Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study Final Impact Assessment and Land Use Transport Strategy

and to promote urban forms which minimise transport 5 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING requirements and improve the efficiency of land supply and infrastructure provision.

Actions suggested of government to achieve these 5.1 Introduction objectives include: This Chapter describes the existing environment along q Those which involve the continuation of urban the alignment of the proposed scheme and in the public transport systems, integration and general area. It also includes a description of the coordination of different modes of transport and environmental planning policy framework before improving service quality; considering a review of the environmental q Continue to integrate landuse and transport characteristics of the areas in the vicinity of the planning with an emphasis on urban development proposed scheme. that minimises the need for fossil fuel based transport; 5.2 Relevant National Policy Framework q Provide for a range of densities in urban areas with higher densities particularly encouraged in 5.2.1 National Ecologically Sustainable areas near employment centres and public Development (ESD) Strategy 1992 transport services; and q Seek ways of reducing fringe development and In 1990 the Commonwealth Government suggested focus future development more within the existing the following definition for Ecologically Sustainable built up area of Australian cities. Development (ESD) in Australia: The strategy also addresses the issue of energy use ‘using, conserving and enhancing the community’s and transport with the objective of encouraging resources so that ecological processes on which life switching to alternative transport technologies or depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, modes where this reduces greenhouse gas emissions now and in the future, can be increased’. per passenger unit and to optimise the modal mix of transport to achieve greater economic, environmental Following a national consultative process in 1992, and social benefits. Australian Governments adopted the principle of ESD as a national strategy. At its 1992 meeting, the 5.2.2 National Greenhouse Response Strategy Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the ESD Strategy. Australia ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 1992. The core objectives of the strategy are: The Convention entered into force in March 1994 and more than 150 countries are now signatories to it. The q To enhance individual and community well-being ultimate objective of the Convention is to achieve and welfare by following a path of economic stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the development that safeguards the welfare of future atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous generations; anthropogenic interference with the climate system. q To provide for equity within and between generations; and In 1992, Australian Governments also agreed to q To protect biological diversity and maintain National Greenhouse Response Strategy (NGRS) as a essential ecological processes and life-support basis of working together on greenhouse issues and, systems. in particular, to meet Australia’s international obligations under FCCC. The NGRS outlined a range The strategy document sets out the broad strategic of objectives and sectoral strategies to address and policy framework under which it is intended that greenhouse issues. Since that time the Kyoto Protocol governments will cooperatively make decisions and has been negotiated and Australia became a signatory take actions to pursue ESD in Australia. It will be used in 1998. As a result of the Kyoto Protocol, developed by governments to guide policy and decision making countries, as a whole, will strive to reduce their and is critical in setting the scene for the required greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by at least broad change in direction and approach that 5% by 2008-2012. Australia’s requirement is to limit governments will need to take in order to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions in the target period to no future development is ecologically sustainable. more than 8% above 1990 levels.

With respect to urban and transport planning, the The National Greenhouse Strategy 1998 expands the objectives of the strategy seek to encourage the future program of action launched by all governments in development of urban transport systems. This Australia through the 1992 National Greenhouse provides opportunities to limit the use of fossil fuels, Response Strategy.

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The strategy states that transport was responsible for - promotion of development near public transport 17% of Australia’s net greenhouse gas emissions and systems which incorporates higher residential and 24% of emissions produced through activities involving commercial densities and appropriate mixed uses the use of energy in 1996 (National Greenhouse Gas (including residential, commercial, retail and other Inventory 1996). Cars were responsible for 56% of employment activities); these emissions. National Greenhouse Gas Inventory data indicates that, from 1990 to 1996, national - the development of regional retailing and office transport emissions grew by 15%, the fastest growth of centres and other substantial trip-attracting land any sector. In addition, work by the Bureau of uses such as educational institutions and Transport Economics projects that, in the absence of hospitals, as part of an appropriate mixed use further measures to limit greenhouse emissions, environment located on major public transport domestic transport emissions will increase by 42%, on routes.... 1994 levels, by the year 2015. ....(iii) working with local governments in their The National Greenhouse Strategy focuses on jurisdictions to pursue strategies which encourage modules (or actions) that limit net greenhouse gas increased population density in appropriate areas emissions. Of relevance to the CAMCOS project, within their municipality. Possible approaches to Module 5 addresses Efficient Transport and promote this outcome could include one or more of the Sustainable Urban Planning. following:

Module 5 outlines action on: - identification of areas where it is appropriate for medium-density housing to be encouraged, q Integrating land use and transport planning; especially near public transport and major q Travel demand and traffic management; commercial, retailing or employment locations; q Encouraging greater use of public transport, walking and cycling; - promotion of choice (mix) in housing types and q Improving vehicle fuel efficiency and fuel mode of transport; technologies; and q Freight and logistics systems. - establishment of targets for population growth within existing urban centres. A key facet of this module is the integration of land use and transport planning. The Intergovernmental Panel Planning schemes will be amended as necessary to on Climate Change concluded that: support these approaches.”

“changes in urban and transport infrastructure to 5.2.2.2 Travel Demand and Traffic Management reduce the need for motorised transport and shift demand to less energy-intensive transport modes, may In relation to travel demand and traffic management, be among the most important elements of a long-term reducing the demand for travel and facilitating strategy for greenhouse gas mitigation in the transport smoother traffic flows are key elements in limiting sector. In some circumstances, the resulting traffic greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Initiatives reductions can result in greenhouse gas emission in this area provide complimentary benefits in terms of reductions of 10% or more by 2020, while obtaining improvements in local air quality and traffic congestion. broad social and environmental benefits”. (1996 Report on Technologies, Policies and Measures for Initiatives in this area proposed by the CAMCOS Mitigating Climate Change). project include decreasing the proportion of trips made by private vehicles. 5.2.2.1 Integrating Land Use and Transport Planning 5.2.2.3 Encouraging Greater Use of Public Transport, Measures to integrate urban land use and transport Walking and Cycling planning defined in the strategy that are of relevance to the CAMCOS project include: The substitution of public transport, walking or cycling for car-based travel significantly limits greenhouse gas “(i)preparing and implementing integrated land use and emissions, particularly in urban areas. These actions transport strategies for current or emerging major also improve local air quality and reduce traffic urban regions through planning, zoning and other congestion. program management systems. A major objective of the strategies will include a reduction in greenhouse The measures proposed in the Strategy that are gas emissions. supported by the introduction of CAMCOS include:

The strategies will encourage: q Improving public transport services - attention is focused on developing efficient public transport

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systems which are responsive to customer the future. demands, through improvements to service reliability, comfort and personal safety, service 5.3 Queensland State and South East frequencies, fare payment options etc. Queensland Regional Policy Framework q New public transport modes and technologies - 5.3.1 The Regional Framework for Growth modes/systems to be considered include light rail, Management monorails, mass transit systems etc. The Regional Framework for Growth Management In response, the CAMCOS project has investigated a (RFGM) represents the coordinated response from all variety of possible modes that could use the dedicated spheres of Government and the community sector to corridor such as passenger rail, light rail, busway and the opportunities and challenges that the pressures of guided busway (see Chapter 2). projected growth in South East Queensland presents. The RFGM provides the basis for planning for a Support for walking and cycling includes: regional population of between 2.9 and 3.2 million people by the year 2011. The main tenets of the “(i) action to improve facilities and promote the RFGM are to protect and enhance the Region’s benefits of walking and cycling, including: environmental, economic and social assets to ensure that South East Queensland retains its status as one - reviewing standards and systems for public transport of Australia’s most desirable regions in which to live. to facilitate bicycles; In relation to transport, the RFGM has been - improving facilities and the environment for walking instrumental in driving some of the necessary changes and cycling by: to strategic land use and transport planning required in order to facilitate more efficient and effective public - providing accessible route networks both on and off transport systems. Key centres (ie Maroochydore, road;... Caboolture/Morayfield etc) supported by major district centres were proposed by the RFGM to provide better …..revising planning and building regulations to self containment of population, employment and require provision of cycle parking and storage facilities human services and to reduce private vehicle travel at appropriate destinations (e.g. commercial demand. developments) and the provision of end-of-trip facilities such as showers and lockers;...... In terms of transport, the RFGM promoted the development of the Integrated Regional Transport Plan ....(ii) reviewing and where necessary amending (IRTP) to provide the means to reduce the growth of relevant strategic plans, laws and regulations, local and dependence on private motor vehicles and area traffic management standards and guides to significantly increase the proportion of trips made on address barriers to walking and cycling.” public transport. The pattern of development supported by the IRTP is intended to result in a In response to this, CAMCOS has provided some reduction in private vehicle travel demand by strategic level planning that illustrates the linkages increasing the attractiveness of public transport or between these modes and the key attractors and alternative means of transport such as walking and generators. cycling. 5.2.2.4 Improving Vehicle Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Technologies The RFGM identifies Maroochydore as a key regional centre and the preferred location for Government services, facilities and infrastructure provision. Urban In relation to CAMCOS promoting the use of development was seen to be concentrated in the alternative fuels of relatively low greenhouse intensity coastal area between Noosa and Caloundra. The for certain modes of transport is an important issue. inter-urban break between the Brisbane Metropolitan Alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas area and the Sunshine Coast is recognised as (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied important as a physical and visual break, for the natural gas (LNG) and ethanol produced from protection of forestry resources and also as a buffer for biomass, which are less greenhouse intensive than maintaining water quality in the Pumicestone Passage. petrol and diesel are exempt from Commonwealth excise duty. Equipment to convert vehicles to LPG or The RFGM identified the need for a public transport natural gas is sales tax exempt. system on the Sunshine Coast and recommended an investigation of an appropriate sub-regional The importance of this to CAMCOS is in relation to the transportation network focusing on Maroochydore and use of fuels in the feeder bus system that supports the linking with the Sunshine Coast Rail line. Also rail network and in the engine types likely to be used in recommended was the development of an appropriate

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sub-regional transport network to provide better 5.3.1.2 Water Quality accessibility to the regional scale facilities to be provided at Maroochydore. Objective: To protect and improve water quality in the region The following sections describe parts of the RFGM of direct relevance to the CAMCOS project. Principles

5.3.1.1 Conservation and the Natural Environment q The environmental values of the region’s surface and groundwater resources should be protected Objective: To conserve areas of regionally significant and enhanced, in accordance with water quality nature conservation value objectives for the region’s waterways, including recreational activities and the protection of aquatic Principles (relevant to this study) ecosystems. q The diversity of landscapes, plants and animals in q Development impacting on highly sensitive the region and the ecological processes essential catchment areas should be consistent with for their continued existence should be maintained preservation of environmental values. and restored. The rail alignment passes through the highly sensitive q The decline in coverage of remnant vegetation in catchment areas of the Pumicestone Passage and the both terrestrial and marine environments should Maroochy River. Chapters 8-11 define the impacts on be halted and linkages connecting remnants these areas during both construction and operation should be maintained or restored where viable. and the mitigation proposed to alleviate these effects. q The values of the region’s riverine and coastal 5.3.1.3 Air Quality resources should be sustained for present and future generations by ensuring integrated Objective: To protect and improve air quality in the catchment management and ecologically region. sustainable development. Principles q Native riparian and in-stream vegetation should be protected or rehabilitated, and managed to ensure q Land transport systems and the pattern of the environmental and economic values of development in South East Queensland should waterways are maintained. minimise deterioration of air quality or exposure to air pollution. q Decisions regarding the natural environment should have regard to the goal, core objectives q Levels of vehicle emissions should be reduced by and guiding principles of the National Strategy for measures such as: improving vehicle technology; Ecologically Sustainable Development and should reducing travel demand; and increasing public be based upon the precautionary principle where transport patronage. environmental impacts cannot accurately be predicted. The intent of the CAMCOS proposal is to reduce travel demand by providing a public transport system that q Significant nature conservation areas should be develops with supportive land use patterns. The maintained and protected by preventing urban and implications for air quality are beneficial and are rural residential encroachment. described in Chapter 7 whilst the Land Use Transport Strategy is outlined in Chapter 14. q Uses which are incompatible with nature conservation should not be located adjacent to or 5.3.1.4 Urban Growth in critical nature conservation areas. Objective: To establish a pattern of development for The CAMCOS project does involve the loss of some the year 2011 which utilises land efficiently and in areas of regionally significant flora & fauna (see accordance with social and environmental objectives. Chapters 8-11) including remnant and riparian To identify suitable areas for urban expansion to 2011 vegetation. The mitigation for loss of these areas and a pattern which provides flexibility for expansion involves a compensatory habitat policy (see section beyond 2011. 8.6.3) and the identification of buffer areas between the alignment and residential and other high amenity Principles areas. These buffers will be included in the land use strategy which aims to influence planning adjacent to q The pattern of development in South East the route. Queensland to the year 2011 should be based on

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four major urban areas – the Brisbane The landuse/transport strategy (Chapter 14) outlines metropolitan area, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold the preferred development patterns in and around the Coast and Toowoomba – separated by rural areas proposed route. The CAMCOS scheme generally with their own local urban centres and an open proposes increased residential densities and mixed space network. uses as infill around station sites. q An increased proportion of the region’s population 5.3.1.6 Major Centres growth should be accommodated within existing urban areas by identifying and developing areas Objective: To establish a network of major centres which are suitable for redevelopment or infill. This which serve the economic, employment, social and is essential to ensure that optimum use of existing environmental needs of the region. infrastructure occurs in committed areas and to avoid developing premature infrastructure in new There should be a hierarchy of major centres in the areas. Region, which supports the pattern of development in South East Queensland to the year 2011 and based q Priority should be given to the provision of water on the four major urban areas: the Brisbane supply, wastewater disposal, transport and human metropolitan area; the Sunshine Coast; the Gold services infrastructure in urban growth areas. Coast; and Toowoomba. A major centre is an important urban centre which is multi-functional and The CAMCOS proposal supports the focus of includes retail, commercial, recreational, community, development on the Sunshine Coast (with cultural and transport services. The hierarchy would Maroochydore as the Key Regional Centre). The land include the following levels; Key Regional Centres; and use planning principles that have guided the Land Use Major District Centres. Transport Strategy (see Chapter 14) embodies the principles of: self containment; increased mixed use Public transport services and interchanges for the Key development and residential densities; multi-functional Centres should be provided or upgraded, to improve centres; employment areas accessible to public access to employment and minimise air pollution from transport etc. vehicle travel and congestion.

5.3.1.5 Residential Development The CAMCOS route directly services the Key Regional centre of Maroochydore with a dedicated high quality Objective: To provide a variety of residential densities public transport system. The ultimate mode (rail) is and living environments. anticipated to bring air quality benefits to the region as more of the population become reliant on using public Principles transport to access employment, shopping and recreational facilities and switch from reliance on the q Residential development should provide for a motor vehicle. variety of housing types and densities that takes account of demographic and socio-economic 5.3.1.7 Transport characteristics. Objective: To improve the functioning of existing and q Residential densities should be increased in future transport networks and facilities in terms of existing and new areas, particularly around major accessibility, costs and environmental impacts. centres, railway stations, stops on high capacity transit routes and other transport interchanges. Principles q Residential development should be based on q The region should be served by high quality, patterns of settlement which: frequent, efficient and integrated public and private transport systems which reduce - promote use of existing infrastructure; dependence on the private motor vehicle and - promote development, redevelopment and encourage increased use of public transport, infill of existing and committed residential cycling and walking. The system should focus on areas; and providing public transport to urbanised portions of - discourage premature urban designations the region, especially via a network of services and oversupply of residential land. linking major centres. q The bulk of new residential development should q The focus of transport planning should shift from occur as part of an existing or new neighbourhood responding to demand on a local or sub-regional of sufficient population size to allow for the basis to influencing demand by supporting the development of local community facilities. achievement of the urban growth, residential development, employment location and major

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centres objectives. 5.4 Sunshine Coast Policy Framework q The public transport, freight and roads systems 5.4.1 Caloundra City Council should be used to achieve: 5.4.1.1 Introduction - the desired pattern of development for the region to the year 2011; - improved quality of life for all residents; Caloundra City’s Strategic Plan was approved and - improved levels of accessibility; gazetted in August 1996. The following assessment - environmental protection; and reviews the CAMCOS project against relevant - economic development. objectives identified in the Strategic Plan.

All transport proposals should be assessed 5.4.1.2 Ecology and Conservation against these criteria. Objectives 2A1(a), (b) and (c) seek to protect areas of q All significant transport proposals should be significant remnant vegetation (ie Priority 1 and 2 rigorously assessed in relation to the economic areas), ensure that they are preserved and encourage costs and benefits, and the social, environmental, the appropriate management of such areas. The health, maintenance and other relevant impacts Vegetation Study which is part of the Planning Study associated with the proposal. identifies areas of remnant vegetation worthy of conservation because of their State, regional and/or q Significant increases in funding allocations for local significance. public transport facilities and services should be made in order to achieve a significant increase in Evaluation the proportion of people using public transport. The CAMCOS project would affect a number of Priority q Priority in resource allocation should got to 1 sites as described in Chapters 8-11 of the IAS. This measures which improve the accessibility and conflicts with Objectives 2A.1(a) and (b) which seek to attractiveness of the Key Centres and which protect areas of significant vegetation. encourage greater levels of self-containment, by improving the relationship between the distribution 5.4.1.3 Acid Sulphate Soils of employment, services and population. When determining planning applications, Caloundra q The noise pollution and air quality effects of City will consider the existence of acid sulphate soils transportation systems should be reduced to and the implementation of effective management national standards. measures to ensure that there is no net detrimental effect on the environment (Objective 2A.4(a)). It is intended that the ultimate proposed scheme that is CAMCOS links the Key Regional Centres of Brisbane, Evaluation Caboolture and Maroochydore with an electric passenger rail facility. On the Sunshine Coast this rail Given the nature of the project as a linear facility would be integrated with a feeder bus service transportation corridor, which is effectively a and walk/cycle access. The rail alignment and continuous structure over a large area, is not associated land use transport strategy would be considered appropriate to attempt to avoid problem promoting the desired pattern of development soils like acid sulphate soils. Instead, it was decided at promulgated by regional planning objectives. the early stages of CAMCOS that the most suitable approach would be to plan for detailed investigation This IAS represents the full assessment of the scheme over the project area and the design of suitable against the range of social, environmental, economic, management principles (see Environmental transport and other criteria. Management Plan Chapter 12).

With respect to noise and air quality effects the 5.4.1.4 Urban Development assessment has demonstrated that the proposed scheme would not exceed State (and National) The City Council seeks to preserve and enhance the standards. unique character of the coastal urban areas of Kawana Waters, Pelican Waters and Caloundra by 5.3.2 Integrated Regional Transport Plan implementing the intent and provisions of the Development Control Plans for each of these areas Details of the Integrated Regional Transport Plan have (Objective 1 a). In addition, in assessing development been presented previously in this report in section applications within Urban designated areas, design 1.6.4. principles in the DCP’s and Council’s “Urban Design”

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and Landscape” Guidelines and Policies will also be the amenity of residential areas. If a development is applied. likely to result in detrimental impacts on residential areas Council will seek amelioration measures such as To ensure that urban growth remains focussed on a buffering and limiting hours of operation. Where land relatively small number of urban centres, Council designated Residential on the Strategic Plan has high promotes the consolidation of existing urban areas in open space value, Council will aim to preserve lands in Objective 1(b). an undeveloped state. Means of preserving the land in an undeveloped state and ensuring public access as In Objective 1 (f) Council states that it will not support part of the connected open space network may be rezoning applications for urban redevelopment in considered. areas that have been identified for conservation in the Planning Study. These areas are designated as Open Evaluation Space or Rural and include National/Environmental Parks, State Forest, buffer areas, flood retention The land use transport strategy (see also Chapter 14) basins and other areas of high scenic or environmental identifies areas where increased density residential value. Council will also seek to protect areas of local development is proposed around stations. Integrated environmental significance. Council also requires the with this are proposed accesses to the station for preparation of an EIS for all significant development feeder buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists. proposals in these areas. 5.4.1.6 Open Space Caloundra Council through Objective 1 (g) seeks to ensure that urban development takes place in Objectives 10 (a), (b), (c) and (d) relate to open space accordance with sound hydrological and hydraulic designations in the City. Caloundra City wishes to management principles. Council will not support an conserve environmentally and/or visually significant application for development that does not satisfy areas of the city in an appropriate natural or rural state. certain criteria in this regard. An open space designation is intended to indicate the significance of an area as an important environmental, Evaluation recreational and/or scenic attribute of the City. Council will not look favourably on applications that would be The IAS provides an assessment of the CAMCOS likely to have environmental, including visual impacts scheme on the local landscape and gives details of the that are inconsistent with this objective. Through this landscape mitigation that would be required in objective, Council will also support any State mitigation of any impacts (see Chapters 8-11). As Government initiatives to acquire as National Park or stated previously the Land Use transport strategy Environmental Park any major areas of environmental (Chapter 14) supports self containment approach and significance. seeks to encourage consolidation of development around proposed station locations. Objective 10 (b) states that Council will encourage the development of, and linkages between, a major open The route does affect areas that have been identified space network throughout the City incorporating green as being significant for conservation and this IAS corridors and links along ridge lines, through valleys, addresses the effects on such features and any along waterways and along escarpments, connecting proposed mitigation measures. major open space areas. Council will pursue a variety of alternative means for securing the conservation of Hydraulic modelling has been undertaken as part of Open Space systems. Objective 10 (c) seeks to this project and is presented in Chapters 8-11. control the use of public open space for open space and community recreation related activities. 5.4.1.5 Residential Development The City Council through Objective 10 (d) requires a Objective 2 (a) states the need to provide for a significant buffer of open space along the Pumicestone diversity of housing styles to meet the varied needs of Passage and major creeks that feed into the Passage. the population. The Objective encourages medium In accordance with Council’s Local Planning Policy on density residential development in the appropriately EIS, development applications within the Pumicestone designated areas on the Strategic Plan maps and also Passage catchment will require the preparation of an where it can satisfy certain criteria. These criteria EIS. include: close proximity to facilities such as public transport, shopping, employment etc; have good Evaluation accessibility with minimal detrimental traffic impacts on adjoining residential areas; and be unlikely to have any Section 5.5 of this Part of the IAS details the areas of detrimental impact on surrounding amenity. Open Space that would be traversed by the route alignment. Predominantly the route passes on the Council aims to maintain and where possible improve fringe of Open Space designation within the area

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covered by the Kawana Waters Structure Plan, within adjacent Key Regional Centre at Caboolture. The the Multi Modal Transport Corridor. proposed Caloundra station has significant capacity for large commuter carparking to be established next to This IAS would satisfy Council’s need for the the station and future developments. preparation of an EIS for developments occurring within the catchment of the Pumicestone Passage. 5.4.1.9 Cultural Heritage

5.4.1.7 Rural To ensure that identified significant cultural heritage sites are protected and buffered from development is Objective 8(a) seeks to conserve good quality the purpose of Objective 15 (a). The Council will agricultural land in the City. In assessing development permit low key human activities on sites identified, applications, Council will consider the intent of the provided that such activity does not have a deleterious Rural designation in the Strategic Plan, the intent and effect upon, or detract from the objective of protection provisions of the Rural zone in the Planning Scheme of the site or structure concerned. and relevant State policies such as State Planning Policy 1/91. Council may also require buffer distances Evaluation between areas of Good Quality Agricultural Land (GQAL) and uses considered incompatible or that A number of cultural heritage sites have been have detrimental impacts on the conduct of agricultural identified in the vicinity of the route within Caloundra activities. In Objective 8 (c) Council also seeks to City. A total of five sites of Aboriginal significance maintain and preserve the amenity and character of would be directly affected by the CAMCOS route. Of rural areas. these sites the most important is the Aboriginal fringe camp at Duck Holes Creek located south of Caloundra Evaluation Road which would be affected by the route and proposed station facilities. Following consultation with Section 5.5 of this Part of the IAS details the areas of the traditional owners, a range of mitigation measures Rural designated land that would be traversed by the have been developed (see Part B, Chapter 8, section route alignment. The main areas designated rural 8.14). occur east of the Bruce Highway (private forestry operations) and between Sugar Bag Road and just 5.4.2 Maroochy Shire Council north of Currimundi Creek. Maroochy Shires’ Strategic Plan was approved and 5.4.1.8 Transport gazetted in 1996. The following assessment reviews the CAMCOS project against relevant objectives Caloundra City will seek through Objective 13c to identified in the Strategic Plan. Also of relevance is encourage and facilitate where possible, the upgrading the fact that the Council have recently prepared a new of existing and the establishment of new, public Planning Scheme under the provisions of Chapter 2 of transport services within the City. Objective 13 (d) the Integrated Planning Act. Essentially the Strategic encourages inter-regional transport facilities to meet Plan component of the Planning Scheme has not anticipated needs of the permanent and tourist changed from the 1996 gazetted version, however, population. This objective also states that: any significant differences have been noted in the following assessment. ‘A possible future railway line extension from Beerwah to Caloundra along the proposed Bells Creek Road 5.4.2.1 Visual Amenity arterial route has also been indicated as a possible long-term regional transport option. The improvement Maroochy Shire Council seeks to manage in travel time and quality of rail passenger services development along and visible from the Shire’s major between Brisbane and this area of the Sunshine Coast roads so as to project an attractive shire image to is a desirable objective and Council will endeavour to motorists (Objective 7.3). This objective includes the protect this potential rail corridor from inappropriate Sunshine Motorway. development or development which could prejudice the implementation of the rail link in the future.’ Objective 7.7 encourages the use of landscaping which reflects the sub-tropical nature of the Shire’s Objective 13 (f) identifies the need to provide adequate natural vegetation. car parking at suitable locations to serve major traffic generating nodes within the City. Evaluation

Evaluation The rail alignment itself would be constructed within the existing Sunshine Motorway road reserve and The proposed corridor generally follows this alignment appropriate landscaping would be provided. Stations and provides the ability to better connect with the located at Elizabeth Daniel’s Park and at Bradman

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Avenue adjacent to the Motorway would likely be of ecological processes; and highly visible. The intention is that these stations q Natural connections and linkages across the would be designed to standards of current best landscape. practice. The Gold Coast Rail Line stations are an example of the type of station design that could be Evaluation considered. The ecological component of this impact assessment 5.4.2.2 Heritage (utilising the Turnbull and Olsen 1992 Vegetation study) has identified a number of sites of ecological Objective 9.1 seeks to conserve those places and significance would be affected by the proposed structures being components of the natural or cultural scheme. These are described in detail in Part B, environment of heritage value. Heritage value Chapters 8-11. Within Maroochydore, the majority of including natural and human elements of Aboriginal as the route is located within the Sunshine Motorway well as European significance. reserve so minimising potential impacts outside of this corridor. Evaluation 5.4.2.4 Recreation This IAS report incorporates a full cultural heritage assessment which has identified a number of culturally Objective 11.1 in the 1996 Strategic Plan aims to significant sites and features within Maroochy Shire utilise and protect natural resources which provide the (see Part B, Chapters 8-11). core recreational resources. Council assesses development of land adjacent to natural resources 5.4.2.3 Natural Resources such that the sites’ recreational opportunity is not prejudiced. In addition, with respect to the protection In order to protect bio-diversity and environmental of sporting fields and regional recreational facilities amenity, Objective 10.1 has been set to protect the (Objective 11.3), Council will assess proposed environmental resources of the Shire. Council developments adjacent to these areas so that potential requires an environmental assessment to be conflict in use is minimised. undertaken in certain circumstances. If Council is not satisfied that a sensitive environment or habitat can be Evaluation adequately sustained, it may refuse the application. Within Maroochydore the alignment is predominantly Objective 10.2 has been set to protect those habitats located within the Sunshine Motorway corridor and of terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora which are therefore would not require landtake from recreational considered significant from an ecological point of view, facilities to the west such as Elizabeth Daniels Park in a manner which ensures adequate long term and the Tennis Club. The proposal for a commuter protection. The core of the Natural Resources strategy station on the existing landfill site west of the motorway being to conserve: would involve a rearrangement of access roads, but it is not anticipated that this would impact on recreational q Sites known to contain rare and threatened facilities in this area. The benefits of providing a species of fauna and flora & their habitats; commuter station in this location would be that there q Valued areas of habitat; and could be shared use of parking facilities for adjacent q Areas providing botanical representation. recreational uses.

