ATTCH 2 - IR Response - Ecological and Bushfire IR Response (Cardno)

: WE17035                                                                    5
13 November 2017


           supporting research document that ensures that the development of planning policy is based on
           current scientific understanding of biodiversity values across Noosa.”

     f)    The analyses presented in the Noosa Biodiversity Plan - Biodiversity Assessment Report (December
           2016) determined that the Noosa Shire contains a total of 43 vegetation (regional ecosystem)
           communities of conservation significance including:

                 -     seven REs that are classified as Endangered and twenty-four REs classified as Of Concern
                       by the Queensland State Government; and
                 -     a further twelve REs considered to be regionally significant due to their naturally limited extent
                       within the shire (<150 ha pre-clear extent) or due to the substantial reduction in area of extent
                       post European settlement (<30% of pre-clear extent remains in Noosa).
     g) RE12.2.14 is not one of the 43 vegetation communities of conservation significance identified within
        the Noosa Biodiversity Plan - Biodiversity Assessment Report (December 2016).

Based on the above facts and circumstances, we respectfully reiterate our assessments that an objective
analysis of available data, including that contained within the Vegetation of Noosa (Ed 2, 2003), clearly
demonstrates that:

     a) RE12.2.14 is not a “rare or naturally restricted” vegetation community within the Noosa Shire; and

     b) the classification of the Site as being an Environmental Protection Area, and the associated land use
        and development constraints that flow from that designation, due to the presence of RE12.2.14 is not
        warranted.


Information Required

3.         Provide amended plans that show vegetation along the seaward boundary of all proposed lots
           to a minimum width of 6.0m protected by covenant.
Response

The purpose of this information request is not clear, so it is assumed that this request is based on a desire to
ensure that any building established on the Site will not be exposed to an unacceptable levels of risk of damage
due to coastal processes (i.e. shore line erosion).

In that respect it is noted that the proposed plan of development includes provision for a minimum building
setback of 6m from the eastern (seaward) boundary of each lot. This building setback is also proposed to
provide an area of land between the eastern boundary and future dwellings that will be available for bushfire
and stormwater (infiltration) management purposes.

As detailed in the responses to Council’s Information Request Item 1, the retention of vegetation within a 6.0m
wide band along the seaward boundary of the Site is not required for coastal management purposes.
Furthermore, as detailed in the Bushfire Management Plan prepared in response to Council Information
Request Item 6, the maintenance of an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) at least 6m in width is required along the
eastern (seaward) boundary of the Site. Whilst the vegetated dune system to the east is not classified as a
bushfire hazard area pursuant to the Noosa Plan Natural Hazards (Bushfire) Overlay mapping, it does have
the potential to carry a low intensity bushfire under certain circumstances. The maintenance of an APZ is
therefore required to provide some separation between buildings and vegetated dunes to the east and access,
if required, for fire suppression and structure protection purposes.




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