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SUPERSEDED Reference Document Pre-Clearance Report by Biodiverse Environment al_15 08 2025 OPW25/0140
NOOSA COUNCIL
REFERENCE DOCUMENT
OPW25/0140
29 OCTOBER 2025
Pre-Clearance Report
44 Hoy Road, Lake MacDonald
Report Prepared for South East Civil
15 August 2025
Document Set ID: 24044458
Version: 1, Version Date: 19/08/2025
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DISCLAIMER
Information provided in this report is subject to copyright laws and is intended for the noted recipient(s)
only. This report remains the property of Biodiverse Environmental and may not be copied, reproduced
or submitted in whole or in part without the express permission of the author. Biodiverse accepts no
responsibility for any person or third party who may use or rely upon the concept of this report, liabilities
or cost incurred as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.
Parts of this report may contain information originally prepared by other parties – in these cases these
sources are cited. All advice is provided based upon information sources current at time of report
preparation. Biodiverse Environmental and the authors do not accept any form of liability, be it
contractual or otherwise, in respect of the data, errors, or omissions arising, through misinterpretation
of information, negligence or otherwise, however caused.
LEGISLATION
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), Queensland's native wildlife is protected. A person
who intends to move, take, use or keep native fauna requires an appropriate permit to do so. Where
approved land clearing activities may result in displacement of native wildlife, Biodiverse is permitted
to observe or relocate animals under Rehabilitation Permit Number WA0068587.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION
Biodiverse Environmental is a certified Scientific Research and Fauna Spotter Catcher service provider
under the NCA and an independent environmental consultancy with appropriate experience to
undertake fauna trapping, handling, research and management, environmental and ecological
surveying and reporting, and land management activities.
Biodiverse Environmental holds a current Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and
Innovation (DETSI) endorsed Rehabilitation Permit, Scientific Purposes Permit and Damage Mitigation
Permit under the relevant Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.
Biodiverse Environmental and their endorsed employees can carry out:
- Spotter catcher activity under Rehabilitation Permit WA0068587 valid to 08 May 2028
- Removal and relocation of protected animals under Damage Mitigation Permit WA0068576
valid to 08 May 2028
- Taking a protected animal for scientific purposes under Scientific Purposes Permit WA0026563
valid to 07 September 2025.
- Fish Salvage and Dewatering activities under General Fisheries Permit 260772 valid to 11
November 2025
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DOCUMENT CONTROL
Biodiverse Project
PR1238
Reference No.
Document Title PR1238-SEC-HoyRd-PrCR-20250815
Version 01
Sina Kankaanpaa,
Prepared by
Environmental Scientist 18/08/25
Jem Gibbs
Reviewed by
Environmental Scientist Jem Gibbs 18/08/25
Jem Gibbs (Aug 18, 2025 16:02:06 GMT+10)
Sina Kankaanpaa,
Approved by
Environmental Scientist 18/08/25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
© All content including photos subject to Copyright
CONTACT DETAILS
Biodiverse Environmental
PO Box 320
Eudlo QLD 4554
0408 011 584
[email protected]
www.biodiverse-environmental.com.au
ABN: 18766198454
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Relevant Documents .......................................................................................................... 1
1.3. Suitably Qualified Persons ................................................................................................ 1
1.4. Site Location ....................................................................................................................... 1
2. PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY METHODOLOGY .......................................................................... 3
3. PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY RESULTS ..................................................................................... 3
3.1. Habitat Features and Animal Breeding Places ................................................................. 3
3.2. Fauna Observations ........................................................................................................... 5
4. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 13
5. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 13
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Site location ......................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. Aquatic features on Site ....................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3. Roadside line of sight clearing ............................................................................................. 4
Figure 4. Evidence of fauna ................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 5. Habitat features on Site ..................................................................................................... 12
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Habitat features and potential animal breeding places identified during the pre-clearance
survey ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Table 2. Habitat features and potential animal breeding places identified during the pre-clearance
survey ............................................................................................................................................... 10
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
This report gives details of the fauna management works carried out by Biodiverse Environmental for
South East Civil (‘the Client’) on the 15th of August 2025.
Works involved a pre-clearance assessment of vegetation to be cleared (‘the Site’) as part of a
residential subdivision located at 44 Hoy Road in Lake Macdonald, and for line of sight at the
intersection of Hoy Road and Lake Macdonald Drive.