Council will not permit development likely to require A small amount of landtake would be required from the the removal or destruction of rare and threatened flora western side of Horton park Golf Course, but this or otherwise impact on the habitat so as to threaten would not affect the overall functioning of the course. the environment of the rare and threatened species. 5.4.2.5 Community Facilities In the 1999 Draft Planning Scheme the emphasis changes slightly. Objective 10.5.1 aims to protect and In relation to community facilities, the Strategic Plan in maintain the biodiversity values of the Shire. The Objective 12.2 seeks to incorporate the provision of wording of Objective 10.2 in the 1996 objective has community facilities into the development process. been altered to reflect protection of habitats which The implementation of this objective considers that ensures long term sustainability. In addition, the focus applications for rezoning should satisfy certain criteria, of the Natural Resources Strategy has changed namely whether the proposal should include a wide slightly to the conservation of: range of community facilities (shops, schools, community meeting places etc) and also whether the q Representative locations of significant ecosystems proposal facilitates appropriate standards of and vegetation communities; accessibility for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. q Large areas of habitat to ensure the maintenance Council may require the preparation of a social impact

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assessment report and may refuse an application if it a line haul public transport system. is not satisfied that the proposal can be adequately supported by the existing and proposed community The proposed transport strategy includes the facilities. protection and promotion of the CAMCOS corridor to address future rail needs. The wording of Objective Objective 12.4 seeks to encourage the design of 13.5 described above has not changed in the Draft buildings and landscapes which relate to their physical Planning Scheme, in the objective re-numbered context and are user friendly. The implementation of 13.5.5, however in implementation it is recognised that this objective includes consideration of buildings CAMCOS will play a fundamental role in improving the designed that take appropriate consideration of the Shire’s public transport system. Council will also local climate, the use of native landscaping, visual actively promote the development of this transport link. character and amenity, adequate access for pedestrians and vehicles and designed in accordance 5.4.2.7 Floodprone Land with Council’s Disability Access Policy. To ensure that any structure or activity is located and Evaluation designed in a manner consistent with Council’s Strategy on development in flood prone lands is the As stated previously, the rail alignment itself would be purpose of Objective 16.1 of the Strategic Plan. In constructed within the existing Sunshine Motorway considering proposals, Council will give regard to the road reserve and appropriate landscaping would be impacts of the development on flooding in adjoining provided. Stations located at Elizabeth Daniel’s Park areas and downstream of the proposed development. and at Bradman Avenue adjacent to the Motorway Council may request a hydrological study be would likely be highly visible. The intention is that undertaken and reserve the right to refuse the these stations would be designed to standards of application of they are not satisfied that the current best practice. The Gold Coast Rail Line hydrological impacts can be supported. stations are an example of the type of station design that could be considered. In addition, Part C Chapter Evaluation 14 describes the Land Use Transport Strategy associated with the scheme and identifies the land use A flood study has been undertaken as part of the IAS types proposed around station sites. and the results are presented in Part B, Chapters 8-11. All structures on the route alignment have been 5.4.2.6 Transport designed to provide clearance above 100 year ARI flood levels and also to provide waterway openings Council wishes to ensure that adequate car parking is that maintain acceptable afflux levels. provided in suitable locations to service major traffic generating nodes (Objective 13.2). Council requires 5.5 Land Use and Development that car parking spaces will be sufficient to meet the needs generated by the development. Amenity of car 5.5.1 Introduction parks is also a consideration ensuring that they integrate into the existing landscape. The following text provides an outline of the existing generalised land use, local government strategic Objective 13.5 specifically relates to the provision of a intentions for the land, known development proposals public transport system capable of meeting the needs and development opportunities on land affected by the of Shire residents. Council will encourage the route alignment. establishment of new and upgrading existing public transport facilities, giving due regard to their potential These characteristics are described according to the impacts on established land uses. Objective 13.6 sectional areas of the corridor. The land uses emphasises the importance of maintaining the integrity described below have been determined from site of natural resources and the amenity of transport inspections and aerial photographs. Descriptions are corridors in the development of transport facilities and intended to be general in nature. The reader is also routes. directed towards Figures 5.5.1 a-f that show land use affected by the route and details of zoning and Evaluation strategic planning designations of those properties affected. The Draft Maroochy Planning Scheme (1999) does mention the CAMCOS project in the section on 5.5.2 Beerwah to Caloundra Road transport. In describing the key issues that form the basis of a transport strategy, Council sees that they need to consider the impact of CAMCOS as a State 5.5.2.1 Strategic Intentions Government initiative and the impact on the local and regional bus services resulting from the introduction of The starting point of the route at Beerwah is located

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within urban designations. The majority of the route West of Pelican Waters as the route curves to the within this section between Beerwah and Pelican north, the landscape to the south of the route has been Waters is located within open space and rural strategic cleared, and is currently vacant. The land to the east designations. and west of the corridor, as it curves to the north, has also been cleared and is sparsely vegetated. This Where the route passes east of the Pelican Waters land and that to the east and west of the corridor as it development, the land is predominantly designated for curves to the north is in the ownership of Pelican low density residential uses, while to the west it is Waters. This land is intended to be developed as a predominantly in the open space designation, although residential community incorporating a golf course and there is a strip of urban designation immediately recreational areas. adjoining the route to the west. The northern parts of this section towards Caloundra Road are dominated by North of Pelican Waters the route traverses east of the the Open Space designation. The Special Purpose Caloundra Aerodrome landholding as the route Aerodrome designation covers Caloundra Aerodrome traverses a former Caloundra City Council landfill site. located to the west of the route south of Caloundra This would be the proposed location for a station. Road. North of the former landfill site is Rotary Park. Sports fields are located further to the east, which provide an 5.5.2.2 Zoning additional buffer to the established low-density residential communities of Golden Beach. The zoning pattern of the surrounding areas within the Beerwah township includes low-density residential, 5.5.2.4 Development Proposals rural and open space. Some light industrial zoning is located to the southeast of the route. Zoning patterns Between Beerwah and the Bruce Highway the only to the north of the route are predominantly within the known development proposal is on the Alfs Mountain rural designation. land parcel which has been the subject of several health resort proposals, however no formal application As the route departs from the North Coast Rail Line it has been received to date. is within a Special Use zone associated with land adjoining the railway and Special Use (State Forest) as West of the Bruce Highway, the private forestry land is it veers to the northeast towards the Bruce Highway. now in the ownership of Caloundra Downs Pty Ltd who To the west of the Highway the route is predominantly are currently undertaking an informal land use located within the Rural zone. The area, in the vicinity investigation on this land to provide land use options of Bells Creek, is located within an Environment and for the area upon cessation of forestry operations, Protection zone. Further east, the zoning is changes estimated to be around 2003. As these proposals to reflect the Pelican Waters development, contravene the Council’s strategic intentions for this predominantly to open space and residential zones. land (Rural and State Forest), the Council and the developers will undertake joint investigations into The Rural Zone surrounds the majority of the corridor. future land use and development on these holdings. Areas of Special Residential zoning are developing to the east. The northern parts of this subsection are A densely vegetated parcel of land known as Portion located within the Special Use (Aerodrome) and Open 480 west of the route and Pelican Waters remains in Space zones. Crown Land ownership, and is intended to be a National Park. 5.5.2.3 Land Use Pelican Waters land surrounds the southeastern most The route commences in a north easterly direction part of the corridor in this section. Site concept plans from the North Coast Rail line north of the Beerwah indicate that the area adjoining and affected by the township. Beerwah residential areas are located to the corridor is designated as linear parks and open space. west of the proposed route while some light industrial land uses are located to the east of the rail alignment. Potential station locations within this section at Pelican Waters and south of Caloundra Road, provide the As the route alignment leaves the existing railway line opportunity to service the existing communities Golden and veers to the east, it passes through Crown Land Beach and the growing communities of Pelican Special Use and the Beerwah State Forest. This land Waters, linking them to the rest of the immediate is densely vegetated with pine plantations of varying region. In addition, these stations enhance the ability maturity, as well as some native forest. The route of the wider community to access services, facilities continues within the Beerwah State Forest to the and employment opportunities provided within the Bruce Highway. East of the Highway are private pine Pelican Waters, Golden Beach and Caloundra City forest operations. Aerial photographs identify the areas. majority of the land in this subsection as being heavily vegetated.

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5.5.3 Caloundra Road to Mooloolah River q Heavily vegetated open space; q A council depot; 5.5.3.1 Strategic Intentions q Heavily vegetated vacant land; q Urban residential development (low and medium density) interspersed to the west and dominating This section of the corridor has a range of strategic the urban landscape to the east of the corridor; designations, reflecting the urban nature of the area. q Water treatment plant; The Strategic Plan identifies the southern part of the q Retirement village; route north of Caloundra Road is within Open Space q Cleared rural grazing land and heavily vegetated and Employment Area designations. North of Sugar land in the vicinity of Currimundi Creek. Bag Road the route passes through an area of open space designation, surrounded by Low Density Continuing north from Currimundi Creek the route Residential at Aroona. North of Kalana Road is Open traverses through a variety of land uses including Space and Rural designations. some heavily vegetated blocks of land but predominantly cleared areas that will be used for the The Caloundra City Council has another layer of Kawana Waters development. The route passes to strategic directions for land in this area, under its the west of light industrial properties located off Main Development Control Plan 3 Caloundra. Within the Drive and continues through cleared rural land north of DCP, the majority of the designations remain the here east of the Mooloolah River National Park. The same, although a large parcel south of Sugar Bag route crosses the Mooloolah River a number of times Road, to the north of the Employment Area, is as it continues towards the Sunshine Motorway identified as uncommitted urban land, and that abutting interchange at Mooloolaba. East of here at Parrearra this to the north is low density residential, incorporating is canal development and open space. a neighbourhood centre. The latter parcel is identified in the Strategic Plan as Open Space. The rural area in 5.5.3.4 Development Proposals the north of this subsection is identified in DCP 3 as Non Urban. The large uncommitted land parcel south of Sugar Bag North of Currimundi Creek the route enters into an Road is owned by the Department of Natural area covered by the Kawana Waters Structure Plan Resources and is currently due for disposal. DNR may and passes through and is surrounded by Rural, Open wait on the final outcomes of the CAMCOS study Space, and Urban Designations. The open space before taking any further action. designations dominate the western side of the route, while the urban designations dominate the eastern North of Sugar Bag Road, a Place of Public Worship is side of the route. The route traverses through a large proposed on a rural land holding, owned by the Employment Area north of the proposed Kawana Town Christian Outreach Centre. Centre (district centre). Areas abutting the Mooloolah River are designated Open Space, while the areas Several development applications have been located to the east of the route are predominantly submitted in the Aroona area. They include an designated urban. extension of the Ridgehaven development, on land owned by Miraclecroft which has been approved, and 5.5.3.2 Zoning two proposals for retirement villages (located on properties north and south of Kalana Road), on land owned by Sunshine Palms Retirement and Sunset The zoning pattern reflects the strategic intentions of Land. The latter two proposals have been refused for this corridor. The northern parts are predominantly reasons relating to local ecology, drainage and located in the Rural Zone, while the Low-Density CAMCOS. Residential zone dominates the central parts. The southern areas contain a mix of Rural, Local Business, North of Currimundi Creek, the route enters the Multi- Special Use, Uncommitted, Intensive Industry and Modal Transport Corridor which is owned by Buddina Open Space zones. Estates and Kawana Estates. It is intended that this land is developed for a range of district commercial, 5.5.3.3 Land Use residential and open space development. The Kawana Estates Structure Plan outlines the proposals The land uses from Caloundra Road are more urban in for their land. nature and consist of the following (in approximate order from south to north): 5.5.4 Mooloolah River to Maroochy Centre q Tourist information centre; 5.5.4.1 Strategic Intentions q Lapidary club; q Intensive industry; q Light industry; The three route options within this section are located on land designated as Urban, with a large land parcel

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identified as Open Space to the west of the corridor, uses include residential areas in the vicinity of Sugar and Employment Areas in the northern parts of the Road/Maud Street, vacant land and Horton Park Golf corridor before the route diverges in towards Course. Maroochydore. On the approach to Plaza Parade there is a large open space land holding to the east South of the Sunshine Motorway in this area are (Horton Park Golf Course) and also south of the industrial areas, a council depot, sporting grounds and Motorway. An Employment area is also located south parks and rural land. of the Motorway in this location. The route here is surrounded by an Urban designation, with a large 5.5.4.4 Development Proposals commercial designation to the north. There is currently a development proposal for land 5.5.4.2 Zoning known as Wise’s property located west of Horton Park Golf Course. The proposal is for a large scale mixed The southern most end of this section adjacent and use development over most of this land parcel north of east of the Sunshine Motorway is comprised of Low the Sunshine Motorway. A development plan and draft and Medium Density Residential areas. Further north Infrastructure Agreement are being prepared for alongside the motorway corridor the land use changes review by a Working Group managed by the to Light Industry. Department of State Development. The mix of uses is likely to include a quality hotel and convention centre On the western side of the motorway this section is and sporting complex, an Arts and Cultural centre, an dominated by Special Use (Rubbish Tip, Mountain entertainment precinct and a series of showrooms Creek High, Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE, and fronting the new Southern Access Link road. The Buderim Gardens Village Aged Persons Home). To balance of the site would house a range of residential the north of the Special Use areas the zoning changes uses and varying style and density eg a mix of units / to Open Space and Light Industry. townhouses through to duplex and detached residential lots. As the alignment diverges from the Motorway in towards Maroochydore, it is dominated by land zoned 5.5.5 Maroochy Centre to Sunshine Coast Drainage Problem and Rural. Towards Sunshine Airport Plaza, Open Space and Commercial zonings are also found. 5.5.5.1 Strategic Intentions

5.5.4.3 Land Use The majority of this section of the route is designated and surrounded by land designated Urban. There are This section passes over the Mooloolah River and large areas in the north western parts of the route and follows the path of the Sunshine Motorway to the north of Commercial Road designated Rural and northwest. The land uses to the west of the motorway Employment Area. include (roughly in order from south to north): Further north the route passes through an Open Space q Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE Mooloolah designation, which runs along the Maroochy River. Centre; The remainder of the corridor is predominantly in the q Mountain Creek High School; Rural designation, although areas to the north east are q Mountain Creek Primary School; designated Urban. q Tennis Club; q Land Fill; 5.5.5.2 Zoning q Mountain Creek residential area; q Elizabeth Daniels Park (including netball courts); The southern part of this section is zoned Low Density q Buderim Gardens Village (aged persons home) Residential. As the corridor progresses north areas q Sporting grounds; and designated Open Space are found. Further north, q Parks. areas of Low and Medium Density Residential along with some Light Industry, Special Use and Rural Land uses to the east include: zoning are found. On the southern side of the Maroochy River areas zoned Medium Density q Urban residential development of both low and Residential and Special use occur. medium density dominates this landscape; q Telephone Exchange; Across the Maroochy River land is zoned rural, this q Heavily vegetated land; zoning continues for the length of this subsection. q Industrial areas; and However Special Use and Medium Density Residential q Alexandra Headland substation zoning can be found to the north east of this section. As the alignment traverses into Maroochydore land

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5.5.5.3 Land Use In the 1991-95 period, the population of Caloundra City has increased by 16%, and the population of Land uses in this section include Maroochy Shire by 20%. q Residential areas of Buderim, Kuluin and According to The Caloundra Downs II Urban Maroochydore; Development Paper, approximately one fifth, or 19% of q MacArthur Park; the residential population growth in South East q Vegetated areas; Queensland will be absorbed by the Sunshine Coast q Osprey Park Retirement Village; Region (see Table 5.6.1b). q Golf Driving Range; q Industrial areas; The proportion of people residing in the local authority q Rural land; and areas do so predominantly in urban areas. Table q Units and townhouses. 5.6.1c (based on ABS Census data) demonstrates the population densities within each SLA area, illustrated Across the Maroochy River land uses include (in in Figure 5.6.1. approximate order from south to north): Table 5.6.1a: Residential Population Growth in q Rural land (crops); Caloundra City and Maroochy Shire q Vegetated areas; Estimated Residential Caloundra Maroochy q Nostalgia Town; and Population City Shire q Residential areas of Pacific Paradise. 30 June 1991 53,137 81,764 5.5.5.4 Development Proposals 30 June 1995 63,553 103,195 Source: ABS Statistics There are no known significant development proposals within this section. Table 5.6.1b: Population Projections

5.6 Residential, Business and Community Population 1996 2016 Characteristics QLD 3,339,000 4,554,000 5.6.1 Sunshine Coast Population Characteristics SEQ 2,138,000 3,062,000 The Sunshine Coast has experienced a high rate of Noosa 36,000 60,000 residential population growth over the past 20 years. Caloundra 66,000 118,000 The resident population of the region as a whole has Maroochy 108,00 204,500 increased from under 45,000 in 1971 to over 160,000 in 1991, and has been estimated at over 200,000 in Total Sunshine Coast 210,000 382,000 1996. Table 5.6.1a shows the population increase Source: QDCILGP 1998 Edition Population Projections (Medium Series) in Thomas Consultants Urban Development Background between 1991 and 1995 for Maroochy Shire and Paper for Caloundra Downs Caloundra City

Table 5.6.1c: Population Densities within SLAs

Statistical Local Area (SLA) Local Government Area (LGA) Area (Km2) Approx. Population Population/ km2

Caloundra Rail Corridor Caloundra City 432.6 14615 33.78 Caloundra Hinterland Caloundra City 505.9 6162 12.18 Caloundra (South) Caloundra City 108.8 13778 126.63 Caloundra (North) Caloundra City 27.0 14995 554.13 Kawana Caloundra City 35.4 16269 459.57 Mooloolaba Maroochy Shire 5.5 10759 1956.18 Buderim Maroochy Shire 62.1 24044 387.18 Maroochydore Maroochy Shire 14.2 16330 1150 Balance in Sunshine Coast Maroochy Shire 84.8 12045 142.02 SSD Coastal North Maroochy Shire 47.4 15661 330.40 Nambour Maroochy Shire 20.2 11351 561.91 Balance in CD Maroochy Shire 928.5 19857 21.38

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From Table 5.6.1c and Figure 5.6.1, it can be seen 5.6.1.2 Qualifications that the urban coastal strip is more densely populated than the rural and hinterland inland locations. Caloundra City has a significant proportion of skilled vocational workers, indicating its strength in qualified The number of residents living in rural areas of tradespeople servicing the construction industry. The Caloundra City was 20,777, and Maroochy Shire City however is under-represented in the formally approximately 31,900, compared with 45,042 and qualified workforce, perhaps indicating that the younger 78,145 residents respectively in each local authority age group leaves the area to further their education. area. This indicates a ratio of approximately 70% of the The establishment of the Sunshine Coast University total population of Maroochy Shire and Caloundra City may in fact help to alleviate this trend. reside in urban areas. Based on growth projections this is a number that is not expected to change significantly. The level of qualified persons in Maroochy Shire roughly equates with the national proportion although 5.6.1.1 Age/Sex Characteristics this is exceeded in the undergraduate diploma and skilled vocational levels and under-represented in those The age profile of Caloundra City’s population is with higher degrees. This population appears to be characterised by the following: overly represented in the areas of health, social and the development industries and under represented in the q 17% of the population is over the age of 65, which areas of business qualifications, physical sciences and is considerably higher than the State average of engineering. 12%; q Only 10% of the population is aged between 15 and Qualified persons are not evenly distributed across 24 years, which is lower than the state average of Maroochy Shire. There are coastal communities where 14.8%; the proportion of qualified persons is well above q The Caloundra (South) SLA area had a high average and hinterland locations where the figure is proportion of persons over the age of 65, with 31% significantly less than the national average. of residents in this age group; q The Caloundra Rail Corridor had the lowest 5.6.1.3 Employment and Industry Characteristics proportion with 10% of residents in this age group. The level of unemployment on the Sunshine Coast has Similarly, Maroochy Shire’s age profile is older than the been consistently recorded higher than the State national profile. unemployment rate since 1976.

Generally the coastal areas and major centres have In comparison with the State figures, Caloundra City higher proportions of residents over 65, including has a larger representation of tradespeople, sales and Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coastal North, Maroochydore personal service workers. This may be indicative of the and Nambour. The inland and hinterland areas high level of activity in the construction and tourism generally have a lower proportion of residents over the industries. In Maroochy Shire the industries of age of 65. agriculture, construction and tourism are over- represented as are the occupational groups of From these figures, a number of inferences are tradespersons, sales and personal service workers, possible: indicating the strength of the agricultural, construction, service and tourism industries. q The Sunshine Coast (especially the coastal strip) is a desirable location for retirees to locate; Thomas Consultants in their Urban Development Paper q The lower proportion of residents in the 15-24 for Caloundra Downs Informal Land Use Assessment group could indicate a preference for education and describe the Sunshine Coast economy as employment outside of the coastal area, and also a ‘characterised by high unemployment, low workforce preference for young families to locate in the participation rates, high dependency ratio and low Sunshine Coast area; average annual household incomes’. They report the q The growing popularity of the hinterland areas for Sunshine Coasts economy is based primarily on residential development- younger age profiles in tourism and consumer services, causing the region to these areas. be heavily dependent on a few sectors, which may not be enough to support the growth of future employment In the 0-19 age group, there are proportionally more opportunities. The report recommends the Sunshine males than females living in Caloundra City and Coast economy requires diversification, and that the Maroochy Shire. Over the age of 20, this trend is tourism industry has the potential to be more reversed, and there are more females than males in all developed. This report predicts that if the economy is age groups, with the greatest discrepancies in the 30- not diversified the area may ‘evolve into retirement 40 and 80-90 age ranges. communities and dormitory suburbs for employment centres located closer to Brisbane’.

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5.6.1.4 Income visitors escaping the colder areas to areas with a perceived warmer climate- Queensland tourists are Caloundra City has marginally lower incomes than the more likely to travel to the area to take advantage State average, within nearly all the income ranges, with of the warmer climate in the warmer seasons. a higher proportion of households with a gross income of less than $20,000 as a whole. Visitors by QLD Interstate Overseas Origin (000s) (000s) (000s) In comparison with the State rates, Maroochy Shire has Caloundra 108 44 13 a high proportion of households with low and medium Maroochy 423 192 40 income levels. This lower than State average income Source: QTTC Queensland profile is evenly distributed across Maroochy Shire. The Median weekly personal income level in Maroochy According to the QTTC, the Sunshine Coast region is Shire is $252.50, which is lower than the state average currently ranked fourth in total domestic visitor volume of $286. Median weekly person income for Caloundra in the 1996/97 period behind the Gold Coast, Brisbane city is $229, which again is significantly lower than the and Tropical North Queensland. State Median. The QTTC also summarises the methods of travel used 5.6.1.5 Vehicle Ownership by tourists when travelling to and within the Sunshine Coast. ‘Private and rented vehicles are the main type of transport utilised by visitors to the Sunshine Coast In 1995, approximately 92,000 vehicles were owned by region. In the 1996/97 period 77% of intrastate visitors households on the Sunshine Coast. The breakdown of travelled to the region by private vehicle and 2% by vehicle ownership is as follows: coach. 55% of interstate visitors arrived by private vehicle, 15% by rented vehicle and 9% by air. 44% of q 9% of households do not own a vehicle; international visitors arrived by rented vehicle, 28% by q 48% of households own one vehicle; coach and 6% by air.” q 31% of households own two vehicles; q 6% of households own three vehicles; and 5.6.2 Community Resources q 2% of households own four or more vehicles.

These figures are comparable with the State averages. 5.6.2.1 Introduction

Maroochydore and Caloundra South have a noticeably Community Resources have been defined in the 1996 higher proportion of households with no vehicles, which Maroochy Shire Plan as “facilities for the provision of may be attributable to the relatively older age profiles in health, education, personal, community and family these areas. support measures provided by various governmental private and voluntary agencies”. (MSC 1996:45) 5.6.1.6 Tourism For the purpose of this assessment, the term The Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist destination, for “community resource” will be used to describe: visitors from Queensland, interstate and overseas, and can be broken down into the following: q Indoors and outdoors Recreational Areas q Public and State Owned Open Space q q Visitors from Queensland = 36% Churches q q Visitors from interstate = 52% Schools q q Visitors from overseas = 12% Hospitals q Parks Source: 1996 ABS Census Data q Meeting Places q Cultural Facilities In the 1996/97 QTTC snapshots, the intrastate tourist q Aged Care Facilities- Retirement Villages & Nursing volume represented 62%, and the interstate visitor Homes volume accounted for 38%. The differences between q Aerodrome, Airports the 1995 ABS Census figures and the 1996/97 QTTC visitor volume figures can be attributed to a number of The Community Centres for People – Maroochy factors: Community Centres and Facilities Studies states that “Queensland’s population particularly in the South East, q The ABS Census Data is collected for one day continues to grow very rapidly. New suburbs are only, whilst the QTTC data is an aggregate of a forming without the necessary infrastructure being put financial year; in place. Patterns of cultural and social developments th q The ABS data was collected on the 6 August in rapid urban growth areas are creating problems on a 1996, which is considered a “low” season for local level, which are starting to show through in key tourism, but could include a preference of interstate sites in cities like Maroochydore.”

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Some of the recognised problems in the local areas Recreational facilities are examined in greater detail in include residential areas being distant form service following sections. provision areas and the clustering of infrastructure along the coastal strip. (NORSROC 1995). 5.6.3 Beerwah to Caloundra Road- Social Characteristics and Conditions Community facilities are described in more detail in sections 5.6.3 to 5.6.8. Social conditions and community resources are be grouped into two discrete localities within the Beerwah 5.6.2.2 Education to Caloundra Road Assessment Area: Beerwah Town, and Pelican Waters / Golden Beach. Figures 5.6.3a & In the 1996 ABS Census data, 1% of the population b shows the location of these focal areas. were recorded as attending preschools, 11% primary schools, 6% secondary schools, 2% TAFE and other Between these areas lies the Beerwah State Forest to tertiary institutions, 1% attending university, less than the west of the Bruce Highway, and privately owned 1% have indicating attendance at other educational plantation forest to the east. These areas do not institutions, leaving 1% of overseas visitors, 4% who contain any community facilities. have not stated and 74% of the population on the Sunshine Coast not attending an educational institution. 5.6.3.1 Beerwah

The total number of persons undertaking Tertiary Beerwah is a railway town on the North Coast Railway education on the Sunshine Coast in 1996 was 3%, less Line. Beerwah has a relatively young population profile. than the state figure of 5.2%. It is gaining a reputation as a ‘commuter town’.

