2020-08-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   11 AUGUST 2020


adjacent wetlands due to nutrient input and eutrophication. Many animals have adapted to the
low nutrient status and their presence in these low nutrients systems is a product of natural
selection and evolutionary processes. Disruptions to the nutrient cycles and water regimes can
lead to local extinctions of fauna, some unique ones adapted to acidic and low nutrient
environments (swamp crayfish and wallum rocketfrog) and permanent alteration of their habitats.
The proposal suggests the pump house will be in ground to a depth of 5m. A borehole log show
soil sampling finished at 2m, with the one borehole showing a clayey layer at 1.6m. Penetrating
this clayey layer a further 3m is not discussed in the proposal and raises concerns about the
permeability of the clayey layer and ground water interception. The applicant has also stated the
2 x 280,000 litre water tanks (12m diameter x 2.5m high) would also be buried in proximity to the
lagoon/wave pool. One of the tanks is proposed to dispose of waste water by infiltrating through
the base. Excavations beyond 1.6m in depth will penetrate the clayey layer and could impact on
ground water, acid sulphate soils and adjacent wetland values. Previously the applicant has
advised no excavations below 8 AHD will occur and acid sulphate soils will not be encountered.
Updated plans were provided on 12 June 2020 stating all cuts are located above the 5m AHD
level.
The location on an ancient porous sand mass, coupled with the proximity to highly sensitive
wetlands and their unique fauna, requires sufficient information to assess possible deleterious
impacts on the ecological values of the site and its surrounds. The information provided with the
application attempts to qualify the impacts but, due to missing information, uncoordinated reports
or inadequate sampling, the veracity and accuracy of the information is unacceptable to support
the proposal.
It is not possible to impose reasonable and relevant conditions on impacts which are yet to be
defined. The proposal, in its current form, will clear 1.24 hectares of threatened species habitat of
high value regrowth vegetation and could pollute a wetland with high ecological values. No
information has been put forward by the applicant which adequately addresses these issues.
4.    NEW NOOSA PLANNING SCHEME (31 JULY 2020)
The subject site is located within the Tourist Accommodation zone under the Noosa Plan 2020.
An application for short-term accommodation would remain impact assessable under the new
scheme. Noosa North Shore is identified as a key visitor area within the shire under the new
Strategic Framework. The locality provides limited opportunity for future short-term
accommodation development, with development being restricted to those areas zoned as Tourist
Accommodation only. The provisions under the new scheme in relation to short-term
accommodation and biodiversity values within this location remains similar to the provisions
under the current scheme, therefore no change in the assessment or recommendation would
result under the Noosa Plan 2020.
5.    CONSULTATION
5.1. Referral Agencies
Not applicable
5.2. Advice Agencies
The application was forwarded to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) for comment.
QPWS provided the following statement:
      ‘…the land to the east of the proposed development is national park and includes wetlands
      and habitat for threatened species. The wetland being listed as a Wetland of High
      Ecological Significance on the Map of Queensland Wetland Environmental Values – a
      Matter of State Environmental Significance.
      QPWS requires that the habitat values of the receiving waters and neighbouring lands are
      maintained and not impacted by the proposed development. To assist meeting this
      objective QPWS supports Council’s information request particularly in relation to the
      following matters: acid sulfate soils, bush fire management, waste water disposal and its

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