2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan: Gold Coast

Item: 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan

Date: Last updated 11th November 2014

How can the SEQ NRM Plan support the Community’s Vision?

Supporting Document 7 for the 2014 Update of the SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan.

Note regards State Government Planning Policy:

The Queensland Government is currently undertaking a review of the SEQ Regional Plan 2009. Whilst this review has yet to be finalised, the government has made it clear that the “new generation” statutory regional plans focus on the particular State Planning Policy issues that require a regionally-specific policy direction for each region. This quite focused approach to statutory regional plans compares to the broader content in previous (and the current) SEQ Regional Plan.

The SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan has therefore been prepared to be consistent with the State Planning Policy.

Disclaimer:

This information or data is provided by SEQ Catchments Limited on behalf of the Project Reference Group for the 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan. You should seek specific or appropriate advice in relation to this information or data before taking any action based on its contents. So far as permitted by law, SEQ Catchments Limited makes no warranty in relation to this information or data.

Table of Contents

The Gold Coast ...... 1 Part A: Achieving the Community’s Vision for the Gold Coast ...... 1 Queensland Plan – Gold Coast Themes ...... 1 Regional Development Australia – Gold Coast ...... 1 What services are needed from natural assets to achieve these visions and priorities? ...... 2 Natural Assets depend on the biodiversity of the Gold Coast...... 3 Local Actions to Strengthen the Region ...... 3 Natural Assets are important for the economy ...... 6 Benefits provided by Natural Assets ...... 7 Recreation ...... 7 Habitable Climate...... 8 Education and Innovation ...... 8 Transport Infrastructure ...... 9 Reduce Pests and Disease ...... 9 Therapeutic Landscapes ...... 9 Aesthetic Values ...... 9 Arable Land ...... 9 Buffering against extreme events ...... 10 Inspiration ...... 10 Council of Gold Coast Plans and Programs ...... 11 Part B: What has changed in the last 10 yrs that might affect the Community’s Vision for the Gold Coast? ...... 12 Land use change (1999 -2012) ...... 12 Change in area of Bushland (NC 1) ...... 12 Fragmentation of Bushland Corridors (NC 2)...... 12 Change in water quality flowing into oceans and Moreton Bay (W6) ...... 12 Seagrass (CM1) ...... 13 Mangroves (CM1) ...... 13 Wetlands (NC3 and CM7)...... 13 Coral Reef (CM2) ...... 13 Part C: What might happen in the future? ...... 13 Bushland (NC1) ...... 13 Key Resource Areas (L7) ...... 13

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Beaches (CM 3) ...... 14 Predicted Water Quality in Albert River (W6) ...... 14 Salinity (L1) ...... 14 Acid Sulfate Soils (L5) ...... 14 Soil erosion (L4) ...... 14 Potential for Future Extreme Events ...... 14 Extreme Events – Flood, Bushfire, Heatwave ...... 15 Recent Extreme events ...... 15 The Millennium Drought ...... 15 2011 Flood ...... 15 2013 Flood ...... 16 Is the Community and Economy Prepared? ...... 17 Part D: A possible future scenario for Gold Coast to 2031 ...... 19 Gold Coast SEQ NRM – Summary and key SEQ NRM Plan targets ...... 21 Appendix A: SEQ NRM Plan Gold Coast Roundtable – full report ...... 24 Appendix B: Explanation of data used in the Maps ...... 32

development. The tourism industry in the The Gold Coast region has also risen dramatically. The Gold Coast Area covers 1,316 km2of Population in the City reached 535,000 in different landscapes from mountains and 2013. waterfalls to the iconic cityscape and its beaches. In between these are Lamington National Park, fresh wetlands, tidal wetlands Part A: Achieving the and the Moreton Bay and Pacific Ocean Community’s Vision for the Gold marine environment. Coast The Gold Coast is a rapidly growing region and Council are developing a new city vision. The supports grazing, lifestyle blocks, cane, urban community will play an important role in and industrial development, transport shaping the vision. The draft vision is: corridors and natural areas. Inspired by lifestyle. Driven by opportunity1 The natural areas include national parks, reserves and conservation areas. These areas  The best place to live and visit are represented by the National Parks of  Prosperity built on a strong diverse Tamborine, Springbrook, Lamington, Binna economy Burra and Burleigh Heads; Numinbah, Nerang  People contribute to a strong Forest Reserve, Pine Ridge Conservation Park, community spirit Coombabah Lakelands, Nicoll Scrub National Queensland Plan – Gold Coast Park, Currumbin Reserve, Lower Beechmont and Tugun Hill Conservation Areas, Miami Themes Bushland Conservation Reserve, Parkwood In addition to this Vision the following goals Reserve, and Guanaba George (an Indigenous have been identified by the community for Protected Area). the Gold Coast through the State Government’s Queensland Plan: The region also contains internationally recognised areas, including the Coombabah 1. Community cohesion Lakelands Conservation Area (part of the 2. Strengthen Queensland’s Moreton Bay RAMSAR site) with its migratory economy wader bird and fish habitats; Springbrook and 3. Foster community health and well Lamington National Parks which are part of 4. Strengthen our regions the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage 5. Balance economic priority with Area. Lamington National Park has one of the the environment largest upland subtropical rainforest remnants Regional Development Australia – in the world. Gold Coast The region is also within the Border Ranges Each of the 55 RDAs across Australia have Biodiversity Hotspot. developed a Regional Roadmap as a strategic planning document. The Gold Coast has an agricultural history of dairy and grazing, which is now diminishing as RDA Gold Coast’s Roadmap is a living the good quality agricultural land is document which is updated on a regular basis fragmented for housing and other

1 Draft Corporate Plan for public comment, Gold Coast 2020.

1 reflecting regular engagement with all key (e.g. family relations, community services, stakeholders, including Australian, employment and childcare opportunities). Queensland and Local Government, business, non-profit organisations, community However, an ‘ecosystem services approach’ provides the means for directly assessing the organisations, and the general community. contribution of natural assets, goods and 7 Priority Areas in the Roadmap are services to the well-being and prosperity of recognised and supported where appropriate communities. The goods and services by the SEQ NRM Plan: provided by natural (and semi-natural) ecosystems that benefit, sustain and support

