An “unacceptable loss” of vegetation is likely to force councillors to decide against a proposed holiday accommodation extension in a known koala habitat site.
The RACV Noosa Resort is seeking an extension to the existing resort that would include 15 self-contained accommodation units, a new lagoon pool within the existing resort complex, an additional 18 carparks and alterations to the existing access.
The Noosa Heads site is in a Tourist Accommodation Zone and Environmental Management and Conservation Zone, with a total area of about 5.18 hectares.
The existing resort is at 94 Noosa Drive, while the adjoining vacant block, 142 Noosa Drive, is the subject site for the new units.
A tree-clearing plan revealed that of 242 trees survey on the site, 71 trees would be removed to build the development, with 27 of those known koala trees.
A further 11 trees were labelled as “TBC”, which could take the loss of trees to 82, including up to 32 koala trees.
The matter was recommended for refusal during Noosa Council’s Planning and Environment Committee Meeting on Tuesday, November 7.
A report stated the proposed development would “result in an unacceptable loss of vegetation in a locality which is ecologically important and environmentally sensitive”.
During the meeting Noosa Council development planner Tara Norley said that while attempts by the applicant had been made to minimise environmental impacts, including having the units and connecting boardwalk elevated, the development was inconsistent with the planning scheme.
“We are recommending refusal for this one,” Ms Norley told councillors during the meeting.
“There are significant ecological impacts on the site. The whole site is mapped as koala habitat.
“The proposal has been designed to try and lessen the impacts as much as possible in terms of what they are actually proposing, however we don’t think that outweighs the impacts of the development.
“Essentially building outside of the urban boundary and in the environmental management and conservation zone is contrary to the compliance of the planning scheme.”
Councillor Brian Stockwell raised a question about the State Assessment and Referral Agency’s (SARA) stance regarding the impact on koalas.
“SARA has approved the development but they have put a covenant around the entire site … excluding the building footprint and the boardwalk,” Ms Norley said.
A Noosa Council environmental officer added that SARA had a condition with the requirement for illuminated signage north and south of the development to make drivers aware of koalas in the area.
In response to Councillor Karen Finzel’s question about who would be responsible for developing a covenant, the officer said “SARA would be the owner of the covenant with the developer”.
“That would be SARA’s responsibility to ensure compliance was met at all times with those covenant terms,” the officer said.
The matter will be discussed further at the November 13 General Committee meeting.
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