19th century) trees
such as pine and camphor laurel trees. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the reserve network
includes scar trees, artefacts, bora rings and shell middens.
Aboriginal peoples have been environmental stewards of the Noosa region and still maintain a
deep relationship today with the biodiversity, waterways and wetlands of the area. Noosa’s natural
environment has been integral to the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people’s cultural values, customs
and spiritual beliefs.
In relation to the identification of sites of significance, Council refers in the first instance to the
‘Indigenous Cultural Heritage Study of Noosa Shire 2004 and Sunshine Coast Council 2009,
Sunshine Coast Cultural Heritage Background Study.
As identified in The Noosa Cultural Plan, Indigenous Cultural Heritage is a priority focus area
stating that Council will work with Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi first nation’s people to increase the
awareness and understanding of our local indigenous cultural heritage.
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Bushland Reserve Biodiversity Profile: Cooroibah Conservation Park This 162 hectare reserve comprises a number of freehold properties purchased under Council’s Environment Levy land acquisition program since 2006 and is located between Lake Cooroibah, Cooroibah Creek, and Lake Cooroibah Road. There is a remarkable diversity of vegetation communities present within this reserve, from scribbly gum woodland, blue gum woodland, mixed eucalypt woodland, melaleuca wetland, mangroves, saltmarsh, one of the best examples of cabbage palm/flooded gum tall open forest in Noosa Shire, and a rare form of rainforest growing on weathered sandstone. The reserve has very high floral diversity, with the vulnerable species Hairy Hazelwood (Symplocos harroldii) present in good numbers. The woodland areas contain many eucalypt species exhibiting hollow formation critical for hollow dependant fauna species. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 17
Section 19
5. Pressures on the Bushland Reserve
Network
5.1 Invasive Species
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2019 has identified invasive
species, a large number of which have their origin as
garden escapees, and management actions across the
Shire. Similar to other areas of SEQ, a large number of
invasive plants are threatening biodiversity values and the
bushland reserve network, with those reserves in peri-
urban/urban areas generally more impacted from escaped
garden plants.
This plan has prioritised a number of key invasive plant
species that are considered to be “transformer weeds”.
These species have the capacity to alter and dominate
native vegetation strata, whether it be Cats Claw Creeper
(Dolichandra unguis–cati) destroying the canopy of
mature rainforest or Singapore Daisy (Sphagneticola
trilobata) dominating the ground strata and preventing
recruitment and establishment of native plants.
Table 10 lists transformer weeds and their impact
potential. This list was developed by an Internal
Stakeholder Group based on their long-term local
operational experience in the Noosa area.
Cats Claw Creeper Vine is a high impact 'transformer
weed' present on several Council Reserves
Less visually obvious but equally as
damaging is the impact of pest animals on
native fauna populations, with listed species
such as Ground Parrots (Pezoporus
wallicus) being impacted by foxes and feral
cats. Similarly wild dog predation on Koalas
(Phascolarctos cinereus) is considered a
key threat to Koala populations in SE Qld.
Singapore Daisy is existent in a large percentage of Noosa's
bushland reserves and has its local origin as a garden
escapee.
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Priority Invasive Pest Species (transformer weeds) that impact upon Biodiversity Values
Species Common name Comments
PEST PLANTS
Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine Invasive vine, smothers canopy, easily spread
Aristolochia elegans Dutchman’s Pipe Smothers canopy, impacts on Richmond Birdwing
butterfly
Asparagus aethiopicus Basket Asparagus Dominates ground strata in dunal areas, prevents
native plant recruitment
Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Can dominate tree canopy, forming a monoculture.
Evidence of rapid spread in Eucalypt forests in the
area.
Gloriosa superba Glory Lily Dominates ground cover in dunal areas
Hygrophila costata Glush Weed Dominates ground strata in riparian areas.
Ipomoea cairica Coastal Mile-a- Invasive vine, smothers ground and shrub strata
minute (Coastal and limits native species recruitment
Morning Glory)
Ipomoea indica Morning Glory Invasive vine, smothers canopy
Ligustrum sinense Small Leaved Privet Can dominate mid strata in riparian areas.
Macfadyena unguis -cati Cats Claw Creeper Invasive vine, smothers canopy, easily spread
Passiflora suberosa Corky Passionfruit Invasive vine, smothers ground and shrub strata
and limits native species recruitment
Salvinia molesta Salvinia Dominates non flowing water bodies
Schinus terebinthifolius Broad Leaf Pepper Can dominate in rear dunal areas
Sphagneticola trilobata Singapore Daisy Dominates ground strata, prevents native plant
recruitment
Thunbergia spp. Thunbergia Invasive vine, smothers canopy
PEST ANIMALS
Acridotheras tristis Common Myna Impacts on native birds
Canis familiaris Dogs (both wild High impact on native animals, ie Koalas
and domestic)
Felis catus Cat High impact on small native animals
Sus scrofula Feral Pig Disturbance to wetland areas, spread plant disease
and weeds
Vulpes vulpes European Fox High impact on small native animals
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 19
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5.2 Fire
Many native ecosystems within Noosa are fire adapted, which in the absence of a suitable fire
regime may reduce species (both floral and faunal) diversity. Council’s bushland reserves contain
88.5% of fire adapted vegetation communities, with rainforest, saltmarsh and mangrove
communities being the only native vegetation communities that haven’t evolved to tolerate fire.
All other vegetation communities require fire of a certain frequency, intensity and time of year to
maintain the assemblage of flora and fauna species typical of that community. For example, in the
absence of fire heathland can become dominated by tall shrubs such as Hakea actites and trees
such as Melaleuca quinquenervia with resultant loss of habitat for threatened species such as
Ground Parrots (Pezoporus wallicus) and Christmas Bells (Blandfordia grandiflora).
In the absence of fire and in Noosa’s wet climate, dry sclerophyll eucalypt forests can become
dominated by rainforest species. The resultant increased shade and moist microclimate under the
rainforest canopy limits recruitment of eucalypt species. In the longer term this leads to a loss of
eucalypt trees and associated habitat for the range of fauna species dependant on it.
In contrast, some reserves adjacent to urban areas, such as Girraween Nature Refuge, have
experienced arson incidents on a too frequent basis and at the wrong time of the year (usually
October to December). This fire regime has had impacts on native plant diversity as obligate
seeding plants are unable to flower and set seed before the next fire.
Fire risk in Council’s bushland reserve network is managed through the Noosa Bushland Reserve
Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021-2026, that has are two main objectives;
Mitigate risks to life and property
Maintain the ecology of fire dependant ecosystems
It is not possible to initiate fire management actions for all bushland reserves at once. A
prioritisation methodology will be developed for each objective. In some cases management
actions will be complimentary for both community risk management and ecological outcomes. In
other cases the actions will be quite distinct.
The State Planning Policy (SPP) Bushfire Prone mapping identifies priority areas at a state wide
level. The CSIRO developed the methodology based on vegetation type fuel load, slope and fire
weather severity. The mapping identifies areas of medium, high and very fire hazard. The State
mapping provides the strategic direction for prioritising fire management across the bushland reserve
network.
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021-2026 also reviews the
condition of existing fire trails and propose new fire trails where required, as an effective fire trail
network is a key action in the plan.
The development of fire trail and fuel reduction zone standards will guide Natural Areas staff and
improve emergency response.
5.3 Nutrient Pollution
Reserves within the coastal area have sandy soils of low fertility. In these environments native
plants have evolved to cope with low nutrient levels, particularly phosphorous. Impacts from human
activities such as sewerage treatment outflow and stormwater runoff from urban areas within the
coastal catchments, has led to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) within many coastal waterways
and adjacent riparian areas. This has favoured the growth of invasive non-native species at the
expense of native species in areas such as Burgess Creek. Native species not known to occur in
the referenced regional ecosystem can also outcompete endemic species.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 20
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Eutrophication has potential impacts on low nutrient adapted species such as acid frogs as the pH of the water body becomes less acidic. Numerous bioretention basins, many originally installed as part of development applications, exist within the bushland reserves network. Bioretention assets are managed and maintained by Council’s Natural Area’s Team. 5.4 Human Impacts on Open Space and Urban Interface Some reserves have been impacted by vegetation clearing by local residents lopping, pruning or poisoning vegetation. Generally such actions are undertaken by adjacent residents wishing to create improved view lines, encroaching into reserve land to increase their living area, or constructing pathways. This is particularly evident along the coastal strip, where the linear dunal reserve network has been significantly impacted. Other impacts include unauthorised use of recreational vehicles such as 4WDs and trail bikes within the bushland reserve network with resultant erosion and increased sedimentation of waterways, as well as damage to Council infrastructure such as gates and signs. In some reserves mountain and dirt biking activities have led to tracks and speed jumps being constructed by excavation and movement of soil. Illegal dumping of green waste and household and construction waste has reduced in recent years through Council’s proactive approach to dumping, but still remains an issue within parts of the bushland reserve network. On areas where dumping has previously occurred, significant garden weed infestations often now exist, that threaten biodiversity values within the reserve and require resourcing to eradicate. 5.5 Human/Wildlife Conflict A number of native fauna species have caused a level of angst amongst impacted residents, with flying fox camps in urban areas being the main concern. Council also receives occasional customer requests to deal with magpie attacks, the noise from roosting rainbow lorikeets at night, and perceived threats from snakes. Further, a number of non-native species also cause angst amongst impacted residents, including wild dogs, foxes, cane toads and cats. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 21
Section 23
6. Current Management Planning & Resourcing 6.1 Reserve Planning History Managing Councils’ bushland reserves for their biodiversity values actively commenced in the mid 1990’s when Council’s Weeds Inspector recognised that a range of invasive weed species were overtaking many reserves. Although the focus was on declared species under the then Land Protection Act, management also extended to some non-declared species in certain areas. From 2000 onwards, additional Council staff were progressively employed to manage the bushland reserve network through both planning activities, and a range of operational activities addressing the pressures described in section 6. From 2007 to 2011, additional resourcing was directed into managing the bushland reserve network through developing reserve classification protocols, additional management plans, flora surveys, bushland operational assessments (BOAs) and on- ground management. Since deamalgamation Council has undertaken additional BOAs on some of its reserves and has continued operational management of the bushland reserve network via Council staff and contractors. Noosa Council also has a fire management plan for its bushland reserves, to specifically deal with this aspect of reserve management. Management resources have been prioritised over the last 2-5 years (2014-19) through a detailed prioritisation matrix where individual reserve values and threats were evaluated. Management Plans and BOAs have been the principle planning tools used to guide resource investment at the reserve level. Numerous Ecological Restoration Plans have been developed and these plans contain BOAs as a primary guide to prioritising on-ground actions, however Council has identified the need to develop an overarching and consistent approach to planning and operational activities across our whole reserve system. 6.2 Reserve Tenure The bushland reserve network comprises land parcels owned by Council as freehold land either purchased under the environment levy or longer term properties acquired for other purposes (such as landfill, sewerage treatment and compulsory acquisition following rate arrears). There are also many land parcels owned by the State Government with Council as trustee. State lands with Council as trustee includes developer contributions as part of a development assessment process and are generally gazetted as ‘Reserves for Conservation’. There are several State-owned reserves gazetted under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 that have joint State/Council management arrangements in place. These are currently called Conservation Parks or Regional Parks Some of the Council-owned freehold parcels have a Nature Refuge under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992 registered on title. Freehold lands with a Nature Refuge have a conservation agreement in place which stipulates that the owner must manage the land for conservation values. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 22
Section 24
Tenure of Council-managed Bushland Reserves
Land Tenure Area (ha)
Reserve (Council as Trustee) 1459.7
Free Hold 1203.15
Land Lease 0.77
State Land / USL (Council as Trustee) 16.33
National Park (Joint Management) 13.2
Road Reserve / Esplanade (Council as trustee) 466.85
Reserve tenure does have some influence over the management and rehabilitation actions that are
permitted to occur within bushland reserves. In particular, freehold parcels allow for greater scope
of protection mechanisms such as Nature Refuge declarations and they also provide greater scope
of additional value-adding, such as facilitation of formal legislative biodiversity and carbon offsets.
