MCU14/0106 & OPW15/0001 Appendix F - Ecological and Bushfire Management Response

                                                                           Supplementary Ecological Assessment Report
                                                                                                Noosa Civic Expansion



> 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.



28 April 2015                                         Cardno                                                       8