Metro Mining Appendix B1 - Terrestrial Ecology Technical ... · Bauxite Hills Mine Project...

Metro MiningBauxite Hills Project

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningChapter 21 - References

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningAppendix B1 - Terrestrial Ecology Technical Report

Bauxite Hills Mine Project Terrestrial Ecology Assessment

Document Release Date

04/04/2016

Document Number 652200-ENV-RPT-001


Revision Date Description Prepared Reviewed Approved

Study Manager

Sign-off Client

A 24-11-2014 Draft LS MD MD MD Cape Alumina

B 1-12-2014 Draft MD JC MD MD Cape Alumina

C 20-03-2015 Draft SC / LS MD MD MD Metro Mining

0 28-05-2015 Final PP MD MD MD Metro Mining

1 22-06-2015 Revised MT BE JC BE Metro Mining

2 15-03-2016 Revision 2 BE DE JC BE Metro Mining

3 04-04-2016 Revision 3 BE JC JC BE Metro Mining

Item Page Section Comments

Throughout All All Document updated from Revisions 0 and 1 to include species classification changes, new (2016) database searches, changes to the Project description and incorporating findings from the Skardon River Project as summarised in the EIS.

* Use after Rev. 0

REPORT | 15 03 2016 | 652200-ENV-RPT-001 amecfw.com Page 2 of 167


Disclaimer

This Terrestrial Ecology Assessment (Report) has been prepared for Metro Mining Limited by Amec Foster Wheeler Australia Pty Ltd (Amec Foster Wheeler), based on assumptions as identified throughout the text and upon information and data supplied

by others.

The Report is to be read in the context of the methodology, procedures and techniques used, Amec Foster Wheeler’s assumptions, and the circumstances and constraints under which the Report was written. The Report is to be read as a whole,

and sections or parts thereof should therefore not be read or relied upon out of context. Amec Foster Wheeler has, in preparing the Report, followed methodology and procedures, and exercised due care consistent

with the intended level of accuracy, using its professional judgment and reasonable care. However, no warranty should be implied as to the accuracy of estimates or other values and all estimates and other values are only valid as at the date of the

Report and will vary thereafter.

Parts of the Report have been prepared or arranged by Metro Mining or third party contributors, as detailed in the document. While the contents of those parts have been generally reviewed by Amec Foster Wheeler for inclusion into the Report, they

have not been fully audited or sought to be verified by Amec Foster Wheeler. Amec Foster Wheeler is not in a position to, and does not, verify the accuracy or completeness of, or adopt as its own, the information and data supplied by others and disclaims

all liability, damages or loss with respect to such information and data.

In respect of all parts of the Report, whether or not prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler no express or implied representation or warranty is made by Amec Foster Wheeler or by any person acting for and/or on behalf of Amec Foster Wheeler to any third

party that the contents of the Report are verified, accurate, suitably qualified, reasonable or free from errors, omissions or other defects of any kind or nature. Third parties who rely upon the Report do so at their own risk and Amec Foster Wheeler disclaims

all liability, damages or loss with respect to such reliance.

Amec Foster Wheeler disclaims any liability, damage and loss to Metro Mining and to third parties in respect of the publication, reference, quoting or distribution of the Report or any of its contents to and reliance thereon by any third party.

This disclaimer must accompany every copy of this Report, which is an integral document and must be read in its entirety.


C O N T E N T S

Abbreviations and Acronyms ............................................................................................................................. 9

Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 15

1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 15 1.2 Objectives and scope ...................................................................................................................... 15 1.3 Terms of Reference ......................................................................................................................... 18 1.4 Document history and approach to this revision ............................................................................. 21

2. The Project ............................................................................................................................................... 23

2.1 Project description ........................................................................................................................... 23 2.2 Project area and regional perspective ............................................................................................. 25

3. Legislative Framework ............................................................................................................................. 26

3.1 International agreements ................................................................................................................. 26 3.2 Commonwealth legislative requirements ......................................................................................... 26

3.2.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 .................................................... 27 3.2.2 EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy ......................................................................................... 27

3.3 State legislative requirements.......................................................................................................... 28 3.3.1 Environmental Protection Act 1994 .............................................................................................. 28 3.3.2 Nature Conservation Act 1992 ..................................................................................................... 29 3.3.3 Vegetation Management Act 1999 .............................................................................................. 29 3.3.4 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 ...................................................... 29 3.3.5 Environmental Offset Act 2014 .................................................................................................... 29 3.3.6 Fisheries Act 1994 ....................................................................................................................... 30

4. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 32

4.1 Taxonomic nomenclature ................................................................................................................ 32 4.2 Desktop assessment ....................................................................................................................... 32 4.3 Survey timing ................................................................................................................................... 33 4.4 Survey and reporting personnel ...................................................................................................... 34 4.5 Vegetation and terrestrial flora assessment .................................................................................... 39 4.6 Terrestrial fauna assessment .......................................................................................................... 45

4.6.1 Consideration of survey guidelines .............................................................................................. 45 4.6.2 Survey site selection ................................................................................................................... 45 4.6.3 Survey techniques ...................................................................................................................... 49

4.7 Flora and Fauna Species Assessments .......................................................................................... 57 5. Description of the Project Area ................................................................................................................. 60

5.1 Location and climatic conditions ...................................................................................................... 60


5.2 Land tenure ...................................................................................................................................... 60 5.3 Land zones and landform ................................................................................................................ 60 5.4 Drainage, waterways and wetlands ................................................................................................. 61 5.5 Habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors ........................................................................................ 61 5.6 Other values..................................................................................................................................... 62

6. Desktop Results ....................................................................................................................................... 66

6.1 Regional ecosystem mapping ......................................................................................................... 66 6.2 Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters ................................................................................. 67 6.3 Queensland Wildlife Online database ............................................................................................. 67 6.4 Back on Track regionally significant species ................................................................................... 67 6.5 Summary of species database searches ......................................................................................... 67

7. Terrestrial Flora Values ............................................................................................................................ 70

7.1 Environmental context ..................................................................................................................... 70 7.2 EPBC Act values – TECs ................................................................................................................ 71 7.3 Regional ecosystems ....................................................................................................................... 71

7.3.1 Endangered REs ......................................................................................................................... 72 7.3.2 Of Concern REs........................................................................................................................... 72 7.3.3 No Concern at Present/Least Concern REs .................................................................................... 72

7.4 Flora species ................................................................................................................................... 78 7.4.1 Threatened flora species ............................................................................................................. 78 7.4.2 Species of scientific significance................................................................................................... 81 7.4.3 Flora of bioregional significance .................................................................................................. 81 7.4.4 Special least concern flora species ............................................................................................... 81 7.4.5 Culturally significant flora............................................................................................................ 82 7.4.6 Least concern flora species.......................................................................................................... 82 7.4.7 Introduced flora ......................................................................................................................... 82

8. Terrestrial Fauna Values .......................................................................................................................... 83

8.1 Fauna habitat ................................................................................................................................... 83 8.2 Breeding places ............................................................................................................................... 84 8.3 Terrestrial fauna assemblages ........................................................................................................ 85

8.3.1 Birds .......................................................................................................................................... 85 8.3.2 Mammals .................................................................................................................................. 86 8.3.3 Reptiles ..................................................................................................................................... 91 8.3.4 Amphibians ................................................................................................................................ 91

8.4 Threatened fauna ............................................................................................................................ 91 8.5 Migratory and marine fauna species ............................................................................................... 91 8.6 Fauna of bioregional significance .................................................................................................... 92 8.7 Fauna of cultural significance .......................................................................................................... 92


8.8 Introduced fauna ............................................................................................................................ 114

9. Environmental Management .................................................................................................................. 115

9.1 Pests and weeds ........................................................................................................................... 115 9.2 Fire ................................................................................................................................................. 117

10. Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures ........................................................................... 118

10.1 Direct and indirect impacts ............................................................................................................ 119 10.1.1 Land Clearing and Habitat Loss .................................................................................................. 119 10.1.2 Habitat fragmentation / loss of connectivity ............................................................................... 121 10.1.3 Edge effects ............................................................................................................................. 122 10.1.4 Impacts on surface water .......................................................................................................... 122 10.1.5 Impacts to groundwater............................................................................................................ 123 10.1.6 Dust ........................................................................................................................................ 123 10.1.7 Noise ....................................................................................................................................... 124 10.1.8 Light ........................................................................................................................................ 124 10.1.9 Traffic impacts ......................................................................................................................... 124 10.1.10 Increased fire risk ..................................................................................................................... 125 10.1.11 Weeds ..................................................................................................................................... 125 10.1.12 Pest fauna ................................................................................................................................ 126

10.2 Impacts to hydrology ...................................................................................................................... 126 10.3 Impacts on threatened terrestrial flora values ............................................................................... 129 10.4 Impacts on threatened terrestrial fauna values ............................................................................. 132 10.5 Summary of Impacts to Matters of State Environmental Significance .......................................... 136 10.6 Significant Impact Assessments .................................................................................................... 138 10.7 Potential offset requirements ......................................................................................................... 139

11. Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 140

11.1 Weipa and South of the Embley developments............................................................................. 140 11.2 Pisolite Hills development .............................................................................................................. 140 11.3 Skardon River development .......................................................................................................... 141 11.4 Hey point development .................................................................................................................. 142 11.5 Arukun development ...................................................................................................................... 142 11.6 Other significant developments ..................................................................................................... 142 11.8 Cumulative impact assessment ..................................................................................................... 144

11.8.1 Cumulative impacts to vegetation communities and threatened flora species ............................... 144 11.8.2 Cumulative impacts to threatened fauna species ........................................................................ 145 11.8.3 Cumulative impacts to connectivity and threatening processes .................................................... 146

12. MNES – Summary .................................................................................................................................. 148

12.1 TECs .............................................................................................................................................. 148 12.2 MNES Flora Species ..................................................................................................................... 148


12.2.1 Dendrobium johannis (chocolate tea tree orchid) ........................................................................ 148

12.3 Threatened MNES Fauna Species ................................................................................................ 149 12.3.1 Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo (Australian)) ................................................. 149

12.4 Migratory and Marine MNES Fauna Species ................................................................................ 150 12.4.1 Migratory Birds ........................................................................................................................ 151

13. Conclusions and Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 153

14. References ............................................................................................................................................. 155

F I G U R E S

Figure 1-1 Bauxite Hills Mine Project Location ................................................................................................. 17 Figure 2-1 Bauxite Hills Mine Project layout and haul roads ............................................................................ 24 Figure 4-1 Combined survey periods for the Bauxite Hills and Skardon River Projects .................................. 35 Figure 4-2 Certified REs of the Project area (source: DEHP) .......................................................................... 41 Figure 4-3 Bauxite Hills terrestrial fauna survey sites ...................................................................................... 47 Figure 4-4 Standardised fauna survey method site layout ............................................................................... 54 Figure 5-1 Drainage, waterways and wetlands in vicinity of the Project area .................................................. 64 Figure 7-1 Ground-verified REs recorded in the Project area .......................................................................... 77 Figure 10-1 Waterway stream order and riparian buffer zones ...................................................................... 131 Figure 11-1 Significant development projects ................................................................................................ 143

T A B L E S

Table 1-1 Terms of Reference and relevant section of this report ................................................................... 18 Table 4-1 Field Survey and Reporting Personnel ............................................................................................ 36 Table 4-2 Terrestrial vegetation and flora indicators assessed ........................................................................ 39 Table 4-3 Summary of flora survey sites across dry and wet seasons ............................................................ 43 Table 4-4 Fauna survey site coordinates (GDA94) and their dominant vegetation and RE ............................ 48 Table 4-5 Summary of survey methodology and effort at each site for late dry season .................................. 49 Table 4-6 Summary of survey methodology and effort at each site for early wet season ............................... 50 Table 4-7 Total survey effort for Skardon River fauna ecology surveys .......................................................... 52 Table 5-1 Areas of high ecological significance that occur within the Project area.......................................... 62 Table 6-1 Current certified mapped REs of the Project area (source: DEHP) ................................................. 66 Table 6-2 Listed threatened species potentially occurring within Project area ................................................ 67 Table 7-1 Likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora in the Project area ...................................................... 78 Table 7-2 Trees of potential cultural significance ............................................................................................. 82 Table 8-1 Bat species potentially occurring within the Project area ................................................................. 90 Table 8-2 Likelihood of threatened fauna species occurrence in the Project area .......................................... 93 Table 8-3 Pest fauna species observed during the surveys or likely to occur within the Project area........... 114 Table 10-1 Key Project components and associated potential impacts ......................................................... 118 Table 10-2 Approximate area of vegetation clearing by representative REs due to Project activities ........... 119


A T T A C H M E N T S

Attachment 1 DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS Attachment 2 SPECIES LISTS Attachment 3 SITE DESCRIPTIONS Attachment 4 SITE PHOTOS Attachment 5 BIOCONDITION ASSESSMENTS Attachment 6 SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIVITY CORRIDORS Attachment 7 ESA, TEC MAPS Attachment 8 MSES significant impact assessments Attachment 9 MNES significant impact assessments


Abbreviations and Acronyms Abbreviation / Acronym

Definition

Aldoga Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd

Amec Foster Wheeler Amec Foster Wheeler Australia Pty Ltd

BD status Biodiversity status

BLF Barge Loading Facility

BoT Back on Track

BPA Biodiversity Planning Assessment

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

CE Critically endangered

DD Data deficient

DEHP Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

DEWHA Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia

DIWA Directory of Important Wetlands

DotE Commonwealth Department of the Environment (previously Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)

DSO Direct Shipping Ore

E Endangered

EA Environmental Authority

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EO Act Queensland Environmental Offsets Act 2014

EP Act Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

ERA Environmentally Relevant Activity

ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area

et al. Latin term ‘et alia’ meaning ‘and others’

EVNT Endangered, vulnerable or near threatened under the NC Act

GES General Ecological Significance

Gulf Alumina Gulf Alumina Limited

HES High Ecological Significance

i.e. Abbreviation for Latin term ‘id est’, meaning ‘that is’

JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

LC Least concern

LP Act Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002

Ma Marine

Metro Mining Metro Mining Ltd

Mi Migratory

MIA Mine Infrastructure Area

ML Mining Lease

MLA Mining Lease Application

MNES Matter of National Environmental Significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

MSES Matter of State Environmental Significance

Mtpa Million tonnes per annum


Abbreviation / Acronym

Definition

NA Not assessed

NC Act Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992

NoC No concern

NT Near threatened

OC Of concern

OGV Ocean going vessel

OMAC Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation

PaCE Ports and Coast Environment

Project Bauxite Hills Project

RE Regional Ecosystem

REDD Regional Ecosystem Description Database

REMP Receiving Environment Management Program

ROKAMBA Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

ROM Run-of-mine

RoRo Roll-on/Roll-off facility

SEA Strategic Environmental Area

SLC Special least concern

sp. Species (singular)

SP Act Sustainable Planning Act 2009

spp. Species (plural)

SPRAT Species Profiles and Threats (database)

SRP Skardon River Project

subsp. Subspecies

t tonne

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

ToR Terms of Reference

V Vulnerable

VM Act Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999

ZCA Zero-crossing analysis

Definitions Term Definition

Communities of Conservation Significance

For the purposes of this report, communities of conservation significance are those listed as critically endangered or endangered under the EPBC Act.

Critically endangered A listing category for individual native species and ecological communities as defined under the EPBC Act. Refer to definition of ‘EPBC Act conservation status’ for meaning of critically endangered under the Act

Ecological Community An assemblage of species occupying a particular area

Endangered A listing category as defined under the EPBC Act, NC Act and/or VM Act. Refer to definitions of ‘EPBC Act conservation status’, ‘NC Act conservation status’ and ‘VM Act conservation status’ for meaning of endangered under each Act

EPBC Act conservation status

Under the EPBC Act, listed threatened species and ecological communities are assigned a conservation status of ‘extinct in the wild’, ‘critically


Term Definition

endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’. Definitions of these terms under the EPBC Act are as follows: Extinct in the wild

It is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population well outside its past range.

It has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

Critically endangered

It is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Endangered

It is not critically endangered.

It is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Vulnerable

It is not critically endangered or endangered.

It is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria

Essential Habitat Essential habitat is an area of remnant vegetation where species listed as endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened under the NC Act have been recorded and are mapped by DEHP

Habitat An area or areas permanently, periodically or occasionally occupied by a species, population or ecological community, including any and all biotic and abiotic features of the area or areas occupied

Least Concern Listing category as defined under the VM Act. Refer to definition of ‘VM Act Status’ for meaning of ‘least concern’ under the Act

Likelihood of occurrence Known to occur: includes species previously or currently recorded in the Project area or directly adjacent in the Skardon River Project area. Likely to occur: includes species/communities previously recorded in proximity to the Project area and suitable habitat features are available in the Project area which support the species. May occur: includes species/communities where suitable habitats are present in the Project area, and where the known distribution of the species overlaps the Project area, but where there are no known records in the area. Unlikely to occur: includes species/communities for which the Project area offers limited or no potential habitat, is outside their known range and/or is without broader habitat requirements.

Migratory Species Species listed as ‘migratory’ under the EPBC Act. Migratory species are those animals that migrate to Australia and its external territories, or pass through or over Australian waters during their annual migrations. All species on the list of migratory species are matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act

NC Act Conservation Status Under the NC Act (and the subordinate Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (Qld)), protected species are assigned a conservation status of ‘extinct in the wild’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, ‘near threatened’,


Term Definition

‘least concern’ or ‘special least concern’. Definitions of these terms under the NC Act are as follows: Extinct in the wild

There have been thorough searches conducted for the wildlife; and

It has not been seen in the wild over a period that is appropriate for the life cycle or form of the wildlife.

Endangered

There have not been thorough searches conducted for the wildlife and the wildlife has not been seen in the wild over a period that is appropriate for the life cycle or form of the wildlife; or

The habitat or distribution of the wildlife has been reduced to an extent that the wildlife may be in danger of extinction; or

The population size of the wildlife has declined, or is likely to decline, to an extent that the wildlife may be in danger of extinction; or

The survival of the wildlife in the wild is unlikely if a threatening process continues.

Vulnerable

Its population is decreasing because of threatening processes; or

Its population has been seriously depleted and its protection is not secured; or

Its population, while abundant, is at risk because of threatening processes; or

Its population is low or localised or depends on limited habitat that is at risk because of threatening processes.

Near Threatened

The population size or distribution of the wildlife is small and may become smaller; or

The population size of the wildlife has declined, or is likely to decline, at a rate higher than the usual rate for population changes for the wildlife; or

The survival of the wildlife in the wild is affected to an extent that the wildlife is in danger of becoming vulnerable.

Least Concern

The wildlife is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild. Native wildlife may be prescribed as least concern wildlife even if:

The wildlife is the subject of a threatening process; or

The population size or distribution of the wildlife has declined; or

There is insufficient information about the wildlife to conclude whether the wildlife is common or abundant or likely to survive in the wild

Special Least Concern

echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus);

platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus);

a least concern bird to which any of the following apply— (i) the agreement called ‘Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their


Term Definition

Environment’ and signed at Tokyo on 6 February 1974; (ii) the agreement called ‘Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment’ and signed at Canberra on 20 October 1986; (iii) the convention called ‘Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals’ and signed at Bonn on 23 June 1979.

Near threatened Listing category as defined under the NC Act. Refer to definition of ‘NC Act conservation status’ for meaning of near threatened under the NC Act.

Non-Remnant Vegetation Vegetation that is not mapped as remnant vegetation in the certified Regional Ecosystem mapping for Queensland and/ or which fails to meet the criteria for ‘remnant vegetation’ (see definition of ‘remnant vegetation’ below). This includes regrowth, heavily thinned or logged vegetation and significantly disturbed vegetation that fails to meet the structural and/or floristic characteristics of remnant vegetation. It also includes urban and cropping land. Non-remnant vegetation may retain significant biodiversity values (Neldner et al., 2005).

Project The Bauxite Hills Mine Project

Project area The terrestrial area defined by the Bauxite Hills Mine Project’s ML tenements, namely ML20676, ML20688, ML20689, ML100047, ML100048 and ML100051. Also includes the area within haul road Option 1 outside these MLs (shown in Figure 1-1).

Regional Ecosystem A vegetation community, within a bioregion, that is consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil. Regional Ecosystems may be classified under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 as endangered, of concern or least concern. Refer to VM Act for meaning of endangered, of concern or least concern.

Regionally significant Refer to taxa not listed as threatened or near threatened species under the EPBC Act and/or NC Act, but have been listed as non-threatened priority taxa for the Bioregion.

Remnant vegetation Vegetation where the dominant canopy has >70% of the height and >50% of the cover relative to the undisturbed height and cover of that stratum and is dominated by species characteristic of the vegetation’s undisturbed canopy (Neldner et al., 2005).

Species of Conservation Significance

For the purposes of this report, species of conservation significance are taken to include:

Flora and fauna species which have been designated as extinct in the wild, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened or special least concern under the NC Act

Flora and fauna species which have been designated as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or migratory under the EPBC Act.

Threatened A term used for:

Flora and fauna species which have been designated as extinct in the wild, endangered or vulnerable under the NC Act


Term Definition

Flora and fauna species which have been designated as extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Threatened Ecological Community

An ecological community listed as a critically endangered or endangered under the EPBC Act.

Vulnerable Listing category as defined under the EPBC Act and/or NC Act. Refer to definitions of ‘EPBC Act conservation status’ and ‘NC Act conservation status’ for meaning of ‘vulnerable’ under these Acts.



1. Introduction Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd (Aldoga), a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining Limited (Metro Mining), is proposing to develop the Bauxite Hills Project (the Project) located on the western coastline of Cape York, Queensland. Amec Foster Wheeler Australia Pty Ltd (Amec Foster Wheeler) was commissioned by Metro Mining to undertake a terrestrial ecology assessment, including flora and fauna field surveys, within Mining Lease (ML) ML20676 (the BH1 tenement), ML20688 and ML20689 (both comprising the BH6 tenement), ML100047 (northern haul road), ML100048 (southern haul road), and ML100051 (barge loading area) associated with the Project (Figure 1-1). Results were initially presented in Revision 0 of this Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report; finalised in May 2015. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment (DotE) and Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) have since informed Metro Mining that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for the Project to enable adequate assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), respectively. Amec Foster Wheeler has subsequently been engaged by Metro Mining to update this Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report to include changes to the Project description, and with consideration to requirements set out in the Terms of Reference (ToR) for an EIS issued for the Project.

1.1 Purpose

This report has been prepared to assess the terrestrial ecology of the Project area, assess potential for environmental impacts associated with the Project and address the relevant components of the EIS ToR. The purpose of this assessment was to:

Describe the terrestrial ecological values of the area in which the Project is proposed based on desktop assessments and field ecology survey results (for both Bauxite Hills and Skardon River Projects)

Assess the potential impacts to terrestrial ecological values that may arise from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project; and

Recommend management strategies to avoid, minimise and mitigate potential impacts on terrestrial ecological values of the Project area and the broader region.

1.2 Objectives and scope

The objectives of desktop and field studies were to describe the terrestrial ecological values of the Project area and assess the potential impacts of the Project on those values. This report addresses those aspects concerned with terrestrial flora and fauna values only, and assesses the potential for significant residual impacts of the Project on those values.

The scope of this report includes:

Description of the sensitive terrestrial biodiversity values of the Project area;

Description of terrestrial flora values of the Project area in terms of:

■ Seasonal variation



■ The distribution and extent of ‘endangered’, ‘of concern’ and ‘least concern / no concern at present’ Regional Ecosystems (REs) mapped by DEHP and described in the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) to be ground-truthed

■ The distribution and extent of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

■ The presence and distribution of ‘threatened’ (i.e. critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) or ‘near threatened’ flora species protected under the EPBC Act and / or Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act)

■ The location and abundance of bio-regionally significant flora species

■ The location and abundance of exotic or weed species; and

■ The location of any horticultural crops and/or plant communities of cultural, commercial or recreational significance.

Description of terrestrial fauna values in the Project area in terms of:

■ Terrestrial fauna assemblages present, or likely to be present, in habitats within the Project area

■ The species diversity and abundance of fauna of recognised conservation significance

■ Fauna habitat requirements and sensitivity to change, including movement corridors and barriers to movement

■ The presence and abundance of ‘threatened’ (i.e., critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) or ‘near threatened’ fauna species protected under the EPBC Act and/or NC Act

■ The presence of species listed by the DEHP's ’Back on Track’ (BoT) species prioritisation methodology

■ The existence of feral or introduced animals

■ The use of the Project area by migratory (Mi) and marine (Ma) avian fauna as listed under the EPBC Act; and

■ The use of breeding places in the Project area.

An assessment of potential direct and indirect impacts on nature conservation values that may occur as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project and evaluation of the scope and nature of those impacts

Identification of appropriate management measures to be implemented for the Project to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts on these values; and

An assessment to determine the significant, residual impacts of the Project upon Matters of National Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act 1999 (MNES) and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES).

Aquatic flora and fauna values of the Project area are addressed in a separate Aquatic Ecology Assessment Report prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016a). Marine ecosystems and fauna are addressed in a separate report currently in preparation by Ports and Coast Environment (PaCE).

Metro Mining - Bauxite Hills Mine LOCATION DIAGRAM

Amec Foster Wheeler does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Amec Foster Wheeler is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map.

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ML20689

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(A3) GCS GDA 19941:75,000

LEGENDFigure 1-1

Bauxite Hills MineProject Location

WORK REQUEST NUMBER: 652200DATA SOURCES:Mining Leases © State of Queensland 2016Infrastructure - Metro Mining 2016Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2015 DeLormeSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,

ISSUE DATE25/02/2016

08/05/201520/11/2014

AUTHORMG

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QA CHECKBE

MDMD

APPROVEDBE

MDMD

0 1 2Kilometres

COOKTOWN

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¹MAP REV.

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REVISION NOTEIssued for Use

Issued for UseIssue For Review

Project Mining Lease AreaGulf Alumina Limited Mining LeaseMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure AreaHaul Road

Camp Site

Big Footprint

Swamp

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LunetteSwamp



1.3 Terms of Reference

This Terrestrial Ecology Assessment has been prepared with consideration to the requirements of the DEHP ToR for the Project EIS. The ToR requirements relating to terrestrial ecology are listed in Table 1-1, with cross-references provided to the corresponding section/s of this report.

Table 1-1 Terms of Reference and relevant section of this report Terms of Reference Section of the Report

8.2 Land, Flora and Fauna (critical matter)

Objectives and performance outcomes

The environmental objectives to be met under the EP Act

are that the:

activity is operated in a way that protects the

environmental values of land including soils, subsoils,

landforms and associated flora and fauna

Section 10 identifies mitigation and

management measures proposed to

protect environmental values and

minimise environmental impacts during

operation.

choice of the site, at which the activity is to be carried

out, minimises serious environmental harm on areas of

high conservation value and special significance and

sensitive land uses at adjacent places

The results of desktop assessments and

ecology surveys to identify areas of high

conservation value are described in

Section 6, 7 and 8. Options considered for

choice of location is discussed in Section

2. Mitigation measures to minimise

environmental harm is discussed in

Section 10.

location for the activity on a site protects all

environmental values relevant to adjacent sensitive use

As above

design of the facility permits the operation of the site, at

which the activity is to be carried out, in accordance with

best practice environmental management

Management measures proposed to

minimise impacts on the natural

environment are discussed in Section 10.

avoids significant residual impacts to matters of national

and state environmental significance; mitigates impacts

where they cannot be avoided and offsets any residual

impacts.

Avoidance and mitigation measures are

outlined in Section 10. Signficant, residual

impacts to MSES are assessed in Section

10.6 and MNES in Section 12. Offset

requirements are discussed in Section

10.7 and further detail is provided in a

separate Biodiversity Offset Strategy

(Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016b).

The performance outcomes corresponding to these

objectives are in Schedule 5, Tables 1 and 2 of the EP

Regulation. The proponent should supply sufficient evidence

(including through studies and proposed management

measures) that show these outcomes can be achieved.

As above



Terms of Reference Section of the Report

Information requirements – Flora and Fauna

8.2.12 Describe the likely impacts on the biodiversity and

natural environmental values of affected areas arising from

the construction, operation and decommissioning of the

Project (where known), in accordance with the EHP's EIS

information guidelines relevant to terrestrial and aquatic

ecology.

Biodiversity impacts are discussed in

Section 10. Aquatic flora and fauna

values are addressed in a separate report

(Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016a)

Take into account any proposed avoidance and / or

mitigation measures.

Avoidance and mitigation measures are

discussed in Section 10.