Reserves that originate as part of a Development Assessment process may have ‘on-maintenance’
periods for ecological restoration actions covering several years as guided by formal flora and
fauna surveys and management plans. Great potential exists for closer alignment to the
development assessment process with regard to species data collection, and the formalisation of
standardised management plans. This will avoid duplication and reduce the planning burden as
new bushland reserves come on line.
6.3 Current Management Resourcing
6.3.1 Internal Council Investment
In 2020, Noosa Shire Council employs 6 staff to manage its bushland reserve network including
managerial, technical and on-ground staff. The Natural Areas team works very closely with:
Council Pest Management Officers - There is an active fauna (native and pest animal)
monitoring program in place in a number of key reserves utilising sand plots and fauna
cameras. Outcomes of this monitoring determine pest animal management activities.
Community Bushland Care Officer - Manages the Bushland Care Program, funded through
Council’s Environmental Partnerships program. Approximately 60% of the sites included in
the Bushland Care program occur on bushland reserves.
Council’s Parks & Gardens branch - Many Bushland Reserves abut Open Space
recreational parks requiring interface management between teams. These can sometimes
include mowing, tree and invasive species management.
Council’s Civil Operations team - A significant amount of drainage, pathway, beach access
and bridge infrastructure occur within or adjacent to Bushland Reserves at times resulting
in hydrological changes and debris accumulation.
NSC engages both internal staff and external contractors to undertake on-ground works in
designated reserves.
Bushland reserves are generally inspected annually by staff.
6.3.2 Community Involvement
Noosa’s community are passionate about the natural landscape they live in, and there are active
community groups and a volunteer network working within Council’s bushland reserves on a
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 23
Section 25
variety of on ground projects. This effort adds value to that invested by Council, with significant biodiversity outcomes achieved on the ground to date. There are currently 19 Bushland Care groups operating on 39 sites in Noosa Shire, with over 210 active volunteers. Of the 39 sites, approximately 60% occur within Council’s bushland reserves. The other sites are generally within recreational parks, road reserves and National Parks. Bushland Care volunteers undertake activities such as removing invasive species and rubbish, revegetation and community education. Several community groups also seek external funding to undertake works within the bushland reserve network which can often yield large gains. An example is Noosa & District Landcare’s Application during the 2014/15 financial year to undertake weed control works and infill native species planting at Yellow Belly Reserve in Cooran. These have the potential to constitute a 1:5 value-adding result to Bushland Reserve Management. Similar examples can be shown with other groups and sites throughout the Shire. From time to time, employment programs offering teams of workers are available for Noosa Council or local community groups to utilise. This can include Green Army teams (Commonwealth- funded) and Skilling Queenslanders for Work crews (State-funded). Numerous teams have been active within the Bushland Reserve Program over the last decade. Provided efforts are strategic and well consulted, the work undertaken by community groups, volunteers and employment teams can achieve great results and can complement and greatly value-add the Council’s efforts to manage a variety of reserve issues. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 24
Section 26
Community Tree Planting Day at Kin Kin Entrance Bushland Reserve 2017, a component of a larger external grant
acquired by Noosa Landcare for reserves in the Kin Kin area.
7. Noosa Reserve Management Framework
2021-2026
Council will follow best practice management principles throughout its Natural Areas Program.
Best practice bushland management principles are detailed in the SE Qld Ecological Restoration
Framework Guideline and Manual (Chenoweth 2012) and are focused on developing ecosystem
resilience. This is defined as the ability of an ecosystem to recover its structure and function
following a disturbance event.
The five key principles are:
Restored ecosystems incorporate assemblages of species reflecting those in reference
ecosystems and have the potential to recruit further species by natural means;
Restored ecosystems support the same structure and function as reference ecosystems;
Restored ecosystems consist of indigenous species of local provenance to the greatest
extent practicable;
Restored ecosystems are self-sustaining to the same degree as a reference ecosystem,
such that they are resilient to normal periodic stress; and,
Restored ecosystems interact with the surrounding landscape and contribute to ecosystem
services.
Of the four approaches to ecosystem restoration outlined in the manual, Council has adopted
natural regeneration and assisted natural regeneration as priority approaches. This works best
where evidence of ecosystem resilience is apparent within the reserve as determined by a
Bushland Operational Assessment.
Where evidence indicates that ecosystem resilience is absent from a reserve or sections of a
reserve, ecosystem reconstruction (revegetation/ direct seeding) may be necessary. However it
can be an expensive option in relation to establishment and ongoing maintenance costs.
In most cases, assisted natural regeneration through targeted actions, such as controlling invasive
species, is appropriate for Council’s bushland reserve network. The intent within a reserve is to
improve the resilience rating of all sites within the reserve over time, with a priority on working on
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 25
Section 27
the best most resilient areas first. The exception to this is where outlier transformer weeds are
present in a reserve and require control to prevent further spread.
Best Practice Guidelines and triage (looking after the best areas first) approaches to developing
strategic works programs have guided the following Management Framework, Reserve
Prioritisation and Management Program Category approaches.
7.1 Formal Management Framework
A clear and transparent framework for planning is necessary to guide on ground works that
achieve Council’s objectives within the limited funding resources that exist.
A clear and transparent adaptive planning process also allows Council to track the progress of
works against targets and change actions if necessary. Typical adaptive planning processes follow
a Plan – Do – Review process, but most importantly, they need to include sound monitoring and
evaluation components.
The table below outlines the management framework that will be adopted for the Natural Areas
program.
The Strategic level components of the Management Framework are:
1) The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan (this document).
2) Reserve Prioritisation
A detailed analysis of the 178 reserves has been undertaken to identify where resources
should be allocated. The process is informed by GIS analysis and Expert Panel review and
data is housed in a formatted excel spreadsheet. Five tiers of reserve prioritization scoring
within the prioritisation process are identified.
3) Reserve Management Program Category Allocation
The Reserve Management Program categories outline the management intent, planning
response and on-ground effort allocated and planned for each reserve. They include the
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 26
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categories of ‘Protect’, ‘Enhance’ or ‘Monitor’. The Management Program Category
identifies the anticipated and planned type, frequency and extent of management resources
allocated to each reserve.
The intent of each Management Program category is as follows:
Protect Program
Aims to preserve the current vegetation condition of a reserve through the undertaking of
minor restoration works (<5 years in duration) where necessary as a result of annual
inspections and / or in accordance with a Bushland Reserve Management Plan if one is
necessary for the site due to conflicting management issues.
Enhance Program
Aims to intensify, increase, or further improve the condition, value, and/or extent of
vegetation within a reserve. Works undertaken in accordance with a current Bushland
Reserve Management Plan (where one is necessary for the site due to conflicting
management issues), and subordinate Ecological Restoration Plan and/or BOA.
Monitor Program
Aims to observe and check the trajectory and quality of vegetation condition of a reserve
over a period of time. Annual Reserve Inspections occur, in accordance with a Bushland
Reserve Management Plan if one is necessary for the site due to conflicting management
issues.
Reserves within each category may be allocated one or more of the following reserve
planning mechanisms based on the reserve issues and restoration requirements are:
a) Reserve Management Plans
Reserve Management Plans documents the values within the reserve, statement of
management intent, threats (mapped condition assessment via a BOA), recovery
potential, community uses, built assets construction and maintenance, and prescribes a
broad five year schedule of on-ground works to address management issues. Further,
the plans incorporate a Fire Management Plan.
b) Ecological Restoration Plans
Ecological restoration plans guide the rehabilitation effort for subject reserves. The
plans will provide a clear ecological restoration approach and targets through a
Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) process. Ecological Restoration Plans require
review at 5 year intervals and provide discrete targets for monitoring overall
achievement of the key objectives of the Reserve Management Plan.
c) Bushland Operational Assessments (BOA’s)
BOA’s provide detailed data on both the discrete landscape management units at the
reserve level in addition to assigned condition/resilience scores and specific
management actions for each management unit. BOA’s follow a ridged structure
allowing for the process to be repeated at 5 yearly intervals and provide comparable
data on reserve condition improvement or decline over time.
4) Annual Reserve Inspection Reports
Reserve Inspections will be undertaken yearly for all reserves to inform Council of both
proactive and reactive actions necessary for annual resource allocation and Work Orders.
7.2 Reserve Prioritisation Method
For its small size and ratepayer base, Noosa Council has a large area of reserve land to manage.
This area is being constantly increased from Environment levy land acquisitions and developer
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 27
Section 29
contributions. The level of resourcing required to manage this land to the highest ecological standard is very high, and it is necessary to prioritise where the resources are best allocated to achieve the objectives indicated in Section 3. The philosophy behind prioritising reserves to achieve the best biodiversity outcomes recognises that the best shire-wide biodiversity outcomes can be achieved by allocating resources to manage the more ecologically resilient reserves first. Implicit in this philosophy is the reality that some of the smaller, highly-degraded reserves, while still possessing biodiversity, waterway and social values, may never be able to be restored to an ecologically resilient condition without significant further resources. Much study has occurred regarding the best method of prioritisation of individual assets for natural resources management purposes. Prior reserve prioritisation methods undertaken by Council have primarily utilised criterion focussed on value and threats. This approach however does not evaluate the technical feasibility of addressing known threats and nor does it attempt to understand the amount of resources required to effectively manage them. A new Prioritisation Matrix and Decision Support Tool has been developed for this Plan. The tool contains elements of a method initially developed by Marsh et al (2007) that has been used recently in threatened species management optimisation in applications in Queensland and New Zealand. An outline and explanation of the justification and source of the assessment criterion of the Bushland Rating Matrix and Decision Support Tool is contained within Appendix 3. The prioritisation system needs to be as simple and repeatable as possible and only include criterion which helps differentiate one reserve from another in regards to resource allocation. It principally utilises GIS data, including data layers recently produced for the Noosa Biodiversity Plan Background Report. Where existing data or GIS data was unavailable, data was determined by seeking the views of the Council officers who manage the entire bushland reserve network and have in-depth knowledge of the majority of reserves. A variety of criterion were developed to provide scores for the following values: Biodiversity Value Waterway Value Carbon Sink Value Social Value Cultural Value Data was collated to assist in the scoring of the potential for successful management outcomes, namely: Ecological Potential for Recovery Ongoing Management – Financial and other Costs of Management. Weightings for each category of values was determined through a survey of an internal stakeholder group consisting of 16 people from Environmental Services, Strategic Planning, Development Assessment, Park & Gardens and Civil Operations staff for the Plan development within Council. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 28
Section 30
7.3 Reserve Prioritisation Results The results of the prioritisation are captured within Appendix 4, and thus indicate the highest priority reserves for management consideration and resource allocation. The reserves are allocated a tier level with an allocation of ‘1’ to identify the highest value scores, recognising reserve values and feasibility of ecological restoration, and a Tier allocation of ‘5’ being lower scoring reserves. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 29
Section 31
7.4 Reserve Management Planning Mechanisms Reserves within each Management Program category may be allocated one or more of the following reserve planning mechanisms based on the reserve issues and restoration requirements. Please refer to figure 20 Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 30
Section 32
7.4.1 Reserve Management Plans
Reserve Management plans should follow a standard template with the following:
Management Context. Provides links to higher level Council plans and strategies, planning
scheme designation, reserve tenure, legislative drivers, vision, objectives, allowable uses.
Values. Describes the range of biodiversity, waterway, cultural and heritage values within
the reserve.
Management Considerations. Describes threatening processes within the reserve,
Condition assessment (via a BOA), feasibility of achieving ecosystem resilience, Natural
Hazards (i.e. fire risk, flooding, hazardous trees), Community engagement and education,
building knowledge.
Management Actions. Prescribed management actions linked to objectives and key
performance indicators.
In reserves where fire management actions are required, the reserve management plans should
include the following:
Maps depicting fire hazard ratings within the reserve, sensitive ecosystems/features within
the reserve (i.e. habitat trees, rainforest), zonation (i.e. zones to be fire managed for
biodiversity and those zones to be managed as reduced fuel areas adjacent to built
infrastructure) locations of fire trails and control lines, water points, escape routes, gates,
turnaround areas.
Text describing fire hazard ratings, fuel loads, built assets at risk such as adjoining housing,
mitigating actions (creation of fire control lines, reduced fuel zones), recommended fire
frequency, intensity and timing for maintenance of reserve biodiversity and community
safety (including not using fire at all and provide alternative recommendations for reducing
fire hazard), roles of external agencies such as QPWS, QFRS, and the rural fire brigades,
community education.