A pre-clearance survey was conducted at the Site prior to vegetation being cleared to identify the
potential presence of fauna, breeding places or associated habitat. A Fauna Spotter Catcher will be
present for all clearing activities to capture and relocate any fauna identified in accordance with
legislative and environmental management requirements.
Where dewatering or disturbance to aquatic habitat features is necessary, fish salvage procedures
will be implemented, as authorised under a General Fisheries Permit and DPI guidelines.
1.2. Relevant Documents
The Arborist Report and attached Vegetation Management Plan, version 1, prepared by Litoria
Consulting was consulted prior to the pre-clearance survey and in preparation of this report.
1.3. Suitably Qualified Persons
Fauna management services were conducted by Biodiverse Environmental’s Fauna Spotter Catcher
(FSC), Sina Kankaanpaa, who has nine [9] years of experience as an ecologist and FSC and in
conducting fauna and habitat assessments. Sina also holds formal qualifications in Environmental
Science and Environmental Management.
1.4. Site Location
The site is located at 44 Hoy Road in Lake Macdonald, formally described as Lot 3 on RP171041
(see Figure 1). Vegetation on Site is classified as non-remnant and currently dominated by Hoop pine
(Araucaria cunninghamii) and Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) at the northern extent and
Qld blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Sydney blue gum (E. saligna), Turpentine (Syncarpia
glomulifera), Pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) and Flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis) at the
southern extent. The majority of the Site has been historically underscrubbed, with understorey
vegetation present only in pockets surrounding aquatic features.
Two [2] large dams including a disturbed watercourse are present at the eastern extent, with a third
small waterbody present at the western extent of the Site.
The Site is bordered by low density residential properties, with Lake Macdonald less than 1km to the
east. While the area has been largely cleared, the Site maintains good connectivity to areas of
remnant bushland in the west.
A second clearing area is present at the intersection of Hoy Road and Lake Macdonald Drive, to allow
for clearer line of sight for oncoming traffic.
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Figure 1. Site location
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2. PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The purpose of a fauna pre-clearance survey is to locate fauna, their breeding places and habitat,
and to relocate any fauna that may be impacted by works. A pre-clearance survey was conducted on
the 15th of August 2025 at 44 Hoy Road in Lake Macdonald.
The pre-clearance survey included a visual inspection of the tree canopy and surrounds within the
project area. This involved inspecting for nests, hollows, scratches, burrows, arboreal termitarium,
scats and tracks. The survey also included a destructive search which involved stripping loose
exfoliating bark and rolling logs.
3. PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY RESULTS
3.1. Habitat Features and Animal Breeding Places
A total of forty-one [41] habitat features and potential animal breeding places were located on Site,
including coarse woody debris piles, loose bark, aquatic features, arboreal and terrestrial termitaria,
burrows and hollows. These features are considered to provide suitable habitat for a range of fauna.
Loose and fractured bark, as well as hollow limbs, provide suitable breeding, foraging and sheltering
habitat for small reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Woody debris, felled vegetation and
groundcovers are also regularly used by several species including reptiles, amphibians and
mammals.
A proposed covenant will overlay and protect the eastern waterway and waterbodies from clearing
and direct disturbance impacts. While these features will not be removed during works, care must be
taken when working in the vicinity, and sedimentation into the waterway must be avoided. A small
waterbody is present at the western Site extent where amphibians, as well as other fauna, are
expected to be present (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Aquatic features on Site
Several large trees are present at the southern extent of Site. Scratch marks consistent with Koala
(Phascolarctos cinereus) and other small to medium sized mammals were observed on a number of
these trees (Figure 4), however no Koala’s were observed during the survey. If present during works,
they will be managed as per the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017.
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Four [4] additional hollow-bearing trees are present within the road easement, and may require
clearing for road construction. A breeding pair of Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) was observed
entering and exiting a hollow. Given the breeding season for many hollow-breeding avian and
mammal species commences in late winter, active breeding places are likely to be present. It is
recommended that these hollows be inspected via Elevated Work Platform (EWP) prior to removal.
One [1] tree potentially containing hollows is located within the line of sight clearing area at the
intersection of Hoy Road and Lake Macdonald Drive (Figure 3). The tree has been partially engulfed
by vines, and woody debris is present at the base. Small fauna may be concealed within these
features. A list of habitat features and animal breeding places identified during the survey is detailed
below in Table 1 and Table 2. Features are mapped in Figure 5.