Educational facilities are described in more detail in The railway line traverses the centre of the town, with sections 5.6.3 to 5.6.8. only 1 major east-west vehicle crossing in the centre of the town, a pedestrian bridge over the railway line, and 5.6.2.3 Recreation and Leisure Opportunities a small vehicle underpass at the end of Thompson Road connecting to Glasshouse Mountains Road. There are a wide range of recreational and leisure Residential areas are located on both sides of the opportunities on the Sunshine Coast, both active and railway, schools are located to the west of the railway, passive. Both Caloundra City and Maroochy Shire the industrial node is on the eastern side, and the residents have access to beaches, for activities such as commercial facilities are mainly on the western side of surfing, swimming, fishing and other water based the railway line. Existing severance is something that recreation. The following is an indication of the range the town has grown up with, as the town located there of facilities available on the coast: are a result of the development of the railway q Bowls Clubs; The catchment for Beerwah High School extends to q Golf Clubs; Beerburrum, Glasshouse Mountains, Beerwah, q Croquet Clubs; Peachester, Landsborough, Mooloolah and Glenview, q Indoor Sports Centres; and to a lesser extent, students living in Nambour, q Boating Clubs; Buderim, Caloundra and Caboolture. It is assumed that q Race Course; the catchment for Beerwah Primary School would be q Gocarts; similar, but more centralised. q Skating; q Squash; Access to the Schools from the eastern side of the q Tennis; railway would be via the at grade Mawhinney Street q Netball; railway crossing, or for pedestrians via the rail bridge. q Football, Soccer; q Swimming Pools; Figure 5.6.3a locates and provides details of those q Ten Pin Bowling; community facilities that are located within 1km of the q Water skiing. existing North Coast Rail Line or the proposed route alignment. Other recreational opportunities on the coast include surfing, swimming, water sports, bushwalking. There 5.6.3.2 Pelican Waters/Golden Beach are a number of bike paths throughout the area. (see transport and access sections). The Pelican Waters / Golden Beach area falls into the Caloundra South SLA, which has a noticeably older Recreational opportunities, both active and passive, are age distribution, potentially indicating that the lifestyle in often named as contributing factors drawing people to this area is desirable to retirees. There is also a the region. significantly lower proportion of people under the age of

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25 in this area. The Golden Beach Primary School either by travelling through residential areas of Aroona, catchment covers Golden Beach, Pelican Waters, Little or going back to Caloundra Road and then travelling Mountain, Currimundi and Caloundra. along the Nicklin Way.

Golden Beach and Pelican Waters are located at the There do not seem to be any defined major north and southern end of the Sunshine Coast, and are south access routes through Aroona, with east west connected to the rest of the coast only via two north access via Sugarbag Road/ Seagull Avenue, or Kalana south access routes. Road and Beerburrum Street. The unconstructed link between Sunset Drive and Kalana Road force Pelican Waters is a developing residential area, southbound traffic to either travel through the whereas Golden Beach is an older part of the Sunshine residential streets, or back to the Nicklin way via Kalana Coast. Road.

Located on the eastern side of this section is land used Figure 5.6.4 locates and provides details of the primarily for residential, with interspersed parks and community facilities described above that are located recreational facilities. Figure 5.6.3b locates and within 1km of the proposed route alignment. provides details of those community facilities that are located within 1km of the proposed route alignment. 5.6.5 Currimundi Creek to Mooloolah River

5.6.4 Caloundra Road to Currimundi Creek The area between Currimundi Creek and the Mooloolah River includes the existing Kawana developments and The following section focuses on the area between land upon which further development is planned. Caloundra Road in the South, to the Mooloolah River in the north. This section has been split up into two The Nicklin Way forms a major spine through the areas, according to the location of community Currimundi to Mooloolah River area, and all existing resources and development along the corridor route. access is located east of the corridor area, apart from See Figure 5.6.4 for an illustration of these areas, and the industrial/commercial area in the vicinity of Main the community facilities described in the following Drive. section. Between Currimundi Creek and through to the 5.6.4.1 Caloundra West/Aroona Mooloolah River, there are few community facilities. All existing development occurs to the east of the area, The Caloundra West to Aroona area is comprised of a with a high proportion of residential development, and combination of industrial estate, in the south, a large with some community facilities that are located and tract of undeveloped bushland, south of Sugarbag described on Figure 5.6.5. Road, and some large lot residential development, with more recent smaller lot residential development to the 5.6.6 Mooloolah River to Maroochydore Centre north of this area. The following section focuses on a small area between There are a number of Schools in the area, catering for the Mooloolah River and the Maroochydore Centre. the school aged population. The Mountain Creek / Mooloolaba area is bounded by the Mooloolah River and the Buderim Mooloolaba Caloundra High School has a catchment area including Road. The Maroochydore area is located between Caloundra, Little Mountain and the Kawana Strip. Mooloolaba Buderim Road and the Maroochydore Talara Primary College has an ‘enrolment management Centre. Through this section, there are three route zone’ limiting the numbers of students so that the options, the west (red) option, the centre (blue) option school growth rate is not detrimental to the school. The and the east (green) option. Enrolment Management Zone is bounded in the south by Caloundra Road, Sugarbag Road and Seagull 5.6.6.1 Mooloolaba/Mountain Creek Avenue, and the North by Currimundi Creek. The Nicklin Way forms the eastern boundary. Caloundra This area comprises three discrete residential areas, Christian College forms the western boundary. the suburb of Mountain Creek, the Mooloolaba and the Marra Court areas. The Sunshine Motorway separates There are severance and access issues within the these three communities. existing Caloundra West Industrial Estate and Residential areas. The industrial estate can only be On the eastern side of the Motorway, the residential accessed at three points from Caloundra Road, and the population is relatively stable, and likely to decline as Caloundra West residential areas are only accessible the demand for tourist facilities increases. On the from Sugarbag Road, Latcham Drive and Stradbroke western side of the Motorway, Mountain Creek, is a Drive. There is no direct access north from residential relatively quickly growing residential area. A large areas of Caloundra West, which can only be reached portion of parkland (Emerald Woods Environmental

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Park) is located adjacent to the motorway, between west of the Sunshine Motorway, west of the Goonawarra Drive, Parkland Drive, Ocean Drive and Maroochydore Centre to Maroochy River area. Brentwood Avenue. Figure 5.6.7 locates and describes community facilities Access is limited between the Mooloolaba and within this section. Mountain Creek areas, as the Sunshine Motorway severs this area completely. Access between these 5.6.8 Maroochy River to Sunshine Coast Airport areas is forced to the north and south interchanges of the Sunshine Motorway and Mooloolaba – Buderim The Maroochy River is accessed for recreational uses Road, and the interchange at Brisbane Road. such as water skiing, fishing and boating.

The Sunshine Motorway obstructs access between the Between the Maroochy River and the Sunshine Coast western residential areas and the eastern residential, Airport lie a number of agricultural (sugarcane) commercial and recreational areas of Maroochydore. properties, and the residential community of Pacific There is however a pedestrian / cyclist underpass Paradise / Mudjimba. under the Motorway between Goonawarra Drive and Lady Musgrave Park / the rubbish tip. This is not The Sunshine Motorway has severed access to the however a highly visible crossing. east and west, north of the Maroochy River. There are access roads in place to alleviate this severance. The There are a number of community facilities in this area access severed is mainly access between agricultural that are located and described on Figure 5.6.6. blocks.

Maroochydore has been identified in planning schemes No other severance / access issues have been as a key regional centre, and as such is an area of identified for this section, although the entire suburbs of concentration of commercial and community activity. Mudjimba, Marcoola and Pacific Paradise are spatially Residential areas are located around the fringe of the isolated from urban centres, and need to travel commercial hub, along the foreshore and the banks of predominantly south to access a variety of community the Maroochy River. facilities.

There are a number of schools located within this area Community facilities located within 1km of this section including: Immanuel Luthern College, Maroochydore of the alignment are located and described on Figure High School, Maroochydore Primary School and Stella 5.6.7. Maris School. 5.7 Geology and Soils Existing access into the centre of Maroochydore has been subject to much study, the proposed Southern 5.7.1 Beerwah to Caloundra Road Access Road is one of the potential solutions being investigated by Council. Maroochydore Road is currently undergoing major upgrading. The area between Beerwah and the Bruce Highway is located within the foothills of the Blackall range. The Between Mooloolaba Buderim Road and Plaza Parade, average ground level throughout this area is about there are a number of community facilities that are RL25m to RL30m with occasional small rises to about located and described on Figure 5.6.6. 40m. Within this area, the proposed corridor is intersected by Mellum Creek (see Figure 5.7.1).

5.6.7 Maroochydore Centre to Maroochy River Colluvium deposits have accumulated around Mellum Creek and its tributary streams. The colluvium is underlain by the Landsborough Sandstone group, This area includes a large expanse of undeveloped which also outcrops at ground surface towards the farmland, which is currently under investigation for upstream end of the catchment. The colluvium may major development. There are also a number of comprise sand, silt and clay. Some of this material may retirement units, and residential properties adjoining the have been laid down as alluvial deposits. The motorway. Landsborough Sandstone group may comprise sandstone, siltstone, minor shale, conglomerate and Once again, the Sunshine Motorway acts as a barrier to coal. east west access, however there are three major access points across the Motorway, including the This area is mostly covered by parcels of pine Maroochydore Road interchange, the Commercial plantation and is traversed by small uncharted natural Road/Main Road Overpass and the Bradman Avenue drainage gullies which connect to Mellum Creek. The underpass. small gullies are lined with pockets of melaleuca swamp. The access tracks through the plantation pine The Kuluin residential and industrial areas are located are unsealed and have a dense sandy surface. The

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sand material in the tracks is believed to be bricks and bitumen road surface. representative of the near surface materials in this area. The tracks occasionally become boggy in the Council has carried out testing of surface water at lower swampy areas. upstream and downstream water sources. Testing for gas emissions has not yet been carried out. There are also large areas between the parcels of pine plantation which comprise natural vegetation, such as 5.7.2 Caloundra Road to the Mooloolah River melaleuca. These areas generally surround Mellum Creek and its larger tributaries. It is likely that at least To the north of Caloundra Road, the corridor intersects some of this land would be quite swampy. Little Mountain, which is a large outcrop of the Landsborough Sandstone Group. Little Mountain rises The area between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra from the surrounding coastal lowlands (approximately Road may be described as coastal lowlands. The RL15m) to a maximum height of about RL65m. The ground level reduces towards the coast from a change in elevation in many areas occurs over a maximum of about RL15m at the highway to about relatively short distance creating steep side slopes. A RL1m just south of the Caloundra Aerodrome. meandering ridge line which is aligned roughly in the east / west direction traces out the top of the mountain. The near surface soils comprise alluvial deposits of the Steep sided gullies have been carved into the side Pleistocene to Holocene era. The alluvial deposits may slopes on either side of this ridge. Sugarbag Road comprise clay, mud and minor sand in old estuarine currently runs along most of the ridge’s length. and lagoonal deposits. There are occasional outcrops of the Landsborough Sandstone group which also The subsurface geology and weathering profile can be forms the underlying bedrock. Melaleuca type observed in numerous road cuttings and outcrops along vegetation covers most of the area and below about Sugarbag Road. There is generally a surface covering RL5m, the land is generally very swampy. of sandy clay residual soil and extremely weathered rock over intact but jointed, distinctly to slightly The Duck Holes Creek Refuse Site is located to the weathered sandstone. Towards the lower part of the east of the Caloundra Aerodrome and south of the gullies, the soil profile would most likely comprise roundabout at the end of Nicklin Way. The site is said deposits of sandy slopewash and scree. Large to have been operated from 1975 until 1989. sandstone boulders, measuring over 1m in size, lay strewn over some areas of the gully side slopes. It is It is expected that this area was probably cleared unknown as to whether these boulders have been initially to form the dump. This is evident as the placed here of if they have been transported by gravity southern end of the site is now overgrown with tall or water runoff. The surface soils appear to become grasses which are dissimilar to the type of natural saturated following prolonged rainfall and the vegetation which would be expected in this area. The slopewash materials, in particular, become soft under treeline surrounding the site probably defines the limit foot. The soil profile appears to be highly erodible as of the cleared area and also the extent of the dumping. may be observed by rilling in cuttings and roadside drains, and deep erosion ruts carved out in cleared Trench fill operations were used as the method of areas within the gully side slopes. Apart from this refuse disposal. As such, it is difficult to estimate the erosion, however, the slopes generally appear to be overall depth of waste. The dumping appears to have stable in their natural condition. The sandstone taken place progressively towards the northern end of exposed in the cuttings also becomes soaked following the site. The site may have been filled in layers with a prolonged rainfall and water may be seen seeping from series of fill mounds stepping up towards the north. The rock mass joints. mounds are said to have a clay soil capping of minimum 600mm depth. The mounds have become There is notable variation in the composition, overgrown in places with tall grasses and weed weathering and strength of the sandstone rock. Both species. fine grained sandstone and coarse grained cemented sand and conglomerate may be observed in the various The main categories of waste types said to have been cuttings. The near surface rock has been softened by dumped on the site include all domestic waste, green weathering to the extent that small blocks may be waste, construction and demolition waste. No data is dislodged from the rock mass by hand and crumbled to available as to the proportion of each waste type a soil material. However it is expected that with depth, contained on the site. The site was the main refuse site the rock would be mostly slightly weathered and very for the Caloundra area so other materials may have high strength. This may be observed in the near vertical been disposed of by Council. Several types of waste cuttings in a disused quarry on the south side of are visible at the surface of the fill mounds including Sugarbag Road and in the road deep cutting at the fuel drums, vehicle parts, car bodies, general domestic point where the Sugarbag Road bridge crosses over waste, tyres, scrap metal, mounds of soil and rock and Nicklin Way. construction waste including concrete, clay pipes,

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The disused quarry is located along Sugarbag Road 5.7.4 Acid Sulphate Soils between Lawman Street and Alexander Street. Minor dumping of construction waste has been carried out at During the earliest stages of CAMCOS, constraints the site. Waste materials include masonry rubble, metal mapping was carried out to assist in determining the scrap and several large diametre circular metal pipe most appropriate corridor. It was noted that acid sulfate sections. soils occurred intermittently along large portions of the various corridor options. Acid sulphate soils were To the north of Little Mountain, the corridor once again considered to be an important issue with the potential passes through the coastal lowland areas between to have large impacts on all stages of the project, from Currimundi to Parrearra. The average ground surface planning through to design and construction. However, level within this area is about RL2.5m. Two depositional the fact that acid sulphate soils have been effectively environments have been mapped within this area. Tidal managed on similar projects, in the same general area, Delta deposits of the Pleistocene age extend inland for meant that they were not considered as a factor which a distance of about 1.5km. The deposits comprise would determine the choice of corridor, or the actual mostly sand with minor clay and mud. This may be corridor alignment. The ability to treat acid sulphate observed in the numerous excavations currently being soils effectively ruled out the option of avoiding made in the developmental sites throughout the potential problem areas. In fact, for a project such as a Bokarina and Birtinya areas. Further inland, the near transportation corridor, which is effectively a continuous surface soils are derived from old estuarine and structure over a large area, is not considered lagoonal deposits of the Pleistocene to Holocene age. appropriate to attempt to avoid problem areas. Instead, These deposits may comprise clay, mud and minor it was decided at the early stages of CAMCOS that the sand. The interface between the two deposits is a most suitable approach would be to plan for detailed meandering line which runs approximately north south investigation over the project area and the design of and it is likely that the corridor will intersect both suitable management principles. deposits. At this Stage of the CAMCOS project, it is difficult to The corridor crosses the Mooloolah River to the south categorise the potential for impact associated with ASS of the existing Sunshine Motorway Interchange at and discuss possible management strategies, without Mountain Creek. The river banks in this area have the necessary sampling and testing being carried out. It wide, tidal mud flats which are heavy vegetated with is possible to estimate the areas likely to be influenced mangroves. The banks appear to be stable in their by ASS. However, according to the Queensland natural state. Road embankments have been Department of Natural Resources, it is not possible to successfully constructed over the mud flats requiring make decisions about ASS management simply on the only standard scour protection measures including rock basis of its presence (Smith et al. 1999). It is revetments and geofabric channel liners. considered more appropriate, at this stage, to indicate the importance of undertaking a detailed investigation 5.7.3 Mooloolah River to Sunshine Coast Airport of acid sulfate soils.

Immediately north of the Mooloolah River, the surface The proportion of the route potentially affected by acid soils comprise sand as tidal delta deposits. The ground sulphate soils may be estimated from the 1:100 000 level varies between RL2.5m and RL5m. The Buderim map of Acid Sulphate Soils, Redcliffe to Teewah, Map 2 Landfill site is currently operated to the west of The (The State of Queensland, Department of Natural Sunshine Motorway in this area. Several large fill Resources, 1999) which is reproduced in Figure 5.7.4. mounds are currently visible on the site. It is likely that The affected proportions comprise areas designated as the landfill has been constructed on the edge of an S, DLUs and DLUc on the map. The use of the maps in outcrop of Landsborough Sandstone which forms the this context should be as a mechanism to signal the flanks of the Buderim Plateaux. Also associated with need for further assessment. It should also be noted the Buderim Plateaux are outcrops of Tertiary basalt that within areas mapped as low or no risk, lenses of and tuff as well as shale, siltstone, conglomerate and pyritic material may still occur due to local variability. In sediments, which occur around the intersection of The general, however, it would not be considered Sunshine Motorway and Mooloolaba Road. The natural appropriate to prohibit an activity based solely on ground surface level along the corridor alignment rises 1:100,000 mapping. Instead, for a development such as to a level of RL25m at this intersection before sloping CAMCOS potentially involving substantial disturbance back down to RL2.5m to the north of Mooloolaba Road. of ASS, additional sampling and mapping at about Between Mooloolaba Road, Maroochydore Centre and 1:5,000 scale may be required (Smith et al. 1999). the Maroochy River, the corridor passes over tidal delta deposits, apart from an outcrop of Landsborough It is recommended that for all future investigation, Sandstone where the corridor crosses Maroochydore testing and assessment of risk should be carried out in Road. The banks of the Maroochy River have wide tidal accordance with the Guidelines for Sampling and mud flats which are heavily vegetated with mangroves. Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils in Queensland (QASSIT).

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5.8 Groundwater Regime in terms of potential yield to bores, but is important for the local environment. 5.8.1 Definition of Study Area and Topography Around Portion 480 there are Holocene coastal swamp The groundwater regime has been considered for the deposits of quartz and peaty quartz sand and estuarine proposed transportation corridor between Beerwah and swamps of sandy mud, muddy sand and minor gravel. Caloundra, but is concerned with the section adjacent These are flanked on the east by sandy beach ridge to Portion 480. deposits. There are minor estuarine deposits of sandy mud and muddy sand around the tidal portions of Bells The study area for this assessment generally lies in Creek and Lamerough Creek. From the geotechnical relatively flat terrain at elevations between one and data, it is apparent that the aquifer is mainly a silty sand three metres above sea level. Slight topographic above sea level with an average saturated thickness of variations can been seen on air photographs which one to two metres. reveal palaeo channels and meanders of Lamerough Creek and subtle beach sand ridges to the east (see All of the Quaternary sediments and the weathered Figure 5.8.1). portion of the Landsborough Sandstone are considered in this study as a contiguous aquifer system. The The transportation corridor in the study area is in aquifer system is considered minor in terms of an relatively undisturbed wetlands with dense vegetation exploitable resource, but is locally important for the of melaleuca and eucalypt species. Immediately to the ecosystem of the wetlands. east and south-east, the area has been grossly disturbed through clearing, earthworks and excavation 5.8.4 Water Levels of canals and lakes for the urbanisation of Golden Beach and Pelican Waters. Groundwater levels are generally quite shallow, and at times reach the surface, therefore interacting with To the west of the study area the catchments of surface water. Geotechnical test holes drilled on the Lamerough and Bells Creek have been altered by proposed Bells Creek Arterial Route (Geotechnics, 1 plantations of pine forests and installation of extensive 1994) identified shallow groundwater levels between drainage of low-lying areas. 0.8 and 1.8m depth. It is likely that the groundwater level throughout the area will be between 2m and the 5.8.2 Geology surface depending on the season and climatic conditions. Locally the groundwater may be considered The conceptual model of the groundwater regime is perched where indurated layers exist in podsolic soils. based on the geology obtained from the Nambour However, perching is likely to be an ephemeral Special 1:100,000 Geological Sheet 9444 and Part phenomenon. 9544 (Queensland Department of Mines and Energy 1999), (Figure 5.7.1), geotechnical borehole logs from 5.8.5 Recharge the proposed arterial road (Geotechnics 1994)1, Pelican Waters Estate (Cardno & Davies Pty Ltd, 1997)2 and a Recharge to the aquifer is mostly direct from rainfall site inspection. which is offset by evapotranspiration and to a lesser extent, runoff. Recharge is most likely to occur during The geology of this section of the route has been the wetter months from December through to May. The described in detail in section 5.7.1. mean monthly rainfall for the Caloundra signal station (26.80S 153.15E) and estimated (Bureau of 5.8.3 Aquifers Meteorology) mean monthly pan evaporation data are provided in the following Table 5.8.5. The Landsborough Sandstone comprises lithofelspathic labile and quartzose sandstone, siltstone, shale and minor coal seams. Both the weathered and fractured sections of the sandstone form a minor aquifer which provide small water supplies of good quality to bores generally yielding less than 1L/s. Water quality is usually fresh and suitable for domestic consumption, stock and very limited irrigation.

The flood plain alluvium associated with creeks in the pine forest areas is composed of clay, silt and gravel. It is likely to be relatively thin, of the order of several meters and containing water of a similar quality to the creeks. It is considered a minor groundwater resource

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Table 5.8.5: Mean Monthly Rainfall and Pan Evaporation Data JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC YEAR Rain 176.6 202.4 208.0 172.9 170.3 102.4 89.9 60.8 54.0 81.1 113.3 143.6 1575.3 Evap. 205 170 165 125 105 85 90 120 150 185 200 215 1815 Note: all values in mm

5.8.6 Discharge 5.8.7 Quality

Groundwater discharge is currently into Bells Creek, Groundwater quality is considered to be very good Lamerough Creek and their associated drains, as well overall. The total dissolved salts are very low; however, as the Golden Beach and Pelican Waters canals. pH is generally acidic, which is typical of coastal Groundwater discharge into the creeks is likely to be wetlands. Table 5.8.7 provides limited analyses from only a small component of the total stream flow. three groundwater bores, south of Bells Creek.

Table 5.8.7: Water Quality Data

Borehole Number ANZECC Recommendations Parameter 79637 79538 79537 Human Livestock Irrigation Consumption Watering of Crops PH 5.8 5.4 5.4 6.5-8.5 - 4.5-9 Total Hardness 13.5 30 5.4 500 - - TDS (Salinity) 15 120 62 1000 3000 * Sodium 15 23 15.5 300 - * Chloride 24 28 21.5 400 30-700 Sulphate 2.2 <2 <2 400 - - Aluminium <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.2 -5 5 Iron 0.07 <0.02 <0.02 0.3 - 1 Manganese 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.1 - 2 Notes: All values in mg/L except pH Arm of Bells Creek and the Portion 480. Most of the land will be cleared and an extensive system of 5.8.8 Surface Water Interaction interconnecting fresh water lakes will be excavated. This will have a major impact on the groundwater Groundwater interacts with the creek, drains and canals system, but the lake system proposed along the through a small volume of discharge. During intense western side of the development will hydraulically rainfall, the groundwater is likely to reach the surface isolate groundwater in the Pelican Waters development and contribute to water logging and overland flow in from groundwater within Portion 480. sloping situations. 5.9 Ecology Overview 5.8.9 Groundwater Utilisation 5.9.1 Terrestrial Ecology Overview There is no known use of groundwater in the study area. To the south, between Bells Creek and the Bells The coastal lowlands and ranges of the Caloundra to Creek Road, a number of houses and vegetable farms Maroochy region lie within the northern part of use small volumes of groundwater. Extensive use is Southeast Queensland, one of the most species rich made of groundwater in the Golden Beach and Pelican bioregions in Australia (Young, in prep.). Waters area using spear points for garden watering. However, groundwater there is hydraulically isolated The eucalypt and paperbark forest, wet and dry from the study area by the canals. heathland, sedgeland and littoral communities present in this area provide habitat for a highly diverse flora and 5.8.10 Existing and Proposed Development fauna assemblage. Some 707 flora species have been Impacts recorded in the study area, with nine of those being listed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations as being rare, vulnerable or endangered. The concept plan for Pelican Waters shows the ultimate 386 species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna (51 mammal, development occupying the area bounded by the North

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40 reptile, 19 amphibian and 276 bird species) have q Riparian Vegetation; been recorded within the region (see Appendices). q Significant Vegetation Types; These include 37 rare, threatened or otherwise q Areas of Regional and/or Local Fauna Habitat significant species. This assemblage includes a range Value; of species more typically associated with tropical or q Bushland/Wildlife Corridors; temperate areas. For many of these, the region forms q Broad Nature Conservation Areas; and part of the northern/southern limit of the species’ q Local Council Protected Areas. distribution. A number of significant fauna species are now presumed to be locally extinct (eg. Death Adder Each of these features are discussed below. The (Acanthopsis antarticticus)). relative values of each, in terms of their rankings within this study, are discussed below, and their occurrences A number of areas are considered to be essential to the within each section of the study area are discussed in maintenance and protection of biodiversity within the sections 5.9.1.3 to 5.9.1.6 and mapped in Figures study area and have been identified as very high 5.9.1 g-l. priority for nature conservation (Watt, 1995). These include the Mooloolah River National Park, wallum National Parks habitat adjacent to the Sunshine Coast Airport and melaleuca wetland and heathland associated with Bells National Parks aim to conserve representative and Lamerough Creeks to the immediate west of ecosystems large enough to be self-perpetuating. Golden Beach. Extensive parts of the latter two areas Ultimately, National Parks are intended for conserving are currently the subject of proposals to create National and preserving biodiversity. For the purposes of this Parks (E. King, EPA, pers. comm.). assessment, areas proposed to become National Parks are considered to have the conservation value level of A range of threatening processes have impacted, and existing National Parks (NP), namely National/State continue to impact upon the abundance and species level significance. composition of the region’s flora and fauna assemblage. These include habitat clearing and One existing National Park, Mooloolah River NP occurs fragmentation of remnants, urban encroachment, in the study area to the west of the Mooloolah River invasion of exotic flora and fauna, changes to fire and south of the Sunshine Motorway. Two additional regimes and hydrology. In their study of remnant areas are proposed as National Parks (E. King, EPA habitat in Southeast Queensland, Catterall et al. (1996) pers. comm), namely: identified significant losses of native vegetation cover from the region, with part of the area sustaining the q Parts of Lot 878, near the Sunshine Coast Airport; highest rate of habitat clearing of any of the local and government areas studied in Southeast Queensland. q Lot 480, in the Bells Creek-Lamerough Creek area.

The study area itself (ie. that land occurring within Rare and Threatened Species and/or in the vicinity of the proposed railway corridor) is primarily a disturbed landscape containing a mosaic of A number of flora and fauna species have been remnant vegetation fragments, some of which form identified as being rare or threatened (vulnerable or larger, more intact habitat systems (such as those endangered) within the region, and those species are mentioned above). Figures 5.9.1a-f contain the protected by legislation at both state and national vegetation maps for each section of the study area over levels1. The rare and threatened flora species known to a cadastral base, indicating the mixture of cleared occur within the study area are listed in Table 5.9.1a, areas and vegetation remnants present in the vicinity of along with the broad vegetation types in which they are each section of the proposed route. Descriptions of known to occur (mostly Rainforest, Heathland and each mapped type are shown in the Appendices. Eucalypt Forest).