Action plan. Map showing staged fire management areas and timing over 10 years. Details
of pre-fire preparation (fire trail construction and maintenance, rake fuel away from habitat
trees, seek permit, advise neighbours, ensure favourable climatic conditions i.e. ground
moisture, wind speed, direction, humidity)
Response to unplanned fire. Text describing actions to take in the event of unplanned fire
from arson, lightning strike, etc.
Maintain records of fire events within the reserve.
Monitor and record response of vegetation/ fauna within the reserve from fire events.
7.4.2 Ecological Restoration Plans
Reserve-specific ecological restoration plans should contain the following:
Site description - including location, size, tenure, geology and soils, aspect, topography,
vegetation description, endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species and locations,
landscape context, threats.
Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) - BOA with map that depicts the condition
ratings (resilience) of specific zones within the reserve.
Restoration approach - Recommendations for the appropriate restoration approach to
follow (i.e. Natural regeneration, assisted natural regeneration, reconstruction, fabrication)
noting one reserve may require a number of restoration approaches. A management zone
map will indicate these restoration approaches.
Implementation schedule – Prioritisation of management actions and timing over 5 years.
Monitoring and evaluation guidelines - including undertaking BOAs at 5 yearly intervals
to evaluate management actions. The change in condition rating (both overall and within
specific management zones) should demonstrate the effectiveness of management
activities. If not management action should be adapted accordingly.
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Section 33
7.4.3 Bushland Operational Assessments
The Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) methodology for mapping resilience-based native
vegetation condition within a patch of bushland was initially developed by the National Trust in
Sydney in the 1980’s. (McDonald 2000).
The intent of the mapping is to guide on-ground restoration works to improve ecosystem resilience.
Assessing ecosystem resilience using this method requires the following:
Knowledge of the resilience of the site’s in-situ endemic flora species given natural
disturbance regimes, e.g. how individual species react to fire.
Knowledge of the impacts on the site (e.g. invasive species, nutrient pollution)
Knowledge of how the site will respond to specific restoration treatments.
The mapping uses a set of 6 condition or resilience classes assigned to various portions of the site.
Condition Class Definition Restoration approach
0 – Excellent resilience All strata and species (for the Natural regeneration.
reference ecosystem) are intact
with evidence of recruitment. No
invasive species or other threats
evident. Will rapidly and fully
recover from natural disturbance
1 – Very Good resilience All strata and species (for the Assisted natural regeneration
reference ecosystem) are intact
with evidence of recruitment.
Signs of degradation becoming
apparent, such as slight weed
infestations. Will fully recover
from disturbance but invasive
species may increase.
2 – Good resilience All strata and species (for the Assisted natural regeneration
reference ecosystem) are intact
with evidence of recruitment.
Invasive species or other
disturbance starting to impact on
native vegetation.
3 – Moderate resilience Although all native vegetation Assisted natural regeneration
strata may be present invasive
species are equally dominant.
4 – Poor resilience Invasive species dominate the Assisted natural regeneration
site, although some native
species are evident.
5 – Very poor resilience Large areas of the site do not Assisted natural regeneration
contain any native species, site and/or reconstruction
either cleared or dominated by
invasive species.
6.Nil resilience No evidence of native plants or Reconstruction
recruitment, soil substrate may
be totally disturbed.
Repeating the BOA at regular 5 year intervals allows Council to monitor how the reserve is
responding to management actions and informs adaptive management. The below image
demonstrates the visual and obvious changes that have occurred on the site between the two
BOA’s.
This process requires consistency in undertaking the condition assessments, as a change in
resilience condition could be due to the assessor interpreting the site differently to how it was done
previously.
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Change in resilience condition at Heritage Park from 2010 to 2016 Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 33
Section 35
The allocated reserve management categories for each reserve within the Noosa Bushland
Reserve Network is identified in the table below. Planning Mechanisms showing green have
already been done and are current.
Planning
Prioritisation Management Mechanisms
Reserve Tier Program Category Required
Active Riders Ground Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Alec Loveday Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Alex Dan Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Alyxia Nature Refuge 1 Protect Nil
Arthur Harold Nature Refuge 1 Enhance BOA
Bagnalls Bushland Reserve (changed from Acacia Lane) 3 Enhance BOA
Beach Park Noosa North Shore 4 Monitor Nil
Beach Road Nature Refuge 1 Protect Nil
Bill Huxley Nature Refuge 1 Protect Nil
Binalong Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Black Mountain Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Black Mountain School Park 5 Monitor Nil
Booyong Drive Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Boronia Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Brushtail Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Buffalo Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Bursaria Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Calanthe Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Cambridge Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Caribbean Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Carriage Way Bushland Reserve East 5 Monitor Nil
Carriage Way Bushland Reserve West 5 Monitor Nil
Carruthers Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Management
Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve 4 Monitor Plan
Cedar Gully Bushland Park 2 Enhance BOA
Chestnut Court Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Clearview Drive Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Coconut Grove Natural Amenity Resereve 4 Monitor Nil
Collwood Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve East (franz land) 2 Protect Nil
Cooroibah Creek Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Cooroibah Creek Park 3 Protect Nil
Cooroibah Environmental Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Cooroibah Regional Park 1 Protect Nil
Cooroora Creek Bushland Reserve - Songbird 2 Enhance BOA
Cooroora Creek Park 1 Enhance ERP
Cooroora Creek Park riparian area 2 Enhance ERP
Cooroora Mountain Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
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Section 36
Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve - Marara Street 1 Enhance BOA
Crank Crt Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Cranks Creek Park 4 Monitor Nil
Creek St Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Croziers Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Cudgerie Common Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Dame Patti Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
David Street Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Dianella Court Drainage Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Dolphin Bay Drainage Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Doonella Wetlands Nature Refuge 3 Enhance BOA
Douglas Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Dr Pages Natural Amenity Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Driftwood Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Edington Drive Environmental Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve - Walter Hay Drive 1 Protect Nil
Factory Street Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Falls Creek Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Fellowship Drive Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Ferry Park Natural Amenity Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Figtree Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Flagship Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Flooded Gum Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Forest Acres Bushland Network 2 Enhance BOA
Management
Fourways - Noosa Banks Riparian Reserve 1 Protect Plan
Frogmouth Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Frogmouth Bushland Reserve East 5 Monitor Nil
Galloways Bushland Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Girraween Nature Refuge 1 Enhance BOA
Gleneagles Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Glenridge Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
George Street Bushland reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Gympie Street Esplanade 3 Enhance ERP
Harlow Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Heathland Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
BOA/
Management
Heritage Park Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance Plan
Homebase Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Illoura Bushland Reserve East 2 Enhance BOA
Illoura Bushland Reserve West 2 Enhance BOA
Kauri Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Kin Kin Arboretum Park 4 Monitor Nil
Kin Kin Creek Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Kin Kin Creek Environmental Reserve 2 Enhance ERP
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 35
Section 37
Kin Kin Entrance Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Kin Kin Old Landfill Site 3 Enhance BOA
Kings St Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Kingsgate Bushland Reserve Network 1 Enhance BOA
Lake Cooroibah Esplanade 1 Enhance BOA
Lake Cootharaba Bushland Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Lake Doonella Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Lake Flat Rd Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Lake Weyba Drive Riparian Area 2 Enhance BOA
Lakeside Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Liane Bushland Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Livistona Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Lomandra Place Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Lowry Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Lyndhurst Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Mackerel Street Foreshore Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Mahogany Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Management
Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve 4 Monitor Plan
Marcus Creek Bushland Reserve 3 Monitor Nil
Mary River Rd Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Mary Street Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Moonare Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Moonbeam Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Murdering Creek Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Noosa Northshore Esplanade 3 Enhance BOA
Noosa Northrise Future Bushland 4 Monitor Nil
Noosa River Esplanade 2 Enhance BOA
Management
Noosa Woods Foreshore Reserve 3 Enhance Plan
North Shore Environmental Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Nylana Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Oak Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Orient Bushland Reserve North 5 Monitor Nil
Orient Bushland Reserve South 5 Monitor Nil
Osprey Park 3 Enhance ERP
Pacific View Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Palm Grove Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Park Road Foreshore Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Pearsons Drainage Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Penda Scrub Nature Refuge 1 Protect Nil
Management
Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve North 3 Enhance Plan
Management
Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South 4 Monitor Plan
Management
Peregian Creek Reserve 1 Enhance Plan
Pig Island Esplanade 3 Protect Nil
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 36
Section 38
Management
Pinaroo Park Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance Plan
Pioneer Road Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Quarry Track Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Rainforest Court Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Read Park Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Redwood Avenue Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Reef Street Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Renshaw Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Rifle Street Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Ringtail Bushland Reserve East 3 Protect Nil
Sandalwood Close Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Satinay Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Senegal Rise Natural Amenity Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Sheep Island esplanade 2 Protect Nil
Shorehaven Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Silverwood Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Cooran Section 2 Enhance BOA
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Forest Acres 1 Enhance BOA
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Lillywhites 1 Protect Nil
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Plantation Lane 2 Enhance BOA
Smedley Drive Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Songbird Drive Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Southern Cross Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Stormbird Bushland Reserve 4 Monitor Nil
Straker Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Sundial Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Management
Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve 5 Monitor Plan
Management
Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve 4 Monitor Plan
Symplocos Environmental Reserve 1 Protect Nil
Symplocos Nature Refuge 2 Protect Nil
Tanderra Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Tecoma Close Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Teewah Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Tinbeerwah Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Tinbeerwah Road Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Topaz Street Bushland Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Wahpunga School Park 1 Enhance BOA
Wallace Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Waratah Close Natural Amenity Reserve 5 Monitor Nil
Weyba Bridge Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North 2 Enhance BOA
Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve South 1 Enhance BOA
Weyba Nature Refuge 1 Protect Nil
Wirruna Drive Bushland Reserve 3 Enhance BOA
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 37
Section 39
Woodhaven Bushland Reserve 2 Protect Nil
Wooroi Creek Bushland Reserve 1 Enhance BOA
Yatama Bushland Reserve 3 Protect Nil
Yellow Belly Hole Bushland Resreve 1 Enhance BOA
Yunaman Bushland Reserve 2 Enhance BOA
Yurol Nature Refuge 1 Enhance BOA
7.5 Annual Reserve Inspection Reports
Reserve inspections will be conducted on a yearly basis and will capture:
Vegetation condition and how it is responding to on ground works;
Condition of any built assets (trails, paths, signage, bridges, tables, seats);
Fire fuel loads if relevant;
Any notable species observations; and,
Encroachments via urban impacts and other pressures outlined above in section 6.
This information will be collected electronically and uploaded into a data system that generates
work orders for action.
7.6 Service Levels
A level of service is the amount of resourcing Council will put towards managing a reserve to
address its legal obligations, community expectations, level of threat, and the potential for
biodiversity values to be maintained or improved. Levels of service capture both proactive and
reactive actions.
Each service item within the Level of Service table has an estimated costing identified including
plans, staff time, expenses and contracting costs.
Management Monitoring Invasive species management
Programs
Protect Annual inspection As guided by management Plan and Annual
inspection. Target all invasive species in reserve
with <6 Labour days per annum
Enhance Where ERP’s or Boa’s exist or are required – Target priority biodiversity pest species only.
reviewed every 5 years. Guided by ERP or BOA with <36 Labour days per
Annual inspection annum.
Monitor Annual inspection. Target priority biodiversity pest species only
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 38
Section 40
8. Operational Management Review
8.1 Management Planning Activities
8.1.1 Reserve Naming Convention Introduced
Within the Bushland Reserves database there are currently 16 different reserve naming
conventions, however from the commencement of this plan the reserve names will be rationalised
to 7 categories that clearly indicate the reserve tenure and purpose:
Reserves with a Nature Refuge on title are [name] Nature Refuge
Tier 1 to tier 4 reserves are called [name] Bushland Reserves
Tier 5 reserves are called [name] Natural Amenity Reserves
Reserves with a park (mown grass) component are named as [name] Park.
Reserves designated for drainage purposes only are called [name] Drainage Reserves
Reserves owned by Qld Parks and Wildlife Service with joint management with Council
require clarification with the State regarding the naming protocols.
Reserves designated exclusively as fire breaks are called [name] Fire Management
Reserves.
8.1.2 Reserve Signage
Council will conduct a signage audit (via the annual reserve inspection) to identify the current
status of reserve signage to inform replacement of signage that reflect the reserve naming
protocols and Noosa Council’s signage style and policy. In high priority reserves (tier 1) with high
individual Social Values scores, Council will consider reserve naming and interpretive signage.
