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MCU14/0106 & OPW15/0001 Appendix F - Ecological and Bushfire Management Response
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Noosa Civic Expansion
28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville and parts of the road reserves of Hofmann Drive and Walter Hay Drive
28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville
and parts of the road reserves of
Hofmann Drive and Walter Hay
Drive
APPENDIX
F
ECOLOGICAL RESPONSE
June 2015 Cardno HRP 52
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Page 2
Information Request Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
Information Request
Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
J13041
Prepared for
QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
28 April 2015
28 April 2015 Cardno i
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
Contact Information Document Information
Cardno (QLD) Pty Ltd Prepared for QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
ABN 57 051 074 992 Project Name Noosa Civic Expansion
File Reference J13401_Information_
Level 11 Green Square North Tower Request_response_Report.docx
515 St Paul’s Terrace
Job Reference J13041
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Locked Bag 4006 Fortitude Valley Date 28 April 2015
Telephone: 07 3369 9822
Facsimile: 07 3369 9722
Version Number 1
International: +61 7 3369 9822
[email protected]
www.cardno.com.au
Author(s): Effective Date 28 April 2015
Sophie Cowie
Ecologist
Approved By:
David Francis
Principal Ecologist Date Approved: 28 April 2015
Document History
Version Effective Description of Revision Prepared by: Reviewed by:
Date
1 28 April 2015 For Council Sophie Cowie David Francis
© Cardno 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this document belongs to Cardno and may not be used, sold, transferred,
copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media to any person other than by agreement with
Cardno.
This document is produced by Cardno solely for the benefit and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the engagement.
Cardno does not and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of any use or reliance by
any third party on the content of this document.
28 April 2015 Cardno ii
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Response 2
2.1 Bushfire 2
2.1.1 Request Item 56 2
2.1.2 Response to Item 56 2
2.2 Koala Habitat Trees 3
2.2.1 Request Item 57 3
2.2.2 Response to Item 57 3
2.3 Frog Survey 4
2.3.1 Request Item 58 4
2.3.2 Response to Item 58 4
2.4 Listed Flora 4
2.4.1 Response Item 59 4
2.4.2 Response to Item 59 4
2.5 Presence of Conservation Significant Species 5
2.5.1 Request Item 60 5
2.5.2 Response to Item 60 5
2.6 Presence of Conservation Significant Species 5
2.6.1 Request Item 61 5
2.6.2 Response to Item 61 5
2.7 Legibility of Figures 5
2.7.1 Request Item 62 5
2.7.2 Response to Item 62 5
2.8 Fauna & Insect Management 6
2.8.1 Request Item 63 6
2.8.2 Response to Item 63 6
2.9 Covenant J 6
2.9.1 Request Item 63 6
2.9.2 Response to Item 63 6
Tables
Response to Bushfire Issues 2
Appendices
Appendix A – Revised Figure 2
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1 Introduction
We have reviewed the information request issued by Noosa Shire Council on 12 th February 2015 and provided
a response to nine request items (i.e. 56 – 64) which relate to bushfire and ecology. Specifically the issues
raised include:
> Request Item 56 – Bushfire;
> Request Item 57 - Koala Habitat Trees;
> Request Item 58 - Frog Survey;
> Request Item 59 - Listed Flora;
> Request Item 60 - Presence of Conservation Significant Species;
> Request Item 61 - Presence of Conservation Significant Species;
> Request Item 62 - Legibility of Figures;
> Request Item 63 - Fauna & Insect Management; and
> Request Item 63 - Covenant J.
A response to each of these matters is provided in Section 2 of this report.
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2 Response
2.1 Bushfire
2.1.1 Request Item 56
56. An amended Bushfire Assessment addressing the following:
> An assessment of the Potential Bushfire Intensity likely to affect the proposed development using the
methodology contained in the State Planning Policy, released in December 2013. The assessment of the
Potential Bushfire Intensity should take into account the site connectivity to larger areas of hazardous
vegetation such as Noosa National Park, vegetation along Eenie Creek, Vegetation within the Noosa Airport
and open space dedicated to Council as part of the Noosa Business Centre.
> Depending on the levels of Potential Bushfire Intensity determined for the site and the surrounding area, a
set of bushfire hazard mitigation and management actions be proposed which address the determined
potential bushfire intensity levels. This may include a fire management plan or a bushfire mitigation plan.
> Provide further information with regard to the safe movement of vehicles along existing and proposed
roadways given their location to areas of retained hazardous vegetation and where smoke and flame
hazards might impact of drivers.
> The bushfire mitigation plan may update or replace the bushfire management plan (The Consultancy
Bureau, 2004) which should include all areas within the Noosa Business Centre site that may not be
affected by the proposed development in terms of vegetation clearing.
> Provide additional information on the proposed management of fuels within Covenant area J as well as
area identified in the Shire Business Centre (Map SBC) as E2, E6, E7 and Covenant area L.
2.1.2 Response to Item 56
A response to all issues raised by Noosa Council and relating to bushfire is provided within the table overleaf.
An amended Bushfire Assessment (Version 2) has been prepared and is provided as the Noosa Civic
Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report (23/04/15). The requested information is provided as follows:
1. addressed in Section 3.2 of the Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2;
2. addressed in Section 4 and Section 6 of the Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2;
3. addressed in Section 4.5 of the Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2;
4. an updated Bushfire Management Plan is provided as Appendix D to the Bushfire Assessment Report
Version 2; and
5. addressed in Section 5 of the Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2 and the Bushfire Management
Plan provided as Appendix D.
Response to Bushfire Issues
Issue - Bushfire Response
The Bushfire Assessment report applies The bushfire hazard assessment was prepared in general accordance with
a medium bushfire hazard level, which is the requirements of the Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code, which
considered to underestimate the likely requires a site specific bushfire hazard assessment to be prepared in
bushfire risk. A vegetation hazard score accordance with Appendix 3 of the SPP Guidelines: Mitigating the Adverse
of 10 ought to be used, given the state Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide.
of the vegetation, the fuel loads
available, and the sites existing and
continuing proximity to larger areas of The medium hazard level assigned to the vegetation is based on an
highly flammable and hazardous accepted methodology and is consistent with the hazard level assigned in
vegetation to the east and south. Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM8.4) of the Noosa Plan.
The vegetation hazard score of 8 that was applied in the assessment is
considered appropriate as that score is based on the type of vegetation
present and available fuel loads. When applying the SPP 1/03 Guideline
methodology, the extent of vegetation is not an appropriate basis for
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
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Issue - Bushfire Response
increasing the vegetation score, other than in instances where only a small
area of vegetation is present and in such cases the vegetation hazard score
can be reduced.
In any event applying a vegetation hazard score of 10, as opposed to the
score of 8 used in the assessment, will not increase the overall hazard score
from Medium to High when applying the SPP 1/03 Guideline methodology.
The Assessment’s statement that the Because the overall bushfire hazard levels in the locality are reduced by
development will reduce the overall reducing the amount of fuel available, it is self-evident that this will benefit
bushfire hazard within the locality may both the existing and proposed development. In addition the pattern of
be relevant to the existing development vegetation clearance combined with the establishment of a ring road and
but is not relevant to the new additional water supply infrastructure will mean that the proposed Noosa
development. Civic expansion will be exposed to a lower level of bushfire hazard than is
the case for the existing Noosa Civic development.
The suggestion that the completion of Section 4.5 of the Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2 (Cardno 2015)
Hofmann Drive will assist with reducing contains additional material that addresses this issue and demonstrates that
the level of bushfire risk is not supported the health and safety of staff and patrons of the Noosa Civic development
in the report. The report fails to will not be placed at an unacceptable risk in the event of a bushfire due to
acknowledge a significant portion of the potential for hazardous smoke and flame conditions to be experienced
Hofmann Drive abuts areas of on some sectors of the adjacent road network.
hazardous vegetation that may restrict
the safe traffic movement of traffic due
to smoke or flame hazards in the event
of bushfire.
The report does not indicate that a fire The updated Bushfire Management Plan presented in Appendix D of the
management plan is required. Bushfire Assessment Report Version 2 (Cardno 2015) explicitly states the
requirement for the existing Fire Management Plan (Version 1.04) - Noosa
Civic Stage 1, Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Queensland to be updated.
2.2 Koala Habitat Trees
2.2.1 Request Item 57
57. An amended Density Assessment of Koala Habitat Trees addressing the following:
a. Conduct a Koala Habitat Tree survey using area transect counts within the disturbance footprint to
provide an accurate estimate of Koala habitat trees requiring offsetting. A minimum 10 of (20mx20m)
area transects be conducted to provide a suitable estimate; and
b. Provide a figure showing the location of the Koala Habitat Tree area transects and associated data.
2.2.2 Response to Item 57
The applicant believes that it is not necessary to prepare an amended Density Assessment of Koala Habitat
Trees for the following reasons:
> Council may have a perception that the count is low owing to the density of woody vegetation rather than
giving consideration to the density of Koala Habitat Trees (KHTs) alone. Large parts of the canopy are
dominated by Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera which is not a KHT (e.g. refer to transects S2s
where 63% of the canopy is represented by this species and S6 where it is 40%).
> The adopted technique is a valid scientific approach for estimating densities that has been in use for close
to 60 years (see Grant Cottam and J. T. Curtis 1956. The Use of Distance Measures in Phytosociological
Sampling. Ecology 37:451–460).
> The KHT density count in the report serves as information only. While it could be potentially used to
determine offset obligations in accordance with Section 2.3.1 of the Queensland Environmental Offsets
Policy (Version 1.1), Section 2.3.2 specifically notes "A proponent can meet an offset requirement for
28 April 2015 Cardno 3
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
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impacts on marine or terrestrial environments, including koala related offsets, by providing a payment in
accordance with this policy". QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd is proposing to meet its offset obligations in
accordance with section 2.3.2 of the policy which calculates offset liabilities on an area basis rather than
tree count. Any additional count will not vary the financial offset obligation.
2.3 Frog Survey
2.3.1 Request Item 58
58. Conduct a targeted frog survey in suitable season and during or immediately following a rainfall event.
a. Given the wallum sedge frog is known in the immediate area and predicted as having potential to
occur targeted assessment of this species is required. Additional information on the presence and
habitat of significant frog species is required. The ‘Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Frogs’
(Commonwealth of Australia 2010) recommends that surveys are scheduled to correspond to
breeding seasons and respond to weather conditions conducive to target species’ breeding activities.
Given the known/predicted presence of State and Federally listed species it is important that
methodologies as stated in these guidelines are undertaken. Guidance on suitable methodology can
be found at http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/biodiversity/wallum-
sedgefrog.pdf
2.3.2 Response to Item 58
It is acknowledged that the survey was conducted outside of the optimal breeding season (owing to the timing
of commissioning of works). As such, an additional frog survey during optimal breeding season was completed
between 25 February 2015 and 27 February 2015 in a week following heavy rainfall. This complies with the
Commonwealth guidelines that recommend surveys within 1 week of heavy rain between October and
February. This survey revealed additional locations of Crinia tinnula, but failed to located Litoria olongburensis.
Despite this, areas located within the far south of Lot 3 support vegetation that represents potential habitat for
this species. No Crinia tinnula were recorded within the proposed development footprint. Additional detail,
including the results of this survey are provided within the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
(28/04/15).
2.4 Listed Flora
2.4.1 Response Item 59
59. Update the ecological reporting to include:
a. all known or predicted flora species of conservation significance;
b. update Figure 7 to show the location of all known species of conservation significance; and
c. provide details of which areas have been subjected to detailed/targeted searches for significant flora.
2.4.2 Response to Item 59
Council’s information request relates to Lobelia membranacea, Eucalyptus conglomerata, Pararistolochia
praevenosa and Glycine argyrea. This issue is addressed within the Supplementary Ecological
Assessment Report (28/04/15). No additional flora species of conservation significance are known or
predicted to occur within the Study Area.
It is acknowledged that Lobelia membranacea was recorded in the flora list of the ecological assessment;
however, the location of the species was not recorded during field surveys conducted between March and April
2013 because this species was not identified as a Near Threatened species under the Nature Conservation
(Wildlife) Regulation 2006 until 2014 (i.e. amendment 1 2014 (9 May 2014)). Additional surveys were
undertaken on 31st March 2015 to confirm our identification and to record the location of all specimens.
Details of this survey are provided in the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15).
The species in question was determined to be Lobelia quadrangularis and is not listed under the Nature
Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. At the time of the initial survey (i.e. March-April 2013), the Census
of Queensland Flora listed L. membranacea as present within the Moreton District and records of L.
28 April 2015 Cardno 4
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
quadrangularis restricted to the Burnett District and north-eastern districts. An update to the census on
27/06/2013 seems to have resulted in all L. membranacea of the Moreton District being placed in L.
quadrangularis. L. membranacea is restricted to northern districts (i.e. not present within the Moreton
District). Additional information is within the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15).
The applicant is confident Allocasuarina emuina, Eucalyptus conglomerate, Pararistolochia praevenosa and
Glycine argyrea are not present (refer to the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15)).
As per response to 59(a), no additional species of conservation significance were observed within the Study
Area. As such, Figure 7 has not been updated.
The Study Area is described in the Noosa Civic State and Local Government Ecological Assessment Report,
and Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report. The entire Study Area (i.e. the disturbance footprint and
the balance of Lot 3 on SP246584) has been traversed and surveyed by means of an ‘educated walk’. This
method targeted threatened species identified from desktop assessment based on their known habitat
preferences.
2.5 Presence of Conservation Significant Species
2.5.1 Request Item 60
60. Provide a Significant Species Management Plan, which addresses all known and potentially occurring
significant species. The Significant Species Management Plan should provide:
a. detailed figures showing all significant habitat/s,
b. known significant species locations,
c. mitigation and management responses, and
d. monitoring requirements.
2.5.2 Response to Item 60
A conservation significant species management plan has not been provided. This matter is in part addressed
by our response to 59a-c. The existing ecology report includes mitigation measures that will in part address
significant species. Notwithstanding the response to 59a-c, there are no confirmed significant species within
the footprint (other than the Koala and Wallum Froglet for which mitigation measures are outlined in our
ecological study). The applicant will accept a condition as part of an approval package to prepare a
Conservation Significant Species Management Plan.
2.6 Presence of Conservation Significant Species
2.6.1 Request Item 61
61. Provide a Habitat Management Plan for species of conservation significance which details management
and mitigation actions of potential impacts to retained habitats for construction and operational phases of the
development.
2.6.2 Response to Item 61
The Construction Environment Management Plan, Bushfire Management Plan and Covenant Interface
Management Plan address many of the issues that would be considered in a Habitat Management Plan. The
applicant will accept a condition as part of an approval package to prepare a Habitat Management Plan.
2.7 Legibility of Figures
2.7.1 Request Item 62
62. Supply Figure 2 with improved legend to allow clear definition of values shown.
2.7.2 Response to Item 62
An amended figure is provide as Appendix A of this report.
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2.8 Fauna & Insect Management
2.8.1 Request Item 63
63. Provide comment on the likely management issues and responses to fauna and mosquito control for the
open air pedestrian and dining link.
2.8.2 Response to Item 63
This request is addressed within the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15). In
summary, the potential level of risk that Noosa Civic staff and patrons will experience adverse amenity or
health outcomes as a result of exposure to mosquitoes is equivalent to the level of risk experienced at many
existing residential and commercial developments within the coastal sections of the Noosa Shire which are
also situated in close proximity to coastal wetlands that have equivalent, and in some instances greater,
mosquito production potential. A range of management measures can be implemented by the operators of
the Noosa Civic development to ensure that staff and patrons are not exposed to unacceptable levels of
exposure to mosquito. These are described within the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
(28/04/15).
Impacts from fauna species (e.g. nuisance birds) will be managed through the use of hardscape and landscape
design, and supplemented with additional fauna management controls as per those described within the
Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15).
2.9 Covenant J
2.9.1 Request Item 63
64. Describe how the proposal will fulfil the purposes of Covenant J on SP182845 and:
a. Where the proposal is unable to meet the intent and purpose of the covenant, provide alternative
solutions that will preserve existing vegetation on the lot.
b. Describe how the pedestrian link will avoid significant vegetation, including stag and roost trees.
c. Describe how the vegetation within the covenant will be managed during the operational stages to
ensure the purpose of the covenant is met.
