000A88A4.0BF.tif · 132003.221037

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Petrac Pty Ltd (“Petrac”) is proposing to develop an area of land (Lot 7 on RP844337)
on the Noosa North Shore for tourist accommodation and related purposes. The land
comprises 70ha and is enclosed by Maximillian Road to the west, the main beach
access to the north, Great Sandy National Park to the east and unconstructed road
reserve and State land to the south.

As the site is covered with forest, woodland, and small areas of heathland, it
potentially holds conservation values. A flora and fauna survey was conducted to
assess these values. The report provides the results of this survey and evaluates their
significance in terms of the conservation status of the species and ecosystems
encountered and the likely impacts associated with the proposed development on
these values.

The flora and fauna investigations were undertaken in two stages:
e Review of existing information; and
e Field assessment to confirm and expand on the existing information base.

While there are some areas on the site which are relatively undisturbed, grazing has
affected large areas. Small areas have also been cleared.

159 plant species, four amphibians, four reptiles, 55 bird species, and 15 mammal
species were recorded during the five-day survey. One threatened species was
recorded, the Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). This species is listed as
Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. In addition, one Regional Ecosystem (RE 12.2.7 - Melaleuca
quinquenervia open forest to woodland on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches.
Seasonally logged sand plains) was encountered that is listed as “of concern” under
the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999.

However, several other threatened species have the potential to occur within the site.
In particular, the swampy heathland areas may provide habitat for a number of listed
frog species including the Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula) and the Wallum Sedgefrog
(Litoria olongburensis). The Paperbarked woodland/ Heathland also provides habitat
for numerous bird species as well as a number of native small mammal species which
are reliant on the dense cover provided by this vegetation type. Although the
Eucalypt open forest/woodland is degraded in some areas due to grazing by camels
and horses, the central section of this vegetation type is relatively undisturbed and
has a relatively high ecological value.

On the basis of the existing data and the habitat requirements of threatened species

potentially occurring on the site, the optimal locations for development to meet the

requirements of Noosa’s planning scheme are:

° More intense development within the currently cleared and surrounding areas, but
avoiding the Paperbarked Teatree and heathland areas; and

e Less intense development in the western and eastern ridge areas, which are
strongly affected by current and/or previous grazing by horses and camels.

Development of the central core of the study area and the eastern fringes should be
avoided as much as possible, although these would still be suitable for recreational
opportunities, for example, through the use of walking tracks and trails, and location
of picnic areas.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA 8030724 ECOLOGICAL REPORT/FINAL/17 SEPTEMBER 2003

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