1. Economic diversity: Attracting new and the well-being of people are generally termed emerging industries, and encouraging the ‘ecosystem services’. They include the growth and diversification of existing production of food and medicines, the industries. regulation of climate and disease, provision of

2. Infrastructure: Encouraging productive soils and clean water, and infrastructure to support growth. opportunities for recreation and spiritual 3. Town planning: Encouraging streamlined benefits (to name a few). and improved processes to support new economic activity whilst ensuring a high The aim of this Plan is to identify priority areas quality built environment. for action and investment, which are 4. Affordable housing: Influencing the supported by the policies, programs, and the development of innovative and creative planning scheme to maintain and enhance the housing options that are more delivery of goods and services to the affordable. community. 5. Community: Collaborating to build strong, inclusive and supportive Applying the SEQ Ecosystem Services communities. Framework identifies the following services that are needed from natural assets to 6. Education/Training: Encouraging 2 education and training opportunities, achieve these visions and goals: especially in the key sectors of health,  Recreation information technology and  Habitable Climate environmental management.  Knowledge Systems 7. Deregulation: Facilitating discussions to  Transport Infrastructure reduce difficult regulatory processes, and  Reduce Pests and Disease provide incentives to encourage growth  Therapeutic Landscapes and development.  Aesthetic Values

 Arable Land What services are needed from  Buffering against extreme events such natural assets to achieve these as floods, storm surges etc. visions and priorities?  Inspiration Some components of these visions and Natural Assets in the Ipswich, Bremer and Mid priorities will rely solely on human-made Brisbane region must supply these benefits if infrastructure, goods and services (e.g. the community social and economic visions telecommunications, roads, schools, hospitals are to be achieved. etc); as well as social networks and services 2www.ecosystemservicesseq.com

Areas providing these services critical for the environments. The headwaters of the Nerang Local Government to achieve the River in the McPherson Ranges flow through community’s vision are shown in Figure 1. the Numinbah Valley before entering Hinze and Little Nerang Dams. The Coomera River flows from its headwaters in Lamington Natural Assets depend on the National Park to the Northern Broadwater, biodiversity of the Gold Coast. whilst the Pimpama River flows into the Biodiversity is an important foundation for the Northern Broadwater and southern reaches of services and the health of ecosystems as it Moreton Bay. The Tallebudgera and increases their resilience to shocks and Currumbin creeks are smaller but significant change (for example fires or floods). systems. Some of the main tributaries on the Gold Coast include the Biggera, Coombabah, Gold Coast is one of the most biodiverse cities Loders, Mudgeeraba, Flat Rock, Bonogin, in Australia.3 With over 1550 species of Coolangatta, Back, Cave, Clagiraba and vascular plants, 1300 species of terrestrial Canungra Creeks. vertebrates, 71 reptile species, 350 species of birds and 49 species of rare or threatened animals, the area is famous for its natural Local Actions to Strengthen the environment. Region Biodiversity and the processes that provide The SEQ NRM Plan 2009-2031 established a the benefits to humans depend on one minimum level of outcomes that the region another and therefore biodiversity is vital to must achieve to maintain and enhance the maintaining these processes, just as these ability of our natural assets to support the processes are vital to biodiversity. wellbeing and prosperity of the community.

Maintaining biodiversity is therefore the key The NRM Plan targets were agreed to by State to human wellbeing and economic prosperity. and Local government, the community, industry and Traditional Owners based on the The endangered Giant Barred Frog, vulnerable best advice and information available from Koala and rare Albert’s Lyrebird, among scientists, academics and the community. The others, need remnant vegetation and Plan was endorsed by the Australian corridors to link remnant areas and create Government. paths for movement in order to adapt to different environments and changing climatic The targets are a measure of the minimum conditions. outcome needed to ensure that natural assets can continue to provide benefits into the The Gold Coast consists of a number of future. These outcomes, thresholds or tipping threatened regional ecosystems, including the points are recognised by science as the point endangered Blackbutt open forest. at which landscapes are unable to recover from a shock or change. This can result in The Gold Coast Catchments consists of five natural assets losing the ability to provide river systems, many creeks and tributaries, services critical for the economy and numerous water supply dams and weirs, wellbeing of the region. lakes, fresh water, tidal wetlands, and marine Landscapes will change further to accommodate growth and also to respond to 3 Draft Corporate Plan for public comment, Gold a changing climate. Coast 2020

The SEQ NRM Plan is being updated in 2014 to take into consideration trends in current performance towards achieving the targets. These trends are presented in the South East Queensland Natural Assets Status Report: Interim Evaluation of progress against the 2009-2031 South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan Targets, June 2014 (Document no. 2).

The 2014 Update is also based on up to date science and factors in all known development, future land use change and projected climate change impacts.

This report illustrates the important role natural assets play in achieving government, community and industry social, economic and environmental visions. It also explores local action that will contribute to achieving the regional NRM Plan targets. Local actions for regional outcomes will help to enhance the resilience of the region to sudden extreme events and longer term changes in climate.

Figure 1 Areas which provide High (not all) levels of services important to achieve the Vision as identified by the community through the Sunshine Coast Community Plan.4

4 Maynard, S., Ellis, C., and Davidson, A. (2013) A natural asset approach to achieving the community’s vision: integrating Local Government Community Plans and the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework - Methodology and Case Study, SEQ Catchments, Brisbane.

Natural Assets are important for the economy Gold Coast has a diverse economy with a concentration of employment in the rental, hiring and retail sector of the economy (Figure 1). Diversity can play an important role in providing the economy and therefore society with the ability to adapt or respond to economic changes or shocks from extreme weather events etc.

The following section explores the role that natural assets and biodiversity play in the lifestyle and wellbeing of the Gold Coast and opportunities to strengthen and diversify the economy through the management and enhancement of natural assets.