2.9.2 Response to Item 63
The proposal will result in the permanent removal of ~525m2 to enable the construction of the pedestrian link
and the temporary removal of ~206m2 of vegetation to enable the construction of batters associated with the
Hofmann Drive extension. The batter will be revegetated following the completion of construction.
The landscape concept integrates the retention of vegetation outside of, but contiguous with, Covenant J
accounting for an area of ~1,660m2 (see Figure 2 of the Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
(28/04/15)). While this includes some vegetation that may incorporate walking trails or is proximate to
infrastructure, in nonetheless supports ~630m 2 that is unencumbered and acts as a northern extension to the
covenant area (i.e. ~105m 2 more than the area to be lost).
A total of ~43 trees will require removal for the pedestrian link within an area of ~525m2. The species and
particulars of individual trees are described in Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report (28/04/15).
None of the trees within this area are stags, support notable habitat features (e.g. hollows or observable roosts)
or are regarded as species of conservation significance.
While the pedestrian link intersects the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) of approximately 55 trees, those outside
of the immediate development footprint can be retained and protected during construction (i.e. while ~43 will
be removed the remaining ~12 can be retained, but may require some pruning). Specifically the use of piered
building techniques will ensure there will be minimal impact to TPZs and trunks will be protected during
construction through the use of slats.
Vegetation within Covenant J will be managed during the operational stages as per the approaches outlined
within the Covenant Management Plan and Bushfire Management Plan.
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Information Request Response Report - Ecology
Noosa Civic Expansion
Noosa Civic Expansion
APPENDICES
Appendix A – Revised Figure 2
28 April 2015 Cardno 1
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Noosa Civic Expansion Cc ) Cardno State and Local Government Ecological Assessment | Cadastre Noosa Civie Expansion Project Area) Covenant Jon SP182845 Fauna Survey Points @ = Anabat Survey Location o Koala Habiat Tree count Q KRAM Suney Vv Camera Trep Location Pitfall Transect Elliott Transect KRAM Trarsect ) Glossy Rlack Cockatoo Ort Search Area ° Habitat ass2ssment point Hair tube transect Flora Survey Points a Quaternary Sites © Secondary Site Secondary Transect 0 50 100 =——S—S—— netres © Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this drawing belongs to Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd and role 5 may NOL BE USwY, SOG, Wasted, Copley OF ReprOUULEU HT AWEIOIG UF I Pesca att FTRSTET form or on any media, to any person other than by agreement with Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd. Scale 1 5,000 (A4) This document is produced by Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd solely for the benefit of and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the retainer. Cardno (Qid) Pty Ltd does not FIGURE 2 and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out o| any use or reliance by third party on the content of this document. Fl E LD D ATA Rev: D | Drawn: J.M. | Checked: DF | Date: 09/94/2015 ProjectNo: J13041 QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
Page 13
Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
Noosa Civic Expansion
Supplementary Ecological
Assessment Report
Noosa Civic Expansion
J13041
Prepared for
QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
28 April 2015
28 April 2015 Cardno i
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Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
Noosa Civic Expansion
Contact Information Document Information
Cardno (QLD) Pty Ltd Prepared for QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
ABN 57 051 074 992 Project Name Noosa Civic Expansion
File Reference J13401_Supplementary Ecological
Level 11 Green Square North Tower Assessment Report_V1.docx
515 St Paul’s Terrace Job Reference J13041
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Date 28 April 2015
Locked Bag 4006 Fortitude Valley
Telephone: 07 3369 9822
Facsimile: 07 3369 9722 Version Number 1
International: +61 7 3369 9822
[email protected]
www.cardno.com.au
Author(s): Effective Date 28 April 2015
Sophie Cowie
Ecologist
Approved By:
David Francis Date Approved: 28 April 2015
Principal Ecologist
Document History
Version Effective Description of Revision Prepared by: Reviewed by:
Date
1 28 April 2015 For Council Sophie Cowie David Francis
© Cardno 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this document belongs to Cardno and may not be used, sold, transferred,
copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media to any person other than by agreement with
Cardno.
This document is produced by Cardno solely for the benefit and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the engagement.
Cardno does not and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of any use or reliance by
any third party on the content of this document.
28 April 2015 Cardno ii
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Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
Noosa Civic Expansion
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Study Area 1
1.3 Study Aims and Objectives 1
2 Assessment Methodology 2
2.1 Targeted Frog Survey 2
2.2 Targeted Threatened Flora Survey 3
2.3 Impact of Fauna and Mosquitos within Open Air Spaces 3
2.4 Pedestrian Link Vegetation Impacts 3
3 Results and Conclusions 4
3.1 Targeted Frog Survey 4
3.2 Threatened Flora Survey 5
3.3 Fauna Management within Open Air Spaces 6
3.4 Impact and Control of Mosquitos within Open Air Spaces 7
3.4.1 Management of Mosquitos 7
3.5 Pedestrian Link Vegetation Impacts 8
4 References 11
Tables
Table 2-1 Survey Period Weather 2
Table 2-2 Targeted Frog Survey Effort and Techniques 2
Table 3-1 Results of Targeted Frog Survey 5
Table 3-2 Results of Targeted Flora Survey 6
Table 3-3 Impacts to Individual Trees within the Pedestrian Link 9
Figures
Figure 1 Frog Assessment
Figure 2 Pedestrian Link
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Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
Noosa Civic Expansion
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
In response to an Information Request from Noosa Council (Ref. MCU14/0106, dated 12 February 2015),
Cardno was commissioned to undertake targeted assessments and prepare a supplementary ecological
assessment report for the proposed Noosa Civic expansion. This report is supplementary to the Noosa Civic
State and Local Government Ecological Assessment Report (Cardno, 2014).
1.2 Study Area
The proposed expansion of Noosa Civic is located at 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville on Queensland’s
Sunshine Coast. The Study Area for the purpose of this supplementary assessment incorporates areas
identified as the disturbance footprint and the balance of Lot 3 on SP246584. This assessment specifically
targeted areas of frog habitat, potential habitat for Lobelia membranacea, and areas associated with the
proposed pedestrian footbridge within Covenant J.
1.3 Study Aims and Objectives
The aim of this study was to addresses Council’s information requests relating to threatened frogs, threatened
flora, problematic fauna, mosquitos and the impacts of the pedestrian link within Covenant J.
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2 Assessment Methodology
2.1 Targeted Frog Survey
A supplementary targeted frog survey was undertaken by Cardno ecologists between 25 February 2015 and
27 February 2015 following two weeks of heavy rain. This survey specifically targeted the following threatened
frog species: Wallum Sedgefrog, Tusked Frog, Wallum Froglet, Green-thighed Frog, Cooloola Sedgefrog,
Giant Barred Frog and Wallum Rocketfrog. Weather conditions at the time of survey are provided in Table
2-1.
Table 2-1 Survey Period Weather
Date Rain (mm) Min temp. (C) Max Temp Moon Phase
(24hrs) (C)
25/02/2015 1.6 22.7 27.9 Waxing crescent (42% full)
26/02/2015 0.4 21.4 27.7 First quarter (50% full)
27/02/2015 0.8 21.5 28.5 Waxing gibbous (68% full)
Surveys were conducted generally in accordance with the techniques described in the Commonwealth Survey
guidelines for Australia’s threatened frogs (DEWHA. 2010), the Queensland Terrestrial vertebrate fauna
survey guidelines (DSITIA. 2014a), and the Queensland Targeted Species Survey Guidelines for the Wallum
Sedge Frog (Litoria olongburensis), Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula) and Cooloola Sedgefrog (Litoria
cooloolensis) (DSITIA. 2014b,c,d). Specifically, the survey was conducted during the optimal season (i.e.
December – February) and one week after heavy rainfall.
Surveys consisted of a combination of point and transect spotlight surveys on foot (visual and aural surveys)
at three survey sites positioned within areas of potential habitat. Habitat assessments were undertaken during
previous surveys, and were verified during the targeted frog survey. Search times and surveys techniques are
described further within Table 2-2. The location of survey sites is shown within Figure 1.
Table 2-2 Targeted Frog Survey Effort and Techniques
Date Time Time Time Total Survey Survey techniques
Sunset Survey Survey Time (person
Start End hrs.)
25/02/2015 1822 1830 2130 6hrs Spotlight surveys on foot, tadpole searches, aural
point surveys, and visual and aural survey within
suitable habitat (50m transects).
26/02/2015 1821 1850 2200 3hrs 10mins Spotlight surveys on foot, tadpole searches, aural
point surveys, and visual and aural survey within
suitable habitat (50m transects).
27/02/2015 1820 1830 2130 3hrs Spotlight surveys on foot, tadpole searches, aural
point surveys, and visual and aural survey within
suitable habitat (50m transects).
This recent investigation supplements previous fauna assessments (which included dedicated searches for
threatened frogs) undertaken by fauna ecologists at the end of the wet season / beginning of the dry season,
between 8 April 2013 and 9 April 2013 and 29 April 2013 and 3 May 2013. These surveys employed the use
of pitfall traps, funnel traps and incidental searches over five days and nights. A two hour dedicated frog
search following heavy rain was also undertaken on the 8 April 2013.
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2.2 Targeted Threatened Flora Survey
A targeted threatened flora survey for Lobelia membranacea (Listed as Near Threatened under Nature
Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006) was undertaken within areas of suitable habitat on 31 March 2015
by Cardno ecologists. The aim of this survey was to confirm the identification of this species (which was
recorded during flora surveys in 2013), and to record the location of all specimens within the Study Area. The
study also provided an opportunity to reassess the presence of Allocasuarina emuina, Eucalyptus
conglomerata, Pararistolochia praevenosa and Glycine argyrea.
The Study Area was slowly traversed for the purposes of an ‘educated walk’ (Garrard et. al., 2008) which
targets the species based on its known habitat preferences. Previous surveys conducted during 2013
traversed the entire Study Area. Targeted threatened species were identified from desktop assessment, and
surveyed by means of an educated walk. Particular attention was given to ecotones, moister areas and
patches where rainforest species occurred.
2.3 Impact of Fauna and Mosquitos within Open Air Spaces
The pedestrian link has the potential to attract nuisance wildlife during operation. Additionally, the coastal
wetlands that are located within and adjacent to the Noosa Civic site provide breeding habitats for a diversity
of mosquito species. A desktop assessment was undertaken to determine species that will likely require
management. Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 provide management solutions for the control of fauna and
mosquitos.
2.4 Pedestrian Link Vegetation Impacts
Trees within the proposed footprint of the pedestrian link crossing of Covenant J were identified by an ecologist
and subsequently located by survey.
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3 Results and Conclusions
3.1 Targeted Frog Survey
Consistent with previous survey findings, the Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula) was confirmed within the Study
Area during aural surveys. This species was heard calling in the far south east corner of the Study Area, in a
small area behind the existing truck access and along the artificial drain that connects the area behind the
existing truck access to the southern end of Covenant J (Figure 1 and Plate 1). No other threatened frog
species were detected during the survey. A list of all frog species detected during the survey is provided in
Table 3-1.
Plate 1. Shallow drain at the toe of the bottom of Hoffman Drive. This area drains the area behind the
existing truck access to the southern end of Covenant J.
In addition to the Wallum Froglet, the site supports potential habitat for the following threatened frog species:
> Wallum Sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis). Likely to occur within the Study Area. Habitat for this species
was confirmed within the south east corner of the study area (Figure 1);
> Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata). Possible use of the southern extent of the Study Area around
depressions; and
> Wallum Rocketfrog (Litoria freycineti). Possible use of the southern extent of the Study Area around
depressions.
A review of threatened species habitat is provided in Appendix I of the Noosa Civic Expansion State and Local
Government Ecological Assessment Report (Cardno, 2014). The results of the latest targeted threatened frog
survey (February 2015) are consistent with these findings.
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Table 3-1 Results of Targeted Frog Survey
Date Site Scientific name Common EPBC NCA Abundance* Observation
name Status Status type**
25/02/2015 1 Crinia tinnula Wallum froglet - V 5-25 A
25/02/2015 1 Limnodynastes Striped marsh - LC 1-5 A
peronii frog
Wallum froglet
25/02/2015 2 Crinia tinnula - V 5-25 A
Wallum froglet
25/02/2015 3 Crinia tinnula - V 5-25 A
25/02/2015 3 Limnodynastes Striped marsh - LC 1-5 A
peronii frog
25/02/2015 3 Litoria rubella Red tree frog - LC 5-25 A
25/02/2015 3 Litoria fallax Eastern dwarf - LC 5-25 A
tree frog
26/02/2015 1 Crinia tinnula Wallum froglet - V 5-25 A
26/02/2015 1 Litoria rubella Red tree frog - LC 1-5 A
26/02/2015 3 Litoria fallax Eastern dwarf - LC 1-5 A
tree frog
26/02/2015 3 Litoria rubella Red tree frog - LC 1-5 A
26/02/2015 3 Crinia tinnula Wallum froglet - V 1-5 A
Note: * 1-5 5-25 25-50 50+
** A=aural S=sighted (adult/froglet) SE=egg ST=Sighted tadpole
3.2 Threatened Flora Survey
Lobelia membranacea was listed during flora surveys in March-April 2013. The location of this species was
not targeted during the 2013 surveys as this species was not identified as a Near Threatened species under
the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 until 2014 (i.e. amendment 1 2014 (9 May 2014)).
The survey undertaken on 31st March 2015 confirmed the species present on site as Lobelia quadrangularis.
This species is not listed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. Lobelia quadrangularis
was identified at three locations within the study area 26.417508ºS, 153.049042ºE; 26.417622ºS,
153.048887ºE; and 26.417683ºS, 153.048635ºE.
At the time of the initial surveys (i.e. March and April 2013) the Census of Queensland Flora (Bostock and
Holland, 2010) listed L. membranacea as present within the Moreton District, with records of L. quadrangularis
restricted to within and north east of the Burnett district. Since an update to the census on 27 June 2013,
records of L. membranacea in the Moreton District have been assigned to L. quadrangularis (i.e. L.
membranacea is not present within the Moreton District).
Table 3-2 below provides a summary of the habitat requirements of the species of significance listed in Noosa
Council’s Information Request.
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Table 3-2 Results of Targeted Flora Survey
Scientific Name Common EPBC NC Habitat Likelihood of
Name Status Status occurrence
Allocasuarina Mt Emu She-oak E E The Emu Mountain Sheoak grows Absent (Habitat
emuina in open and closed heath on fine- present is
grained rhyolite rocky slopes (Mt marginal; species
Peregian) and in wallum heath on not recorded
undulating coastal plain. (DoE, during surveys)
2014a)
Eucalyptus Swamp E E The Swamp Stringybark occurs on Absent (Habitat
conglomerata Stringybark coastal flats up to 30m above sea present is
level. It occurs mostly in the marginal; species
ecotone between wet heath not recorded
(wallum) and tall open forest during surveys)
communities. (DoE, 2014b)
Glycine argyrea - - NT Glycine argyrea occurs on sand Absent (Habitat
hills behind the high sand cliffs or present is
behind sand dunes of the marginal; species
immediate sea front, in tall not recorded
Eucalyptus, Acacia and Casuarina during surveys)
woodland with an understory of low
shrubs (Tindale, 1984).
Lobelia - - NT Refer to above text Absent
membranacea
Pararistolochia Richmond - NT The Richmond Richmond Birdwing Absent (Potential
praevenosa Birdwing Butterfly Vine grows in upland habitat is present
Butterfly Vine rainforest and subtropical associated with
rainforest (CANBR, 2010) Covenant J,
however species
not recorded
during surveys)
Allocasuarina emuina, Eucalyptus conglomerate, Glycine argyrea and Pararistolochia praevenosa were not
recorded within the Study Area during the five day flora survey in April and May 2013. These species were
not observed during the one day flora survey on 31 March 2015, supporting original findings that these species
are absent from the survey site. That is, a total survey effort of 12 search days (i.e. two ecologists over six
days) has shown these species to be absent.
