3.4 Natural Environment and Scenic Amenity
Mount Isa’s unique semi-arid and mineralised natural environment and scenic amenity is protected and maintained, in particular:
- The quality of the natural environment, its assets, ecological processes and biodiversity values are recognised and conserved.
- The impacts of development on areas of ecological significance will be avoided or limited and best practice environmental management will be implemented.
- Areas of high ecological significance, including habitats for plants and animals are identified and their biodiversity values are protected.
- Mount Isa’s waterway and wetland ecosystems are suitably protected from development that may compromise the environmental values (biodiversity, ecological processes and water resources).
- The City’s water and soil resources and their associated values are protected, including their ability to provide healthy ecosystems to support the livelihood and lifestyles of both residents and visitors.
- New development is located, designed, operated or managed in such a manner that avoids or mitigates any potential adverse impacts on air, land or water.
- Use of the City’s natural resources occurs using best practice and ecologically sustainable land management processes.
- Areas of high scenic amenity are identified and protected from the potential adverse impacts of development.
- The landscape, environmental and recreational values associated with Lake Moondarra are identified and protected.
3.4.2 Element 1 – Biodiversity
Specific Outcome 1
National parks are protected from
inappropriate development or development which impacts on the ecological and scenic values of these areas.
Land Use Strategies
LS 1.1
The national park areas of Mount Isa: Lawn Hill, Riversleigh, Camooweal Caves are included within the Environmental management and conservation
zone.
Specific Outcome 2
Areas of high ecological value, are identified and protected.
Land Use Strategies
LS 2.1
Areas of high ecological and habitat significance are identified within the Biodiversity overlay as identified in the State Planning Policy (SPP)
Interactive Mapping System
Environment and Heritage: Biodiversity:
• MSES – Protected Areas (estate and nature refuge)
• MSES – Wildlife Habitat
• MSES - Regulated Vegetation
(categories B, C & R)
• MSES - Regulated Vegetation (essential habitat)
LS 2.2
Introduced plant and animal pests are controlled and managed in order to limit potential impacts on
fragile local ecosystems and unique flora and fauna.
LS 2.3
Development avoids areas of ecological significance as identified within the Biodiversity overlay as identified in the State Planning Policy (SPP) Interactive Mapping System
Environment and Heritage: Biodiversity:
• MSES – Protected Areas (estate and nature refuge)
• MSES – Wildlife Habitat
• MSES - Regulated Vegetation
(categories B, C & R)
• MSES - Regulated Vegetation (essential habitat)
LS 2.4
Development is designed and located to minimise
impact on ecological values and incorporate best
practice environmental management measures and
processes.
LS 2.5
Biodiversity offsets may be utilised where
appropriate.
LS 2.6
Areas degraded by development are appropriately
rehabilitated.
LS 2.7
Clearing of native vegetation is minimised or where
possible, avoided.
3.4.3 Element 2 – Waterways and Wetlands
Specific Outcome 1
Waterway and riverine corridors and
wetlands are maintained and protected as key parts of Mount Isa’s ecology (including wildlife corridors), scenic amenity, recreation
and economy.
Land Use Strategies
LS 1.1
Waterways and wetlands are identified within the
Wetlands and waterway corridors overlay as identified in the State Planning Policy (SPP) Interactive Mapping System
Environment and Heritage: Biodiversity:
• MSES – High ecological significance wetlands
• MSES – High Ecological value waters (wetland)
• MSES – High Ecological waters
(watercourse)
• MSES - Regulated Vegetation (intersecting a
watercourse)
LS 1.2
New development shall incorporate stormwater drainage and effluent management measures designed to protect the water quality and ecological functions of watercourses and groundwater from adverse impacts and environmental harm arising from sedimentation or nutrient runoff, altered
overland flows or ground water changes.
LS 1.3
Earthworks or vegetation clearing within waterway corridors and wetlands is minimised or avoided where possible.
LS 1.4
Development does not occur within waterway corridors or wetlands.
LS 1.5
Development avoids changes to the
hydrology of waterways and wetlands.
3.4.4 Element 3 – Landscape and Scenic Amenity
Specific Outcome 1
The character and appeal of the landscape around Lake Moondarra and surrounding areas is retained.
Land Use Strategies
LS 1.1
The scale and type of development within the Lake Moondarra area as outlined in Lake Moondarra Environs Overlay Map 1 (OM-LME-01), protects
the scenic and environmental values of the area as well as assisting the preservation of water quality.
These principles are articulated by the Lake Moondarra overlay code.
Specific Outcome 2
Development protects the unique character and appeal of the landscape features of Mount Isa, including its ranges, valleys, waterways, floodplains, vegetation and rural farming areas, and the specific views of these from various locations.
Land Use Strategies
LS 2.1
Vegetation on the hills around Mount Isa within the Scenic amenity overlay, as outlined in Scenic Amenity Overlay Maps 1 to 6 (OM-SA-01 to OMSA-06), is retained.
LS 2.2
Development on the hills within the Scenic amenity overlay, as outlined in Scenic Amenity Overlay Maps 1 to 6 (OM-SA-01 to OM-SA-06), protects
the predominant natural character of these areas.
LS 2.3
The primary waterway corridors (Leichhardt River and Breakaway Creek) in the urban areas of Mount Isa retains their native vegetation and natural stream form.
Specific Outcome 3
The predominant open natural character of the rural areas and approaches to the urban areas are protected.
Land Use Strategies
LS 3.1
Development (such as roadside advertising devices) in rural areas and at main approaches to Mount Isa and Camooweal are limited and
controlled to reduce the impact on scenic amenity.
Specific Outcome 4
Development shall ensure that the urban area of Mount Isa and Camooweal presents attractive streetscapes and vistas, in which
landscaping and natural vegetation play a significant role.
Land Use Strategies
LS 4.1
Advertising devices, where not advertising a lawful use on premises, are discouraged within the urban area of Mount Isa and Camooweal.
LS 4.2
Development will be landscaped along the road frontage to achieve an attractive streetscape.
LS 4.3
Fencing is designed and constructed to present an attractive road frontage and allow for casual
surveillance of the street.