3500 Gold Coast industry value added 2011/12 3000

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Fishing Industry Benefits provided by Natural The charter vessel fishing sector is an Assets important marine tourism sector with a gross The benefits as described above are provided value of production (GVP) of $2.4 million.6 from a range of natural assets as listed The charter vessel industry in the Gold Coast throughout this section. The corresponding region in particular has a high proportion of NRM Plan Target that helps to monitor the international patrons. ability of this asset to provide the benefits is listed in brackets. The importance of each Keeping waterways clear of sediment and benefit to the economy and community of the other obstructions allows easy access to key Gold Coast is also presented. This provides sites close to the Gold Coast such as the important information for prioritising action waters surrounding South Stradbroke Island. and investment. Waterway restoration is a key action if we are Recreation to keep waterways clear of sediment. Key natural assets: Maintaining and enhancing natural • Bushland (NC1) assets will support the following action • Beaches, Reefs and Wetlands in the City of Gold Coast Draft Corporate 7 (CM) Plan – 2020 : • Outdoor Recreation Areas (RLA2)  Implement the Economic • Waterways (W6) Development Strategy to build and • Wetlands (NC3) create a sustainable local, national Key industries that benefit: and international tourism market for the City. Tourism Industry Health Tourism contributes $1B or 19.15% of the economy of the Gold Coast employing 15% of Inadequate physical activity is associated with the population. an increased risk of ill-health and death, and has been linked to increased rates of Preferred visitor experiences are based on overweight and obesity, cardiovascular interactions with natural assets. Food and disease, diabetes and some cancers.8 wine and nature based activities and cultural and heritage experiences are the top three Healthcare and social assistance is a $1.5B reasons why people visit the area. industry on the Gold Coast accounting for 11.5% of the economy. Elderly and young Without the natural assets that supply these people benefit more from green space than experiences, an $8 billion reduction in other population groups. People living in a turnover to the SEQ tourism industry could occur between now and 2031.5 6 D.P. McPhee, M. Mills, T.J.A. Hundloe, C. Buxton & K. Williams (2008) A Participatory and NRM focus – Maintain outdoor recreation Coordinated Fishing Industry Solution to the Rezoning of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Australian Government, opportunities Canberra. 7Gold Coast 2020 Bringing the City Vision to Life Draft 2013. 8 AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) 5 Marsden Jacobs and Assoc. (2010) Managing What 2008. Australia’s health 2008. Australia’s health no. 11. Matters SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. Cat. no. AUS 99. Canberra: AIHW.

7 greener environment are significantly  Bushland (NC1) healthier than others with 10% more green  Beaches, Reefs and Wetlands (CM) space associated with a reduction in the number of symptoms.9 Education and training is worth $1.1B to the economy with a 30% increase in revenue Habitable Climate between 2006-11. Key Natural Assets: Many schools, TAFEs and universities use • Bushland (NC1) outdoor and environmental education to • Coastal Assets (CM) provide education and social and cultural • Wetlands (NC3) outcomes which cannot be achieved in • Waterways (W6) classrooms or by individual study.

A habitable climate is the key to the Gold Direct personal experience of landscapes, Coast lifestyle. A habitable climate provides seascapes, seasonal changes and nature is water and heat to maintain life and produces often the basis of positive relationships with food for animals and humans. It promotes nature, understanding of how nature works community cohesion and mental and physical and caring for nature, wildlife, landscapes health by providing comfortable conditions and/or sustainable ecosystem management. favourable for outdoor activities for the Research from Queensland University of majority of the year in SEQ. Technology has demonstrated that student Maintaining and enhancing natural assets will learning at environmental education centres support the following action in the City of transfers to school, home and across Gold Coast Draft Corporate Plan – 202010: generations.

 Create and implement the Culture The Griffith University Gold Coast campus is Strategy and provide for a growing marketed as follows: cultural vibrancy in the city that “Set amongst native bushland and fosters community connectedness, located just minutes from the pristine wellbeing and creativity. beaches of the famous Gold Coast, this In economic terms even a modest decline in comprehensive campus plays host to outdoor recreation participation rates by SEQ over 16,500 students from all over residents of 2% could result in a $200 million Australia and the world.”12 decline in expenditure on such activities. 11 Maintaining and enhancing natural NRM Focus – Maintain outdoor recreation assets will support the following actions opportunities in the City of Gold Coast Draft Corporate Plan – 202013: Education and Innovation Key Natural Assets:  Implement the Economic Development Strategy and 9 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011. Health promote the city’s have a go and the environment: a compilation of evidence. Cat. attitude to create new start up no. PHE 136. Canberra: AIHW. 10Gold Coast 2020 Bringing the City Vision to Life Draft 12 2013. http://www.griffith.edu.au/about- 11 Marsden Jacobs and Assoc. (2010) Managing What griffith/campuses/gold-coast-campus Matters SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. 13Gold Coast 2020 Bringing the City Vision to Life Draft 2013.

businesses and job Therapeutic Landscapes opportunities. Key natural assets:  Implement the Economic Development Strategy and • Bushland (NC1) promote the city as an easy and • Beaches, Reefs and Wetlands exciting place to do business. (CM1-3) • Waterways (W6) Transport Infrastructure Healthcare and Social assistance represents Key natural assets: 11.21% of economy or $1.5B. • Waterways (W6) It has been estimated that maintaining natural Waterways that are safe and easy to navigate assets above will save $10 million in health and free of sediment are important for costs (to 2031).16 tourism and fishing activities. Aesthetic Values On a regional scale the Port of Brisbane Natural Assets: removes approximately 300,000m3 of dredge material annually to keep shipping lanes open  Bushland (NC1) (this is an average amount and can fluctuate  Outdoor Recreation Areas (RLA 2) significantly depending on weather).14 This  Waterways (W6) involves a significant cost but is required to  Coastal Assets (CM1-3) keep $2.8billion of trade coming through the  Air Quality (A2) Port every month.15 Local scenic qualities include parks, Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is worth waterways, view sheds and local landmarks. $67.9M to the local economy. Hot and dry conditions affect air quality, Reduce Pests and Disease because hotter conditions can create more Natural assets shield crops etc. from disease smog, and drier conditions can cause more spores and contribute to a more pest resistant particle pollution from fires and dust storms. landscape. This will impact potentially impact on scenic amenity a major part of tourism. Pest animals and weeds are recognised as a significant threat to biodiversity and Positive features contributing to high scenic agricultural productivity, and have the ability amenity include increases in the size of water to interfere with human health and bodies and increases in native bushland. recreation. The identification of Reduction in scenic amenity occurs with an Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) increase in industrial or commercial land use, under the Land Protection Act provides for tall buildings (especially in areas with height the prioritised protection of areas of high limit of more than 7 storeys) and power lines. biodiversity value against pest plants and Arable Land animals. These areas appear in the Gold Key natural assets: Coast Pest Management Strategy. • Farmland (L2)

14 Port of Brisbane (2014) 15 Port of Brisbane (2014) 16 http://www.portbris.com.au/trade-logistics/trade- Marsden Jacobs and Assoc. (2010) Managing What statistics Matters SEQ Catchments, Brisbane.