Significant Features Turnbull and Olsen (1992) also identify some eighty- four (84) plant species considered to be noteworthy A broad range of features of ecological significance within the Maroochy Shire (listing statements of the have been identified within the study area, including: significant values identified for each species), drawn from a range of sources. These species are mostly q National Parks; found within rainforests, ecotonal forests and q Rare and Threatened Species; heathlands, with a few from eucalypt open forests and q Marine Plants; woodlands and Melaleuca forests and woodlands within q Critical Nature Conservation Areas; the area (see Turnbull & Olsen (1992) for details). q State Forest Scientific Areas; q Endangered and Of Concern Regional Ecosystem Types; 1 q Significant Wetland Areas; Legislation: State - Nature Conservation Act (1992); National - Endangered Species Protection Act (1992)

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Species of particular note occurring within the study (Crinia tinnula), Cotton Pygmy Goose (Nettapus area include: coromandelianus), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Grey Goshawk (Accipiter q Pararistolochia praevenosa - rainforest vine, rare in novaehollandiae), Lewin’s Rail (Rallus pectoralis), Southeast Queensland , and habitat for Richmond Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Glossy Birdwing Butterfly; Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Ground q Lepidosperma quadrangulata - heathland sedge, Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus), Powerful Owl (Ninox uncommon; strenua) and Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera q Livistona australis - palm of ecotonal and rainforest richmondia). communities, particularly associated with Melaleuca - rainforest associations in the study Fauna species, known or likely to occur within habitats area; and affected by the corridor, which are considered to have q Podocarpus spinulosus - heathland shrub or small high conservation significance within the sunshine tree, known from Scientific Area 24 near Beerwah. coast region, though not listed as rare or threatened under state legislation include, the Eastern Chestnut Both the survey findings of this study and existing Mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus), Tree Skink information resources provide records for twenty-three (Egernia striolata), the skink (Lampropholis guichenoti), rare, threatened or otherwise significant fauna species Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus), Swamp known or likely to occur within habitats affected by this Crayfish (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus), Sword-grass section of the corridor. Species which are listed under Brown (Tisiphone abeona rawnsleyi) and the Painted the Nature Conservation Act 1992 as rare or threatened Skipper (Hesperilla picta). (endangered or vulnerable) are the False Water-rat (Xeromys myoides), Elf Skink (Erotoscincus A summary account for each of these species is graciloides), Death Adder (Acanthophis antarticticus), provided in the Appendices and includes information on Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata), Wallum conservation status, habitat requirements, local Rocketfrog (Limnodynastes freycineti), Wallum occurrence and threats. Sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis), Wallum Froglet

Table 5.9.1a: Rare and Threatened Plant Species Species Name Conservation Data Habitat Code2 Source3 Acacia attenuata 3VC B, D, L, Heathlands and ecotones with eucalypt open M, T forests and woodlands Acacia baueri V D, M, T Heathlands Allocasuarina emuina 2E D, L Heathlands Alyxia ilicifolia ssp. Magnifolia R L, M Rainforest Blandfordia grandiflora R B, M, O Wet Heathlands Eucalyptus conglomerata 2VC B, D, M, Heathlands and ecotonal communities with T woodlands Phaius spp. 3VC O, L, M Melaleuca Schoenus scabripes 3RC D, O, T Coastal heathlands Marine Plants

2 Conservation Codes : (after Thomas & McDonald, 1989) 2 Species with a very restricted distribution in Australia (range less than 100 km) 3 Species with a range greater than 100km in Australia E Endangered V Vulnerable R Rare C Species known to occur within a National Park or other proclaimed reserve + Species with a distribution extending beyond the Australian continent. 3 (Data Sources: B = Birbeck, pers. comm; D = Drake 199_; H = HERBRECS 1997; L = Low, pers. comm; M = Moran, pers. comm; O = Olsen, pers. comm; T = Thomas, pers. comm)

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The littoral communities identified within the estuarine q SA24 (Bluegum Scientific Area) - “established for portions of the study area include mangrove the preservation of unique (sic) vegetation types communities, saltmarsh, herbfield and Casuarina and associations which have obtained exceptional glauca communities, and contain some of the most development due to the long-term exclusion of fire. species-rich mangrove communities in Southeast Some areas have possibly been unburnt since Queensland (Olsen & Drane, 1993). These plants are 1927 allowing closed heath to develop”; and protected under the Queensland Fisheries Act (1994), q SA59 (Soils Reference Scientific Area) - “purpose and are of considerable ecological value to the is to provide a soils vegetation datum taking productivity of the associated estuaries and the long advantage of already described soils”. term stability of the coastal systems in which they are found. Both these SAs are known to contain populations of E.conglomerata (a vulnerable species), and SA24 is Mangroves and saltmarshes provide important habitat also known to contain Podocarpus spinulosus and for a wide variety of fauna, particularly fish, crustaceans Leptospermum speciosum, considered to be of and birds. The richness of the aquatic faunal particular interest in the area (DPI Management Plans, communities which move into the mangroves on undated a and b). flooding tides reflects the high productivity of such areas. SAs are generally managed for the conservation of the features they contain, in terms of significant species as A substantial area of mangroves (approx. 346ha) well as representative vegetation types. occurs along the Maroochy River while the Mooloolah River contains relatively few. Bells Creek also contains Endangered and Of Concern Regional Ecosystem a few patches of mangroves at the mouth of the creek. Types The mangrove and adjoining wetland communities in the study area have recently been mapped in some Regional Ecosystem (RE) types have been identified detail (Chenoweth EPLA, 1999), and their locations and and mapped (at a scale of 1:100 000) for the entire extents are shown in Figures 5.9.1a-f. Southeast Queensland bioregion (Young, in prep), and classified as “Endangered4”, “Of Concern5” or “No Critical Nature Conservation Areas Concern At Present6”, according to the proportion of each type remaining at the time of assessment and the Areas which have been identified as being of a very degree of threat posed to each. As discussed in high priority for nature conservation, that is, those section 4.6.9 above, the scale of this mapping has which are essential to the maintenance and protection meant that it is not directly applicable at the scale of the of biodiversity within the NORSROC Subregion (Watt, present study. Instead, the vegetation types 1995), have been mapped as Critical Nature corresponding most nearly to Endangered and Of Conservation Areas. Critical Nature Conservation Concern RE’s were identified, and the conservation Areas in the vicinity of the study area include (in order status of each was considered to be equivalent to that of occurrence, north to south): of the corresponding RE. The relevant RE’s are listed in Table 5.9.1b below, together with their nearest q Marcoola Wallum - a wallum/coastal heath area corresponding vegetation type and current conservation near the Sunshine Coast Airport; status. q Moreton Mill Land & Mooloolah River NP - the combined areas of the large, unfragmented area of heathland, lowland eucalypt forest and melaleuca forest just north of the Mooloolah River NP, and the National Park itself; and q Bells Creek - a once extensive area of melaleuca forest and heathland associated with Bells and Lamerough Creeks, to the immediate west of Golden Beach. However, the eastern and southern portions of this area have been cleared as part of the development of Pelican Waters Estate, leaving considerably less than half. 4 Endangered: <5% pre-European extent remains in an State Forest Scientific Areas intact condition in the region, and is poorly represented within protected areas 5 State Forest Scientific Areas (SAs) are areas of State Of Concern: 5-30% pre-European extent remains in Forest land with a range of conservation-related an intact condition in the region, or is a naturally purposes. Two SAs have been declared in the study restricted type subject to an active threatening process 6 area: No Concern At Present: >30% pre-European extent remains in an intact condition in the region.

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Table 5.9.1b: Relevant Regional Ecosystems Regional Ecosystem (RE) Equivalent Vegetation Type(s) Status 12.1.3 – Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest on Littoral Communities, 1A(i), 1B(i), 1B(ii)a, No concern at present marine clay plains and estuaries 1B(ii)b, 1B(iii), 1C(i), 1C(ii), 1D(i), 1D(ii), 1E(i), 1F(i), 1F(ii), 1F(iii) 12.2.7 – Melaleuca quinquenervia or M. viridiflora open Melaleuca Forest & Woodland (in part), No concern at present forest to woodland on sand plains 7A(ii)a, 7A(ii)b, 7C(ii), 7C(iii) 12.2.12 – Closed heath on seasonally waterlogged Heathland, Heath No concern at present plains 12.3.1 – Gallery rainforest (notophyll rainforest) on Rainforest (riparian), Remnant Riverine Of Concern alluvial plains Communities 12.3.2 – Eucalyptus grandis tall open forest on alluvial Eucalypt Open Forest & Woodland (riparian) No concern at present plains and associated with lower slopes 12.3.5 – Melaleuca quinquenervia tall open forest near Melaleuca Forest & Woodland (in part), 7A(I), Of Concern coastal alluvial plains 7B(i), Ecotonal Forest (in part) 12.3.14 - Banksia aemula woodland on alluvial plains Eucalypt Open Forest & Woodland (in part) No concern at present near coast 12.5.3 – Eucalyptus tindaliae + E. racemosa woodland Eucalypt Open Forest & Woodland (in part) Of Concern on remnant Tertiary surfaces 12.9/10.14 - Eucalyptus pilularis tall open forest on Eucalypt Open Forest & Woodland (in part) No concern at present sedimentary rocks 12.9/10.17 - Mixed forest of Corymbia citriodora, Eucalypt Open Forest & Woodland (in part) No concern at present Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. major, E. acmenoides on sedimentary rocks 12.9/10.22 - Closed sedgeland/shrubland on Heathland No concern at present sedimentary rocks. Coastal parts. Both of these wetland significance categories are Following advice from EPA officers, Endangered and recommended in that report for inclusion in control Of Concern REs are considered here to be of State, districts, and are considered here to be at a regional level significance. (rather than National or State), non-statutory level of significance. Significant Wetland Areas Riparian Vegetation The recent (draft) Conservation Assessment of Coastal Wetlands (Chenoweth EPLA, 1999) identified a number Riparian vegetation along waterways can contain of wetland areas as being Regionally Significant and of important flora species and form important refuge areas Major Habitat importance, based on a range of factors, for fauna. When these riparian strips are surrounded including “Diagnostic” criteria such as: by clear and/or disturbed land, they are often classed as biological sinks. That is, riparian vegetation often q representativeness; contains remnant species usually associated with more q size; dense vegetation types such as rainforest and ecotonal q diversity; habitats. In association with the vegetation, the fauna q boundaries; diversity is often higher than in surrounding habitats. q connectivity to water; q connectivity (measure of wetland fragmentation); The riparian vegetation along waterways also provides and value to wildlife as a movement corridor, thus allowing q adjoining habitat. mobile species such as birds and bats to move between different habitat patches. and “Modifying” criteria such as: Riparian vegetation acts also as a buffer to retard the q significant species; passage of litter and pollutants from urban development q wader habitat; which may enter the waterway where riparian q connectivity with seagrass, mudbanks /sandbanks; vegetation is absent. q ACMS database; and q expert knowledge. Significant Vegetation Types

Full details of methodology used in this process should A range of vegetation types have been identified in be sought from the original report (Chenoweth EPLA, local/regional studies (Olsen & Drane 1993, Watt 1995) 1999). as being of particular ecological significance (Priority 1) within the region, namely:

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Local Council Protected Areas q Rainforest; q Melaleuca Forest and Woodland; A range of areas are protected under various local q Heathland and associated communities; council provisions, including: q Ecotonal/Wet Sclerophyll Forest; q Littoral Vegetation/Buffer communities; and q Conservation zonings on Strategic Plans; q Some of the Eucalypt Open Forest and Woodland q Vegetation Protection Areas (protected by Local types (mostly those dominated by E. racemosa). Laws); q 10 metre “Prohibited Zones” along creeks in Rural Broad Nature Conservation Areas Zoned lands; q Areas of ecological interest to Council (eg. around Areas which have been identified as being of a high to Ewen Maddock Dam) to which stringent moderate priority for nature conservation, that is, those environmental controls would be applied in the which are important to the maintenance and protection event of any impact being proposed; and of biodiversity in the NORSROC Subregion (Watt, q Areas to which non-clearance conditions have 1995), have been mapped as Broad Nature been applied through the town planning process Conservation Areas. These are multiple use areas, in (eg. near Sugarbag Rd). which it is essential that conservation be adopted into land management practices, and attempts are made to 5.9.1.1 Assignment of Significance to Ecological maintain biodiversity and the functioning of natural Features systems. Their intended purposes include: Each of the ecological features described above were q providing buffers around Critical Nature assigned a significance ranking using the following four Conservation Areas; categories: q providing linkages between natural landscape features and thus opportunities for fauna Very High National / State level features movement and flora dispersal; High Regional level features q protecting water catchment values; and Moderate Local level features q maintaining landscape values and biodiversity. Low No features of a local or higher level of significance Bushland/Wildlife Corridors The features and their relevant ranking are given in Corridors through which fauna species can move and Table 5.9.1c below. flora species can disperse are of considerable ecological significance. They allow the mixing and Table 5.9.1c: Ecological Features and their spread of genetic material, and the natural re- Significance Ranking introduction of species following localised extinctions Feature Significance within individual remnants. Such corridors typically occur between existing areas of remnant vegetation, National Parks VERY HIGH and along the waterways (rivers, creeks, etc) of the Rare and/or Threatened Species VERY HIGH region, including: Marine Plants VERY HIGH Critical Nature Conservation Areas VERY HIGH q Bellbird Creek; Endangered and/or Of Concern RE q Mountain Creek; VERY HIGH Types q Sippy Creek; State Forest Scientific Areas HIGH q Blue Gum Creek; q Lamerough Creek Significant Wetland Areas HIGH q Bells Creek; Areas of regional and/or local fauna HIGH q Mellum Creek; habitat value q Currimundi Creek; Bushland/Wildlife Corridors MODERATE q Sippy Creek; Riparian vegetation MODERATE q Coochin Creek; Significant Vegetation Types MODERATE q Mooloolah River; and q Maroochy River. Broad Nature Conservation Areas MODERATE Local Council Protected Areas MODERATE The value to wildlife of these corridors is diminished by (native vegetation not included above) LOW disturbance, fragmentation and invasion by exotic species.

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5.9.1.2 Beerwah to Caloundra Road Bluegum Creek in the south, lies Bluegum Scientific Area (SA24). This SA is known to contain E. The ecological features present within this section conglomerata, as is the nearby Bluegum NP (to the include: west of the existing railway line). q Proposed National Park (Lot 480); Further east towards the highway, the section includes q Rare and Threatened Species; predominantly pine plantation areas, except for a q Marine Plants; relatively large dam, a forested area at Mt Alpha/Alf’s q Critical Nature Conservation Area (a small Hill (names for the site seem to vary from source to remaining portion of the Bells Creek Area); source) and the adjacent Scientific Area (SA59) which q Bushland/Wildlife Corridors (Coochin, Mellum, is linked to the forested areas associated with the Hill Bluegum, Bells & Lamerough Creeks); by a narrow band of heathland. The dam is lined with q State Forest Scientific Areas; melaleuca woodland backed by a fringe of remnant q Endangered and Of Concern RE Types; eucalypt forest, while the Hill and SA contain a mosaic q Significant Wetlands Areas; of eucalypt forest types grading into heathland in the q Riparian vegetation; lower-lying areas closest to the highway. SA59 is q Significant Vegetation Types; known to contain a small population of E. conglomerata q Broad Nature Conservation Area (west of the (DPI undated, b). Highway and surrounding portions of the Bells Creek Critical Nature Conservation Area); and To the immediate east of the Highway, this section q Local Council Protected Areas (including a 10m passes through privately-owned land containing Prohibited Zone along Bellbird Creek and over predominantly pine plantations. These pine forests are parts of the remaining Bells/Lamerough Creek interlaced (particularly towards the east) with the wetland area). melaleuca-lined branches and tributaries of Bells Creek, which in some areas are backed by remnant Figure 5.9.1g indicates the locations of each of these patches of eucalypt forest. A sparse littoral fringe lines significant features. The nature of each is discussed the lower portions of this creek system, containing a below, and the overall values identified in this section of mixture of mangrove species and occasional claypan the study area are summarised in Table 5.9.1d. patches. A drain has been cut along the eastern margin of the pine planted area, connecting with the Terrestrial Flora north branch of Bells Creek, and this drain has become lined with mangroves also. To the west of the Bruce Highway, this area covers mostly pine plantation and cleared areas, but also To the east of the pine plantations lie the remnants of includes three creeklines and a number of areas of the Bells Creek wetland area, dominated by melaleuca remnant vegetation (see Figure 5.9.1a & b). forest types with occasional heath patches. A range of rare, threatened and otherwise significant plant species The creeklines in this section, in order of crossing from are likely to occur in this area, including christmas bells west to east, are Bluegum Creek (a tributary of Mellum (Blandfordia grandiflora), ground orchids (Phaias spp.) Creek), Bellbird Creek (a tributary of Bluegum Creek), and Lepidosperma quadrangulata each of which tend to an unnamed tributary of Bluegum Creek, Mellum Creek occur in wetland areas such as this, away from and an unnamed tributary of Mellum Creek. developed areas.

The native vegetation along these creeklines has been Some of the north-eastern tributaries of Bells Creek much reduced by past land clearing practices in appear to have a common source with the upper surrounding areas (for both plantation forestry and reaches of Lamerough creek in the wetland area on Lot agriculture). The remaining vegetation is somewhat 480, which contains the bulk of the original Bells Creek disturbed in places, having been invaded by weeds and Critical Conservation Area, and which is proposed to be crossed by occasional roads and access tracks. declared as a National Park (E. King, EPA pers. Nevertheless, there are melaleuca forest, rainforest, comm.). heathland, eucalypt forest and ecotonal forest remnants along the creeklines which provide some fauna habitat On the south-eastern margin of this section, between and forms wildlife movement corridors linking larger Bells and Lamerough Creeks, extensive clearing of remnant areas. The ecotonal forest along Mellum native vegetation has been undertaken on the Pelican Creek in particular, is likely to contain Pararistolochia Waters development site, with the result that large praevenosa, a noteworthy vine species. The areas (extending almost to the banks of Bells Creek rainforest/melaleuca (Ecotonal) patches on Bellbird and into the once extensive wetland areas of the Bells Creek contain Livistona australis palms, and one of the Creek Critical Conservation Area) are now effectively types which equates to RE 12.3.5 (an of concern RE). unvegetated.

To the south of Bellbird Creek, and extending to To the north of the Pelican Waters site lies the portion

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of the wetland system directly associated with rare and/or threatened plant species, including Acacia Lamerough Creek. This area contains melaleuca forest attenuata, Acacia baueri, Alyxia ilicifolia ssp. which borders onto eucalypt forest towards the tip site magnifolia, Blandfordia grandiflora and Schoenus to the north. Acacia attenuata is known to occur scabripes. around the margins of the eucalypt forest in this area. The remnant vegetation patch between the Rotary To the west of the old tip site lies the Caloundra Park, Aerodrome and old tip sites contains both Aerodrome, the vegetation around which includes eucalypt and melaleuca forest elements in a relatively extensive heathland, melaleuca and eucalypt forest narrow, track-laced strip. areas. These areas are known to contain at least five

Table 5.9.1d: Beerwah - Caloundra Road Area - Summary of Flora Feature Values Area Features4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SA 24 E. conglomerata Yes Heathland yes Bellbird Ck 12.3.5 yes Melaleuca, yes Rainforest Bluegum Ck trib. Melaleuca, yes Heathland Mellum Ck yes Ecotonal yes Mellum Ck trib. 12.5.3 yes Eucalypt (E. yes racemosa dominant) Dam Melaleuca Yes Mt Alpha/Alf’s hill Eucalypt (E. racemosa dominant) SA59 Yes Heathland, Yes Eucalypt (E. racemosa dominant) Bells Ck Sth. 140 yes Melaleuca yes Branch Bells Ck N Branch yes 139 yes Melaleuca Yes yes trib. Bells Ck wetlands yes B. grandiflora yes yes 138 yes Melaleuca, yes (likely) Heathland Lamerough Ck yes A. attenuata yes 138 yes Melaleuca, yes wetlands Heathland Caloundra yes A. attenuata, yes Melaleuca, Yes yes Aerodrome A. baueri Heathland A. ilicifolia ssp. Magnifolia, B. grandiflora, S. scabripes Rotary Park – tip Melaleuca yes

4Features: 1: National Parks 2: Rare and/or Threatened Species 3: Marine Plants 4: Critical Nature Conservation Areas 5: State Forest Scientific Areas 6: Endangered and/or Of Concern RE Types 7: Significant Wetland Areas 8: Riparian vegetation 9: Significant Vegetation Types 10: Broad Nature Conservation Areas 11: Local Council Protected Areas

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Terrestrial Fauna SA24. They were not recorded from the other habitats within this habitat unit. The Eastern Tiger Snake has This area of the proposed route contains excellent been recorded within this area, with a number of habitat for large populations of macropods. Such large records from along Fraser Road (W. Mannion pers. suitable habitat areas are becoming increasingly comm.). The local population is thought to be stable fragmented in Southeast Queensland. and possibly increasing within this area (W. Mannion pers. comm.). Both the survey findings of this study and existing information resources provide records for 332 fauna The two butterfly species have declined greatly in species for this area (38 mammal, 39 reptile, 24 abundance in Southeast Queensland as a result of the amphibian and 231 bird species). This includes clearing of habitat containing the food plant, the records of thirteen rare, threatened or otherwise sawsedge Gahnia clarkei, for agricultural and significant species known or likely to occur within residential development (D. Sands pers. comm.). habitats affected by this section of the corridor. These According to Common and Waterhouse (1981), the include Wallum Rocketfrog (Limnodynastes freycineti), Painted Skipper is rare in Queensland except around Wallum Sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis), Wallum Caloundra, and the Sword-grass Brown presumed to Froglet (Crinia tinnula), Tree Skink (Egernia striolata), be extinct in Queensland, except in the Gympie to Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus), Elf Skink Caloundra region. (Erotoscincus graciloides), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Grey Goshawk (Accipiter Powerful Owls are known from the vicinity of Alex novaehollandiae), Lewin’s Rail (Rallus pectoralis), Forest, Maroochydore approximately 0.6km north east Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Swamp Crayfish of the proposed transport corridor in Buderim. (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus), Sword-grass Brown According to Mr Wes Mannion (pers. comm.), Powerful (Tisiphone abeona rawnsleyi) and the Painted Skipper Owls were also resident at Beerwah in the vicinity of (Hesperilla picta). the Australia Zoo (located approximately 0.5km north of the route), up until four or five years ago. The frequent A summary account for each of these species is sightings by zoo staff suggest a pair had a territory provided in the Appendices and includes information on situated around the zoo, but that they have since conservation status, habitat requirements, local relocated. This species appears to be absent from the occurrence and threats. Relevant species accounts coastal forests in Caloundra Shire (J. Birbeck pers. should be read in conjunction with this section of the comm.). report. Moving east, the corridor passes through extensive From its most westerly point, the corridor passes areas of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) forest. The only through a small section of wallum heathland, which is native habitat within this region occurs as relatively part of State Forest SA24; bisects a small stand of swampy waterways and are considered to be locally exotic Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii); passes through a important in terms of both intrinsic values and their small stand of Paper-barked Tea Tree (Melaleuca contribution to the remaining network of native habitats. quinquenervia) with an understorey of sawsedge The western branch of Mellum Creek is particularly Gahnia clarkei; and then crosses Bellbird Creek which important in this regard. These small areas of remnant supports rainforest, before entering the Beerwah pine habitat support a canopy of Paper-barked Tea Tree forest habitat unit described next. (Melaleuca quinquenervia) with an understorey of sedges, Bungwall Fern (Blechnum indicum) and The Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula), was recorded in Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia). this habitat unit, whilst the Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae) is considered likely to use these Small pockets of heathland and eucalypt forest are habitats, especially during winter for foraging. At least present throughout this habitat unit to the west of the two, if not three noteworthy species are likely to occur Bruce Highway. Pine plantations dominates to the east within this habitat unit. These are the Eastern Tiger of the highway and the south branch of Bells Creek Snake (Notechis scutatus) and two butterflies, the provides the significant remnant of native habitat, Sword-grass Brown (Tisiphone abeona rawnsleyi) and mainly paperbark wetlands, though small areas of (probably) the Painted Skipper (Hesperilla picta). In eucalypt forest are present. addition, closed forest elements provide habitat for a range of rainforest birds. Species such as the This habitat unit is unlikely to support significant Spectacled Monarch (Monarcha trivirgatus), Large- populations of any rare or threatened species. Within billed Scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostris), Little Shrike- the pine plantations of this habitat unit, the Wallum thrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha) and other rainforest Froglet is likely to be present in small numbers. No species were recorded during a brief visit. Wallum Froglet were heard during brief visits within this habitat, though this species was heard calling in similar A small number of Wallum Froglet were heard calling plantation habitat to the north east, nearer Caloundra. by day and night from the wallum heathland within the The Lewin’s Rail (Rallus pectoralis) and the Eastern

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Tiger Snake may be present, particularly in association 5.9.1.3 Caloundra Road to Mooloolah River with areas of riparian vegetation. The sedge Gahnia clarkei (a butterfly food plant), is present though not The ecological features present within this area include: common with remnant habitat. q Rare and Threatened Species; The alignment runs east and then swings north, q Marine Plants; passing through a large area of Paperbark wetland. q Critical Nature Conservation Area (Mooloolah River Within this habitat unit, the tree canopy is dominated by NP); Paper-barked Tea Tree with Swamp Mahogany q Riparian vegetation; (Lophostemon suaveolens) present, though in low q Significant Vegetation Types; densities. Hakea (Hakea actites), Broad-leaved q Bushland/Wildlife Corridors (Mooloolah River & Banksia (Banksia robur) and other shrubs form a dense Aroona bushland); shrub layer two-three metres in height. The paperbark q Broad Nature Conservation Area; and wetland and heathland associated with Bells and q Local Council Protected Areas (eg. Duckholes Lamerough Creeks have previously been identified as Creek NR, Mooloolah River banks). areas of very high priority for nature conservation (QDEH, 1995). This habitat unit was extensively Figures 5.9.1i&j indicate the locations of each of these inundated during site assessment in June 1999, with significant features. The nature of each is discussed surface waters up to half a metre in depth common below, and the overall values identified in this section throughout. are summarised in Table 5.9.1e.

Six rare or significant species use this area: the Wallum Terrestrial Flora Rocketfrog (Limnodynastes freycineti), Wallum Sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis), Wallum Froglet, and This section begins at the south with the melaleuca Lewin’s Rail (the latter two recorded during surveys) forest in Duckholes Creek Nature Reserve near and the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus Caloundra Road, and continues north up the Duckholes asiaticus) (NatureSearch record, cell 2811X). All three Creek catchment through melaleuca forest surrounded “acid” frog species have been recorded in previous by eucalypt forest up to Sugarbag Road (see Figure studies for the proposed Bells Creek Arterial Road 5.9.1c). (Environmental Solutions & Investigations, 1994), . though the location of these observations have not The area north of Sugarbag Road drains towards been clearly identified. Both the Wallum Sedgefrog and Currimundi Creek, with the vegetation being Wallum Rocketfrog are likely to occur within sections of predominantly eucalypt forest in the upper reaches. suitable habitat within the railway corridor (cool weather Along the drainage lines the vegetation becomes more conditions during the survey period were not suitable to mesic, tending towards rainforest species where the survey for these species but it appears habitat is flow paths are relatively well defined, and a mixture of suitable). The “uncommon” Swamp Crayfish eucalypts, melaleucas and rainforest species (including (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus) is also likely to occur stands of Livistona australis palms) where the flow within this habitat unit. paths spread out and areas become periodically inundated (mapped as “Ecotonal Forest”). These Wallum Froglets were found to be reasonably patches are surrounded by encroaching residential numerous in swampland west of the Pelican Waters development, and edge effects (including garden refuse development site at Golden Beach. A Lewin’s Rail was dumping and higher light levels, facilitating weed detected through call playback surveys, and one was invasion), together with erosion from stormwater runoff, encountered during a ground search. have degraded these remnants to some extent.