8.1.3 Reserve Protective Mechanisms
Council has previously nominated a number of freehold land parcels for gazettal as Nature
Refuges under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act. Inclusion of reserves under this
protective mechanism permanently protects the environmental values on the land from any future
impacts that would compromise the biodiversity values and ecosystem services the reserve
provides.
8.2 Management Resourcing Activities
8.2.1 External Investment Opportunities
Opportunities exist for Council to source external funding under State and Commonwealth
programs to assist with managing reserves for threatened species recovery, and managing certain
invasive species.
Within Noosa, many community groups have successfully obtained external funds to undertake on-
ground activities within Council’s bushland reserve network. Council will continue to work in
partnership with the community to apply for external funding, with the understanding that when the
funding for a particular project finishes, Council then has responsibility for managing that area into
the future.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 39
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The attainment of external funding and the responsibility of protecting that investment may have consequences for future budget allocations so needs to be carefully considered before applying. 8.2.2 Offset Area Designation & Management Funding Under Council’s Tree Management on Public Land Policy, any trees removed during Council works operations are required to be offset at a local suitable receiving site. Ideally these offset receiving sites should be contained within Council-managed bushland reserves. A large number of reserves have small areas of cleared land that may be suitable as receiving sites for a range of scales of offsets. These sites should be identified and earmarked as future offset receiving sites. Bushland reserves with potential for medium to larger-sized offsets (> 1ha) include: Girraween Nature Refuge Kings St Bushland Reserve Edington Drive Environmental Reserve Black Mountain Bushland Reserve Boronia Bushland Reserve Bagnall’s Bushland Reserve Ashgrove Bushland Reserve Small offset receiving sites are best examined on a case by case basis and aligned with highest priority actions of local reserves where possible. 8.2.3 Regrowth Carbon Offset Investigation A number of Council bushland reserves contain sizable stands of regrowth vegetation in various conditions, including Girraween Nature Refuge, Cooloothin Creek Nature Refuge and the Cooroibah Environmental Reserve and Conservation Park. Council will investigate a formal Carbon Offset for a grouped multi-reserve consortium application for managed regrowth under the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy’s Emissions Reduction Fund or other possible voluntary carbon arrangements. Investigations will need to consider costs for the Offset management, in particular auditing costs, however the funds received through the arrangement may increase financial resources available within the program. 8.3 Community Education and Engagement Activities 8.3.1 Community Education & Awareness Council will proactively undertake community awareness raising via developing an informative website, brochures, factsheets, guided walks, landholder engagement programs such as Land for Wildlife, urban biodiversity programs, and interpretive and regulatory signage. The intent is to raise the community’s awareness and appreciation about the area they live in to facilitate behavioural change. This can encourage residents to grow local native species, not feeding wildlife, contain domestic animals and, reduce instances of illegal dumping, encroachment, vegetation removal, and vandalism. 8.3.2 Bushland Care Program Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 40
Section 42
The Bushland Care groups have a long history of successfully obtaining external funding and committing to follow-up maintenance to a number of sites. Council will continue to support the community groups preferably guided by, but sitting independently of, the prioritisation and management recommendations within this Plan. Resources will be allocated to improving the capacity of the Bushland Care Groups to undertake works to best practice standards in consultation with the local community and to aid in the attraction of external funding. This may include training workshops, grant Bushland Care Groups can be supported in a variety of ways and can writing support and assistance, and on- enable valuable local community engagement ground materials such as signage and flyers to local residents. 8.4 Operational Activities 8.4.1 Reactionary Issues – Customer Requests The role of local government is to deliver services to its community. One of these services is to respond to requests from residents. In the context of managing bushland reserves these requests may relate to concerns over fire risk, trees dropping limbs, vegetation reducing amenity, and wildlife including pest animal species. Council manages many of these requests independently of the specified management programs, which focus on ecological restoration. 8.4.2 Invasive species management. For reserves allocated the ‘Protect’ and ‘Enhance’ Management Category, the desired medium- term objective is to eradicate all invasive weed species from the reserves. Weed control activities should be undertaken at the most effective times based on the target weed species life cycle with the intent to reduce weed seed production and exhaust the reserves of weed seeds in the soil. Weed such as lantana that have some habitat values for native animals should be removed gradually (for example lantana thickets can provide suitable habitat for Black-breasted Buttonquail (Turnix melanogaster). The aim is to remove weeds at the rate of recovery of native species to avoid disruption to faunal habitat. Areas of exotic grasses such as setaria (Setaria sphacelata) may provide habitat for granivorous bird species such as finches so should not necessarily be slashed to “tidy up” the site. For reserves within the ‘Monitor’ category, the intent is to monitor priority invasive species identified by the Noosa Biosecurity Plan or the ‘transformer’ weeds list and target if significant impacts are occurring. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 41
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Council Staff will be trained and accredited in
bushland regeneration techniques, assessing
bushland for resilience (BOA), best practice weed
species management that minimises herbicide usage
(particularly in urban areas or adjacent to
waterways), fauna monitoring techniques, and data
collection using electronic devices.
Contractors need to demonstrate that all staff are
proficient in bushland regeneration and invasive
species management and are operating using the
same best practices as outlined within the SE Qld
Ecological Restoration Framework Guideline and
Manual.
Council staff and contractors need to become proficient at field-
based electronic recording of pest species and use of Council’s
Pest Management Database
8.4.3 Fire Management.
Noosa’s bushland reserves contain many native vegetation communities that are fire adapted and
in the absence of fire, may lose species diversity. Management of these reserves for fire is dealt
with separately in the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan.
Extended periods without a fire in these native vegetation communities can lead to a large build-up
of fuels (leaf litter and woody material) that create suitable conditions for intense fire with adverse
impacts on biodiversity values, human safety, and the built environment.
The Queensland Herbarium’s Regional Ecosystem Fire Guidelines 2016 are the recommended fire
regimes for regional ecosystems and broad vegetation groups within South East Queensland.
In urban areas some smaller reserves have a medium to high fire hazard and present a potential
risk to adjoining residents. Some reserves in these areas may not be able to be burnt at all due to
health risks to adjacent residents from smoke, and the potential for a prescribed burn to escape
containment lines with a change in wind direction. In these instances it is important to plan for a
potential wildfire by ensuring fire trails are of adequate width for response crews to access the
reserve to conduct firefighting activities.
In the absence of fire in many reserves containing fire adapted native vegetation there will be a
change in plant species composition, e.g. reduced recruitment of eucalypts, an increase in
rainforest species with an associated change in faunal species, and the dunal systems reverting to
more mesic communities with a loss of Banksia integrifolia.
8.4.4 Recreational Trails
Council has an extensive network of trails within the hinterland (Noosa Trail network). This trail
network is mainly within unmade road reserve so is outside the scope of this plan. However, a
Noosa Trail Masterplan has been developed and is guiding future development and maintenance
of the trail network.
Where the trail network passes through bushland reserves it should be inspected every 6 months
at least and maintained regularly to prevent erosion, weed incursions, illegal campfires and
damage to vegetation. Within the bushland reserve network there also exists a number of
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 42
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recreational trails, for example the Cooloola Great walk commences within Arthur Harrold Nature
Refuge.
8.4.5 Habitat enhancement
As indicated in Section 6, loss of tree hollows is a significant contributor to the ongoing population
decline of many hollow dependant fauna species in SE Qld. Council will seek over time within
suitable reserves (i.e. those not containing many arboreal and ground hollows) for nest boxes to be
installed, and have a regular monitoring and maintenance program in place to ensure native fauna
is utilising the hollows.
Additionally any woody material containing hollows that is removed from Council construction/ tree
maintenance/ removal operations anywhere in the Shire, Council will endeavour to be relocated to
suitable receiving sites within the bushland reserve network as ground habitat.
8.4.6 Collection activities
Collection of firewood, rocks, seed and plant parts from local government controlled areas or roads
is a Prohibited activity under Subordinate Local Law No.4
In Queensland, all plants that are native to Australia are protected plants under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992. The Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006
regulates the taking (collection), propagation and trade of protected plants through a licensing
system, administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. The Department
of Environment and Heritage Protection’s Code of Practice for the taking and use of protected
plants sets out the standards and requirements for collecting protected plant material.
8.4.7 Addressing impacts from unauthorised use
Reserves that attract unauthorised recreational use from vehicles, trail bikes, and horse riders will
be audited to ascertain the level of damage, frequency and type of use. In the first instance,
attempts to engage with the people undertaking the activity will be made either via signage, media
articles, direct communication if possible, or a letter box drop. If the impacts continue, signage,
fencing, rock placement and locked gates may be required. An increased level of reserve
inspections from annually to monthly may also be necessary.
Under Council’s Local Law 4, compliance actions may be required if the impacts continue.
8.5 Building Reserve Knowledge Activities
Noosa Council’s bushland reserve network encompasses a large diversity of ecosystems and
associated flora and fauna species. The full diversity of ecosystem types and species assemblages
within this bushland reserve network is unknown. It is recommended that Council build this
knowledge so that the reserves can be managed to maintain populations of threatened species.
The following activities will be implemented:
Council Natural Areas staff will be trained and accredited in bushland regeneration techniques,
assessing bushlands for resilience (BOA), and electronic data collection of fauna and flora
species, particularly EVNT species, occurring within the bushland reserve network.
This includes opportunistic observations as well as targeted surveys via fauna cameras and
acoustic monitoring. These records should be uploaded into a formal database such as
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Wildnet.
Contractors working within the bushland reserve network will be encouraged to record and
provide Council with opportunistic EVNT species observations.
Refining of the current vegetation (Regional Ecosystem) mapping within the bushland reserve
network and forwarding this information to Qld Herbarium, as the current State Government
mapping is inaccurate in some areas.
Natural Areas staff will formally map invasive weed species on reserves via Council’s internal
Pest Mapping program within Arc Esri Collector App.
Encouraging the community to participate in citizen science activities such as the Glossy Black-
Cockatoo birding day.
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9. Action Plan
The Action Plan reflects management actions across the breadth of the Natural Areas Program
and incorporates desired outcomes of the various Commonwealth, State, Regional and Local
planning and legislative requirements and the Noosa Environment Strategy.
The Action plan relates directly to the Noosa Council Environment Strategy, the Noosa Local
Government Area Biosecurity Plan 2020-25, and the Noosa Koala Conservation Plan 2016.
The Action Plan is categorised as follows:
Management Planning Activities - The Bushland Reserve Management Framework is
Strategic and Efficient.
Education & Engagement Activities – Management threats and impacts to reserve
values are reduced through effective engagement with the local community through
education and awareness.
Operational Activities - Bushland reserve values are protected, maintained or improved
through best practice management.
Building Reserve Knowledge Activities - Enhancing knowledge and data of bushland
reserves and improving data collection and maintenance.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 45
Section 47
Ref# Plan Actions Strategic Responsibilities Additional resources Status
Link required
1.1 Develop comprehensive digital templates for: FMP* Council Ongoing Underway
Reserve Management Plans, incorporating full Fire ES
Management Plans. BP
Ecological Restoration Plans
Bushland Operational Assessment’s (BOA’s)
Annual Inspection Reports
1.2 Develop new and keep up-to-date Reserve Management Plans for FMP* Council $15,000 per reserve (or Not
reserves specified in Reserve Management Program Category ES reserve aggregation) Commenced
and Planning Mechanism allocation 2021-2026 BP Aggregate Dunal Foreshore
Reserves into Coastal
Management Plan (An action
item from ES)
1.3 Undertake and keep up-to-date Bushland Operational ES Council BOA -$1000 per reserve (27 Not
Assessments for reserves mentioned (Figure 19) and use this BP reserves) Commenced
information to develop Ecological Restoration Plans. ERP -$2,500 per reserve (2
reserves)
$35,000
1.4 New reserves acquired by Environment Levy Program have FMP* Council As per rates specified REF# Underway
Management Plans and Ecological Restoration Plans (if identified ES 1.2 & 1.3
through Decision Framework) developed as part of the site BP
acquisition expenses prior to transference to the Bushland PLCG
Reserve portfolio.