• Waterways (W6) • Beaches, Reef and Wetlands (CM)

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is worth $67.9M to the local economy.

NRM focus:

• Maintain area and productivity of farmland

Buffering against extreme events Key natural assets:

 Bushland (NC1)  Farmland (L2)  Beaches, Reefs and Wetlands (CM1,3,7)  Waterways (W6)

There is clear evidence that coastal vegetation systems such as mangroves and saltmarsh can reduce storm surges.17

Gold Coast has the highest number of residential buildings in Qld, approximately 2,300 within 55 metres and 4,750 within 110 metres, of ‘soft’ shorelines. Between 166 and 243 commercial buildings may also be affected by storm surge by 2100.18

Inspiration Key Natural Assets:

 Bushland (NC1)  Beaches, reef and wetlands (CM)  Waterways (W6)

Arts and recreation accounts for $435M of the local economy and is closely linked to tourism as well as mental health and community cohesion.

17 The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection) 2012 Natural assets for flood and cyclone resilience Synthesis of scientific evidence on the role of natural assets to reduce the human impacts of floods and cyclones Brisbane, Australia. 18 Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts pg 89

Council of Gold Coast Plans and Catchment Management Plans

Programs Catchment Management Plans (CMPs) Natural Areas Management Plans: address water quality and ecosystem health issues for waterways throughout the Gold  Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Coast. When creating the CMPs, scientific Area - Arundel Section (Tee Trees) research is undertaken to gather data on the  Bally Mountain Conservation Reserves state of a waterway and its associated  Springbrook Region Conservation catchment. Community consultation is also Reserves undertaken to determine Environmental  Miami Bushland Conservation Reserve Values (EVs) for the waterway. Once EVs are  Lower Beechmont Conservation Area established Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) - Freemans Lookout Section are then assigned to the waterway.  Tugun Hill Conservation Area  Pimpama River Conservation Reserves The primary river catchments that are the  Burleigh Green Space Conservation focus of catchment planning: Reserves  Southern Albert River Catchment  Lower Beechmont Mount Nathan  Pimpama River Catchment Conservation Reserves  Coomera River Catchment  Coombabah Parkwood Conservation  Broadwater Catchment Reserves  Nerang River Catchment  Tamborine Guanaba Conservation  Reserves Tallebudgera Creek Catchment   Elanora Palm Beach Conservation Currumbin Creek Catchment Reserves Management Plan  Pacific Beaches Catchment (including  Ocean Beaches Strategy 2013-2023 Flat Rock and Coolangatta Creek) (under development) This action Plan supports these plans and Gold Coast Nature Conservation Strategy programs.

Pest Management Plan 2013 - 2017

Gold Coast and Hinterland Tourism Opportunity Plan (2009-2018)

Gold Coast Destination Tourism Strategy (2012-2016)

Our Natural Playground - A Parks and Recreation Plan for the Gold Coast - themes are:

 Our Attractive and Shaded City  Our Active and Healthy Community  Inspirational Parks for People  Our Natural Gift

Part B: What has changed in the  Urban residential last 10 yrs that might affect the Residual native cover - 5902.67 ha has Community’s Vision for the Gold changed to: Coast?  Land in transition The following section is based on information  Managed resource protection from the SEQ Natural Assets Status Report – a  National park (970ha) report describing progress towards achieving  Other conserved area (1776ha) the SEQ NRM Plan targets.19

Land use change (1999 -2012) Change in area of Bushland (NC 1) Bushland in Gold Coast has decreased by A key driver of changes in the amount and 1,698ha since 2001 leaving 38.5% of the area condition of natural assets is how land use covered in bushland. changes over time. The bushland cover target for Gold Coast is a An increase in the area of rural living and urban residential often signals a more minimum of 40.4% by 2031. intensive land use requiring careful 3,274ha of regrowth bushland has also been management in order to maintain natural assets for the benefits they provide to the lost. local and regional economy. Fragmentation of Bushland The following land uses experienced a change Corridors (NC 2) of hectares (in bold) with the major change The 2 large vegetation corridors in Gold Coast 20 and area of change as dot points. remain but total area is down to 22,190ha

(from 22,224ha in 2001). Smaller corridors Areas of grazing native vegetation – 2,774ha have also been cut up. has changed to:

 National park Change in water quality flowing  Other conserved area into oceans and Moreton Bay (W6)  Other minimal use Water quality is a key service required from natural assets to achieve the community’s Sugar - 288.92ha has changed to: vision for the Gold Coast. The Healthy Waterways Report Card has tracked trends in  Horse studs water quality across the region since 2002.  Other minimal use  Recreation and culture Healthy Waterways Report Card Grades across the Gold Coast catchments have Areas used for other minimal uses - ranged from D+ to B between 2000-13 but 1017.61ha has changed to: have been F at times in the Pimpama/Albert  Commercial services Rivers.  Recreation and culture Rural runoff can contain large volumes of sediment, nutrients, chemical and microbial

19 2014 Update SEQ NRM Plan (2014) SEQ Natural Assets contaminants such as fertilisers, pesticides Status Report, Project Reference Group, Brisbane. and animal faeces, which are delivered to 20 DSITIA. 2014, Land use Summary: South East Queensland NRM Region, Department of Science, waterways when it rains. Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government.

Urban runoff is untreated stormwater. It is Mangroves (CM1) delivered to the estuarine environment via 17ha of mangroves have been lost in the area. the stormwater network and contains large There is clear evidence that coastal vegetation volumes of litter, sediment, nutrients, systems such as mangroves and saltmarsh can petrochemicals, detergents, pesticides, reduce storm surges. Mangroves also provide fertilisers and pet faecal matter. nursery habitat for marine species that are the basis of the seafood industry. Replacing Freshwater the 17ha and increasing mangroves in key A areas could enhance these benefits. Wetlands (NC3 and CM7) B There are 98ha of wetlands including estuaries on the Gold Coast. Pimpama/ C Coomera Nerang Coral Reef (CM2) D The area contains 4ha of coral reef.