Beyond this habitat unit, the corridor passes north North of Kalana Road lies an area which contains through Paper-barked Tea Tree woodland just west of mainly regrowth (dominated by wattles) with occasional the old Caloundra Tip, and further north, though wallum large canopy eucalypts, grading into a less-disturbed heathland. No rare or threatened species were melaleuca/eucalypt area just before Currimundi Creek. recorded here during field work, though all three vulnerable wallum frog species are considered likely to Currimundi Creek itself flows directly to the ocean only occur within this habitat unit. Habitat appears suitable a relatively short distance from where the route crosses for Wallum Froglet, though none were heard calling it, but sand bars typically block the creek mouth and during daytime visits. Call playback failed to reveal the limit the tidal influence, so the creek system is presence of any Lewin’s Rail. They may occur here effectively freshwater and therefore mangrove free over nonetheless although the habitat appears to be less its entire length. suitable than other areas within this section of the railway corridor. The regionally uncommon Swamp To the north of Currimundi Creek, the area includes a Crayfish is also likely to occur here, with a Queensland number of patches of mature melaleuca forest, Museum specimen known from Caloundra. including the eastern edge of a large remnant patch of

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tall melaleuca forest at Birtinya, which has pockets of Conservation Area, just to the east of the Mooloolah rainforest present within it. This melaleuca forest type River National Park, before crossing the river three corresponds to RE 12.3.5, a type which is considered times near Parrearra. In this area, the river is lined with Of Concern in the Southeast Queensland region littoral vegetation (including grey mangrove scrub - (Young, in prep,). More extensive areas of melaleuca Avicennia marina var. australasica - and mixed forest previously occurred to the east of these remnant Aegiceras corniculatum/Avicennia marina var. patches, but those have been relatively recently cleared australasica/Rhizophora stylosa/bruguiera gymnorhiza in the extension of the Kawana Estates developments scrub), backed by eucalypt and melaleuca forest areas in this area. (only a narrow band to the east, but more extensive in concave river bends to the west). The route then runs parallel to the Mooloolah River for a stretch at the eastern edge of the Critical Nature

Table 5.9.1e: Caloundra Rd - Mooloolah River Area - Summary of Flora Feature Values Area Features5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Duckholes Ck Melaleuca yes South of Sugarbag Rd yes Sugarbag Rd – Maree A. ilicifolia ssp. yes Melaleuca St magnifolia Maree St – Kalana Rd A. ilicifolia ssp. yes Rainforest Magnifolia Kalana Rd – Currimundi A. attenuata yes Melaleuca Ck North of Currimundi Ck 12.3.5 136 Melaleuca yes – South of Mooloolah R Mooloolah R yes Yes yes 134 yes Melaleuca, (west) Mangroves

5 Features: 1: National Parks 2: Rare and/or Threatened Species 3: Marine Plants 4: Critical Nature Conservation Areas 5: State Forest Scientific Areas 6: Endangered and/or Of Concern RE Types 7: Significant Wetland Areas 8: Riparian vegetation 9: Significant Vegetation Types 10: Broad Nature Conservation Areas 11: Local Council Protected Areas

Terrestrial Fauna occurrence and threats. Relevant species accounts should be read in conjunction with this section of the Both the survey findings of this study and existing report. information resources provide records for 244 fauna species for this area (22 mammal, 25 reptile, 18 The Caloundra Road to Sugarbag Road section of the amphibian and 179 bird species). This includes route supports a small eucalypt dominated remnant records of six rare and threatened species known or which has an understorey of Black she-oak likely to occur within habitats affected by this section of (Allocasuarina littoralis). No rare or threatened species the corridor. These are the Wallum Froglet (Crinia appear to use this site. The seeds of the Black she-oak tinnula), Elf Skink (Erotoscincus graciloides), Black- are a staple food of the vulnerable Glossy Black necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Grey Cockatoo, but no signs of harvested cones could be Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae) and Lewin’s Rail found despite extensive ground searches. It is (Rallus pectoralis) and Glossy Black Cockatoo nonetheless possible that Glossy Black Cockatoos visit (Calyptorhynchus lathami). the site on occasion as they are recorded further north from Aroona (pers. comm. J. Birbeck), though it is A summary account for each of these species is unlikely that this small site, surrounded by provided in the Appendices and includes information on development, is important for their survival. Patches of conservation status, habitat requirements, local the sawsedge Gahnia clarkei (a butterfly food plant)

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were relatively numerous along the main drainage line and protection of biodiversity within the region (QDEH, within this remnant, though not extensive enough to 1995). provide ideal butterfly habitat. The Black-necked Stork and Wallum Froglet were A large number of informal tracks transect this site and recorded here during field work with one adult and a a range of environmental weeds have colonised large juvenile Black-necked Stork observed at the dam numerous areas of disturbance. Whilst unlikely to situated within the south-east corner of the melaleuca support rare or threatened fauna, this site forms the remnant (see Figure 5.9.1d). This species was only southern extent of a locally significant chain of remnant sighted once, though the dam was surveyed on several habitats within this sector of Caloundra City. occasions. The dam is probably part of their regular feeding territory which may include other dams, as well The alignment then follows a north-westerly direction as grassy paddocks, within the general vicinity. The north of Sugarbag Road, through an area known as the dam is large and deep enough to provide habitat for “Aroona bushlands” to Sunset Drive. Within the another rare waterbird, the Cotton Pygmy-goose southern sector, the vegetation consists of eucalypt (Nettapus coromandelianus). Very large choruses of open forest with a dense understorey of Black She-oak Wallum Froglet were heard, by day and night, (Allocasuarina littoralis). In the vicinity of Maree Street, throughout the inundated sedge/grasslands of the area. and extending north to Sunset Street, the vegetation Lewin’s Rail was located twice in response to call consists of tall eucalypts and brush box with a playback along this part of the railway corridor within rainforest understorey. North of Sunset Street an area tall dense vegetation adjacent to the melaleuca of Melaleuca/eucalypt forest occurs, with relatively remnant (see Figure 5.9.1d). higher levels of disturbance within the southern portion of this area. The route passes through the floodplain of the Mooloolah River. Native vegetation has been cleared Three rare or threatened species are known or likely to except for a relatively narrow fringe along the river. occur in this area. The Wallum Froglet, Elf Skink This fringing forest varies in the degree of floristic (Erotoscincus graciloides) and Glossy Black Cockatoo dominance from eucalypt forest to Paper-barked Tea are known from the area, whilst the Grey Goshawk is Tree forest to mangrove forest adjacent to the Nicklin likely to use the rainforest habitat. One Elf Skink was Way bridge. A variety of rainforest plant species occur located under a log during a survey and has previously within the understorey throughout this area. Many of been recorded from the area by NatureSearch (cell the larger Paper-barked Tea Tree on the western bank 2726-S). Litter-dwelling skinks usually avoid floodprone in Parrearra are dead or dying, probably due to rising land and this species may well be confined to more salt from the adjoining cleared paddock. elevated lands adjacent to Maree Street, part of which lies within the railway corridor. One Wallum Froglet This area appears to be of low value for significant was heard calling in habitat adjacent to Maree Street. species, apart from the Wallum Froglet, which is common in some cleared paddocks on both the eastern The Glossy Black Cockatoo was not observed during and western sides of the Mooloolah River. The Grey the survey, although there is a NatureSearch record Goshawk has been recorded from this region by from the area (cell 2726-S). This species feeds on the NatureSearch (cell 2636) which extends over the seed cones of she-oak occurring in open forest but railway corridor route at Warana. The Grey Goshawk does not appear to be dependant upon this area as no probably forages occasionally along the fringing river signs of feeding could be detected in the densest grove vegetation, and a variety of waders, including migratory of Black she-oak within habitat between Sugarbag species listed under international conservation Road and Maree Street. Whilst remnant forest within agreements (JAMBA & CAMBA) such as the rare the northern extent of this habitat unit supports flying- Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), are fox and possum species, known prey of the Powerful likely to feed on the intertidal flats within the river. It is Owl, this nocturnal raptor appears absent from coastal possible, though considered very unlikely, that a very habitats within the Caloundra area (pers. comm. J. small population of False Water-rat (Xeromys myoides) Birbeck). Species such as Large-billed Scrubwren and may inhabit the limited area of mangrove forest. This Little Shrike-thrush and other rainforest species were mangrove fringe was extensively searched though no recorded during assessments of this area. feeding remains attributable to this species could be located. Due to the very limited extent of intact habitat, The alignment continues in a northerly direction through this habitat unit is considered very unlikely to provide an extensive area of sedge/grassland which, prior to substantial habitat for any significant species apart from disturbance, would once have supported a mixed forest the Wallum Froglet. Habitat values are likely to decline habitat dominated by eucalypts and Paper-barked Tea in time as surrounding areas are developed for Tree. Adjacent, and to its west, is an important housing. melaleuca remnant which lies between the corridor and the Mooloolah River National Park, one of a number of areas considered to be essential for the maintenance

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5.9.1.4 Mooloolah River to Maroochydore Centre was available relating to the flora in these heathland areas, and as the proposed route does not directly The ecological features present within this railway impact upon them, no survey work was undertaken corridor section include: there during the current study. Given the nature of the vegetation present, however, it is likely that these areas q Marine Plants; contain some of the rare and/or threatened heathland q Rare and Threatened Species; species known to occur in similar habitats elsewhere in q Significant Vegetation Types; the region. q Areas of Local Native Fauna Habitat Value; and q Small areas of High Biodiversity. North of this area, the section includes a number of areas of melaleuca, melaleuca/rainforest and eucalypt Figure 5.9.1k indicates the locations of each of these forest along the margins of the existing Sunshine significant features. The nature of each is discussed Motorway corridor. Many of them are small remnants below, and the overall values identified in this section within Council dedicated parks (including Cannon Park, are summarised in Table 5.9.1f. Amarina Avenue Park, Lady Musgrave Park, Lilac Park, Kayleigh Park and Dalton Drive Park). The remnants at This section contains littoral communities and the south-eastern margin of Elizabeth Daniels Park and melaleuca low forest near the Mooloolah River, and in Lilac Park, near the Motorway are known to contain heathland and eucalypt forest remnants along the the noteworthy vine Pararistolochia praevenosa and the margins of the existing Sunshine Motorway corridor rare shrub Alyxia ilicifolia spp. magnifolia. (see Figure 5.9.1e). The route finally includes recently cleared agricultural Terrestrial Flora areas on the “Wise’s Farm” lands between the Maroochydore Centre and the Sunshine Motorway. The littoral communities occur on the mid-river island Vegetation within these areas are fragmented, and (mainly grey mangroves - Avicennia marina var. development (both residential and recreational) is australasica - with a patch of saltcouch grassland - encroaching upon them. Sporobolus virginicus) and as a fringe along the northern river bank (dominated by red mangroves - Rhizophora stylosa).

An area of heathland lies within the TAFE college grounds and adjacent lands, and while some of it is proposed for future development in an expansion of the TAFE facilities, the majority of it currently appears to be relatively intact and of good quality. No information

Table 5.9.1f: Mooloolah River- Maroochydore Centre Area - Summary of Feature Values Area Features6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Maroochy River Yes yes Melaleuca, north of the MMTC Mangroves Lands near Tafe (heathland Heathland species likely) Roadside Remnants A. ilicifolia Melaleuca, ssp. Magnifolia Rainforest

6 Features:

1: National Parks 2: Rare and/or Threatened Species 3: Marine Plants 4: Critical Nature Conservation Areas 5: State Forest Scientific Areas 6: Endangered and/or Of Concern RE 7: Significant Wetland Areas 8: Riparian vegetation 9: Significant Vegetation Types 10: Broad Nature Conservation Areas 11: Local Council Protected Area Types

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Terrestrial Fauna in this section include:

Both the survey findings of this study and existing q Proposed National Park (Lot 878); information resources provide records for 340 fauna q Critical Nature Conservation Area (Marcoola species for this area (32 mammal, 32 reptile, 17 Wallum); amphibian and 259 bird species). This includes q Rare and Threatened Species; records of seven rare, threatened or otherwise q Marine Plants; significant species known or likely to occur within q Significant Vegetation Types; habitats affected by this section of the corridor. These q Areas of High Biodiversity (both large & small); include Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata), Elf q Bushland /Wildlife Corridors (along the Maroochy Skink (Erotoscincus graciloides), the burrowing skink River) Broad Nature Conservation Area; (Ophioscincus truncatus), Death Adder (Acanthophis q Local Council Protected Areas (Maroochy Shire antarticticus), Grey Goshawk (Accipiter Conservation Zone); and novaehollandiae), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and q Areas of Local Native Fauna Habitat Value. Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia). Figure 5.9.1l indicates the locations of each of these A summary account for each of these species is significant features. The nature of each is discussed provided in the Appendices and includes information on below, and the overall values identified in this section conservation status, habitat requirements, local are summarised in Table 5.9.1g. occurrence and threats. Relevant species accounts should be read in conjunction with this section of the Terrestrial Flora report. This section passes through the margins of an area of The most significant remnant within this section occurs melaleuca forest adjacent to the existing Sunshine adjacent and to the west of the alignment at Buderim. Motorway corridor (“Wise’s Farm remnant”) as it loops A number of rare or threatened species have been south and west to rejoin the Motorway alignment, and recorded from Buderim, mostly from the vicinity of the through narrow remnant fragments of melaleuca and Buderim landfill site. Low (1997) recorded the Grey eucalypt forest adjacent to the Motorway on the way Goshawk nesting adjacent to the landfill site and north to the Maroochy River. These areas are all either recorded the vulnerable butterfly, the Richmond heavily disturbed or represent the disturbed margins of Birdwing and its food plant Pararistolochia praevenosa a more intact and valuable remnant. within the Buderim Hospital lands further to the west. The Grey Goshawk nest could not be located during This section of the corridor then crosses the Maroochy recent fieldwork. Woodward Clyde (1997) recorded the River within the Sunshine Motorway corridor. A band of Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata) and the Grey marine vegetation (mangroves and saltmarsh) is Goshawk on the Buderim Hospital lands. The Powerful present along the north bank of the river next to the Owl (Ninox strenua) and Grey Goshawk have also existing Motorway bridge. The native vegetation been recorded from Alex Forest which lies less than a between the river and the David Low Way roundabout kilometre to the north east of the proposed rail has been cleared and now contains sugar cane alignment. There is also an old Queensland Museum plantations. specimen of the Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) from Buderim and a museum specimen of the Between the Sunshine Motorway and Kowonga Street burrowing skink (Ophioscincus truncatus) from Buderim lies a narrow, degraded patch of melaleuca forest. To Mountain. Death Adders are probably extinct in the the north of Menzies Drive, west of the Primary School region and the burrowing skink (Ophioscincus site is a mosaic melaleuca forest - heathland area. truncatus) record is presumably from an upland This area has suffered disturbance along its southern population. The Elf Skink may occur in the rainforest and western margins, but contains sizeable areas in remnants adjacent to the tip site and hospital. relatively good condition towards the northern end (near Lot 878). The vegetation alongside the motorway is already heavily disturbed as a result of the previous motorway The areas of heathland and melaleuca forest adjacent development, and is subjected to continuous road to the Sunshine Coast Airport (on Lot 878) lie within the traffic noise. This vegetation, therefore, is likely to be Marcoola Wallum Critical Nature Conservation Area - unsuitable habitat for all of these species but Grey one of the areas proposed for listing as a National park. Goshawk and Powerful Owl probably fly between the This area is known to be of significance both for its landfill site and Alex Forest on occasion. vegetation types and habitats for significant species (Mary Maher & Associates, 1997). Allocasuarina 5.9.1.5 Maroochydore Centre to Sunshine Coast emuina, Acacia baueri and Schoenus scabripes are Airport known to occur within this heathland area also (Drake pers. comm, Thomas pers. comm). The following significant features identified as occurring

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The lands near the motorway to the north west of the are of negligible ecological value. airport, near the termination point for the proposed corridor, contain disturbed lands and cane fields and

Table 5.9.1g: Maroochydore Centre Sunshine Coast Airport Area - Summary of Flora Feature Values Area Features7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Wise’s Farm Melaleuca Roadside Melaleuca remnants Maroochy R Yes 129 yes Mangroves yes (Nth bank) Canelands yes Melaleuca 194 Melaleuca, yes Remnants Heathland Lot 878 Yes A.baueri, A. Yes 194 Melaleuca, emuina, Heathland S.scabripes Preferred Airport yes Station Site

7 Features:

1:National Parks 2:Rare and/or Threatened Species 3:Marine Plants 4:Critical Nature Conservation Areas 5:State Forest Scientific Areas 6:Endangered and/or Of Concern RE Types 7:Significant Wetland Areas 8:Riparian Vegetation 9: Significant Vegetation Types 10: Broad Nature Conservation Areas 11:Local Council Protected Areas

Terrestrial Fauna Several relatively small remnants occur adjacent to the motorway and the proposed rail alignment. Several Both the survey findings of this study and existing remnants occur on an area known as the “Wise’s land". information resources provide records for 184 fauna Much of the this land was covered in forest in the species for this area (18 mammal, 12 reptile, 19 recent past. The railway corridor will pass though the amphibian and 135 bird species). This includes largest remnant which consists of eucalypt forest on the records of eleven rare, threatened or otherwise elevated section to the east, and Paper-barked Tea significant species known or likely to occur within Tree forest with a rainforest understorey in the swampy habitats affected by this section of the corridor. These area to the west. include False Water-rat (Xeromys myoides), Eastern Chestnut Mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus), Wallum Two rare or threatened species were recorded here Rocketfrog (Limnodynastes freycineti), Wallum during fieldwork. They are the rare Grey Goshawk and Sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis), Wallum Froglet Wallum Froglet. A Grey Goshawk was observed flying (Crinia tinnula), the skink (Lampropholis guichenoti), north over the Sunshine Motorway and into the forest. Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae), Eastern The Grey Goshawk may represent a resident individual Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Glossy Black using the forest fragments in the Buderim area Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Ground Parrot (including the Buderim Tip - a known breeding site, and (Pezoporus wallicus) and Swamp Crayfish Alex Forest) as a regular hunting territory, or it may be (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus). an individual from the ranges further west, dispersing to the lowlands for the winter months. A summary account for each of these species is provided in the Appendices and includes information on A small number of Wallum Froglet (<8 males) were conservation status, habitat requirements, local heard calling at night from cleared land just to the east occurrence and threats. of the forest. The Elf Skink may have once occurred at this site, though the existing habitat is probably less Relevant species accounts should be read in than ideal and none were located despite searches conjunction with this section of the report. beneath logs and debris. Although there are some

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rainforest plants here, diversity is low and few rainforest species are known from this site and include the Grey birds were noted. Goshawk and the Ground Parrot (Pezoporous wallicus), Wallum Froglet, Wallum Sedgefrog, Wallum Further north, a strip of Paper-barked Tea Tree and Rocketfrog. These species were recorded either from Piccabeen Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) is fieldwork undertaken for this study, or from earlier located on the eastern side of the motorway and is fieldwork (Gynther, 1995). As well, the burrowing skink considered to be too small to provide significant value Ophioscincus truncatus may be present but was not as fauna habitat. It was surveyed at night for frogs, located during either study. although the Wallum Froglet was not recorded. No significant species are likely to occur here. It is a very noteworthy feature of this site that it is now the southernmost habitat of the vulnerable Ground On the western side of the motorway, adjacent to the Parrot in Queensland (Low, 1997). Ground Parrots “Wise’s land”, a small forest remnant is dominated by were once found as far south as Brisbane, but due to Melaleuca. The rare Grey Goshawk has been recorded loss of habitat they have disappeared from northern by NatureSearch (cell 647), which contains this parcel Brisbane, Beerwah, Caloundra, and more recently from of bushland. This remnant is too small to provide much Mooloolah River National Park (McFarland, 1991). habitat for Grey Goshawk. These secretive parrots are seldom encountered, but they were recorded from Lot 878 by Gynther (1995), Further to the north, the route includes a fringe of and again in October 1998 during a vegetation mangroves which extend along the northern bank of the assessment conducted by the Department of Maroochy River and associated in the east with Environment (Wendy Drake pers. comm). meadows of saltwater couch and beds of sedges. The False Water-rat has been recorded just east of this The confirmed presence of all three “acid” frog species area by Ian Gynther of the Environment Protection is regarded as very significant, and large choruses of Agency and Steve Van Dyck of the Queensland Wallum Froglet were noted calling during fieldwork for Museum. The Eastern Curlew has also been recorded the current study. The Grey Goshawk recorded during by NatureSearch (cell 621), which lies immediately to recent fieldwork was considered to be a winter visitor, the west. Grey Goshawk is likely to visit the as the Paper-barked Tea Tree forest here does not mangroves. appear to be optimal year-round habitat for this species, though evidently providing value as wintering The proposed alignment runs within the existing habitat. Sunshine Motorway. Habitat adjoining either side of the motorway has limited value for False Water-rat. This site forms part of a larger area of very high priority This species nest in sedge beds or elevated banks and for nature conservation and is considered to be these only occur well to the east. There appears to be essential to the maintenance and protection of no suitable nesting habitat west of the motorway where biodiversity within the region (QDEH, 1995). It is the mangrove fringe is backed closely by cane fields or understood that this area is currently the subject of a cleared land, and the mangroves around the motorway proposal to create a National Park (E. King, EPA, pers. may well lie at or near the western edge of any feeding comm.). territories. In the vicinity of the motorway there is a minor road (Godfrey’s Road), a house, and areas of The known occurrence of the noteworthy species sugarcane fields and rank exotic grasses, none of Eastern Chestnut Mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus), which provide suitable feeding or nesting habitat for the the skink Lampropholis guichenoti and Swamp Crayfish False Water-rat. Some of this mangrove fringe consists adds further to the known conservation values of this of young mangroves, presumably regenerating from area. previous disturbance for the motorway construction. There are also some very large grey mangroves 5.9.2 Aquatic Ecology present. The mangrove fringe extends east from the motorway for more than a kilometre, and the areas to 5.9.2.1 Overview - Aquatic Ecology the east are presumably the main feeding grounds for the False Water-rat in this region. Eastern Curlew are The proposed route incorporates a wide variety of likely to feed at times on the mudflats along the river. aquatic ecotones, from freshwater streams (such as These are shy birds that avoid busy roads, and they are upper Mellum Creek) to marine/estuarine areas, such unlikely to feed in the vicinity of the existing motorway. as the lower reaches of the Maroochy River. Within these areas, various regions support a variety of habitat The corridor continues north, passing sugar fields and types, such as pool/riffle zones (freshwater areas) and through cleared or native regrowth within the existing mangrove/seagrass communities (estuarine areas). motorway corridor. These habitats are of lower value The result of this habitat diversity is a relatively rich and relative to the quality of habitats on the land known as diverse range of species within the study area. “Lot 878” which adjoins the eastern side of the existing motorway corridor. A large number of significant A review of data from the study area recorded at least

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25 species of freshwater fishes and approximately 70 species of estuarine/marine fish species. Of these, two As with the terrestrial fauna, a range of threatening freshwater fish species, the Honey Blue-eye process have impacted, and continue to impact upon (Pseudomugli mellis) and Oxleyan Pygmy-perch the abundance and species composition of the region’s (Nannoperca oxleyana) are listed as Vulnerable under aquatic fauna assemblages. These include habitat loss the Queensland Nature (Wildlife) Conservation (especially mangroves/saltmarsh areas), urban Regulations 1994. A further three species, Ornate encroachment, invasion of exotic species (such as the Sunfish (Rhadinocentrus ornatus), Australian Bass Mosquito Fish, Gambusia holbrooki), and hydrological (Macquaria novemaculeata) and Jungle Perch (Kuhlia changes. rupestris) are listed as Potentially Threatened (Wager, 1993). 5.9.2.2 Beerwah to Caloundra Road

No species of estuarine/marine fishes are listed in The proposed route intersects three major waterways either the Queensland Nature (Wildlife) Conservation within the Beerwah to Caloundra Road section. These Regulations 1994 and/or Wager (1993). Additionally, it are Mellum (and tributaries), Lamerough and Bells is unlikely that, given the availability of estuarine/marine (north and south branches) creeks. The majority of habitat available within the region, that any species, or these creeks are predominantly freshwater habitats at species assemblages, of conservation status are the crossing locations, with remnant fringing riparian present within the study area. vegetation associations. All of the listed (QN(W)C Act 1994) Vulnerable and Potentially Threatened (Wager, The study area contains a number of significant 1993) fish species recorded during this study have features with respect to aquatic ecology, including the been reported from these systems, as shown in Table Fish Habitat Areas within the Maroochy River and 5.9.2a. Pumicestone Passage, and the Moreton Bay Marine Park, which also covers Pumicestone Passage (Figure No commercial fishing operations are undertaken in 4.7.2g). Additionally, estuarine areas support marine these waterways, and the activity of recreational flora, such as mangrove and seagrasses, which is fishers/aquarium collectors is likely to be insignificant protected under the Fisheries Act 1994. due to the small size of the creeks and access difficulties. Many of the streams such as Mellum Creek are the closest high class freshwater habitat to Brisbane for a range of smaller native fish species, some of which are vulnerable or potentially threatened by introducing livebearing species.

Table 5.9.2a: Freshwater Fish Species Recorded within the Drainage Basin containing Mellum, Bells, Lamerough and Currimundi Creeks. (Adapted from Wager (1993), Queensland and Australian Museum Records).

Common Name Species Name Mellum Bells Lamerough Currimundi QN(W)C Act ASFB Status Conservation Status Creek Creek Creek Creek 1994 Status Wager (1993) Native Species Oxleyan Pygmy Nannoperca R U L U Vulnerable Endangered Vulnerable Perch oxleyana Honey Blue Eye Pseudomugil R U L U Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable mellis Ornate Rainbow Rhadinocentrus R U L U Not Listed Not Listed Potentially Threatened Fish ornatus Jungle Perch Kuhlia rupestris U U U U Not Listed Not Listed Potentially Threatened Australian Bass Macquaria R L U L Not Listed Not Listed Potentially Threatened novemaculeata Freshwater Myxus petardi L L L U Not Listed Not Listed Indeterminate Mullet Duboulay's Melanotaenia R L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Rainbow Fish duboulayi Pacific Blue Eye Pseudomugil L L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure signifer Mangrove Jack Lutjanus L L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure argentimaculatu s Sea Mullet Mugil cephalus L L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Striped Gudgeon Gobiomorphus R L L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure australis Empire Gudgeon Hypseleotris R L L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure

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Table 5.9.2a: Freshwater Fish Species Recorded within the Drainage Basin containing Mellum, Bells, Lamerough and Currimundi Creeks. (Adapted from Wager (1993), Queensland and Australian Museum Records).