The assessment should include, but not be limited to, the

following key elements:

matters of state environmental significance and national

environmental significance

A summary of impacts to MSES is

provided in Section 10.5 and MNES in

Section 12.

terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (including

groundwater-dependent ecosystems) and their

interaction

Terrestrial impacts are discussed in

Section 10. Aquatic ecosystem impacts

are addressed in a separate report (Amec

Foster Wheeler, 2016a).

biological diversity including listed flora and fauna

species and regional ecosystems

The results of desktop assessments and

surveys regarding listed flora and fauna

species and regional ecosystems are

summarised in Sections 6, 7 and 8.

the integrity of ecological processes, including habitats of

threatened, near-threatened or special least concern

(SLC) species, movement corridors and fish passage

the integrity of landscapes and places, including

wilderness and similar natural places

chronic, low-level exposure to contaminants or the bio-

accumulation of contaminants

Habitats for listed and SLC species, as well as movement corridors are discussed in Section 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10.

Contaminants are discussed in Chapter 4 – Land of the EIS.

Marine ecosystems are discussed in Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology of the EIS. Surface water and groundwater are discussed in Chapter 9 Surface and Groundwater Quality of the EIS

impacts on marine, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

and associated native flora and fauna due to wastes and

pollutants at the site, particularly those related to any

form of toxicants in:

Waste is discussed in Chapter 14 – Waste

Management of the EIS. Surface water

and groundwater are discussed in

Chapter 9 – Surface and Groundwater

Quality of the EIS. Watercourses and

potential impacts from the Project are

addressed in Section 10.5 and a separate

surface water and groundwater

natural watercourses

stormwater run-off



Terms of Reference Section of the Report surface run-off aquatic ecology report (Amec Foster

Wheeler, 2016a).

Run-off is addressed in Chapter 10 –

Water Resources and Chapter 11 –

Flooding and Regulated Structures of the

EIS.

run-off from any bunded areas holding chemicals and/or

sewage treatment plant

run-off from surface spoil

o likely impacts (noise, strikes, habitat disturbance) on

estuarine and marine fauna due to shipping/barge

movements and/or piling programs for

jetties/wharfs etc.

o likely impacts of light spill on adjacent terrestrial and

Ma ecosystems and fauna

Impacts from light spill is addressed in

Section 10.1.8 of this report

o a description of alternative options for the location

and construction on haul roads and barge landing

that reduce impacts to marines plants and fisheries

resources.

Alternative options are discussed in

Section 2.1 of this report.

8.2.13 Describe any actions of the Project that require an

authority under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and/or

would be assessable development for the purposes of the

Vegetation Management Act 19996, the Regional Planning

Interests Act 2014, the Fisheries Act 1994 and/or the

Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

Section 3 identifies relevant legislation

and approvals that may be required. No

additional permits are predicted as

impacts will occur within the ML. Impacts

to remnant vegetation, protected plants

and marine plants are addressed in

Section 10.

8.2.14 Propose practical measures for protecting or

enhancing natural values, and assess how the nominated

quantitative indicators and standards may be achieved for

nature conservation management.

Measures to protect and mitigate

environmental values are discussed in

Section 10.

In particular, address measures to protect or preserve any

threatened or near-threatened species.

Measures to protect threatened and

near-threatened species habitats and

mitigate impacts are outlined in Section

10.

8.2.15 Specifically address any obligations imposed by State

or Commonwealth legislation or policy or international

treaty obligations, such as the China–Australia Migratory

Bird Agreement, Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement,

or Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement.

Areas subject to State or Commonwealth

agreements are outlined in Section 6,

Section 7 and Section 8.



Terms of Reference Section of the Report

8.2.16 Assess the need for buffer zones and the retention,

rehabilitation or planting of movement corridors, and

propose measures that would avoid the need for waterway

barriers, or propose measures to mitigate the impacts of

their construction and operation.

Buffer zones and movement corridors are

addressed in Section 10.

The measures proposed for the progressive rehabilitation of

disturbed areas should include rehabilitation success criteria

in relation to natural values that would be used to measure

the progress.

Rehabilitation success is discussed in

Chapter 4 – Land of the EIS.

8.2.17 Describe how the achievement of the objectives

would be monitored and audited, and how corrective

actions would be managed.

Rehabilitation monitoring and auditing is

addressed in Chapter 4 – Land of the EIS.

Proposals for the rehabilitation of disturbed areas should

incorporate, where appropriate, provision of nest hollows

and ground litter.

Recommendations regarding

rehabilitation, nest hollows and ground

litter are addressed in Section 10.

Offsets

8.2.18 Where Queensland legislation or a specific-issue

offset policy requires an offset for a significant residual

impact on a particular natural environmental value, the

offset proposal(s) shall be presented in a form consistent

with relevant legislation and policy.

An assessment of significant, residual

impacts to MSES is provided in Section

10.5, Section 10.6 and Attachment 8.

Significant impacts to MNES are assessed

in Section 12 and Attachment 9. The

Project’s offset requirements are

summarised in Section 10.7.

8.2.19 The proposed offsets should be consistent with the

requirements set out in any applicable legislation or specific-

issue offset policies.

Offsets are briefly addressed in Section

10.7 and futher detail is in a separate

Biodiversity Offset Strategy (Amec Foster

Wheeler, 2016b).

1.4 Document history and approach to this revision

Prior to the Project being subject to the requirements of an EIS, terrestrial ecology surveys were undertaken within the Project area in late 2014 and early 2015 in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and Queensland flora and fauna survey guidelines for the purposes of:

Understanding the ecological and terrestrial biodiversity values of the Project area

Determining potential impacts of the Project upon these values; and

Identifying measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate these potential impacts.

In order to meet the requirements of the ToR, this Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report – based on desktop assessments and field survey results, has been revised to ensure currency for the purposes of the EIS.



In preparing this revision to the document, it is important to note the following:

New database searches were conducted in February 2016 to ensure any classification changes of threatened species or new records of threatened species within the Project area, or in proximity to the Project area, are incorporated into the assessment; and

The findings of the terrestrial ecology chapter of the Skardon River Bauxite Project Environmental Impact Statement (Greencap, 2015) have been incorporated into this assessment where relevant (e.g. flora and fauna survey effort, observations of threatened species, habitat assessments and estimated impacts). The Skardon River Bauxite Project is located adjacent to the Bauxite Hills Mine Project, as illustrated in Figure 2-1.



2. The Project 2.1 Project description

Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd (Aldoga), a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining Limited (Metro Mining), proposes to develop the Bauxite Hills Project (the Project) located on the western coastline of Cape York, Queensland, approximately 35 kilometres (km) northeast of Mapoon. The Project will include an open cut operation, haul roads, barge loading facility (BLF), transhipping and will produce and transport up to 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of ore over approximately 12 years. The mine will not be operational during the wet season.

The Project is characterised by several shallow open cut pits that will be connected via internal haul roads. The internal haul roads will be connected to a main north-south haul road that will link with the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA) and BLF located to the north of the pits on the Skardon River. Bauxite will be screened in-pit and then hauled to the product stockpile using road train trucks.

Bauxite from the Project is suitable as a Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) product (i.e. ore is extracted and loaded directly to ships with no washing or tailings dams required). Bauxite will be transported by barge via the Skardon River to the transhipment site, approximately 12 km offshore, and loaded into ocean going vessels (OGVs) and shipped to customers. No dredging or bed-levelling for transhipping is proposed as part of this Project

OGVs of between 50,000 to 120,000 tonne (t) each will be loaded at the transhipment anchorage site. Vessels will be loaded and bauxite will be transported to OGVs 24 hours per day with barges having an initial capacity of approximately 3,000 t to meet early production volumes, increasing up to 7,000 t as the Project reaches a maximum production volume of 5 Mtpa.

Metro Mining has considered alternative locations for the haul roads to minimise impacts to significant biodiversity values such as of concern regional ecosystems (RE) and mangrove communities. However due to constraints with the mining tenements associated with the Project these alternate haul roads cross over other tenements. Metro Mining is currently in ongoing discussions with relevant parties that may or may not come to a mutual agreement. Therefore, these alternate options cannot be considered as part of this ecological assessment.

The location of mine pits BH1 and BH6 East and West are constrained by the location of bauxite deposits. Further refinement has been undertaken by Metro Mining to maximise buffers between the pits and adjacent sensitive environments such as mangrove vegetation and melaleuca swamps. The bauxite is generally restricted to land zone 5, therefore, impacts associated with open cut pits will be restricted to RE3.5.2 as illustrated in Figure 7-1.

Alternative locations for the MIA, BLF and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Facility are limited as the infrastructure must be placed in areas of the Skardon River that have the appropriate depth of water for the barges and within the Metro Mining tenements. The design has also sought to minimise the disturbance area required for each infrastructure type.



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2.2 Project area and regional perspective

Western Cape York is renowned for its high-quality, export-grade bauxite deposits. Mining of the region’s bauxite deposits commenced in the 1960s at the Weipa Mine (Rio Tinto); the only operational bauxite mine in Queensland, and one of the world’s largest. Several other prospects are at various stages of approvals, including Bauxite Hills, Pisolite Hills (Metro Mining), Skardon River (Gulf Alumina), Hey Point (Green Coast Resources), Arukun (Glencore), and South of Embley (Rio Tinto; an extension of the Weipa Mine). The regional economy is dominated by the resource sector (predominantly bauxite), agriculture (predominantly cattle grazing), and small to medium-scale tourism.

The broader Cape York region is remote and largely undisturbed, with areas of high biodiversity value, nationally and regionally significant ecosystems, numerous important cultural heritage sites, and significant indigenous cultural values attached to the natural landscape (DIP, 2014).

The Project site is generally low lying and flat with topography rising towards a ridge where bauxite deposits are located. To the north the Project site is bordered by the Skardon River and associated tributaries. The Skardon River’s southern tributary flows through the middle of the Project area, and another tributary lies to the south of the main pit, BH1. The Skardon River is a predominantly estuarine system bordered by mangroves and tidal flats, with fluvial freshwater only within its upper reaches. Big Footprint Swamp is a palustrine wetland located to the west of the Project area just outside the mining lease and BH6 pit areas.



3. Legislative Framework This section provides an overview of the statutory framework applicable to development of the Project, and relevant legislation and policies regarding the identification and management of terrestrial ecological values within the Project area.

3.1 International agreements

International conventions relevant to the terrestrial ecology values of the Project areas include:

Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)

China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)

Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA); and

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The three migratory bird agreements - JAMBA, CAMBA, and ROKAMBA - list bird species that migrate between Australia and the other parties to the convention - Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, respectively. These agreements impose obligations on signatories to regulate for the protection of the listed migratory bird species. Under Australia’s commitment and in accordance with Section 20 and 20A of the EPBC Act, it is an offence to carry out an action that will, or is likely to have, a significant impact on a migratory bird species without prior approval from the Commonwealth.

The Ramsar Convention’s broad aims are to halt to worldwide loss and decline of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, remaining wetlands. The convention encourages the designation of sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, or wetlands that are important for conserving biological diversity. Once designated these sites are added to the Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance and become known as Ramsar sites.

Australia was one of the first signatories and contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention and the first to designate a Wetland of International Importance. National Guidelines for Ramsar Wetlands are currently being developed. The aim of the guidelines is to facilitate improved management of Ramsar sites and maintenance of ecological character, in line with Australia's commitments under the Ramsar Convention and responsibilities under the EPBC Act. The guidelines will provide a framework for Ramsar Convention implementation in Australia and provide jurisdictions and other interested parties with clear guidance on the management of Ramsar sites.

3.2 Commonwealth legislative requirements

Commonwealth legislation and policy relevant to the terrestrial ecology values of the Project area include:

EPBC Act 1999

Significant Impact Guidelines Version 1.1 (DEWHA, 2013); and

EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy.

The relevance of this legislation and policy to the Project is summarised in the following sections.



3.2.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The EPBC Act provides a framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna and ecological communities as defined under the Act as MNES. Under the EPBC Act the DotE has jurisdiction over actions that are likely to have a significant impact on MNES.

Cape Alumina (now Metro Mining) submitted a referral to the DotE for the Project on 10 January 2012 (2012/6246). That Project was declared a controlled action under the EPBC Act by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment on 10 February 2012. Controlling provisions applicable to the Project were:

Sections 18 and 18A (listed threatened species and communities)

Sections 20 and 20A (listed Migratory species); and

Sections 23 and 24A (Commonwealth Marine areas).

Due to material changes in the Project scope, Metro Mining had the referral withdrawn on 17 August 2015. A new referral based on the revised Project scope was submitted 11 August 2015 (2015/7538) and the Project was declared a controlled action for which an EIS is required on 18 September 2015, with the same controlling provisions. It is expected the Project will be assessed under the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.

3.2.2 EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy The EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy 2012 (EPBC Offsets Policy) outlines the position of the Commonwealth Government with respect to the use of environmental offsets under the EPBC Act.

Offsets will only apply to projects that are determined a controlled action, and that have a ‘significant’ impact on a MNES (as defined in DEWHA, 2013). The EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 - Significant Impact Guidelines, define a significant impact as an impact which is important, notable or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. The likelihood of an action having a significant impact depends upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts.

Offsets are required to compensate for any residual significant impact to a MNES. The policy sets out principles for the provision of offsets to compensate for impacts on MNES. These principles include:

Offsets must deliver an overall conservation outcome that improves or maintains the viability of the protected matter

Offsets must be built around direct (i.e. land-based) offsets but may include other compensatory measures (e.g. research or educational programs)

Offsets must be in proportion to the level of statutory protection that applies to the protected matter

Offsets must be of a size and scale proportionate to the residual impacts on the protected matter

Offsets must effectively account for and manage the risks of the offset not succeeding

Offsets must be additional to what is already required, determined by law or planning regulations or agreed to under other schemes and programs



Offsets must be efficient, effective, timely, transparent, scientifically robust and reasonable; and

Offsets must have transparent governance arrangements including being able to be readily measured, monitored, audited and enforced.

3.3 State legislative requirements

State legislation relevant to the terrestrial ecology values of the Project area and approvals include:

Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act)

Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act)

Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act)

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act)

Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act); and

Fisheries Act 1994.

The relevance of the above legislation to the Project is summarised in subsequent sections.

3.3.1 Environmental Protection Act 1994 The Queensland EP Act has a broad objective of achieving sustainable development within Queensland. Under the EP Act, Metro Mining must comply with the general environmental duty not to undertake an: “Activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless…all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm are taken” (Section 319).

Pursuant to the EP Act, activities that will, or have the potential to, release contaminants into the environment and which may cause environmental harm are defined as Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs). On 17 August 2015 and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation), Metro Mining applied for a site-specific Environmental Authority (EA) for the Project; specifically for the mining of bauxite (ERA 11). On 21 September 2015 DEHP advised Metro Mining that the EA application required assessment by EIS.

The subordinate Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 defines Category A and Category B environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs). Category C ESAs are typically defined within the Project-specific EA. A proponent is required to demonstrate measures have been taken to avoid, minimise and mitigate potential impacts to ESAs. Category A ESAs include national parks, Ma parks, the Great Barrier Reef region and the wet tropics area. Category B ESAs include some classes of protected areas, endangered RE types, declared fish habitat areas and areas subject to international conventions. Category C ESAs typically include nature refuges, State Forests or timber reserves, of concern RE types and Coastal Management Districts. A proponent is required to demonstrate measures are being taken to avoid, mitigate and manage impacts to these ESAs.

For the purpose of resource activities regulated under the EP Act, the biodiversity status (BD status) of a RE is used to determine that status of EREs, not the VM Act status. However, the requirement for biodiversity offsets under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 is triggered by VM status not by BD status. This report considers both status of REs when assessing impacts.



3.3.2 Nature Conservation Act 1992 The Queensland NC Act and subordinate legislation provide for the protection and conservation of nature, including the declaration and management of protected areas, the protection of wildlife and habitat, and the sustainable use of native wildlife areas.

The Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, along with the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006, provides lists of plants and animals that are listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened (EVNT), SLC, least concern, and international or prohibited.

The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 identifies protected areas, including forest reserves, resource reserves, conservation parks, national parks and nature refuges.

The NC Act includes provisions for permits relevant to the interference of protected fauna and breeding places; it also requires permits to be obtained for unavoidable clearing of protected plants. Impacts on plants and animals listed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, including EVNT species, are considered within this report.

3.3.3 Vegetation Management Act 1999 The VM Act establishes Queensland’s vegetation management framework and classifies remnant vegetation in Queensland as endangered, of concern, or least concern REs. REs are vegetation communities that are consistently associated with a combination of geology, land-form and soil in a bioregion. Descriptions of an RE from the REDD and classifications assigned under the VM Act have been used as the basis for assessment of remnant vegetation communities in the Project area.

An application for approval to clear vegetation is made under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act). Approval for vegetation clearing within the Project area will occur as a result of the grant of the EA. However should clearing of remnant vegetation be required outside of the tenement boundaries, an additional clearing permit under SP Act may be required.

3.3.4 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 The LP Act provides for the declaration of Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 pest plant and animal species. Under Section 77 of the LP Act, a landowner must take reasonable steps to keep land under their control free of Class 1 and Class 2 pests. The definition of landowner under the LP Act includes the lessee for a mining lease granted under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.

Under the LP Act it is an offence to introduce, keep or supply a declared pest, feed a declared pest animal, or take a declared pest for commercial use. It is also an offence to:

Supply anything containing reproductive material of a Class 1 or Class 2 pest prescribed under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003; and

Transport a vehicle or thing containing soil or other organic material, which contains the reproductive material of a declared pest plant.

3.3.5 Environmental Offset Act 2014 A new offset framework was introduced in Queensland in July 2014 that consolidated all previous value specific offset policies. The offset framework includes the following:



Environmental Offsets Act 2014 – this is the primary legislation that establishes a head of power for the State to impose offset conditions and rules around how offsets will be required and delivered. It outlines offsets will be required to counterbalance a significant residual impact of a prescribed activity on a prescribed environmental matter. Key definitions are established and it also provides for the making of an Environmental Offsets Policy;

Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 – among other things, the regulation defines those prescribed environmental matters that may require an offset and are referred to as MSES, defines activities that may be required to provide an offset including resource activities under the EP Act, requirements of an Offset Delivery Plan and provisions for advance offsets; and

Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy 2014 – the policy provides the operational detail and guidance as to how offsets will be assessed and delivered. The policy includes information on the relationship between Commonwealth and State offsets, criteria that offsets must meet, offset delivery options and staging of offsets.

The Queensland Offset Framework establishes an ‘avoid, mitigate, offset’ hierarchy for development. Where it is demonstrated that impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated, and there is a ‘significant’ residual impact to a prescribed environmental matter, then an offset is required.

Offset principles to be achieved are:

Offsets will not replace or undermine existing environmental standards

Environmental impacts must first be avoided and minimised before considering offsets for remaining impacts

Offsets much achieve a conservation outcome that provides an equivalent environmental outcome

Offsets must provide environmental values as similar as possible to those being lost

Offsets must minimise time-lag between impact and delivery of offset

Offsets must provide additional protection to environmental values at risk, or additional management actions to improve environmental values; and

Offsets must be legally secured for the duration of the impact on the environmental matter.

Three primary options are provided for offset delivery. These are:

1. Financial Settlement Offsets; 2. Land-based Offsets; and 3. Direct Benefit Management Plans. A combination of the above is also permissible under the Queensland Offset Framework. Project offsets are discussed in the Bauxite Hills Mine Project Biodiversity Offset Strategy (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016b).

3.3.6 Fisheries Act 1994 The main purpose of the Fisheries Act 1994 (Fisheries Act) is to provide for the use, conservation

and enhancement of the fish resources and habitats as a way to apply and promote the principles

of ecologically sustainable development.



It regulates the taking and possession of specific fish, removal of marine vegetation, the control of

development in areas of fish habitat and listed noxious fish species. Any damage to marine plants

outside the mining lease boundary would require an operational works permit to damage marine

plants.

The construction and raising of a waterway barrier works that will inhibit the movement of fish is

regulated under the Fisheries Act and the SP Act. As the culvert haul road crossings will be

constructed on the mining lease, under the conditions of an EA (and not development approval), a

waterway barrier works permit is not required. Whilst the provision of the act do not apply within

the ML, Metro Mining will give consideration to the performance objectives and requirements of

the State Development Assessment Provisions Module 5.2 to adequately provide for fish passage,

and provide equal or enhanced habitat values and habitat complexity.



4. Methodology The description of terrestrial ecological flora and fauna values presented in this report is based on a combination of desktop assessments and ecological field studies. The following sections provide a description and methodologies adopted for the desktop and field survey assessments.

4.1 Taxonomic nomenclature

Scientific and common names used throughout this report are consistent with those used in the following sources:

Bostock and Holland (2007) and botanical binomials presently accepted by the Queensland Herbarium for flora

Cogger (2000) for amphibians and reptiles

Morcombe (2000) for birds; and

Van Dyck and Strahan (2008) for mammals.

4.2 Desktop assessment

A review of literature pertaining to the terrestrial flora and fauna values of, and adjacent to, the Project area has been undertaken. Commonwealth and State database searches were defined by the coordinates -11.86668 latitude, 142.04155 longitude. The search area encompassed areas within 25km of the Project which includes coastal and marine areas to the west and estuarine wetlands in the north.

The review was conducted prior to commencing field surveys and included:

The Protected Matters Search Tool to identify MNES within approximately 25 km of the Project area

DotE Species Profiles and Threats (SPRAT) Database

The DEHP Wildlife Online database to identify flora and fauna species potentially occurring within approximately 25 km of the Project area

The Queensland Herbarium database search

Queensland Museum records for the Project area

DEHP RE Mapping (Version 8)

DEHP Essential Habitat Mapping (Version 4.1.5)

DEHP REDD (Version 8.1)

DEHP ESA mapping

DEHP Biodiversity Planning Assessment (BPA) for Cape York Peninsula

Birds Australia Bird Atlas search

DEHP Wetland Mapping to determine the classification, extent and significance of referable wetlands within the Project area

Commonwealth Directory of Nationally Important Wetlands

Protected Area Estate Mapping



DEHP watercourse mapping

Published ecological information on threatened flora and fauna species and vegetation communities

Abrahams et al. (1995) Areas of conservation significance on Cape York Peninsula

Cape Alumina (2011) EPBC Act Referral for the Bauxite Hills Mine and Port Project

Cape Alumina (2012) Initial Advice Statement, Pisolite Hills mine and Port Project

Churchill (2008) Australian bats

Dames and Moore (1996) EIS for Botany Cogeneration Project

Godwin (1985) Land Units of the Weipa Region

Gunness (1994) Preliminary flora and vegetation study of the areas of impacts of the Venture Exploration NL Skardon Kaolin Project

Gunness et al. (1987) Land units of the Weipa environs. 1: 25000 map and explanatory notes

Greencap (2015) Gulf Alumina Skardon River Bauxite Project Environmental Impact Statement – Chapter 15 – Terrestrial Ecology

Gulf Alumina Limited (2013) Skardon River Bauxite Mining Project EPBC Act Referral

Mackey et al. (2001) The Natural Heritage significance of Cape York Peninsula

Neldner and Clarkson (1991) Vegetation survey of Batavia Downs, Cape York Peninsula

Neldner and Clarkson (1994) Vegetation Survey of Cape York Peninsula

Neldner and Clarkson (1995) Vegetation survey and mapping of Cape York Peninsula

Pedley and Isbell (1971) Plant communities of Cape York Peninsula

RPS Australia (2012) Skardon River Flora and Fauna Assessment

RPS Australia (2015) Consolidated Flora and Fauna Assessment (2010-2015) Report

Sattler and Williams (1999) The conservation status of Queensland’s bioregional ecosystems

Specht et al. (1977) Vegetation in the Vicinity of Weipa, North Queensland

Stanton and Fell (2005) The rainforests of Cape York Peninsula; and

Worley Parsons (2011) Bauxite Hills Project-Preliminary Constraints Assessment: Terrestrial ecology.

Post field surveys, the main database searches (including Protected Matters Search Tool) were replicated in February 2016 to ensure any changes to listings and records of species were taken into consideration in the report findings. Desktop search results are provided in Attachment 1. Findings from the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project EIS have also been incorporated.

4.3 Survey timing

Terrestrial flora and fauna ecology surveys for the Project were undertaken between 4 and 11 November 2014, corresponding to the late dry season. The November survey was considered a late dry season survey as there had been an extended period of time of little rain leading up to the site assessment. Follow-up surveys were undertaken between 31 January and 6 February 2015, corresponding to the early wet season.



These surveys were supplemented by flora and fauna surveys undertaken between 2010 and 2015 for the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project, which is situated directly adjacent to the Bauxite Hills Project area (as illustrated in Figure 11-1). The total survey effort for flora and fauna across both Projects is summarised in Figure 4-1, which has been provided to demonstrate the extent of total terrestrial ecological survey effort in the vicinity of the Project and range of seasonal conditions in which surveys were conducted.

Whilst this report is primarily concerned with the results of the Bauxite Hills surveys, any critical findings (e.g. MNES/EVNT species presence and results of habitat assessments) from the Skardon River surveys have been considered in the determination of (a) the likelihood of species occurrence in the Project area, and (b) the conclusions made within this report.

4.4 Survey and reporting personnel

The personnel involved in the Bauxite Hills terrestrial ecology surveys and associated reporting for the Project are listed in Table 4-1 along with their qualifications and relevant experience.



Figure 4-1 Combined survey periods for the Bauxite Hills and Skardon River Projects

Key:

BH = Bauxite Hills Project

SR = Skardon River Project

# November is considered the end of the dry season for the purpose of this report. It is noted the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines (2014) state the wet season starts in November.

However based on both historic and current rainfall data, Metro Mining consider December is typically the month in which rainfall of the wet season commences and wet season concludes in

May. These months may vary from year to year based on climatic conditions.

2010 SR

Flora

SR Flora

&Fauna

2011 SR

Flora

2012

2013

2014 SR Fauna BH Flora

& Fauna

2015 BH Flora &

Fauna

SR Flora &

Fauna

WET SEASON DRY SEASON WET SEASON

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV# DEC



Table 4-1 Field Survey and Reporting Personnel Personnel Involvement Qualifications Years of

Experience Summary of Experience

David Fell dry season, wet season flora surveys (lead)

Assoc Dip App Science

27 years David’s extensive experience in vegetation assessment and land resource management has been gained throughout the tropics and subtropics of Australia. He has conducted rainforest survey work in the West Kimberley Region, in North-Eastern Arnhem Land, throughout northern NSW and in the Queensland bioregions of Cape York Peninsula, Wet Tropical Coast, Central Queensland Coast, Einasleigh Uplands and South-East Queeensland. His work in the Cape York Peninsula with the Queensland National Parks Service included a comprehensive survey of the region’s rainforest vegetation. David carried out vegetation survey sites with Neldner and Clarkson throughout the Weipa sheet as part of the CYPLUS mapping project. David was based in Weipa for nine months as research ranger on a crocodile research program with QPWS working with the Napranum and Mapoon ranger program. David’s contribution of vouchers to the Queensland and other Herbaria has included a number of new species, with two taxa from the Cape York region being formally named Dallwatsonia felliana and Melicope fellii.

Mark Sanders

dry season fauna survey (lead)

BAdvSc (Zoology) (Hons)

15 years Mark is a highly-respected and well-known ecologist with extensive field expertise and first-hand knowledge of more than 1,500 of Australia’s terrestrial vertebrate species. He has undertaken surveys within every state and territory within Australia, across environments such as native grasslands, dry and wet sclerophyll habitats, coastal swamps, brigalow, mangroves, rainforests, savannah woodland, arid hummock grasslands, heathlands. Of relevance to this Project, Mark has undertaken fauna surveys at Pisolite Hills (north of Weipa) for the Pisolite Hills Project, MMG Century near the Lawn Hill National Park, Yarrabah for the Mandingalby Yidinji IPA, Kajabbi in far north-west Queensland for Matrix Metals.

Richard Floyd

wet season fauna survey (lead)

BSc, Grad Dip Nat Res

21 years Richard’s experience centres on the management and undertaking of ecological studies throughout Australia; primarily with mining and linear infrastructure projects. Richard’s industry experience spans surface and subsurface mining operations, coal seam gas, electricity generation and distribution, communications infrastructure development, urban development and transport infrastructure projects. Richard’s technical expertise is based on extensive flora and fauna surveys in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.



Personnel Involvement Qualifications Years of Experience

Summary of Experience

Lincoln Smith

dry season, wet season fauna surveys (support role)

BSc (Environmental Science)

7 years Lincoln has experience in the assessment and management of terrestrial flora and fauna throughout Queensland; spanning bioregions from the Wet Tropics to the Brigalow Belt. Lincoln has sampling and reporting experience in vegetation survey and mapping, fauna surveys, ecological system assessments, species-specific habitat assessments and regional ecosystem ground-truthing.

Tim Howell

dry season, wet season aquatic surveys (lead)

BSc, PhD (Aquatic Science)

14 years Tim is a career aquatic ecologist with a PhD in fish ecology and river rehabilitation. Tim has worked on a broad range of projects for the industry, government agencies, universities and in collaboration with multiple organisations. Tim has led aquatic ecology surveys for the Surat Gas Project, Wiggins Island Balloon Loop, Byerwen Coal, Sarsfield Gold Mine Expansion, Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion, Noosa Sewage Treatment Facility Upgrade, Northgate Coal Mine and Belvedere Coal Project.