3.3 Fauna Management within Open Air Spaces
A number of fauna species have the potential to represent nuisance wildlife in the proposed open air pedestrian
link within Covenant J. Species of potential concern include Brush Turkey, Noisy Miner, Rat species, and the
Australian White Ibis. Impacts from fauna species will be managed through the use of hardscape and
landscape design, and supplemented with additional fauna management controls.
The design of the pedestrian footbridge eliminates potential use by a number of species. The footbridge is a
raised (to a maximum height of ~2m) above ground which eliminates the likelihood of use of the space by
ground dwelling fauna (e.g. reptiles and amphibians). Additionally, the footbridge will abut native vegetation
on either side thus providing a dense habitat structure which is unfavourable to the Australian White Ibis, a
species which in urban areas prefers open spaces such as landfills, constructed wetlands, parks and street
trees (Martin et al. 2011). Design features, such as guards on climbable structures, will be integrated into the
built structure to prevent access by native and exotic rats (Baker et al. 1994).
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Management of Brush Turkeys and Noisy Miners will be achieved through minimising the availability of food
resources for fauna within the open space area. These species only become nuisance species once they
have become accustomed to human interaction. An important management approach will therefore be to
educate the public through the use of signage and/or other material within the pedestrian link.
3.4 Impact and Control of Mosquitos within Open Air Spaces
The coastal wetlands that are located within and adjacent to the Noosa Civic site provide breeding habitats for
a diversity of mosquito species. Some of the mosquito species that would be expected to breed within adjacent
wetlands and potentially be encountered within the Noosa Civic site, and adjacent residential and commercial
areas, are recognised as pest species capable of adversely impacting upon human amenity and/or health.
The pest species most likely to be encountered at the Noosa Civic site include the following.
> Culex annulirostris which prefers to breed in ephemeral rain-filled ground pools. This species is found
across most of coastal Australia, has a dispersal range of several kilometres, and is regarded as an
important vector of several mosquito-borne viruses including Ross River and Barham Forest viruses.
Existing residential and commercial developments within the Noosa Civic locality and beyond would be
periodically exposed to this species. This is the species that is most likely to be encountered by staff and
patrons of the Noosa Civic development.
> Aedes procax which is also a fresh-water breeding ground pool species. This species has a limited
dispersal range but is considered to be an efficient vector of Ross River virus. This species is not expected
to pose any significant risk to the Noosa Civic expansion as the proposed extension of Hofmann Drive will
create an effective barrier to the dispersal of Ae. procax from the extensive paperbark wetlands located to
the south. Whilst some breeding may occur within Covenant J the extent of suitable breeding habitats in
this area is limited in extent and implementation of management measures, such as those discussed below,
should maintain human exposure to acceptable levels.
> Verrallina funerea which typically breeds in paperbark wetlands often adjacent to tidally influenced areas
such as Eenie Creek. Adults of this species prefer to harbour within dense vegetation associated with their
breed habitats, are reluctant to traverse open ground and therefore generally have a limited dispersal range.
This species is not expected to pose any significant risk to the Noosa Civic expansion as the proposed
extension of Hofmann Drive will create an effective barrier to the dispersal of Ve. funerea from the extensive
paperbark wetlands located to the south.
> Aedes vigilax, which breeds within saltmarsh habitats that are not free-draining and is a known vector of
Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. The extent of suitable breeding habitat for this species in the
immediate locality is limited, but the species is frequently encountered in high abundance up to 5km from
suitable breeding habitats and may be found up to 50km from breeding areas under favourable conditions.
Whilst Ae. vigilax may occasionally be encountered at the Noosa Civic site, the distance between the site
and any extensive areas of suitable breeding habitat means that such events are likely to be infrequent and
exposure levels would be no greater than those experienced within adjacent residential and commercial
areas.
The Noosa Civic extension will remove some areas of existing mosquito breeding habitat for Cx. annulirostris
and Ae. procax as a consequence of the vegetation clearance and land form modifications that will be
associated with the development. Some potential breeding sites for these two species will be retained within
the Covenant J area. Whilst the extent of those retained habitats will be limited, mosquitoes will still be
encountered within and proximate to Covenant J which will provide a sheltered harbourage for mosquito
originating from within Covenant J and adjacent forest/wetland habitats to the south.
3.4.1 Management of Mosquitos
To ensure that the levels of adverse health and amenity risk exposure are minimised to the greatest practicable
extent, whilst still preserving the positive environmental and amenity values afforded by the retention of native
vegetation within Covenant J, the following management options are available to Centre management.
3.4.1.1 Monitoring
Monitoring of mosquitoes to confirm the species present and abundance levels. This information will assist in
determining:
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> whether or not the species of mosquito present and/or their abundance levels warrant the formulation and
implementation of targeted and species specific control efforts; and
> the nature of control measures that are most likely to be effective (e.g. whether the problem species is likely
to be originating from within or external to the Noosa Civic site will have a major influence on the type of
control measures that may be considered).
3.4.1.2 Maintenance of Barriers to Major Breeding Areas
The existing Walter Hay Drive, proposed carparks and buildings, and extension of Hoffman Drive will act as
physical barriers restricting the movement of species such as Ae. procax and Ve. funerea, and to a lesser
extent Cx. annulirostris and Ae. vigilax. To maximise the effectiveness of these barriers, the extent and density
of landscaping should be minimised to the greatest extent possible whilst achieving desired landscape amenity
outcomes. Roadside landscape areas should also be regularly maintained to ensure that potential mosquito
breeding sites (e.g. water filled palm fronds, plastic containers, depressions) are removed.
The effectiveness of spatial separation barriers can also be enhanced via the strategic use of the residual
insecticide Bifenthrin which has been successfully used as part of integrated pest management strategies to
reduce human exposure to biting midge and mosquito in residential areas situated in close proximity to major
breeding habitats. The use of such a treatment should only be considered if monitoring indicates that other
control measures have not achieved an acceptable level of control.
3.4.1.3 Built Environment Design and Management
That part of the Noosa Civic extension where staff and patrons are most likely to encounter mosquito is within
the outdoor recreational and eating areas adjacent to Covenant J. The following measures can be taken as
part of the design and management of these areas to reduce their attractiveness to mosquito and thereby
reduce staff and patron exposure levels, if monitoring of mosquito activity levels indicates that such measures
are warranted.
Landscaping: Avoid dense landscaping designs immediately adjacent to outdoor recreational and eating
areas adjacent to Covenant J (i.e. avoid the use of bushy shrubs and trees) to minimise harbourage for
mosquito and ensure that landscape areas are regularly maintained to remove potential breeding sites such
as water filled palm fronds, plastic containers, and ground depressions.
Air Circulation: Most species of mosquito avoid, or are less active, in areas where there are moderate-strong
wind currents. The installation of ceiling fans within outdoor eating areas would provide an effective means
for reducing mosquito activity levels in outdoor eating and covered recreational areas.
Screening: Commercial outdoor eating areas could be designed with retractable insect screens that could, if
required, be used during periods of relatively high mosquito activity.
Source Reduction: As part of the ongoing management of the Noosa Civic development centre management
should implement a regular maintenance program involving:
> removal/eradication of container breeding sites generally associated with human habitation; and
> keeping roof gutters and drain traps free of vegetation and other extraneous matter.
In summary, the potential level of risk that Noosa Civic staff and patrons will experience adverse amenity or
health outcomes as a result of exposure to mosquitoes is equivalent to the level of risk experienced at many
existing residential and commercial developments within the coastal sections of the Noosa Shire which are
also situated in close proximity to coastal wetlands that have equivalent, and in some instances greater,
mosquito production potential. A range of management measures can be implemented by the operators of
the Noosa Civic development to ensure that staff and patrons are not exposed to unacceptable levels of
exposure to mosquito.
3.5 Pedestrian Link Vegetation Impacts
Figure 2 illustrates trees within the footprint of the pedestrian link and Table 3-3 below lists the particulars of
individual tress. The survey confirmed the absence of stag trees or any specimens supporting wildlife habitat
features.
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Table 3-3 Impacts to Individual Trees within the Pedestrian Link
Tree No. Species Height (m) Diameter at Breast Height
(cm)
262 Eucalyptus grandis 16 60
313 Eucalyptus resinifera 15 45
277 Eucalyptus robusta 16 45
281 Eucalyptus resinifera 16 40
255 Corymbia intermedia 15 30
256 Corymbia intermedia 15 30
297 Eucalyptus resinifera 14 30
300 Corymbia intermedia 15 25
311 Corymbia intermedia 14 25
296 Eucalyptus resinifera 14 25
229 Corymbia intermedia 15 20
249 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
259 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
292 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
295 Corymbia intermedia 12 20
305 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
306 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
314 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
315 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
316 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
317 Corymbia intermedia 14 20
294 Lophostemon suaveolens 12 20
248 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
250 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
251 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
252 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
253 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
254 Corymbia intermedia 12 15
257 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
258 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
290 Corymbia intermedia 12 15
298 Corymbia intermedia 12 15
307 Corymbia intermedia 14 15
261 Melaleuca quinquenervia 10 15
309 Melaleuca quinquenervia 12 15
247 Syncarpia glomulifera 10 15
308 Syncarpia glomulifera 14 15
291 Corymbia intermedia 10 10
293 Corymbia intermedia 10 10
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Tree No. Species Height (m) Diameter at Breast Height
(cm)
310 Corymbia intermedia 12 10
312 Corymbia intermedia 12 10
318 Corymbia intermedia 12 10
282 Lophostemon suaveolens 8 10
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4 References
Baker R.O., Bodman G.R. & Timm, R.M. 1994. Rodent-Proof Construction and Exclusion Methods. Handbook:
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Paper 27. <http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdmhandbook/27>
Bostock, PD & Holland AE. 2007. Census of the Queensland Flora. Brisbane: Queensland Herbarium
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Bostock, P.D. & Holland, A.E. 2010. Census of the Queensland Flora. Brisbane: Queensland Herbarium
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Cardno, 2014, Noosa Civic State and Local Government Ecological Assessment Report for QIC Noosa Civic
Pty Ltd.
Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR). 2010, Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants
Edition 6 [online version] viewed 08 April 2015 < http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-
8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/Pararistolochia_praevenosa.htm# >
DoE. 2014. Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from:
http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat.
DEWHA. 2010. Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Frogs. Department of Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts: Canberra, Australia.
DSITIA. 2014a. Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (V 2.0), Department of
Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland.
DSITIA. 2014b. Queensland Targeted Species Survey Guidelines for the Wallum Sedge Frog (Litoria
olongburensis), Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland.
DSITIA. 2014c. Queensland Targeted Species Survey Guidelines for the Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula),
Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland.
DSITIA. 2014d. Queensland Targeted Species Survey Guidelines for the Cooloola Sedgefrog (Litoria
cooloolensis), Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland.
Garrard, G. E., S. A. Bekessy, M. A. McCarthy and B. A. Wintle. 2008. When have we looked hard enough?
A novel method for setting minimum survey effort protocols for flora surveys. Austral Ecology 33:986-998.
Martin, J.M., French, K., Ross, G.A. & Major, R.E. 2011. Foraging distances and habitat preferences of a
recent urban coloniser: The Australian white ibis, Landscape and Urban Planning, Volume 102, Issue 2, p.
65–72.
Tindale, M.D. 1984. Two New Eastern Australian Species of Glycine Willd. (Fabaceae), Brunonia, 7, 207-1 3
28 April 2015 Cardno 11
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Noosa Civic Expansion
FIGURES
Figure 1 Frog Assessment
Figure 2 Pedestrian Link
28 April 2015 Cardno 12
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Noosa Civic Expansion Information Request Response © Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this drawing belongs to Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd and may not be Used, sold, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or on any media, to any person other than by agreement with Cardno (Qld) Pty Lt. This document is produced by Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd solely for the benefit of and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the retainer. Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd does not and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of any use or reliance by third party on the content of this document. Rev: D | Drawn: J.M. | Checked: DF | Date: 09/04/2015 QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Lot 3 on SP246584 | Cadastre Noosa Civic Expansion (Project Area) Covenant J on SP182845 © Wallum Froglet calling point [EI Potential wallum Sedgefrog h 0 50 100 —_——— metres Scale 1:5,000 (A4) FIGURE 1 FROG ASSESSMENT Project No: J13041
Page 29
Noosa Civic Expansion Information Request Response © Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this drawing belongs to Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd and may NOL BE USwY, SOG, Wasted, Copley OF ReprOUULEU HT AWEIOIG UF I Pesca att FTRSTET form or on any media, to any person other than by agreement with Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd. This document is produced by Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd solely for the benefit of and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the retainer. Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd does not and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out o| any use or reliance by third party on the content of this document. Rev. D | Drawn. J.M. | Checked. DF | Date. 09/94/2015 QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Legend N Covenant J of 5P152645 e Tree centres [| Pedestrian Liak footprint O Tree TPZsw 0 5 10 rretres Swale 1.500 (A4) FIGURE 2 PEDESTRIAN LINK Project No: J13041
Page 30
AS Insert report title here Noosa Civic Expansion Insert project name Bushfire Assessment Report Insert job reference J13041 Prepared for QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd 23 April 2015
Page 31
Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
Contact Information Document Information
Cardno (QLD) Pty Ltd Prepared for QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
ABN 57 051 074 992 Project Name Noosa Civic Expansion
File Reference I:\J13041 Noosa Civic Ecol &
Level 11 Green Square North Tower
Lsc
515 St Paul’s Terrace
(4)\wp\Bushfire\J13041_Bushfire
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Assessment V2.docx
Locked Bag 4006 Fortitude Valley
Job Reference J13041
Telephone: 07 3369 9822 Date 23 April 2015
Facsimile: 07 3369 9722
International: +61 7 3369 9822
[email protected]
www.cardno.com.au
Document Control
Date Description of Prepared Reviewed
Reviewed
Version
Prepared
Revision (Signature) (Signature)
By
By
1 3 December 2014 Final DA Submission JD J Delaney AC A Chenoweth
2 23 April 2015 Final, including JD AC
Information Request
response
amendments
© Cardno 2015. Copyright in the whole and every part of this document belongs to Cardno and may not be used, sold, transferred, copied
or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media to any person other than by agreement with Cardno.
This document is produced by Cardno solely for the benefit and use by the client in accordance with the terms of the engagement. Cardno
does not and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of any use or reliance by any third
party on the content of this document.
QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015
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Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Proposed Development 2
3 Bushfire Hazard Assessments 4
3.1 SPP 1/03 Hazard Assessment 4
3.1.1 Vegetation Community Hazard Assessment 6
3.1.2 Slope Hazard Assessment 7
3.1.3 Aspect Hazard Assessment 8
3.1.4 Composite Hazard Assessment 8
3.2 SPP Hazard Assessment 10
3.2.1 Potential Fuel Loads 12
3.2.2 Forest Fire Danger Index 13
3.2.3 Slope Assessment 14
3.2.4 Post-Development Potential Bushfire (Fire-line) Intensity 14
4 Bushfire Hazard Mitigation and Management Specifications 16
4.1 Buildings and Structures 16
4.2 Water Supplies 18
4.3 Lot Layout and Siting 18
4.4 Firebreaks and Maintenance Trails 18
4.5 Access/Egress Arrangements 19
5 Compliance Assessments 21
5.1 Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code 21
5.2 State Planning Policy (SPP) 26
6 Bushfire Management Plan 28
7 Conclusions 29
8 References 30
Tables
Table 3-1 Likely relationship between SPP 1/03 and SPP Bushfire Hazard Classes 4
Table 3-2 Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM8.4) Extract 5
Table 3-3 Bushfire Hazard Landscape Factor Contributions 5
Table 3-4 Vegetation communities and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard scores that occur
within the Noosa Civic expansion locality post development 6
Table 3-5 Vegetated slope types and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard scores 7
Table 3-6 Aspect of vegetated areas and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard score 8
Table 3-7 SPP 1/03 composite bushfire hazard scores for different parts of the Noosa Civic expansion
locality post development 8
Table 3-8 SPP Interactive Mapping System- Bushfire Hazard Area Extract 11
Table 3-9 Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) and associated Potential Fuel Loads 12
Table 3-10 Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) and associated Potential Fuel Loads 14
Table 3-11 SPP Potential Bushfire Intensity Classes for different parts of the Noosa Civic expansion
locality post development 14
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Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report Table 5-1 Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM8.4) Extract 21 Table 5-2 Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code compliance assessment 22 Table 5-3 SPP Part E Interim Development Assessment Requirements compliance assessment 26 Figures Figure 1 Noosa Civic Extension Locality Figure 2 Post Development Bushfire Hazard Ratings Map Appendices Appendix A Shire Business Centre (Map SBC) of the Noosa Plan Appendix B Noosa Civic Expansion Development Plans Appendix C Noosa Civic Expansion - Site Based Vegetation Mapping Appendix D Bushfire Management Plan QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015 J13041_Bushfire Assessment V2.docx Commercial in Confidence Page iv
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Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report 1 Introduction This Bushfire Assessment Report (BAR) has been prepared on behalf of QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd in support of an application for development adjacent to the existing Noosa Civic centre at 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The locality of the proposed expansion of the existing Noosa Civic development (the proposed development) is illustrated in Figure 1. This BAR provides: > an assessment of the post-development bushfire hazard levels that would exist within the locality of the proposed development, in accordance with the bushfire hazard assessment guidelines provided for in State Planning Policy 1/03 Guideline – Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide (SPP 1/03 Guideline); and > an assessment of the adequacy of the bushfire hazard mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the design of the proposed development to ensure that people and property are not placed at an unacceptable risk of harm in the event of a bushfire; and > bushfire hazard mitigation and management recommendations, including a Bushfire Management Plan prepared in general accordance with Appendix 8 of the SPP 1/03 Guideline. This BAR has also considered the findings and recommendations of the Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan (The Consultancy Bureau, 2004). The Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan was prepared in respect of the existing Noosa Civic development. In general the factors that affect bushfire hazard levels and risk management requirements in the vicinity of Noosa Civic, as assessed in the Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan, remain relevant and applicable, except that the development of buildings, roads and carparks over the past 10 years has changed the proportion and distribution of bushland. This BAR also includes relevant information responding to issues raised by Noosa Sire Council within an Information Request dated 12 February 2015. QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015 J13041_Bushfire Assessment V2.docx Commercial in Confidence Page 1
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Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report 2 Proposed Development The existing Noosa Civic centre has been operating since October 2006 and is comprised of: > 18,585m 2 of retail shop floor space and a service station; > a 7,056m2 Emporium of retail showrooms; > 5,000m 2 of commercial office space; and > associated car parking areas. The layout of the existing Noosa Civic and the proposed expansion, which will occupy a development footprint of approximately 7.8ha including an extension to Hofmann Drive, is illustrated in Figure 1. The proposed Noosa Civic expansion is located: > predominantly within the Shire Business Centre Map E1 Employment precinct; > approximately 30-70m to the south-east of the existing Noosa Civic centre; > approximately 75m to the west of Walter Hay Drive; > to the north of a proposed extension of Hofmann Drive, which would link the existing Hofmann Drive to the west with the Walter Hay Drive roundabout to the east. The proposed development will involve: > approximately 22,200 square meters gross floor area (GFA) of additional retail floor space made up of two supermarkets, a discount department store and a number of smaller tenancies; > 1,000 additional car parking spaces (310 spaces at grade and 690 under-croft spaces); > a pedestrian link ‘Covenant J’ situated between the existing shopping centre and the proposed development; and > the completion of the Hofmann Drive ring road, including its connection to Water Hay Drive. The proposed development layout plans and cross-sections are presented in Appendix B. Areas of potentially hazardous vegetation that would be present in the immediate locality of the proposed development includes vegetation contained within Shire Business Centre Map: > OS7 Open Space Precinct situated between the existing Noosa Civic development and the proposed development 1; > E2 Employment Precinct situated to the south of the Noosa Civic centre and to the west of OS7 Open Space Precinct; > E6 Employment Precinct situated between the internal ring road extension and Walter Hay Drive; > E7 Employment Precinct, OS4 Open Space Precinct and OS2 Open Space Precinct situated to the south of the planned Hofmann Drive extension; and > OS1 Open Space Precinct situated to the east of Walter Hay Drive. In addition to the above, the following areas also contain potentially hazardous vegetation that contributes to the bushfire hazard levels that the proposed Noosa Civil expansion would be exposed to: > the Noosa National Park (North Weyba Section) and areas of freehold land to the east of Walter Hay Drive; and > freehold land to the south of Eenie Creek. 1 There are some differences between the boundary of Open Space Precinct OS7 as shown on the Business Centre Map of the Noosa Plan and the registered boundaries of Covenant J which provides for the preservation of native vegetation in the subject area. For the purposes of this BAR the registered boundaries of Covenant J have been adopted as the area and location of protected vegetation, rather than Open Space Precinct OS7. QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015 J13041_Bushfire Assessment V2.docx Commercial in Confidence Page 2
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Several Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) stations are located within relatively close proximity
to Noosa Civic, including:
> Tewantin, 2 Hilton Esplanade, Tewantin ph: 5480 5466 (~3.5 km and 5 minutes travel time);
> Noosa Heads, 2 Langura Street, Noosa Heads ph: 5473 8484 (~5.5 km and 5 minutes travel time); and
> the Doonan Rural Fire Brigade, 700 Eumundi-Noosa Road, Doonan ph: 5449 1741 (~5.85km and 8
minutes).
The following sections of this BAR provide:
> in Section 3, details regarding the levels of bushfire hazard that will exist following the proposed expansion
of the Noosa Civic development;
> in Section 4, information concerning proposed and recommended bushfire hazard mitigation measures;
> in Section 5, assessments of the levels of compliance that the proposed development achieves with the
requirements of:
- the Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code; and
- State Planning Policy Part E—Interim development assessment requirements;
> in Section 6, details concerning an updated Bushfire Management Plan for the expanded Noosa Civic
development; and
> in Section 7, a list of documents referred to in this report.
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3 Bushfire Hazard Assessments
The broader Noosa Civic locality supports a mosaic of urban, rural residential, retail, commercial,
agricultural/pastoral and forested landscapes dissected by roadways and coastal waterways. The Noosa
area is situated in a coastal region of south-eastern Queensland and is characterised by a mild sub-tropical
coastal climate which does not currently experience extended periods of severe fire weather (i.e. extremely
hot and dry periods with strong winds emanating from the continental interior) that are frequently experienced
in Victoria, South Australia and less frequently New South Wales and Tasmania.
Nevertheless bushfires do frequently occur in south-eastern Queensland and present a material hazard to
human health and property which needs to be appropriately considered as part of a comprehensive approach
to land use planning and development assessment. Analysis of climate data indicates that the frequency of
severe daily fire weather has increased throughout Australia, including south-east Queensland, over the period
from 1973–2010 and is anticipated to increase further in line with future climate change projections (BoM and
CSIRO, 2015).
Consideration of a site’s fire history is also of relevance when undertaking a bushfire hazard assessment. In
this respect it is noted that the Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan (The
Consultancy Bureau, 2004) states that “The vegetation has recently (January 2003) been influenced by a fire
which has burnt and killed a lot of the regeneration. The result is that there is little or no ground fuel…”. There
are no available records, or indications from field based observations, of:
> any substantive wildfire events; or
> planned fuel reduction burns;
within the Noosa Civic site or adjacent lands.
The following sections provide assessments of the bushfire hazard levels that characterise the Noosa Civic
site locality. These assessments are provided in accordance with:
> the methodology specified in Appendix 3 of the SPP 1/03 Guidelines: Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of
Flood, Bushfire and Landslide (SPP 1/03 Guidelines); and
> the more recently developed State Planning Policy (SPP) – Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience -
Technical Manual - A ‘fit for purpose’ approach in undertaking natural hazard studies and risk assessments
(August, 2014).
It is noted that the precise relationship between the SPP “fit for purpose” hazard classes and the SPP 1/03
hazard classes are not clearly defined in any of the published guidelines. Based on the underlying principles
for assessing and classifying bushfire hazard levels, the relationship between the two sets of hazard classes
is likely to approximate that shown in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Likely relationship between SPP 1/03 and SPP Bushfire Hazard Classes
SPP Bushfire Potential Intensity Classes
Very High High Medium Low
High
SPP 1/03 Bushfire
Medium
Hazard Classes
Low
3.1 SPP 1/03 Hazard Assessment
This bushfire hazard assessment has been prepared in general accordance with the requirements of the
Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code, which requires a site specific bushfire hazard assessment to be
prepared in accordance with Appendix 3 of the SPP 1/03 Guidelines. In recognition of the scale at which
bushfires operate, for the purpose of this assessment the area considered for assessment of bushfire hazard
levels includes all vegetated land located within 500m of the proposed Noosa Civic expansion.
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As illustrated in the extracts from the Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map
OM9.4), presented in Table 3-2 below, parts of the Noosa Civic site and adjoining land are classified as a
Medium Bushfire Hazard Area. However it should be noted that the Noosaville Overlay mapping precedes
development of the existing Noosa Civic centre, other lands to the north-east and associated roads and
carparks, which have significantly fragmented the area of native forest surrounding the subject land, hence the
above OM8.4 classification is considered to be conservative.
Table 3-2 Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM8.4) Extract
Extract Legend
Indicative location and extents of:
The existing Noosa Civic
development
The proposed Noosa Civic
expansion
The SPP 1/03 Guideline identifies three features of the landscape that strongly contribute towards the
behaviour of bushfires, which are described in Table 3-3.
Table 3-3 Bushfire Hazard Landscape Factor Contributions
Bushfire Hazard Contribution
Landscape Factor
Vegetation community The structure and species composition of vegetation communities determine the rate at
structure and species which dry fuel accumulates. Some vegetation communities protect fuel from drying out
composition. in all but extreme bushfire seasons, making the vegetation susceptible to very destructive
bushfires, whilst other vegetation communities may expose fuels to drying and therefore
be frequently available for burning.
Land slope As a general rule, bushfire intensity and the rate of spread of bushfires rises in proportion
to slope, with bushfires burning faster and with greater intensity uphill, and slower
downhill. Steeper slopes also increase the difficulty of constructing ring roads and
firebreaks and limit the access for emergency crews.
Aspect Aspect affects bushfire hazard due to the effects that exposure to direct sunlight has on
different vegetation communities, including the drying rates of fuels. Aspect also
correlates closely with exposure to low humidity winds that increase bushfire intensity.
The intensity and rate of spread of bushfires tends to be greater on slopes with north to
westerly aspects, although this influence is not considered to be significant on land with
a slope less than 5%.
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In order to assess the levels of bushfire hazard associated with a given locality, the area of interest is usually
divided into a number of sub-units, based on:
> geographical position relative to the proposed development;
> land tenure and use; and/or
> similarities in vegetation, slope and/or aspect.
Total hazard scores are then determined for each sub-unit and a bushfire hazard analysis can be undertaken
to identify areas of High, Medium and Low bushfire hazard within the locality of interest.
3.1.1 Vegetation Community Hazard Assessment
The species composition and structure of the vegetation communities that occur within the site locality are
described in the Noosa Civic Extension - State and Local Government Ecological Assessment (Cardno 2014)
and their distributions are illustrated in Figure 6 of that report which is reproduced in Appendix C.
Table 3-4 provides a summary of the types of vegetation that would remain in the locality of the proposed
Noosa Civic expansion post development and their equivalent SPP 1/03 bushfire hazard scores.
Table 3-4 Vegetation communities and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard scores that occur
within the Noosa Civic expansion locality post development
SPP 1/03 Vegetation Occurrence in Site Locality Fire Behaviour Hazard
Community Score
Wet sclerophyll forest, tall Not present. Infrequent fires under severe 10
eucalypts, with grass and mixed conditions, flame lengths may
shrub understorey. Predominant exceed 40m, floating embers
mature canopy height ~30m. attack structures for 1 hour,
radiant heat and direct flame
are destructive for 30
minutes.
Paperbark heath and swamps, Present. This is the dominant Fire intensity depends on fuel 8
eucalypt forest with dry-shrub vegetation type within and adjacent to accumulation, but can be
ladder fuels. Predominant the Noosa Civic expansion. As severe, with flame lengths to
mature canopy height ~20m. detailed in the State and Local 20m, spot fires frequent
Government Ecological Assessment across firebreaks, radiant
(Cardno 2014), the existing vegetation heat and direct flame for 15
within and adjacent to the Noosa Civic minutes.
site is regrowth vegetation “..
characterised by Syncarpia glomulifera
as a prominent canopy element. Other
species present and varying in
dominance across the site are
Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis and
Corymbia intermedia. The subcanopy
is often dominated by young canopy
elements, but also support other
species such as Alphitonia excelsa,
Melaleuca saligna or rainforest species
such as Cryptocarya glaucescens.
The shrub layer is often utterly choked
with Platylobium formosum and other
dense growth. While there are several
ground layer species present,
Entolasia stricta is found as a common
element throughout the site.”
Grassy eucalypt and acacia Not present. Fire intensity may be severe 6
forest, exotic pine plantations, with flame lengths to 20m, but
cypress pine forests, wallum less attack from embers.
heath. Predominant mature
canopy height ~20m.
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SPP 1/03 Vegetation Occurrence in Site Locality Fire Behaviour Hazard
Community Score
Native grasslands (ungrazed), Not present. Fast moving fires, available to 5
open woodlands, canefields. fire annually to 4 years.
Usually no ember attack,
radiant heat for >10m,
duration <2 minutes.
Intact acacia forests, with light Not present. Fires infrequent, usually burn 4
grass to leaf litter, disturbed only under severe conditions,
rainforest. relatively slow fires, usually
little ember attack.
Orchards, farmlands, kikuyu Not present. Fires very infrequent, slow 2
pastures. moving, may be difficult to
extinguish, frequent fire
breaks.
Desert lands (sparse fuels), Present. This vegetation type is Gaps in fuel - usually slow fire 1
mowed grass. represented by some relatively small spread.
cleared and actively maintained areas
of land to the north, east and west of
the Noosa Civic expansion site.
Intact rainforest, mangrove Potential. Over time this vegetation Virtually fireproof. 0
forest, intact riverine rainforest. type is likely to develop within OS7
Open Space Precinct if fire is actively
excluded from this area. The
vegetation in this area already contains
rainforest elements within the
understory. This fact combined with
the presence of an ephemeral
waterway within OS7 and its future
sheltered position between the existing
Noosa Civic and proposed expansion,
will overtime promote the transition to
rainforest vegetation.
Note: SPP 1/03 Guidelines defines “hazardous vegetation” to be “vegetation communities with a hazard score of 4 or more in Table A3.1
of Appendix 3.”
3.1.2 Slope Hazard Assessment
The topography of the Noosa Civic locality is characterised by coastal plains, waterways and wetlands with
some gentle undulations primarily associated with watercourses and remnant Tertiary surfaces +/- Cainozoic
and Mesozoic sediments.
From a bushfire assessment perspective the relevant slopes to consider are those associated with areas of
potentially hazardous vegetation that would be retained within or adjacent to the proposed Noosa Civic
expansion. To determine the relative prevalence of land that would fall into the various slope categories utilised
in the SPP 1/03 Guideline, predominant land grades over a distance of at least 100m were considered rather
than isolated or highly localised variations in slope.
Table 3-5 summarises the slope types present within the Noosa Civic locality and their equivalent hazard
scores as outlined in the SPP 1/03 Guideline.
Table 3-5 Vegetated slope types and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard scores
SPP 1/03 Slope Category Occurrence in Site Locality Hazard
Score
Gorges and mountains (>30%) Not present. 5
Steep Hills (>20% to 30%) Not present. 4
Rolling Hills (>10% to 20%) Not present. 3
Undulating (>5% to 10% slope) Not present. 2
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SPP 1/03 Slope Category Occurrence in Site Locality Hazard
Score
Plains (0 to 5% slope) Present. The vegetated land adjacent to the Noosa Civic 1
expansion is all characterised by slopes < 5%.
3.1.3 Aspect Hazard Assessment
As the vegetated land in the vicinity of the proposed development is characterised by slopes < 5%, then in
accordance with the SPP 1/03 Guideline an Aspect hazard score of zero is applied. Table 3-6 summarises
the aspect categories associated with areas of potentially hazardous vegetation and their equivalent hazard
scores as outlined in the SPP 1/03 Guideline.
