Appendix M - Ecology Report

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7.0     CONCLUSIONS

Following an ecological assessment of the site and current conditions, it was evident that the site
contains paddocks with a scattered native canopy, Woodland, Open Forest and regrowth areas, three
site dams and a high level tributary of Six Mile Creek.
The native mature canopy within the paddocks, woodland and open forest areas of the site contained
hollow-bearing limbs which indicates that habitat for hollow dependant fauna species is present within
the site. The remnant tall Open Forest community as dominated by Flooded Gum and adjoined the
Yurol State Forest and serves as a habitat node within a regional context. The site dams and waterway
afford habitat to locally common amphibian species and numerous urban specialist, open forest and
woodland avifauna were observed within the site. Within the local context the waterway provides
movement opportunities to local fauna species including glider species and Koalas. Overall the
ecological value of the site is considered to be MODERATE -HIGH.
The Federal, Queensland and Local Government legislative, planning and policy provisions were
reviewed for this ecological assessment. The site is mapped to contain Category B Regulated
Vegetation within the eastern portion of the waterway corridor described as Of Concern Regional
Ecosystem 12.3.2 and is regulated by the Vegetation Management Act 1999. S5 Environmental
understand that this vegetation will be retained for the proposed development and, therefore, referral
to SARA will not be required. The site falls within the High Risk Area for Protected Plants, therefore a
Flora Surrey was completed as part of the ecological survey. The results of this survey indicated no
Protected Plants within the clearing impact area or buffer area, therefore the clearing works are
exempt from the Protected Plants Framework.
The site is within the Noosa Shire Council and is subject to the requirements of The Noosa Plan. The
site is within the Rural and Rural Settlement Zones and is mapped within the Biodiversity and Natural
Hazard Overlays. S5 Environmental are of the opinion that the Concept Master Plan indicates an
ecologically sensitive layout that consolidates infrastructure within the northern extent of the site and
minimise environmental impacts to the site. Council may request a Rehabilitation Plan in order to
enhance the waterway within the site. S5 Environmental has prepared a Natural Hazard Assessment
to address bushfire hazard for the site and surrounds. It is understood that The Noosa Plan has not
integrated the requirements of the SPP 2017, therefore an assessment against Part E: Stage Interest
Policies has been provided for the Biodiversity MSES mapped within the site.
During the site inspection, the ecological values of the site, particularly the areas mapped to contain
biodiversity value under the local planning scheme, state legislation and planning policies were
ground-truthed. The most significant ecological features of the site were the waterway and remnant
native vegetation within the eastern portion of the waterway within the site. Further, the site is located
adjoining Yurol State Forest and Tewantin National Park which is a significant wildlife movement
corridors and protected area.




 REF:S50335ER001_rev a                          10 & 22 Rose Gum Road and 521 Elm Street, Black Mountain
                                                                         Detailed Ecological Assessment