F Part C: What might happen in the future?

Further loss of natural assets or loss in

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2000 condition puts at risk the economy and community visions that rely on the benefits Estuary from natural assets. Management and restoration of these natural assets as part of a A whole of catchment action plan is required (see Gold Coast Natural Asset Action Plan). B Bushland (NC1) C Based on known plans for development and other land use change there is potential for 8,973ha of bushland to be affected which D Coomera would leave 21.5% by 2031. Pimpama F The bushland cover target for Gold Coast is Nerang 40.4% by 2031.

How do we avoid or offset this loss and make

2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2001 up the gap (19%) between the potential loss and what is required to meet the target by 2031? Seagrass (CM1) There is 530ha of seagrass in the City of Gold Key Resource Areas (L7) Coast area. There is 3,534ha of land planned for extractive industry and other mining with an extra 2,115ha of bushland in the buffer zone surrounding these areas. These hectares are

13 included in the previous total for potential there is a potential for loss of vegetation, kills total bushland loss. or disease of aquatic life and negative impacts on the fishing economy. Beaches (CM 3) There is 2,485ha or 16% of the area within Soil erosion (L4) 100m of the beach that has been modified by There is 12,151ha of land at risk from erosion. land use change and is potentially less able to This could cause a decrease in water quality withstand future extreme events. Gold Coast particularly if future extreme events include has the highest number of residential more intense rain. buildings in Queensland, approximately 2,300 within 55 metres and 4,750 within 110 metres, of ‘soft’ shorelines. Many of these Potential for Future Extreme dwellings are within this modified beach zone. Events The term ‘extreme weather’ describes Predicted Water Quality in Albert unusual weather events or phenomena that River (W6) are at the extremes of a historical distribution. 1) Business as usual (BAU) – nothing changes Extreme weather events include unusually violent storms, exceptionally high levels of 2) Full Investment – maximum investment in precipitation, heat waves or droughts that are catchment and STP load minimisation longer or hotter than normal and a range of 3) 50% catchment only investment other events such as bushfires, floods and landslides which are triggered by extreme 4) STP only investment weather.

5) 50% balanced Investment in catchment The Gold Coast DPI Research Station received and STP. 279.5 mm on the 29th of January 2013. The table below shows the likelihood of a similar If management of waterways does not change event occurring in the future.22 (ie business as usual), 5 out of 5 targets for water quality may not be met in wet years and 4 out of 5 targets in dry years.21 Year 2030 2050 2070

Salinity (L1) 3 x There is 8,617ha at high risk from developing Likelihood more issues of salinity. The loss of bushland in of return likely these areas may increase salinity and risk event than damage to roads, bridges and buildings as present 7 x 10x well as having negative impacts on water quality and the environment. It is important to note the extremes of weather in Australia for example six major Acid Sulfate Soils (L5) floods occurred in Brisbane between 1885 There is 6,468ha of soils at high risk of and 1910, followed by more than 60 years releasing acid sulphate to the environment. If without a major flood. sulphate is released into the environment,

21 Healthy Waterways (2013) Choosing our future: Using decision support tools to inform investment in natural 22 Dan, M (2014) Extreme Event Projection and Analysis assets, Brisbane. for SEQ using SimCLIM SEQ Catchments Ltd. Brisbane.

The table below shows the average number of • Increased demand for resources. days per year for Amberley west of Ipswich • Stormwater system failure. with maximum temperature above 35°C, • Impacts on Council’s ability to above 40°C and frost days centred on 1995 provide adequate services to the and the prediction for 2030.23 community. • Increased demand for public Threshold 1995 2030 facilities e.g. pools, libraries.24 (°C)

35 12 18 (15 to 22) Recent Extreme events 40 0.8 1.2 (1.1 to 1.6) Even though each event can be different in Frost days 22 16 (18 to 14) terms of intensity and impacts, it is worthwhile to remember recent events and consider how we could be better prepared Extreme Events – Flood, Bushfire, and recover faster. Heatwave The Council of Gold Coast’s Climate Strategy The Millennium Drought lists the following projections: From 2001 to 2009, SEQ experienced the worst drought in the region’s recorded history • a range of 18-79 centimetres in terms of both length and reduced run-off: increase in sea level by 2100 the Millennium Drought. The maximum • an increase in annual average accumulated deficit during the period was temperature of 1.1° - 4.4° Celsius 1530 mm. Accumulated rainfall deficit is the by 2070 difference between rainfall over the drought period and average rainfall. • an increase in 1-in-100 year storm surge height by 0.35 metres. From 2005, as the extent and impacts of the Millennium Drought became evident, the The Strategy lists the following issues related Queensland Government introduced a range to extreme events: of demand management measures. Many of these measures have been made permanent. • Increased emergency response and recovery operations. Following implementation of these measures, • Air and water quality impacts. there was a significant improvement in water • Housing impacts and poverty. efficiency coupled with a substantial • Private and public asset loss or reduction in demand. damage. The drought eased on 20 May 2009 when • Decreased biodiversity resilience Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dams and changes in the distribution of reached 60 per cent of their combined plant and animal species. capacity. • Power outages and disrupted communication and transport 2011 Flood networks. Very high rainfall events with Numinbah • Impacts on health, public safety, Valley receiving 702mm of rain in 4 days. tourism and the economy. Landslips were plentiful and a considerable amount of soil etc ended up in the Hinze Dam

23 Climate Change In Australia Projections For Australia’s NRM Regions Regional Projections Report: East Coast Draft For Consultation 15 April 2014 24 CoGC Climate Change Strategy 2009 – 2014

15 from both land slips and erosion of the river bank.

2013 Flood Very high winds and high rainfall events experienced across the entire Gold Coast Region.

Significant landslip issues in hinterland regions.

Severe erosion occurred particularly in the Pimpama River and tributaries.

Severe beach erosion occurred up and down most of the Gold Coast coastline – beaches were closed in areas.

Water Quality was impacted with turbidity levels high.

A lot more woody debris and plastics noticed across all catchments / beaches, more so than previous storm events.

Lots of road closures across different parts of the catchments due to landslips and woody debris.