Table 3-6 Aspect of vegetated areas and their equivalent SPP 1/03 Guideline hazard score
SPP 1/03 Aspect Category Occurrence in Site Locality Hazard
score
North to North-West Not present. 3.5
North-West to West Not present. 3
West to South Not present. 2
North to East Not present. 1
East to South and all land under Present. The vegetated land adjacent to the Noosa Civic 0
5% slope expansion is characterised by both an east-south aspect and
slopes < 5%.
3.1.4 Composite Hazard Assessment
For the purposes of this assessment, the Noosa Civic locality has been separated into a total of 11 discrete
potentially hazardous vegetation units for which composite bushfire hazard ratings have been derived based
on consideration of the individual hazard scores attributable to the vegetation, slope and aspect characteristics.
The derivation of potentially hazardous vegetation units also takes into account existing development and
future land use intents for the land as set out in the Shire Business Centre Map.
Composite hazard score = vegetation community hazard score + slope hazard score + aspect hazard score.
Total Hazard Score Bushfire Hazard Severity
13 or greater High
6 to 12.5 Medium
1 to 5.5 Low
The resultant composite bushfire hazard scores are presented in Table 3-7, and spatially illustrated in Figure
2.
Table 3-7 SPP 1/03 composite bushfire hazard scores for different parts of the Noosa Civic
expansion locality post development
Unit Description SPP 1/03 Bushfire Hazard Composite
Loading Score -
Vegetation Slope Aspect Rating
A Areas of open forest located within Shire Business Centre
Map Rec/Mu Precinct situated approximately 200m to the
north-east and generally upslope of the Noosa Civic 9
8 1 0
expansion. In the future it is likely that some of this Medium
vegetation will be removed to facilitate the development or
use of this land for its intended purposes.
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Unit Description SPP 1/03 Bushfire Hazard Composite
Loading Score -
Vegetation Slope Aspect Rating
B Areas of open forest contained within Noosa National Park
(North Weyba Section) and two parcels of Freehold Land
situated to the east of Walter Hay Drive. This vegetation is
situated at least 150m to the east, and generally down
9
slope, of the proposed development. The majority of 8 1 0
Medium
potentially hazardous vegetation in this area will persist for
the foreseeable future given its protected area status and
the effect of other planning and vegetation clearance
controls that apply.
C Areas of open forest located to the east of Walter Hay Drive
and separated from Unit B by a cleared power transmission
easement. This vegetation is situated at least 150m to the
south east, and generally down slope, of the proposed 9
8 1 0
development. The majority of potentially hazardous Medium
vegetation in this area will persist for the foreseeable future
given its Open Space Conservation status pursuant to the
Noosa Plan.
D Areas of open forest located to the south of the proposed
extension to Hofmann Drive and Employment Precinct E7.
This vegetation is situated approximately 150m to the
south, and generally down slope, of the proposed 9
8 1 0
development. The majority of potentially hazardous Medium
vegetation in this area will persist for the foreseeable future
given its Open Space Conservation status pursuant to the
Noosa Plan.
E Areas of open forest located to the south of the proposed
extension to Hofmann Drive and within Employment
Precinct E7. This vegetation is situated down slope from the
proposed development and is separated from the Noosa 9
8 1 0
Civic expansion by the proposed Hofmann Drive extension. Medium
The majority of potentially hazardous vegetation in this area
will eventually be removed as the Shire Business Centre is
development over time.
F Areas of open forest located to the east of the existing
Noosa Civic development, to the west of the proposed
development and within Open Space Precinct OS7
(Covenant J). The relatively narrow band of vegetation (30- 7
6* 1 0
65m in width) within Covenant J currently contains Medium
rainforest elements in its understorey and, with the active
exclusion of fire, will over time transition to a form of
rainforest.
G Adjoining the Covenant J area to the west and to the south
of the existing Noosa Civic development is an area of 7
6* 1 0
vegetation located within Employment Precinct E2 that will Medium
eventually be cleared to facilitate development.
H A relatively small area (< 1 ha) of open forest located to the
north of the proposed development and south of Walter Hay
Drive. This area is generally situated upslope from the
proposed development and is separated from the Noosa
7
Civic expansion by an existing section of the internal ring- 6* 1 0
Medium
road and areas of cleared land that form part of Business
Precinct B3. The majority of potentially hazardous
vegetation in this area will eventually be removed as the
Shire Business Centre is developed over time.
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Unit Description SPP 1/03 Bushfire Hazard Composite
Loading Score -
Vegetation Slope Aspect Rating
I A relatively narrow (< 100m wide) band of open forest
located to the east of the proposed development, to the
west of Walter Hay Drive and within Employment Precinct
E6. This vegetation is situated down slope from the
7
proposed Noosa Civic expansion and would be separated 6* 1 0
Medium
from the Noosa Civic expansion by the proposed internal
ring-road extension. The majority of potentially hazardous
vegetation in this area will eventually be removed as the
Shire Business Centre is developed over time.
J The proposed development site within which the majority of 0
the existing vegetation would be removed. 0 0 0
Low
K The proposed Hofmann Drive extensions within which all 0
existing vegetation would be removed. 0 0 0
Low
L The existing Noosa Civic development which does not 0
contain any hazardous vegetation. 0 0 0
Low
* : SPP 1/03 recognises that narrow bands of vegetation (i.e. < 100m in width) generally do not support intense bushfire fronts and for this
reason may be considered as having the next lowest hazard rating.
In respect of the above, Figure 2 also shows the location and extent of a 50m wide safety buffer to identified
Medium bushfire hazard areas associated with vegetated land adjacent to the proposed development site.
Within that 50m buffer it will be necessary for appropriate access to be available and development controls to
be implemented to ensure that human health and property are not exposed to an unacceptable risk of harm in
the event of a bushfire.
3.2 SPP Hazard Assessment
As illustrated by the extracts from the State Planning Policy’s interactive mapping presented in Table 3-8, the
Noosa Civic expansion site and adjacent areas of vegetated land are classified as being High to Very High
Potential Intensity Bushfire areas.
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Table 3-8 SPP Interactive Mapping System- Bushfire Hazard Area Extract
Extract Legend
Indicative location and extents of:
The existing Noosa Civic
development
The proposed Noosa Civic
expansion
These classifications are based on the new methodology for State-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas in
Queensland (Leonard et al, 2014) which was developed to support the bushfire hazard provisions of
Queensland’s State Planning Policy, which came into effect on 2 December 2013. The new methodology:
> scales bushfire hazard based on the Potential Fire-line Intensity (PFLI) of a severe bushfire and can be
used to predict the radiation profile of areas adjacent to potentially hazardous vegetation and an associated
Potential Impact Buffer; and
> classifies land that may be subject to significant bushfire attack as areas of Medium, High or Very high
Potential Bushfire Intensity.
Land that could be subject to significant bushfire attack from embers, flames or radiant heat is included in a
Potential Impact Buffer with a default width of 100m from all areas classified as having a Medium, High or Very
High Potential Bushfire Intensity.
The classification of an area’s Potential Bushfire Intensity takes into account three key variables being:
> total fuel load (W), which is primarily a function of the vegetation type(s) in the subject area;
> the McArthur Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI), which is an index that considers variability in fire intensity
associated with a range of weather variables including recent precipitation, current wind speed, relative
humidity and temperature; and
> slope ( ), which is an important variable controlling the rate of fire spread and fuel consumption.
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The following sections provide a brief verification analysis of the High to Very High Potential Intensity Bushfire
classifications that have been derived for the Spring Mountain site and adjacent lands.
3.2.1 Potential Fuel Loads
Potential Fuel Loads are assigned to vegetation categories (Vegetation Hazard Classes) formed by
amalgamating land use and vegetation types with a moderately consistent fuel load and structure. The
Potential Fuel Load assigned to each Vegetation Hazard Class is generally representative of the higher fuel
load expected for the typical vegetation types, landscape and site conditions within each Vegetation Hazard
Class and approximates the 80th percentile fuel load of the “long unburnt condition” for the class (generally
greater than 10 years without burning)2.
The Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) and their associated Potential Fuel Loads that the State based
bushfire hazard mapping is based on are presented in Table 3-9 along with an indication of the presence and
location of each VHC in the Noosa Civic expansion site locality as per the corresponding table for the SPP
1/03 hazard assessment (refer Table 3-4).
Table 3-9 Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) and associated Potential Fuel Loads
VHC VHC description Potential Fuel Load Site Specific Assessment of Presence3
(tonnes per hectare)
1 Melaleuca communities 33 Present – Melaleuca quinquenervia dominated regrowth
communities are associated with low-lying areas
adjacent to Eenie Creek and to the south of the Noosa
Civic expansion site.
2 Open forests / 30 Present - Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) dominated
woodlands - shrubby regrowth open forest with a shrubby understory is the
dominant vegetation type within and immediately
adjacent to the Noosa Civic expansion area.
3 Tall open forests 28 Absent
4 Heath communities 27 Absent
5 Exotic and hardwood 26 Absent
plantations
6 Cypress and Casuarina 20 Absent
communities
7 Open forests / 19 Absent
woodlands – grassy
2
While there is likely to be considerable variation between potential and actual fuel loads (which will change in many cases from season
to season, year to year and site to site), the assumption of a Potential Fuel Load is appropriate for informing land use planning decisions
to mitigate bushfire risk because it is rarely possible to assume the ongoing management of reduced fuel loads in hazardous bushland
adjacent to areas proposed for human settlement. Where land use planners have high confidence in the ability and commitment of adjacent
landholders to manage fuel loads at reduced levels, it would be possible to adjust the calculation of Potential Fuel Loads and the Potential
Fire-line Intensity of adjacent hazardous bushland accordingly.
3
Based on consideration of the vegetation community classifications given in the Noosa Civic Ecological Assessment Report (Cardno,
2014) and RE types listed in each VHC in Appendix A of Leonard et al, 2014. In accordance with Leonard et al (2014), small patches of
a single Vegetation Hazard Class less than 1 ha are assigned the same VHC as that which dominates the surrounding landscape (i.e.
the area is assigned the same VHC as the surrounding urban landform); and corridors of potentially hazardous vegetation less than
100m wide, that are isolated from other patches of high fuel load VHCs by more than 100m, are assigned the same VHC as that which
dominates the surrounding landscape.
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VHC VHC description Potential Fuel Load Site Specific Assessment of Presence3
(tonnes per hectare)
8 Acacia communities 10 Absent
9 Coastal, fringing and 8 Absent
dune communities
10 Riparian and fringing 8 Present – adjacent to Eenie Creek.
communities
11 Native grasslands, 5 Absent
sedgelands and balds
12 Mixture of rural classes - 5 Absent
mainly grassland
13 Cropping and 5 Absent
horticulture
14 Dry vine forest and vine 5 Absent
thickets
15 Hoop Plantations 5 Absent
16 Mixture of urban classes 3 Present – the existing Noosa Civic development and
adjacent urban residential areas.
17 Rainforest 1 Absent - over time this vegetation type is likely to
develop within OS7 Open Space Precinct if fire is
actively excluded from this area.
18 Mangroves and 1 Present – restricted to a very narrow band along the
saltmarshes edges of Eenie Creek to the south of the Noosa Civic
expansion site.
19 Sparse ground cover 1 Absent
20 Water bodies 0 Present – Eenie Creek
Based on the above, the Potential Fuel Loads available within and adjacent to the Noosa Civic site range from:
> a minimum of 3 t/ha associated with existing urban development primarily located to the north and west; to
> a maximum of 30-33 t/ha associated with areas of regrowth open forest located within and to the south and
east of the proposed Noosa Civic expansion site.
3.2.2 Forest Fire Danger Index
Fire Weather Severity Mapping for Queensland shows that extreme Forest Fire Danger Index weather events
occur more frequently in western Queensland than coastal and northern parts of the state. Zones with a less
severe Forest Fire Danger Index (i.e. a FFDI < 50) occur in Cape York, the Wet Tropics and in parts of coastal
South East Queensland.
As shown in the extract from the Fire Weather Severity Mapping presented in Table 3-10 the Noosa Civic
expansion site and surrounding locality is characterised by an FFDI of 50.
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Table 3-10 Vegetation Hazard Classes (VHCs) and associated Potential Fuel Loads
3.2.3 Slope Assessment
The Noosa Civic expansion site and adjacent lands are located on coastal plains with slopes generally < 5%
or approximately 2.9o.
3.2.4 Post-Development Potential Bushfire (Fire-line) Intensity
Potential Bushfire Fire-line Intensity for the Noosa Civic expansion site locality can be determined based on
the Vegetation Hazard Class (VHC), Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) and Slope ( ) characteristics detailed
above and using the following formulae as per Leonard et al, 2014.
The resultant potential bushfire fire-line intensity (FI) values and corresponding Potential Bushfire Intensity
Class for different sectors of the Noosa Civic expansion site that were previously defined in Section 3.1.4 and
illustrated in Figure 2 are presented in Table 3-11.
Table 3-11 SPP Potential Bushfire Intensity Classes for different parts of the Noosa Civic expansion
locality post development
Unit Description VHC Potential Potential Potential Corresponding
Class Fuel Load Bushfire Fire- Bushfire SPP 1/03 Class
(PFL) line Intensity (FI) Intensity Class4 (see Table 3-7)
t/ha kW/m
A Rec/Mu Precinct 2 30 34,081 High Medium
B Part of Noosa National
Park (North Weyba
Section) and two
parcels of Freehold 2 30 34,081 High Medium
Land situated to the
east of Walter Hay
Drive.
4
Potential Bushfire Intensity Class: Very high (potential intensity) > 40,000+kW/m; High (potential intensity) 20,000 –
40,000kW/m; Medium (potential intensity) 4,000 – 20,000kW/m; Low (Potential Intensity) < 4,000+kW/m
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Unit Description VHC Potential Potential Potential Corresponding
Class Fuel Load Bushfire Fire- Bushfire SPP 1/03 Class
(PFL) line Intensity (FI) Intensity Class4 (see Table 3-7)
C Areas of open forest to
the east of Walter Hay
Drive and separated
2 30 34,081 High Medium
from Unit B by a
cleared power
transmission easement.
D Open Space Precinct 2
1-2 30-33 34,081 - 41,237 High - Very High Medium
and 4.
E Employment Precinct
1-2 30-33 34,081 - 41,237 High - Very High Medium
E7.
F Open Space Precinct
2* 30 34,081 High Medium
OS7 (Covenant J).
G Employment Precinct
2 30 34,081 High Medium
E2
H Part of Business
2* 30 34,081 High Medium
Precinct B3
I Employment Precinct
2 30 34,081 High Medium
E6.
J The proposed Noosa
16 3 341 Low Low
Civic expansion site
K The proposed Hofmann
16 3 341 Low Low
Drive extensions
L The existing Noosa
16 3 341 Low Low
Civic development
The values presented in Table 3-11 are generally consistent with the State Planning Policy’s interactive
mapping system’s bushfire hazard classifications. It is relevant to note that those areas of the site locality that
have been assigned a Very High Potential Bushfire Intensity Class all have FI scores at the lower end of the
Very High spectrum.
It is also noted that in accordance with the methodology for State-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas in
Queensland (Leonard et al, 2014), for the purpose of bushfire hazard assessments and mapping:
> small patches of a single Vegetation Hazard Class less than 1 ha are assigned the same VHC as that which
dominates the surrounding landscape (i.e. the area is assigned the same VHC as the surrounding urban
landform); and
> corridors of potentially hazardous vegetation less than 100m wide, that are isolated from other patches of
high fuel load VHCs by more than 100m, are assigned the same VHC as that which dominates the
surrounding landscape.
In this respect it is noted that the classification of Unit F as having a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Class is
conservative and does not take into account:
> the limited extent of this area which covers approximately 1.3 hectares of land;
> the narrow width of the area which ranges from 30-65 metres in width; and
> the high degree of separation that will exist post-development once the Noosa Civic expansion and
associated road network expansions have been completed.
If Unit F was assigned the same VHC as that which will dominated the post-development landscape (i.e. VHC
16 - Mixture of urban classes) then it would be classified as having a Low Potential Bushfire Intensity Class.
Similarly the classification of Unit H as having a High Potential Bushfire Intensity Class is conservative and in
practice warrants adjustment to a Low Potential Bushfire Intensity Class.