1.5 New reserves emanating from the Development Assessment FMP* Council As per rates specified REF# Underway
process within Council have Management Plans and Ecological ES 1.2 & 1.3
Restoration Plans (if identified through Decision Framework) BP
developed according to standard Council templates and funded by NP
developers prior to transference of the property to the Bushland
Reserves portfolio.
1.6 Develop a bushland reserve recreation guide (printed or digital / Noosa Sport Council, Tourism Noosa TBC Not
online) for reserves that are suitable for nature-based tourism and Active Commenced
activities Recreation
Plan 2017
ES,
Noosa Trail
Master Plan
1.7 Permit and data storage process developed for native seed NSC Local Council As part of staff duties Not
collection and other activities within Council Reserves. Law 4 Commenced
1.8 Council directly seeks external grant funding, employment teams ES Council As part of staff duties Underway
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 46
Section 48
and informal offsetting investment to enhance program KCP
investment.
1.9 Investigate and identify reserves to be used as receiving sites to NBCP Council As part of staff duties Not
offset Council tree removal and habitat breeding area disturbance. KCP Commenced
2.0 Current reserve signage is audited. Interpretive, educational and Signage Council As part of a New Initiative Not
advisory sign project developed. A signage theme is developed Policy Commenced
that reflects Noosa Council’s brand and ethos.
2.1 NSC proactively undertakes community awareness raising via ES Council, Community Grant funding to community Not
developing an informative website, brochures, factsheets and Groups groups to deliver an Commenced
guided walks. In particular regarding: extension service.
Invasive weeds and appropriate removal techniques; As per staff duties and
Flora and fauna values of the reserve network; volunteer contributions,
Specific reserve asset information.
2.2 Conduct regular arborist inspections as part of a Hazardous Tree NC Tree Council As part of staff duties Underway
Management program at key sites where property or life risk Management
exists. Maintain a register that records location, species, and tree on Public Land
condition at each inspection. Policy 2018
2.3 Protect Non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal heritage objects and places Cultural Council ongoing Not
from activities within bushland reserves, including assessing in Heritage Duty Commenced
association with Historians (Non-Aboriginal Heritage) and of Care.
Traditional Custodians (Kabi Kabi Traditional owners) ES
2.4 Refine the current vegetation (Regional Ecosystem) mapping ES Council As part of staff duties Not
within the reserve network and forward this information to Qld Commenced
Herbarium
ES – Noosa Shire Council Environment Strategy
KCP – Koala Conservation Plan 2016
BP – Noosa Local Government Area Biosecurity Plan 2019
FMP – Noosa Shire Fire Management Plan 2014/15
CCAP – Climate Change Adaptation Plan
BLCG - Bushland Care Group Guidelines
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 47
Section 49
10. Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy
The monitoring and evaluation Strategy for the plan aligns with the Management Framework and is
illustrated on page 29.
It comprises:
1) The Reserves Strategic Plan review and evaluation at a 5 year interval
2) An Annual Reserve Assessment and Budget Review
Noosa Bushland Reserves Planning Framework
10.1 Noosa Bushland Strategic Plan Review
The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan will be formally reviewed in 5 years’ time to ensure
that new information and changing priorities can be incorporated into its programs for action. The
Action Plan will be reviewed annually during the development of the budget, to ensure the priority
actions are still current, and to consider any emerging issues.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 48
Section 50
Ref# Objective Key Performance Indicator Measure
1 Protect and improve biodiversity values within the Ecological Condition of reserves & EVNT monitoring shows no net Condition change within BOA’s and
bushland reserve network using best practice decline. Expert Panel Scores
management.
2 Contribute towards improvement of water quality within Active erosion areas and ground cover issues identified in any Annual Inspection work orders related to
the Noosa River, Mary River and coastal creek Ecological Restoration Plan or Annual inspection are fully water quality maintenance are prioritised
catchments. addressed. and fulfilled.
3 Identify and protect Indigenous and European cultural No net loss of identified Indigenous or European sites. Cultural heritage site mapping remains
heritage sites within the reserve network. unchanged.
4 Develop and foster partnerships with the community. Bushcare Groups and Community Group involvement in on-ground Number of volunteers, groups, resource
reserve management activities is increased in number and scale. value adding ($’s) and number of sites.
5 Manage hazardous vegetation, bushfire, flooding and Threats to Council’s reserves are managed and reduced. Number of threat based reactive work
pest species within the reserve network according to orders and BOA change.
Council’s policies, plans, risk management procedures
and legislative requirements.
6 Provide opportunities for outdoor recreational activities Improvements in the Noosa Trail network with Bushland Reserves, Recreational Use and Condition change.
that are compatible and complementary with natural local pedestrian access and open space areas are made without loss
and cultural heritage values within the reserve network. of biodiversity or other reserve values.
7 Work with bushland reserve neighbours to achieve Inclusion of adjoining landholder consultation for Reserve Consultation actions and customer
mutually beneficial biodiversity and community safety Management and Ecological Restoration Plans and the reduction in requests. Conditions change (BOA)
outcomes. reactionary customer requests / complaints.
8 Identify and implement carbon sequestration and Non-vegetated and non-recreation areas of the Bushland Reserves Area planted for carbon sequestration
preservation activities within the reserve network. Program are utilised for Carbon Sequestration.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan objectives, KPI's and measure.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 49
Section 51
10.2 Operational Works Review 10.2.1 Annual Reserve Assessment and Budget Review All reserves within the bushland reserves network will have an annual inspection whereby progress against the Reserve Management Program Classification and Ecological Restoration Plan (where relevant) can be gauged and any proactive or reactive actions can be identified. Reserve inspections will be conducted on a yearly basis and will capture: Vegetation condition and how it is responding to on ground works; Condition of any built assets (trails, paths, signage, bridges, tables, seats); Fire fuel loads if relevant; and, Any notable species observations. This information is collected electronically and uploaded into a data system that generates work orders for action. Annual Inspections will directly feed any necessary work actions into the Annual Budget allocation process where such actions are warranted. 10.2.2 Expert Panel Condition Assessment Reviews As part of the Reserve Prioritisation Process for this Plan, Noosa Council Natural Areas staff assessed all reserves within the program against criteria for Condition, Invasive Species presence and feasibility for rehabilitation. For reserves that have had a Bushland Operational Assessment, will more accurately be able to measure condition change, the Expert Panel process is recommended to repeat at the 5 year mark to gauge the condition of the remainder of the bushland reserve network. Comparison between the 2019 and 2024 scores will identify if any change in resilience condition, weed infestation and consequential rehabilitation resource feasibility exists. 10.2.3 BOA / Ecological Restoration Plans Biodiversity Operational Assessments (BOA’s) are the predominant ecological monitoring tool for measuring change at the Reserve level where they are required according to the Reserve Management Program category. Repeating the BOA at regular 5 year intervals allows Council to monitor how the reserve is responding to management actions and inform adaptive management processes. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 50
Section 52
11. References Marsh, H. et al (2007). Optimizing Allocation of Management Resources for Wildlife. Conservation Biology Vol 21, No. 2 Pg. 387-399. Society for Conservation Biology. McDonald T. (2011). Resilience-Based Condition Classification System – A tool for Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA). Training Session Notes, Sunshine Coast Regional Council. SEQC (2016). Managing Natural Assets for a Prosperous South East Queensland, South East Queensland Catchments Ltd., Brisbane. Eco Logical Australia (2016). Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report. Prepared for Noosa Shire Council. Noosa Council (2015). Noosa Bushland Reserve Fire Management Plan 2015, Noosa Council, Noosa. Noosa Council (2016). Noosa Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-19. Noosa Council, Noosa Noosa Council (2016). Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016. Noosa Council, Noosa. Noosa Council (2017). Corporate Plan 2017-2037. Noosa Council, Noosa. Noosa Landcare (2017). Noosa Shire – Waterways Assessment 2017. Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc. Pomona. Chenoweth EPLA and Bushland Restoration Services (2012). South East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework: Guideline. Prepared on behalf of SEQ Catchments and South East Queensland Local Governments, Brisbane. Chenoweth EPLA and Bushland Restoration Services (2012). South East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework: Manual. Prepared on behalf of SEQ Catchments and South East Queensland Local Governments, Brisbane. Queensland Herbarium (2016). Regional Ecosystem Fire Guidelines (December 2016) (Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation: Brisbane). Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Island Press, Washington, DC. Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 51
Section 53
12. Appendices
Appendix 1 – Noosa Bushland Reserves (Full List)
NAME AreaSqM LOTPLAN
Active Riders Ground Reserve 19694.788 117MCH5050
Alec Loveday Bushland Reserve 12614.55078 603SP120122
Alex Dan Bushland Reserve 29884.68348 1RP216837
Alyxia Nature Refuge 229060.73 10RP865221
Arthur Harold Nature Refuge 3261837.153 6RP135678
34SP215025
3RP135678
7RP135678
5RP135678
Bagnalls Bushland Reserve (changed from Acacia Lane) 30016.33 100SP233492
Beach Park Noosa North Shore 41438.04517 27T16312
47SP215028
Beach Road Nature Refuge 284030.693 900SP186169
Bill Huxley Nature Refuge 1762772.23 52SP215037
26RP25570
27RP25570
Binalong Bushland Reserve 12825.93628 20RP817358
218MCH748
19RP817358
Black Mountain Bushland Reserve 34329.10278 110RP896928
6SP223694
Black Mountain School Park 1021.345703 6RP227335
Booyong Drive Bushland Reserve 351110.364 107SP248179
103SP199350
101SP177950
102SP177950
106SP248179
105SP248179
104SP241367
100SP177950
Boronia Bushland Reserve 562539.375 36SP103599
39SP152355
Brushtail Bushland Reserve 5312.430176 1021CG4155
Buffalo Bushland Reserve 1727.349854 48RP908665
44RP59216
Bursaria Bushland Reserve 3676.883301 578MCH5292
10MCH5425
Calanthe Bushland Reserve 54724.54 15SP223007
Cambridge Bushland Reserve 1866.91333 50RP863250
Caribbean Bushland Reserve 8070.213135 263CP897237
Carriage Way Bushland Reserve East 26146.1084 102SP178333
101SP178333
Carriage Way Bushland Reserve West 19750.61304 200RP862543
36RP894921
Carruthers Natural Amenity Reserve 8383.695313 99RP881300
Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve 316617.512 159CP839188
100SP111721
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 52
Section 54
Cedar Gully Bushland Park 58553.7229 995RP906094
Chestnut Court Natural Amenity Reserve 5366.834473 1M11115
Clearview Drive Bushland Reserve 26362.42188 15RP852017
Coconut Grove Natural Amenity Resereve 894.9365234 132CP852091