Is the Community and Economy is also likely to contain some people who are Prepared? relatively advantaged. Also, the index scores are on an arbitrary numerical scale. The It is known that people experiencing scores do not represent some quantity of socioeconomic disadvantage are less able to advantage or disadvantage. For example, we 25 manage risks. This is based on their cannot infer that an area with an index value resilience or ability to bounce back from an of 1000 is twice as advantaged as an area with extreme event. This has direct impacts on an index value of 500. community cohesion. Index of Advantage/Disadvantage (from ABS) is based on Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage Education and Occupation Economic Resources. The lower the number the more vulnerable the community is to change.

Gold Coast has an index of 1016 (see Figure 2) which is above the average for SEQ Local Governments which is 987.7 (ranging from 932-1057).

While this indicates the City is potentially more able to bounce back from a shock there may still be significant parts of the community that are vulnerable. Groups at risk include frail older people, people with a disability and homeless people.

The benefits required to achieve the Vision for the City of Gold Coast need to be maintained by managing the natural assets that provide these benefits. It is the combination of natural, community and built assets that will provide the benefits required to achieve the vision and provide strength and resilience to the Gold Coast’s economy and society.

Notes on the Index of Advantage/Disadvantage

The indexes are assigned to areas, not to individuals. They indicate the collective socioeconomic characteristics of the people living in an area. A relatively disadvantaged area is likely to have a high proportion of relatively disadvantaged people. However, such an area

25 Climate Adaptation Outlook A Proposed National Adaptation Assessment Framework

1080 1057 1060 1040 1030 1016 1020 1001 999 1000 979 980 965 960 960 938 940 932 920 900 880 860

Figure 2.0: Index of Advantage/Disadvantage for Local Governments in SEQ

Part D: A possible future scenario for Gold Coast to 2031 The following map has been produced based on the three Parts to this Story:

Part A: Achieving the community’s visions for Gold Coast

Part B: What has happened in the last ten years?

Part C: What might happen in the future?

Part A: Achieving the community’s visions for Sunshine Coast

• The light green, blue and purple hatched (farmland) identify natural assets critical to achieve the community’s vision and the Queensland Plan visions and therefore should not be lost (offset where unavoidable).

Part B: What has happened in the last ten years?

• The red areas are the estimated loss of natural assets in the last ten years.

Part C: What might happen in the future?

• Potential future loss of the natural assets is shown in orange with agricultural lands in yellow. These losses will constrain the achievement of the community’s vision and weaken the resilience of the region to future changes.

How do we keep these areas or replace them so community visions can be met? What natural assets are we prepared to lose? Which are we not prepared to lose?

This question was discussed at the Gold Coast Community Roundtable held on the 19th of March 2014. The table following the map is a summary based on this discussion relating to the map (the full record of the discussion is available in Appendix A).

Key benefits with a high potential to be provided by natural assets on the Gold Coast should be maintained and enhanced to ensure the community’s vision can be achieved. Key actions identified by the community as a result of the discussion at the Roundtable are also indicated.

Gold Coast SEQ NRM – Summary and key SEQ NRM Plan targets Refer to the corresponding target section in SEQ NRM Plan Update 2014 for areas suggested for action to achieve community visions on the Gold Coast.

Issues Suggested actions to address issues Services at risk that Key Assets (SEQ NRM are required to Plan targets) achieve community vision (from Part A). Weeds  Review Class status of weeds - some need to be Reduce Pests and Bushland (NC1) included. Disease Farmland (L2)  Revegetation and weed management the length of Wetlands (NC3) the Currumbin Creek. Waterways (W6) Water quality  Landslips (in the hilly country) affecting transport Water Quality Farmland (L2) (road closed for 3 weeks after floods)- not much Buffering against Bushland (NC1) action or planning to address landslips. extreme events Wetlands (NC3)  Some water quality issues after heavy rain Waterways (W6)  Increase riparian buffer areas in new City Plan

Land management  Enhance riparian corridors Arable Land Farmland (L2)  Water quality testing Food Products  Community education  Partnerships with private owners surrounding the area.  Sub-catchment/valley approach needed - promote concept of "Valley as a whole" and the value of and integrated approach to the management of natural assets. Lack of community awareness  Communicate education of values and involvement in creek care.  Peri-urban (smaller blocks) - Backyards for Wildlife: • Planning guidelines for the property • More workshops • Guidelines for living in the peri-urban, e.g.

Issues Suggested actions to address issues Services at risk that Key Assets (SEQ NRM are required to Plan targets) achieve community vision (from Part A). weed and pest management  Enhance litter management Iconic Species  Manage habitat for platypus etc. Education and Bushland (NC1)  Enhance habitat for Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Innovation Beaches, Reefs and  Protect the Ormeau bottle tree. Recreation Wetlands (CM)  Raise awareness of Migratory Birds through Aesthetic Values Outdoor Recreation interpretive signs etc. Inspiration Areas (RLA2) Waterways (W6) Wetlands (NC3) Urban development  Liaison and discussion with developer regarding retention of natural values (eg Martha's Vineyard, Currumbin Valley) Revegetation  Provide wildlife corridors connecting Darlington Buffering against Bushland (NC1) Range with southern bay – include management of extreme events Coastal Assets (CM) rainforests in Darlington Habitable Climate Wetlands (NC3) Waterways (W6) Natural areas  Seqwater reviewing recreation plans for all dams. Recreation Bushland (NC1)  Explore options for a Hinze Dam to Upper Buffering against Beaches, Reefs and Catchment Corridor walk. extreme events Wetlands (CM)  Enhance partnerships with private owners Habitable Climate Outdoor Recreation surrounding the natural areas (eg Green Heart).. Areas (RLA2)  More passive access to natural areas, e.g. Clagiraba Waterways (W6) Park Wetlands (NC3) Beaches  Raise awareness of coastal connectivity and Recreation Beaches, Reefs and foreshore benefits for shorebird habitat. Skewed Buffering against Wetlands (CM) issues and oceans beaches overtaking awareness of extreme events "whole issues" and foreshores.  Raise awareness of the value of vegetation in

Issues Suggested actions to address issues Services at risk that Key Assets (SEQ NRM are required to Plan targets) achieve community vision (from Part A). addressing beach erosion.  Manage and enhance small areas of bushland on dunes along the coast.  Support Local Government to address the issues and take advantage of any opportunities for resources.

