PM Submission - John Cochrane - MCU21/0110

“Adamson Town Planning, specialising in providing higher order town planning advice”



             b) the development has been designed, sited, and will be operated to not have a significant
                adverse impact on ecologically important areas, ecological systems, and processes subject
                to an environmental offset (discussed above and in the TEA) (OO(b));
             c) the proposed development design and layout could provide for some ecological
                connectivity across the landscape setting through the rehabilitation and enhancement of
                native vegetation where possible, which could be conditioned (OO(c));
             d) the design and layout provides for the protection of some native vegetation to the north
                and east of the development, with an environmental offset to be provided for the removal
                of koala habitat and feed trees (NJKHTs), which is reasonably expected under PO5 (OO(e));
             e) the development and its associated landscaping will provide for the rehabilitation of areas
                of the site that can provide some ecologically benefit (OO(g)); and
             f) the development has been designed, sited, and will be constructed and operated to
                minimise adverse impacts on koalas and their habitat; however, relies on an environmental
                offset being provided for the removal of NJKHTs (OO(h)).

         The performance outcomes under the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Code are addressed
         in Attachment F in the Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report by Gondwana Ecology (refer
         Appendix B).

         For reasons already explained above and having regard to the advice provided by Gondwana
         Ecology the proposed development will not have a significant impact upon the environmental
         values of the locality. Further, the proposed development relies on the provision of an
         environmental offset for the removal of about 19 NJKHTs that are segregated from the adjoining
         Noosa National Park to the north and east of Resort Drive.

         The proposed development is consistent with the Biodiversity, Waterway and Wetlands Code or
         can be conditioned to comply. To the extent there is any non-compliance, on balance, there are
         relevant mattes that warrant discretion.

         Bushfire Hazard Overlay

         Under the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Mapping, the subject land has a High Potential Bushfire
         Intensity and is also affected by the Potential Impact Buffer Area (refer Table 1, above).

         A Bushfire Hazard Assessment (BHA) has been prepared by Rob Friend and Associates and is
         provided as Appendix E. The site was inspected to ascertain the status of bushfire hazards over
         the site and adjacent lands and to enable a comparison with the Bushire Hazard Overlay mapping
         for the purpose of providing a response to the Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code.

         The bushfire expert has advised that:

             1. The bushfire hazard mapping over the vegetated parts of the subject site and surrounding
                areas to the north and east, is supported by aerial photography and confirmed by the site
                visit.

             2. The area of vegetation within the northern portion and along the north-eastern boundary of
                the subject site is an area of High Potential Bushfire Intensity consistent with the State


         Noosa Springs Boutique Hotel – GH Australia Pty Ltd                             Page 44