Mark Davey

reporting only

BAppSc, GradCertMarineSc, PhD (Coral Reef Ecology)

20 years Mark is a marine scientist with a PhD in coral reef ecology and extensive experience in environmental monitoring, environmental approvals, research and policy development. He has been heavily involved in environmental assessments for major coastal and offshore development projects throughout Australia and in Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, the Solomon Islands, French Polynesia and the Philippines.

Mitchell Taylor

reporting only

BEnvSc 10 years Mitchell has worked as an ecologist on a range of projects within Queensland and NSW across many industry sectors including mining and extractive industries, coal seam gas, ecotourism, rail, road and water infrastructure, strategic, industrial and urban development. Mitchell has managed teams undertaking broad and specific ecological assessments for the mining sector; authoring EIA reports and liaising directly with Commonwealth, State and Local government agencies on a range of projects.

Berlinda Ezzy

reporting only

BAppSc(Hons) Natural Systems and Wildlife Mgt

17 years Berlinda leads a biodiversity offsets and ecology team and delivers services to a range of clients including mining, coal seam gas, roads and community infrastructure. Berlinda has worked in the private and public sectors and in the process has gained significant experience in project management, environmental legislation and approvals, threatened species management, natural resource management and biodiversity offsets.



Personnel Involvement Qualifications Years of Experience

Summary of Experience

Berlinda is regarded as an expert in biodiversity offsets on the east coast of Australia and has worked with DEHP to assist in the development and review of new offset guidelines and tools. Representative projects include the Kevin’s Corner Coal Project, Mount Isa Mines Biodiversity Study, Moorlands Coal Project, Teresa Coal Mine and Mt Margaret Mine.

Chris Cantwell

reporting only

BEnvPlan(Hons), BSc, CEnvP

10 years Chris is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with experience in the provision of strategic environmental approvals advice and the coordination and management of projects characterised by complex environmental issues. As a qualified planner, Chris has a particular knowledge of environmental planning approvals processes, land use and biodiversity assessments for large scale energy and infrastructure projects.

Jeromy Claridge

reporting only

MEnvMgt, BSc(Hons), CEnvP

21 years Jeromy has extensive EIA and project management experience, providing environmental advice through all project development phases from preliminary planning and site/route selection through to project feasibility, environmental assessment and approvals and on-site management. Jeromy is a Certified Environmental Practitioner who has managed multidisciplinary teams undertaking EIAs for complex projects involving numerous approvals and environmental issues. Key EIA project management roles include those for the Byerwen Coal Project, Bowen Basin coal projects, Galilee Coal Project, Ernest Henry Mine, Opal Mining and Prospecting on Lightning Ridge, the Ironbark CSG Project and the Myanmar Oil and Gas Pipeline.

Jeremy Hayden

reporting only

BAppSc, Assc Dip App Sc

15 years Jeremy has a broad range of experience in the Natural Resource Management sector and extensive experience in dedicated GIS roles on these projects. Jeremy boasts significant mining and petroleum industry experience, with dedicated GIS roles including project management and reporting, data management and database design, data analysis, map production and cartography, route and site selection and other spatial analysis.

Matt Gerber

reporting only

BAppScience (Environmental Science & Environmental Management)

9 years Matthew is a GIS specialist with experience in multidisciplinary and workshare environments in planning, engineering, procurement, environmental and construction for the oil and gas, mining, urban and regional planning, transportation and utility sectors. Matthew’s recent experience in the mining and petroleum industry has involved dedicated GIS roles servicing both environmental and engineering functions, with responsibilities including data management, automation and reporting, database design and administration, map production and cartography, route selection and environmental constraint assessments.



4.5 Vegetation and terrestrial flora assessment

Terrestrial vegetation and flora values of the Project area described in this report have been derived from a combination of desktop assessments and field surveys. This report details results of terrestrial vegetation and flora values from two surveys; a late dry season survey and an early wet season survey.

Flora surveys included a total of 128 survey sites spread out over the Project area sampling a diversity of REs and habitat types. It is considered that the surveys were adequately scheduled to achieve representative and seasonal flora records for the Project area. Meetings with DEHP confirmed that the survey timing was an appropriate balance between the requirements in the DEHP Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (2014) and logistical and safety factors. When considered in the context of the supplemental Skardon River Project terrestrial flora surveys (that were conducted in late April 2010, late June 2010, late April 2011 and February 2015), broad coverage across the seasons and vegetation communities has been collectively achieved within the area. Full details are provided in Chapter 15 of the Gulf Alumina Skardon River EIS (Greencap, 2015).

The location and distribution of vegetation communities was initially assessed through an analysis of certified DEHP RE mapping (Figure 4-2). Mapping was reviewed, records of threatened flora, and potential for the presence of threatened flora were assessed from targeted searches of relevant databases as detailed in Section 4.2. Survey sites were then selected based on certified DEHP RE mapping and available aerial imagery to identify representative sites.

Field flora surveys were conducted over six days in November 2014, and six days in January / February 2015. The primary objective of these surveys was to identify and describe vegetation communities and terrestrial flora values, ground-verify DEHP RE mapping for the Project area and survey for the presence of threatened flora species. Surveys were carried out in accordance with the Queensland Herbarium’s Methodology for the Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland, Version 3.2 (Neldner et al., 2012).

Key terrestrial vegetation and flora indicators assessed during each survey are provided in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2 Terrestrial vegetation and flora indicators assessed Assessment Indicators

Site condition Native species richness

Non-native plant cover

Course woody debris

Native perennial grass cover and organic litter

Tree species richness, tree canopy height, recruitment of woody perennial species, and abundance of large trees

Tree canopy cover and shrub canopy cover

Site context Habitat connectedness

Habitat context

Distance from permanent water

Ecological corridor context

Habitat quality Trees with hollows

Foraging quality



Assessment Indicators

Shrubby understorey

Rocky outcrops

Stone / shale

Tussock grass / spinifex

Litter and logs

Threatening processes (e.g., industry, grazing stock, urban, pollution)

Species mobility

Aquatic / riparian habitat

Baseline field data on vegetation structure and floristics was recorded in a format consistent with Queensland Herbarium quaternary and secondary site level intensity (Neldner et al., 2012). Information on landform, geology, and vegetation structure was recorded together with species lists and abundance of vascular flora species. Incidental flora observations recorded during field traverses complemented the formal survey sites. Flora species unable to be identified in the field were collected and pressed on site for subsequent identification in the laboratory with assistance from the Queensland Herbarium where adequate material could be collected. The terms ‘species and taxa’ include species, subspecies (subsp), varieties, forms and any undescribed taxa recognised by Bostock and Holland (2010). Conservation significance of flora species was assessed according to classifications within the EPBC Act and NC Act.

A total of 86 sites across the Project area were assessed during the late dry season survey; comprising 3 secondary and 83 quaternary sites. A total of 42 sites were assessed during the early wet season survey; comprising 5 secondary, 29 quaternary and 8 BioCondition sites. At each survey site an assessment for the presence of any threatened flora species under the NC Act or EPBC Act was also undertaken.

The location of terrestrial vegetation and flora sites assessed during the surveys is illustrated in Figure 4-3, and a summary of survey effort is provided in Table 4-3.



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3.1.63.1.6

non-rem

BH01

BH6 WEST

BH6 EAST

(A3) GCS GDA 19941:50,000

LEGENDFigure 4-2

Certified REs of the ProjectArea (source: DEHP)

WORK REQUEST NUMBER: 652200DATA SOURCES:Regional Ecosystems V8.0, Ordered Drainage 100K - Queensland ©State of Queensland 2015Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2015 DeLormeSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,


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Project Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure AreaHaul RoadCamp Site

Regional EcosystemsOf Concern - DominantOf Concern - Sub-dominantNo concern at present

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99

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122

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97

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(A3) GDA 1994 MGA Zone 541:50,000

LEGENDFigure 4-3

Bauxite Hills Terrestrial FloraSurvey Sites

WORK REQUEST NUMBER: 652200DATA SOURCES:Mining Leases © State of Queensland 2016Infrastructure - Metro Mining 2016Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2015 DeLormeSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,


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Table 4-3 Summary of flora survey sites across dry and wet seasons

REs

Dry Season Survey

Locations Total

Dry Season Survey Locations

within ML

Wet Season Survey Locations

Total

Wet Season Survey Locations

within ML

BioCondition Survey Locations

Total

BioCondition Survey Locations

within ML

Total Mapped

Area RE (ha) (within ML)

3.1.1 4 (Q) 1 (Q) - - - - 18.85

3.1.3 3 (Q) 1 (Q) 1 (Q) - - - 3.52

3.1.6 4 (Q) - - - - - 8.14

3.3.12 4 (Q) - - - - - 5.26

3.3.14 10 (Q) 3 (Q) 4 (Q), 1 (S) 2 (Q) - - 164.30

3.3.22 5 (Q) 4 (Q) 6 (Q) 4 (Q) - - 29.50

3.3.32 5 (Q) 3 (Q) 2 (Q) - - - 25.01

3.3.42 8 (Q) 2 (Q) 1 (Q), 1 (S) 1 (Q) 2 - 75.18

3.3.51 4 (Q) 1 (Q) - - - - 7.32

3.3.65 3 (Q) 1 (Q) - - - - 0.00

3.5.2 32 (Q), 3 (S) 20 (Q), 3 (S) 12 (Q), 3 (S) 8 (Q), 3 (S) 6 6 3568.31

3.5.22 1 (Q) 1 (Q) 2 (Q) 1 (Q) - - 0.00

none/Non-R - - 1 (Q) - - - 2.39

Total 86 34 8 Q = Quartenary, S = Secondary



The information collected during the surveys was used to refine DEHP certified RE mapping for the Project area. The revised ground-truthed RE mapping presented in Section 6.1 and Figure 7-1 of this report was developed based on DEHP certified mapped REs for the Project area, a review of aerial photography, and ground-verification of certified RE maps. DEHP certified RE mapping is presented at a scale of 1:100,000 which generally delineates polygons of >20 ha with a minimum polygon size for remnant vegetation (isolated by non-remnant vegetation) of 5 ha. The revised mapping produced for this assessment defines remnant polygons down to a size of 5 ha. Where possible, significant ecosystems are mapped as homogenous rather than heterogeneous polygons, giving greater certainty to the location of sensitive vegetation types.

The revised RE mapping more accurately defines the spatial extent of REs in the Project area (where surveys were undertaken), particularly riparian and mangrove extents adjacent to pit areas, and forms the basis of the impact assessment component of this report. However, it is important to note that some areas of proposed infrastructure were not finalised until after the field surveys were completed. As such there are some areas in which DEHP certified RE mapping is used for assessing potential impacts from the Project. Figure 7-1 shows both areas of ground-truthed REs and areas of certified DEHP RE mapping in the Project area. Impacts to terrestrial biodiversity values have been determined using this figure as the basis as it is using the most accurate information on the distribution of REs across the Project area that are available.

Flora surveys also included eight BioCondition assessments in the wet season survey. BioCondition involves a rapid assessment of vegetation condition at the property scale for different REs. It is a site-based, quantitative procedure that provides a score from ‘functional’ through to ‘dysfunctional’ condition from a biodiversity perspective (Eyre et al., 2011). The score is based on a comparison between measured site-specific attributes, and benchmark values for each of those attributes, specific to a particular RE. No bioregion-specific BioCondition benchmark data was available and therefore scoring was not possible. However, the BioCondition assessments have been used to support the assessment of key vegetative and ecosystem attributes. BioCondition results are provided for reference in Attachment 5.



4.6 Terrestrial fauna assessment

Terrestrial fauna values of the Project area described in this report were derived from a combination of desktop assessments and field surveys. This report details terrestrial fauna values from two Bauxite Hills surveys; a late dry season survey and an early wet season survey. Results of the three Skardon River surveys (June 2010, September / October 2014 and February 2015) have also been considered. Full details are provided in Chapter 15 of the Gulf Alumina Skardon River EIS (Greencap, 2015).

Terrestrial fauna surveys were designed to target threatened species known, or likely to occur, within the Project area. These were identified through a desktop literature review, targeted searches of relevant databases (Section 4.2), and presence of habitats known to support likely threatened species.

4.6.1 Consideration of survey guidelines Terrestrial fauna surveys used a range of techniques including trapping, motion cameras, bird surveys, spotlighting and active searches. Fauna survey methods were developed and implemented in general accordance with relevant survey guidelines, including:

DEWHA (2010) Guidelines for detecting birds listed as threatened under the EPBC Act

DEWHA (2011a) Guidelines for detecting mammals listed as threatened under the EPBC Act

DEWHA (2011b) Guidelines for detecting bats listed as threatened under the EPBC Act

DEWHA (2011c) Guidelines for detecting amphibians listed as threatened under the EPBC Act

DEWHA (2011d) Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened reptiles: Guidelines for detecting reptiles listed as threatened under the EPBC Act

Eyre et al. (2014) Terrestrial vertebrate fauna survey guidelines for Queensland, Version 2; and

Freeman (2009) Recommended fauna survey methodology for environmental impact assessments (for North Queensland).

Fauna surveys for Bauxite Hills covered both the dry and wet seasons and were scheduled in seasons where a number of fauna types such as reptiles and Mi birds were most active and likely to be on site. When combined with the fauna survey effort for the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project, fauna surveys have occurred across a range of seasons (early dry, late dry and wet seasons), sampled a broad range of fauna habitat types and utilised a range of survey methods to detect a range of species.

4.6.2 Survey site selection Fauna survey sites were selected based on a number of considerations including:

Locate survey sites within proposed disturbance areas including the three main pits (BH1, BH6 east and BH6 west)

Sample representative habitats on the Project site, with the main focus being within RE3.5.2 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila tall woodland as this is the dominant vegetation community and habitat on site, and has the potential to support a number of threatened species; and



To use survey techniques tailored for particular species where their preferred habitat is located (e.g. harp traps were placed in flyways and anabats in areas of woodland where bats are likely to forage and nest in hollows).

In total 15 survey locations across the Project area have been surveyed using a combination of survey techniques to provide adequate spatial coverage across the representative REs and the wider Project area (as illustrated in Figure 4-4). This included eight trapping locations, two separate locations for harp traps and anabat, and five observation sites which were selected outside of the dominant REs, based on presence of preferred habitats for targeted fauna species. The location, dominant vegetation community, and RE associated with each fauna survey site are listed in Table 4-4. Habitat descriptions for each survey site are provided in Attachment 3.



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(A3) GCS GDA 19941:50,000

LEGENDFigure 4-4

Bauxite Hills TerrestrialFauna Survey Sites

WORK REQUEST NUMBER: 652200DATA SOURCES:Ordered Drainage 100K - Queensland © State of Queensland 2010Physical Road Network © State of Queensland 2010Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2015 DeLormeSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,


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Fauna Survey Sites!( Fauna Survey Trapping Site!( Fauna Survey Observation Site!( Other Fauna Survey

Project Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current Pit

Mine Infrastructure AreaHaul RoadCamp Site

SiteCAM03HP0511TR03

SiteANA0611SiteANA0611

SiteCAMP

SiteANA0511CAM01TR01

SiteOBS04

SiteCAM04OBS01

SiteOBS02

SiteCAM02HPB0611TR02

SiteHPA0611OBS03

SiteANA0611SiteOBS05

SiteANA0711HPA0811TR05CAM08


SiteCAM06TR06


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Table 4-4 Fauna survey site coordinates (GDA94) and their dominant vegetation and RE Site Type Latitude Longitude Dominant veg community RE

(VM Act status)

TR01 Trapping -11.817518 142.044447 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants.

3.5.2 (LC)

TR02 -11.835055 142.052516

TR03 -11.860237 142.032273

TR04 -11.797384 142.087641

TR05 -11.803296 142.087132

TR06 -11.797275 142.100672

TR07 -11.797164 142.122321

CAMP -11.850118 142.037398

OBS01 Observation -11.801292 142.047161

OBS02 -11.757861 142.071177 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves.

3.1.1 (LC)

Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal areas.

3.1.3 (LC)

OBS03 -11.821375 142.058720 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants.

3.5.2 (LC)

OBS04 -11.795721 142.036032 Sedgeland of Eleocharis sp. With scattered freshwater couch.

3.3.65 (LC)

OBS05 -11.816402 142.063685 Sparse herbland or bare saltpans. Associated with salt plains and saline flats.

3.1.6 (LC)

CAM01 Camera -11.817193 142.044235 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants.

3.5.2 (LC)

CAM02 -11.834850 142.052533

CAM03 -11.860706 142.032188

CAM04 -11.801198 142.047125

CAM05 -11.797643 142.087025

CAM06 -11.797549 142.100758

CAM07 -11.797402 142.122428

CAM08 -11.803060 142.087380

ANA0511 Anabat -11.817228 142.044519

ANA0611 -11.857445 142.036804

ANA0711 -11.803249 142.087467

ANA0811 -11.797637 142.087678

ANA0911 -11.797445 142.122329

HP0511 Harp Traps -11.860705 142.032393

HP0711 -11.809744 142.131805 Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum open sedgeland in drainage swamps in dunefields.

3.3.64 (LC)

HPA0611 -11.821379 142.05873 3.5.2 (LC)



Site Type Latitude Longitude Dominant veg community RE (VM Act status)

HPA0811 -11.802943 142.087497 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants.

HPB0611 -11.834563 142.052745

HPB0811 -11810287 142.13173 Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum open sedgeland in drainage swamps in dunefields.

3.3.64 (LC)

LC = Least concern

4.6.3 Survey techniques Terrestrial fauna values of the Project area were assessed through a variety of techniques including:

Trapping amphibians, reptiles and mammals, through the use of:

■ Elliot A traps

■ Funnel traps

■ Pitfall traps

■ Remote camera traps; and

■ Harp traps.

Quantitative and qualitative survey for birds, including point census avifauna surveys and call playback

Spotlighting for nocturnal fauna, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals

The use of ultrasonic bat recording (Anabat) and harp nets to record bat species present within the survey area

Hand searches for active and cryptic species

Opportunistic fauna observations

Waterhole surveys and watercourse traverses (note – limited surface water features were observed in the survey area during end of dry season surveys); and

Opportunistic scat and track analysis.

A summary of the survey techniques and respective effort employed at each site during the late dry season survey is presented in Table 4-5.

Table 4-5 Summary of survey methodology and effort at each site for late dry season Area Site Methods Duration Effort / Size Total Effort

BH1 TR06 Elliot x 20 Pitfall x 4 Funnel x 6

3 nights 3 nights 2 nights

E: 60 PF: 12 F: 12

E: 120 PF: 24 F: 24

TR07

TR04 Elliot x 20 Pitfall x 4 Funnel x 6

2 nights 3 nights 3 nights

E: 40 PF: 12 F: 18

E: 80 PF: 24 F: 36

TR05

TR04 Spotlight Anabat x 1

0.5 hour 3 nights

0.5 x 2 A: 3

4 hours A: 9 TR05



Area Site Methods Duration Effort / Size Total Effort

TR06

TR07

CAM05 Camera 3 nights 1 camera 12 camera nights

CAM06

CAM07

CAM08

HPO711 HPB0811 HPA0811

Harp Trap x 2 1 night H: 3 H: 6

BH6 TR01 Elliot x 20 Pitfall x 4 Funnel x 6 Anabat x 1

3 nights 3 nights 3 nights 3 nights

E: 60 PF: 12 F: 18 A: 1

E: 180 PF: 36 F: 54 A: 3

TR02

TR03

TR01 Spotlight 0.5 hour 0.5 x 2 5 hours

TR02

TR03

OBS01

OBS03


CAM02

CAM03

CAM04

HPA0611 HPB0611 HPO511

Harp Trap x 2 1 night H: 2 H: 6

ANA0611 Anabat x 1 3 nights A: 3 A: 3

A summary of the survey techniques and respective effort employed at each site during the early wet season surveys is presented in Table 4-6. Note – due to constraints associated with access during the wet season surveys, effort was focussed on sites that were safely accessible.

Table 4-6 Summary of survey methodology and effort at each site for early wet season Area Site Methods Duration Effort/Size Total Effort

BH1 TR04 Elliot A x 20 Pitfall x 4 Funnel x 6 Anabat x 1


E: 60 PF: 12 F: 18 A:3

E: 240 PF: 48 F: 72 A: 9

TR05

TR06

TR07

TR04 Camera 3 nights 1 camera 12 camera nights

TR05

TR06

TR07

BH6 TR01 Elliot x 20 Pitfall x 4 Funnel x 6 Anabat x 1


E: 60 PF: 12 F: 18 A: 1

E: 180 PF: 36 F: 54 A: 3

TR02

TR03

TR01 Spotlight 0.5 hour 0.5 x 2 4 hours

TR02



Area Site Methods Duration Effort/Size Total Effort

TR03

OBS01


CAM02

CAM03

HPA0611 HPB0611 HPO511

Harp Trap x 2 3 nights H: 6 H: 18

ANA0611 Anabat x 1 3 nights A: 3 A: 3

Further to the above, the survey effort and methodologies for the supplemental Skardon River terrestrial fauna ecology surveys is presented in Table 4-7 (Greencap, 2015). The combined Bauxite Hills and Skardon River fauna survey locations are illustrated in Figure 4-5.



Table 4-7 Total survey effort for Skardon River fauna ecology surveys Habitat Type No of

sites Harp Traps

Pitfall Junction Camera

Funnel Elliot Cage Song Meter / Anabat

Motion Camera

Tetradonta Woodland 8 1 36 12 72 465 6 12/7 12

Moist Eucalypt Woodland

4 2 3 12 72 300 6 12/3 12

Fringing Woodland to wetland and swamps

1 4 24 240 4 4

South of Namaleta Creek

2 2 48 40 2 2

Port area 1 1 1

Skardon River 1 3 1

Mine Camp 1 10

Total 18 4 39 30 216 1055 15 30/12 30



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LEGENDFigure 4-5

Combined Fauna SurveyLocations for Bauxite Hillsand Skardon River Projects



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#* SRP Fauna Survey Site!( BH Fauna Survey Site

Skardon River Project Mining Lease AreaBauxite Hills Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure Area

Haul RoadCamp Site

Big Footprint

Swamp!

LunetteSwamp



Elliot A traps Elliot A traps were baited with a mix of oats, peanut butter, honey and macadamia oil rolled into a ball. Traps were set 5 -10 m apart forming an arc around the pitfall array (Figure 4-4). Trap placement was influenced by vegetation diversity, the size and shape of the vegetation patches and naturally occurring features such as logs, woody debris, tree bases, clumping vegetation and termite mounds. Traps were cleared and closed each morning and reset late in the afternoon in accordance with animal ethics requirements.

Funnel traps

Funnel traps approximately 500 x 20 mm, with a 100 mm opening at the funnel entrance were deployed on either side of a drift fence flush to the ground surface and covered with a wet hessian and/or silver roof insulation to protect trapped fauna from the daytime heat. Funnel traps were cleared early morning and late afternoon in accordance with animal ethics requirements. Hessian bags were soaked with water each afternoon and placed over the funnel traps.

Pitfall traps

At each site a pitfall trap array was established consisting of both pitfall and funnel traps as shown in Image 1 (Figure 4-4). The pitfall trap array was constructed using single buckets (200 x 400 mm) dug into the ground so the rim was flush with the surface, connected by a vertical barrier of drift fencing (400 mm high), also dug into the ground. Each of the buckets contained soil to a depth of 30 mm and a 100 mm length of 40 mm diameter PVC pipe. A 10 mm wide and 100 mm2 rubber mat was placed over the PVC pipe and the soil was saturated to provide shelter for trapped fauna. Pitfall trap arrays were cleared every morning and water was added to saturate the soil when necessary.

(note – cage traps were not used for these surveys).

Figure 4-4 Standardised fauna survey method site layout



Image 1: Pitfall and funnel trap layout

Image 2: Harp traps

Camera traps At each camera site, an infrared camera was securely attached to the trunk of a tree approximately 1 m above the ground. The camera was directed towards a bait cage pegged to the ground on an access track dissecting an intact vegetation community, considered to be an area likely to be frequented by fauna species. The bait cage contained rancid chicken necks and approximately two table spoons of macadamia oil poured onto the ground surrounding the bait cage.

Harp traps Two harp traps were erected side-by-side to establish one harp trapping survey site at locations considered to be restricted flyways, such as vehicle access tracks within well vegetated areas and across the width of a dry creek bed. Harp traps are shown in Image 2.

Walk-through surveys Walk-through surveys recording incidental observations of fauna species were conducted at five additional sites (shown as observation sites in Figure 4-3). Surveys included habitat searches and records of incidental fauna observations.

Active diurnal searches Diurnal surveys for cryptic and active fauna were undertaken by searching potential micro-habitats associated with woodland vegetation communities, including stripping loose decorticating bark on trees and logs, raking through woody debris and leaf litter, turning logs and rocks and inspecting termite mounds.

Passive-acoustic monitoring (Anabat) To establish a bat species inventory an Anabat electronic bat detector was used to automatically monitor and record bat calls. Ultrasonic bat recording using Anabat was undertaken from dusk until dawn at five survey sites during night time spotlighting and checking of traps.

It was also used at the harp trap locations. Such devices recorded frequencies in the ultrasonic spectrum to enable the identification of bat species.



Echolocation calls were recorded in a zero-crossing format by an Anabat detector (Titley Scientific). A filtered / selected subset of this data was provided by Amec Foster Wheeler for call analysis by an Anabat expert. For post-recording analysis, the calls were displayed as zero-crossing analysis (ZCA) frequency / time graphs and analysed manually using AnalookW (Version 3.7; Corben 2008).

A filter was applied to the data to remove ultrasonic noise from the calls; however this filter was removed on difficult-to-identify calls. Only calls with a minimum of four clear pulses were identified to species/genus. Call characteristics such as slope, duration, characteristic frequency, alternation, frequency of the knee and shape were used for the analysis. Species identifications were matched against a local reference call library (Nocturnal Ecology). Whilst most calls could be identified to species, others could only be identified to species complexes.

Bird surveys Bird surveys were carried out at each site, with a combined total of 120 person minutes of observations being undertaken at each of the trap sites and observation sites (illustrated in Figure 4-3). Birds were identified by direct observation and call recognition and recorded using the Mckinnon’s list method in the dry season survey. Bird surveys were conducted at dawn and late afternoon at the trap sites, and between 10 am and 2 pm at the observation sites. Bird observations were also gathered opportunistically while carrying out other activities and moving through the survey area.

Spotlighting Spotlighting was undertaken over two consecutive nights for approximately 60 person minutes at each site in BH6. Spotlighting commenced after sunset when it was completely dark with ecologists on foot during the late dry season traversing access tracks of the survey area, and in vehicle (for safety reasons) during the early wet season surveys. Animals were identified and recorded. Where necessary, animals were captured for identification and released immediately after. All specimens captured were identified and released adjacent to the respective site.

Survey limitations Due to the large size of the Project area, travel distances between the survey sites and survey locations back to base camp, the survey method required that trapping sites were completed in two separate blocks (BH1 and BH6) over six days to ensure compliance with animal ethics requirements. Each trap site was surveyed for three consecutive nights.

The survey timing and conditions were suitable for the detection of a wide variety of vertebrates. November coincides with the return of summer Mi bird species, such as cuckoos and wetland / wader species, and the warm temperatures encourage reptile activity. In particular, the low volume of rainfall recorded during the late dry season survey led to ideal spotlighting conditions with high humidity and warm temperatures. A number of species (particularly amphibians) would not have otherwise been identified during this work. However, the lack of rainfall in the weeks and months preceding the survey led to generally dry conditions and desiccating ground cover, with little green growth or surface water present. As such, overall amphibian and small mammal (particularly rodent) activity was less pronounced.

These conditions were not unusual for late dry season surveys in tropical Queensland woodlands. However, this was supplemented in the early wet season survey when numerous amphibians and small rodents were recorded.



Strong, hot, and humid east to east-south-east winds between 20 and 30 km/hr were observed during the late dry season surveys, along with a moderate downpour from a localised thunderstorm during the afternoon of 6 November; however, this was not considered a significant rainfall event. Hot and humid conditions were observed during both survey periods, with daily temperatures in excess of 35 °C.

During the late dry season surveys, of the two nights dedicated to spotlighting, the first night (6 November) took place during a light shower with dense cloud cover. The second night (8 November) was conducted the night prior to a full moon with very limited cloud cover increasing visibility and potentially limiting the number of animals detected. The early wet season surveys also coincided with the full moon. In the wet season no spotlighting was conducted in BH1 due to safety concerns associated with working at night a large distance from the camp.

4.7 Flora and Fauna Species Assessments

General The likelihood of occurrence of individual species was determined based on a review of previous records, known habitat preferences and an assessment of habitat availability and the presence of microhabitat features within the Project area. This included known RE associations for each species, known records and distribution ranges. With the exception of bat species (see following sub-section), species were assigned to one of the following four categories:

Known to occur: includes species previously or currently recorded in the Project area or directly adjacent in the Skardon River Project area

Likely to occur: includes species previously recorded in proximity to the Project area and suitable habitat features are available in the Project area which support the species

May occur: includes species where suitable habitats are present in the Project area, where the known distribution of the species overlaps the Project area, but there are no known records in proximity to the Project area; and

Unlikely to occur: includes species for which the Project area offers limited or no potential habitat, is outside their known range and/or is without broader habitat requirements, and there are no known records in proximity to the Project area.