Appendix A: SEQ NRM Plan Gold Coast Roundtable – full report Information in this table was provided by the community at the Gold Coast Roundtable held on the 11th February, 2014 in response to the information provided in this report. Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision Upper Catchment Develop and implement the new City Plan 2015 to guide how our comprehensive green space Actions here are important for downstream catchment health network of natural features is enhanced and conserved for the benefit of the community. and productivity. Tamborine and Springbrook Tourism Commercial water extraction is not being Investigate monitoring of water extraction. Habitat - Albert Lyrebird monitored. etc. Weeds and Pests Coomera River Water Quality Horse management workshops have been Peri-urban (smaller blocks) - Backyards for Canungra Hinterland to Nerang conducted. Wildlife: Cats Claw Creeper management has occurred.  Planning guidelines for the property Lack of engagement lack of regulations on land  More workshops management/ use  Guidelines for living in the peri-urban, e.g. weed and pest management

Upper Nerang Agriculture Not making a living off land (struggle to) Alternate land use for economic return? (Hinterland Nerang) No Dairies left – in the 1950's there where fifty Carbon-farming initiative? dairies. Sub-catchment/valley approach needed - - Upper Nerang Growing lack of community cohesion. promote concept of "Valley as a whole" and the - Little Nerang Narrow valley limits property expansion or value of and integrated approach to the ventures. management of natural assets. Recent survey indicating issues with Septic Tanks - some overflows identified with potential impact on water quality.

Potential for off-reserve tourism activities.

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision Upper Nerang Water Quality Landslips (in the hilly country) affecting Not enough monitoring sites for water Upper Nerang Environment transport (road closed for 3 weeks)- not much monitoring. action or planning to address landslips. Water quality impacts - 300,000 people are Weeds increasing. supplied with water from Hinze Dam – will Some water quality issues after heavy rain impact on them too. Weed management. Education and awareness program for NRM issues (general) but target  pest management  peri-urban  litter management Review Class status of weeds - some need to be included. Middle Catchment Advancetown Weeds (eg. Devil's Fig) Need funds for weed management to continue. Numinbah Landcare provides weed killer to larger land holders to get rid of weeds (applies to Upper Nerang). Hinze Dam Water Quality Lack of responsibility of the lower catchment More care and investment in the lower Recreation Lack of connection to the Dam. Need catchment of the Dam. recreational opportunities & landcare More opportunity for community connection to involvement. the Dam (e.g. park) Education Centre can connect people to water. Explore options for a Hinze Dam to Upper Seqwater reviewing recreation plans for all Catchment Corridor walk. dams. Burleigh Waters Habitat for Richmond Development at observatory in Reedy Creek More community engagement - through (Including the Knoll Section managed Birdwing Butterfly could increase turbidity of water in lake leading advertising, social media outlets? (Facebook, by QPWS) to poor water quality. twitter…) Radio!!! Radio ads work, celebrity Need to enhance the management of our endorsements. cultural resources. More workshops

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision Water pollution, run off, herbicides, pesticides. Educate kids  wildlife sick  people sick  fisheries dying off Spread of weeds Domestic pets/animals killing wildlife Wildlife being impacted through development; cars etc. Council does maintenance on its natural areas (weed control). Richmond Birdwing Butterfly - QPWS program of breed and release. Lota's Creek Water quality Revegetation activities Seniors Garden and Butterfly walk. (Musgrave Hill Habitat Fish counts School activities. Haydon Heights) Increase water quality Very urbanised waterways Currumbin Creek Weed infestation especially Camphor Laurels Revegetation and weed management the length Alteration of creek bed. of the creek. Revegetation has occurred in Eco-Village area. Communicate education of values and Revegetation has occurred in buffer area to involvement in creek care. Nicols Scrubs National Park. Coolamon Park now owned by State Government and likely to become a Regional Park. Martha's Vineyard Slopes and ridges highly Privately owned – to be developed for medium Liaison and discussion with developer regarding Currumbin Valley vegetated density on floodplain – issues include: retention of natural values. S.W of Wendt’s Bridge on the border Lifestyle  Road runoff with NSW.  Rubbish  Artificial brackish lake proposed  Clearing of vegetation ridges

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision  Increased traffic  change of valley lifestyle Land is standing vacant (is being land banked until 2014) Has been weed spraying in past impacting on vegetation and fauna. No pubic input to future plans for this area. Weeds in natural areas Weeds are everywhere Weed control Geographic target for stewardship about some Council Funded plans are available. obligation to eradicate weeds on private land - not plant invasive weeds! Hinterland Park Island within urban There is active management of Hinterland Park Long term planning for the Park is required. footprint with numerous by Bushcare Group and Gold Coast City Council. Recognition of Hinterland Park as an important edge effects and environmental island within the urban competing interests. footprint. Hinterland Park Bushcare Increased funding for Natural Areas group and NAMU Management Unit in GCCC. manage Mudgereeba Creek State School Lifestyle Urban footprint expansion could impact on Creek management values – potential for increased urban density Flood management to a radius of 2km around primary school – Weed management could impact on rural park living lifestyle choices and create weed problems and impact on creek. Lack of co-ordination for the management of this area. Austinville Greatest vulnerability is a change to the area of Planning to take into account values and urban development. benefits from this area. Strong Landcare group that is winning the land Increase funding for NAMU. management restoration battle. Funded by: community, GCCC (NAMU), GCCC

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision (Catchment Unit), SEQ Catchments, Federal and State Government grants

Green Heart Natural area within urban Surrounded by urban development on most Enhance riparian corridors areas. sides. Lack of opportunities to purchase more Water quality testing land surrounding the area to increase its size. Community education Area to North East currently Golf Course and Partnerships with private owners surrounding resort. the area. Likely to become urbanised park rather than "natural" area. Increase in weeds. Reduction in water quality in the creek Potential issue is provision of carparks for increasing the capacity of "Skilled Park” – sportsground. Lack of community consultation (last consultation on future of area was in 2007?) Borrogin Urbanisation Further protection of natural assets Creek vegetation loss Increase riparian buffer areas in new City Plan Weed and pests increasing. Further development is proposed for along the creek. Lack of access to natural areas Lack of access or illegal Natural areas are fenced off/ lack of car parks More passive access to natural areas, e.g. access or passive opportunities Clagiraba Park Lack of a central cool website to Digital story of our natural assets. engage people about our natural Explore App concept assets , “our public gems” Coastal Walkabout including issues for catchment management.