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4 Bushfire Hazard Mitigation and Management
Specifications
The appropriate mitigation and management of bushfire hazards involves the integration of a combination of
bushfire hazard mitigation measures during the design, construction and operational phases of any
development, including:
1. ensuring development design, including the layout of roads and driveways, and the location, size and
orientation of lots and buildings, is responsive to bushfire hazards;
2. specifications and materials for building design and construction are in accordance with the Building
Code of Australia;
3. appropriate fire-fighting and management infrastructure is provided, including an adequate and
accessible water supply, fire breaks and maintenance/access trails;
4. management of potentially hazardous vegetation taking into account the conservation values of that
vegetation and the important role that fire plays in the functioning of many Australian ecosystems;
5. landscape design and maintenance requirements;
6. community awareness, education and training; and
7. identification of parties to be responsible for specific bushfire management tasks and actions.
The following sections provide detail concerning some of the key design elements of the proposed Noosa Civic
expansion that are relevant to ensuring that an acceptable level of risk to human health and property is
maintained in the event of a bushfire occurring in the general locality.
4.1 Buildings and Structures
The SPP 1/03 Guideline states that, for all development, buildings and structures on lots greater than 2,500m 2:
a) are sited in locations of lowest hazard within the lot; and
b) achieve setbacks from hazardous vegetation of:
1.5 times the predominant mature canopy tree height or 10 metres, whichever is the
greater; and
10 metres from any retained vegetation strips or small areas of vegetation; and
c) are sited so that elements of the development least susceptible to fire are sited closest to the
bushfire hazard.
With respect to the above, the following aspects of the proposed development are noted.
1. There would be no subdivision (reconfiguration) to create new lots with an area less than 2,500m 2.
2. The predominant mature canopy height of hazardous vegetation adjacent to the proposed Noosa Civic
expansion is 20-25m.
3. The equivalent 1.5 times the predominant mature canopy tree height SPP 1/03 Guideline recommended
building setback to adjacent areas of retained hazardous vegetation is 37.5m.
4. In most instances the layout of the proposed Noosa Civic expansion makes provision for building
setbacks that comply with the SPP 1/03 Guidelines by one or more of the following:
- the existing and proposed extension to Hofmann Drive;
- the existing and proposed extension to the internal ring road; and
- proposed car parking areas.
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5. The only area where the SPP 1/03 building setback guidelines are not complied with is in respect of the
setback of buildings from existing native forest vegetation in Covenant J. In respect of any fire risks
associated with the narrow band of vegetation that will be retained within Covenant J it is noted that:
- the proposed development and the Covenant J protected vegetation (and any additional trees
retained adjacent to Covenant J) are considered to be within the development area protected by
the firebreak and fire management access provided by the Hofmann Drive extension;
- a building façade setback of between 3 – 8m is provided to the eastern boundary of Covenant J to
the south of the proposed pedestrian link, where the adjacent building will comprise a basement
carpark (partly open-sided) and blank fire-proof wall to the proposed Discount Department Store
and ‘Mini-Major’ outlet, with no roof overhangs;
- the proposed pedestrian link through Covenant J will have no setback;
- a building façade setback of 0.5-14m is provided to the eastern boundary of Covenant J to the north
of the proposed pedestrian link, with outdoor dining deck structures to within 5m , although existing
trees within this setback will be retained (ie. the buffer setback will be effectively zero);
- new buildings and deck along the western side of Covenant J and to the north of the pedestrian
bridge, to within 1 – 8m of protected vegetation; and
- the dimensions and nature of the proposed building setback to the eastern edge of Covenant J is
generally equivalent to the existing building setback to the western edge of Covenant J associated
with the existing Noosa Civic development (0m to service ramp and 10m to rear corner of existing
Woolworths).
Whilst the proposed building setbacks to Covenant J vegetation are less than the setbacks recommended in
the SPP 1/03 Guideline, this situation will not create an unacceptable level of risk to human health or property
given the following facts and circumstances:
> the proposed Noosa Civic expansion will require clearing of a significant proportion of the existing native
forest vegetation between Walter Hay Drive, the southern roundabout and the existing Noosa Civic centre
(with the exception of the band of forest in Covenant J), and will thereby remove much of the existing
bushfire hazard;
> relatively narrow band of forest vegetation within Covenant J will be effectively isolated from larger areas
of vegetation to the south by the proposed extension of Hofmann Drive, which would substantially limit the
potential for bushfire originating in the southern Open Space Precinct OS2 and OS4 to spread into
Covenant J;
> the extent of vegetation within Covenant J is less than 1.5 ha in extent and occurs as a relatively narrow
band of vegetation (30-65m in width) on flat land, which factors limit the ability for any fire originating within
Covenant J to develop to a high severity;
> the proposed pedestrian link through Covenant J will further fragment the vegetation and interfere with the
build-up and passage of bushfire;
> whilst the vegetation within Covenant J is currently equivalent to an eucalypt forest with dry-shrub ladder
fuels, it contains rainforest elements within the understorey and small tree layer and will over time and in
the absence of fire transition to a form of rainforest with a lower hazard level;
> as part of the active management of Covenant J, including the rehabilitation of any areas that may be
disturbed during the construction of the Noosa Civic expansion, there is the capacity to promote the
development of a native rainforest community to further reduce bushfire hazard levels;
> the presence of a drainage line within Covenant J combined with the sheltering effects of substantial
buildings to the east and north-west means that relatively high moisture levels are likely to be maintained
within Covenant J which minimises the potential for the build-up and curing of fuel loads;
> the Medium Hazard Area classification assigned to Covenant J using the SPP 1/03 Guideline methodology
is considered conservative and the associated composite hazard score of 7 for this area sits at the lower
end of the Medium hazard area score spectrum which ranges from 6 to 12.5; and
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> the High Potential Bushfire Intensity Class assigned to Covenant J using the new SPP methodology is also
conservative and there are reasonable grounds for classifying this area to a Low Potential Bushfire Intensity
Class under post-development conditions due to the limited extent, narrow width and isolation of this patch
of vegetation from larger areas of hazardous vegetation in the locality; and
> in the event of a bushfire occurring within Covenant J access for fire suppression purposes would be
available from the eastern, southern, western and northern perimeters of Covenant J.
It is also relevant to note all buildings constructed adjacent to Covenant J will need to be designed and
constructed in a manner that is appropriate to their level of exposure to flame, radiant heat and ember attack
as determined in accordance with Australian Standard AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire
prone areas.
4.2 Water Supplies
The SPP 1/03 Guideline states that, for all development involving new or existing buildings with a gross floor
area greater than 50m2, each lot has:
a) a reliable reticulated water supply that has sufficient flow and pressure characteristics for fire
fighting purposes at all times (minimum pressure and flow is 10 litres a second at 200 kPa); or
b) an on-site water storage of not less than 5,000 litres (e.g. accessible dam or tank with fire
brigade tank fittings, swimming pool).
The proposed development would be serviced by a reticulated water supply that would be available for fire
fighting/suppression purposes. To ensure that access to this reticulated water supply is readily available and
adequate for fire suppression and property protection purposes in the event of a bushfire:
> a series of hydrants will be established around the perimeter of the Noosa Civic expansion, including the
western perimeter adjoining Covenant J; and
> a minimum water pressure and flow of 10 litres a second at 200kPa will be available at all times.
4.3 Lot Layout and Siting
The SPP 1/03 Guideline recommends that lots be designed so that their size and shape allow for the following.
1. Efficient emergency access to buildings for fire-fighting appliances (e.g. by avoiding long narrow lots
with long access drives to buildings).
2. Setbacks and building siting such that buildings can be situated in locations of lowest hazard within the
lot and appropriate setbacks from hazardous areas can be established and maintained.
With respect to the above, the proposed Noosa Civic expansion:
> does not involve the creation of any new lots;
> involves extensions to Hofmann Drive and the internal ring-road that will surround the existing Noosa Civic
development and proposed development with multiple access points to Walter Hay Drive; and
> provides building setbacks as discussed in Section 4.1 herein.
4.4 Firebreaks and Maintenance Trails
The SPP 1/03 Guideline recommends that for development that will result in multiple buildings or lots,
firebreaks are provided by:
a) a perimeter road that separates lots from areas of bushfire hazard and that road has:
- a minimum cleared width of 20 metres; and
- a constructed road width and weather standard complying with local government
standards.
OR
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b) where it is not practicable to comply with the above, fire maintenance trails are located as
close as possible to the boundaries of the lots and the adjoining bushland hazard, and the
fire/maintenance trails:
- have a minimum cleared width of 6 metres; and
- have a formed width and gradient, and erosion control devices to local government
standards; and
- have vehicular access at each end; and
- provide passing bays and turning areas for fire-fighting appliances; and
- are either located on public land, or within an access easement that is granted in favour of
the local government and QFES.
AND
c) sufficient cleared breaks of 6 metres minimum width in retained bushland within the
development (e.g. creek corridors and other retained vegetation) to allow burning of sections
and access for bushfire response.
With respect to the above, the proposed Noosa Civic expansion:
> involves extensions to Hofmann Drive and the internal ring-road that will surround the existing Noosa Civic
development and proposed development with multiple access points to Walter Hay Drive; and
> provides appropriate building setbacks as discussed in Section 4.1 herein.
It is recommended that fire be actively excluded from Covenant J to facilitate the transition to a less hazardous
rainforest vegetation. Relevant management specifications are provided in the Bushfire Management Plan
(Cardno. 2015) presented in Appendix D.
Consistent with the Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan (The Consultancy
Bureau, 2004) and the updated Bushfire Management Plan presented in Appendix D, a network of fire trails
will be established and maintained to facilitate:
> access around the perimeter of Covenant J and to the interface between Covenant J and the existing Noosa
Civic buildings and the proposed expansions; and
> the conduct of fuel reduction burns within vegetation that is located within future development areas (i.e.
Shire Business Centre Map area E7 and E6).
4.5 Access/Egress Arrangements
The ability of both landowners and fire fighters to access all areas of a property can be a vital factor in
determining whether a fire can be fought successfully or not. Secure access also allows for safe performance
of management actions and safe exit should evacuation be required.
In recognition of this the SPP 1/03 Guideline states that, for development that will result in multiple buildings
or lots, roads are designed and constructed in accordance with applicable local government and State
government standards and:
a) have a maximum gradient of 12.5%; and
b) exclude cul-de-sac, except where a perimeter road isolates the development from hazardous
vegetation or the cul-de-sac are provided with an alternative access linking the cul-de-sac to
other through roads.
The proposed development is consistent with the above SPP 1/03 Guideline recommendations and provides
multiple avenues of entry/exit to facilitate the deployment of fire-fighting resources and/or the evacuation of
personnel if required.
Further in this respect it is noted that any bushfire that occurs within the Noosa Civic locality and which is likely
to require an evacuation of the centre will most likely approach the site from either the east or south. Under
such a scenario there is the potential for the safe movement of traffic to be restricted on parts of the surrounding
road network due to smoke or flame hazards. Under such circumstance neither the health nor safety of Noosa
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Civic patrons and staff would be subjected to an unacceptable level of risk given the following facts and
circumstances.
1. Local emergency response personnel would implement traffic management controls to prevent access
to those parts of the local road network that may be exposed to dangerous smoke and flame hazards.
For example, if a major fire event was to occur within the adjacent sectors of Noosa National Park to the
east of the Noosa Civic site there is the potential for that fire to create unsafe conditions on adjacent
sectors of Eenie Creek Road and Walter Hay Drive. If such a circumstance occurred it would be
standard practice from the local fire and emergency response authorities to arrange for the temporary
closure of both roadways to general traffic, which would be diverted to other parts of the local road
network. In addition to ensuring public safety the removal of general traffic from fire exposed sections
of the road network also facilitates the safe and efficient movement of fire response units that are
involved in managing the spread of the fire.
2. The main points of access to and egress from the existing and proposed Noosa Civic centre are located
on the northern sector of the site and are unlikely to be exposed to smoke or flame emanating from any
fire approaching the site from the east or south. Whilst there are potential access/egress routes leading
to the south and east that could be used by Noosa Civic patrons and staff, as noted above access to
these routes would be restricted if required due to potential smoke or flame hazards.
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5 Compliance Assessments
5.1 Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code
As illustrated in the extract from the Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map
OM9.4), presented in Table 5-1 below, parts of the Noosa Civic site and adjoining land are classified as a
Medium Bushfire Hazard Area; although this mapping is conservative in that it preceded the development of
the existing Noosa Civic centre and associated roads.
Table 5-1 Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM8.4) Extract
Extract Legend
Indicative location and extents of:
The existing Noosa Civic
development
The proposed Noosa Civic
expansion
The location and extent of area classified a Medium Bushfire Hazard Area on Map OM8.4 is generally
consistent with the findings of the Bushfire Hazard Assessment detailed in Section 3 herein.
The Noosa Plan specifies that any development application lodged over land within an area identified as a
Bushfire Hazard Area on Overlay Maps OM1.4—OM9.4 should be supported by:
> a site specific assessment of bushfire risk prepared in accordance with Appendix 3 of the SPP 1/03
Guideline; and
> a Bushfire Management Plan prepared in accordance with Appendix 8 of the SPP 1/03 Guideline.
The required bushfire hazard (risk) assessment and details concerning proposed bushfire hazard management
strategies are provided in Section 3 and Section 4 herein.
Based on the previously presented information, an assessment of the levels of compliance that the proposed
Noosa Civic expansion achieves with the requirements of the Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code is
presented in Table 5-2.
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Table 5-2 Noosa Plan Natural Hazards Overlay Code compliance assessment
Specific Outcomes Probable Solutions Proposed Response
13.33 Effects of use and works
New Uses
O4 The proposed use does S4.1 The use is sited on land that is not Complies:
not compromise the safety of in a Medium or High Bushfire Hazard The proposed Noosa Civic expansion
people or property from Area38; or involves the establishment of new retail
bushfire. buildings within a Medium Bushfire Hazard
S4.2 The use is sited on land that is Area. For the reasons specified in Section
determined as low bushfire risk by a site 4, the proposed use does not compromise
specific bushfire hazard assessment. the safety of people or property from
bushfire.
Protection of Infrastructure
and Community Uses
O5 Community Uses and S5.1 Community Uses and Complies:
Infrastructure Uses, including Infrastructure Uses are not located in a The proposed development does make
that identified below, are able High or Medium Bushfire Hazard Area
to function effectively during provision for the establishment of a new
identified on Overlay Maps OM1.4 to electricity distribution substation
and immediately after OM9.4;
bushfire events— (33/11kV). The proposed location for this
OR electricity sub-station is shown in Plan Ref:
a) Emergency service DA-TBG-AR-1001-001(A) presented in
S5.2 Building work will not involve more
facilities; Appendix B.
than an additional 20m2 of gross floor
b) Hospitals; area to an existing building; The proposed location for the electricity
c) Education Type 4 uses, OR sub-station is considered to be acceptable
including stores for valuable given that it is separated from adjacent
S5.3 Where located in a High or Medium medium bushfire hazard rated vegetation
records or items of historic or
cultural significance; and Bushfire Hazard Area identified on to the south by the proposed extension to
Overlay Maps OM1.4 to OM9.4, uses Hofmann Drive. It is also noted that the
d) Service and utility uses, are designed to function effectively
including electricity adjacent area of hazardous vegetation will
during and immediately after bushfire eventually be removed when the land is
substations, major electrical events.
depots and water treatment developed generally in accordance with
plants. the Shire Business Centre Map.
Consideration of the potential for the
electricity substation (or associated
distribution network) to be impacted by (or
a source of) bushfire within adjacent areas
of hazardous vegetation will also be
required during the detailed design and
operational phases of development.
Hazardous materials
O6 Public safety and the S6.1 Hazardous materials are not Not applicable: The proposed
environment are not manufactured and stored on the site. development will not involve any
adversely affected by the hazardous materials manufacture or bulk
detrimental impacts of storage.
bushfire on hazardous
materials manufactured or
stored in bulk.
