2021-02-09 P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan 2021-2026

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