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision Iconic Species Population decrease Good community support available to build on Pin-up party about our iconic species. Develop a  Platypus eg. "mascot" e.g. Platypus.  Dugongs  Platypus Watch  Eastern Curlews  Richmond Birdwing Project  Albert Lyrebirds  Black Glossy Cockatoo Conservancy  Etc. Lower Catchment From the Draft Corporate Plan - Everyone can enjoy a beach experience - our beaches are open and accessible to everyone:  Implement the Ocean Beaches Strategy 2013-2023 to ensure our beaches are clean, healthy, safe and accessible now and into the future. Pimpama Ormeau bottle tree Population growth/development – decrease in Increase riparian vegetation – manage habitat endemic to the area. riparian zones - Increase in playing fields. for platypus etc. Wallum Froglet. Healthy Waterways Report Card decline Community education and partnerships. Rare lowland eucalypt Acid Sulfate soils lower reaches of Pimpama – Coordination required Koalas dead fish have been reported after rain. Increase management of recreational Coomera platypus Natural Areas Management Unit and Jacobs boating/fishing. population Well Environment Centre are active in the area. Protect the Ormeau bottle tree. Recreation South East Albert Catchment Landcare Group Maintain and enhance habitat. Habitat active. Provide wildlife corridors connecting Darlington Dugong Minimal coordination of management of the Range with southern bay – include Lack of wildlife corridors area. management of rainforests in Darlington. Rare cabbage tree forest Increased boating therefore seagrass and Good mangrove migratory bird impacts. vegetation Darlington Range bushland The Spit The Spit buffers the Gold GCCC manages the Spit in partnership with Coast from extremes of Friends of Federation Walk (FOFW) weather. Lack of resources is an ongoing issue funding Tourism FOFW work hard to lobby state and local

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision Habitat government to get resources for tree planting Recreation etc.

Beaches Tourism In general there is a reduction in the required Raise awareness of coastal connectivity and Buffering against structure of beaches to provide benefits foreshore benefits for shorebird habitat. extremes of weather required. Skewed issues and oceans beaches overtaking Narrowing of coastal dunes "Coastal Squeeze awareness of "whole issues" and foreshores. Engagement and vast media. Raise awareness of the value of vegetation in Griffith Centre for Coastal Management & GCCC addressing beach erosion. Palm Beach – Southern end exposed and Manage and enhance small areas of bushland vulnerable to erosion. on dunes along the coast. Mermaid Beach – erosion. Small areas of bushland on dunes along the coast. Rainbow Bay area of bushland. Migratory birds Friends Of Federation Walk promoting bird Raise awareness of Migratory Birds through watching opportunities. interpretive signs etc. Tourism Australia also getting involved. Coastal Gold Coast Climate Change - Increased natural disasters, Support Local Government to address the issues Sea level rise etc. and take advantage of any opportunities for Dune encroachment from coastal development. resources. Management strategies needed Update current strategies for future planning Good community support from Beachcare, including all parties with a direct action focus. Griffith University Centre for Coastal Management and Coastal Education Unit, Beaches to Bushland, Friends of Groups, Tarrabora Reserve, Federation Walk, Local Government, Local Community etc. Gold Coast Waterways Authority State gov Boat speeds Management Strategy available Community wants more conservation

Key Areas Values/Benefits Issues/Opportunities Action suggested to maintain benefits for the Community Vision "Urban vs Greenspace" Growing urban areas with little addition to open Greenspace on tops of buildings Across Gold Coast space. More stops/open spaces along the river for Lack of urban biodiversity. visitors Kerry Valley Social Lock the gate Natural Assets Virtual Tour WQ Information collection River Wardens Water quality Air quality weeds Mining (CSG) - More for Kerry Valley & water supply catchment Right across the GC needs more resourcing especially on private landholding on periurban major priorities on horse properties

Appendix B: Explanation of data used in the Maps Major Roads: a subset of Queensland State Digital Road Network (State Govt.)

A and B Class Agricultural Lands: This dataset is an amalgamation of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and Class B land from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) land resource surveys across Queensland. This dataset was compiled on a state wide scale for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Qld Agricultural Land Audit (2013.) This dataset is used to show areas that require protection for sustainable agriculture under the State Planning Policy (SPP). In the Toowoomba LGA, Good Agricultural Land Version 2 (TRC Planning Scheme).

Local and State Lands (Greenspace): dataset which contains filtered ATS Reserve, Leasehold and Queensland Outdoor and Recreation Federation (QORF) datasets.

Forestry Estates: (forestry reserves and resource areas from the Protected Areas of Queensland dataset - Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing)

Natural asset services (community preferences): areas scored as providing high Natural Asset Services (SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework), based on ecosystem function scores weighted with Community Priorities identified in the Community Plan of each Local Government Area. *NOTE* areas outside the SEQ region (such as regional Toowoomba) did not have as many available datasets (so less areas could be identified as having high services. This does not necessarily mean that the areas provide low levels of services).

Estimated Asset Loss (2001-2010): changes in remnant and regrowth vegetation extent (Regional Ecosystems V7 – DNRM, Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) – Qld Govt, Moreton Bay Seagrass mapping 2004-2012, Wetlands V3 – EHP)

Natural asset services at risk: Natural Asset Services which intersect with Low Level of Protection (LOP) (areas in SEQ that could have a potential impact or conflict with our natural resources, based on current planning and policy)

Agricultural Land at risk: A and B Class Agricultural Lands and alluvial soils (geology mapping) which intersect with Low LOP (areas in SEQ that could have a potential impact or conflict with our natural resources, based on current planning and policy). Low LOP includes: zoning threats based on 2008 Planning Schemes, infrastructure and growth areas, infrastructure lines and easements, and investigation and future growth areas.

Estimated loss of natural assets since 2001 (red) and potential future loss of the high natural assets (orange) and agricultural lands (yellow) needed to achieve community visions.