Impacts on potential habitat for flora and fauna species were assessed based on RE associations for individual species derived from known habitat associations and published literature. RE associations provide an indication of the presence of suitable habitat but do not account for the actual distribution of suitable microhabitat (e.g. logs, leaf litter) or niche habitat (e.g. suitable nesting sites) within each RE. The RE associations are therefore likely to represent an overestimate of actual habitat availability for most species.

Bat call analysis Prior to the use of the Anabats, three categories were used to predict the bat fauna on the Project site, namely:

Likely: indicates the species is common in this region and is likely to occur on the site

Possible: indicates the species occurs in this region, however the species:



■ May not be common; and

■ May have specific / limited habitat associations which are rare in the survey region. It is possible the species occurs on the site.

Unlikely: indicates the species:

■ Has a distribution bordering on (but not including) western Cape York

■ Is uncommon; and

■ Has known specific/limited habitat associations which are rare in the survey region. It is unlikely that the species occurs on the site; however it is possible.

Variability in the calls produced from a single species means that there are a number of species present in Cape York Peninsula that have overlapping calls. Whether calls can be identified to a specific species depends on the quality of the call pass. If the quality of the call pass is poor, bat fauna may be identified to a species complex. The likelihood of a species complex being attributed to one species or another will depend on the call quality, number of clear pulses, and the call files immediately before / after. For example, a call pass may be identified as hoary wattled bat (Chalinolobus nigrogriseus) and northern broad-nosed bat (Scotorepens sanborni) complex; however, if the call immediately preceding this (within a second or two) was clearly a C. nigrogriseus, then the species is more likely to be C. nigrogriseus. Species complexes commonly identified in Cape York Peninsula include:

Hoary wattled bat (C. nigrogriseus) and northern broad-nosed bat (Scotorepens sanborni)

Hoary wattled bat (C. nigrogriseus) and eastern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)

Saccolaimus spp., includes Papuan sheath-tailed bat (Saccolaimus mixtus) and bare-rumped sheath-tailed bat (Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus)

Saccolaimus spp. and northern freetail bat (Mormopterus lumsdenae)

Saccolaimus spp. and coastal sheath-tailed bat (Taphozous australis)

Nyctophilus spp., includes eastern long-eared bat (Nyctophilus bifax) and lesser long-eared bat (N. geoffroyi)

Nyctophilus spp. and southern myotis (Myotis macropus); and

Nyctophilus spp. and M. schreibersii oceanensis.

Following the call analysis, bat species were assigned one of the following four categories:

Present: there are numerous call passes with clear call pulses which can be confidently identified to the species. This means that the species was present on the survey site

Likely: there are several call passes which may be attributed to this species, however they have been identified as a species complex. It is possible that these calls may have been produced by another species. It is likely that the species is present on the survey site

Possible: there are one or more call passes which may be attributed to this species, however they have been identified as a species complex. It is possible that the species is present on the survey site, however further acoustic detection is recommended to determine presence; and



Not Detected: there were no call passes which were attributed to this species. This species was not detected in the call data; however this does not mean the species is absent from the survey site.



5. Description of the Project Area 5.1 Location and climatic conditions

The Project is located on Province 7 (Weipa Plateau) of the Cape York Peninsula Bioregion and occupies part of the Skardon River catchment draining westward into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The region typically has a hot climate where the majority of rainfall occurs during a pronounced wet season between November and April (Godwin, 1985; Specht et al., 1977). Mean annual rainfall for the nearest Bureau of Meteorology station at Weipa Airport is 2,071.8 mm (BoM, 2014).

5.2 Land tenure

Land tenure is largely mining / mineral leases and indigenous held land (Deed of Grant in Trust). Traditional owners are represented in communities throughout Cape York Peninsula and Queensland, with high local representation in Mapoon, Napranum and Weipa, and at New Mapoon in the Bamaga area. Mining and cattle grazing are the predominant post-European settlement land uses in the immediate vicinity of the Project. The Bauxite Hills tenements lie within the Aboriginal Freehold Land (Lot 11 on SP204113 and Lot 13 on SP204113) held by the Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation (OMAC).

5.3 Land zones and landform

The distribution of land zone subdivisions within the study area includes:

Land zone 1: quaternary estuarine deposits and tidal beaches. Found in all areas subject to tidal influence, and particularly extensive fringing the Skardon River. This land zone is attenuated inland along tidal creeks and forms some extensive flats on areas of infrequent tidal inundation. Characteristic semi-saline muds are strongly sulphidic in places and highlight the potential for acidity problems to develop during any land disturbance.

Land zone 3: quaternary alluvial deposits. Alluvial landforms are restricted to swampy drainage depressions including those associated with sinkholes, and alluvial sand sheets associated with broad drainage depressions. Swamp habitats are often subject to seasonal inundation and are considered palustrine wetlands.

Land zone 5: remnant tertiary surfaces. Tertiary surfaces cover the aluminous laterite deposits of the Weipa Plateau, and extend eastwards across the erosional surface of the Merluna Plain. Land Zone 5 covers all landforms demonstrating a deeply weathered profile including exposed clay soils on the eroded margins of the Weipa Plateau.

The Project area has a limited diversity of geological features; as such the array of habitat types is limited. The current mine footprints (BH1 and BH6) occur across one predominant RE (3.5.2) and are elevated compared to the surrounding terrain. Areas in the north and west of BH1, and far north, west and east of BH6, slope down towards tributaries of the Skardon River catchment.



5.4 Drainage, waterways and wetlands

The Project area is located in the Skardon River catchment, or drainage sub-basin, which covers approximately 439 km2. While the Skardon River is perennial, many associated watercourses within the Project area are ephemeral and flow only after sustained or intense rainfall.

Stream flows are highly variable, with significant flows typically occurring during the wetter months (December to April), with low to no flow common for the rest of the year. The Skardon River catchment is part of the broader Skardon River-Cotterell River wetland aggregation, listed under the Directory of Important Wetlands (DIWA). It covers a total area of approximately 632 km2, of which approximately 211 km2 (approximately 33 %) comprise DIWA nationally important wetlands. These include approximately 115 km2 of estuarine, 95 km2 of palustrine, and 2 km2 of riverine wetlands. In total 309 lacustrine / palustrine wetlands have been mapped throughout the aggregation; however, as the majority of the aggregation occurs north of the Skardon River (and hence north of the Project), so do the majority of DIWA wetlands.

Wetlands associated with the Skardon River-Cotterell River aggregation do occur within the Project area and Minig Lease Areas (MLAs), and overlap some of the infrastructure footprint; however, they do not overlap the mining footprints of BH1 and BH6 (Figure 5-1). In the west of ML 20689 (within which is the BH6 mining footprint), there are several palustrine wetlands, coastal and sub-coastal floodplains. In the east of ML 20688 (within which is the BH6 mining footprint) there are estuarine wetlands associated with the Skardon River. A drainage channel of the Skardon River and estuarine wetland system occurs in the west of ML 20676 (within which is the BH1 mining footprint). While estuarine and palustrine wetlands also occur in the north and south of ML 20676.

Big Footprint Swamp is a palustrine wetland and is largely an isolated melaleuca swamp. The swamp is dependent on rainfall, runoff and groundwater recharge. In the dry season it is limited to a remnant, shallow pool and in some years it may dry up completely. Big Footprint Swamp is recognised as a wetland of High Ecological Significance (HES). The estuarine wetlands to the east of BH6 are also mapped as HES. HES and General Ecological Significance (GES) wetlands in proximity to the Project are illustrated in Figure 5-2.

5.5 Habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors

Habitat connectivity within the Project area is linked to riparian corridors associated with the Skardon River and contiguous areas of terrestrial vegetation across the Project tenements. The Skardon River-Cotterell River wetland aggregation to the north of the Project area is listed under the DIWA and a riparian corridor of regional significance under the Cape York Biodiversity Planning Assessment (EHP, 2012). Contiguous tracts of woodland vegetation both within the Project area and to the south of the Project area have links to the Port Musgrave wetland aggregation. The Port Musgrave wetland aggregation is also listed under the DIWA, comprises the Ducie and Wenlock Rivers and Namaleta Creek, and is both a regional and state significant riparian corridor (Attachment 6).

The Project is located in a highly vegetated bioregion where fragmentation of habitats are not a threat. Fauna and flora species have significant tracts of habitats available to disperse through and a number of species such as bats are highly mobile so will move through the landscape based on seasonality and availability of foraging resources. The riparian corridors are being retained to allow



for wildlife movement through the Project area. The more significant threats come from a reduction in the condition of habitats through pest animals / plants and inappropriate fire regimes.

5.6 Other values

Areas classed as having national, state, regional or local biodiversity significance are ESAs. Areas recognised as being sensitive in respect to flora and fauna were identified based on spatial data, desktop searches and observations made during the field surveys, as summarised in Table 5-1. Maps of the Project area resulting from database search records of ESAs are provided in Attachment 7.

Table 5-1 Areas of high ecological significance that occur within the Project area Significant Biodiversity Values

Description of Value in Project Area Further Information

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

No Category A ESAs occur in the Project area. Category B ESAs occur in ML20688 and ML20676, comprising areas of marine plant communities. For Category C ESAs (not yet defined within a Project EA), refer to the discussion on of concern REs.

Section 7, Section 10 and Attachment 7

Protected area estates No protected area estates are located in the Project area or adjacent.

N/A

Threatened Ecological Communities

No TECs occur in the Project area. Section 7 and Attachment 7

Endangered and of concern REs

No endangered REs occur in the Project area. Two of concern REs have been ground-truthed in the Project area and are illustrated in Figure 7-1.

Section 7.3

REs of ‘low’ or ‘medium’ representation in protected areas

A large number of REs ground-truthed in the Project area are of ‘low’ representation in protected areas in the bioregion. Least concern RE3.5.2 which has the highest abundance in Cape York is of ‘low’ representation in protected areas. REs that occur in Project area with ‘low’ representation include; 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.6, 3.3.14, 3.3.22, 3.3.32, 3.3.42, 3.3.49, 3.3.65, 3.5.2 and 3.5.22. REs ground-truthed within the Project area are discussed in Section 7.3

Section 7.3

DEHP mapped essential habitat areas

The Project area does not contain any DEHP mapped essential habitat.

N/A

Habitat for threatened flora and fauna

Areas providing potential habitat for threatened or near threatened flora and fauna species in the Project area aredescribed. These areas have been discussed in the relevant sections of this report.

Threatened Flora Section 7

Threatened Fauna Section 8

Drainage features and riparian vegetation

The Skardon River and its tributaries occur in proximity to the Project area. Riparian vegetation occurs along these drainage features and are predominantly estuarine dominated by mangroves until higher in the catchment where there are some mapped melaleuca riparian communities. These areas can provide important

Section 5.4



Significant Biodiversity Values

Description of Value in Project Area Further Information

habitat for a range of species and facilitate fauna movement across a landscape.

Wetlands No Ramsar Wetlands occur within, or immediately downstream of the Project area. Some wetlands listed in the DIWA occur within the Project area. Wetlands (estuarine, palustrine, lacustrine and riverine) are mapped within and adjacent to the Project area which were confirmed during surveys. Big Footprint Swamp a mapped wetland of HES, was confirmed as providing habitat for a range of wetland birds including those listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. There are two HES wetlands identified in proximity to the Project. Big Footprint Swamp to the west of BH6 west and wetlands associated with the Skardon River to the east of BH6 west and east. The HES wetlands are illustrated in Figure 5-2.

Wetlands Section 5.4

Migratory (Mi) Species

Section 8.5

Connectivity to wildlife corridors

The BPA expert panel report identifies riparian corridors of regional significance associated with the Skardon River to the north of the Project area. A large area of contiguous vegetation is located to the south of the Project area with connectivity to the state and regionally significant riparian corridors associated with the Port Musgrave wetland aggregation.

Section 5.5



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LEGENDFigure 5-1 Drainage,

Waterways and Wetlands inVicinity of the Project Area



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WatercoursesDirectory of Important WetlandsProject Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure Area

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LEGENDFigure 5-1

Wetlands of High andGeneral Ecological

SignificanceWORK REQUEST NUMBER: 652200DATA SOURCES:Ordered Drainage 100K - Queensland © State of Queensland 2010Physical Road Network © State of Queensland 2010Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2015 DeLormeSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,


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Waterway Barrier WorksStreams Category 1 - LowStreams Category 2 - ModerateStreams Category 3 - HighEstuary Areas Category 5 - MajorWetland Managment Areas (HES)

Wetland Managment Areas (GES)Project Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure AreaHaul RoadCamp Site

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6. Desktop Results Relevant databases were consulted prior to undertaking field work to develop a list of REs, threatened flora and fauna species, or habitat for which may occur within the Project area. The databases consulted are outlined in Section 4.2. A summary of database results is provided below, with the full transcript in Attachment 1.

6.1 Regional ecosystem mapping

16 current DEHP certified mapped REs occur in the Project area. These are listed in Table 6-1 and are shown in Figure 4-2.

Table 6-1 Current certified mapped REs of the Project area (source: DEHP) RE Description EPBC

Status VMA Status

Biodiversity Status

3.1.1a Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves

- LC NoC

3.1.3 Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal areas

- LC NoC

3.1.6 Sparse herbland or bare saltpans. Associated with salt plains and saline flats

- LC NoC

3.3.9 Lophostemon suaveolens open forest. Occurs on streamlines, swamps and alluvial terraces

- LC NoC

3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest. Associated with scattered coastal swamps

- OC OC

3.3.14a Melaleuca saligna ± M. viridiflora, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on drainage swamps

- LC NoC

3.3.22a Corymbia clarksoniana or C. novoguineensis woodland on alluvial plains

- LC NoC

3.3.49b Melaleuca viridiflora low open woodland on low plains - LC NoC

3.3.60a Themeda arguens, Dichanthium sericeum closed tussock grassland on Ma plains

- LC NoC

3.3.64 Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum open sedgeland in drainage swamps in dunefields

- LC NoC

3.5.2 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants

- LC NoC

3.5.10 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila woodland on sandy gently undulating rises and low hills

- LC NoC

3.5.11 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila woodland on lower slopes of plains and rises

- LC NoC

3.5.14 Melaleuca viridiflora ± Acacia spp. ± Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa low woodland on scattered coastal sand plains

- LC NoC

3.5.22c Corymbia clarksoniana & Erythrophleum chlorostachys & Corymbia spp. & Eucalyptus spp. woodland on plains

- LC NoC

3.7.3 Eucalyptus cullenii ± E. tetrodonta woodland on erosional escarpments and plains

- LC NoC

LC = least concern, NoC = no concern at present; OC = of concern



6.2 Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters

A search of the Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool was undertaken on 30 October 2014 to establish a working list of native or threatened species1 known to, or likely to occur, within 25 km of the approximate centre of the Project area. For the purposes of report currency, this search was replicated in February 2016 and is provided in Attachment 1. Results are summarised in Table 6-2. The results from the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search for the Skardon River Project have also been incorporated into Table 6-2 and considered as part of the environmental impact assessment for the Bauxite Hills Project.

Aquatic species are not included in this Terrestrial Ecology Assessment; these are assessed in the Bauxite Hills Mine Project Aquatic Ecology Assessment (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016a). Marine species are also addressed in a marine assessment report prepared by PaCE.

6.3 Queensland Wildlife Online database

A search of the Queensland Government Wildlife Online database was undertaken on 30 October 2014 to establish a working list of native or threatened species known to occur, or likely to occur within 25 km of the approximate centre of the Project area. For the purposes of report currency, this search was replicated in February 2016 and is provided in Attachment 1. The wildlife online database includes EVNT species known to occur, or potentially occurring within an area under the NC Act. The results of this search were combined with the results of the Wildlife Online search undertaken for the Skardon River Bauxite Project in 2015. Results are summarised in Table 6-2.

6.4 Back on Track regionally significant species

The Back on Track (BoT) species prioritisation framework lists species of critical or high ‘conservation status’, within a particular area. This ‘conservation status’ is based on the occurrence, significance and threats to individual species on a regional scale. Those MNES and EVNT species identified from the database searches described above were also checked for their importance within the BoT report for the Cape York Peninsula Natural Resource Management region.

6.5 Summary of species database searches

The results of all relevant database searches regarding listed flora and fauna species that have potential to occur in the Project area are provided in Table 6-2.

Table 6-2 Listed threatened species potentially occurring within Project area Species Database Search Results

Scientific name Common name EPBC NC Act BoT

Fauna

Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper Mi, Ma SLC -

Anseranas semipalmata magpie goose Ma - -

Apus pacificus fork-tailed swift Mi, Ma SLC -

Ardea ibis cattle egret Mi, Ma SLC -

Ardea modesta eastern great egret Mi, Ma SLC -

Calidris tenuirostris great knot Mi, Ma SLC -

Cecropis daurica red-rumped swallow Mi, Ma SLC -

1 Threatened species are: (i) MNES as defined by the EPBC Act; and (ii) EVNT species as defined by the NC Act.



Species Database Search Results

Scientific name Common name EPBC NC Act BoT

Crocodylus porosus estuarine crocodile Mi, Ma V -

Cuculus optatus oriental cuckoo Mi, Ma SLC -

Dasyurus hallucatus northern quoll E - High

Egretta sacra eastern reef egret Mi, Ma SLC -

Erythrotriorchis radiatus red goshawk V E High

Esacus magnirostris beach stone-curlew Ma V High

Fregata ariel lesser frigatebird Mi, Ma SLC -

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's snipe Mi, Ma SLC -

Haliaeetus leucogaster white-bellied sea-eagle Ma - -

Hirundo rustica barn swallow Mi, Ma SLC -

Hydroprogne caspia Caspian tern Mi, Ma SLC -

Limosa lapponica bar-tailed godwit Mi, Ma SLC -

Macroderma gigas ghost bat - V Critical

Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater Mi, Ma SLC -

Mesembriomys gouldii rattoides* black-footed tree rat (north Qld) V - -

Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch Mi, Ma SLC -

Monarcha trivirgatus spectacled monarch Mi, Ma SLC -

Myiagra cyanoleuca satin flycatcher Mi, Ma SLC -

Numenius madagascariensis eastern curlew CE, Mi, Ma

V -

Numenius phaeopus whimbrel Mi, Ma SLC -

Pandion cristatus eastern osprey Mi, Ma SLC -

Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi* palm cockatoo (Australian) V NT -

Psephotus chrysopterygius golden-shouldered parrot E E Critical

Pteropus conspicillatus spectacled flying-fox V - High

Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail Mi, Ma SLC -

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus

bare-rumped sheathtail bat CE E Critical

Sminthopsis archeri chestnut dunnart - NT -

Sterna albifrons little tern Mi, Ma SLC High

Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck Ma - -

Taphozorus australis coastal sheathtail bat - NT High

Thalasseus bengalensis lesser crested tern Ma SLC -

Tringa nebularia common greenshank Mi, Ma SLC -

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli masked owl (northern subsp) V V -

Xeromys myoides false water rat V V -

Flora

Cajanus mareebensis - E E High

Calophyllum bicolor - V V -

Cepobaculum carronii an orchid V V -

Dendrobium bigibbum^ Cooktown orchid V V Critical

Dendrobium johannis chocolate tea tree orchid V V -

Lepturus geminatus - - NT -

Paspalum multinodum - - V - Key: EPBC Act CE = Critically endangered; E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; Mi = Migratory; Ma = Marine (also relates to birds that may spend part of their time in a marine environment)



NC Act E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; NT = Near-threatened; SLC Special least concern Back-on-track C = Critical; H = High.

*The black-footed tree-rat (north Qld) was listed as Endangered under EPBC Act on 26 June 2015 post field surveys for Bauxite Hills being completed. The palm cockatoo (Australian) was listed as Vulnerable under EPBC Act on 31 October 2015 post field surveys for Bauxite Hills being completed.

^ This species may also be referred to as Vappodes bigibba, V. lithocola or V. phalaenopsis. A number of hybrids also occur. All references in this report are to D. bigibbum.



7. Terrestrial Flora Values Since the publication of original reports for the Project, the status of several species previously listed on either Commonwealth or State databases has been reviewed. For example, the Australian arenga palm was delisted under the EPBC Act in 2013 based on the findings of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. This species was recorded in previous surveys in the region by Worley Parsons (2011) and RPS (2012). Therefore findings in this report have been updated based on latest conservation status of species from February 2016.

A key finding pertaining to flora is that during dry season vegetation surveys in November 2014 a number of Dendrobium orchid species were identified in melaleuca and mangrove fringing communities. These records are outside any proposed disturbance for the Project (as illustrated in Figure 7-1). All Dendrobium specimens were infertile at the time of survey therefore future identification will need to be confirmed during flowering. Based on the habit and form of the individuals encountered it is more likely these species were the common Dendrobium trilamellatum. Recent taxonomic review of Orchidaceae by the Queensland Herbarium has resulted in the revision of some Dendrobium species. This review has recently split Dendrobium johannis into two separate species being D. johannis and D. trilamellatum2. D. johannis has retained its vulnerable status under the EPBC Act and NC Act, while D. trilamellatum is not listed under the EPBC Act or the NC Act.

Full species data records for the 2014/2015 surveys undertaken for the Project are presented in Attachment 2. The flora species list also includes those species recorded during flora surveys for the Skardon River Project. Vegetation site data is presented in Attachment 3, and survey photographs are presented in Attachment 4.

7.1 Environmental context

The vegetation of the Project area is a complex mosaic of open forest, woodland, and extensive swamplands, gallery forests on perennial streams and rivers, closed forest and mangroves. The lateritic surface (i.e. laterites are soil types rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas) of the Weipa Plateau is characterised by Eucalypt and Corymbia woodlands. Deep aluminous laterites of the Weipa area support the best development of Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark), Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island bloodwood) and Erythrophloeum chlorostachys (Cooktown ironwood) dominant tall woodland and open forest on Cape York Peninsula. Areas of shallow silty soils with impeded drainage characteristics are scattered across the lateritic surface, supporting low woodland communities with dominant Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Melaleuca species.

Shallow drainage depressions provide a seasonal wetland habitat and are dominated by woodlands and open forests with characteristic Melaleuca, Lophostemon, Xanthostemon and Asteromyrtus species. These swamp forests display a complex variety of vegetation communities on their margins, compositionally zoned in response to local variations in the persistence of water through the dry season.

The coastal environment of the Mapoon Plain adjoins the study area to the west.

2 Both species were historically full species in their own right; however, subsequent revisions carried out by the Queensland Herbarium merged them into one species and referred to this species as D. johannis due to similarities in the morphology (this taxonomic review retained the species Vulnerable status under the EPBC and NC Acts). This has been again subsequently reversed to establish both species as full species in their own right.



The plain features an extensive system of coastal sand dunes and a complex of grasslands and herblands, Casuarina dominated woodlands and shrublands, vine thickets, Melaleuca open forests and woodlands and Corymbia woodlands. Poorly drained swales provide seasonal wetland habitats dominated by Melaleuca species, and mangrove communities occur along estuarine areas associated with the Skardon River and Nameleta Creeks.

7.2 EPBC Act values – TECs

An online search of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, relevant databases, and field surveys did not locate the presence of TECs within or adjacent to the Project area (Attachment 1 and Attachment 7).

7.3 Regional ecosystems

Current DEHP certified RE mapping (Version 8.0) for the Project area is presented in Figure 4-2. DEHP certified RE mapping was verified in the field to confirm the extent and description of vegetation communities in the Project area. 13 REs were recorded in the Project area during the surveys, and are presented in the ground-verified RE mapping (Figure 7-1) and summarised in Table 7-2. These REs were used as the basis for the assessment of terrestrial flora values of the Project area and environmental impacts that may occur.

8 of the 16 DEHP certified REs mapped for the Project area were confirmed during the field survey. Five REs not previously mapped for the Project area were also recorded and are included in the ground-verified RE mapping (Figure 7-1). These new REs are:

RE 3.1.3 - Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal areas

RE 3.3.12 - Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest. Associated with scattered coastal swamps

RE 3.3.22 - Corymbia clarksoniana or C. novoguineensis woodland on alluvial plains

RE 3.3.32 - Melaleuca viridiflora +/- M. saligna woodland in sinkholes and drainage depressions

RE 3.3.42 - Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora +/- emergent Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood)

RE 3.3.51 - Melaleuca acacioides +/- Hakea pedunculata tall shrubland on marine plains; and

RE 3.3.65 - Ephemeral lakes and lagoons on alluvial plains and depressions.

The field surveys confirmed that the predominant vegetation of the bauxite plateau surfaces comprised LC RE 3.5.2 with characteristic tall grassy woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark) and Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island bloodwood) with Erythrophleum chlorostachys (Cooktown ironwood). Woodlands of C. novoguineensis (tropical bloodwood) and Parinari nonda (nonda) typically occurred on plateau margins.

Broad swampy drainage systems occuppied the western parts of ML20689, and the margins of the estuaries within ML20676 feature seasonal wetlands and forested swamps consistent with REs 3.3.12, 3.3.14, 3.3.22, and 3.3.42. Vegetation of these areas included woodlands and low open forests of a number of paperbark species (Melaleuca viridiflora, M. saligna, M. quinquenervia, M. leucadendra) in association with Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp box) and C. novoguineensis.



Limited areas of sedgeland and grassland occurred on the margins of swamps which hold water to the end of the dry season (RE 3.3.65). Estuarine sediments associated with the Skardon River system occuppied the peripheries of the leases. These supported mangrove shrublands and forests (RE 3.1.1 and 3.1.3) as well as extensive salt pans (RE 3.3.6) with fringing grasslands of Sporobolus virginicus (saltwater couch). Mangrove habitats were generally adjoined by paperbark woodlands on narrow alluvial flats.

Two of concern REs were confirmed within the Project area. Of concern (OC) RE 3.3.12 was open forests of Melaleuca quinquenervia (coastal paperbark) and occurred in a narrow band running north to south on ML20676 and ML20689 (Figure 7-1). This RE may be impacted as a result of proposed haul road options. Tall shrubland of the of concern RE 3.3.51 comprising Melaleuca acacioides (saltwater paperbark) and Hakea pedunculata (hakea), occurred along the landward margins of mangrove shrublands and forests in ML20676, but was not located within the mining or infrastructure footprint. This RE is also highlighted in Figure 7-1.

7.3.1 Endangered REs

No endangered REs were identified within the Project area.

7.3.2 Of Concern REs

Of the 13 ground-verified REs recorded in the Project area, two are classified as of concern under the VM Act and BD status (Table 7-1). RE 3.3.51 does not overlap the mine or infrastructure footprints; however, RE 3.3.12 is likely to be impacted by the proposed southern haul road. The haul road will impact approximately 0.6 ha.

Table 7-1 Ground-verified of concern REs in the Project area RE Summary Description Local Description

3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest. Associated with scattered coastal swamps.

Woodland and open forest with Melaleuca quinquenervia. Associated with broad drainage depressions and margins of alluvial plains. Confirmed within Big Footprint Swamp.

3.3.51 Melaleuca acacioides +/- Hakea pedunculata tall shrubland on Ma plains

A restricted RE found on MLA 20676 where it manifests in linear communities fringing the outer margins of estuarine deposits and mangroves. Provides habitat for the orchid species which may include D. johannis.

7.3.3 No Concern at Present/Least Concern REs The ground-verified RE mapping recorded 11 LC or NoC at present REs occurring in the Project area, including:

RE 3.1.1 - Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves

RE 3.1.3 - Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal areas

RE 3.1.6 - Sparse herbland or bare saltpans. Associated with salt plains and saline flats

RE 3.3.14 - Melaleuca saligna ± M. viridiflora, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on drainage swamps

RE 3.3.22 - Corymbia clarksoniana or C. novoguineensis woodland on alluvial plains

RE 3.3.32 - Melaleuca viridiflora +/- M. saligna woodland in sinkholes and drainage depressions

RE 3.3.42 - Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora +/- emergent Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood)



RE 3.3.49 - Melaleuca viridiflora low open woodland on low plains

RE 3.3.65 - Ephemeral lakes and lagoons on alluvial plains and depressions

RE 3.5.2 - Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants; and

RE 3.5.22 - Corymbia clarksoniana & Erythrophleum chlorostachys & Corymbia spp. & Eucalyptus spp. woodland on plains.



Table 7-2 Summary of REs ground-truthed within the Project area Status

RE DEHP Description EPBC

VMA BD Status

Occurrence within Project area

3.1.1 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves

- LC NoC Mangrove vegetation is restricted to the saline estuarine muds and clays fringing the estuary of the Skardon River. Incorporated in this land type are well-developed open forests of the outer tidal margins dominated by Rhizophora stylosa in association with numerous species such as Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Avicennia marina, and woodland and shrubland formations characteristic of intertidal areas. Mangrove communities in the Weipa area represent the highest structural and floristic development of mangroves in Australia.

