Frogs and plants in Council's sights during flood works

The first stage of the flood mitigation works for Tewantin's Daintree Estate is now underway, with a high degree of care being shown for the local environment.

"Much of stage one is actually on land that is controlled by the State Government," Councillor Tony Wellington explained.

"It thus impacts on the Tewantin National Park and the Harry Springs Regional Park.

"Before work could begin, flora and fauna surveys were carried out. These identified two species of concern. One was the vulnerable Tusked Frog and the other a near-threatened plant, the Hairy Hazelwood. The scientific name for this plant is Symplocos harroldii, named in honour of Dr Arthur Harrold, the founder of Noosa Parks Association.

"Council has engaged Noosa & District Landcare to translocate the Hairy Hazelwoods to the adjoining National Park. Landcare has also taken cuttings to generate new plants.

"In dealing with the Tusked Frog and other fauna, Council has engaged a professional ecologist to be onsite. Every morning the ecologist will inspect the equipment being used to make sure there are no hidden animals. They will then keep a watch through the working day for creatures that may need to be relocated. There will also be follow up monitoring with particular focus on the Tusked Frog when the works are completed."

A detailed Environmental Management Plan has been written for the flood mitigation works. According to Noosa Council's Project Manager, Adam Britton, the document covers not only roles and responsibilities, but also management of air, noise and water quality.  

"Council takes the environmental management of this project very seriously," Mr Britton said.

"We have systems and resources in place to reduce impacts to the environment.

"In terms of the overall design, Council will achieve the desired 1 in 100 year flood mitigation for Daintree properties. Clearing downstream of Golf Course Drive will occur with the least possible effect on the surrounding bush. And instead of a wide earth mound or levee around the actual estate, the design now calls for a retaining wall that will have a much smaller footprint."

As Cr Wellington put it, "This is good news for our residents and the best possible news for our native species. Clearly some disturbance of habitat is necessary, but that will be kept to an absolute minimum. And when all the works are complete, the Daintree residents and the Tusked Frogs can look forward to a good drop of rain."

3 December 2014