Collwood Bushland Reserve 25165.23535 100SP158846
Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve 37916.93701 210CP840281
Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve East (franz land) 1061303.79 25SP104706
Cooroibah Creek Natural Amenity Reserve 23320.97729 704SP129573
Cooroibah Creek Park 36246.69035 703SP129573
Cooroibah Environmental Reserve 331848.2063 2RP136234
Cooroibah Regional Park 1629609.52 2RP165434
4RP136234
121RP100974
2RP111976
Cooroora Creek Bushland Reserve - Songbird 109627.1648 101SP177645
Cooroora Creek Park 86781.4 37RP63022
2RP122335
14RP35080
Cooroora Creek Park riparian area 13941.74 37RP63022
2RP122335
14RP35080
Cooroora Mountain Bushland Reserve 31508.54224 65SP213106
Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve 32776.42 1RP153299
234MCH4082
157MCH4833
2RP153299
5SP213104
2RP47020
7SP173771
206MCH2365
214MCH2386
Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve - Marara Street 175529.56 4RP32778
1SP242414
Crank Crt Bushland Reserve 5814.88 503RP869156
Cranks Creek Park 46098.045 6RP807208
504RP869156
503RP869156
Creek St Bushland Reserve 47064 10RP35098
11RP35098
12RP35098
13RP35098
14RP35098
1RP35098
20RP800332
24RP35098
26RP35098
27RP35098
28RP35098
29RP35098
30RP35098
31RP35098
3RP35098
4RP35098
5RP35098
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 53
Section 55
Croziers Bushland Reserve 38712.32349 4RP902775
Cudgerie Common Bushland Reserve 235703.2886 986SP101378
985SP111723
994SP237588
981SP125257
989RP907721
978SP157049
979SP157049
990RP907721
Dame Patti Bushland Reserve 10512.01416 28MCH4716
David Street Bushland Reserve 7198.228516 19RP901982
45SP107909
Dianella Court Drainage Reserve 37815.03711 900SP176968
Dolphin Bay Drainage Reserve 16446.28589 225RP848432
400RP810724
Doonella Wetlands Nature Refuge 229834.4033 299MCH1042
6RP202272
1RP96489
Douglas Bushland Reserve 13709.59644 6SP215228
33SP100812
16MCH4768
Dr Pages Natural Amenity Reserve 4456.268555 3RP885196
Driftwood Bushland Reserve 15689.854 503CP888721
261CP897237
504CP888721
Edington Drive Environmental Reserve 382218.3213 100SP159617
102SP208642
103SP208642
Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve 204679.1799 500RP224720
901RP861527
902SP163309
203RP903971
900RP861527
501RP224720
904SP163309
204RP903971
26801.52372 903SP163309
Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve - Walter Hay Drive 113504.5693 3SP182845
115697.4071 5SP222982
Factory Street Bushland Reserve 11487.75635 3RP35077
Falls Creek Bushland Reserve 41919.15601 100SP129562
101SP129562
Fellowship Drive Bushland Reserve 91757.02905 77SP177938
Ferry Park Natural Amenity Reserve 5567.108643 371MCH4432
Figtree Natural Amenity Reserve 22544.70361 18SP221473
Flagship Natural Amenity Reserve 11008.87 17CP907131
501CP882292
263CP897237
502CP888722
Flooded Gum Bushland Reserve 176657.6233 977SP157049
983SP110906
Forest Acres Bushland Network 401154.3877 19RP224529
100SP230065
56SP103503
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 54
Section 56
55SP103503
57SP129565
58SP129565
76RP840204
53RP908175
13SP110381
26RP885219
54RP908174
12SP110381
52RP905955
Fourways - Noosa Banks Riparian Reserve 115491.54 376MCH4559
706SP129573
702SP129573
703SP129573
Frogmouth Bushland Reserve 95323.53564 100SP167229
1RP171784
2RP168290
1RP168291
Frogmouth Bushland Reserve East 3508.484863 9SP221477
Galloways Bushland Reserve 14227.04932 300RP858522
Girraween Nature Refuge 1245342.771 1RP146310
1SP239726
9SP252905
800SP252905
Gleneagles Bushland Reserve 19907.61963 900SP171711
0SP176866
900SP171711
244MCH4350
Glenridge Bushland Reserve 72575.27686 99RP860577
George Street Bushland reserve 27279.83 900SP284471
Gympie Street Esplanade 9944.24
Harlow Bushland Reserve 41165.0813 247MCH4387
Heathland Bushland Reserve 39498.479 991RP903853
51RP903853
502RP905749
501RP868302
992RP903853
Heritage Park Bushland Reserve 179987.0554 986RP897884
985RP903403
271MCH4647
237MCH4283
994RP860583
991RP886723
989RP897864
993RP885233
101RP855995
Homebase Bushland Reserve AAP20973
Illoura Bushland Reserve East 107463.6594 31SP110325
Illoura Bushland Reserve West 88736.27393 33SP115870
31RP908172
32RP908172
Kauri Bushland Reserve 11813.3606 5CP889589
Kin Kin Arboretum Park 26922.46265 240MCH802648
401MCH1048
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 55
Section 57
Kin Kin Creek Bushland Reserve 85742.66748 296MCH987
296MCH987
Kin Kin Creek Environmental Reserve 49765.26733 102SP148789
101SP148789
Kin Kin Entrance Bushland Reserve 14SP253952
Kin Kin Old Landfill Site 92014
Kings St Bushland Reserve 56303.96 100SP241388
Kingsgate Bushland Reserve Network 121945.2253 92RP891146
95RP891143
75RP200340
94RP891143
96RP858042
95RP886676
97RP858042
93RP891146
Lake Cooroibah Esplanade 42016.09849 50SP110391
Lake Cootharaba Bushland Reserve 1115438.604 277MCH2958
276SP140491
300SP140491
Lake Doonella Bushland Reserve 759693.1772 5USL30950
1RP802360
504SP108677
900SP190381
71RP41223
500RP867858
2RP129288
2SP104709
22RP228935
0SP142399
502RP867858
505SP108677
503SP108685
900SP221501
1SP190381
900SP190381
503RP869156
901SP221501
901SP274003
902SP274018
903SP221501
903SP274003
Lake Flat Rd Bushland Reserve 364292.99 4RP803972
Lake Weyba Drive Riparian Area 228454.2024 16SP100715
51CP913574
Lakeside Bushland Reserve 57858.70679 51SP110391
50SP110391
Liane Bushland Reserve 93582.51904 50RP899381
279MCH3986
Livistona Bushland Reserve 370415.4575 885CG4618
409RP887985
401RP836908
400RP836908
412SP103439
407RP856752
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 56
Section 58
406RP856752
411SP103439
410SP103439
Lomandra Place Bushland Reserve 22308.54 270MCH4647
997RP860582
Lowry Bushland Reserve 93529.12012 1P93153
4MCH842781
4MCH842781
141P93141
2MCH4837
142P93146
357P93145
Lyndhurst Natural Amenity Reserve 10865.08887 50RP883855
17RP225101
Mackerel Street Foreshore Reserve 6752.502197 25T9242
Mahogany Bushland Reserve 20136.73022 3M11114
9M111111
Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve 128437.1284 159CP839188
Marcus Creek Bushland Reserve 31533.89233 6M111116
7M111117
7MCH842016
Mary River Rd Bushland Reserve 8012.36 11SP246688
Mary Street Natural Amenity Reserve 6528.476563 82RP36937
94RP36937
84RP36937
86RP36937
85RP36937
93RP36937
83RP36937
Moonare Bushland Reserve 10719.67212 308RP182275
Moonbeam Bushland Reserve 4287.710205 950CP900487
Murdering Creek Bushland Reserve 30215.42773 14MCH5262
4MCH5262
Noosa Northshore Esplanade 18172
Noosa Northrise Future Bushland 49540.198 901SP221502
900SP221502
Noosa River Esplanade 5199.145634 371MCH4432
1602.490243 50RP863250
652.007511 22MCH4733
Noosa Woods Foreshore Reserve 310179.0662 114MCH839107
115MCH839107
North Shore Environmental Reserve 4279828.998 7MCH4562
Nylana Bushland Reserve 199075.4478 102SP114688
103SP119126
104SP138534
101SP139161
13SP236303
14SP110329
100SP139161
Oak Bushland Reserve 6064.184814 101SP185671
Orient Bushland Reserve North 10115.32299 217RP135364
Orient Bushland Reserve South 10538.71191 211RP135363
6N21840
Osprey Park 29648.58447 159CP839188
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 57
Section 59
Pacific View Bushland Reserve 103018.76 102SP281455
Palm Grove Bushland Reserve 26820.00781 246MCH4385
Park Road Foreshore Reserve 13750.29
Pearsons Drainage Reserve 29009.8042 51SP230052
100SP170292
100SP112631
101SP208264
52SP218735
50SP230052
Penda Scrub Nature Refuge 81273.6438 12RP908915
Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve North 296514.4729 159CP839188
Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South 197866.3921 4CP864962
5CP864962
7CP864962
6CP864962
159CP839188
Peregian Creek Reserve 21989.40698 26SP104277
Pig Island Esplanade 31440.22852 386MCH1667
Pinaroo Park Bushland Reserve 62528.1167 84SP248300
15RP129286
14RP129286
Pioneer Road Bushland Reserve 19228.86816 4SP129576
Quarry Track Bushland Reserve 370114.679 49SP215032
Rainforest Court Bushland Reserve 3839.842529 999RP810610
Read Park Bushland Reserve 11894.15796 85T1632
14SP295888
Redwood Avenue Natural Amenity Reserve 9882.293457 5M11117
4M11114
Reef Street Bushland Reserve 9016.652588 961RP888261
Renshaw Bushland Reserve 2761.050293 130RP894894
Rifle Street Natural Amenity Reserve 2887.328857 13P5015
Ringtail Bushland Reserve East 10610.75537 1RP35103
Sandalwood Close Natural Amenity Reserve 1872.37085 2M11116
Satinay Bushland Reserve 37489.95996 269MCH4563
Senegal Rise Natural Amenity Reserve 11783.30664 403RP836922
402RP836922
Sheep Island esplanade
Shorehaven Bushland Reserve 67201.13477 930RP880347
909SP236313
Silverwood Bushland Reserve 23950.87842 105RP888476
107RP893431
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Cooran Section 34979.65112 346MCH3970
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Forest Acres 163503.1914 62RP809837
73RP813404
30RP224527
990RP899401
58RP800432
99RP883871
2RP191238
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Lillywhites 8099.098877 20SP149229
8RP805128
Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Plantation Lane 16122.72485 11RP913570
10RP913596
Six Mile Creek Conservation Park 134133.6504 348MCH974
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 58
Section 60
Smedley Drive Bushland Reserve 37495.36157 3RP900971
100SP137437
4RP900971
Songbird Drive Bushland Reserve 1309.48 102SP177645
103SP187321
Southern Cross Bushland Reserve 3979.52 669RP227918
Stormbird Bushland Reserve 3261.096436 47SP107909
44SP107911
Straker Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 6955.003662 102SP213111
Sundial Bushland Reserve 57138.8 900RP869127
275MCH3932
Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve 107110.2593 149RP130983
159CP839188
159CP839188
Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve 144112.157 159CP839188
9RP862531
717RP48111
51RP81810
7MCH5211
149RP130983
Symplocos Environmental Reserve 653695.4004 307SP137425
365MCH4233
500SP151417
304SP133495
2SP120982
305SP133495
306SP152282
301SP129047
Symplocos Nature Refuge 378812.6821 4SP151417
Tanderra Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 26838.78247 100SP161951
Tecoma Close Natural Amenity Reserve 2464.449219 579P93148
Teewah Bushland Reserve 64105.41357 76SP215047
78SP215048
75SP215047
Tinbeerwah Bushland Reserve 128198.3855 98RP845990
108MCH4731
Tinbeerwah Road Bushland Reserve 53568.87451 60MCH1547
278MCH3949
Topaz Street Bushland Reserve 6195.51 27C56014
28C56014
29C56014
30C56014
31C56014
Wahpunga School Park 16522.37378 249MCH618
Wallace Bushland Reserve 69670.55054 100SP169390
3RP839623
2RP839623
Waratah Close Natural Amenity Reserve 17938.74365 104SP113205
601SP120122
1RP889434
Weyba Bridge Bushland Reserve 7071.056885 166MCH5254
Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North 354303.6494 605SP195871
606SP195871
604SP188270
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 59
Section 61
600SP188270
601SP188268
1SP110327
602SP188268
Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve South 293443.5745 900SP170964
901SP170964
30RP894005
113MCH4128
Weyba Nature Refuge 1097761.528 77SP177938
Wirruna Drive Bushland Reserve 147911.1758 101SP173767
102SP173767
100SP173767
Woodhaven Bushland Reserve 278168.5537 1SP149475
101SP179878
100SP156380
101SP191688
200RP886248
Wooroi Creek Bushland Reserve 533654.834 410SP104286
101SP145596
102SP145596
Yatama Bushland Reserve 41483.27 9SP253957
Yellow Belly Hole Bushland Resreve 93711.26318 103MCH3039
117MCH5050
91MCH1707
Yunaman Bushland Reserve 119007.6079 104SP151405
901SP207311
114SP188650
105SP151410
901SP207311
Yurol Nature Refuge 523738.5706 1RP35069
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 60
Section 62
12.1 Appendix 2 – Noosa Environment Strategy – Relevant Themes & Outcomes
Noosa Environment Strategy
Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 Outcomes
2019 Themes
B. Priority ecosystem areas in Council’s bushland reserves are enhanced and managed to be
responsive to changing environmental conditions.
D. Ecological linkages and connecting habitat areas are improved and rehabilitated to increase
landscape connectivity and species resilience.
Biodiversity
E. Community conservation partnerships on public and private land are developed to deliver
successful biodiversity conservation outcomes.
F. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as fauna and flora species, are protected from
significant human impacts.