Figure 3. Roadside line of sight clearing
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3.2. Fauna Observations
Incidental fauna observations included Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Laughing
kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Willie wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Australian brush turkey
(Alectura lathami), Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), and species of wren. Additionally,
feathers consistent with Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), scratch marks consistent with Koala
(P. cinereus) and various other mammals, as well as small passages within dried groundcovers,
consistent with small mammal species, were observed.
Also present were old feeding marks consistent with Yellow-bellied glider (P. australis australis),
however, the species is not expected to be present due to a lack of suitable habitat.
Figure 4. Evidence of fauna
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Table 1. Habitat features and potential animal breeding places identified during the pre-clearance survey
Feature ID 01 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Evidence of fauna
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.397071003139,152.927049547434
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome Scat consistent with Eastern grey kangaroo (M. gigantus).
Feature ID 02 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Evidence of fauna
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3975425020487,152.927469313145
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome Fauna tracks. No fauna observed.
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Feature ID 03 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Loose bark
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3975425020487,152.927469313145
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome No fauna observed.
Feature ID 04 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Coarse woody debris
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3974890455812,152.927730493248
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome Cleared Camphor laurel trees. No fauna observed.
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Feature ID 05 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Coarse woody debris
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3974358894064,152.927664443851
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome Partially buried log
Feature ID 06 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Evidence of fauna
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3976151787794,152.927762679756
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Feathers consistent with Australian magpie (G. tibicen).
Comments/Outcome
Potential predation.
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Feature ID 07 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Loose bark.
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3976151787794,152.927762679756
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome No fauna observed.
Feature ID 08 Corresponding Photograph/s
Description of habitat feature Aquatic
Status of habitat feature Inactive
Location of habitat feature -26.3975959584914,152.927933000028
Date of observation 14/08/2025
Comments/Outcome No fauna observed.
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Table 2. Habitat features and potential animal breeding places identified during the pre-clearance survey
ID Feature type Status GPS Date Description
Coarse woody -26.3975959584914,
9 Inactive 14/08/2025
debris 152.927933000028
Evidence of -26.3975959584914, Evidence of
10 Inactive 14/08/2025
fauna 152.927933000028 burrowing
-26.3979350159141,
11 Loose bark Inactive 14/08/2025
152.92807046324
Hollow present.
Arboreal -26.3979350159141,
12 Inactive 14/08/2025 Laughing
termite mound 152.92807046324
kookaburra nearby
Waterway area with
-26.397974057006, overgrown
13 Aquatic Active 14/08/2025
152.928401380777 vegetation.
Amphibians heard.
Series of small
burrows (~30mm).
-26.3980989884114, Likely terrestrial
14 Burrow Inactive 14/08/2025
152.928361482918 rodent species
burrowing among
dry grasses.
Coarse woody -26.3982179133736,
15 Inactive 14/08/2025
debris 152.928589805961
Large dam with
reeds and riparian
-26.3984957047902,
16 Aquatic Active 14/08/2025 and aquatic
152.928873449564
vegetation. Swamp
waterhen present
Coarse woody -26.3984957047902,
17 Inactive 14/08/2025
debris 152.928873449564
Evidence of -26.3991062429273, Scat consistent with
18 Inactive 14/08/2025
fauna 152.929016947746 Wallaby species.
-26.3991062429273, Dense vines
19 Vines Inactive 14/08/2025
152.929016947746 engulfing tree.
Scratch marks
consistent with
Evidence of -26.3992380803008,
20 Inactive 14/08/2025 Koala (P. cinereus),
fauna 152.92905382812
Glider (P. breviceps
or P. norfolcensis)
Scratch marks
consistent with
Evidence of -26.40074594078,
21 Inactive 14/08/2025 Koala (P. cinereus),
fauna 152.928790636361
Glider (P. breviceps
or P. norfolcensis)
Hollow - live -26.40074594078,
22 Inactive 14/08/2025 ~50mm
tree 152.928790636361
Coarse woody -26.4006594518049,
23 Inactive 14/08/2025
debris 152.928584106266
Hollow - live -26.3997146756545, Large hollow
24 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.928016148508 >200mm
Old Yellow-bellied
glider (P. australis
Evidence of -26.3997146756545,
25 Inactive 14/08/2025 australis) feed
fauna 152.928016148508
marks. No fresh
marks present.