Common Name Species Name Mellum Bells Lamerough Currimundi QN(W)C Act ASFB Status Conservation Status Creek Creek Creek Creek 1994 Status Wager (1993) compressa Firetail Gudgeon Hypseleotris R L L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure galii Western Carp Hypseleotris R L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Gudgeon klunzingeri Southern Purple Mogurnda U U L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Spotted adspersa Gudgeon Long Finned Eel Anguilla L L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure reinhardtii Australian Smelt Retropinna L U U U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure semoni Big-headed Philypnodon L L L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Gudgeon grandiceps Eel-tail Catfish Tandanus R R L U Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure tandanus Agassiz’s Ambassis L L L L Not Listed Not Listed Common/ Secure Perchlet agassizi Introduced Species Mosquito Fish Gambusia L L L L NA NA NA holbrooki

1R=recorded (Wager 1993, Queensland and/or Australian museum records), L = Likely, U = Unlikely. Assessments based on habitat characteristics, published (eg McDowall, 1993) and unpublished information relating to the habitat requirements of the species, and the author’s experience in the study region

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Mellum Creek isolated areas of mangroves are present in the south branch approximately 1km south of the proposed route The proposed route intersects both the north and south alignment, no marine plants are present at the branches of Mellum Creek. The south branch of proposed crossing location within the north branch. Mellum Creek, comprised of Bellbird, Bluegum and Bluegum tributary maintains a narrow fringe of remnant Bells Creek is zoned Conservation Zone within the riparian vegetation, surrounded by exotic pine Moreton Bay Marine Park. Additionally, the areas of plantations. The waterways at the crossing points are a Pumicestone Passage near the confluence with Bells narrow (<2m) well defined stream channels which, Creek are a declared Fish Habitat Area (Type “A”), as during low flow/prolonged dry periods, are without shown in Figure 4.7.2g respectively. permanent water. The fish species likely to be associated with this area of The north branch is a slightly larger waterway, forming Bells Creek is shown in Table 5.9.2a. It should be a series of pools joined by narrow riffle zones. As with noted that no fish species records from the Bells Creek the south branch, flows within the waterway would catchment were located, despite an extensive literature cease during low flow events, with the waterway review. The presence of a large Melaleuca wetland becoming a series of disjointed pools. The creek upstream of the proposed route may provide suitable channel is well defined with generally steep sided habitat for a variety of aquatic species, including those banks. of conservation status, depending upon the availability and permanency of suitable habitat. The presence of Both systems contain abundant fallen timber and these species at the proposed crossing location is less detritus, providing habitat diversity and organic input. likely however given the likely saline/brackish nature of The waters within the system are generally moderately the waters at the site. turbid and/or tannin stained. This factor, combined with the predominance of overhanging vegetation shading Lamerough Creek the waterway, has limited the occurrence of submerged aquatic vegetation. Upstream portions of the creek Lamerough Creek drains the northern portions of the systems contain the semi-urban areas of Beerwah and Melaleuca wetland mentioned above. The drainage Landsborough. patterns of the system have been extensively modified part of the development of the Pelican Waters estate Fish species recorded within Mellum Creek are shown and associated golf course. Waters draining from the in Table 5.9.2a. golf course enter into Lamerough Creek, which functions as a wetland to improve the quality of runoff Bells Creek waters prior to discharge into Pumicestone Passage. The creek currently drains via an artificially created The proposed route lies immediately to the north of the channel into the waterway associated with the estate. upper reaches of the south branch of Bells Creek before turning north towards Caloundra, then crossing Lamerough Creek maintains relatively large areas of the north branch of the system approximately 1km Melaleuca forests in a riparian association, with the upstream of its confluence with the south branch. waterway containing numerous emergent (sedge sp.) and submerged aquatic vegetation. Whilst the literature This portion of Bells Creek (north and south branches) review did not provide any fish species records from drains a relatively large Melaleuca wetland area to the Lamerough Creek, the waterway is likely to provide north and west of the proposed route. Whilst surface suitable habitat for a variety of fish species, including waters within the wetland are seasonal in response to those of conservation status, shown in Table 5.9.2a. rainfall events, Bells Creek at the proposed crossing is Water quality within the system is moderate to poor and a permanent waterway. the degree to which this impacts upon the integrity of the ecological system is unknown. This point (crossing) within the waterway is likely to represent the extreme upstream limit of tidal influence. 5.9.2.3 Caloundra Road to the Mooloolah River Waters at the locations would be saline to brackish depending upon catchment influences and/or tidal The proposed railway route intersects Currimundi stage. Additionally it is likely that tidal prism of, and Creek and the Mooloolah River within the Caloundra hence tidal penetration into, Bells Creek is periodically Road to the Mooloolah River Section. These impacted by the fluxes in the sedimentary delta at the waterways are discussed below. mouth of the system. Currimundi Creek Riparian vegetation associated with the upstream portions of both the north and south branches of Bells The proposed route intersects the upper portion of both Creek has been reduced to a narrow remnant fringe by the south and north branch of Currimundi Creek. The the development of exotic pine plantations. Whilst south branch, at the crossing location is a relatively

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large waterway with associated Melaleuca and is fringed with riparian vegetation. Eucalypt forest riparian associations. The waterway is predominantly a freshwater/brackish system which The Mooloolah River in general has a high degree of fluctuates in response to both catchment influences development, and has retained only small portions of (rainfall events) and the degree of restriction of tidal mangrove habitat (13.8ha in total mapped by Hyland penetration at the mouth of the creek caused by sand and Butler, 1988). Saltmarsh and seagrass build-up. communities are absent from this river system. All marine plants are protected under the Fisheries Act No mangroves and/or seagrasses are known, or 1994 and a permit will be required from the QDPI for expected to occur in the vicinity of the crossing or their removal and/or disturbance. adjacent areas. The fish species within the Mooloolah River are likely to No records of fish species have been located from be typical of those associated with estuarine system in Currimundi Creek despite an extensive literature Southern Queensland. No rare or endangered species review. As such, the assessment has been based on are known to be present, or expected to be present, the availability of suitable habitat and the requirements within the system. Additionally, given the habitat of the various species (see Table 5.9.2a). Due to the characteristics of the system, the area is unlikely to nature of the system fluctuating from saline to brackish support unique faunal assemblages. to freshwater in response to catchment influences and periodic removal of the entrance restrictions, it is The Mooloolah River is closed to commercial fishing unlikely that species of conservation significance would operations, but is utilised by a variety of recreational occur. The area is likely to be dominated by estuarine fishing activities, including shore and boat based species (such as Bream Acanthopagrus australis) and anglers. species tolerant of variations in salinity. 5.9.2.4 Mooloolah River to Maroochydore Centre The north branch of the system is crossed further up in the catchment relative to the south branch by the Waterways within this section of the proposed route are proposed railway route. As a result, the waterway at limited to Cornmeal Creek. Whilst the proposed route this point represents a perennial stream, flowing in does not include the crossing of the waterway, it does response to catchment rainfall. The Creek supports a include the development of a terminal adjacent to the well developed, although reduced by urban waterway. encroachment, riparian associated comprised of Melaleuca and Eucalypt species. The fish species Cornmeal Creek likely to be present in this area, when conditions are suitable, would be similar to that for the south branch Cornmeal Creek has been extensively modified as part (see Table 5.9.2a). of both flood mitigation works and urban/retail development. The waterway retains few of its natural Commercial fishing operations are not permitted within characteristics with the lower reaches dominated by Currimundi Creek, and recreational fishing is likely to retail development up to and including the creek banks be limited relative to adjacent waterways such as the (revetments) and the upper catchment developed as a Mooloolah and Maroochy rivers. major residential area. All riparian vegetation has been removed. Mooloolah River Whilst some mangroves were present within the lower The proposed route of the railway corridor passes portions of the creeks’ confluence with the Maroochy adjacent to the eastern bank of the Mooloolah River River, none have been retained in upstream sections of and then crosses the waterway in three locations, the waterway. No seagrasses have been recorded joining the current motorway development north of the within the waterway, or adjacent areas of the Maroochy River. River (Hyland and Butler 1988, WBM 1998).

The River at this point is fully tidal and represents an The fish fauna of the areas of Cornmeal Creek adjacent estuarine system, with salinities typically approaching the proposed Maroochy station is likely to be that of oceanic waters (32 - 35g/L), but fluctuating in representative of highly disturbed marine systems. No response to catchment events. The waterway rare or threatened species are likely to, and/or maintains a narrow fringe of mangroves, comprised of expected to be present within the waterway. several species including River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum), White Mangrove (Avicennia marina), 5.9.2.5 Maroochydore Centre to Sunshine Coast Red Mangrove (Rhizophora stylosa) and Orange Airport Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza). The Mooloolah River National Park occupies sections of the upper The proposed route crosses the Maroochy River catchment and upstream of the urban areas the estuary adjacent to the existing Sunshine Motorway within the

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Maroochydore Centre to Sunshine Coast Airport As part of the investigation, a detailed topographic section. This is the only waterway crossing within this model was assembled for the wetland and drainage section of the route. paths. This included definition of the main waterways from the wetland. Hydraulic modelling was used to Maroochy River assess critical drainage characteristics.

The Maroochy River at the crossing location, The resulting model was then used to test the effect on approximately 3km from the river mouth, is fully tidal, wetland water levels and drainage patterns for several having a mean spring tidal range of approximately options under consideration for the CAMCOS Project. 0.68m. Waters at the crossing location are typical of lower estuarine waters, with salinities approaching that 5.10.2 Catchment Description of oceanic waters. The Bells Creek wetland catchment is situated to the The QDPI conducted research in the lower Maroochy west of the Golden Beach residential area at River during 1997 to early 1999. The results of this Caloundra. The catchment is bounded by Bells Creek survey works (pers. comm. A. Butcher QDPI, 1998) to the south and by Caloundra Road to the north. The indicated that the fish species encountered were typical north-east section of the catchments extends in a of estuaries in southern Queensland. No rare or westerly direction to approximately one kilometre past threatened species are recorded, or anticipated to be the Bruce Highway. The total area of the catchment is present, from the area (WBM, 1998). 21.16km2.

The southern bank of the River has been extensively The majority of the catchment is made up of pine forest modified as the result of urban and road transport and natural vegetation with approximately 13% of the corridor development. All mangroves have been catchment urbanised. removed and the bank revetted. The northern bank supports mangrove communities (Grey Mangroves The wetland itself lies west of Golden Beach between Avicennia marina) in a narrow fringe, which extends Lamerough Creek in the north and Bells Creek to the from upstream of the existing motorway crossing to the south. Ground levels within the wetland area range river entrance area. The Maroochy River supports from less than 1.00m AHD to 3.00m AHD. Drainage approximately 345.6Ha (Hyland and Butler, 1988) of from the wetland is to Lamerough Creek in the north mangroves and relatively small patches of seagrasses and to Bells Creek in the south. Vegetation types (<1ha Zostera capricorni, Hyland et al., 1989). within the wetland suggests that the wetland is not significantly tidally influenced. The river is closed to commercial fishing operations downstream of the “Cod Hole”, but supports an active Constricted tidal outlet channels connect the wetland to gill net and beam trawl fishery in upstream areas. both Lamerough Creek and Bells Creek. Recreational fishing and boating is a major activity within the Maroochy River, including the vicinity of the Extensive modification to the wetland has already proposed crossing. occurred, due to the construction of Caloundra airport, in the north and Pelican Waters, in the east. In The portion of the Maroochy River at the proposed particular, storage areas have been filled, and drainage crossing location is within the Maroochy River Fish outlet channels significantly reduced, particularly to Habitat Area - Management “B” (see Figure 4.7.2g). Lamerough Creek.

5.10 Hydrology 5.10.3 Modelled Existing Case

5.10.1 Introduction The results for the dry, average and wet years are presented in the Appendices. Long term runoff yield analysis modelling has been carried out to assess the long term seasonal variability Results indicate a peak level of 1.27m AHD occurring in in water levels and drainage patterns in the Bells Creek the wet year and an average of 0.53m AHD for both the wetland. dry and average years and 0.54m AHD for the wet year. Table 5.10.3 provides statistics for the This wetland is considered to be of high environmental representative years. value. For much of the year, the wetland is inundated with fresh water creating a unique ecosystem. Table 5.10.3: Existing Case Statistics Because of the topography, outlets from the wetland Dry Average Wet are quite restricted. This creates a natural, long term Average 0.53 0.53 0.54 retention area, whose hydrologic characteristics are th 90 Percentile 0.58 0.59 0.61 dominated by longer term seasonal rainfall, rather than individual storm and rainfall events. Peak 0.76 1.00 1.27

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Using the results of the AQUALM modelling, and the the growth of bacteria and other micro organisms that topographic model of the wetland, indicative inundation may be harmful to aquatic fauna. extents were determined. Figure 5.10.3a shows the mean annual wetland inundation extent, and Figure A range of impacting processes have occurred, and 5.10.3b shows the peak wetland inundation extent. continue to impact upon the water quality of the region’s waterways. Land clearing and development is 5.11 Water Quality extensive in the region, and is known to have contributed pollutants such as suspended solids and 5.11.1 Overview nutrients to waterways. None of the waterways in the Southeast Queensland region would be considered to be pristine. Water quality plays an important role in the health, diversity and abundance of aquatic life and dictates what uses or environmental values are maintained in a 5.11.2 Beerwah to Caloundra Road waterway. Protection of water quality is therefore an important consideration in order to ensure the In this section of the railway corridor, the following environmental values and ecological integrity of a major waterways will be immediately adjacent to or waterway are maintained. crossed by the railway corridor:

Eutrophication is the term used to denote excessive q Bluegum Creek; enrichment of water by nutrients. A water body which q Bellbird Creek; becomes eutrophic may experience a surge in the q an unnamed tributary of Bluegum Creek; growth of algae, potentially leading to a severe q Mellum Creek; depletion in dissolved oxygen at night, eventual q an unnamed dam within State Forest area; anaerobic conditions, unpleasant odours and scums as q Lamerough Creek; and well as stress on fish and other aquatic fauna. Some q Bells Creek. algal species may also be toxic. Bluegum and Bellbird Creeks are small tributaries of Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the main nutrients Mellum Creek and are ephemeral in nature. No water responsible for eutrophication. Excessive nitrogen, quality data could be sourced for these creeks or their particularly ammonia, is considered to be the main tributaries. Mellum Creek is a larger creek which flows cause of increased growths of marine algae in into Coochin Creek prior to entering Pumicestone estuarine and coastal waters. Phosphorus is Passage. Bells and Lamerough Creeks also flow to particularly important in regard to the eutrophication of Pumicestone Passage. In the vicinity of the proposed freshwater bodies. waterway crossings both Bells and Lamerough Creeks would be saline to brackish (depending upon catchment Fine silt, clay particles and organic colloids are the influences and/or tidal stage) whereas the other most common particles that enter suspension in the waterways would be fresh. water column. In estuaries, high concentrations of these may be the consequence of naturally occurring As discussed previously, Pumicestone Passage is a currents which re-suspend bed sediments or they can Habitat Conservation Zone and a Fish Habitat Area and result directly from human activities such as earthworks as such protection of water quality in Pumicestone or land clearing, or accelerated erosion of agricultural Passage and its tributaries is very important. Pollutants land, stream banks or channels following rainfall and entering the waterways in this section of the route could runoff. ultimately impact on the water quality of Pumicestone Passage. Where water transparency is greatly reduced by suspended particles, the light available for aquatic The dam within the state forest is likely to have been plants such as seagrass may be restricted, potentially artificially created in a lower lying area. It is understood resulting in the death of some species through lack of to be used for irrigation or fire protection purposes. No light. Smothering by sediment may also be a problem water quality information was available for this dam. for sedentary estuarine species such as corals, sponges and shellfish which rely on a hard substrate for A summary of the existing water quality from available permanent attachment and clear water conditions for data and the WBM Oceanics Australia water quality growth. survey for Bells, Lamerough and Mellum Creeks is presented in Table 5.11.2 below. The ANZECC water Of potentially more serious consequences for the quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic environmental health of estuaries, fine particulate ecosystems are also included in the table for matter is an important transport medium for comparison. contaminants such as trace elements, nutrients, pesticides, and it also provides a suitable substrate for

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Table 5.11.2: Water Quality Summary for Bells, Lamerough and Mellum Creeks AMTD PH D.O. Cond. Turb. TSS TN TP Chla (km) mg/L mS/cm NTU mg/L mg/L mg/L g/L ANZECC 6.5-9 >6 <0.75 <0.5 1-10 Bells Creek Average 7.44 4.96 38.7 11.1 10.0 0.82 0.05 10.1 Min 4.62 0.00 0.1 0.0 1.0 0.01 0.01 0.9 Max 8.66 8.63 58.4 128.0 38.0 1.92 0.12 121.9 N. Data 699 538 440 575 80 72 80 33 WBM Av 5.47 6.83 0.2 57.9 5.0 2.25 0.32 <5 Mellum Creek Average 6.91 5.37 16.4 6.7 - - - - Min 5.96 3.61 0.2 1.0 - - - - Max 9.96 6.17 35.2 24.0 - - - - N 26 26 26 21 - - - - WBM Av 5.30 7.00 0.1 53.8 5.0 2.85 0.29 <5 Lamerough Creek Average 7.25 102.18 - 14.5 28.5 0.86 0.06 3.1 Min 6.30 73.00 - 2.0 5.0 0.00 0.02 0.5 Max 8.20 160.00 - 35.0 135.0 1.92 0.15 10.0 N. Data 25 11 - 29 29 28 28 12 WBM Av 4.33 5.01 0.3 16.9 6.0 1.00 0.64 <5 N.B. The WBM average is the result of 2 samples collected that were averaged.

From the water quality data above, it can be seen that Partners et al, 1993) reviewed water quality data from the pH of Bells and Mellum Creeks can be lower than 1978-1980 and 1991-1992. The findings of this study the ANZECC Guideline range for the protection of were that Bells Creek showed elevated total nitrogen, aquatic ecosystems. This low pH may be due to chlorophyll a, total organic carbon and depressed exposed acid sulfate material flushing acid into dissolved oxygen concentrations. The high nutrient receiving waters, naturally acid soils being present in load was attributed to horticultural activities within the the catchment and/or the presence of melaleuca trees Bells Creek catchment. The study also stated that which can acidify waters. Dissolved oxygen Lamerough Creek showed extreme dissolved oxygen concentrations can also be lower than desirable in both fluctuations, had high total suspended solids and creeks, however on the date of the WBM Oceanics ammonia concentrations. This water quality Australia survey acceptable dissolved oxygen degradation in Lamerough Creek was attributed to conditions were recorded. Turbidity and total nitrogen agricultural waste, septic tanks effluent and/or sewer concentrations were higher than typical on the date of overflows. The former landfill may also contribute the water quality survey, with typical total nitrogen nutrients to Lamerough Creek. concentrations in Bells Creek exceeding ANZECC guideline levels. Total phosphorus levels are typically The study concluded that the current pollutant loads to below the acceptable ANZECC guideline level, and the Pumicestone Passage were already significantly water quality survey undertaken for this assessment impacting on the estuary and were well in excess of (although higher than typical) were also below the sustainable loads. It would be expected that the load to guideline level. Chlorophyll a concentrations were low, Pumicestone Passage is at least equal or greater to the indicating the algal populations supported by both load at the time of the IMS Study, as further creeks are low. Previous water quality data from Bells development in the catchment has occurred. This is Creek indicate higher populations are typically particularly the case for Bells Creek which has supported in the creek, and standing populations may undergone substantial development since the IMS has have been flushed from the creek in the high flow been completed. conditions being experienced at the time of sampling. The conclusion that current pollution loads to The Integrated Management Strategy (IMS) for Pumicestone Passage already exceed sustainable Pumicestone Passage and its catchment (Willing and loads has implications for the study in this southern

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section of the railway corridor, which lies within the catchment of Pumicestone Passage as the proposal No water quality data could be sourced for Currimundi has the potential to further increase pollutant loads. Creek, however it is known that the creek system is Potential water quality impacts from the route are effectively freshwater (based on vegetation species discussed in Chapters 8-11. observed) due to obstruction of the ocean entrance to the creek by sand bars. 5.11.3 Caloundra Road to Mooloolah River Only limited information was available for the In this section of the railway corridor, two major Mooloolah River. Water quality data for the Mooloolah waterways will be immediately adjacent to or crossed River were derived from EPA water quality monitoring by the railway. They are Currimundi Creek and the data and are summarised in Table 5.11.3a below. Mooloolah River.

Table 5.11.3a: Summary of Water Quality Data (Mooloolah River) AMTD pH D.O. Cond. Turb. TSS TN TP Chla (km) mg/L mS/cm NTU mg/L mg/L mg/L g/L ANZECC 6.5-9 >6 <0.75 <0.5 1-10 Mooloolah River Average - - - - - 0.94 0.09 - N. Data 10 10 WBM Av 5.17 7.70 0.85 116.5 47.0 1.75 1.23 <5

From the limited information available, it seems that the solids levels observed as nutrient and sediment loads water quality of the Mooloolah River is poor, with low would have been washed into the river with catchment pH indicating acidic conditions, high total suspended runoff. The low conductivity illustrates that only limited solids and very high nutrient levels. Salinity in the tidal influence was present at the time of the water Mooloolah River would fluctuate with tidal conditions quality survey. However, the available data for the river and catchment runoff. suggests high total nitrogen concentrations are commonly observed in the river. More data would be The heavy rainfall prior to the water quality survey required to more fully describe the existing water quality would contribute to the high nutrient and suspended of the River.

Table 5.11.3b: Summary of Water Quality Data (Cornmeal Creek) AMTD PH D.O. Cond. Turb. TSS TN TP Chla (km) mg/L mS/cm NTU mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L ANZECC 6.5-9 >6 <0.75 <0.5 1-10 Cornmeal Creek Average 8.10 8.87 49.03 15.8 5.7 0.44 0.06 - Min 7.83 4.94 46.40 3.8 4.3 0.22 0.02 - Max 8.60 7.60 52.30 55.0 8.1 0.61 0.09 - N Data 25 25 25 25 6 3 6

The water quality of Cornmeal Creek can be seen to be area. The Creek is however well flushed by the reasonable to poor, with moderate to high nutrient Maroochy River, which maintains generally good water levels, acceptable pH and high dissolved oxygen quality. concentrations. Total suspended solids concentrations also appear to be moderate from the available data. 5.11.4 Maroochydore Centre to Sunshine Coast However, this water quality data is limited in extent and Airport further data would be required to make firm conclusions on the water quality of Cornmeal Creek. See Table In this section of the railway corridor, the only major 5.11.3b. waterway to be crossed by the railway is the Maroochy River. As discussed in section 5.9.2.5, the Maroochy The catchment and waterways extent of Cornmeal River is a Fish Habitat Area and as such protection of Creek has been extensively modified as part of both water quality in the river is very important. flood mitigation works and urban/retail development. The waterway retains few of its natural characteristics Existing water quality for the Maroochy River (up to with the lower reaches dominated by retail development 10km adopted middle thread distance, or AMTD) is up to and including the creek banks (revetments) and summarised in Table 5.11.4 below. The proposed the upper catchment developed as a major residential railway corridor crosses the Maroochy River at

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approximately 3.5km AMTD (shaded in table below). It Australia showed lower pH and conductivity levels than can be seen from these results that the water quality in are typical but higher dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total the Maroochy River recorded by WBM Oceanics suspended solids and nutrient levels. Chlorophyll a

Table 5.11.4: Existing Water Quality for the Maroochy River AMTD (km) pH D.O. Cond. Turb. TSS TN TP Chla mg/L MS/cm NTU mg/L mg/L mg/L J/ ANZECC 6.5-9 >6 <0.75 <0.5 1-10 0.00 8.26 6.11 52.4 3.3 6.8 0.34 0.05 - 0.30 8.30 6.29 52.3 4.4 11.3 0.25 0.05 2.38 2.60 8.11 6.45 47.0 5.8 8.2 0.42 0.06 4.18 4.80 7.94 6.94 40.7 8.8 15.7 0.53 0.06 4.68 7.10 7.73 5.60 36.1 7.5 11.8 0.56 0.07 6.13 9.70 7.60 5.24 31.2 10.7 15.2 0.53 0.04 5.65 WBM Av 6.25 7.88 0.3 153.0 53.0 1.77 0.62 <5 concentrations were similar to typical concentrations in suitable landforms and rock surfaces upon which rock this section of the river. art could be executed. They also affected the ease with which people could travel across the landscape. The high rainfall prior to the monitoring survey would have resulted in large catchment inflows, which would All items in the following discussion are standardised to also be associated with high sediment and nutrient the format prepared by McDonald et al. (1990). loads. The low pH is of some concern, as this suggests acidic material is being flushed into the river, which may 5.12.2 Topography, Geology and Geomorphology be caused by exposed acid sulfate material in the catchment. The water quality at the proposed crossing The topography through this region can be referred to, location would typically show oceanic salinities (ie. (as per Davies 1995:14), as coastal and sub-coastal around 33g/L) which would be restored following lowlands. Elements within these divisions may have catchment runoff by tidal exchange. implications in the archaeological record based on differing uses of the landscape by people over time. Typical nutrient levels in the Maroochy River in the vicinity of the proposed railway crossing are much Coastal areas are identified as sandy coastal plains, lower than the ANZECC criteria, indicating good water with tidal rivers and wetlands. Sub-coastal lowlands quality is maintained. Concentrations of chlorophyll a are areas with undulating topography and wide valleys are also low, indicating the algal populations supported with deep soils (Davies 1994:14). Height above sea by the river are not excessive. However, further level rarely goes above 200 metres through the study increases in either nutrients or suspended solids would area. Sugarbag Road was one of the areas with the degrade water quality, which may adversely affect the greatest height. protected Fish Habitat Area. The coastal drainage system is quite extensive and 5.12 Cultural Heritage consists of various creeks and rivers including Bells Creek, Currimundi Creek, Mooloolah River and the 5.12.1 Introduction Maroochy River. These provide the lifeblood of the coast and are important parameters for Aboriginal site In an archaeological survey, a study of vegetation, location. geomorphology and geology is important to establish the interpretative environmental background to any Underlying the study area is a complex geology based items of the cultural record. As well, environmental on sediment erosion after the eruptions of the North factors may have an important bearing on the Arm Volcanics ceased (between 210 and 180 million distribution of people - and thus by implication, years ago). The main geological feature in this region archaeological sites - across the landscape. As is associated with the formation of the current eastern Hughes and Sullivan (1984:35) noted: edge of Australia. Erosion of the mountains to the west caused deposition of sands and gravels over the Numerous investigations throughout Australia have coastal plains. Sands, with minor gravels and muds shown that the nature and distribution of archaeological formed the Landsborough Sandstone (Willmott and sites across the landscape are generally very strongly Stevens 1988:8) which comprise the base geology for influenced by environmental factors such as bedrock the study area. geology, landforms and associated soils and vegetation and climate. These factors influenced the organic raw During the middle Tertiary renewed volcanic activity materials, water, and raw materials for stone artefacts, about 25 million years ago resulted in basalt capped

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hills to the west of the study area. At about this time An area of remnant vegetation occurs in the Sugarbag plugs of rhyolite and trachyte magma intruded through Road and Kalana Road areas containing eucalypt the older rocks filling volcanic vents or laccoliths forest remnants and some rainforest. Eucalypt open (subsurface bulges) (Willmott and Stevens 1988:11). forest and woodland ecotones occur near Currimundi Creek with extensive cleared pastoral areas north and Erosion once again carved the landscape, removing the west of Currimundi Creek. softer sediments and exposing the harder plugs. Alluvial sedimentation was then being deposited along Melaleuca Forest and woodland ecotones are the major the banks of streams and accumulating along the vegetation type north to the Sunshine Motorway whilst coastline. the landscape along the Motorway is largely cleared with sugarcane plantations and industrial development. Geology has a range of archaeological implications including the availability and proximity of good lithic The northern section of the study area near the material useful for creating stone tools. A variety of Sunshine Coast Airport is an ecologically sensitive area lithic material was used by Aboriginal people. However with Melaleuca Forest and Heathland covering much of throughout the study area few areas exist where good the landscape. stone sources could be quarried. The location of any quarries and axe-grinding grooves would be an Throughout the proposed route wildlife corridors indication of the exploitation of these resources as local encourage the spread and continuation of diversity geology. within the local plant and animal community. Fauna are dependant on vegetation type, water availability and The breakdown of these geological types to soils also topography. Within these diverse habitats a variety of affects archaeological visibility, particularly through fish, yabbies, eels and frogs can be located. Frogs erosion and soil profile. Soils, which have a deep soil were more evident in the northern section of the study profile, can often have a high potential to hold area and less vocal in the southern Pine Plantation archaeological material, although location is areas. constrained by this. In areas, which have a shallow soil profile, the probability of location is enhanced. A large number of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, swamp wallabies and other macropods were noted along the 5.12.3 Vegetation and Fauna study area. Along the creeks a variety of birds could be seen including ducks and kookaburras. Reptiles, The habitats of flora and fauna are determined by including snakes, and lizards were scarce. Probably geology and soil type. Particular vegetation species this is more an indication of the season, as field work provide a wide variety of resources for exploitation by was carried out in winter. Aboriginal people. Archaeologically, the indicators of this exploitation can be found in specific stone tools The variability of vegetation probably reflected changes such as ‘bungwall pounders’. in populations of fauna. Within wallum areas, commentators (eg., Dwyer et al. 1979: 82) have The Sunshine Coast was considered a valuable consistently reported on mammalian fauna in wallum resource area during early exploration because of the displaying low abundance, and, in places low total large area covered by forests. Timber getters felled species richness. While this statement probably thousands of trees, opening up the landscape for applies to a large proportion of the study area, pastoral activities. depauperate land fauna would have been substantially compensated for by the richness of marine and avarian However the vegetation currently present in the study life in that zone. Other areas would have offered area has been significantly modified since early non- habitats for a different range of fauna, especially indigenous occupation and exploration. Across the macropods, echidnas, and reptiles. study area, a variety of different eco-tones exist, resulting in a mosaic of vegetation and associated 5.12.4 Implications of Environmental Background fauna. for Indigenous Lifeways

Pine forests cover much of the land between Beerwah Landscapes of swampland across much of the and Pelican Waters. Areas of remnant vegetation and proposed corridor route are dominated by Melalueca regrowth exists primarily along the banks of Bluegum quinquinervia communities and Blechnum indicum, Creek, Bellbird Creek, Mellum and Bells Creek. flora species known to have been used regularly by Remnant rainforest exists along the eastern border of Aboriginal communities. Archaeological evidence the CSR pine forests, with some eucalypt forest would be indicated by the presence of bevelled remnants. Between Bells Creek and Lamerough Creek pounders (‘bungwall pounders’), portable sandstone extensive melaleuca forest and heathland areas still grinding platforms, other stone artefacts and by scarred survive despite the Pelican Waters development. trees.

