2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                  3 MARCH 2015



PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT REPORTS
(Planning & Development Sections only)

DA Planning & Environment
1    DEVELOPMENT OF A NOOSA SHIRE KOALA POLICY
Author           Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne
                 Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index            ECM/Fauna Management/Koala

Attachments      Noosa Shire Koala Policy-Background Paper


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There have been calls from the community over the years for Noosa Council to consider
measures to protect koala populations in Noosa Shire. The development of a Koala Policy
would build on existing state regulations and guidelines and give local level policy guidance
to future koala conservation efforts. To assist in the development of a Koala Policy for Noosa
Shire, an initial public consultation process is recommended. This will enable Council to
consider a wide range of community views prior to developing the policy. This report seeks
approval to proceed with both the public consultation and also the subsequent development
of a Noosa Shire Koala Policy 2015.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the Planning &
Organisation Committee Meeting dated 3 March 2015 and:
A.   Undertake public consultation through Council’s ‘Your Say Noosa’ webpage to inform
     the development of Noosa Shire Koala Policy and through targeted consultation with
     key interest groups; and
B.   Endorse the development of a Noosa Shire Koala Policy.



REPORT
Koalas are known to occur at a range of locales across the Noosa Shire. Statistics and
anecdotal information suggest that local koala numbers are declining and that additional
management action may be needed. However, more information is required to get a clearer
picture of the numbers, health and long term sustainability of populations. Koala protection
should occur in concert with a range of measures aimed at improving biodiversity throughout
the Noosa Shire. Nonetheless, there is a community expectation that koalas as a species
will receive special consideration. This expectation is reflected in a number of federal and
state government laws and policies. There are also species specific provisions in the Noosa
planning scheme.

1.   Planning Instruments & Government controls.

The Australian Government has developed a National Koala Conservation and Management
Strategy 2009-14 and under national law koalas are listed as “vulnerable” in Queensland,
New South Wales and ACT. Under Queensland legislation the koala is listed as “vulnerable”



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