A high resolution model of the vegetation structure across the local government area is being created using LiDAR data and infrared imagery combined with an e-Cognition computer software package.

“Using this new system, we can provide pinpoint data on our vegetation to an extremely high degree of accuracy,” said Stephen Sawtell, Council’s General Manager.

“Once the modelling project is complete, the information we will have will also be consistent with the state-wide standards used by other levels of government.

“This will ensure that we are able to communicate information more accurately and efficiently to other agencies. Plus we can build on and share that data to help create a much clearer picture of the ecology of the whole Mid North Coast.”

The second stage of the project will be to help build a system of key habitats and corridors throughout the Coffs Harbour local government area (LGA).

“This is a crucial part of the project. By identifying – and then reinforcing – the habitat links that are needed to maintain the health of the ecology of this area, we are ensuring that we will have a good structural base on which we can work to help combat the effects of a changing climate on our environment,” said Mr Sawtell.

“We can also use the data to identify vegetation corridors that will connect many activities that currently operate independently of each other.”

Council invested in LiDAR to help the preparation of a new Standard Local Environmental Plan (LEP), the umbrella planning rules which guide the development of the Coffs Harbour LGA. Identifying Environmental Protection Zones are a key part of the LEP process.

Alongside the LEP review, a reassessment will be made of the 2003 Draft Vegetation Strategy. As well as the methodology behind the new vegetation mapping, emerging issues such as Climate Change, Biobanking, Carbon Trading, Threatened Species legislation and a review of the Tree Preservation Order for the Coffs Harbour LGA will also be included in the reassessment of the Draft Strategy.