-26.3997146756545,
26 Grass Inactive 14/08/2025 Open grass
152.928016148508
- Old Yellow-bellied
Evidence of
27 Inactive 26.3997146756545,15 14/08/2025 glider (P. australis
fauna
2.928016148508 australis) feed
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ID Feature type Status GPS Date Description
marks. No fresh
marks present.
Arboreal -26.398844669925, Excavation, and
28 Inactive 14/08/2025
termite mound 152.9279544577 hollows
Burrows at base of
-26.398844669925, tree with evidence of
29 Burrow Inactive 14/08/2025
152.9279544577 previous fire
damage.
Hollow - live -26.398844669925, Large hollow
30 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.9279544577 >200mm
Evidence of -26.398844669925,
31 Inactive 14/08/2025 Scratch marks
fauna 152.9279544577
Small waterbody
with riparian
-26.3984960051049,
32 Aquatic Inactive 14/08/2025 vegetation, coarse
152.926319651306
woody debris and
vines.
Manmade -26.3978046786348, Abandoned
33 Inactive 14/08/2025
refugia 152.92656943202 structure.
Large hollow-
bearing tree with
Hollow - live -26.4256586732218, multiple hollows.
34 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.913342118263 Hollow-utilising
fauna observed
nearby.
Terrestrial mound
Terrestrial -26.3961042741931,
35 Inactive 14/08/2025 with no excavations
termite mound 152.927059940994
visible.
Loose bark and
Coarse woody -26.3954267482428,
36 Inactive 14/08/2025 potential hollows in
debris 152.926596924663
adjacent tree.
Large hollow-
bearing tree with
Hollow - live -26.3954267482428, multiple hollows.
37 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.926596924663 Hollow-utilising
fauna observed
nearby.
Large hollow-
bearing tree with
Hollow - live -26.3954267482428, multiple hollows.
38 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.926596924663 Hollow-utilising
fauna observed
nearby.
Large hollow-
bearing tree with
Hollow - live -26.3954267482428, multiple hollows.
39 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.926596924663 Hollow-utilising
fauna observed
nearby.
Large hollow-
bearing tree with
Hollow - live -26.3954267482428, multiple hollows.
40 Inactive 14/08/2025
tree 152.926596924663 Hollow-utilising
fauna observed
nearby.
Potential habitat
-26.3967253361544,
41 Habitat tree Inactive 14/08/2025 tree. Coarse woody
152.923440635204
debris and vines.
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Figure 5. Habitat features on Site
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4. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Actions contained in the Vegetation Management Plan, version 1, prepared by Litoria
Consulting are to be followed during works. A FSC will be present for the duration of vegetation
clearing, mulching and dewatering works.
Given the likelihood of active breeding places in hollow-bearing trees located on Hoy Road,
hollows within these trees are to be inspected via EWP prior to removal. If active breeding
places are observed, the hollow is to remain in place until the fauna has dispersed, if possible.
To provide access to the Site, understorey vegetation is able to be removed under supervision
by a FSC.
In the event, Koala are found to be present during works, the Nature Conservation (Koala)
Conservation Plan 2017 will be followed. This will include temporary cessation of works within
the vicinity of the Koala until the Koala self-disperses on its own accord.
Where dewatering or disturbance to aquatic habitat features is necessary, fish salvage
procedures will be implemented.
5. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Natural tree hollows are valuable and essential for obligate hollow using fauna species. They
provide shelter from the elements and predators and are utilised for roosting and breeding.
Suitable hollows can take hundreds of years to form.
Nest boxes are recommended to be installed within a nearby conservation Site to supplement
the removal of the hollows utilised by mammal and avian species. This will provide shelter and
refuge and encourage future breeding of fauna. Artificial nest boxes are generally installed at
a rate of three [3] nest boxes per hollow-bearing tree removed. Nesting boxes are to be made
from Class 1 hardwood timbers which are able to last outdoors for over 30 years. Biodiverse
Environmental can supply and install required nest boxes. Installation will be conducted by a
qualified and experienced Biodiverse Environmental tree climber.
To provide further ecological benefits, salvaging any large logs suitable for use in nest box
construction is recommended. Biodiverse Environmental will identify any suitable trees (Class
1 timber species) and provide a crane truck to remove timber at no cost to the client, if possible.
All salvaged timbers get milled into 40mm thick planks and refurbished into wildlife nest boxes.
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