B. Aquatic biodiversity is improved through the preservation and enhancement of diverse
instream, riparian and wetland habitats.
D. Waterways, wetlands and coastal environments are protected, managed and maintained in
Waterways, wetlands and coasts their natural state, and are enhanced to support healthy and diverse ecosystems.
H. The impacts of human use are carefully managed to protect ecosystem health and visual
amenity, as well as to ensure the sustainable use of waterways and foreshores for residents,
visitors and commercial operators.
A. Council and community greenhouse gas emissions are avoided, reduced and offset through
Sustainable Living strong Council leadership, pursuit of multiple benefits and effective actions that are prioritised by
impact.
A. The Noosa Council and Noosa community are better prepared for natural hazards and climate
change through identification and mapping of natural hazards, proactive planning, risk reduction
and information sharing.
B. Noosa’s natural environment is prepared for climate change through the maintenance,
Climate change adaptation and restoration and increase of healthy, well-functioning ecosystems that facilitate diversity and
resilience movement of species both within and beyond Noosa Shire.
D. Risk assessments, climate adaptation and disaster management are well integrated and use
best available information to inform decision-making, systems and processes.
F. Understanding of likely responses of biodiversity and ecosystems to climate change is improved
over time and management programs are adjusted where necessary.
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12.2 Appendix 3 – Reserve Prioritisation Methodology
Reserve Values
Criterion Criterion Scoring System Data Source Strategic Alignment
Justification
Biodiversity Values
Reserve Size Larger sizes generally 0 = <1 ha NC Draft Prioritisation Matrix – provided to Link to the Noosa
have higher 1 = 1 – 5 ha NDLG Biodiversity Conservation
biodiversity value 2 = 5 -10 ha Plan 2017
3 = 10-50 ha
4 = 50 -100
5 = >100 ha
Largest reserve is 324ha
Connectivity Reserves with 0 = urban, roads, waterbodies. Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to the Noosa
greater connectivity 1 = cleared, scattered trees, sparse regrowth, Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_Patch_Connectivity_ Biodiversity Conservation
generally have higher patch with no or lower order connection to v2 Plan 2017
biodiversity value node.
2 =patch with indirect (2nd/3rd level) The adjacency scoring of the Patch
connection to node (core/edge). Connectivity layer was used. Adjacency
3 = patch with direct connection to node. scoring assesses the proximity between
4 = small node - unsupported (not connected habitat nodes (i.e. supported nodes) or the
to another node). degree of connection of patches to nodes.
5 = small node, medium and large nodes –
supported. The Patch Connectivity layer was
developed based on Queensland Offsets
Policy – Landscape Fragmentation Tool.
% Of Remnant Reserves with higher 0= ≥50% Urban, roads, water bodies and Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to the Noosa
Vegetation, % of percentage of cleared. Biodiversity Conservation
regrowth, % of cleared remnant generally 3= ≥50% scattered regrowth and scattered Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_EcoCondition_v3 Plan 2017
land have higher trees.
The urban overlay was created by selecting
biodiversity value 5 = ≥ 50% Disturbed/continuous regrowth/
applicable residential, industrial,
plantation and Disturbed continuous/
commercial and community services zones
remnant.
from the IPZ zones layer. These were
buffered out, then in by 100m to remove
gaps for roads. Reserves under 0.3ha and
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026 Page 62
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surrounded by urban areas were captured
under this urban classification.
RE code: RE v9.0 and field validation.
RE Conservation Reserves with 0 = urban area* Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to the Noosa
Status ‘Endangered’ or ‘Of 1 = plantation Biodiversity Conservation
Concern’ vegetation 2 = Least concern / sub-dominant regionally Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_cons_status_v2 Plan 2017
have higher significant
conservation 3 = Regionally significant / sub- dominant of Attribution:
significance than concern Selected based on REs assigned as
those without. 4 = Of concern / sub-dominant endangered per base layer methods in the
5 = Endangered biodiversity plan assessment
First RE in multi RE polys is
dominant, RE 2-5 = sub dominant
Applied only to remnant,
contiguous remnant and dense
regrowth areas in the ecological
condition layer
Applied to sparse regrowth and
scattered trees if status was
identified as Endangered
RE code: RE v9.0 and field validation.
EPBC Threatened Reserves with EPBC 0 = Not a TEC Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Links to Recovery Plans &
Ecological listed Ecological 2 = Potential to be TEC sub- dominant Conservation Advice
Communities Communities have 3 = Potential to be TEC Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_TECs_v2 Statements under
higher conservation 4 = TEC sub-dominant Commonwealth Legislation
RE code: RE v9.0 and field validation.
significance than 5 = TEC
those without. Noosa Biodiversity
Conservation Plan 2017
Habitat for species of Reserves with known 0 = no record and not mapped essential Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Links to Recovery Plans &
Conservation Value habitat or mapped habitat Conservation Advice
essential habitat for 1= record in marginal habitat (sparse Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_Species_presence_v2 Statements under State and
species of regrowth, scattered trees, cleared) and not Commonwealth Legislation
This data source incorporates:
conservation value mapped essential habitat
Atlas of Living Australia (2016)
have higher 2 = confirmed record for locally significant Noosa Biodiversity
Wildlife Online (2016)
conservation 3 = confirmed record for regional significant Conservation Plan 2017
significance 4 = confirmed record or mapped essential
habitat for NT
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5 = confirmed habitat or mapped essential Significant species list (Appendix A Noosa Shire Koala
habitat for V/E/M & B of biodiversity assessment Conservation Plan 2015-19
report)
Base layer
HL&W – Essential Habitat Maps,
EHP Essential Habitat Maps
Reserves that hold species that are
NT/V/E/M and were not identified in the
Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset were given
confirmed status and a scoring of 4 or 5.
The presence of Acid frogs in reserves were
given a score of 5. Under the EPBC Act only
the Wallum Sedge frog is listed as
vulnerable, though a national recovery plan
has been devised for Wallum dependent
frog species including the Cooloola
sedgefrog, wallum rocketfrog and wallum
froglet. All species are listed as vulnerable
or endangered by the by the World
Conservation Union (IUCN).
Under represented Reserves with under- 0 = medium to high preservation in Noosa & Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to the Noosa
RE’s / CARR represented medium to high preservation in SEQ Biodiversity Conservation
vegetation 1 = low preservation in Noosa & medium to Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_UnderRepREs_v2 Plan 2017
communities in the high preservation in SEQ
protected area estate 2 = medium to high preservation in Noosa & Based on the representation of RE’s in
have higher low preservation in SEQ protected areas across the whole shire,
conservation value. 3 = low preservation in Noosa and low including nature refuges and National Park.
preservation in SEQ
RE code: RE v9.0 and field validation.
For comparison / reference purposes – Additional criterion are included in the above process
Noosa Biodiversity High Biodiversity 0 to 20th percentile (biodiversity significance Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to the Noosa
Plan Assessment Score rank in score of 0-3) Biodiversity Conservation
Report Overall Value Assessment Report 21st to 40th percentile (biodiversity comb_values_241016_withRE_topo Plan 2017
Ranking equates to high significance score of 4-6)
biodiversity value. 41st to 60th percentile (biodiversity
significance score of 7-14)
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61st to 80th percentile (biodiversity
significance score of 15-19)
81st to 100th percentile (biodiversity
significance score of 20-38)
Water Quality Values
Waterways or Existence of Waterway Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to Mary and Noosa River
Wetland Presence or waterway or wetland 0 = not present Noosa_bio_plan_wetlands Plans
value within reserve 1 = present
identifies the value of Noosa Council dataset Noosa Biodiversity
the reserve for water MajorWatercourses_polyline Conservation Plan 2017
quality contribution. Wetland
0 = not a wetland
1 = artificial wetland, highly modified wetlands
& community containing small areas of
wetlands (0-51%)
2 = community containing wetlands (51%-80%)
3 = VMA wetlands
4 = Wetlands of High Ecological Significance
5 = National Important Wetlands
Groundwater / Existence of 0 = not present Healthy Land and Water data set Link to Mary and Noosa River
Aquifer Values – groundwater 3 = discharge area Water Source Clip *Identifies ground water Plans
recharge or discharge recharge or discharge 5 = recharge area recharge areas
areas area identifies the
value of the reserve Queensland Government Data
for aquifer water Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE)
quality and quantity surface expression area and lines
*Identifies areas of groundwater discharge
Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017
Noosa_bio_plan_wetlands *Identifies areas
of groundwater discharge
Carbon Sink Values
Existing carbon Existing Carbon 0 - non remnant or largely cleared Qld Herbarium (Don Butler) developed Link to NC Climate Change
storage value – storage within each 1 - <1000 CO2t specifically for project. Average Carbon Adaptation Plan & NC
remnant vegetation reserve varies with 2 - 1001-5000 CO2t storage per hectare for each Broad Emissions Reduction Policy
area and type regards to different 3 - 5001 - 20,000 CO2t Vegetation Group. Each reserve total /Plan
vegetation types. 4 - 20,001 - 60,000 CO2t storage calculated based on BVG group
5 - 60,000 + CO2t
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present and extent of remnant vegetation
present.
Social Values
Recreational Value Reserves with higher 0 = No use Noosa Council Staff score allocation Link to Open Space Plan
usage have higher 1 = Low Use
recreational value. 3 = Medium Use
5 = High Use
Landscape Amenity Reserves within or 0 = >500m from Urban Area Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to Open Space Plan
Value – proximity to close to urban areas 1 = <500m from Urban Area
urban areas hold higher Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_EcoCondition_v3
landscape value.
The urban overlay was created by selecting
applicable residential, industrial,
commercial and community services zones
from the IPZ zones layer. These were
buffered out, then in by 100m to remove
gaps for roads.
Cultural Value
Indigenous Cultural n/a 0 = unknown Data has been sourced from the following: Link to Cultural Heritage Act
Heritage Values 1 = potential recorded data within a 500m Indigenous Cultural Heritage 1993
buffer from a particular Lot/Plan (reserve). Study of Noosa Shire April
2 = known within reserve 2004 NC Arts Culture & Heritage
Sunshine Coast Aboriginal Plan
Cultural Heritage Report: An
analysis and collaboration of
available data June 2009
Queensland Government’s
Department of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Partnerships (cultural heritage
database and register)
Non-Indigenous n/a 0 = unknown Data has been sourced from the following: Link to Cultural Heritage Act
Cultural Heritage 1 = potential recorded data within a 500m Cultural Heritage Overlay from 1993
Values buffer from a particular Lot/Plan (reserve). the Noosa Plan 2006
2 = known within reserve NC Arts Culture & Heritage
Plan
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Potential for Successful Outcomes
Criterion Criterion Scoring System Data Source Strategic Alignment
Contribution
Potential for biological recovery (technical feasibility of fixing problems)
Ecological Condition Reserves with poorer 0 = poor condition (contains a large number of Expert Panel Contributions Noosa Local Government
and trajectory condition have less invasive species that are increasing in area and Area Pest Management Plan
potential for native vegetation lacks structural and species 2015-19
biological recovery. complexity) Requires a large amount of
resourcing over an extended time (greater Noosa Biodiversity
than 5 years) to improve condition to fair Conservation Plan 2017
however has a high risk of failure.
1= fair, contains some invasive species but
native vegetation exhibits a good range of
species diversity and structural diversity.
Requires regular and targeted intervention to
manage invasive species to improve reserve to
moderate condition.
2= moderate. Contains low populations of
invasive species covering a small area of the
reserve such as the edge and native vegetation
is structurally and species diverse. Targeted
management over 3 to 5 years will convert the
reserve to pristine condition.
3= pristine condition. No invasive species
present, Native vegetation has intact structural
and species diversity with no disturbance.
Requires regular monitoring and early
intervention activities to manage any invasive
species recruitment.
Biodiversity Invasive Reserves with 0- Contains high populations of invasive species 1) Pest Info / Collector App data Noosa Local Government
species existence existence of certain 1- Contains scattered populations of invasive Area Pest Management Plan
weeds and feral species 2) Expert Panel Contribution 2015-19
animals that have 2- Contains no invasive species
high impact to Noosa Biodiversity
biodiversity value, Conservation Plan 2017
have less potential
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for biological
recovery.
