Attachment 3 - Koala Impact Assesssment

A co-ordinated approach to mitigating impacts.
Noosa Council is recognised for its emphasis on retaining natural ecological
assets within a major global tourist destination. Carefully planning development
to improve natural assets is an effective way to retain key habitat for native
species while accommodating the tourist influx that is drawn to the environment
of Noosa. Habitat areas that facilitate koala movement, provide koala food, or
are used for koala refuge require careful attention if development is proposed,
regardless of the planning designation of the area. For example, if a site is
primarily of benefit for connection, but provides little fodder, the integrity of the
environment is vital for koala movement, even though the tree composition may
change. Reducing its capacity to transport koalas by removing trees and
building impediments to movement could degrade its value significantly. The
current site presents a variety of resources to koalas: refuge, movement, and
food. Each of these habitat values must be retained for there to be no residual
impact on koalas, but by improving various elements it is possible to generate a
net benefit. Due to the shape and composition of the site, movement
opportunities occur throughout the site in multiple directions, and it is a wide
node along an otherwise narrow strip of vegetation. By placing units carefully
within the site and retaining most trees throughout the site, there is less
functional impediment to movement by koalas. Similarly, improvements to the
health of these trees should increase (enhance) the quantum of fodder available
to koalas using the site over time.


A recent feasibility report into koala infrastructure in Noosa (Ecology 2017)
recommended koala exclusion fencing be constructed on Weyba Rd (Noosa
Drive); where the proposed development meets Weyba Rd the opportunity
exists to assist council in meeting this recommendation. Because exclusion
infrastructure works more effectively with safe crossing structures, a
combination of the two is likely to significantly improve the connections for
koalas traversing Weyba Rd.



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                      Lot 3 on SP 126203 Report prepared for Aspect Architects June 2022