3.1.3 Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal areas

- LC NoC Mangrove vegetation is restricted to the saline estuarine muds and clays fringing the estuary of the Skardon River. Incorporated in this land type are well-developed shrublands and low closed forests of the outer tidal margins dominated by Ceriops tagal and with scattered Avicennia marina.

3.1.6 Sparse herbland or bare saltpans. Associated with salt plains and saline flats

- LC NoC Saline estuarine clay pans are associated with tidal areas of the Skardon River, being generally bare due to scalding associated with hyper saline conditions. Vegetation development is restricted to sparse herblands with a few salt tolerant species. Typical species recorded by Godwin (1985) are Arthrocnemum leiostachyum, A. halocnemoides var. pergranulatum and Xerochloa imberbis. Godwin (1985) recorded the vulnerable listed Dendrobium johannis in closed Melaleuca acacioides scrub in strips within seasonally flooded estuarine plains. This community may also be particularly sensitive to disturbance owing to the possibility of acid sulphate soils. This community is remote from the bauxite deposits and will not be directly impacted.

3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest. Associated with scattered coastal swamps

- OC OC Woodlands and open forests of Melaleuca quinquenervia occupy restricted areas within the large drainage swamp adjacent to BH6 and on the margins of mangroves in linear patterns often no more than several metres wide. They often occur in association with M. saligna and M. leucadendra. M. quinquenervia swamps are disjunctive within the north western peninsula



Status


VMA BD Status


and are impacted by wildfire events late in the dry season, and by the foraging of feral pigs. This RE is impacted by the proposed haul roads.

3.3.14 Melaleuca saligna ± M. viridiflora, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on drainage swamps

- LC NoC This RE comprises a woodland to tall shrubland occupying alluvial clay deposits on narrow alluvial flats and at the upper limits of saline influence. Where it adjoins mangrove vegetation there is a potential for D. johannis to occur.

3.3.22 Corymbia clarksoniana or C. novoguineensis woodland on alluvial plains

- LC NoC This RE occurs on alluvial flats often forming part of the transition between RE 3.5.2 of the bauxite plateau surface and Melaleuca woodlands. Corymbia novoguineensis is dominant and typically with a sub-canopy or shrub layer of M. viridiflora. It may also occur on the outer margins of drainage swamps.

3.3.32 Melaleuca viridiflora +/- M. saligna woodland in sinkholes and drainage depressions

- LC NoC Occurs in alluvial drainage swamps and depressions which may be inundated for several months. Forms seasonal wetlands with inundation to depths of 1 to 2 m for several months of the year. It comprises a medium to low open shrubland and woodland complex with Melaleuca viridiflora, Lophostemon suaveolens, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa and Calycopeplus casuarinoides, and favours poorly-drained margins of sinkholes and alluvial flats. The communities provide a low potential habitat for threatened Dendrobium species. During the late dry season, these habitats are heavily impacted by feral pigs and may be subject to high intensity wildfires.

3.3.42 Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora +/- emergent Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood)

- LC NoC Occurs on alluvial flats often forming part of the transition between 3.5.2 of the bauxite plateau surface and Melaleuca woodlands. Corymbia novoguineensis is an occasional emergent typically with a sub-canopy or shrub layer of M. viridiflora. It may also occur on the outer margins of drainage swamps.

3.3.49 Melaleuca viridiflora low open woodland on low plains

- LC NoC Woodlands of M. viridiflora occur on alluvial plains more extensively on ML20676.



Status


VMA BD Status


3.3.51 Melaleuca acacioides +/- Hakea pedunculata tall shrubland on Ma plains

- OC OC A restricted RE found on ML20676 where it manifests in linear communities fringing the outer margins of estuarine deposits and mangroves. Provides habitat for orchid species which may include D. johannis.

3.3.65 Ephemeral lakes and lagoons on alluvial plains and depressions

- LC NoC The lowest parts of the alluvial depressions within ML20689 provide surface water to the end of the dry season. Sedgelands of Eleocharis sp. and grasslands of Paspalum vaginatum are restricted habitats which are unique wetland habitats within the Project area and are heavily impacted by feral pigs and by feral cattle grazing.

3.5.2 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants

- LC NoC Tall woodland and open forests, generally dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark), Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island bloodwood) and Erythrophleum chlorostachys (Cooktown ironwood) are widespread on well-drained lateritic land surfaces on the Merluna Plain and the Weipa Plateau.

3.5.22c Corymbia clarksoniana & Erythrophleum chlorostachys & Corymbia spp. & Eucalyptus spp. woodland on plains

- LC NoC Occurs on the margins of the bauxite deposits of the plateau surface. Provides potential habitat for Heterachne baileyi, which has previously been collected in close proximity to the broader Project area (no longer listed as near threatened under the NC Act).



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Significant ItemsProject Mining Lease AreaMine Infrastructure - Current PitMine Infrastructure AreaHaul RoadCamp Site

Ground-truthed REOf ConcernLeast Concern - MarineLeast Concern - Eucalyptus WoodlandLeast Concern - Corymbia WoodlandLeast Concern - Melaleuca WoodlandLeast Concern - Ephemeral Lake and LagoonsWater

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3.1.3

3.3.32

3.3.423.1.1

3.1.6 3.3.51

3.5.23.1.6

3.3.51 3.3.513.1.6

3.5.2

3.3.22

3.3.513.3.22

3.1.63.1.1

3.5.2

3.3.51

3.3.223.1.6

3.1.6

3.1.63.1.3

3.1.6

3.3.22

!

Big FootprintSwamp

!

LunetteSwamp

1 Scar tree - stringy bark2 Sugar bag tree - old scar on dead ironwood approximately 20cm dbh3 Old ironwood stump 1.6m with obvious axe cut at top of stump4 Ironwood stump 1.6m axe cut5 Old scar tree6 Middle site on edge of gully in salt pan country of low tea tree

Description



7.4 Flora species

A total of 227 flora species were recorded in the Project area. Of these, 197 were recorded during late dry season surveys, and an additional 29 during early wet season surveys. 78 families were represented, dominated by Poaceae (29), Myrtaceae (25), Cyperaceae (17), Apocynaceae (8), and Proteaceae (8). A full species list for flora recorded in the Project area is provided in Attachment 2.

7.4.1 Threatened flora species Desktop assessments identified five MNES and a further two EVNT flora species as potentially occurring in the Project area (Table 6-2). No threatened flora species were confirmed during the 2014 dry and 2015 wet season surveys for Bauxite Hills. Nor were any threatened flora species recorded during surveys for the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project (Greencap, 2015).

Orchid species were identified during surveys outside proposed clearing areas. The observed specimens were likely to be Dendrobium trilamellatum; however, this species shares similar habitat and has similar habit to the vulnerable flora species Dendrobium johannis. These orchids were found in riparian and wetland habitats outside of proposed impact areas; their locations are illustrated within Figure 7-1. No suitable flowering material was present at the time of survey and species level identification was not possible. It is recommended further surveys be undertaken during optimal flowering periods between March to July (DotE, 2015) to confirm their identification. However taking a conservative approach and assuming the orchids are D. johannis the Project will not result in any impacts to the orchids. They are located at least 365 metres from any disturbance in fringing riparian and wetland habitats.

Based on desktop assessments and results of flora surveys the likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora species occurring in the Project area is provided in Table 7-1. The assessment of likelihood of occurrence is based on the application of the likelihood of occurrence definitions presented in Section 4.7.

Table 7-1 Likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora in the Project area

Species Status Habit Preferred habitat

Likelihood of occurrence

EPBC Act

NC Act

Cajanus mareebensis

E E Perennial herb

Grassy woodlands appears to favour edge situations on quartzose sandy or gravelly surfaces (Greencap, 2015)

Unlikely to occur The species has not been recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects. There are no records in proximity to the Project. The nearest record is located approximately 225 km southeast of the site.

At Musgrave, C. mareebensis has been photographed and collected from the verges of the Peninsula Developmental Road, where the creeper appears to favour edge situations on quartzose sandy or gravelly surfaces (Greencap, 2015). There are some areas of similar habitat in the vicinity of the existing





EPBC Act

NC Act

haul road adjacent to the Bauxite Hills lease area.

Calophyllum bicolor

V V tree Vine forest generally associated with springs on edge of lateritic escarpments

Unlikely to occur Only found in evergreen rainforest associated with springs. No suitable habitat occurs within Project area.

No records in proximity to the Project. The nearest record is located approximately 60 km south of the site.

Cepobaculum carronii

V V Epiphytic orchid

Grows in humid areas of open forest and low-lying areas subject to periodic inundation. It often grows on the papery bark of Melaleuca viridiflora.

May occur. The species is only known from the eastern side of Cape York.

The Project site does contain suitable habitat of low-lying swamps of melaleuca that are periodically inundated.

Dendrobium bigibbum


Altitudes between 0–400 m above sea level (Jones, 2006; Queensland Herbarium, 2008). It grows on trees and rocks with moderate light intensity in a range of habitats including coastal scrub, streambank vegetation, monsoon thickets, and gullies in open forest and woodland where fire cannot penetrate (Nicholls, 1969; Lavarack &

May occur Species have not been recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills or Skardon River. Suitable habitat occurs in the Project area in association with Melaleuca swamps and fringing habitats adjacent to the Project area. There are records of the species near Aurukun. Cooktown orchid is relatively well represented in coastal dune country in Cape York Peninsula, and is also found in large numbers in the dune vegetation west and outside the Project area. The species is most probably in more mesic vegetation types on land zone 2 (sand) such as beach scrubs (Greencap, 2015). These habitats do not occur in the Project area.





EPBC Act

NC Act

Gray, 1985; Dockrill, 1992; Lavarack et al., 2000; Jones, 2006). It rapidly recolonises disturbed sites (Jones, 2006).

Dendrobium johannis


A common species of open, humid habitats and is often found on trees growing in or close to swamps and in pockets of monsoon forest (Queensland Herbarium 1997).

Likely to occur During recent surveys individual orchids of similar habit to this species were identified in fringing paperbark woodlands and mangrove margins. However all specimens were infertile at the time of survey. It is likely these orchids are Dendrobium trilamellatum which has recently been split from Dendrobium johannis. To confirm the species identification from flowering material in March-July (DotE, 2015) period is needed. Given the similarities in these species it is likely Dendrobium johannis occurs within wetland and fringing habitats within the broader Project area. All orchid species observed were located outside of proposed disturbance areas. Therefore no impacts to threatened orchid species are predicted.

Lepturus geminatus

- NT Grass Swamp forest May occur The species has not been recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills or the Skardon River Projects. The nearest record is located approximately 60 km southwest of the site. Project site contains suitable habitat associated with swamps including Big Footprint Swamp.

Paspalum multinodum

- V Grass The species has been identified on seasonally inundated, cracking clay plains with sedges and

May occur The species has not been recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills or the Skardon River Projects.

It is known from two collections from the Aurukun area of Cape York.





EPBC Act

NC Act

mangrove or near-coastal affiliated plants. (Greencap, 2015)

Areas of potential habitat are located outside of proposed disturbance areas for the mine. Except for some minor areas associated with MIA and haul roads.

7.4.2 Species of scientific significance No flora species of scientific significance were recorded in the Project area during the surveys.

7.4.3 Flora of bioregional significance BoT for Cape York identifies Dendrobium bigibbum (Cooktown orchid) of ‘critical’ importance. Threats are noted from loss and/or removal of individuals from collectors and loss of habitat by urban development. Urban development is a minor threat. The greatest impact is the species has been heavily collected illegally and this species is under threat in some areas. This species recolonises areas after collection. Local and outside community people go to Cape York specifically to collect orchids recreationally (DERM, 2010). This is the only regionally significant flora species that may occur on site. Impacts will be avoided for the orchid species as they have only been recorded in fringing melaleuca communities outside of proposed disturbance areas.

7.4.4 Special least concern flora species Horticultural species that are not considered sufficiently rare to be classified as threatened species are SLC restricted plants; however, these may be subject to harvest and trade to an extent that if unregulated they would pose a threat to the species. As such, to ensure that populations of these species do not become threatened, their removal is regulated under the NC Act. Flora species classified as SLC recorded during the surveys included:

Cheilanthes sp.

Crinum uniflorum (bush lily)

Drosera lanata

Drosera sp.

Utricularia sp.

Nymphoides exiliflora

Nymphaea violacea (blue lily)

Dendrobium canaliculatum (tea tree orchid)

Dendrobium trilamellatum (fragrant tea tree orchid)

Dendrobium smillieae (bottlebrush orchid)

Dendrobium califorme

Dipodium elegantulum (elegant hyacinth-orchid)

Dipodium stenochilum (tropical hyacinth-orchid); and

Stylidium sp. (trigger plant).



7.4.5 Culturally significant flora Culturally significant flora species are those used historically or presently by Indigenous people for food, medicine and materials. Species recorded within the Project area that may be considered culturally significant as a food resource (e.g., seeds, leaves and berries) for Indigenous people include, Acacia spp. (wattles), Capparis canescens (wild orange), and Brachychiton populneus (kurrajong). Flora species with medicinal properties that may be considered culturally significant and were recorded in the Project area include Acacia spp., Alphitonia excelsa (soap tree), Petalostigma pubescens (native quinine), Dianella spp. (flax lilies), Planchonia careya (cockatoo apple), and Brachychiton populneus (kurrajong). Several potentially culturally significant sites were recorded during the surveys, as detailed in Table 7-2 and illustrated in Figure 7-1.

Table 7-2 Trees of potential cultural significance Ref No.

Description

1 Scar tree - stringy bark

2 Sugar bag tree - old scar on dead ironwood approximately 20cm dbh.

3 Old ironwood stump 1.6m with obvious axe cut at top of stump

4 Ironwood stump 1.6m axe cut

5 Old scar tree

6 Midden site on edge of gully in salt pan country of low tea tree

7.4.6 Least concern flora species A total of 227 LC flora species were identified during the field surveys. A list of all species identified during the surveys is provided in Attachment 2. No systematic sampling of cleared lands was undertaken; records were attained by observations and miscellaneous collections made during walking traverses. Additional survey effort in these areas would undoubtedly increase the number of herbaceous groundcovers, graminoids and exotic species; however, it would be unlikely to be information that departs from that available from the Queensland Herbarium or Wildlife Online databases.

7.4.7 Introduced flora Surveys undertaken at the already disturbed sites of Skardon landing and the abandoned Skardon Kaolin project recorded robust populations of introduced flora including Hyptis suaveolens (mint weed) and Stylosanthes hamate (stylo). Surveys found no major weed issues in the undisturbed bushland or existing access roads and tracks; however, there remains potential that intact habitats could be degraded by exotic species spreading from the more developed areas of Weipa.

Several Class 2 declared species have been recorded in the broader region (Section 9).



8. Terrestrial Fauna Values The Project area contains a limited diversity of flora species and vegetation communities, and relatively uniform landform topography and substrate. The site is dominated by the Eucalyptus tetrodonta open woodlands which then transitions in lower lying areas to melaleuca forests, swamps and mangrove forests. During the surveys, 98 vertebrate species were recorded comprising 8 amphibian species, 18 reptile species, 64 bird species, and 8 mammal species (excluding bats).

Analysis of recorded bat calls revealed 2 species present, 15 species likely to be present, 4 species possibly present, and 6 species unlikely to be present within the broader Project area. A further 11 species are potentially present but were not detected in the call analysis (identified through desktop assessments). A full vertebrate fauna species list is presented in Attachment 2. The fauna species list also includes all species observed during the surveys for the Skardon River Project.

8.1 Fauna habitat

The majority of fauna trapping sites were in remnant LC RE 3.5.2, Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland occurring on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants (Figure 4-3). The structural and floristic description of this habitat is detailed in Section 7.1.

Fauna habitat features within the canopy and sub-canopy of RE 3.5.2 included numerous trees with hollows, loose and decorticating (e.g. falling off) bark, sparsely scattered food trees (e.g. flowering, fruiting etc.), shelter, perching opportunities and large cracks. The shrub layer was sparse providing limited coverage and habitat value.

During the late dry season surveys, ground layer habitat appeared to have been reduced by fires and contained sparsely scattered logs, including some with hollows, less than 10 % coverage of woody debris, approximately 53 % coverage of moderate leaf litter and termite mounds scattered sparsely at an approximate density of 4 per hectare.

During the early wet season surveys, the ground layer contained moderate to dense coverage of vegetation (65 %), sparsely scattered logs and logs with hollows, less than 10 % coverage of woody debris, approximately 30 % coverage of moderate leaf litter and termite mounds scattered sparsely at an approximate density of 4 per hectare.

Several drainage lines, waterways and wetlands are present within and in close proximity to the Project area (Section 5.4; Figure 5-1). These include Big Fooprint Swamp, which is a large alluvial swamp system comprising a broad drainage depression located outside the margin of MLA 20689, to the west of the BH6 mining footprint. This is a palustrine (forested) wetland which is inundated to 1 to 3 m depth during the wet season, and becomes ephemeral in the late dry season. The lowest depression of the wetland comprises a significant area of grassland and sedgeland of Paspalum vaginatum (freshwater couch) and Eleocharis spp. (water chestnut) surrounded by woodland and open forests dominated by Melaleuca spp. (paperbark) and Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp box). The grassland / sedgeland provides seasonal habitat to a range of water birds. Flocks of Anseranas semipalmata (magpie geese) are known to feed on water chestnut bulbs throughout the dry season, and species such as Grus rubicunda (brolga) and Jabiru mycteria (jabiru) are also likely to frequent this wetland. As with the majority of wetlands in the broader Project area, the swamp provides suitable habitat for Crocodylus porosus (saltwater / estuarine crocodile).



The outer margins of the wetland system are less regularly inundated and support excellent examples of open swamp forest habitat. Groundcover vegetation was sparse with occasional clumps of sedges (Cyperaceae) with dry season cover of a range of annual and perennial grasses and herbs. Leaf litter formed the predominant ground cover. Structural woody ground habitat was present throughout, although greater in denser patches of swamp box. Hollows were sparse to occasional within larger trees and decorticating barks were a feature of the dominant paperbarks and swamp box of the tree and shrub layers. These species also provide abundant nectar resources during flowering for bird and possibly bat species. The presence of water generally remains to the end of the dry season within the lowest part of the wetland (as shown in Image 3). Wetlands around the fringes of MLA 20676 were observed to have similar habitat characteristics.

Although wetlands provided important late season resources for native fauna, many in the broader Project area have been decimated by foraging of feral pigs and grazing of small herds of feral cattle. Observations made at Big Footprint Swamp indicated that the margins were impacted by recent late season fires. Large hollow bearing swamp box and paperbarks were particularly affected by fire incursion, therefore reducing hollow availability of old growth trees.

Image 3: Remnant pool in dry season

Image 4: Grassland in lowest depression of Big Footprint Swamp

8.2 Breeding places

Wetlands within and adjacent to the Project area, particularly those remaining inundated throughout the year, provide foraging and potential breeding habitat for wetland bird species. Tree hollows also represent important breeding habitat for a range of arboreal species including birds, possums and bat species. Hollows were most common within RE 3.5.2, and areas fringing wetlands and floodplains. Hollows were generally restricted to large mature trees within the landscape, thus hollows can be expected to occur within the areas of more mature remnant vegetation and would be expected to be reduced in areas that have recently been affected by fire. Fallen logs and leaf litter also provide breeding places for reptiles.



8.3 Terrestrial fauna assemblages

8.3.1 Birds One bird species Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and near threatened under the NC Act was recorded during the Bauxite Hills ecology surveys. The species EPBC listing was upgraded in October 2015, post when ecology surveys were completed. The palm cockatoos were recorded infrequently throughout the Project area; these records are illustrated in Figure 4-3. The palm cockatoo was also observed during Skardon River Project surveys in fringing woodland immediately to the north of Namaleta Creek and in Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland. The species has been recorded in low numbers from one individual up to three in a flock.

Image 5 : Palm cockatoo

Image 6: Flock of palm cockatoo flying over the Project site

No other bird species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act or NC Act were identified during the field surveys. Five species listed as Migratory/Marine and 15 listed as Marine were recorded, including:

Migratory/Marine (Mi/Ma):

■ Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper)

■ Adrea idris (cattle egret)

■ Adrea modesta (eastern great egret)

■ Numenius phaeopus (whimbrel)

■ Sternula albifrons (little tern).

Marine (Ma):

■ Ardea intermedia (intermediate egret)

■ Coracina papuensis (white-bellied cuckoo-shrike)

■ Coracina tenuirostris (cicadabird)

■ Dicrurus bracteatus (spangled drongo)

■ Ducula bicolor (pied imperial pigeon)

■ Tadorna radjah (Radjah shelduck)

■ Egretta garzetta (little egret)

■ Eurystomus orientalis (dollarbird)

■ Haliastur indus (brahminy kite)



■ Haliastur sphenurus (whistling kite)

■ Eudynamys orientalis (eastern koel)

■ Ninox novaeseelandiae (southern boobook)

■ Podargus papuensis (Papuan frogmouth)

■ Threskiornis molucca (Australian white ibis)

■ Todiramphus macleayii (forest kingfisher).

Both the cattle egrets and great egrets were recorded in low abundance on a semi-ephemeral swamp, in groups of six and two respectively. Ephemeral swamps of the survey area provide the most suitable habitat for these species, and it is anticipated that the eastern great egret may also frequent this area. The whimbrel is a migratory wader, typically associated with estuarine mudflat and sandbank habitats. On this occasion, the species was only recorded on the Skardon River. Two Radjah shelducks were recorded on a semi-permanent swamp located in the northwest of MLA 20688/20689 – Big Footprint Swamp. There was also a sighting of a little tern (Sternula albifrons) within the Project area. Migratory bird habitats are illustrated in Figure 8-1 and consist of wetlands mapped within the Skardon River-Cotterel River DIWA, or HES and GES wetlands that encompass estuarine mudflats, mangroves, Skardon River and tributaries as well as palustrine swamps

The beach stone curlew (Esacus giganteus) listed as vulnerable under the NC Act and a Marine species under EPBC Act has been confirmed during fauna surveys for the Skardon River Project. A single individual was recorded on the northern bank of the Skardon River approximately 1 km upstream from the mouth in September 2014 during targeted threatened species surveys (Greencap, 2015).

8.3.2 Mammals 8.3.2.1 Bats

Based on the desktop review, 15 listed bat species were likely to be present, 5 possibly present, and 6 unlikely to be present within the broader Project area (Table 8-1).

While the results of the desktop review provide an indication of species likely to be present due to previous records, information on bats recorded from the area was limited and therefore may not be a true representation of the bat fauna of the Project area. Fauna surveys conducted during the late dry and early wet seasons, increased the knowledge of bat species potentially present within the Project area. Surveys included active trapping for microbat species through the use of harp traps, as well as passive acoustic recording of call frequencies through Anabat and SM2 technologies. A large number of call passes were captured during survey efforts (totalling 3,079 passes) and sent to a third party expert (Julie Broken-Brow of Nocturnal Ecology) for analysis.

Call analysis identified a total of 345 call passes from the Anabat data set recorded during the late dry season surveys. Analysis of calls identified 2 species present (Chaerephon jobensis (northern freetail bat) and Chalinolobus nigrogriseus (hoary wattled bat)), 4 likely to be present, and 5 possible occurring species within the Project area. Only one of these species overlaps with the list identified through the desktop assessment. Call analysis identified a total of 2,835 call passes from the Anabat data set recorded during the early wet season surveys. Some of these contained multiple bat passes, while a few were unrecognisable calls (e.g., recording interference, overlapping calls).



Analysis of call passes identified 1 species present (Chalinolobus nigrogriseus (hoary wattled bat)), 7 likely to be present, and 7 possible within the Project area. Of these, 4 overlap with the list identified through the desktop assessment.

Bat species likely to be present based on the desktop review, and those detected from the call pass files are summarised in Table 8-1. During the course of surveys, no threatened microbat species were observed through trapping exercises.

Passive acoustic monitoring has identified the possible and likely presence of three different Saccolaimus species. This genus is difficult to determine to species level through passive acoustic analysis given the propensity for calls of individuals from multiple Saccolaimus species to overlap on one recording. Of these species, Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus (bare-rumped sheathtail bat) is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act and endangered under the NC Act.

This species was noted as ‘possibly’ occurring at one fauna survey site (TR05) through passive acoustic call analysis; however, two other common Saccolaimus species (S. flaviventris and S. mixtus) were considered likely to be present. S. mixtus was confirmed on the Skardon River Project site during wet season surveys in 2015. This being said, no species reference calls have been positively obtained for this species and these results are not considered conclusive for identification.

It is noted, no confirmed records of the bare-rumped sheathtail bat have been obtained from the Western Cape York Peninsular. Current knowledge of this species’ known range is poor with minimal records of this species which are restricted to the eastern coastal areas of the Cape York Peninsular between Bowen and Cooktown (DotE, 2015). Historic records also exist from the Alligator River in the Northern Territory (DotE, 2015). The bare-rumped sheathtail bat has been previously recorded in Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland (Murphy, 2002) similar to that supported on site. Although not known from the north-west of Cape York microbat experts suggest this species may potentially occur across the coastal areas across the north-west of Cape York, although Churchill (2008) does not have this species distribution over western Cape York.

Surveys undertaken in 2012 by RPS for proposed Gulf Alumina development did not detect this species. The subsequent reporting does suggest this species may be present within the region; however, it is more likely other Saccolaimus sp. such as S. mixtus or S. flaviventris are likely to be common across the site. As this species may occur within the region, mitigation measures should be implemented to avoid or minimise any potential impacts to the species.

8.3.2.2 Macropods The agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) was the only macropod recorded in the Project area during the Bauxite Hills surveys.

8.3.2.3 Terrestrial mammals Three terrestrial mammal species were recorded in the Project area during the surveys. They are: Canus lupus/dingo (dingo), Felis catus (feral cat), and Sus scrofa (feral pig). It is likely Canus lupus familiaris (wild dogs) are also present within the region.

It is likely these species are in some capacity impacting the densities of native fauna and flora species present within the Project area and broader region. Pigs are likely to have impacts to native fauna through competition for herbivorous resources, the spreading of weeds and also creating erosional and water quality issues, particularly within habitats such as Big Footprint Swamp and mangrove



habitats. Feral cats cause direct predation pressure on small native fauna within the region, and can respond in large numbers to fluctuations in prey abundance placing pressure on native faunal assemblages. Although considered a pest under the LP Act, the presence of dingo and wild dogs has been shown to reduce the levels of mesopredators (such as feral cats and foxes) and as such retaining these higher level predators within the systems can keep mesopredator populations in check.

8.3.2.4 Arboreal mammals Four arboreal mammals were recorded during the Bauxite Hills surveys, all during the late dry season surveys. These included, Petaurus breviceps (sugar glider), Pteropus Alecto (black flying-fox), Pteropus scapulatus (little red flying-fox), and Trichosurus vulpecula (common brushtail possum).



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Table 8-1 Bat species potentially occurring within the Project area Species Common name Status Desktop

assessment Call analysis Skardon River

EPBC NC Act IUCN Dry 2014 Wet 2015 Results Saccolaimus flaviventris yellow-bellied sheathtail bat * LC LC Likely Likely Likely Present Saccolaimus mixtus Papuan sheathtail bat# * LC DD Likely Likely Likely Present Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus bare-rumped sheathtail bat CE E LC Possible Possible Possible Not detected Taphozous australis coastal sheathtail bat * NT NT Unlikely Possible Possible Not detected Hipposideros ater dusky leaf-nosed bat * LC LC Likely Not detected Not detected Not detected Hipposideros cervinus fawn leaf-nosed bat * V LC Likely Not detected Not detected Not detected Hipposideros diadema diadem leaf-nosed bat * NT LC Possible Not detected Not detected Not detected Hipposideros semoni Semon’s leaf-nosed bat E E DD Likely Not detected Not detected Not detected Miniopterus australis little bentwing bat * LC LC Likely Not detected Not detected Present Miniopterus orianae oceanensis common bentwing bat * LC LC Unlikely Not detected Not detected Present Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis eastern bentwing bat * LC LC Likely Likely Possible Likely Chaerephon jobensis northern freetail bat * LC LC Likely Present Likely Present Macroderma gigas ghost bat * V V Possible Not detected Not detected Not detected Mormopterus lumsdenae^ northern (Beccari’s) freetail bat * LC LC Likely Possible Likely Present Mormopterus ridei eastern freetail bat * LC NA Likely Not detected Possible Not detected Rhinolophus megaphyllus eastern horseshoe bat * LC LC Possible Not detected Not detected Not detected Rhinolophus robertsi/philippinensis^^ greater large-eared horseshoe bat E E NA Unlikely Not detected Not detected Not detected Rhinolophus sp. intermediate horseshoe bat NA NA NA Unlikely Not detected Not detected Not detected Chalinolobus nigrogriseus hoary wattled bat * LC LC Likely Present Present Present Kerivoula papuensis golden-tipped bat * NT LC Unlikely Not detected Not detected Not detected Murina florium flute-nosed bat * V LC Unlikely Not detected Not detected Not detected Myotis macropus large-footed myotis * LC LC Likely Not detected Not detected Likely Nyctophilus spp. long eared bats - - - - Possible Likely Not detected Nyctophilus bifax eastern long eared bat * LC LC Likely Possible Possible Likely Nyctophilus geoffroyi lesser long eared bat * LC LC Unlikely Possible Possible Not detected Pipistrellus adamsi forest pipistrelle * LC LC Likely Not detected Likely Present Scotorepens sanborni northern broad-nosed bat * LC LC Likely Likely Likely Present Vespadelus troughtoni eastern cave bat * LC LC Possible Not detected Not detected Not detected

Note: DD = data deficient; NA = Not assessed; ^Mormopterus lumsdenae is recently described species which was previously classified as Mormopterus beccarii (Reardon et al. 2014);^^Rhinolophus

robertsi/philippinensis is often referred to as the Large-eared horseshoe bat (Larger form). Current literature has found this bat is unrelated to the global species of philippinensis, and was upgraded

to robertsi (Cooper et al. 1998). This Australian species has not had its conservation status reviewed by IUCN. Within Australia, the EPBC Act and Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation refer to

this species as Rhinolophus philippinensis; IUCN = Global Conservations Status.# Papuan sheathtail bat was recorded during Skardon River Project Surveys in all broad vegetation types surveyed.



