MCU18.0166 - Response to Information Request (amended)

6. Visual impact assessment                           6.2.    Zone of visual influence
                                                      A Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) has been used to
The following assessment considers the
                                                      establish the theoretical area from which the
potential visual influence of the project on the
                                                      solar farm may be visible (refer to
surrounding landscape, an assessment of key
                                                      methodology).
views from sensitive viewpoints, and a summary
of key findings.                                      The ZVI shows a large part of the potential visual
                                                      influence of the project extending in a 1
6.1.    Topography                                    kilometre radius from the site, including along
                                                      Tablelands Road. The ZVI extends beyond this to
There is a high degree of topographical variation
                                                      the northeast (including Tablelands Lookout and
in the land surrounding the site (Refer Figure 6-1
                                                      a group of nearby properties at the end of
Elevation).
                                                      Tablelands Road) and east (including several
The Woondum National Park to the north of the         properties along Arthy’s and Falls Creek Road).
study area is a densely vegetated, mountainous        The site also has the potential to be seen across
area. The elevation of this area in the vicinity of   the rural landscapes further east, extending as
the site rises to approximately 350 metres            far as Mt Pinbarren.
above sea level. A series of smaller ridgelines
                                                      The ZVI shows potential visibility extending
extend south and southwest from this park,
                                                      further south to properties in the northern
including the lower ridgeline on which the site is
                                                      fringe of Cooran, on Queen Road and King Road.
located.
                                                      There are also several residential properties and
The landform is much lower to the south of the        larger rural allotments on the northern outskirts
study area, descending to around 100 metres at        of Cooran that would potentially have views to
Cooran to the south west of the site. This area       the site, including along Brewers Road and
includes several prominent hills and mountains        Risley Court.
including the Mount Pinbarren approximately
                                                      This area formed the basis of field investigations
2.5km to the east of the site, Mt Cooran 3km to
                                                      to identify views to the project.
the southwest in Cooran and Mt Cooroora
approximately 6.5km to the south in Pomona.           Refer Figure 6-2 Zone of visual influence.
These mountains are a part of the Glass House
Mountains which extend across the Sunshine
Coast Hinterland.
The topography of the site is undulating, with
ground levels ranging from 113 metres at its
lowest point at the south-eastern corner to 192
metres at the highest point at the north-western
corner of the property. The relative height at
proposed monopole site is 164 metres.




IRIS Visual Planning + Design                                                                 Page 14