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13.34 Siting, design and construction
O7 Uses and works including S7.1 Uses and works including building Complies: As detailed in Section 4
building works are sited, works are sited— herein the proposed development
designed and constructed makes provision for building setbacks
to— that are appropriate taking into account
a) on lots greater than 2,500m 2;
a) minimise the number of the characteristics, location and
people and property subject i) in locations of lowest hazard within configuration of areas of potentially
to bushfire risk; and the lot (Figure 13.5 provides guidance); hazardous vegetation that would be
and either:
b) maximise the protection of
people and property during ii) to achieve setbacks from hazardous a) permanently retained within the
the passage of a fire front. vegetation of 1.5 times the predominant Shire Business Centre Open
mature canopy tree height or 10m Space Precincts; or
whichever is the greater; and
iii) 10m from any retained vegetation b) present until the relevant precinct
strips or small areas of vegetation; and is cleared to facilitate
iv) so that the elements of the development.
development least susceptible to fire
are sited closest to the bushfire hazard;
b) on lots 2,500m2 or less - to maximise
setbacks from hazardous vegetation.
13.35 Water supply for fire fighting
O8 An adequate and S8.1 For premises not in a water service Complies. As detailed in Section 4.2,
accessible water supply is area— each lot has an accessible dam, the proposed development would be
provided for fire fighting swimming pool or water tank accessible by serviced by a reticulated water supply
purposes. the fire brigade that contains at least 5,000 that would be available for bushfire
litres of water. suppression purposes.
13.36 Vehicle access and fire trails
Firebreaks and fire access
tracks
S9.1 Firebreaks are provided by— Complies overall, on the basis that
O9 Firebreaks or fire access a) a cleared road reserve not less than 20m Covenant J is part of the development
tracks provide— wide located around the perimeter of the area ‘within’ the firebreaks.
a) adequate access for fire development; The proposed development makes
fighting and other emergency OR provision for firebreaks of the nature
vehicles; and specified in S9.1. Specifically the
b) fire access tracks between the
b) adequate width to extension of Hofmann Drive, the inner
development and surrounding vegetated ring road, and car parking areas will
minimise the risk of fire lands that—
crossover. create a substantial fire break between
i. are a minimum cleared width of 6m; retail buildings and most areas of
ii. have a maximum grade of 1 in 8 (12.5%); potentially hazardous vegetation to the
east and south.
iii. have a formed pavement;
As detailed in Section 4.1 and Section
iv. have access at each end and in other
4.4, the proposed plan of development
locations where necessary;
also makes provision for some building
v. have passing areas and turning areas; setbacks to Covenant J.
vi. have clearly identified access points for Consistent with the Noosa Shire
emergency vehicles; and Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire
vii. are located on public land or within Management Plan (The Consultancy
access easements that are granted in Bureau, 2004), a network of fire trails
favour of the Sunshine Coast Regional will be established and maintained to
Council and the Queensland Fire and facilitate:
Rescue Service. > access around the perimeter of
Covenant J and to the interface
between Covenant J and the existing
Noosa Civic buildings and the proposed
expansions; and
> the conduct of fuel reduction burns
within vegetation that is located within
future development areas (i.e. Shire
Business Centre Map area E7 and E6).
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13.37 Reconfiguring a Lot
General
O10 The safety of people S10.1 The proposed lots are not located on Not Applicable. The proposed
and property are maintained land that is subject to Medium or High development does not require nor
by Bushfire Hazard on overlay maps OM1.4- involve reconfiguring a lot.
a) Locating house site areas OM9.4 42;
and other sensitive uses on OR
that part of the land least S10.2 The proposed lots are sited on land
affected by the bushfire determined as low bushfire risk by a site
hazard; and specific bushfire hazard assessment. 43
b) fire mitigation methods are AND
used that are adequate for
the Potential Bushfire Hazard S10.3 Additional lots are not created where
rating of the individual site, their only vehicular access route is through
having regard to – a Medium or High Bushfire Hazard area
shown on overlay maps OM1.4-OM9.4
i. vegetation type;
ii. slope;
iii. aspect;
iv. on-site and off-site fire
hazard implications of the
development;
v. bushfire history;
vi. conservation values of the
site; and
vii. ongoing maintenance.
Firebreaks and fire access
tracks
S11.1 Firebreaks are provided by— Complies overall, on the basis that
O11 Firebreaks or fire a) a cleared road reserve not less than 20m Covenant J is part of the development
access tracks provide— wide located around the perimeter of the area ‘within’ the firebreaks
a) adequate access for fire subdivision, between the created lots and The Noosa Civic expansion will be
fighting and other emergency surrounding vegetated lands; within a firebreak of the nature specified
vehicles; and OR in S11.1 established by extension of
b) adequate width to Hofmann Drive and the inner ring road,
b) fire access tracks (may be in the form of
minimise the risk of fire plus some limited setbacks of buildings
an access easement) between the created from Covenant J protected vegetation.
crossover. lots and surrounding vegetated lands that—
A network of fire trails will also be
i. are a minimum cleared width of 6m; established and maintained.
ii. have a formed pavement;
iii. have access at each end and in other
locations where necessary;
iv. have passing areas and turning areas;
v. have clearly identified access points for
emergency vehicles; and
vi. are located on public land or within
access easements that are granted in
favour of the Sunshine Coast Regional
Council and the Queensland Fire and
Rescue Service 44.
.
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Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
Road network
O12 Roads provide for the S12.1 Cul-de-sacs or no-through roads are Complies - The proposed development
safe and effective evacuation not used in the street network unless— makes provision for the completion of
of users of premises and the Hofmann Drive ring-road which will
access by Emergency also be connected to Walter Hay Drive.
a) a perimeter road reserve with a minimum
services. The resultant road network will provide
reserve width of 20m and a formed width of safer and more effective routes for
not less than 6m is provided; or evacuation and the deployment of fire
management resources than is the
b) cul-de-sacs or no-through roads are existing case.
provided with fire trails or access
easements, capable of being navigated by
conventional vehicles, that link to through
roads (see Figures 13.3 and 13.4);
AND
S12.2 Roads have a maximum grade of 1
in 8 (12:5%).
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Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
Lot design
O13 Lot design and building S13.1 Each residential lot— Complies.
siting minimises bushfire a) includes a house site area, identified Whilst the proposed development does
hazard to people and on the plan of subdivision; not involve the creation of new lots, it
property having regard to does involve the construction of new
slope, aspect, existing b) is of sufficient size and dimensions to retail buildings on an existing lot.
vegetation and adequate accommodate a dwelling and
separation from hazardous ancillary buildings and use areas;
vegetation. The proposed building locations are
c) for lots more than 2,500m2 — generally sited in a low hazard position
with respect to topographic position
i. conform with the principles for (mid slope), slope gradient (< 5%) and
house site numbers 1, 2 or 3 shown aspect (east to south) landscape
in Figure 13.5; and position.
ii. are separated from hazardous
vegetation for a distance the Building setbacks are provided from
minimum of 1.5 times the hazardous vegetation that are
predominant mature canopy height generally compliant with the desired 1.5
times the predominant mature canopy
or 10m, whichever is the greater;
height, with the exception of the
and setback to Covenant J. As detailed in
d) for lots less than 2,500m 2, maximise Section 4.1 the vegetation in Covenant
separation of buildings from J, whilst currently satisfying the criteria
for classification as hazardous
hazardous vegetation.
vegetation, does not pose an
S13.2 Residential lots are designed so that unacceptable risk to the proposed
their size and shape allow for efficient development and the proposed building
emergency access to buildings for fire setbacks are equivalent to those
fighting appliances (e.g. by avoiding long provided for the existing Noosa Civic
narrow lots with long access driveways). development on the opposite side of
Covenant J.
5.2 State Planning Policy (SPP)
The proposed development site contains and adjoins bushfire hazard areas and as such the proposed
development requires assessment against the interim development assessment requirements of Part E of the
SPP.
Based on the previously presented information, an assessment of the levels of compliance that the proposed
development achieves with the interim development assessment requirements of Part E of the SPP is presented
in Table 5-3.
Table 5-3 SPP Part E Interim Development Assessment Requirements compliance assessment
Requirement Response
Development:
(1) avoids natural hazard areas or mitigates the The proposed development will constitute development within a
risks of the natural hazard to an acceptable or bushfire hazard area. As detailed in Section 4 and Section 5.1 a
tolerable level range of hazard reduction and response measures would be
implemented and the associated risk posed by bushfire in the
locality would be less than that to which the existing Noosa Civic
development is exposed.
(2) supports, and does not unduly burden, The proposed development would not unduly burden bushfire
disaster management response or recovery management response or recovery capacity and capabilities. In
capacity and capabilities fact the proposed development would improve the capacity for
safe and effective bushfire response in the vicinity of the existing
Noosa Civic development.
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Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
Requirement Response
(3) directly, indirectly and cumulatively avoids an The proposed development is consistent with this requirement in
increase in the severity of the natural hazard and that it would:
the potential for damage on the site or to other reduce the extent of potentially hazardous vegetation in the
properties vicinity of the existing Noosa Civic development and the
associated severity of local bushfires; and
improve the capacity of bushfire management personnel to
respond to a bushfire in the general locality via completion of
the Hofmann Drive and internal ring road.
(4) avoids risks to public safety and the The proposed development would not involve the manufacture or
environment from the location of hazardous bulk storage of hazardous materials. Any hazardous materials
materials and the release of these materials as a stored and handled at the proposed Noosa Civic expansion would
result of a natural hazard need to be stored and handled in accordance with applicable
regulatory requirements and the specifications of the applicable
safety data sheet (SDS).
(5) maintains or enhances natural processes and The proposed development does not involve any clearance of high
the protective function of landforms and conservation value vegetation for bushfire hazard mitigation
vegetation that can mitigate risks associated with purposes. The natural successional development of rainforest
the natural hazard. vegetation within Covenant J that will be promoted is not contrary
to this requirement.
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Noosa Civic Expansion
Bushfire Assessment Report
6 Bushfire Management Plan
A Bushfire Management Plan (The Consultancy Bureau, 2004) was prepared in accordance with the
Conditions of Approval for the existing Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 development.
An updated Bushfire Management Plan (Cardno, 2015) has been prepared for the expanded Noosa Civic
development which encompasses the Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 and the proposed Noosa Civic
expansion. The updated Bushfire Management Plan (Cardno 2015) is presented in Appendix D and is
generally consistent with:
> the specifications of the approved Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan (The
Consultancy Bureau, 2004); and
> the specifications of SPP 1/03 Guideline – Appendix 8 Undertaking a Bushfire Management Plan.
The Bushfire Management Plan (Cardno, 2015) provides:
a) the purpose, aim and objectives of the bushfire management plan (e.g. to define the level of hazard
on the land and identify actions and responsibilities for the management of the hazard);
b) a summary of the results of the bushfire hazard assessment undertaken for the site, including:
i. identification of the various parts of the site and adjacent lands that have been determined to
be high, medium and low bushfire hazard area; and
ii. the impacts of the proposed development on the level of fire hazard experienced by other land
in the surrounding area, including any land containing water, electricity, gas or
telecommunications infrastructure;
c) fire hazard mitigation specifications, including:
i. reporting and notification pathways in the event of a bushfire;
ii. general specifications and materials for building design and construction in accordance with
the Building Code of Australia;
iii. fire fighting infrastructure, including water supply, equipment and fittings, fire breaks and
maintenance/access trails;
iv. details of long term management requirements, including the frequency, extent and intensity
of burning in areas proposed to be subject to fuel reduction and ecological burns; and
v. the parties to be responsible for specific actions taken under the terms of the bushfire
management plan.
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Page 62
Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report 7 Conclusions The proposed Noosa Civic expansion will increase the number of people working within an area that contains areas of bushland that present a potential hazard to human health and property in the event of a bushfire. As such it is a requirement of the Noosa Plan and the SPP (July 2014) that the Noosa Civic expansion makes appropriate provision for bushfire hazard mitigation and management measures. It is the conclusion of this assessment that the Noosa Civic expansion makes appropriate provisions for the mitigation and management of bushfire hazards, including: > the establishment of appropriate building setbacks from areas of hazardous vegetation within and external to the site; > a reticulated water supply with the capacity to service bushfire and general fire fighting requirements for the proposed development; > upgrading of the external road network to provide enhanced access to the Noosa Civic locality for the deployment of fire management personnel and equipment, and evacuation of people if required, in response to a bushfire event; > an internal network of formed roadways and fire maintenance trails that will facilitate the safe and efficient deployment of fire management personnel and equipment; > a system of firebreaks comprised of roadways, car parking areas and maintenance trails to separate hazardous vegetation from potential building sites; and > ongoing maintenance and management of on-site vegetation, property and fire management infrastructure by the owner of the Noosa Civic development. Given the above, the proposed development would not be likely to place human health or property at an unacceptable level of risk in the event of a bushfire given that: > the proposed development will result in an overall reduction in bushfire hazard levels within the Noosa Civic locality via the removal of substantial areas of hazardous vegetation and the completion of the Hofmann Drive and internal ring road network; and > the proposed building setbacks to areas of potentially hazardous vegetation contained within the Hofmann Drive and internal ring-road network are equivalent to the building setbacks associated with the existing Noosa Civic development. Notwithstanding the above, it will be necessary for: > buildings to be designed and constructed in accordance with AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas; and > bushfire hazard mitigation management measures to be implemented and maintained in general accordance with the Bushfire Management Plan (Cardno, 2015). QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015 J13041_Bushfire Assessment V2.docx Commercial in Confidence Page 29
Page 63
Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report 8 References Australian Standard AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas. BoM and CSIRO (2014) State of the Climate 2014 http://www.csiro.au/state-of-the-Climate-2014 Cardno (2014). Noosa Civic Extension – Bushfire Assessment Report (version 1). Prepared for QCI Noosa Civic Pty Ltd and submitted as part of the Noosa Civic Expansion development application (Ref: MCU14/0106 & OPW15/0001). Cardno (2014b). Noosa Civic Extension - State and Local Government Ecological Assessment. Prepared for QCI Noosa Civic Pty Ltd and submitted as part of the Noosa Civic Expansion development application (Ref: MCU14/0106 & OPW15/0001). Draft State Planning Policy Guideline - State Interest - Guidance on flood, bushfire and landslide hazards (December 2013). Fire Check Consultants (Undated). Fire Management Plan (Version 1.04) – Noosa Civic State 1, Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Queensland. Leonard, J., Newnham, G., Opie, K., and Blanchi, R. (2014). A new methodology for state-wide mapping of bushfire prone areas in Queensland. CSIRO, Australia. Noosaville Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (Map OM9.4). Noosa Plan (2013) - Natural Hazards Overlay Code. State Planning Policy 1/03 Guideline – Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide (SPP 1/03 Guideline) State Planning Policy (SPP) – Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience -Technical Manual - A ‘fit for purpose’ approach in undertaking natural hazard studies and risk assessments (August, 2014). The Consultancy Bureau (2004). Noosa Shire Business Centre Stage 1 Bushfire Management Plan. Tran, C. (2002). Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium - Fire Management Operational Manual Best Practice Guidelines and Procedures. QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Version 2 23 April 2015 J13041_Bushfire Assessment V2.docx Commercial in Confidence Page 30
Page 64
Noosa Civic Expansion
FIGURES
Figure 1 Noosa Civic Extension Locality
Figure 2 Post Development Bushfire
Hazard Ratings Map
Page 65
NOOSA CIVIC EXPANSION
BUSHFIRE ASSESSMENT
Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved 2014.
Copyright in the whole and every part of this drawing belongs to Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd and
may not be used, sold, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or
form or on any media, to any person other than by agreement with Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd.
This document is produced by Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd solely for the benefit of and use by
the client in accordance with the terms of the retainer. Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd does not
and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of
FIGURE 1
NOOSA CIVIC EXTENSION LOCALITY
any use or reliance by third party on the content of this document.
QIC
Page 66
NOOSA CIVIC EXPANSION
BUSHFIRE ASSESSMENT
A
H
L
F
G
DRIVE
50
m
F R HAY
J
H
O
FM
WALTE
AN
N
I
D
50
R
m
IV
B
E
m
50
K
E
BUSHFIRE HAZARD LEVELS
C HIGH
MEDIUM (PERMANENT)
MEDIUM (FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AREA)
LOW
D 50m SAFETY BUFFER
A-L BUSHFIRE ASSESSMENT UNITS
Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved 2014.