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Paper bark trees Melaleuca quinquinervia, had a variety of the nature of the project. Each group was asked if of uses in traditional times. The bark was removed to they wished to make further input into the assessment create containers and the tree also had medicinal of cultural heritage values. purposes. Eucalypt species can also be found with bark removal scars caused through removal to create a Prior to the fieldwork required for Stage 3 of the container or to create footholes. During the survey, CAMCOS assessment discussions held during Stage 2 several trees were noted with scars of this pattern, had identified three groups with an interest in the study probably caused to assist in climbing to obtain honey or area (Ann Wallin and Associates 1997). At the start of possums. the field survey, during an initial site visit held with representatives of the Undumbi, a representative of the Faunal species present in traditional times and hunted Gubbi Land Council, and a representative of the Baul by Aboriginal people include mammals such as Eastern and Crowe families of the Gubbi Gubbi people, it Grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, koala, possums, and became apparent that all of those groups had flying foxes. Reptiles such as goannas, lizards, and undergone changes. It was no longer acceptable that snakes and aquatic species such as turtles, fish and all the families who had connections with the study area eels were also exploited as food. Archaeologically the be represented by three spokespeople. An implication physical representations of these activities would be of this was that the Traditional Owners felt that each difficult to find. Evidence is more likely to be found family should be represented by two members of their through microscopic assessment of stone tools for families thus sharing responsibility for passing residues left during the processing of food, but such information back to the rest of the family. In addition data collection is beyond the scope of this study. descendants of the Dunne, Crowe and Baul families wished to be represented during fieldwork and 5.12.5 Non-Indigenous Environmental Impact meetings separately to the representative of the Gubbi Land Council as had been the case formerly. The ability to detect and locate cultural heritage within this environment is conditional upon natural and cultural A meeting was held with representatives of the Richard formation processes. Dalton family at the area called Duck Holes next to the Caloundra Aerodrome. The area has immediate Given the environment of the study area it is expected historical significance to the family members who grew that a large proportion of the landscape would have up on the site, as well as traditional significance prior to been utilised by Aboriginal people. The strategies non-indigenous settlement. Some of the memories and employed in living within these environments would outcomes of this meeting are covered in section 11.9. have left physical indicators in the landscape, such as stone artefacts and scarred trees. A further meeting was held towards the end of the field survey to discuss the survey process thus far and Natural activities such as erosion, soil deposition and expectations of the report with all the representatives. climate affect the survival of these physical indicators. At this meeting the issue of separate families speaking Bone and wood deteriorate very quickly in the tropical for areas rather than being represented by one conditions experienced by the study area. Soil spokesperson was discussed and protocols set in place deposition can often cover former living surfaces while for further meetings and fieldwork. erosion can remove material from its original area of deposition. A final meeting was held after field work had finished to discuss the draft report and the results covered in the Culturally, the activities of other people within these report. Issues of confidentiality towards family areas can obscure this material. Whilst these latter intellectual property were covered during this meeting. cultural activities can be detrimental to older material, It was agreed that any information which the Traditional they also can become culturally significant and owner representatives wished to keep confidential was archaeological themselves over time. For example to be respected and not included in the public timber cutting through much of the Sunshine Coast has document. Recommendations regarding protection or removed many trees scarred by Aboriginal people, mitigation of impact on sites defined by the survey were however a tree with springboard scars from this timber raised by the Traditional owners representatives to be cutting process can also be historically significant. included in the report complied by the cultural heritage consultants. 5.12.6 Aboriginal Consultation Consultation was held separately after fieldwork had been completed with descendants of the Richard During this assessment of cultural heritage issues, a Dalton line (of the Undumbi people), who had lived on transparent approach towards consultation with the area referred to as Duck Holes, in Caloundra. At indigenous groups was taken, as is required by State this meeting issues covered included the need to Government advice. During meetings with each group, provide more adequate signage showing the information on the proposed project was given, connection the Undumbi people had to the site, and for including maps of the proposed route and a description

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culturally appropriate street sign naming for any further Road. This park is also known as Duck Holes and has streets which may be planned for future development special significance for the Richard Dalton line of the near or on the Duck Holes site. Although the Undumbi people. representatives understood that this was an issue to be discussed with the Caloundra City Council planning 5.12.7.1 Site List department, they wished the issue to be raised in light of the impact of the CAMCOS transport route through Sites defined during field assessment are described the area. below (see also Figure 5.12.7):

5.12.7 Beerwah to Caloundra Road - Sites Defined from Field Assessment

Archaeological field survey began at the point where the rail corridor is proposed to leave the existing North Coast rail line. The route through the Beerburrum Forestry land and CSR Pine Plantation land was walked. Sections of the Pelican Waters land were walked except when it became evident due to water levels that the land surface was obscured. Survey ended for this section at Rotary Park on Caloundra Site Jinkers Tree S1 Geographical Location On banks of Mellum Creek, 2 eastern, 1 western and 2 located in the centre of extent of creek area. Grid Location Geological Environment Landsborough sandstone base with combination of alluvial soil and sand. Vegetative Environment Remnant rainforest. Description of Site/ A collection of jinker’s trees in an area measuring approximately Artefact 100 x 100 metres. The truck of trees range between .75m to 1.5m in diameter. Heights range from 2.5m to 5m Archaeological Medium to High. The trees represent a technological process Significance used by early timber getters in acquiring timber. The process of spring boarding involved the use of a long board which was secured to the trunk in these grooves and allowed the cutter to stand at an appropriate height to aid in chopping large trees down. Cultural Significance Medium to Low. Historically the tree represents the activities of early timber getters in the Mellum Creek region and is an important reminder of early settlement activities.

Site Silcrete Flake S2 Geographical Location On high eastern bank of Mellum Creek in sandy soil of graded track. Grid Location Geological Environment Landsborough Sandstone. Sandy alluvial surface. Vegetative Environment Melaleuca and Eucalypt open forest. Description of Site/ A large single silcrete flake was located in sandy surface c.20 Artefact metres from creek on sandy track. The flake exhibits bulb of percussion and striking platform. Appears to be heat treated. Archaeological Medium to High. The possibility exists that further stone material Significance could be located under the sand top soil. These may have good stratigraphic and associative integrity, particularly if there is any depth to the site. Cultural Significance High. These sites provide tangible evidence of present Aboriginal peoples ancestral occupation and use of the land. They are important links to Aboriginal people’s culture and their past.

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Site Flaked Piece S3 Geographical Location On southern side of dam directly east of Hapgood Road. A single silcrete flake was located on path on slope towards dam. Grid Location Geological Environment Landsborough sandstone. Vegetative Environment Paperbark, open Eucalypt woodland. Description of Site/ Single small grey silcrete flaked piece. Artefact Archaeological Low. There is a high degree of loss of scientific integrity through Significance erosion Cultural Significance High. These sites provide tangible evidence of present Aboriginal peoples ancestral occupation and use of the land. They are important links to Aboriginal peoples culture and their past.

Site Quarry Site S4 Geographical Location Quarry occurs on a high ridge that has been cut into to create an access track. Grid Location Geological Environment Landsborough sandstone. Vegetative Environment Pine forest. Description of Site/ Pits and mullock heaps from former extractive industry. Artefact Archaeological Low. This area dates from the time of APM ownership. Significance Cultural Significance Low

Site Possible Scarred Tree S5 Geographical Location On western side of west arm of Bells Creek. Grid Location Geological Environment Alluvial soil with sandy base. Vegetative Environment Melaleuca open forest Description of Site/ Paperbark tree with small oval scar on trunk. Artefact Archaeological Low. Mr Alex Davidson indicated that he felt this was of some Significance importance. Analysis indicates that the scarring is not thick enough nor the scar large enough to be cultural. Cultural Significance Medium. Importance may be placed on the tree depending on Mr Davidson’s interpretation of the scar.

Site Scarred tree S6 Geographical Location Approximately 500 metres south of Corridor. Northern bank of Bells Creek. Grid Location Geological Environment Coastal sedimentary clays and wallum podzols. Vegetative Environment Open forest/melaleuca wetlands. Description of Site/ Large stringybark with diameter of 90cm and height of 30-40m. Artefact Possible stone axe-marks on regular shaped oval scar 60cm from ground. Archaeological One of a number of scarred trees along Bells Creek recorded Significance prior to Pelican Waters development. High significance due to associated sites. Cultural Significance Medium to High.

Site Scarred tree S7 Geographical Location 500 metres south of corridor on the northern bank of Bells Creek

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Site Scarred tree S7 Grid Location Geological Environment Coastal sediments and wallum podzols Vegetative Environment Open forest/melaleuca wetlands. Description of Site/ Large grey gum with diameter of 1 metre and height of 30-40m. Artefact Irregular shallow scar 1 metre from ground. May be natural scar. Archaeological Low to Medium. Is one of a number of scarred trees recorded Significance along Bells Creeks. Some doubt as to its archaeological integrity, as this scar does not meet all the criteria of scarring caused by Traditional activities. Cultural Significance Medium to high.

Site Scarred tree S8 Geographical Location 100 metres south of corridor on northern bank of Bells Creek Grid Location Geological Environment Coastal sedimentary clays and wallum podzols Vegetative Environment Open forest/melaleuca wetlands Description of Site/ Large grey gum with diameter of 90cm and height of 30-40m. Artefact Probable four regular shaped oval scars at 1m, 3m, and two at 4 m from ground. Archaeological Medium. One of a number of scarred trees along Bells creek. Significance Significance increases with association. Cultural Significance High to medium.

Site Scarred tree S9 Geographical Location 100 metres south of corridor on northern bank of Bells Creek. Grid Location Geological Environment Coastal sedimentary clays and wallum podzols. Vegetative Environment Open forest/melaleuca wetlands. Description of Site/ Melaleuca with diameter of 50cm and height of 20 metres Artefact probable scar at 1.10m from ground. Steel axe marks present. Archaeological Medium. One of a number of scarred trees along Bells Creek. It Significance significance increases due to its association with other sites and scarred trees in the region. Cultural Significance Medium to High.

Site Midden S10 Geographical Location 500 metres south of corridor, on northern bank of Bells Creek. Grid Location Geological Environment Coastal sedimentary clays and wallum podzols. Vegetative Environment Open forest/melaleuca wetlands. Description of Site/ Low density scatter of shell on either side of small side creek. Artefact Shell includes cockle, whelk and oyster. Archaeological Low. Site is in poor condition and has lost much integrity through Significance erosion. It is one of a number of sites associated with Bells Creek. Significance increases through association. Cultural Significance Medium to high.

Site Fringe Camp, Duck Holes S12 Geographical Location Location of present day Rotary Park, south of Caloundra Road directly east of the Caloundra airport. Grid Location Geological Environment Landsborough sandstone. Vegetative Environment Melaleuca and eucalypt open forest. Description of Site/ Extensively modified during landscaping activities undertaken

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Site Fringe Camp, Duck Holes S12 Artefact during the 1980s? Archaeological Low. Poor surface integrity. Significance Cultural Significance High. Members of the Undumbi people have strong cultural affiliations with the area. See discussion below:

Holes as it was an environment similar to those in 5.12.7.2 Fringe Camp, Duck Holes which she had grown up and where she was taught to be self sufficient. Swamps in particular have been Rose Cleary nee Dalton and her children lived in this shown to be extremely important for Aboriginal people. park on and off during the 1950s and 60s. Four of her Wetlands provided maximum food resources for daughters visited the site with Suzanna Pembroke to indigenous people in Southeast Queensland. talk about what the area meant to them. Waterholes, lagoons, creeks and swamps contained a diverse variety of food species, both vegetable and This area has strong significance for the Dalton family. animals, as well as fresh water for drinking. While it is Rhonda Cleary, June Reeks, Clara Johnston and widely recognised that wetlands are of major Peggy Barker nee Cleary accompanied Suzanna significance for environmental reasons, less recognition Pembroke to the site in June 1999 to talk about their has been given to their importance to Aboriginal hunter- memories and the cultural implications of the CAMCOS gathers. scheme. Because wetlands provided such a wealth of food Although the landscape has been considerably altered resources, it is not surprising to find camp sites, since Rose Cleary and her family lived there the area Dreaming sites, and other sacred or ceremonial areas still retains is associations with the natural environment. are frequently associated with swamps (Steele, 1984, The creek of Duck Holes was a focus for the family, Gaiarbau cited in Langevad, 1982). with Rose planting many lilies and flowers around the house and landscape. 5.12.8 Caloundra Road to Mooloolah River – Sites Defined from Field Assessment The family first moved into the area in the 1950’s. The family was evicted from the site in 1969 when police North of Caloundra Road the route was walked where removed them after complaints from people who lived possible. This covered most of the land with across the street. exceptions being where land was waterlogged. This area is divided into land unit boundaries based on land There was a bus stop on Caloundra Road at Duck title and landscape definition. Information about each Holes where the school bus would stop to pick up the unit was recorded using this basis. Cleary children. Rhonda remembers that they used to catch the school bus as far as the beach. A variety of vegetation habitats exist in this section, ranging from riparian rainforest in the southern section Their youngest brother Kevin Cleary was born on this through to wallum and melaleuca swampland, open site. June said that she and Rhonda were arguing dairy land and mangrove to the north. Each of these about who was going to ring the ambulance but Kevin vegetation habitats has implications for the was born before this was resolved. archaeological record.

As they didn’t have a fridge they would keep their butter 5.12.8.1 Site List in a waterproof container which was then placed in the creek during summer to keep it cool. This was pulled See also Figure 5.12.8. up on a string when it was needed. They had a campfire area outside the shed on which they did most of their cooking.

Rhonda commented that she felt some resentment towards her mother for always making them live in a swamp until she recently went to visit Myora on Stradbroke Island where Rose Cleary grew up. Myora exhibits similar environmental conditions to Duck Holes in that it is also close to a swamp. Traditionally swamps were a focus for Aboriginal people in terms of accessing material resources, food and water.

It is probable that Rose chose to live in area of Duck

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Site Jinkers tree S13 Geographical Location In rainforest landscape between Kaloma Road and Sugarbag Road. Grid Location Geological Environment Vegetative Environment Eucalypt forest and remnant rainforest. Description of Site/Artefact Single tree with springboard scars on trunk. Archaeological Significance Low Cultural Significance Low

Site Artefact scatter S14 Geographical Location Located on Meridian road, a dirt track c.500 metres north of Currimundi Creek and 100 metres south of large inland dam. Western end abuts eastern section of corridor. Grid Location Geological Environment Alluvial soil. Vegetative Environment Open grassed pasture grazing. Description of Site/Artefact Extensive artefact scatter exposed on dirt track of proposed road. Extends for c.150m x 5 m, with associated large silcrete core. Archaeological Significance High Cultural Significance High

Site Artefact scatter S15 Geographical Location Located on eastern bank of Mooloolah River Grid Location Geological Environment Tidal silts Vegetative Environment Coastal heath. Description of Site/Artefact Dispersed scatter of flakes. Since the sites was recorded by E. Crosby in 1993 disturbance to the site has continued. There has been much movement of sand through surface clearing activities directly to the east of the site. Sand is now covering this area. A number of large silcrete flakes were located in this area. Archaeological Significance Medium. Crosby noted in her 1993 report that several of the artefact scatters had similar composition and suggested that this might indicate similar functions. Cultural Significance High

Site Artefact scatter S16 Geographical Location East bank of Mooloolah River. Grid Location Geological Environment Tidal silts. Vegetative Environment Riverine mangroves Description of Site/Artefact Scatter of quartzite flakes in an area measuring 20 x 30 metres. These are still apparent from Crosby’s initial identification, 1993. Archaeological Significance Low to medium. Cultural Significance High. Site Artefact scatter S17 Geographical Location East bank of Mooloolah River. Grid Location Geological Environment Tidal silts Vegetative Environment Riverine mangroves. Description of Site/Artefact Scatter of flakes silcretes etc Archaeological Significance Low to medium Cultural Significance High.

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Site Midden S18 Geographical Location East of corridor on north east bank of Mooloolah River. Grid Location Geological Environment Tidal Salts Vegetative Environment Mangrove and some melaleuca. Description of Site/Artefact Extensive shell midden extending 100 metres along river and 30 metres wide. Primarily oyster Saccostrea calculata. Archaeological Significance High. This is a major midden site. It was first recorded in 1939, it is still quite extensive and is the largest midden from this area. It is registered with the EPA. Cultural Significance High

Central Option 5.12.9 Mooloolah River to Maroochy Central Three routes are proposed crossing the Mooloolah The proposed middle route crosses the Mooloolah River and heading north along the Sunshine Motorway. River close to the eastern bank and runs parallel with They are described below. the Sunshine Motorway.

Western Option Eastern Option

This option has the route crossing close to the eastern This option crosses the Mooloolah River and crosses bank of the Mooloolah River. It crosses a small island east over the Nicklin Way bridge to run along the in the middle of the river before reaching the opposite eastern road reserve of the Sunshine Motorway. north bank, west of the Sunshine Motorway. The corridor goes west of the Mooloolabah entrance to the 5.12.9.1 Site List Sunshine Motorway and runs slightly west of the Sunshine Motorway before rejoining the motorway south of Horton Park Golf Course. Site Scarred tree S19 Geographical Location East bank of Mooloolah River Grid Location Geological Environment Tidal silts Vegetative Environment Open eucalypt woodland Description of Site/Artefact Scar 500mm long, possibly used for a coolamon, located on a grey gum Eucalyptus propinqua. Archaeological Significance Medium to high. Cultural Significance High

the study area 9 locations were chosen at different 5.12.10 Maroochy Central to Sunshine Coast Airport sections along the proposed railway corridor. These monitoring locations were selected to give information This area follows the Sunshine Motorway north along representative of the existing noise environment along the road reserve to State Land where it heads east the study corridor. The microphone was located away towards the Sunshine Coast Airport. Most of this area from reflecting surfaces to obtain “free field” data, and is zoned rural and has been used for agricultural at sites where existing noise sources were clearly purposes. West of the Sunshine Motorway cane is audible (eg. along the Sunshine Motorway), the being grown. The surface coverage of vegetation is microphone was located in line with the adjacent house extremely thick through this area. facades. Figures 4.7.7 depict the location of these noise monitoring sites along the proposed railway The section covered by state land is comprised mostly corridor. of heath land and fringed by melaleuca open forest. The existing noise environment was monitored using No sites have been identified in this section. the RION NA - 29 and Larson & Davis (LD 700) sound level meters (SLM), and up to 3 (ARL 125) 5.13 Noise and Vibration environmental noise loggers. These instruments conform to AS 1259 “Acoustics - Sound level meters” and the measurements were undertaken in general To ascertain the existing ambient noise environment of

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accordance with AS 1055 - “Acoustics - Description and address indicates the monitoring location on the map of measurement of environmental noise”. The the railway corridor in the south to north direction. instruments were calibrated before and after each measurement period.

The results of the noise monitoring are given in Tables 5.13a&b below. Table 5.13a contains the results of the noise measurements with SLM, while Table 5.13b contains the results of the noise measurements with ARL 125. The results are presented in the order that they have been recorded while the number before the

Table 5.13a: Ambient Noise Monitoring Results - Sound Level Meters

Location Number Date/ LT Sound Noise Sources & Average Average Average General and Time Pressure Noise Character Temp °C Rel. H % Wind Conditions Address Level dB(A) Speed/Dir

4 24/02/99 L10 51 Tree leaves, insects, 28 68 Light, Fine 13 Rhodes Place 11:30 AM Leq 49 birds, voices, aircraft Southerly L90 42 52 - 65 dB (A).

3 24/02/99 L10 44 Birds, road traffic, 28 68 Light, Fine Seventh Day 1:15 PM Leq 43 fan noise at Village, Southerly Adventist L90 38 aircraft Retirement Village – Harker Court

8 4/05/99 L10 62 Motorway noise, 23 62 Light, Fine Henley Park 3:30 PM Leq 59 local traffic, flag pole South-easterly Maroochydore L90 53 shackle in the wind, tree leaves

9 4/05/99 L10 55 Motorway noise, 23 63 Light, Fine Vacant Block 4:30 PM Leq 53 local traffic, dog South-easterly 59 - 61 Kowonga St. L90 50 barking, tree leaves, Maroochydore small aircraft

6 4/05/99 L10 67 Motorway noise, 22 78 Light, Fine Easement adjacent 5:20 PM Leq 65 local traffic, insects, South-easterly to 79 Amarina L90 59 dog barking, tree Avenue leaves, Mooloolaba

5 4/05/99 L10 59 Motorway noise, 22 73 Light, Fine 10 Incana Court 6:30 PM Leq 58 local traffic, insects, West -South- Mooloolaba L90 44 dog barking, tree westerly leaves

9 17/05/99 L10 61 Motorway noise, 22 70 Light, Fine Vacant Block 4:00 PM Leq 61 local traffic, birds, South-easterly 59 - 61 Kowonga St. L90 48 insects, tree leaves. Maroochydore

7 17/05/99 L10 60 Motorway noise, 21 71 Light, Fine 38 Dalton Road 4:45 PM Leq 60 local traffic, birds, Southerly Maroochydore L90 49 insects, tree leaves.

6 17/05/99 L10 64 Motorway noise, 21 72 Light, Fine Easement adjacent 5:50 PM Leq 71 local traffic, birds, South-easterly to 79 Amarina L90 50 insects, tree leaves. Avenue Mooloolaba

1 20/05/99 L10 64 Glass House 21 70 Light, Fine Foley Street 4:10 PM Leq 69 Mountain Road, Southerly Beerwah L90 47 local traffic, birds, insects, dog barking.

2 20/05/99 L10 63 Local traffic, birds, 20 73 Light, Fine 63 Nelson Street 5:00 PM Leq 68 insects, tree leaves. Southerly Pelican Waters L90 44

5 26/05/99 L10 51 Traffic on the bridge 25 71 Light, Fine 10 Paraka Court 2:30 PM Leq 49 of Sunshine Easterly Mountain Creek L90 46 Motorway, birds.

2 26/05/99 L10 47 Local traffic, birds. 25 71 Light, Fine 63 Nelson Street 3:15 PM Leq 43 Southerly Pelican Waters L90 37

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Table 5.13b: Ambient Noise Monitoring Results - Environmental Noise Loggers

Location Number Date/ LT Sound Noise Sources & Average Average Average General and Time Pressure Noise Character Temp °C Rel. H % Wind Conditions Address Period Level dB(A) Speed/Dir

8 Evening L10 61 Motorway noise, 23 62 Light, Fine Henley Park 4/05/99 Leq 58 local traffic, flag South-easterly Maroochydore L90 50 pole shackle in the wind, tree leaves

8 Night L10 56 Motorway noise, 23 62 Light, Fine Henley Park 4/05/99 Leq 55 local traffic, flag South-easterly Maroochydore L90 46 pole shackle in the wind, tree leaves

8 Day L10 64 Motorway noise, 23 62 Light, Fine Henley Park 5/05/99 Leq 61 local traffic, flag South-easterly Maroochydore L90 56 pole shackle in the wind, tree leaves

9 Evening L10 61 Motorway noise, 22 70 Light, Showers Vacant Block 17/05/99 Leq 58 local traffic, birds, South-easterly 59 - 61 Kowonga L90 55 insects, tree leaves. St. Maroochydore

9 Night L10 56 Motorway noise, 22 70 Light, Showers Vacant Block 17/05/99 Leq 55 local traffic, birds, South-easterly 59 - 61 Kowonga L90 49 insects, tree leaves. St. Maroochydore

9 Day L10 64 Motorway noise, 22 70 Moderate to Rain Vacant Block 18/05/99 Leq 61 local traffic, birds, strong, 59 - 61 Kowonga L90 60 insects, tree leaves. South-easterly St. Maroochydore

7 Evening L10 58 Motorway noise, 21 71 Light, Showers 38 Dalton Road 17/05/99 Leq 55 local traffic, birds, South-easterly Maroochydore L90 49 insects, tree leaves.

7 Night L10 55 Motorway noise, 21 71 Light, Showers 38 Dalton Road 17/05/99 Leq 51 local traffic, birds, South-easterly Maroochydore L90 41 insects, tree leaves.

7 Day L10 64 Motorway noise, 21 71 Moderate to Rain 38 Dalton Road 18/05/99 Leq 62 local traffic, birds, strong, Maroochydore L90 60 insects, tree South-easterly leaves.

6 Evening L10 62 Motorway noise, 21 72 Light, Showers Easement adjacent 17/05/99 Leq 58 local traffic, birds, South-easterly to 79 Amarina L90 49 insects, tree Avenue leaves. Mooloolaba

6 Night L10 54 Motorway noise, 21 72 Light, Showers Easement adjacent 17/05/99 Leq 52 local traffic, birds, South-easterly to 79 Amarina L90 40 insects, tree Avenue leaves. Mooloolaba

6 Day L10 68 Motorway noise, 21 72 Moderate to Rain Easement adjacent 18/05/99 Leq 65 local traffic, birds, strong, to 79 Amarina L90 60 insects, tree South-easterly Avenue leaves. Mooloolaba

1 Evening L10 58 Glass House 19 73 Moderate to Showers Foley Street 20/05/99 Leq 55 Mountain Road, Strong Beerwah L90 49 local traffic, birds, South-easterly insects, dog barking.

1 Night L10 55 Glass House 19 73 Moderate to Showers Foley Street 20/05/99 Leq 51 Mountain Road, Strong Beerwah L90 41 local traffic, birds, South-easterly insects, dog barking.

1 Day L10 64 Glass House 19 73 Moderate to Showers Foley Street 21/05/99 Leq 62 Mountain Road, Strong Beerwah L90 60 local traffic, birds, South-easterly

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Table 5.13b: Ambient Noise Monitoring Results - Environmental Noise Loggers

Location Number Date/ LT Sound Noise Sources & Average Average Average General and Time Pressure Noise Character Temp °C Rel. H % Wind Conditions Address Period Level dB(A) Speed/Dir insects, dog barking.

2 Night L10 50 Local traffic, birds, 20 65 Light, Fine 63 Nelson Street 24/05/99 Leq 47 insects, tree South-easterly Pelican Waters L90 34 leaves.

2 Day L10 50 Local traffic, birds, 20 65 Light, Fine 63 Nelson Street 25/05/99 Leq 48 insects, tree South-easterly Pelican Waters L90 42 leaves.