8.3.3 Reptiles 18 different reptile species were recorded during the surveys; 17 were recorded during late dry season surveys, and 9 species (some previously recorded) during early wet season surveys. Of those recorded during the early wet season, only 1 species was not detected in the late dry season surveys - Varanus gouldii (sand goanna). No listed species or species of bioregional significance were recorded. A full list of reptiles recorded is provided in Attachment 2.

8.3.4 Amphibians A total of 8 amphibian species were recorded during the surveys; 4 during the late dry and 4 additional species during the early wet season. Only 1 species was recorded during both surveys, Rhinella marinus (cane toad). A full list of amphibians recorded is provided in Attachment 2.

8.4 Threatened fauna

One threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act (vulnerable) and NC Act (near threatened) was recorded from the Project area during fauna surveys for Bauxite Hills; the Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo). The locations of sightings within the Bauxite Hills Project area are illustrated within Figure 4-3. Skardon River surveys also confirmed the presence of this species.

Other threatened fauna species recorded by the Skardon River Project surveys were; Crocodylus porosus (estuarine crocodile), Esacus magnirostris (beach stone-curlew) and the Mesembriomys gouldii gouldii (black-footed tree-rat).

All of the above species are considered known to occur as part of this terrestrial ecology assessment. They have been recorded in the Bauxite Hills Project area and/or the Skardon River Project area, and suitable habitat for these species occurs within the Bauxite Hills Project area. The black-footed tree rat is acknowledged in reporting by RPS as being captured in a camera trap, however other sections of the report do not confirm the species was present on site. The estuarine crocodile was confirmed in waterways, dams, wetlands and the Skardon River around the site. Beach stone-curlew was recorded 1km upstream from the mouth of the Skaron River. Reporting by RPS does not specify where the black-footed tree rat was located. Confirmation of this species record and the location of the record is recommended.

One additional near threatened fauna species under NC Act has been assessed as ‘likely to occur’ within the Project area being chestnut dunnart. It is endemic to Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea and has been recorded within 25km of the Project, and the Project site contains suitable habitat for the species.

A full assessment of threatened fauna species and their likelihood of occurrence within the Project area are summarised in Table 8-2.

8.5 Migratory and marine fauna species

A total of 5 migratory bird species were recorded across the site (all were Migratory/Marine). Fifteen species recorded were Marine only. Most records were in proximity to fringing wetland areas. A further 6 species were recorded during the Skardon River Project surveys and are assessed as known to occur in the Project area due to the close proximity of projects and suitable habitats.



After periods of significant rain many areas would retain water. These areas would be expected to provide temporary wetland habitats for migratory species. Migratory species and their likelihood of occurrence within the Project area are summarised in Table 8-2 and habitats shown in Figure 8-1.

A separate assessment report is currently being prepared by PaCE for marine and migratory species not considered avian (e.g. mammals and fish).

8.6 Fauna of bioregional significance

A checklist of fauna species considered of ‘significance’ for the Cape York Peninsula bioregion has been prepared. The list is based on the experience of local Queensland Environmental Protection Agency staff, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency WildNet database records, Landsberg and Clarkson (2005) and/or the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Cape York Land Manager, 2016).

Nine fauna species assessed as known or likely to occur in the Project area, and are considered of bioregional signficance are listed below:

Burhinus grallarius (bush stone curlew)

Climacteris picumnus (brown tree creeper)

Tadorna radjah (Radjah shelduck)

Sterna albifrons sinensis (little tern)

Esacus magnirostris (beach stone-curlew)

Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo (Australian))

Sminthopsis archeri (chestnut dunnart)

Mesembriomys gouldii (black-footed tree-rat); and

Crocodylus porosus (estuarine crocodile).

8.7 Fauna of cultural significance

Culturally significant fauna in Queensland are listed under the NC Act as SLC species. This includes Migratory birds which are listed under JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA, the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). The only species of cultural significance recorded during surveys were a number of migratory avian species listed under international agreements and are addressed within Section 8.3.1. It is likely the echidna occurs within the Project area, as evidence of this species was noted in the RPS surveys (RPS Australia, 2012).



Table 8-2 Likelihood of threatened fauna species occurrence in the Project area Scientific name Common name EPBC

Act NC Act

Habitat Assessment

THREATENED

SPECIES

Dasyurus hallucatus northern quoll E - Habitat consists of forest or woodland with rocky areas and complex vegetation structure in a variety of vegetation types including: eucalypt forest and woodlands, rainforests, sandy lowlands, shrublands and grasslands. Populations are disjunct and core populations are centred in rocky and/or high rainfall areas including but not restricted to, upland rocky areas including Cape Cleveland, Mount Elliott, Mareeba, Crediton, Eungella and Clarke Range. The species occupies a diversity of habitats including rocky areas, eucalypt forest and woodlands, rainforests, sandy lowlands and beaches, shrubland, grasslands and desert. However, habitat generally encompasses some form of rocky area for denning purposes with surrounding vegetated habitats used for foraging and dispersal (Greencap, 2015).

May occur This species was not detected during surveys for this Project, or for the Skardon River Projects. Surveys included a large number of camera traps over various seasons and years in potential foraging habitats. There are no known records in close proximity to the Project. The species was believed to have become locally extinct on Cape York Peninsula following the arrival of cane toads in the early 1990’s. However a substantial population was discovered approximately 80 km to the south-west of the Project area from Scherger Air Base in 2014 (RPS, 2015). On the basis of this rediscovery, it is possible for northern quolls to recolonise their historical range, which includes the Project area (Greencap, 2015). The Project site has an absence of complex rocky outcrops for denning habitat. The species is known to generally forage in areas proximate to these rocky areas. The Project site does contain suitable foraging habitat across the Project site in eucalypt woodlands. As the species has a large foraging range there may be some limited potential the species will utilise the Project site.



Scientific name Common name EPBC Act

NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Erythrotriorchis radiatus red goshawk V E Coastal and sub-coastal tall, open forest, tropical savannah, woodland, rainforest edges and gallery forest along, or adjacent to, watercourses and wetlands

May occur Eucalypt forest and woodlands adjacent to the Skardon River in the Project area afford foraging and potentially breeding habitat. This species was not detected during the surveys for Bauxite Hills or Skardon River. Surveys did not identify any Red Goshawk nests which are distinctive large stick nests. There is the potential for Red Goshawks to forage within the woodlands of the Project area, but their primary habitat is tall trees within 1 kilometre of permanent water. Therefore primary habitat would be associated with the Skardon River and fringing riparian vegetation. The Project will have minimal impact on riparian vegetation and habitat for Red Goshawk. Large areas of riparian vegetation and foraging woodland for the species are being retained on site. There are no known records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 100 km southeast.

Esacus magnirostris beach stone-curlew

Ma V Usually found on open, undisturbed beaches, islands, reefs, and estuarine intertidal sand and mudflats, preferring beaches with estuaries or mangroves nearby. However, this species also frequents river mouths, offshore sandbars associated with coral atolls, reefs and rock platforms, and coastal lagoons.

Known to occur This species was recorded on the northern bank of the Skardon River during surveys for the Skardon River Project. Beach stone-curlews are found exclusively along the coast, on a wide range of beaches, islands, reefs and in estuaries, and may often be seen at the edges of or near mangroves.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Suitable habitat for the species occurs to the north of the Project along the Skardon River and in vicinity of the MIA and loading facility in mangrove and tidal flat areas. However its primary habitat is associated with beaches and adjacent lagoons and river mouths therefore it is not likely to utilise habitats adjacent to the Project site.

Macroderma gigas ghost bat - V Occur in a wide range of habitats from rainforest, monsoon and vine scrub, to open woodlands in arid areas. These habitats are used for foraging, while roost habitat is more specific. Favoured roosting sites of the ghost bat are undisturbed caves or mineshafts which have several openings.

Unlikely to occur Suitable habitat for foraging occurs throughout the Project area. However, suitable roosting habitat does not occur in the Project area such as caves and deep rock fissures. This species was not detected during the surveys for Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is 250 km to the east.

Mesembriomys gouldii rattoides

black-footed tree rat (north Qld)

V - Habitats for the species consist of open eucalypt woodland and forests with a proximity to watercourses and low lying vegetated areas. Denning habitat consists of tree hollows and sometimes dense foliage such as Pandanus spp. Limited information is available on this sub-species however it is known to be arboreal and forage on the ground for fruits and seeds, some invertebrates and grasses.(Greencap, 2015).

Known to occur The distribution of this species is poorly known. This species was recorded by a camera trap as part of the late 2014 Skardon River surveys by RPS. Aside from this, records for the species are limited to locations more than 200 km from the Project area. Possible habitat, including denning habitat consisting of Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodlands and tree hollows exist within the Project area. The species may also utilise adjacent melaleuca swamps to the Project such as Big Footprint Swamp.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Given its identification within the Skardon River Project area, it is also likely that this species occurs within the Bauxite Hills Project area due to connectivitiy and similar habitats available.

Numenius madagascariensis

eastern curlew Mi, Ma SLC Most commonly associated with sheltered coasts, especially estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets and coastal lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or sandflats, often with beds of seagrass.

May occur Suitable habitat occurs to the north and west of the Project area associated with Skardon River and associated mudflats. However the primary habitat is more associated with the mouth of the Skardon River and coastline which is downstream of the mine area. Two historic records within 10 km to the west of the Project area. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects.

Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi

palm cockatoo V NT Known to utilise tropical rainforests, riparian systems, woodlands and paperbark woodland on Cape York Peninsula. This species nests in large tree hollows, trunks or stumps. Nests are in large hollow trees, primarily large eucalypts in woodland, with an average distance of 320 m to the rainforest (Murphy et al., 2003). The subspecies attains the highest densities in open woodlands adjacent to closed forest dominated by Corymbia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. and has significantly

Known to occur This species was detected during fauna surveys for both the Bauxite Hills and Skardon River Projects. There are records within 10 km of the site located to the southwest. The Project area provides potential foraging and breeding habitats in the woodland areas. Nests may be found in the larger hollow bearing trees. The species is also likely to utilise melaleuca woodlands within and adjacent to the Project site associated




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

lower densities in the closed forests themselves (Murphy, 2006).

Individuals and small flocks feed in closed forests and littoral systems during the middle of the day, mostly on the hard seeds of fibrous and woody fruits of woodland, littoral and closed forest species taken from the canopy and the ground (Wood, 1988; Storch, 1996).

with Big Footprint Swamp and riparian vegetation of the Skardon River.

Psephotus chrysopterygius

golden-shouldered parrot

E E Preference for tropical savanna woodland. During the dry season, the choice of habitat appears to be based on the grass seed availability. Nesting appears to be more successful where grass has been invaded by woodland. Species prefers habitat with an upper stratum dominated by Melaleuca spp. or Eucalyptus spp. and a lower stratum dominated by Schizachyrium spp., Thaumastachloa spp., Plume Sorghum (Sorghum plumosum) and Eriachne burkittii (Greencap, 2015).

Unlikely to occur Two populations on Cape York Peninsula are known associated with pastoral lease and protected estate. Records are from Artemis Station Iron Range 350km east and Staaten River National Park (600km south). The Project area does not contain preferential habitat for the species and has not been known to inhabit the west or northern Cape York Peninsula. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects.

Pteropus conspicillatus spectacled flying-fox

V - Restricted to tropical rainforest areas. Forages in rainforest and tall open forests adjoining rainforest habitats, and in tropical woodland and savannah habitats. The species typically roosts within 6.5 km of rainforest habitats (Greencap, 2015).

Unlikely to occur There is a lack of suitable rainforest habitat in the Project area and no roost sites were recorded. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 110 km to the east from the McIlwraith Range and Iron Ranges (eastern Cape York).




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects using a range of techniques including harp traps and anabat. Due to a lack of preferred habitats on site and no records in western Cape York the species is unlikely to occur.


bare-rumped sheathtail bat

CE E Occurs primarily in tropical eucalypt woodland and possibly rainforest in the coastal lowlands of north-eastern Queensland and the Top End of the Northern Territory. It prefers open woodlands, particularly poplar gum woodland, and tall open forest. The small number of confirmed roosts located in Australia has been in tree hollows. Most roosts are located in poplar gum Eucalyptus platyphylla hollows at 10-15 m in height with a roost entrance 6-7 m above the ground

May occur This species was detected by anabat analysis as possibly occurring in the Project area. The call was confirmed as a Saccolaimus spp. Although no Eucalyptus platyphylla woodlands are present within the Project area, suitable foraging habitat occurs throughout the Project area in woodland areas. There are also hollow bearing eucalypts including Eucalyptus tetradonta in which the species has been associated with in other areas of Australia such as the Northern Territory. The Skardon River Project had a confirmed record of S. mixtus which could also be the species recorded in the Bauxite Hills area. There are no confirmed records from the western Cape York. The nearest confirmed record is from the Iron Range ~ 130 km SE of the Project area. Churchill 2008 does not have this species’ known range covering the western Cape York; however, other field guides have mapped this area.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

This species has not been confirmed during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects. Extensive surveys including harp traps and anabat have been completed over various seasons and years.

Sminthopsis archeri chestnut dunnart

- NT Endemic to Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. Has previously been encountered in Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila vegetation.

Likely to occur This species is rarely encountered; although it is known to prefer, and has previously been trapped in, RE 3.5.2 (which occurs in the Project area). Research suggests that populations are naturally in low abundance (Greencap, 2015). The Atlas of Living Australia shows two records of this species in the Mapoon area, approximately 25 km south-west of the Project Area. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects. Given the proximity of past records to the Project area and abundant preferred habitat, it is considered likely that the Project area supports this species in some manner..

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli

masked owl (northern subsp)

V V Found throughout the tropics of northern Australia. Known to occur from Townsville north to Cape York. Mostly occupies coastal and upland areas and prefers sclerophyll forest and woodland. The species is known to roost within tree hollows, caves and dense foliage.

May occur The Project area does provide some suitable habitat in the woodland areas, including tree hollows for nesting. No recent records exist for this species from western Cape York. The species has not been recorded on the Weipa Plateau despite recent surveys. The Action Plan for Australian Birds (Garnett et al., 2011) species account shows a single record occurring near Aurukun.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

It is possible that the species may be located within the Project area as it within the known range of the species and potential habitat is present.

Xeromys myoides false water rat V V The species is known to utilise both intertidal and freshwater habitats. Most records have been from mangrove forests, saltmarsh, sedgelands, clay pans and freshwater melaleuca wetlands

Unlikely to occur Suitable habitat occurs within the Project area within mangrove and tidal flats associated with the Skardon River. The species has not been recorded further north of Proserpine in Queensland. It is known from the mainland and nearshore islands of the Northern Territory. Surveys in 2010 for the Skardon River project confirmed an absence of nests in the Port area. The species is unlikely to be found in the Project area.

MIGRATORY/MARINE SPECIES Actitis hypoleucos common

sandpiper Mi, Ma SLC Utilises a wide range of coastal wetlands

and some inland wetlands, with varying levels of salinity, and is mostly found around muddy margins or rocky shores and rarely on mudflats.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat occurs throughout the Project area. Atlas of living Australia shows no records in proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 40 km southwest of the site.

Anseranas semipalmata magpie goose Ma - Found in floodplains and wet grasslands. During breeding season, the species builds nests in proximity to wetlands.

May occur Was not observed during the survey; however suitable habitat for the species exists within the Project area. According to the Atlas of living Australia, this species has




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

been historically observed at the mouth of the Skardon River. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Pisolite Hills Projects.

Ardea ibis cattle egret Mi, Ma SLC Occurs in tropical and temperate grasslands, wooded lands and terrestrial wetlands. The species occurs in stock paddocks, croplands, pastures, garbage tips, wetlands, tidal mudflats and drains. This species often accompanies cattle and will catch prey items disturbed from cattle movements.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project in proximity to Big Footprint Swamp. Suitable habitat is primarily associated with wetlands in proximity to the Project. The species was also confirmed during surveys for the Skardon River Project. This record was also associated with Big Footprint Swamp.

Ardea intermedia intermediate egret

Ma - It is a resident breeder from east Africa across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia. The intermediate egret stalks its prey methodically in shallow coastal or fresh water, including flooded fields. It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects.

Known to occur The species was recorded during surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project.

Ardea modesta eastern great egret

Mi, Ma SLC Found in a wide range of wetland habitats, including inland and coastal, freshwater and saline, permanent and ephemeral, open and vegetated, large and small.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat is primarily associated with wetlands in proximity to the Project. The species was also confirmed at Big Footprint Swamp during surveys for the Skardon River Project in September 2015. Two records are within 10 km of the site located to the west and southwest.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Apus pacificus fork-tailed swift Mi, Ma SLC This species is a non-breeding visitor to all states and territories of Australia. In Queensland, the species is widespread west of the Great Dividing Range and also east of the range between Cooktown and Townsville. There are scattered records in the Gulf Country, Cape York Peninsula, the Central Coast, and the south east. (Greencap, 2015)

Unlikely to occur The exclusively aerial lifestyle of this species ensures that it is not restricted to particular habitat types and therefore may occur almost anywhere. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 40 km to the east of the site. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects.

Calidris tenuirostris great knot Mi, Ma SLC Typically prefers sheltered coastal habitats, with large intertidal mudflats or sandflats. This includes inlets, bays, harbours, estuaries and lagoons.

May occur Suitable habitat occurs to the north and west of the Project area associated with Skardon River and associated mudflats. However the primary habitat is more associated with the mouth of the Skardon River and coastline which is downstream of the mine area. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects.

Cecropis daurica red-rumped swallow

Mi, Ma SLC Found in grassland areas where they feed on insects. Vagrant to Australia and breeds in open hills within southern Europe and Asia.

Unlikely to occur No suitable habitat exists within the Project area. The tetrodonta woodlands are not likely to provide sufficient open habitats and grasslands for foraging. The closest record of the species is on Thursday Island – some 130 km north of the Project area.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects.

Coracina papuensis White-bellied cuckoo-shrike

Ma - It is found in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.


Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird Ma - It is found in Australia, Indonesia, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.


Crocodylus porosus estuarine crocodile

Mi, Ma V The estuarine or saltwater crocodile is widespread throughout northern Australia and its range includes all of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The north-west Peninsula of Cape York is the most important region in Queensland for estuarine crocodile populations. The Port Musgrave area, and in particular, the Wenlock River, is recognised as containing significant habitat for the estuarine crocodiles with one of the largest breeding populations in Queensland. (Greencap, 2015). The habitat of the estuarine crocodile includes marine habitats such as mangroves, but they also commonly occur in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes and swamps.

Known to occur Estuarine crocodiles are likely to occur in estuarine areas associated with the Skardon River, tributaries and wetlands within and adjacent to the Project site. The Skardon River is a known breeding area for estuarine crocodiles (DPI, 2002). The species was observed during wet season ecology surveys for the Skardon River Project including Namaleta Creek, former kaolin mine dams and in Skardon River (RPS, 2015).


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papua_New_Guinea


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Islands

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montane_forest



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micronesia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palau


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Islands






NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Estuarine crocodiles were observed during surveys for the Skardon River Project within Namaleta Creek.

Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled drongo

Ma - Spangled Drongos are found throughout northern and eastern Australia. Also found in New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. Closely related species occur through south-east Asia to India, China, and the Philippines and on some south-west Pacific islands. Spangled Drongos prefer wet forests, but can also be found in other woodlands, mangroves and parks. They tend to avoid more dense forest types and rainforest interiors.

Known to occur The species was recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills Project.

Ducula bicolor Pied imperial pigeon

Ma - It is found in forest, woodland, mangrove, plantations and scrub. It is mainly found on small islands and in coastal regions.

Known to occur The species was recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills Project.

Egretta garzetta little egret Ma - Mainly found in coastal and inland areas of northern, eastern and south-eastern Australia. Frequents tidal mudflats, saltwater and freshwater wetlands, and mangroves.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project. Primary habitat is associated with wetlands in proximity to the Project area associated with Skardon River or Big Footprint Swamp.

Egretta sacra Eastern reef egret

Mi, Ma SLC Found on the coast and island of most of Australia, but especially on the Queensland coast. Lives on beaches, rocky shores, tidal rivers and inlets, mangroves and exposed coral reefs.

May occur Not detected during surveys for the Project; however suitable habitat exists within the Project area in the form of tidal rivers, inlets and mangroves. Records of the species are from the mouth of the Skardon River.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects.

Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird Ma - Found in open wooded areas with hollow-bearing trees suitable for nesting. The Dollarbird arrives in northern and eastern Australia in September each year to breed. In March or April the birds return to New Guinea and adjacent islands to spend the winter.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat occurs throughout woodlands in the Project area.

Fregata ariel lesser frigatebird

Mi, Ma SLC Typically marine, but frequents coastal areas.

May occur This species was confirmed during surveys for the Skardon River Project – at the Skardon River mouth. As this is a Ma species, the Project area is not expected to support a population of this species. It is possible that the Project area will be used as a flyover for the species.

Gallinago hardwickii Latham’s snipe Mi, Ma SLC Occurs in permanent and ephemeral wetlands. They usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands with low, dense vegetation

May occur Suitable habitat occurs within and to the north and west of the Project area. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 80 km to the southeast of the site. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Bauxite Hills Projects.

Haliaeetus leucogaster white-bellied sea-eagle

Ma SLC Found in coastal habitats and around terrestrial wetlands in tropical and

Likely to occur




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

temperate regions of mainland Australia and its offshore islands

Likely to occur in the region due to occurrence of suitable habitat, particularly marine and estuarine habitats as well as wetlands and riparian habitats proximate to the coast. Atlas of living Australia shows records in proximity to the Project. Three records within 10 km of the site are located to the west. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River Project. This species was observed in the survey for the Pisolite Hills Project overflying saltpan habitat in the port development area.

Haliastur indus brahminy kite Ma - Found in coastal and inland wetlands. Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat occurs throughout the Project area.

Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite Ma - Found in open or lightly wooded areas, in close proximity to water.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat occurs throughout the Project area.

Hirundo rustica barn swallow Mi, Ma SLC Utilises open country with water or low moist green vegetation, such as pastures and farm crops, near margins of wetlands and human settlements. They forage in open country coastal lowlands and roost near this habitat in freshwater wetlands, Melaleuca woodland, mesophyll shrub thickets and tussock grassland.

May occur The species may occur in the Project area due to occurrence of suitable habitat and the Project is within its known distribution. There are no records in close proximity to the Project. The nearest record is approximately 50 km to the south.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Pisolite Hills Projects.

Hydropgrogne caspia Caspian tern Mi, Ma SLC Widespread in coastal regions from southern Gulf of Carpentaria to the Torres Strait and along the east coast. Found in sheltered coastal areas (harbours, lagoons, inlets, bays, estuaries and river deltas), particularly those with sandy or muddy margins. Also occur on near-coastal or inland terrestrial wetlands, waterholes, reservoirs, rivers and creeks.

May occur Not detected during surveys for the Project; however suitable habitat exists within proximity to the Project associated with the Skardon River and estuarine wetlands. Atlas of Living Australia shows that the species has been observed at the mouth of the Skardon River. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Skardon River Project.

Limosa lapponica bar-tailed godwit

Mi, Ma SLC Found in coastal sandflats, mudflats, estuaries, inlets, harbours, coastal lagoons and bays. Rarely found on inland wetlands or in areas of short grass. The species forages in tidal estuaries and shallow water preferring to roost in sandy beaches and sandbars.

Unlikely to occur While within the overall distribution for the species, it is unlikely that the Project area hosts the bar-tailed godwit due to lack of suitable habitat. The species has not been recorded in the area and the closest suitable habitat is at the mouth of the Skardon River and coastal areas. Atlas of living Australia shows that the closest record of this species is more than 40 km from the Project area. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects.

Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater

Mi, Ma SLC The species is widespread occurring across most of mainland Australia. It occurs mainly

Known to occur




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation.

The species has been detected in previous surveys in proximity to the Project area. The Project area also provides suitable habitat. Atlas of living Australia shows records in proximity to the Project. Numerous records within 10 km of the site are located to the north, west and east. This species has been identified during surveys for the Skardon River Projects.

Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch

Mi, Ma SLC Occurs in rainforest ecosystems, including semi-deciduous vine-thickets, complex notophyll vine-forest, tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest, mesophyll thicket / shrubland, warm temperate rainforest, dry rainforest and cool temperate rainforest

May occur Lack of suitable habitat in the Project area; however the Skardon River Project area contains marginal habitat for the species and is within the known distribution. Atlas of living Australia shows no records in proximity to the Project. The nearest record is within 25 km of the Skardon River Project. This species was not identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Pisolite Hills Projects.

Monarcha trivirgatus spectacled monarch

Mi, Ma SLC Inhabits the understorey of mountain and lowland rainforests. During the summer breeding season, the species migrates to south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales (Greencap, 2015).

Unlikely to occur The Project area is within the known distribution of the species; however no habitat was observed within the Project area. This species was not identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Pisolite Hills Projects.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Myiagra cyanoleuca satin flycatcher Mi, Ma SLC Distributed throughout eastern and south-eastern Australia. Known occurrences are patchy in the Cape York region. Inhabits heavily vegetated gullies in eucalypt forests and woodlands (Greencap, 2015).

May occur There is a possibility that this species may occur on the fringes of the Project area and the Skardon River Project area. However, it is unlikely that the species occurs across the majority of the Project area, as suitable habitat does not exist. This species was not identified during surveys for the Skardon River or Pisolite Hills Projects.

Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose

Ma - The green pygmy goose is found in southern New Guinea and across northern Australia (from Western Australia, through Northern Territory and into Queensland). It is largely resident, apart from dispersion in the wet season. The habitat is well vegetated lowland lagoons and other permanent fresh waters.

Known to occur Found during surveys for the Skardon River Project.

Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern boobook

Ma - Southern Boobook is Australia's most widespread and numerous owl, found across the mainland and Tasmania. It hunts small mammals, small birds, night

flying insects, spiders and beetles.

Known to occur Found during surveys for the Skardon River Project.

Numenius phaeopus whimbrel Mi, Ma SLC Found on the intertidal mudflats of sheltered coasts. It is also found in harbours, lagoons, estuaries and river deltas, often those with mangroves, but also open, unvegetated mudflats

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project. Suitable habitat occurs in mangrove areas adjacent to the Skardon River. One record is within 10 km of the site is located to the west. This species has been identified during surveys for the Pisolite Hills Projects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Territory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland




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Habitat Assessment

Pandion haliaetus eastern osprey

Mi, Ma SLC Generally occurs in coastal areas, but is sometimes known to travel inland along major rivers in northern Australia. Occupies littoral and coastal habitats and terrestrial wetlands of tropical and temperate Australia and offshore islands. This species requires extensive areas of open fresh, brackish or saline water for foraging (Greencap, 2015).

Known to occur Marine and saline wetlands within the Project area may provide potential habitat for the species. Suitable habitat exists throughout the broader area. The species was confirmed during surveys for Skardon River Project.

Petrochelidon nigricans Tree martin

Ma - This is a bird of open woodland, preferably with large trees to provide nest holes. It is increasingly common in urban and suburban areas.

Known to occur The species was confirmed during surveys for Skardon River Project.

Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth

Ma - It is found in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, within the Torres Strait and on other islands.This species' natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.


Porzana tabuensis spotless crake Ma - Found in well vegetated freshwater

wetlands with rushes and reeds. Feeds on aquatic insects and vegetation.


Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail Mi, Ma SLC Mainly inhabits wet sclerophyll forests, often in gullies dominated by eucalypts such as Tallow-wood (Eucalyptus microcorys), Mountain Grey Gum (E. cypellocarpa), Narrow-leaved Peppermint (E. radiata), Mountain Ash (E. regnans), Alpine Ash (E. delegatensis), Blackbutt (E. pilularis) or Red Mahogany (E. resinifera); usually with a dense shrubby understorey often including ferns.

Known to occur This species has been detected in previous surveys in proximity to the Project area. Two records within 10 km of the site are located to the west. The adjacent wetland habitat is likely to support a population of this species. The Pisolite Hills IAS survey identified this species within mangrove habitat at the port development area.





https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_Strait


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtropical

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical





NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Sterna albifrons little tern Mi, Ma SLC The species is known to occur in all coastal areas of Queensland. It is mainly found in coastal environments, including beaches, lagoons, estuaries, river mouths and deltas, lakes, bays, harbours and inlets, especially those with exposed sandbanks or sand-spits, and also on exposed ocean beaches.

Known to occur The species was detected during surveys for the Project. Potential habitat is associated with estuaries of the Skardon River and wetlands. However their preferred habitats are associated with coastal environments such as at the mouth of the Skardon River. Therefore the species is likely to only be frequenting the area and the Project site does not provide breeding or foraging habitats. Two records within 10 km of the site is located to the west.

Tadorna radjah Radjah shelduck

Ma - Found in coastal tropical Australia from central Queensland to the Kimberlys in Western Australia, particularly throughout the mangrove flats and paperbark swamps. The species prefers brackish waters but will visit freshwater swamps and lagoons further inland during the wet season.

Known to occur Detected during surveys for the Project in proximity to the Big Footprint Swamp. Its habitat is also likely to in associated with mangroves along the Skardon River. One record within 10 km of the site is located to the west. Skardon River Flora and Fauna Assessment states that this species was observed on the mudflats of the Skardon River.

Thalasseus bengalensis lesser crested tern

Mi, Ma SLC Known to inhabit tropical and subtropical sandy and coral coasts and estuaries. Breeds in subtropical coastal parts of the world from the Red Sea across to the western Pacific Ocean and Australia.

May occur Not detected during surveys for the Project; however suitable habitat exists in the north of the Project area, in proximity to the proposed barge loading site.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

Atlas of living Australia shows that the species has been observed at the mouth of the Skardon River. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects.

Thalasseus bergii Crested tern Ma - It inhabits tropical and subtropical coastlines, and forages in the shallow waters of lagoons, coral reefs, bays, harbours, inlets and estuaries; along sandy, rocky, coral or muddy shores; on rocky outcrops in open sea; in mangrove swamps; and in offshore and pelagic waters (Higgins & Davies 1996). Offshore islands adjacent to Cape York host internationally and nationally significant breeding sites for significant numbers of colonially nesting terns; in particular the crested tern. The species shows a preference for nesting on offshore islands, low-lying coral reefs, sandy or rocky coastal islets, coastal spits and lagoon mudflats (IUCN 2010).


Tringa nebularia Common greenshank

Mi, Ma SLC Widespread in the Gulf country and eastern Gulf of Carpentaria. Occurs in all types of wetlands and has the widest distribution of any shorebird in Australia. They are common throughout summer. The species is found both on the coast and inland, in estuaries and mudflats, mangrove swamps

May occur Not detected during surveys for the Project; however suitable habitat exists in the Project area in mangrove swamps associated with the Skardon River and other wetlands such as Big Footprint Swamp.




NC Act

Habitat Assessment

and lagoons, and in billabongs, swamps, sewage farms and flooded crops.

Atlas of living Australia shows that the species has been observed at the mouth of the Skardon River. This species has not been identified during surveys for the Bauxite Hills or Skardon River Projects.



8.8 Introduced fauna

Four introduced pest fauna species were recorded during the surveys and it is likely that the feral dog (identified through the desktop search) occurs within the Project area. The Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) was recorded during surveys for the Skardon River Project so the species is identified as known to occur. All of the observed introduced species were Class 2 pests. Pest species identified through desktop searches and their likelihood to occur are detailed in Table 8-3.

Table 8-3 Pest fauna species observed during the surveys or likely to occur within the Project area Species Common name Declaration* Likelihood Canis lupus dingo dog/dingo Class 2 Known Canis lupus familiaris feral dog Class 2 Likely Capra hircus goat Class 2 Unlikely Felis catus feral cat Class 2 Known Hemidactylus frenatus house gecko Not declared Known Mus musculus house mouse Not declared Unlikely Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbit Class 2 Unlikely Rhinella marinus cane toad Not declared Known Sus scrofa feral pig Class 2 Known

*Declaration under the LP Act

Feral pest species such as the dog / dingo, feral cat, feral pig and cane toad would be expected to occur throughout the Project area and broader region. Pigs are of particular concern in the region due to damage they cause to wetland areas (including habitats and water quality), compete with native animals for food, spread weeds and predate on marine turtle eggs. Damage by feral pigs was observed in the Project area primarily in the swampy areas, including at Big Footprint Swamp.

This observation of cane toads in the area is of importance given that this region is also potential habitat for Dasyurus hallucatus (northern quoll) which feed on the cane toad. Despite no quolls being found within the study area, it is relevant to note that ingestion of a cane toad by animals can result in death and as a result the cane toad is recognised as a key threatening process for species in the area.



9. Environmental Management 9.1 Pests and weeds

The study area lies in close proximity to extensive disturbance associated with the abandoned Skardon Kaolin project. There are however extensive areas of woodland surrounding the Project that are free from disturbance and of good ecological condition. The exception are riparian zones and swamps which have some impacts associated with feral pigs and cattle. Although existing weed issues are minor, there is considerable potential that presently intact habitats will be degraded by exotic species.

A search of the Queensland Herbarium and Wildlife Online databases for the Project area is supported by observational evidence gathered during the ground truthing surveys enabling an indicative list of pest species in the region. Those species that are considered to present a significant threat are discussed further, within broad categories based on each species ability to invade ecosystems. Additional more widespread species are also listed.

Highly invasive species currently occurring within the Project area at low levels and assumed to be recent arrivals: Nil.

Weeds known from the Weipa locality outside of the Project area with the ability to completely dominate and severely alter the ecosystems that they invade:

■ Senna obtusifolia (sicklepod)

Sicklepod is a Class 2 declared weed and is a highly invasive species that prefers the more fertile soils of deeper alluvial situations. Sicklepod has a high potential to invade alluvial habitats and any disturbance to these communities may increase the risk of infestation. The seeds are very long lived and are easily dispersed by vehicles and machinery, being difficult to displace by basic wash down procedures. Vehicles readily disperse mature plants with seed pods.

■ Aeschynomene paniculata (panicle joint vetch)

Panicle Joint Vetch (Aeschynomene paniculata) is an erect perennial legume attaining a height of 2.5 m. The plant, which was introduced to Batavia Downs as part of grazing trials in the 1990s, is a native of north and South America. The species is rarely grazed by cattle and has the ability to rapidly displace native grass species and become a dominant monoculture across large areas of Cape York Peninsula and northern Australia. Currently the weed is restricted to areas south of the Batavia Downs Homestead and Mary Valley, Strathmay and Sudley (S. Thompson pers. comm. Nov 14). Although the study area is well removed from known areas of infestation, awareness of the weed should be continued.

■ Andropogon gayanus (gamba grass)

Gamba grass is a highly invasive tall robust tussock grass that is known to out compete native grasses in similar woodland vegetation in the Northern Territory. It has been introduced to the Cape York as a pasture grass and is known from a number of locations such as Kalinga Holding (Stanton and Teece, 1996), in the far north around Bamaga, at Andoom and on Sudley Station (Fell pers. obs. 2014). The latter occurrence is particularly troublesome given its close proximity to the development area and the fact that it infests roadsides near the Batavia – Weipa Development Road junction.



It is a vigorous and highly robust grass species that occurs in dense tussocky stands to 3 m in height and can dramatically increase fuel loads to produces intense, late dry season fires that seriously damage native vegetation communities. It has the greatest potential to invade soils with higher fertility and higher water holding capacities although it will establish in any degraded areas providing soils have reasonable drainage. Habitats that are at the greatest risk include the stringybark woodlands of RE 3.5.2.

■ Croton hirsutus (prickly croton)

Prickly croton is an herbaceous weed species first detected in 2004 at the Scherger Air force base east of Weipa. The plant is native to South America and reported to be widespread in tropical environments of Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea. The fact that the infestation was thought to be introduced by machinery during construction of the airbase, highlights the potential of the proposed development to facilitate introduction and dispersal of highly invasive weeds not previously known from the region. At the Scherger Base, the weed was detected in dense infestations along drainage channels and in the understorey of open forest vegetation likely to be equivalent to the widespread RE 3.5.2.

Other Weeds with Potential to Invade Disturbed Areas and Likely to be present in the locality:

■ Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass) – widespread on roadsides of the Development Road and other access roads and tracks

■ Hyptis suaveolens (Hyptis) – widespread invader of disturbed areas often associated with stock

■ Stachytarpheta spp. (snake weed) – common in the Weipa area

■ Urena lobata (Urena Burr) – widespread weed of disturbed track edges

■ Leucaena leucocephala (Tree Lucerne) – invasive small tree common around Weipa and introduced for rehabilitation of mine sites

■ Hyptis capitata (Knob Weed) – invasive weed of riverine frontages known from wetter habitats on east coast but possibly occurring around Weipa

■ Sida retusa, S. acuta, S. cordifolia, S. rhombifolia (Sida) -widespread weeds of track edges and disturbed sites

■ Euphorbia heterophylla (Milkweed) – common on sandy coastal areas

■ Alternanthera pungens (Khaki Weed) – widespread in disturbed sites

■ Xanthium occidentale (Noogoora Burr) – invades riverine frontages

■ Calopogonium mucunoides (Calopo) – vigorous leguminous vine of moister coastal areas possibly occurring in Weipa area

■ Triumfetta rhomboidea (Chinese Burr) – widespread in disturbed areas

■ Senna occidentalis (Coffee Senna) – likely to be occur around Weipa in disturbed sites

■ Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Weed) – groundcover of urban areas requiring disturbance for establishment

■ Megathrysus maximum (Guinea Grass) – vigorous grass of moister coastal areas with potential to invade riverine frontages.



9.2 Fire

No investigations have been carried out into the current fire histories in the area, nor has there been any review of the potential residual impacts that changes in fire regime may have on fauna. Observations on the margins of Big Footprint Swamp indicate localised impacts to sensitive forested wetlands from late season fires. Large hollow bearing weeping paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra) and swamp box (Lophostemon suaveolens) were burnt out from the base with canopy scorch on smaller trees evident.



10. Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures

The Project comprises a number of components and operational activities, including open cut mining areas and development of associated infrastructure such as MIA and haul roads as described in Section 2 and illustrated in Figure 2-1. Each of these components and activities has the potential to have direct and indirect impacts on terrestrial flora and fauna values in the Project area.

A summary of the key Project components and associated impacts during construction, operation and decommissioning are provided in Table 10-1.

Direct impacts are associated with a loss from clearing. Indirect impacts as defined by the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (DotE, 2013) are:

‘Downstream’ or ‘downwind’ impacts, such as those on wetlands or ocean reefs from sediment, fertilisers or chemicals which are washed or discharged into river systems

‘Upstream’ impacts such as those associated with the extraction of raw materials and other inputs which are used to undertake the action; and

‘Facilitated impacts’ which result from further actions (including actions by third parties) which are made possible or facilitated by the action. For example, the construction of a dam for irrigation water facilitates the use of that water by irrigators with associated impacts. Likewise, the construction of basic infrastructure in a previously undeveloped area may, in certain circumstances, facilitate the urban or commercial development of that area.

The following sections discuss the potential for impacts to biodiversity values and proposed avoidance, mitigation and management measures that will be taken to reduce these impacts.

Table 10-1 Key Project components and associated potential impacts Project component

Potential impacts during construction and decommissioning

Potential impacts during operation

Mine areas

Land clearance and habitat loss Injury to fauna during clearing Habitat fragmentation Impacts on surface water Impacts on groundwater Increased dust Increased noise Increased risk of fire Introduction and spread of weeds Increase in feral animals

Land clearance and habitat loss Impacts on surface water Impacts on groundwater Increased dust Increased noise Increased light (from night shift

operations) Increased risk of fire Introduction and spread of weeds Increase in feral animals

Infrastructure areas – accommodation camp, MIA, haul roads

Land clearance and habitat loss Injury to fauna during clearing Habitat fragmentation Impacts on surface water Impacts on groundwater Increased dust Increased noise Increased risk of fire Introduction and spread of weeds

Impacts on surface water Increased dust Increased noise Increased light (from night shift

operations and accommodation) Increased risk of fire Introduction and spread of weeds Vehicle strike on fauna species Increase in feral animals



Project component

Potential impacts during construction and decommissioning

Potential impacts during operation

Increase in feral animals Vehicle strike on fauna

10.1 Direct and indirect impacts

10.1.1 Land Clearing and Habitat Loss Land clearing is required and the total area of remnant vegetation to be cleared for the Project is 1,467ha. The areas required for clearing by RE and infrastructure type are summarised in Table 10-2. Land clearing will only occur in the dry season. Clearing will be timed to ensure the ground is not too wet, but there is still some soil moisture remaining. Otherwise there are issues with the soil getting too hard in the late dry season, and a greater volume of vegetative material (roots and stems / trunks) left in the cleared soil. This has a negative impact on rehabilitation activities and their effectiveness. Vegetation clearing will be staged over the life of the Project. In year 1 clearing will be for infrastructure areas (including MIA, haul roads, accommodation camp), the year 1 pit area, plus a small area for year 2. In year 2 Metro Mining will clear the remaining year 2 area plus a small area for year 3 etc. This method will then continue for the life of the mine.

Table 10-2 Approximate area of vegetation clearing by representative REs due to Project activities

Project component RE VM / BD Status

Area (ha)

BH1 – Pit Extraction Area 3.5.2 LC / NoC 664.39

BH6 East – Pit Extraction Area 3.3.14 LC / NoC 7.90

3.5.2 LC / NoC 284.30

BH6 West – Pit Extraction Area 3.5.2 LC / NoC 394.65

Mine Infrastructure Area 3.5.2 LC / NoC 6.05

Camp Accommodation 3.5.2 LC / NoC 11.41

Camp Access Roads 3.3.14 LC / NoC 0.62

3.5.2 LC / NoC 0.74

Barge Loading Area 3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NoC 0.25

3.5.2 LC / NoC 0.03

Logistic Barge Facility 3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NoC 0.15

3.5.2 LC / NoC 0.04

Northern Haul Road 3.1.1 LC / NoC 7.89

3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NoC 2.83

3.5.2 LC / NoC 36.43

Southern Haul Road

3.1.1 LC / NoC 1.85

3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NoC 7.49

3.1.6 LC / NoC 0.25

3.3.12 OC / OC 0.60

3.3.22 LC / NoC 0.43



3.3.49b/3.3.9 LC / NoC 7.22

3.5.2 LC / NoC 20.43

Internal Haul Roads 3.5.2 LC / NoC 10.99

Total clearing per RE

3.1.1 LC / NoC 9.74

3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NoC 10.72

3.1.6 LC / NoC 0.25

3.3.12 OC / OC 0.60

3.3.14 LC / NoC 8.52

3.3.22 LC / NoC 0.43

3.3.49b/3.3.9 LC / NoC 7.22

3.5.2 LC / NoC 1429.46

Combined RE Clearing Area 1466.94

The effects of land clearing may include:

Loss of vegetation communities including an OC RE 3.3.12 and mangrove communities

Loss of fauna and flora species habitats

Potential for injury or death of fauna species during the clearing process

Reduced breeding areas (e.g. through the loss of hollows)

Reduction in connectivity between habitats for less mobile species; and

Erosion which then results in sediment runoff into adjacent wetlands and creeks and a reduction in water quality.

Mitigation measures to be implemented to reduce the impacts of vegetation clearance and habitat loss include:

As an overriding principle, vegetation clearing will be limited each year to the minimum that is required for the following year’s operations

Vegetation clearing will be conducted in the dry season (likely May to August). This is outside the breeding season for a number of species. For example palm cockatoo is known to usually start nest preparation between August to November, during the peak breeding period, although the species may breed all year round (Rowland, 2013)

Prior to clearing an ecology and Indigenous cultural heritage pre-clearance survey will be undertaken. The purpose will be to:

■ identify and mark any hollow bearing trees, nests or other fauna breeding places

■ identify any available seed which can be collected where possible for future rehabilitation

■ identify any listed flora or fauna species that may not have been recorded previously

■ identify any cultural heritage items in accordance with the native title and landowner agreements

Results of these surveys will then inform additional meaures that need to be taken either prior to, or during clearing

A small number of large, hollow-bearing trees will be selectively felled ahead of general clearing and will be relocated (e.g. cemented in place) within the rehabilitation areas to provide immediate breeding and nesting locations for some species, and act as ‘tall points’ for bird perching within the otherwise cleared areas, whilst rehabilitation is establishing



Use of some fallen logs, rocks will be put into adjacent habitats to retain fauna micro-habitats

Clear delineation of areas of native vegetation requiring removal to equipment operators and supervisors before any clearance to ensure disturbance is minimised

During clearing fauna spotter catchers will be present. Their role is to identify any fauna or fauna breeding places, relocate fauna where possible, and ensure measures are taken to minimise impacts on fauna and their breeding places during clearing

Speed restriction will be imposed on the haul roads for safety reasons, which will also contribute to limiting fauna road mortality

Preparation of a site rehabilitation management plan which incorporates rehabilitation monitoring and trials. Use of local native species for rehabilitation; and

Monitoring of rehabilitation success to be conducted at locations representative of the range of conditions on the rehabilitating areas. Reviews will be conducted of monitoring data to assess trends and monitoring program effectiveness.

10.1.2 Habitat fragmentation / loss of connectivity Habitat fragmentation occurs when continuous areas of habitat, such as forests, woodlands or grasslands, are subdivided into a number of separate components. This term encompasses two interrelated components: habitat loss (i.e. a reduction in the amount of habitat) and fragmentation (i.e. a breaking apart of habitat) (Bennett, 2006). The impacts of habitat fragmentation are also scale-dependent and may differ depending on the species or community under consideration. For example, loss of small areas of habitat do not present a significant barrier to movement by highly mobile species (e.g. birds of prey) but may present a much greater barrier to dispersal of less mobile species (e.g. amphibians or small reptiles such as skinks). Also the size and scale of the break in connectivity will affect the severity of the impact.

Connectivity across the broader Project area has been considered in terms of habitat connections and broader corridors with regional linkages beyond the boundaries of the Project area (Attachment 6). Within the Project area connectivity is strongly linked to riparian corridors associated with the Skardon River and its tributaries, as well as contiguous tracts of woodland in BH1 and BH6. The Project site is dominated by eucalyptus woodlands that transition to melaleuca forests and wetlands through to estuarine mangrove forests fringing tributaries of the Skardon River. Vegetation within the site has contiguous linkages to large tracts of eucalypt woodlands in the south and west that then transition to coastal vegetation communities.

The primary areas of impact on connectivity within the Project area as a result of the Project, include:

Loss of connectivity within the band of terrestrial vegetation in MLA 20676 associated with the establishment of the BH1 mine area. This would result in the remaining woodlands becoming narrower and more isolated from large, contiguous tracts of vegetation to the east of the Project area. However there will be fringes of woodland retained along the boundary of BH1 to allow fauna to move through these woodlands to riparian vegetation along the Skardon River tributaries to similar habitats in the east;

Loss of connectivity between riparian corridors and wetland areas in the south of MLA 20676, and between MLA 20676 and riparian and wetland habitats to the west; and

Reduced connectivity of riparian corridors along the lower Skardon River associated with the construction of mine areas and haul roads. Fauna movement along this corridor and access for



less mobile species to aquatic habitats would be restricted. The haul roads also increase the potential for interaction between vehicles and fauna.

These site-scale impacts on connectivity are not considered to have a significant impact on regional-scale connectivity or the value of state-significant biodiversity corridors to the south.

Mitigation measures for reducing impacts of connectivity are:

Minimise clearing where possible, including clearing widths, to reduce the gap between habitats

Retain buffers to sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands and riparian vegetation as this will reduce edge effects and assist to maintain connectivity. Currently the buffers to adjacent estuarine wetlands from BH1 clearing and operations are a minimum of approximately 300 metres and BH6 are a minimum buffer of approximately 138 metres

Construct fauna crossings to assist movement of fauna between habitats (e.g. culverts at creek crossings so fauna can continue to move safely through these areas), where practicable

Fauna crossing structures to assist arboreal fauna movely safely across haul roads, where practicable

Reducing vehicle speed limits; and

Rehabilitation of cleared areas when they are no longer required using local native species to enhance fauna movement and increase available habitats.

10.1.3 Edge effects A key impact associated with the clearing of vegetation and construction of infrastructure and mine area is the creation of smaller patches of vegetation, with a greater edge-to-surface-area ratio. Impacts associated with this increase in edge area are known as ‘edge effects’ and include increased exposure to weed invasion, light and wind penetration (which can alter microclimate features). Plant communities may become susceptible to disease and an overall decrease in health; over time community structure and composition may change as a result. The quality of associated fauna habitats may deteriorate as a result and some species are known to avoid disturbed habitats.

The impacts of edge effects are difficult to quantify as these effects occur gradually over time. Therefore, direct impacts such as vegetation loss and fragmentation are used to determine impacts.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas and the provision of buffers around undisturbed areas of remnant vegetation will help to minimise edge effects. Similarly, adopting other measures described throughout this assessment will help to lessen the impact of edge effects over the life of the Project.

10.1.4 Impacts on surface water Potential impacts to surface waters arising from the Project with the potential to impact aquatic values of the Project area include, water quality and alteration of surface water inflows to the swamps and wetland associated with the Skardon River.

During mining, the drainage channels supplying water to the Skardon River and associated swamps and wetlands would be disrupted, potentially altering flows to these watercourses. Modelling should be undertaken to determine surface water flows of the Project area so that suitable management and mitigation measures could be proposed.



Surface water flows from areas associated with the Project may carry contaminants including, sediments, hydrocarbons and other chemicals. These would negatively impact water quality of aquatic environs, and lead to significant impacts on aquatic values.

Similarly any contamination of groundwater due to Project activities may impact surface waters through groundwater baseflows to these environments.

Management of potential impacts to water quality within aquatic environs may include:

Preparation of a site erosion and sediment management plan which incorporates rehabilitation monitoring and trials

Implementing suitable spill containment around hydrocarbon, chemicals and other harmful substance stores; and

Implementing a site-specific water quality monitoring program.

10.1.5 Impacts to groundwater Groundwater resources are present within the Project area and have been assessed in CDM Smith’s Groundwater Technical Report (CDM Smith, 2015). An assessment of the groundwater resources in the Project area has been completed and potential impacts to groundwater discussed. One potential area of impact is due to vegetation clearing and lowering of the ground surface during mining as this has the potential to increase recharge rates.

Numerical groundwater modelling for the Project predicts that groundwater discharge rates to Big Footprint Swamp will have a minor net increase during and post mining activities. Using baseline information gathered for Big Footprint Swamp the groundwater modelling predicts that with, and without, the Bauxite Hills Mine, pool level fluctuations between wet and dry seasons would be very similar. With mining a maximum increase in pool level of 0.35 metres above the pre-disturbance baseline may occur, although the maximum predicted increase in the peak pool level, at the height of the wet season, would be 0.15 metres.

The quality of recharge water is expected to remain unaffected and the relatively small additional volumes of groundwater predicted to be discharged to the Skardon River are not expected to adversely affect aquatic or riparian ecosystem function. Further information is provided in Section 10.2 regarding Big Footprint Swamp and potential impacts from hydrology changes.

10.1.6 Dust Dust generation has the potential to smother plants, reducing photosynthesis and resulting in decreased vegetation condition or the death of vegetation. Project activities likely to generate dust include mining, waste rock stockpiling, vehicle movements, stockpiling (e.g. topsoil, spoil, product bauxite), and bauxite transport (e.g. haul trucks, etc.). A deposition rate of 500 mg/m2/day is considered sufficient to have a detrimental effect on plant health.

Dust impacts are typically assessed for sensitive receptors (e.g. places of residence) within close proximity to dust generating activities. While not directly linked to terrestrial flora and fauna values, the results of dust deposition assessments should be reviewed to assess the likely extent of impact of dust generating activities within the Project area.

Construction and operation activities will use appropriate dust suppression techniques, which will aid in limiting impacts of dust on vegetation and fauna. Reducing vehicle speed and wetting the haul roads in the dry season will minimise dust from haul roads.



10.1.7 Noise Increased noise from operation of machinery and vehicle traffic has the potential to disturb terrestrial fauna species and impact on feeding and breeding behaviour. In general, increased activity levels are likely to result in reduced fauna activity around work areas. Where possible activities that generate increased noise levels should be restricted to daylight hours to minimise impacts on nocturnal species. Other mitigation measures to reduce noise include:

Ensuring all equipment is properly maintained

All mobile equipment is fitted with silencing equipment, where practicable; and

Consider sound attenuation on fixed plant (e.g. diesel generators) where practicable and appropriate.

10.1.8 Light During the dry season it is proposed that mining operations will be continuous operating 24 hrs a day. Therefore lighting will be required at night associated with the mine areas, associated infrastructure such as MIA and accommodation camp, and haul roads. Headlights and flashing lights associated with vehicle movements will also contribute. Combined, these sources would also be expected to result in ‘sky glow’ or the general lightening of the night sky.

Light spill has the potential to impact on nocturnal terrestrial fauna species by disrupting feeding or breeding behaviour and reducing effective ranges. This is likely to be more pronounced in open woodland than light near mangroves as they are denser and light cannot penetrate. Though there are few studies on the impacts of artificial lighting on Australian fauna, research has shown behavioural changes in most faunal groups, for example sugar gliders, amphibians, sea turtles and birds (Ogden 1996; Longcore and Rich 2004). Conversely, increased light will attract insects which may be beneficial for some species. Bats are solely nocturnal, highly mobile (i.e. more likely to come into contact with artificial lights) and forage at a height where light spill is most likely. As such, this group of mammals may be disproportionately affected by artificial lighting. Some species, which are not light adverse, would benefit from lighting due to an associated increase in insect abundance. Other species are light adverse, and in some cases even small amounts of light may impinge on activity. Studies done in urban areas has shown that responses to artificial lighting by bats is species specific. Mitigation measures to reduce impacts from light will be:

Direct lights away from adjacent bushland areas including installation of light shields

Look at using lights that have a reduced light spill effect

Place lights back from retained bushland areas where possible; and

Minimise the amount of time lighting is on for. If lights can be on automatic timers where they only come on at times required this would reduce the impact.

10.1.9 Traffic impacts Traffic generation associated with the Project has the potential to impact terrestrial flora and fauna in the following ways:

Mortality resulting from vehicle collision;

Dust generation, which has the potential to smother roadside plants thereby affecting vegetation condition and reducing available habitat and food resources; and



Noise from vehicles which can disrupt fauna behaviour.

Direct fauna mortality associated with vehicle movement on haul roads and access roads has the potential to impact on a number of fauna species. Reptile species are most at risk as they may use road verges as habitat, or look to cross haul roads therefore are susceptible to collision as they are less mobile than other species. Vehicles will also be using haul roads at night in the dry season therefore collision with nocturnal species may occur.

The highest risk of direct fauna mortality is likely to be associated with vehicles travelling along the haul road to the barge load out facility. This risk is heightened due to its proximity to riparian corridors and wetlands associated with the Skardon River. Reduced speeds on all haul roads should be implemented to minimise the risk of vehicle collision. Provision of directed lighting onto the road also increases visibility for the driver and reduces the risk of startling animals crossing the road at night; however, lighting has other adverse impacts as discussed (Section 10.1.8).

The on-site Environmental Representative will be notified of any injured native fauna and will be trained to treat these animals accordingly. Due to the remote location it is unlikely carers or vets will be able to respond in a timely manner.

10.1.10 Increased fire risk The Project has the potential to increase fire risk associated with the operation of vehicles, and activities undertaken by site personnel (e.g. welding, cigarette butts). Uncontrolled fires have the potential to alter ecosystem characteristics and directly and indirectly impact on ecological values in the Project area. Appropriate management systems should be put in place to prevent accidental ignition of fires. A fire break around the accommodation camp should be put in place and fuel loads managed within retained bushland around infrastructure and in wetland areas to minimise the risk of a hot bushfire occurring. Haul roads and access tracks can be used as fire breaks and to assist in managing fire. Fire regimes and management measures should be documented in a site-specific fire management plan that takes into consideration safety needs but also the needs of managing biodiversity values including habitat attributes such as tree hollows. Vegetation communities such as melaleuca wetlands are sensitive to fire and hot wildfires should be avoided.