Copyright in the whole and every part of this drawing belongs to Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd and
Scale 1:2,500 (A3)
may not be used, sold, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or
form or on any media, to any person other than by agreement with Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd.
FIGURE 2
This document is produced by Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd solely for the benefit of and use by
the client in accordance with the terms of the retainer. Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd does not
and shall not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party arising out of
any use or reliance by third party on the content of this document.
POST DEVELOPMENT BUSHFIRE HAZARD RATING MAP
QIC
Page 67
Noosa Civic Expansion APPENDIX Shire Business Centre (Map SBC) of the Noosa Plan Shaping the Future
Page 68
Total area 2.1 B3 BS total 5.3 OSS Total Area 0.2 Ho Total Area 1.9 Ho L 123 mecwners National Park EGEND B1 BUSINESS OS1 (Retail Centre and Business) B2 BUSINESS REC/ MU (Cor Parking & Offices) Total Area 1.5 Ha Psi B3 BUSINESS (Showroom, Office & Business) 123 E1 EMPLOYMENT woes (Technology based R&D Business Offices & Civic) EMPLOYMENT (Educative & Environmental R&D Business & Offices) EMPLOYMENT (Environmental R&D Business & Offices) EMPLOYMENT (Industry & Business) TRANSIT EMPLOYMENT (Industry & Business) EMPLOYMENT (Business Offices & Transit) EMPLOYMENT E7 (Business & Offices) OS1 OPEN SPACE (Environmental) OS2 OPEN SPACE 7 (Environmental) OS3 OPEN SPACE (Preservation of Visual Amenity) OS4 OPEN SPACE (Environmental Drainage) OS5 OPEN SPACE (Preservation of Visual Amenity) E7 A OS6 OPEN SPACE ] (Preservation of Visual Amenity) Total Area 3.7 Ha OS7 OPEN SPACE (Environmental Drainage) RES RESIDENTIAL (Employment Support) REC/MU RECREATION MIXED USE (Minor recreation/ minor mixed u 2 Or open spaces) — zeiemes BICYCLE PATH WALKING PATH OS1 Total Are 11.3 Ho fo ~ SHIRE BUSINESS CENTRE (MAP SBC)
Page 69
Noosa Civic Expansion APPENDIX Noosa Civic Expansion Development Plans Shaping the Future
Page 70
1.1 SITE ADDRESS 28 EENIE CREEK ROAD, NOOSAVILLE RP DESCRIPTION LOT 3 on SP246584 PARISH of Tewantin COUNTY of March SITE AREA 31.73 HECTARES LEGEND —— _ LOT3 SITE BOUNDARY NOOSA CIVIC EXPANSION EXTENT REFER TO BARK DESIGN ARCHITECTS DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE INTRODUCED LANDSCAPE PREDOMINANTLY EXISTING FOREST/LANDSCAPING EXISTING BUILDINGS DA-TBG-AR-1000-000[A] | SITE PLAN noosacivic expansion eo OIC “BUCHAN: _ 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville QLD 4566 eal Estate
Page 71
\ emt ‘$P192396 ih iJ Specalty He | iy 7 noosacivic expansion 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville QLD 4566 “BUCHAN: _ Real Estate
Page 72
Noosa Civic Expansion APPENDIX Noosa Civic Expansion - Site Based Vegetation Mapping Shaping the Future
Page 73
Noosa Civic Expansion Gq ) Cardno
State and Local Government Ecological Assessment
LEGEND
[J study Area
Cadastre
[J covenant J on sP182845
Site Based Vegetation Communities
Y | Advanced regrowth Melaleuca quinquenervia
and Eucalyptus robusta forest
Clear
HE (2 nciscepes & young regrowth
[EI Besrowth Metoieuce quinauenervia and
Eucalyptus robusta forest
Regrowth Syncarpia glomulifera, E. resinifera,
E. grandis & Corymbia intermedia
Unclearea Syncarpia glomulifera, E. resinifera,
E. grandis & Corymbia intermedia
{© coro (Oe) Pid A Rp Renened 2014 10 Scale 1:2,900 (A3)
tin tho whole and every part o his drawing bolongs to Carcno (Qi) Ply Lid and
‘may nol be usod, solo ransferrec, copied or ragroducod in whole or in pat any manner oF FIGURE 6
Giheronanyiiaie wenyporsrene’entyogeanotn Gavel Pye
This dozurntis roduc by Carino (0d) Poly rhe boot a and uso by metres
srs ir yep rt) a aon ok SITE BASED VEGETATION MAPPING
Rev: 1 |Drawn: AP | Crecked: DF | Date: 02/12/2014 Project No: J13041
QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd
Page 74
Noosa Civic Expansion APPENDIX Bushfire Management Plan Shaping the Future
Page 75
Noosa Civic Bushfire Management Plan
In the event of becoming aware of a Bushfire in adjacent bushland Centre Management must:
7 (a) Notifiy the Qld Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) by calling 000; and
(b) Implement the Centre's approved Fire Management Plan (note: existing Fire Management Plan (Version
1.04) - Noosa Civic State 1, Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Queensland needs to be updated).
This Bushfire Management Plan:
a) forms part of and should be read in conjunction with the Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report V2
(Cardno 2015);
b) defines a number of distinct Bushfire Management Units (BMUs) located within the Noosa Civic site and on adjoining
FH land;
c) provides on Drawing Ref: J13041-002 details concerning the following for each of the defined BMUs:
FH
FH
FH
FH
8 - the location and extent of the BMU;
- the existing/future land use for the BMU as per the Shire Business Centre Map;
FH
FH - the dominant vegetation type within the BMU;
FH
- the bushfire hazard rating of the BMU after development of the proposed Noosa Civic expansion, determined in
FH
FH
FH
1 accordance with the SPP 1/03 Guideline as per the Noosa Plan;
FH - the entity (or entities) responsible for management of the BMU, including implementation of required bushfire
hazard management actions;
H
FH
I
FH
FH - features of conservation significance associated with each BMU;
- the Primary and Secondary Bushfire Management Priorities for each BMU; and
6 FH
FH
FH
FH
- bushfire management issues and actions that are relevant to the BMU as part of the proposed Noosa Civic
FH expansion.
FH
FH
FH FH
B
FH
FH
In accordance with the BMP the ongoing development and operation of the Noosa Civic development must make
provision for appropriate bushfire hazard mitigation measures including:-
FH
- the design and construction of buildings in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standard
FH FH AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas;
FH - the establishment of fire fighting infrastructure, including water supply, equipment and fittings, fire breaks and
FH
C FH
A FH
maintenance/access trails; and
- the development and implementation of existing Fire Management Plan (Version 1.04) - Noosa Civic State 1,
FH Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Queensland needs to be updated).
FH
FH Contact details for other entities that need to be involved in the implementation of this BMP are:
5 - Qld Fire & Emergency Service (QFES): Noosa Heads ph: 5480 5466
D
FH
- Qld Rural Fire Service: Doonan Rural Fire Brigade ph: 5449 1741
J
FH
4 FH
FH FH
- Noosa Shire Council: 5329 6500
- Qld Parks and Wildlife Service: 5459 6110
3 FH
Key Bushfire Management Elements
FH
FH Pedestrian Fire Line - min cleared width 2m (located outside of Covenant J)
FH
4WD Fire Trail Proposed - min cleared width 4m
4WD Fire Trail Existing - min cleared width 4m
E Major Fire Break - min cleared width 20m containing a formed and sealed roadway
A Bushfire Management Unit Boundary
F FH Existing fire hydrants (Source: Noosa Civic Stage 1 Fire Management Plan)
2
FH Indicative locations for additional fire hydrants (to be confirmed)
Drawn Date Client
J.M. 23/03/2015 QIC
Cardno Limited All Rights Reserved. Checked Date Project Status
This document is produced by Cardno Limited solely for the
J.D.
Designed
23/03/2015
Date
PRELIMINARY
benefit of and use by the client in accordance with the NOOSA CIVIC EXPANSION NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES
J.D. 23/04/2015
Verified Date BUSHFIRE ASSESSMENT Scale Size
assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd | ABN 57 051 074 992
Title AS SHOWN A3
party arising out of any use or reliance by third party on the Approved
Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Drawing Number Revision
content of this document. BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
= Tel: 07 3369 9822 Fax: 07 3369 9722
Web: www.cardno.com.au
J13041-001 0
Page 76
Bushfire SPP 1/03 Post Primary (Secondary)
Land Use (as per Shire Responsible Features of Conservation
Management Unit Extent Dominant Vegetation Type (post development) Development Bushfire Management Entity Bushfire Management Bushfire Management Issues and Actions
Business Centre Map) Significance
(BMU) Hazard Class Priority
Hectares
A 0.91 Covenant J - Vegetation Protection. Non-remnant Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) dominated regrowth Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Vegetation protected under statutory Property Protection (Biodiversity Planned burns or wildfires within this area would pose an unacceptable risk to adjacent
open forest with an understory containing a high prevalence of rainforest covenant. Wallum Froglet (Crinnia Conservation) buildings and the developing rainforest understory. As such fire will be actively excluded
species. Likely pre-clearance Regional Ecosystem type: RE12.9-10.1 tinula), a Vulnerable species pursuant from this area. Available fuel loads will be reduced through the active management of
Tall open forest often with Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis, E. robusta, to the Qld Nature Conservation Act, weeds (e.g. Lantana) and refuse originating from the Noosa Civic developments. In the
Corymbia intermedia on sedimentary rocks. Canopy species include recorded in the southern end of this absence of fire the prevalence of native rainforest species within this management unit,
Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis, E. robusta, Corymbia intermedia +/- E. area. which encompasses a drainage line, will increase as part of a natural successional
microcorys, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. process.
glomulifera and Lophostemon confertus. Occurs on Cainozoic and
Mesozoic sediments.
B 0.34 Covenant J - Vegetation Protection. As above. Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd Vegetation protected under statutory Property Protection (Biodiversity As above.
covenant. Conservation)
C 1.37 Encompasses Employment Precinct As above. Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd None Property Protection (Biodiversity Planned burns or wildfires within this area would pose an unacceptable risk to adjacent
E2. Conservation) buildings and as such fire will be actively excluded from this area. Available fuel loads
will be reduced through the active management of weeds (e.g. Lantana) and refuse
originating from the Noosa Civic developments.
D 3.41 Encompasses Employment Precinct E6 As above. Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd High Value Koala Bushland Habitat Property Protection (Biodiversity The conduct of planed burns within this area is warranted to maintain relatively low fuel
and a narrow fringe of Open Space pursuant to the Qld Government Conservation) loads whilst maintaining the ecological integrity of the vegetation community. Planned
OS3 along Walter Hay Drive. Mapping. summer to winter, low to moderate intensity fires at 3-5 year intervals with the area
actively defended against the entry of high intensity wildfires. A fuel reduction burn
should be carried out in this area prior to the commencement of construction of the
proposed Noosa Civic expansion and after associated vegetation clearance works have
been completed.
E 1.58 Encompasses Employment Precinct E7 As above. Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd High Value Koala Bushland Habitat Property Protection (Biodiversity As above.
and a narrow fringe of Open Space pursuant to the Qld Government Conservation)
OS3 along Walter Hay Drive. Mapping.
F 1.46 Encompasses Employment Precinct Regrowth Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta and Syncarpia Medium QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd in close High Value Koala Bushland Habitat Biodiversity Conservation Melaleuca forests are fire-adapted, but too high an intensity or frequent fire will slow or
E7, a narrow fringe of Open Space glomulifera open forest. Likely pre-clearance Regional Ecosystem type: consultation with Noosa Shire pursuant to the Qld Government (Property Protection) prevent regeneration and lead to lower species richness. High intensity fires may kill
OS3 along Walter Hay Drive and an RE 12.3.5 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest on coastal alluvium. Council. Mapping, Wallum Froglets, trees and lead to whipstick regeneration whilst too frequent fire may result in a net loss
area subject to a statutory covenant Environmental Covenant. of nutrients from an already nutrient poor system. Planned late summer to mid-winter
(i.e. Covenant L on SP182845). (after rain) burns at 6-20 year intervals with a 25-70% burn mosaic. Planned burns are
not to be carried out during extended dry periods to avoid the potential for peat-type
fires. All planned burns within this area will be carried out in co-ordination with Noosa
Shire Council and its bushfire management strategy for the adjoining reserves to the
south and west.
H 2.25 Business Precinct B3 and a narrow Landscaped. Low QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd / Noosa None Property Protection Regular weed and refuse removal, use of native "green break" plant species in
fringe of vegetation primarily located Shire Council landscaping works.
within the Walter Hay Drive road
reserve that forms part of OS3 Visual
Amenity.
I 10.92 Business Precincts B1, B2 and parts of Landscaped. Low QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd None Property Protection Regular weed and refuse removal, use of native "green break" plant species in
B3 - existing Noosa Civic Stage 1. landscaping works.
J 6.03 Commercial - Noosa Civic Stage 2. Landscaped. Low QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd None Property Protection Regular weed and refuse removal, use of native "green break" plant species in
landscaping works.
1 > 1,000 Noosa National Park. Remnant RE12.9-10.1 Tall open forest often with Eucalyptus resinifera, Medium Department of National Parks, National Park, Coastal Wetlands, Koala Biodiversity Conservation No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
E. grandis, E. robusta, Corymbia intermedia on sedimentary rocks. Sport and Racing - Qld Parks and Bushland Habitat pursuant to Qld development. QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd is to establish and maintain contact with QPWS
Canopy species include Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis, E. robusta, Wildlife Service (QPWS) Government Mapping, Wallum to ensure a co-ordinated fire management approach for BMU 8.
Corymbia intermedia +/- E. microcorys, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Froglets.
Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera and Lophostemon confertus.
Occurs on Cainozoic and Mesozoic sediments.
2 11.15 Council Reserve. Mixture of remnant RE12.3.5 and regrowth RE12.9-10.1. Medium Noosa Shire Council Coastal Wetlands, Koala Bushland Biodiversity Conservation No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
Habitat pursuant to Qld Government development. QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd is to establish and maintain contact with Council
Mapping, Wallum Froglets. to ensure a co-ordinated fire management approach for BMU E and BMU F.
3 12.63 Council Reserve. As above. Medium Noosa Shire Council As above Biodiversity Conservation As above.
4 ~2 Encompasses an 11 lot subdivision Cleared land. Low Individual lot owners None Property Protection No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
located within Employment Precinct E3 development.
and adjoining developments to the
west.
5 1.10 Encompasses the Residential Cleared land. Low Individual lot owners None Property Protection No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
(Employment Support) Precinct. development.
6 5.80 Encompasses Employment Precincts Cleared land. Low Individual lot owners None Property Protection No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
E4 and E5 and some adjoining development.
established developed areas to the
west.
7 3.54 Developed commercial land to the Cleared land. Low Individual lot owners None Property Protection No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
north of Eenie Creek Road. development.
8 2.97 Encompasses Open Space (OS1 - Non-remnant Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) dominated regrowth Medium Individual lot owner High Value Koala Bushland Habitat Biodiversity Conservation No active management actions required as part of the Noosa Civic expansion
Environmental; OS3 - Visual Amenity) open forest with an understory containing a high prevalence of rainforest pursuant to the Qld Government (Property Protection) development.
and Recreational Mixed Use (REC/MU) species. Likely pre-clearance Regional Ecosystem type: RE12.9-10.1 Mapping.
precincts. Tall open forest often with Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis, E. robusta,
Corymbia intermedia on sedimentary rocks. Canopy species include
Eucalyptus resinifera, E. grandis, E. robusta, Corymbia intermedia +/- E.
microcorys, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Syncarpia glomulifera subsp.
glomulifera and Lophostemon confertus. Occurs on Cainozoic and
Mesozoic sediments.
Notes:
Refer to Noosa Civic Expansion Bushfire Assessment Report v2 (Cardno, 2015) for additional detail regarding bushfire hazard classifications.
The establishment and maintenance of fire-lines and the planning for and conduct of burns is to be carried out in general accordance with the Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium - Fire Management Operational Manual Best Practice Guidelines and Procedures (Tran, 2002).
Guidelines and Procedures (Tran, 2002).
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