Climate change Broad vegetation 0= temp sensitive/exposed and sensitive SLR Noosa Biodiversity Plan 2017. Link to NC Climate Change
resilience rating groups that are less 1= temp sensitive/not exposed to SLR Noosa_SL_temp_sensitivity_exposure Adaptation Plan, NC
(temperature, sea vulnerable to climate 2= Not exposed/not sensitive Emissions Reduction Policy
level rise) change exhibit higher /Plan & Coastal Management
viability for Plan
biodiversity value
retention.
Ongoing Management Requirements (costs and resource required)
Resourcing Effort Higher costs to 0 = Requires a large amount of resourcing over Expert Panel contributions informed by Noosa Local Government
enhance biodiversity an extended time (greater than 5 years) to historical resourcing levels and site Area Pest Management Plan
value equates to improve condition to pristine however has a knowledge. 2015-19
greater resource high risk of failure.
allocation required. 1 = Requires significant ongoing and targeted Noosa Biodiversity
intervention to manage invasive species to Conservation Plan 2017
improve reserve to pristine condition.
2 = Targeted moderate resource management
over 3 to 5 years will convert the reserve to
pristine condition.
3 = Requires regular monitoring and early
intervention activities to manage any invasive
species recruitment.
Active Volunteer Active Volunteer 0 - No volunteer group present NSC Staff allocation Noosa Biodiversity
Group present Groups provide 1 - low level active volunteer group present Conservation Plan 2017
volunteer labour to 2 - medium level active volunteer group
assist with the present
management of 3 - High level active group present
reserve.
Nature Refuge Status Nature Refuge status 1 - Not a Nature Refuge NSC Staff allocation Noosa Biodiversity
enables additional 2 - Is a nature Refuge Conservation Plan 2017
funding Queensland Government dataset
opportunities for Nature refuges – Queensland
management
resources.
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Future vegetation Carbon storage 0 = Reserve contains all remnant veg Noosa Biodiversity Plan Dataset 2017 Link to NC Climate Change
offsets and carbon potential provides 1 = Reserve contains regrowth or cleared land Adaptation Plan & NC
sequestering offsets opportunity for with a pre clear Of concern RE comb_values_241016_withRE_topo Emissions Reduction Policy
value – regrowth or additional 2 = Reserve contains regrowth or cleared land /Plan
Noosa_bio_plan_ph2_cons_status_v2
cleared vegetation investment through with a pre clear endangered RE
type Carbon Offsets RE code: RE v9.0 and field validation.
(cleared and
regrowth areas
available and scales
again by vegetation
type)* tree carbon
only calculated.
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12.3 Appendix 4 – Reserve Prioritisation Results & Tier Level
RESERVE RESERVE NAME PRIORITY
TIER SCORE
1 Yurol Nature Refuge 157.6934343
1 Weyba Nature Refuge 150.5159452
1 Symplocos Environmental Reserve 145.9459596
1 Lake Cootharaba Bushland Reserve 142.6580808
1 Arthur Harold Nature Refuge 141.4736652
1 Cooroibah Conservation Park 140.5699856
1 Alyxia Nature Refuge 138.5661616
1 Cudgerie Common Bushland Reserve 137.5733766
1 Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve South 135.6444444
1 Galloways Bushland Reserve 135.3545455
1 Bill Huxley Nature Refuge 135.1056999
1 Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Forest Acres 134.0717172
1 Kingsgate Bushland Reserve Network 133.9647908
1 Lake Doonella Bushland Reserve 132.9445166
1 Cooroora Creek Park 132.0691919
1 Yellow Belly Hole Bushland Resreve 130.8472583
1 Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Lillywhites 130.5287879
1 Beach Road Nature Refuge 129.5145743
1 Heritage Park Bushland Reserve 128.8136364
1 Liane Bushland Reserve 128.3505051
1 Active Riders Ground Reserve 126.07886
Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve - Walter Hay Drive (add futures
1 environmental reserve) 125.8163059
1 Wahpunga School Park 125.2632756
1 Fourways - Noosa Banks Riparian Reserve 124.4500722
1 Booyong Drive Bushland Reserve 122.3663059
1 Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve - Marara Street 122.0663059
1 Kin Kin Creek Bushland Reserve 120.7617605
1 Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve 120.6120491
1 Lake Cooroibah Esplanade 120.2371573
1 Peregian Creek Reserve 119.8274892
1 Girraween Nature Refuge 119.5444444
1 Wooroi Creek Bushland Reserve 119.4486291
1 Frogmouth Bushland Reserve 119.2520202
1 Penda Scrub Nature Refuge 118.4954545
1 Dr Pages Natural Amenity Reserve 118.1348485
2 Livistona Bushland Reserve 118.0585859
2 Binalong Bushland Reserve 117.8520202
2 North Shore Environmental Reserve 117.4570707
2 Cooroora Creek Park riparian area 117.148557
2 Cooroora Creek Bushland Reserve - Songbird 116.7765512
2 Lake Weyba Drive Riparian Area 116.3183261
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2 Murdering Creek Bushland Reserve 115.4630592
2 Flooded Gum Bushland Reserve 115.2693362
2 Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve 114.9821068
2 Edington Drive Environmental Reserve 114.977417
2 Sheep Island esplanade 114.8577201
2 Tinbeerwah Bushland Reserve 114.6308081
2 Cooroy Creek Bushland Reserve 113.0265512
2 Lake Flat Rd Bushland Reserve 111.9525253
2 Forest Acres Bushland Network 110.727417
2 Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Cooran Section 110.0868687
2 Cooloothin Creek Bushland Reserve East (franz land) 109.8698413
2 Cedar Gully Bushland Park 109.5723665
2 Illoura Bushland Reserve East 108.5767677
2 Woodhaven Bushland Reserve 108.4373737
2 Cooroibah Environmental Reserve 108.1718615
2 Pioneer Road Bushland Reserve 108.05
2 Smedley Drive Bushland Reserve 107.8823232
2 Kin Kin Creek Environmental Reserve 107.4465368
2 Fellowship Drive Bushland Reserve 106.4158009
2 Noosa River Esplanade 106.3663781
2 Symplocos Nature Refuge 105.0873737
2 Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North 105.058658
2 Yunaman Bushland Reserve 104.8700577
2 Teewah Bushland Reserve 104.5925685
2 Falls Creek Bushland Reserve 104.5905483
2 Boronia Bushland Reserve 103.6656566
2 Six Mile Creek Bushland Reserve - Plantation Lane 103.1979798
2 Calanthe Bushland Reserve 102.9006494
2 Tinbeerwah Road Bushland Reserve 102.7469697
2 Factory Street Bushland Reserve 102.4097403
2 Illoura Bushland Reserve West 102.3025253
3 Noosa Northshore Esplanade 102.237518
3 Lakeside Bushland Reserve 102.0092352
3 Bagnalls Bushland Reserve (changed from Acacia Lane) 101.6080808
3 Yatama Bushland Reserve 101.3888889
3 Moonbeam Bushland Reserve 100.9602453
3 Quarry Track Bushland Reserve 100.9287879
3 Gleneagles Bushland Reserve 100.8945887
3 Noosa Woods Foreshore Reserve 100.7720058
3 Gympie Street Esplanade 100.4036075
3 Pig Island Esplanade 99.88196248
3 Weyba Bridge Bushland Reserve 99.09372294
3 Silverwood Bushland Reserve 98.72070707
3 Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve North 98.46334776
3 Osprey Park 98.4523088
3 Cooroora Mountain Bushland Reserve 98.38766234
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3 Lowry Bushland Reserve 98.37034632
3 Ringtail Bushland Reserve East 98.16767677
3 Doonella Wetlands Nature Refuge 97.58492063
3 Wirruna Drive Bushland Reserve 97.06327561
3 Satinay Bushland Reserve 96.58968254
3 Kin Kin Old Landfill Site 96.56010101
3 Douglas Bushland Reserve 95.48333333
3 Marcus Creek Bushland Reserve 95.25887446
3 George Street Bushland reserve 94.03455988
3 Alex Dan Bushland Reserve 93.71284271
3 Clearview Drive Bushland Reserve 93.12575758
3 Pacific View Bushland Reserve 92.87171717
3 Ferry Park Natural Amenity Reserve 92.49206349
3 Croziers Bushland Reserve 92.35555556
3 Wallace Bushland Reserve 91.26969697
3 Cooroibah Creek Park 89.66522367
3 Pinaroo Park Bushland Reserve 89.23037518
3 Collwood Bushland Reserve 89.05757576
3 Dolphin Bay Drainage Reserve 89.03203463
3 Kin Kin Entrance Bushland Reserve 88.13953824
4 Kin Kin Arboretum Park 84.86760462
4 Senegal Rise Natural Amenity Reserve 84.26868687
4 Buffalo Bushland Reserve 83.71168831
4 Mahogany Bushland Reserve 83.33614719
4 Nylana Bushland Reserve 83.27070707
4 Bursaria Bushland Reserve 82.90468975
4 Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve 82.87142857
4 Caribbean Bushland Reserve 82.83614719
4 Pearsons Drainage Reserve 82.78852814
4 Creek St Bushland Reserve 82.40721501
4 Reef Street Bushland Reserve 81.97034632
4 Brushtail Bushland Reserve 81.93282828
4 Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve 81.37799423
4 Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South 81.18556999
4 Figtree Natural Amenity Reserve 80.45959596
4 Harlow Bushland Reserve 79.92301587
4 Glenridge Bushland Reserve 79.85707071
4 Rainforest Court Bushland Reserve 79.2517316
4 Cooroibah Creek Natural Amenity Reserve 78.71493506
4 Beach Park Noosa North Shore 78.60050505
4 Crank Crk Bushland Reserve 78.32748918
4 Palm Grove Bushland Reserve 77.48867244
4 Stormbird Bushland Reserve 77.28059163
4 Renshaw Bushland Reserve 77.26363636
4 Noosa Northrise Future Bushland 77.05721501
4 Rifle Street Natural Amenity Reserve 76.78347763
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4 Alec Loveday Bushland Reserve 76.67344877
4 Moonare Bushland Reserve 76.37907648
4 Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve 76.13145743
4 Cranks Creek Park 76.05909091
4 Dame Patti Bushland Reserve 74.57070707
4 Coconut Grove Natural Amenity Resereve 74.17741703
4 Sandalwood Close Natural Amenity Reserve 72.66479076
4 Lyndhurst Natural Amenity Reserve 70.3001443
4 Dianella Court Drainage Reserve 69.31529582
5 Carriage Way Bushland Reserve East 68.88737374
5 Park Road Foreshore Reserve 68.06883117
5 Homebase Bushland Reserve 66.34343434
5 Tecoma Close Natural Amenity Reserve 66.23802309
5 Driftwood Bushland Reserve 65.70923521
5 Kings St Bushland Reserve 64.61291486
5 Frogmouth Bushland Reserve East 64.58585859
5 Straker Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 64.10569986
5 David Street Bushland Reserve 63.58867244
5 Oak Bushland Reserve 62.65873016
5 Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve 62.10887446
5 Waratah Close Natural Amenity Reserve 61.81385281
5 Mary Street Natural Amenity Reserve 61.73297258
5 Orient Bushland Reserve South 60.88347763
5 Carriage Way Bushland Reserve West 60.5969697
5 Shorehaven Bushland Reserve 58.79458874
5 Mackerel Street Foreshore Reserve 57.62337662
5 Flagship Natural Amenity Reserve 56.81630592
5 Songbird Drive Bushland Reserve 54.37049062
5 Kauri Bushland Reserve 51.60569986
5 Heathland Bushland Reserve 50.67135642
5 Tanderra Drive Natural Amenity Reserve 50.56529582
5 Lomandra Place Bushland Reserve 49.97691198
5 Carruthers Natural Amenity Reserve 48.59054834
5 Black Mountain Bushland Reserve 48.46919192
5 Topaz Street Bushland Reserve 48.32135642
5 Sundial Bushland Reserve 46.80663781
5 Redwood Avenue Natural Amenity Reserve 44.39249639
5 Read Park Bushland Reserve 43.81883117
5 Mary River Rd Bushland Reserve 38.37590188
5 Cambridge Bushland Reserve 35.43650794
5 Southern Cross Bushland Reserve 35.40836941
5 Orient Bushland Reserve North 33.69408369
5 Black Mountain School Park 32.8510101
5 Chestnut Court Natural Amenity Reserve 21.88852814
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