2 Evening L10 52 Local traffic, birds, 20 65 Light, Fine 63 Nelson Street 25/05/99 Leq 49 insects, tree leaves. South-easterly Pelican Waters L90 40 Bureau of Meteorology (see Figures 5.14a-c). The noise levels measured vary from location to location and time of the day when monitoring has been The climate is subtropical characterised with hot and carried out. The noise levels measured are wet summers and mild and dry winters. Based on the consistently higher at locations closer to major arterial records since 1899, the average maximum annual roads (Bruce Highway, Sunshine Motorway or Glass temperature in the coastal area is 24.8oC, while the House Mountain Road), or busier local roads. The average minimum annual temperature is 15.5oC. The time of the day also contributes to the level of noise highest summer temperature recorded is 32.5oC. The measured, usually associated with the peak - hour lowest winter temperature recorded is 3oC. traffic on normally quiet suburban roads. The average annual rainfall based on the available Occasional high noise events of short duration, such recorded data is 1,487 mm. The highest summer as light aircraft noise or dogs barking, have also rainfall recorded is 1,218 mm, while the lowest winter contributed to the overall measured noise level. rainfall recorded is 1.3 mm. Finally, in the areas with dense vegetation - tree leaves, birds and insects have also contributed to the The air movement in the investigated area, as overall noise levels measured. represented by the meteorological information from the Caloundra, Maroochydore and Nambour The background noise levels recorded are typical of meteorological stations, is driven by the synoptic winds quiet residential areas with the exception of the and diurnal pattern of sea and land breezes. The measurement at location 1 (Foley Street, Beerwah), prevailing synoptic winds are south-easterlies in location 6, (easement adjacent to the property at 79 summer and south to south-westerlies in winter. The Amarina Avenue, Mooloolaba) and location 8 (Henley meteorological observations from the Nambour station Park, Maroochydore). The elevated background noise show that the south-easterly winds are dominant at Foley Street in Beerwah is attributable to the traffic throughout the year in this localised area. on Glass House Mountain Road and the bird and insect noise in the adjacent bushland. The Sunshine The diurnal pattern of sea and land breezes is very Motorway has been the major contributor to the pronounced in the stations located at Caloundra and elevated background noise level at 79 Amarina Maroochydore. The onshore winds are dominant in Avenue, Mooloolaba and Henley Park, Maroochydore. the afternoons when the hot air above the land is being replaced by the cooler sea air. Winds are usually light The level of ground vibration in the study area is to moderate with tendency to get stronger later in the negligible, and would rarely be perceptible. Potential day. The Nambour station has a larger percentage of sources would relate to road traffic, road construction/ calm periods, than the coastal stations. Most of the maintenance works, earth moving equipment and recorded calm periods occur overnight and early in the compacting equipment used during housing morning, before 9:00AM. construction in developing residential estates. The overall pattern of wind movement is in close 5.14 Coastal Climate correlation with the results of the macro modelling of the movement of air pollutants in the Southeast The oldest meteorological station in the study area is Queensland airshed. The technical report “Air Quality the one that has been located at the Caloundra Signal in the South-East Queensland Airshed” published by Station. Meteorological conditions have been the Queensland Department of Environment in August recorded in this station from 1899 until 1992. The 1997, summarises the regional air movement as other two meteorological stations in the study area are characterised by strong summer seabreezes that Nambour, operational since 1952, and the Sunshine move onshore in the middle of the day or early Coast Airport, operational since 1994. Meteorological afternoon and offshore at night. Synoptic winds are records from these stations were obtained from the also stronger in summer, while winter conditions are

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calmer and more stable. particles that settle at a short distance from the source. Some fine lead - containing particles remain 5.15 Air Quality suspended in air, and can be inhaled. In urban situations, a significant part of the body’s lead load 5.15.1 Overview of Air Pollution comes from inhalation of these airborne lead - containing particles (Streeton, 1990). Vehicular traffic is the main source of air pollution in the Sulphur Dioxide (SO ) study area. The type and quantity of air pollutants 2 emitted from vehicles is dependant on the type of engine Sulphur dioxide (SO ) is a pungent, irritating, fuel used. Petrol powered engines, mainly used in cars, 2 colourless gas. The main anthropogenic source of have higher carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides SO is the combustion of fossil fuels which contain (NO ) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) 2 x sulphur. Sulphur dioxide emissions are usually emissions, compared to similar sized diesel engines. associated with high particle emissions. When The diesel engines, mainly used in commercial vehicles, associated with high levels of aerosol particles SO is have higher particulate content as a result of unburnt 2 converted to sulphuric acid (H SO ). Sulphur dioxide carbon particles in the diesel “black smoke”. 2 4 and its reactive products are removed from the atmosphere by rainfall, generating "acid rain". 5.15.2 Types of Air Pollution Particulate Matter Pollutants of the atmosphere can occur in several different forms, ie. gases, liquids or particulates. Particulate matter, often refered to as dust, comprises These pollutants are placed into two categories; of particles in size range 1 to 75 micrometers (µm). pollutants emitted directly by the source (primary Sources of particulate matter, associated with traffic, pollutants) and pollutants caused by chemical include vehicle exhaust emissions, abrasion of brake reactions in the atmosphere (secondary pollutants). linings, the road surface and tyre wear. Most of this particles are likely to be of an intermediate size (10 - 5.15.2.1 Direct Emission Pollutants 30 µm) or small size (less than 10 µm). When airborne, intermediate sized particles are likely to These air pollutants are emitted directly from the travel up to 500 metres, while smaller particles can source, eg. from motor vehicles or industry. The most travel up to 1 kilometre from sources (UK Department common pollutants with respect to air emissions are of Environment, 1995). summarised below. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) Carbon Monoxide (CO) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are result of This pollutant is a product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel evaporation and incomplete combustion in a carbonaceous fuel such as petrol or diesel. In industrial processes and internal combustion engines. general, in typical urban areas, motor vehicles account This large group of chemical compounds comprises of for up to 90 percent of all carbon monoxide (CO) organic gases such as paraffins, olefins, aldehydes, emissions. In south-east Queensland motor vehicles ketones, alcohols and acids (US Department of Health, contribute 83% of total CO emissions. 1967). In the south - east Queensland motor vehicles contribute 52 percent of the total emissions of VOC’s. Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Of that more than 33 percent is a result of passenger vehicle emissions (Queensland DoE, 1998). Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) consist of mainly nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NOx is produced Odour during any combustion process that has a high enough temperature to oxidise atmospheric nitrogen. The Odour can be defined as perception given by the concentration of nitric oxide at the exhaust point is brain’s interpretation of the stimulus caused by the usually 5 to 10 times greater than the concentration of chemical compounds in the environment. The official nitrogen dioxide (US Department of Health, 1967). odour definition in Australia is organoleptic attribute Upon release to atmosphere NO is eventually oxidised perceptible by the olfactory organ on sniffing certain to form NO2. The results of measurements of volatile substances (Standards Australia, 1999). atmospheric concentrations of oxides of nitrogen are expressed in terms of NO2 concentration. Odour concentration is expressed in odour unit (OU). The definition of odour unit is that amount of odourant, Lead (Pb) that when evaporated into 1 m3 of neutral gas (purified air or nitrogen) triggers a physiological response from Airborne lead (Pb) is released into the atmosphere by a panel equivalent to one reference odour mass the combustion of leaded fuel. Lead is emitted as (ROM), evaporated in 1 m3 of neutral gas. By

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definition, in the force choice dynamic olfactometry, Carbon Monoxide (CO) ROM is 123 µg of n-butanol (Standards Australia, 1999). Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) is reflected in a reduction of the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In the olfactometry practice the strength of the odour is The CO combines with haemoglobin to form expressed in terms of number of dilutions required for carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb). Once the haemoglobin it to be just detectable to an odour assessing panel. has been transformed it can no longer carry oxygen. The amount of dilution air used to reduce the odour At high concentrations CO can cause death, but this is concentration to just detectable level, represents the associated with deliberate or incidental prolonged odour concentration in odour units per cubic metre exposure to CO in confined spaces. (ou/m3). Considering the high costs of the olfactometry analysis, for most practical applications The general ambient exposure to CO can affect odour assessment is based on subjective assessment exercise capacity in healthy adults. In experimental of authorised officer as to the presence, or absence, of conditions the elevated COHb levels in adults as a offensive odour at the investigated site. result of exposure to CO have caused disturbances in neurobehavioural function. The main effects have 5.15.2.2 Pollutants Caused by Chemical Reactions in been on the ability to discriminate time intervals and to Atmosphere perform complex motor and sensorimotor activities (NEPC, 1997). These are pollutants that are formed in the atmosphere due to chemical interaction between Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) directly emitted pollutants and normal atmospheric constituents. An example of this occurs when NOx and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause significant damage VOC’s combine in the atmosphere in the presence of to the defence mechanisms of the respiratory tract sunlight to form photochemical smog. Other forms of which leads to an increased susceptibility to, and pollutants caused by chemical reactions in the severity of, respiratory infections and asthma. atmosphere include photochemical oxidants. Exposure to higher levels of NO2, such are found in some industrial situations, may cause serious lung This important group of pollutants consists of ozone damage, possibly leading to emphysema (Streeton, (O3), peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN's), peroxybenzoyl 1990). nitrates (PBN's), formaldehyde, organic hydroperoxides and a number of highly reactive Lead (Pb) chemical species. Of these, ozone is the predominant oxidant. Low level exposure of airborne lead (Pb) can adversely affect children before birth and up to 5.15.3 Effects of Air Pollution approximately six years of age. The lead can affect the development of the nervous system which in turn impairs intellectual, psychological and neurological Studies indicate that air pollution does have an impact functioning. Kidney and bone marrow are also on public health, visual amenity and vegetation. There affected by lead exposure (WHO 1979). is evidence to indicate that regional and global climate change is occurring as a result of air pollution. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) While air pollution can be relatively easy to quantity, As sulphur dioxide (SO ) is highly water soluble it is the effects of air pollution are often difficult to measure, 2 readily absorbed in the moist passages of the upper mainly due to differing responses of individual species respiratory system. This then irritates the nerve and individuals within a species. Air pollution effects endings and leads to irritant cough and mucus are normally categorised under the following sub- hypersecretion from both upper and lower respiratory headings: tracts. Elderly people and those already suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are at q Health effects; most risk in relation to SO (WHO, 1979). q Vegetation effects; and 2 q Other effects. Particulate Matter 5.15.3.1 Health Effects The human respiratory system can deal with normal ambient levels of particulate matter. The upper Air pollution in the form of single or multiple pollutants respiratory tract can remove particles down to has been known to cause irritation of the eyes, nose, diameter of 10µm. The lower airways generally mouth, throat and bronchial tree. In the case of lead remove particles down to approximately 1 µm. While and carbon monoxide they are absorbed into the body. dust and most other particles are inert, some may be The general health effects of some common air coated with an irritant such as sulphur dioxide. This pollutants are given below.

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can lead to respiratory complaints. If the particular concentration can damage vegetation, normally in the matter comprises of material that is toxic, than other form of dead patches on the upper and lower surfaces acute or chronic symptoms can be manifested. For of the leaf. If SO2 is converted to sulphuric acid mist example, the particulate emissions associated with the then black spots can appear on leaves. diesel “black smoke” are considered to contain a number of carcinogenic compounds (Bofinger, 1993). Significant quantities of ozone can damage plant foliage or in extreme cases can reduce plant growth In normal atmospheric conditions particulate matter is and crop yield. Ozone reacts with photosynthetically usually a nuisance more than a health problem. The active cells on the upper surface of leaves causing an effects of nuisance dust are usually reversible and internal injury. Experimental crop plots set up by the cannot be considered as being toxic (Orlemann, US EPA has suffered as much as 30 percent reduced Kalman, Cummings & Lim, 1983). crop yields as a result of exposure to atmospheric O3 (Kan CRN, 1999). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) 5.15.3.3 Other Effects Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) have until recently been controlled for the purpose of reducing Other effects of air pollution include damage to various photochemical smog. However, some of the VOC’s, materials used in structures, equipment and other such as benzene, are known to have an adverse effect goods. The nature of such damage is usually a slow on human health. As a known primary carcinogen, deterioration of the material such as in: benzene causes disorders of the blood, ie. acute non- lymphatic (myeloid) leukaemia (WHO 1979). q Rubber due to oxidants; and q Masonry constructions and metals due to acid Ozone (03) particles.

The major health effects associated with exposure to 5.15.4 Existing Air Quality high concentrations of ozone (O3) are inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Canadian studies The study area is characterised by a rapid residential has evidenced coughing, throat irritation and breathing growth mainly along the coastal strip around the larger difficulty among people exercising when exposed to townships such as Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba atmospheric O . Children are particularly susceptible 3 and Maroochydore. There are no large industrial to exposure to O . Lung function test has shown that 3 facilities in the area that can contribute to large scale children exposed to atmospheric O , can suffer decline 3 discharges to air. The local service industry is mainly in lung capacity (Ontario Medical Association, 1999). geared towards the needs of the dominant tourist industry and is mainly free of discharges to air. Most Odour of the pollutant discharges to air are result of the road traffic on the Bruce Highway, the Sunshine Motorway In high concentrations odour can cause nausea and and the other roads in the area. even physiological response such as vomiting, but in atmospheric exposure odour is more a nuisance than In August 1997, Queensland Department of a health hazard. Environment (now known as the EPA) published an air emissions inventory for the Southeast Queensland The impact of odour on the exposed population is airshed, from the New South Wales border to dependant on the frequency, intensity, duration and Caloundra. Although only the southern tip of the study offensiveness of the odour (FIDO factor). In addition area (around Caboolture and Caloundra), has been to this, the association factor has to be considered, as included in the inventory, the results are indicative of there are industrial activities that are perceived by the the air quality in the wider area. Based on the air public as inherently smelly even if sophisticated odour emissions data from 1993, an estimate of annual control systems are implemented. Odour is a highly emissions in tonnes has been prepared for a range of subjective matter and in spite of the attempts to pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds quantify the odour concentration, its impact is mainly (VOC’s), oxides of nitrogen (NO ), carbon monoxide assessed on the basis of number of complaints. x (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulates. The inventory results have indicated that almost 83 percent 5.15.3.2 Vegetation Effects of the CO, 70 percent of the NOx and 52 percent of non-natural emissions of VOC in the Southeast To some extent all vegetation is affected by air Queensland airshed are the result of motor vehicle pollutants. The majority of species will show any exhausts. adverse effects by way of foliage damage, however for some, plant production or growth is impaired. The main pollutant generated by traffic emissions is photochemical smog, a product of the chemical Sulphur dioxide when present in high enough reaction between NOx and VOC’s, usually indicated by

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ozone (O3) concentration. The reaction between NOx The nearest permanent air quality monitoring station to and VOC’s is enhanced by sunlight, with additional the investigated site is located in Deception Bay, 35km factors of photochemical generation being south of Caloundra. It has been operational since temperature, VOC and NOx concentration. In terms of 1994 and monitors ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide spatial distribution the only air pollutants of significance (NO2) concentrations. The results of the monthly in the Sunshine Coast airshed are VOC’s, NOx and maximum one hour concentrations of these pollutants CO. The highest concentrations of these pollutants at the Deception Bay monitoring station for the twelve occur along the major traffic routes, such as the Bruce months between May 1998 and April 1999 are Highway corridor and in the densely populated coastal presented in the Table 5.15.4a, below. strip.

Table 5.15.4a: Ambient Concentrations of Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide - Monthly Maximum One-hour Concentrations (1998 - 99) for Deception Bay

Maximum One Hour O3 Concentrations (ppm) May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Annual Ave. 0.059 0.046 0.050 0.045 0.048 0.052 0.055 0.067 0.092 0.052 0.075 0.054 0.058

Maximum One Hour NO2 Concentrations (ppm) May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Annual Ave. 0.038 0.066 0.046 0.031 0.050 0.028 0.033 0.056 0.016 0.018 0.022 0.039 0.037 Source: EPA (Air Quality Bulletin, Southeast Queensland – April 1999)

In order to compare the existing air quality in Sunshine Table 5.15.4c: Concentrations of CO in Coast airshed with an urban industrial area, the results Brisbane’s Woolloongabba and CBD of the permanent monitoring stations at Eagle Farm in (respectively) Brisbane will be used. The air quality indicators Air Quality Conc. Ave. EPP monitored at this station are O3, NO2, sulphur dioxide Indicator Time (Air) (SO2) and particulate matter of diameter less than 10 Goal microns (PM10.) The concentrations of these CO (W’gabba) 3.4 8 hours 8 ppm pollutants at the Eagle Farm monitoring station for the ppm twelve months between May 1998 and April 1999 are CO (CBD) 2.4 8 hours 8 ppm presented in Table 5.15.4b, below. ppm

Table 5.15.4b: Maximum Ambient Concentrations of lead (Pb) are permanently Concentrations of the Air Quality Indicators monitored at only two stations in Brisbane, of Interest Woolloongabba and Fortitude Valley. A summary of Air Conc. Averaging EPP (Air) the concentrations of Pb in Woolloongabba and Quality Time Goal Fortitude Valley in the May 1998 to April 1999 period is Indicator presented in Table 5.15.4d.

O3 0.057 ppm 1 hour 0.098 ppm

NO2 0.039 ppm 1 hour 0.16 ppm Table 5.15.4d: Concentrations of Pb in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba and CBD SO2 0.020 ppm 1 hour 0.20 ppm 3 3 (respectively) PM10 38 µg/m 24 hours 150 µg/m Air Quality Conc. Ave. EPP Concentrations of CO are permanently monitored at Indicator Time (Air) Goal only two stations in Brisbane, Woolloongabba and the µ 3 Central Business District (CBD). A summary of the Pb 0.09 g/m 90 day 1.5 (W’ gabba) µg/m3 average eight hour concentrations of CO in µ 3 Woolloongabba and CBD in the May 1998 to April Pb (Fortitude 0.21 g/m 90 day 1.5 Valley) µ 3 1999 period is presented in Table 5.15.4c. g/m The concentrations of toluene (one compound of the VOC chemical group) are permanently monitored only at Brisbane’s Central Business

District (CBD). A summary of the concentrations of toluene at Brisbane’s CBD in the May 1998 to April 1999 period is presented in Table 5.15.4e.

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The observed high air quality in the Sunshine Coast Table 5.15.4e: Concentrations of Toluene at airshed is under threat from the likely increase in the Brisbane’s CBD commuter traffic as the population increases in the Air Quality Conc. Averaging EPP coastal region and in the other wider Brisbane areas. Indicator Time (Air) The main concern are air emissions associated with Goal increased traffic such as the precursors to Toluene 5.2 ppb 24 hours 200ppm photochemical smog (NOx and VOC’s) that can travel a long distance before the secondary chemical The results of the air quality monitoring at the long reactions in the atmosphere converts them into smog. term monitoring stations are used as air quality indicators. The assumption is that if the 5.16 Forestry concentrations of the main air quality indicators are below the goals specified in the Environmental 5.16.1 Plantation Ownership Protection (Air) Policy 1997 - EPP (Air) than all the other contributors to air pollution are likely to be The only areas of plantation forest along the entire present at the concentrations lower than the goal level. route are located within the section between Beerwah This assumption has been adopted as appropriate for and Pelican Waters. The Beerwah State Forest the scope of this study. operated under the control of DPI Forestry out of Beerburrum is found between the North Coast Rail Considering that the EPP(Air) goals for the main air Line and the Bruce Highway. quality indicators, as presented above, are met even at the main industrial areas of Brisbane, it can be DPI Forestry is a commercial business group and reasonably concluded that the existing air quality at the Queensland’s major forest grower, responsible for Sunshine Coast is good. The main air pollution source 80% of the State’s domestic timber production and in the study area is traffic. 95% of the State’s plantation production. DPI Forestry currently manages approximately 110,000 hectares of In August 1997, the Queensland Department of exotic and native pine and hardwood plantations in Environment, published technical report “Movement of South East Queensland. In addition to this within the Air Pollutants in the South - East Queensland Airshed”, study area there is an area of 6,000 hectares of presenting the results of the computer modelling of the privately owned pine plantation forest located between typical summer and typical winter day weather the Bruce Highway and the area of Bells Creek. This conditions. The modelling exercise, mainly concerned land is part of the Lensworth pine resource which is with the fate of the air pollutant precursors to managed by CSR Softwoods. photochemical smog, has shown that there is little impact on the Sunshine Coast airshed from the By the year 2003 it is intended that this whole area of industrial and traffic emissions at a wider Brisbane plantation pine will have been harvested. The area. Only on rare occasions, in winter with no Caloundra Downs Informal Land Use Investigation is synoptic winds, can seabreezes transport air pollutants currently being undertaken to investigate options for emitted in the Brisbane industrial areas to the north in this land after 2003 when the land would be available the direction of Deception Bay and Bribie Island. for replanting with pine or other uses. The coastal location and the relatively flat topography The following table presents plantation areas owned of the investigated area prevents prolonged calm by DPI Forestry and the Lensworth Group in both periods during the day. This is one of the most South East Queensland and, more specifically, the important factors that contributes to the relative ease Beerburrum District. of air pollution dispersion.

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Table 5.16.1: Plantation Areas for South East Queensland (ha) Lensworth Group Region DPI Forestry Other Caloundra Downs Total South East Queensland Exotic Pine Plantation 105,000 3,300 2,700 111,000 Native Pine Plantation 4,000 0 0 4,000 Hardwood Plantation 1,200 0 0 1,200 Totals 110,200 3,300 2,700 116,200 Beerburrum District Exotic Pine Plantation 17,100 3,300 2,700 23,100 Native Pine Plantation 3,000 0 0 3,000 Hardwood Plantation 400 0 0 400 Totals 20,500 3,300 2,700 26,500

Source: Caloundra Downs II Informal Land Use Investigation - Forestry Backgrounder by Jaakko Poyry Consulting

5.16.2 Plantation Characteristics 5.17 Landscape

Within the Beerwah State Forest the species grown 5.17.1 Introduction varies between the first and second rotation crops. The first rotation crop species is Pinus elliottii and the The landscape analysis has focused on those areas second rotation species is dominated by a hybrid that have been identified by the Consultants and between Pinus elliotti and Pinus caribbaea. These through the public consultation process as being of crops are generally grown on a 30 year rotation cycle. concern to local residents. The following text provides The stand is thinned at 22 years and then left for a broad analysis of the existing landscape and visual clearfall. In the area of forest traversed by the conditions at the following locations: CAMCOS alignment, the age of compartments varies. The oldest plantation was planted in 1971 with the q Beerwah where CAMCOS leaves the North Coast youngest planted seven years ago in 1992. Rail line and Glasshouse Mountains Road is required to bridge the rail line; Approximately 15% of the State forest is burnt each q Caloundra Road crossing where the rail line is year for resource protection, the forest is burnt in a proposed to be taken over the road on a high mosaic protection pattern. Each compartment usually viaduct structure; has one or two burns in its rotation. Areas of a q Aroona where the rail line passes through a strategic nature or high risk are burnt more frequently heavily vegetated area between town residential to provide connectivity of burnt areas. areas; q Mooloolah River Crossing where the rail would be Timber cut from the State forest has four destinations, on viaduct structure; either: q Sunshine Motorway just north of Commercial Road where the rail alignment would be located q CSR Softwoods Sawmill, Caboolture: Produces within the Sunshine Motorway corridor; and sawn/ treated product for the building industry and q Maroochy River Crossing where the bridge for chip export; structure carrying the rail line is adjacent to the q Boral Hancock, Ipswich: Australia’s largest Motorway crossing. plywood mill with an output of around 50,000 cubic metres per annum; 5.17.2 Glasshouse Mountains Road q J Joseph and Co, Mooloolah: Used for pallet and packing material; or This area is characterised by an intact and relatively q Allied Timbers, Burpengary: Used as sawn dense landcover which is predominantly a pine forest. products for the building industry. In contrast to the forest with its consistent colours, textures, and vertical form, the edge of the forest is Timber product from the Caloundra Downs site is sent visually contained by a grass verge which is both to the CSR Softwoods Sawmill at Caboolture. broad and irregular. The Glasshouse Mountains Road which passes through this area is partially absorbed into the landscape environment through the dense median planting which visually reduces the scale of the road environment and minimises views across the road corridor.

G:\ENVIRON\PROJECTS\9727\STAGE3\FINALIAS\FEB2000\CHAPTER05 Part A 5-64 February 2001 Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study Final Impact Assessment and Land Use Transport Strategy

The landform is predominantly even with some gentle environment. undulations. The dense pine forests on either side of the road corridor ensure views are contained to within Views within this area are provided from the existing the corridor. bridge crossing out over and beyond the waterway and residential environment below. At ground level, views 5.17.3 Caloundra Road are terminated by either stands of remnant vegetation within the waterway, residential development or the The area surrounding Caloundra Road just west of the dominant view of the elevated bridge structure. Nicklin Way roundabout, is urban in nature. The approach to Caloundra along this road is cluttered with 5.17.6 Sunshine Motorway at Maroochydore street furniture and signs advertising adjacent retail and other outlets. The surrounding environment with At present this landscape is characterised by wide the Caloundra Aerodrome to the south and light grass verges on the roadside, buffer planting setback industrial estate to the north sets the context for this from the road and a modified landform which consists urban area. of gently graded embankments. The buffer vegetation is not particularly dense and includes a range of 5.17.4 Aroona species of varying height and form. The planting partially screens the development behind the buffer The landscape environment of where the rail alignment however there are some glimpses into the built passes through Aroona is characterised by an intact environment from the road. canopy and understorey of dense vegetation that includes a range of upper storey species such as The visual environment is contained to views within the palms, Eucalypts and Acacia trees. The vegetation is road with some long distance views toward a dense and provides an attractive, high quality visual mountainous backdrop of forest planting. The overall backdrop to the surrounding residential development. visual environment is of a low to medium quality and could be enhanced with a consistent and more dense There is a strong visual contrast between the roadside planting buffer. foreground of the built environment characterised by a low lying landscape of grass and yet to be established 5.17.7 Maroochy River Crossing gardens and the dense canopy and undergrowth of the natural vegetation backdrop. The landscape surrounding the existing bridge crossing is dominated by the waterway environment of The local landscape at Aroona provides a significant the Maroochy River. The northern banks of the river visual framework for the area. There is greater are characterised by dense groupings of mangroves opportunity to preserve this landscape by absorbing with the occasional gap in between the riverside the CAMCOS corridor into it rather than allowing the vegetation edge. landscape to be cleared for development. The southern side of the river is characterised by Aroona is of particular concern in landscape terms due single and the occasional two storey commercial built to its existing residential character and the potential for environment. The waters edge is predominantly future residential development in the area. parkland or grassed verge providing uninhibited views across the esplanade road to the river and its northern 5.17.5 Mooloolah River Crossing mangrove edge.

The dominant feature is this area is the River and Views within this area are quite significant particularly islands within the river channel that are covered with from the existing bridge crossing where the views vegetation such as mangroves. Remnant vegetation sweep out of the surrounding natural and built on the edge of the water and on the islands consists of environment but focus on the Maroochy River mangroves and Eucalypt trees. Due the existing road character. At ground level views are only possible and bridge infrastructure within this area, it would from the built environment on the southern side of the seem the precinct has been previously impacted upon river and therefore the main focus becomes the River quite heavily. and adjacent mangrove edge. It is important the mangrove edge on the northern side is retained, as it Positioned on the southern and western edges of the provides a significant visual backdrop to the River. waterways are areas of residential housing. This development contributes further to the creation of an impacted environment with a range of built and natural elements. The southern portion of the area is particularly impacted upon as significant clearing of the wetlands area has created a low quality visual

G:\ENVIRON\PROJECTS\9727\STAGE3\FINALIAS\FEB2000\CHAPTER05 Part A 5-65 February 2001