10.1.11 Weeds A number of pest plants may occur within the Project area (Section 9). Weed management measures to be implemented in the Project area should include:

Wash down facilities to be constructed at access points for vehicles arriving and departing from the Project site. These facilities are to be bunded and located away from drainage lines to minimise the risk of weed spread

Vehicles entering the Project site and leaving properties known to contain declared weeds will be thoroughly washed down before entering clean areas; ensuring that wheels, wheel arches and the undercarriage are free of mud and plant material

Radiators, grills and vehicle interiors will be cleaned of accumulated seed and plant material

Vehicles to keep to roads or compacted surfaces (preventative) and reduce vehicle movements in wetted soil where avoidance is not possible

Identified weeds of management concern, including declared and environmental weeds, to be controlled in accordance with local best practice management as described in the Pest Fact sheets published by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry



Treated areas will be monitored to assess the success of declared weed eradication

Weed management to be included in the site induction program for the Project to promote awareness of weed management issues; and

A site-specific weed and pest management plan is to be developed for the Project.

10.1.12 Pest fauna Feral animals declared as pests under the LP Act represent are a threat to primary industries and natural resources and responsibility for control rests with landholders. The following pest animals were recorded from the Project area:

Canius lupus dingo (dog / dingo)

Canus lupus familiaris (wild dog)

Felis catus (feral cat)

Sus scrofa (feral pig); and

Rhinella marinus (cane toad).

Other pest species may also occur in the Project area. In particular, cane toads are considered to pose a threat to the threatened fauna, and control programs are recommended to mitigate impacts on these species. The impacts of these species are likely to include the following:

Predation on native species

Competition for food resources, which may decrease abundance of prey for native predator species

Habitat changes due to destruction of plants; changed floristic composition; reduced regeneration of plants; alteration of soil structure; increased invasion and spread of weeds

Increased access for non-native predator species

Toxicity to native species

Reduced water quality and availability; and

Spread of exotic invertebrates and creation of habitats suitable for disease.

The following general mitigation measures are proposed for the management of pest animal species:

Appropriate disposal and management of wastes on site; and

A site-specific weed and pest management plan is to be developed for the Project that includes control of weeds and pests across the Project area. An integrated pest management plan with the adjacent Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project would also be beneficial.

10.2 Impacts to hydrology

Discharges of mine water, if required, would be managed in accordance with a mine water management strategy developed for the Project. Subject to appropriate management of mine-affected water and sediment-affected water, no downstream impacts on surface water resources would be expected to arise as a result of the Project.

Clearing of vegetation and lowering of the ground surface during open cut mining has the potential to increase recharge rates. Numerical groundwater modelling for the Project predicts that groundwater discharge rates to Big Footprint Swamp will have a minor net increase during and post



mining activities. Using baseline information gathered for Big Footprint Swamp the groundwater modelling predicts that with, and without the Bauxite Hills Mine, pool level fluctuations between wet and dry seasons are very similar. With the proposed levels of mining, a maximum increase in pool level of 0.35 metres above the pre-disturbance baseline may occur. The maximum predicted increase in the peak pool level, at the height of the wet season, is 0.15 metres.

In its natural state Big Footprint Swamp has a maximum pool level around 5 to 6 m Australian Height Datum during the wet season. The swamp then gradually dries out during the dry season with a small remnant pool of water remaining, which in some dry seasons has the potential to fully dry out. The water level measurement transducer located in the low point of the pool indicated drying of the swamp at the beginning of January 2015.

From the commencement of mining it is predicted there will be an approximate 0.15 metre increase in the peak pool level. This minor increase in the average peak depth has the potential to result in a small increase in the overall area inundated, particularly in the northern end of the swamp where the surrounding land is flatter. It is also possible for the average pool size that remains during the dry season to increase. Following the completion of mining activities, there is expected to be an extended net increase in groundwater discharge to the swamp of approximately 1.5% from about 2035 onwards, resulting in a less than 0.05 m increase in the peak pool level.

The impact of potential increases in groundwater discharges to Big Footprint Swamp and biodiversity are discussed below.

Big Footprint Swamp is registered in the Queensland Directory of Important Wetlands, classed as a wetland of HES and exists as a large palustrine wetland that is seasonally inundated to an elevation of 5 to 6 m Australian Height Datum. In the dry season the wetland generally retracts to a single small pool of standing water. The remnant pool observed in November 2014 is illustrated in Image 7. The swamp is currently fed from a small local catchment and groundwater discharge.

Image 7: Remnant pool in Big Footprint Swamp (November, 2014)



Big Footprint Swamp was surveyed as containing RE3.3.14 Melaleuca saligna +/- M. viridiflora, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on its outer fringes. In the more inundated areas of the middle of the swamp OC RE3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest dominated. This community is more tolerant of water logging and the lowest depression of the wetland comprises a significant area of grassland and sedgeland of Paspalum vaginatum (freshwater couch) and Eleocharis spp. (water chestnut). The grassland / sedgeland provides seasonal habitat to a range of water birds. Flocks of Anseranas semipalmata (magpie geese) are known to feed on water chestnut bulbs throughout the dry season, and species such as Grus rubicunda (brolga) and Jabiru mycteria (jabiru) are also likely to frequent this wetland. As with the majority of wetlands in the broader Project area, the swamp provides suitable habitat for Crocodylus porosus (saltwater / estuarine crocodile) mostly in the wet season when access and food resources are higher.

It should be noted that the results of modelling outlined in the previous paragraph relates to potential changes in average groundwater discharge as a result of mining activities. Changes in groundwater discharge and overland flow also currently occur as a result of natural climatic variability and rainfall intensity and duration from year to year. The peak depth of water measured in Big Footprint Swamp in 2015, under the condition of above average rainfall, was around 3 m. It is likely that the pool level in the swamp varies from year-to-year in response to the natural variability of climatic and rainfall conditions in Cape York, and that the native flora and fauna assemblages associated with Big Footprint Swamp are adapted, and tolerant to, variable wetting and drying cycles.

While the response of the aquatic ecosystems to predicted changes in the size and depth of inundation is difficult to predict, it is considered likely that these changes are within that of natural cycles and hence the ecological function of these systems will not be significantly impacted. As with most ecosystems associated with variable and perennial inundation, aquatic ecology values are likely to be tolerant of changes in abiotic conditions. Species colonising these areas can generally tolerate a range of conditions.

Areas where there is likely to be most change are the areas fringing the swamp, where soil moisture is likely to increase. This increase in soil moisture in fringing areas will likely result in an increase in sedge populations in the ground layer over time.

Melaleuca trees are quite tolerant of a range of ground moisture statuses particularly M. quinquenervia and M. saligna therefore no to little impact on fringing vegetation is predicted. Additionally the total area of permanent water in the swamp is likely to increase slightly. Where this increase in the total area of permanent inundation persists for several consecutive years there could be mortality of some native vegetation as a result of anaerobic soil conditions. Currently Big Footprint Swamp has an area with no tree species directly surrounding the area of standing water during the dry season (as shown in Image 7) therefore this impact is likely to be very low.

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna diversity may increase over time if the size and depth of standing water increases during the dry season, such as water birds that frequent the area, macroinvertebrates and fish, and lead to a temporary shift of aquatic fauna to preference those species that require permanent water to persist. A negative impact could be an increase in the number of pest species such as feral pigs that are attracted to the remnant pools of water and mud areas. Overall the minor increase in pool level and extent of inundation is not expected to have a significant impact on any native vegetation communities or fauna species.



Given that the above conclusions are based on modelling, it is recommended that a Receiving Environment Management Program (REMP) is developed with consideration of EHP’s Receiving Environment Monitoring Program guideline - For use with Environmental Relevant Activities under the Environmental Protection Act (2014). The REMP should include annual monitoring of Big Footprint Swamp. Monitoring should include:

Assessment of water levels (dry and wet seasons)

Assessment of the extent of inundation and water quality parameters

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna surveys at permanent survey locations using the same methods and survey intensity

Vegetation surveys and condition assessments (BioCondition transects)

Photo monitoring

Establish reference sites

Assessment of impacts and threats; and

Map boundaries of swamp and vegetation community extents.

Where significant changes in the swamp are observed, suitable mitigation measures can be developed and undertaken if necessary.

10.3 Impacts on threatened terrestrial flora values

No endangered REs were recorded in the Project area and therefore impacts to these are not considered. Two of concern (OC) REs were recorded in the Project area (e.g. MLAs and infrastructure footprints). Of these, OC RE 3.3.51 does not overlap the mine or infrastructure footprints, and therefore significant impacts to this RE are not anticipated. However, OC RE 3.3.12 is impacted by the southern haul road with approximately 0.60 ha expected to be cleared.

The area of disturbance would be minimised most effectively through reducing the haul road width if possible or making adjustments to their location, where possible. Additional impacts to remaining vegetation communities would be minimised where practicable.

No nationally significant EPBC Act listed flora species were confirmed within the disturbance footprints of the mine areas during the surveys. It is, however, considered Dendrobium johannis listed as vulnerable under EPBC Act and NC Act is likely to occur. The species is known from the broader area and the Project site contains suitable habitat for the species. Potential records of the Dendrobium johannis were encountered within wetland habitats proximate to the study area; however, individuals were not in flower and not able to be positively identified. It is more likely these individuals were Dendrobium trilamellatum based on form and habit. These species have been recently split by the Queensland Herbarium (pers comms, David Fell 2015). All orchid species were detected in Melaleuca swamps adjacent to proposed mining operations and are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed mining operations. A minimum buffer width of 365 metres is currently provided between proposed operations and the records. Impacts to this species has been assessed through a Significant Impact Assessment outlined in Section 10.6. No TECs were recorded in the Project area and therefore impacts to these were not considered.

Other than the potential D. johannis no state significant flora species were recorded in the surveys.



Riparian and watercourse vegetation occurs within the Project area as illustrated in Figure 10-1. Watercourse vegetation along Strahler stream orders 2 and 3 will be impacted by the development of internal roads, and minor areas associated with the BLF and RoRo. Based on applying the applicable buffer zones a total impact of 0.81 ha is anticipated to watercourse vegetation.

Buffers zones to watercourses (Figure 10-1) have been mapped in accordance with the defined distances as stipulated under the Environmental Offsets Policy 2014 for the Cape York Peninsula Bioregion and comprise:

25 m for Strahler stream order 1 or 2 watercourses;

50 m for Strahler stream order 3 or 4 watercourses; and

100 m for Strahler stream order 5 or greater watercourses.

The only areas where these buffers are not maintained are for two haul road crossings, the BLF and RoRo. Due to limitations associated with the ML for haul roads, and having to place the BLF and RoRo in areas of suitable depth for the barges, some impacts to watercourse vegetation are unavoidable.

Impacts on remnant watercourse vegetation would be avoided or minimised through:

Reducing the width of haul roads / internal roads where they cross watercourses

Maintaining adequate buffers from the Skardon River riparian corridor, and providing appropriate scour and erosion protection to maintain the integrity of vegetation and ecological function

Maintaining adequate buffer distances from watercourses not directly impacted by mining; and

Investigating potential to move haul roads off lease to avoid watercourse vegetation.



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10.4 Impacts on threatened terrestrial fauna values

Impacts to threatened terrestrial fauna could result from land clearing, habitat loss and fragmentation, and other indirect impacts as discussed in Section 10.1. Areas of land clearing for the Project are detailed in Table 10-2. For those threatened fauna species assessed as known, likely or may occur on the Project site, an assessment of potential impacts are summarised in Table 10-3.

Table 10-3 Summary of potential occurrence, habitat associations and impacts to threatened fauna Species Occurrence Impact Assessment

Crocodilus porosus (estuarine crocodile)

Known to occur The species has been recorded in estuarine environments associated with the Skardon River. It has also been observed in Namaleta Creek and dams associated with the old kaolin mine (RPS, 2015). Suitable habitat for the species is widespread in the local area and impacts to the species habitat as a result of the Project will be minor. The majority of estuarine wetlands adjacent to the Skardon River and Big Footprint Swamp that provide habitat are not impacted by the Project and buffers are being maintained. Connectivity along the Skardon River will also be maintained.

Dasyurus hallucatus (northern quoll)

May occur There is marginal foraging habitat for the northern quoll on the Project site. RE3.5.2 provides some potential foraging habitat however it is unlikely the site supports breeding habitats due to an absence of complex rocky outcrops. Northern quoll can forage over a number of kilometres in a single night. Foraging habitats which require clearing as a result of the Project are common and extensive throughout the region. It is anticipated that minor impacts to this species will occur including a reduction in the quantity of foraging habitat and potential for increased predators. Predators of northern quoll include dingos, foxes and cats. The Project has the potential to increase food sources for dingos, cats and foxes such as scraps from the accommodation camp or rodents which can attract these feral animals. More frequent fires can also mean that there is less ground cover and quolls are more vulnerable to predation from dingos, cats and raptors (Oakwood, 2004). Cane toads are also a threat to this species from toxins that are lethal to quolls.

Erythrotriorchis radiatus (red goshawk)

May occur Primary habitat for the red goshawk is associated with riparian vegetation and adjacent tall woodlands. The Project will have a minor impact to riparian vegetation as a result of haul roads and infrastructure such as the BLF. Foraging habitat consisting of RE3.5.2 will be impacted as a result of the mine pits. It is unlikely any breeding habitat will be impacted as a result of the Project as no large nesting sites were observed. Habitats which require clearing as a result of the Project are common and extensive throughout the region.



Species Occurrence Impact Assessment


Known to occur Beach Stone-curlews are found exclusively along the coast, on a wide range of beaches, islands, reefs and in estuaries, and may often be seen at the edges of or near mangroves. Suitable habitat occurs to the north and west of the Project area. Very low impacts are predicted to fringing mangroves along the Skardon River where the species is likely to be found. One record was observed near the mouth of the Skardon River and it is unlikely the species would utilise the Project area upstream as primary habitat.

Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo)

Known to occur Habitat for the palm cockatoo includes several of the REs to be cleared. The species is likely to utilise the majority of the Project site including melaleuca and eucalypt woodlands. Therefore it is anticipated that impacts to this species will occur including a reduction in the quality and quantity of foraging and breeding habitat. The loss of hollow bearing trees through clearing and altered fire regimes may have an impact on the species opportunities to nest in the area.

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus (bare-rumped sheathtail bat)

May occur Habitat requirements for this species remain poorly studied with minimal records known from the Cape York Peninsula, most of which are from the eastern coastal margins. This species is known to roost in deep tree hollows and including eucalypt species. Therefore the Project site does provide potential foraging and denning habitat for the species, predominantly RE3.5.2. Therefore it is anticipated that direct impacts to this species may occur through a reduction in available foraging and denning habitat. Potential indirect impacts to the species may occur from lighting and altered fire regimes which may cause the loss of mature hollow-bearing trees as well as food resources.

Sminthopsis archeri (chestnut dunnart)

Likely to occur Habitat for the chestnut dunnart includes LC RE 3.5.2, and the species is known to associate with Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodlands, therefore it is anticipated that impacts to this species may occur including a reduction in the quality and quantity of foraging and breeding habitat.

Mesembriomys gouldii rattoides (black-footed tree-rat)

Known to occur The habitat preference of the species is for open eucalypt woodland and forests with a proximity to watercourses and low lying vegetated areas. Microhabitat selection seems to be far more specific than currently known as the species is far more irregular across this abundant habitat than is expected. Cape York Peninsula contains a wide range of habitat suitable to the species; however there remains a paucity of records. Current records hold the species at Mareeba, Piccaninny Plains and Mungkan Kandju



Species Occurrence Impact Assessment

National Park (approximately 270 km from Skardon River). (Greencap, 2015).

The species was recorded in a camera trap by RPS during fauna surveys in late 2014.

The Project site contains eucalypt woodlands in proximity to watercourses and low lying melaleuca swamps. Therefore there is potential foraging and breeding habitat available for the species.

Foraging habitats which require clearing as a result of the Project are common and extensive throughout the region. It is anticipated that minor impacts to this species will occur including a reduction in the quantity of foraging habitat and potential for increased predators. Predators of black-footed tree-rat are known to be feral cats. The Project has the potential to increase food sources for cats such as scraps from the accommodation camp or rodents which can attract cats. More frequent fires can also mean that there is less ground cover making them more susceptible to predation from cats and decline in food sources of fruits and seeds and possibly flowers, grass and invertebrates (Morton, 1992).

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli (masked owl northern)

May occur The masked owl has a general habitat preference for riparian gallery, rainforest and mangrove areas which are available outside the Project footprint. These areas are far more extensive off site and north to the Skardon River. The main requirements are tall trees with suitable hollows for nesting and roosting and adjacent areas for foraging.

The Project will result in minor clearing of these habitats and most are being retained and managed in buffer zones. Potential nesting habitat in E. tetradonta woodland is required to be removed. Altered fire regimes may also pose risks to nesting hollow bearing trees.

Essential habitat for most of the migratory and marine avian species known to occur, or likely to occur within the Project area includes coastal, wetland, riverine and riparian habitats. It is predicted approximately 30.2ha of migratory bird habitat will be removed by the Project to accommodate infrastructure. This habitat has been identified in Figure 8-1 and consists of estuarine wetlands mapped in the Skardon River-Cotterell River Aggregation DIWA, mangroves and mudflats, and palustrine wetland areas of HES and GES.

Impacts to these species are not considered significant. The Project will result in minor impacts to suitable habitat for a number of migratory species, associated with removal of mangroves and tidal flats for the BLF, RoRo and haul road components. These habitats are highly common and extensive throughout the region and the Project is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate areas of



important habitat for migratory species. The area of disturbance would be minimised to the greatest extent possible.

There will be potential indirect impacts to the palustrine wetland Big Footprint Swamp as a result of the Project. The swamp provides foraging and nesting habitat for a number of water birds. These potential indirect impacts have been assessed in Section 10.2 and it was not considered these changes to the swamp would have a negative impact on migratory birds or other water birds.

Impacts to migratory avifauna which utilise drier habitats such as the rainbow bee-eater or dollarbird were not considered significant either given the extent and quality of habitat supported within the wider region and their ability to adapt to impacts (e.g. readily persist in urban and cleared environments).



10.5 Summary of Impacts to Matters of State Environmental Significance

An assessment of impacts to MSES as described in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 based on the proposed mining areas and associated infrastructure is detailed in Table 10-4. Only terrestrial MSES fauna species have been assessed in this report. Terrestrial aquatic species are assessed in the Aquatic Ecology Assessment Report (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016) and marine aquatic species have been assessed in a separate Marine Ecology and Coastal Processes Report (Ports and Coastal Environmental, 2016). Direct impacts have been determined by applying the proposed mining and infrastructure areas overlaid with ground-truthed REs (where mapped), certified REs, or mapping of a particular MSES value (e.g. HES wetlands). Table 10-4 MSES Impacts

MSES Trigger VM Act or NC Act Direct Impact

status Area of estimated disturbance (ha; max)

Endangered and OC REs

OC RE 3.3.12 OC 0.6 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Watercourse REs (within a defined distance from a Strahler stream order)

Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.1.1 - 0.06 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 - 0.39 ha (Southern Haul Road)


Stream Order 3 (50m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 - 0.05 ha (Barge Loading Facility)

Stream Order 3 (50m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 - 0.03 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

Total 0.81 ha

Connectivity

The connectivity tool was run and the result stated there is no significant impact to connectivity.

- 0

Waterways barrier works – estuary

Major category - 5 - 9.23 ha (Northern Haul Road)

Major category - 5 - 9.64 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Major category - 5 - 1.00 ha (Barge Loading Area)

Major category - 5 - 0.15 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

Major category - 5 - 4.25 ha (Mooring Area)

Total 24.27 ha

Waterways barrier works – stream

Category 1 - Low - 107.65 m (Southern Haul Road)

(Illustrated in Figure 5-2) Total 107.65 m

Mapped essential habitat

None - -

Fish habitat areas

None - -

Queensland protected flora trigger area

None - -

Strategic environmental areas

None - -

Vegetation management mapped wetlands

None - -



Wetland Areas HES

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 0.15 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 9.57 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 9.23 ha (Northern Haul Road)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 0.25 ha (Barge Loading Area)

Total 19.20 ha

Wetland protection area trigger

None - -

Endangered, Vulnerable and Special Least Concern fauna species

Esacus magnirostris (beach stone-curlew) V 20.71ha

Crocodylus porosus (estuarine crocodile) V Assessed as MNES in marine ecology report.

Migratory birds SLC Assessed as MNES

Endangered and Vulnerable flora species

Dendrobium johannis (Chocolate tea tree orchid) V No direct impacts have been confirmed. Assessed as MNES.

Marine plants#

RE3.1.1 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves.

9.74 ha

RE3.1.1/3.1.3 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. / Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed forest. Extensive on intertidal area.

10.72 ha

RE3.1.6 Sparse herbland or bare saltpans. Associated with salt plains and saline flats

0.25 ha

Seagrass communities To be assessed in a separate marine ecology report.

Total 20.71 ha

Existing offset areas

None -

#Impacts to mangroves have been determined based on a combination of ground-truthed RE mapping and certified RE mapping as illustrated in Figure 7-1.



10.6 Significant Impact Assessments

For each MNES and MSES identified as known or likely to occur in the Project area an assessment has been undertaken to determine if the Project will result in a ‘significant residual impact’. The palm cockatoo and black-footed tree rat significant impact assessments have not been completed as part of this report and will be addressed in the Project’s EIS.

MNES

The EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 - Significant Impact Guidelines, define a significant impact as an impact which is important, notable or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. The likelihood of an action having a significant impact depends upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts. The full MNES assessments are provided in Attachment 9.

The findings of the assessments as part of this report are that the Project will not have a significant, residual impact on MNES.

MSES

Under the Queensland Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (QEOP) only significant, residual impacts to MSES are required to be offset. The Queensland Government’s Significant Residual Impact Guideline (Version 1) December 2014 provides guidance on what impacts are considered to be ‘significant’. The full MSES significant impact assessments are provided in Attachment 8. Where a species has been assessed as MNES, and it is also a MSES, the findings of the MNES assessment will apply.

Results have found that four MSES are likely to incur a significant impact and these are summarised in Table 10-5. Table 10-5 Significant, Residual Impacts to MSES

MSES Area required to be offset (ha)

Of Concern RE 3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest associated with scattered coastal swamps

0.60 ha

Watercourse Vegetation Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.1.1 Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.3.22 Stream Order 3 (50m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 Stream Order 3 (50m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3 Total

0.06 ha (Southern Haul Road)



0.05 ha (Barge Loading Facility)

0.03 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

0.81 ha

HES Wetlands Total

0.15 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)


9.23 ha (Northern Haul Road)

0.25 ha (Barge Loading Area)

19.20ha

Marine Plants RE3.1.1 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves.

7.89ha (Northern Haul Road) 1.85ha (Southern Haul Road) 9.74ha



MSES Area required to be offset (ha)


0.25 ha (Barge Loading Area) 0.15 ha (Logistic Barge Facility) 2.83 ha (Northern Haul Road) 7.49 ha (Southern Haul Road) 10.72 ha


0.25ha (Southern Haul Road)

Total 20.71ha

10.7 Potential offset requirements

Biodiversity offsets are required for the Project to compensate for any significant, residual impacts to MNES or MSES. Significant, residual impact assessments are provided in Attachments 8 and 9 and summarised in Section 10.6.

Offsets for the Project are required to be assessed and delivered under the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy 2012 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Act 20143. To fully address the Project’s offset requirements a Biodiversity Offsets Strategy Report has been prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016b). This report confirms the Project’s biodiversity offset requirements, applicable offset policy requirements, offset delivery options and proposes a preferred offset delivery method and describes the next steps to finalise the Project’s biodiversity offsets.

For further details on the Project’s biodiversity offset requirements and offset delivery considerations, refer to the Biodiversity Offset Strategy (Amec Foster Wheeler, 2016b).

3 MSES are prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014.



11. Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts on terrestrial ecological values would be assessed by considering impacts on vegetation communities and significant species from past, current and (reasonably foreseeable) proposed developments within the broader bioregion. The scope of the cumulative impact assessment included:

Projects within 150 km of the proposed development

Projects in the broader bioregion

Other projects of which the proponent is aware; and

Known major infrastructure projects (e.g., power stations or water infrastructure) that are seeking approval or have obtained development approval other than through an EIS.

Significant developments in the broader bioregion were identified through a search of the DotE and DEHP public notices and approvals and assessments databases. The majority of planned development in the region relates to bauxite mining projects and, to a lesser extent, development of infrastructure to support the bauxite mining industry (e.g. roads, port facilities). One operational and several proposed mine developments were identified in the broader bioregion (Figure 11-1), and include:

The Weipa mine operated by Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited - active

The South of Embley development operated by Rio Tinto (an extension of the Weipa mine) – active

Pisolite Hills development proposed by Metro Mining – inactive

The Skardon River development proposed by Gulf Alumina – early stages of approvals / EIS has been released

Hey Point development proposed by Green Coast Resources - approved; and

Arukun development proposed by Glencore – feasibility assessment stage.

Where relevant these projects are discussed individually below.

11.1 Weipa and South of the Embley developments

Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited have mined and shipped bauxite from the Weipa mine (north of the Embley River) since 1963. This development has long been the only operating bauxite mine in Queensland, and one of the world’s largest. The bauxite reserves at the Weipa mine are gradually depleting; however, Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited recently secured approval (subject to conditions) to expand the development to include MLAs south of the Embley River (the South of Embley development).

11.2 Pisolite Hills development

Cape Alumina (now known as Metro Mining) were progressing approvals for the Pisolite Hills Project, approximately 50 km north east of Weipa. In October 2012, the Project was declared a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Act 1971 (Qld.) for which an EIS was required. The Project was also deemed a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act and subject to a separate Commonwealth EIS process. Terms of reference for an EIS were release by the



Queensland Government in December 2012. However a significant porton of the Project area was declared a Strategic Environmental Area (SEA) for which mining could not occur, forcing Metro Mining to direct their attention to the Bauxite Hills Project. The EIS was not completed and the terms of reference have now lapsed.

11.3 Skardon River development

Gulf Alumina Limited (Gulf Alumina) are progressing approvals for the Skardon River Project (SRP), approximately 100 km north of Weipa. The SRP includes three MLs - ML 40082, 40069 and 6025 covering a total area of 3,925 ha. These MLs surround and dissect those of the Bauxite Hills Project (Figure 11-1).

The SRP involves the construction and operation of an open cut bauxite mine in Western Cape York Peninsula. The SRP involves mining a bauxite ore body of around 50 million tonnes and is anticipated to initially produce 3 Mtpa bauxite suitable as DSO, which is expected to rise to 5 Mtpa subject to market conditions. The mine life is expected to be 10 years.

The SRP includes development of the mine areas and ancillary infrastructure including a bauxite loading facility on the Skardon River, accommodation camp and upgrading the existing haul road. The SRP will include use of existing infrastructure from the kaolin mine, including the haul road, airstrip, and the Port of Skardon River. The area to be mined will include portions of the areas already disturbed by kaolin mining, including the decommissioned wet plant area.

Two barges, with a capacity of about 4,000 to 7,000 tonnes per barge, will transfer bauxite ore to the bulk carriers, which will have an approximate capacity of 75,000 deadweight tonnes. Barges would work 24 hours, 7 days a week with a loading rate up to 2,000 tonnes / hour, for approximately 40 weeks / annum (i.e. excluding the wet season). This is based upon Gulf’s proposal to bed level a portion of the Skardon River.

Gulf Alumina applied for an EA amendment for bauxite mining within the existing mining leases in March 2014 as the current EA only allows for mining kaolin and operating an associated pilot plant. Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) decided that the proposed amendment was a major amendment under sections 228 and 229 of the EP Act. On 19 May 2014, EHP notified Gulf Alumina that the amendment application required assessment by EIS. In May 2015, Gulf Alumina proposed a change to the EA amendment application under Sections 236 – 238 of the EP Act to include additional bauxite resources. In May 2015, EHP determined that the proposed changes would be assessed as part of this EIS. The proposed SRP was referred on 14 August 2014 to the Commonwealth DoE (EPBC 2014/7305). On 11 September 2014, the Minister for the Environment determined the proposed SRP to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act. The controlling provisions are sections 18 and 18A (listed threatened species and communities), 20 and 20A (listed Mi species) and 23 and 24A (Commonwealth Ma areas). The SRP will be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State of Queensland using the EIS prepared under the EP Act.

The SRP’s EIS was publically released from 2 November 2015 to 11 December 2015. Information in the EIS has been used to inform this cumulative impact assessment.



11.4 Hey point development

Green Coast Resources Pty. Limited proposes to develop a bauxite mine approximately 10 km south of Weipa (Figure 11-1). A site-specific application for an EA was lodged with DEHP in July 2013. Due to the relatively minor scale of the proposed development the DEHP deemed that an EIS was not required; however, further information was requested pertaining to land values (rehabilitation), surface and groundwater, and biodiversity impacts. The requested supporting information was submitted to the DEHP in November 2014.

11.5 Arukun development

On August 19 2014, Glencore was selected by the Queensland government as the preferred developer of the Arukun Bauxite Resource, and the Development Agreement was finalised in December 2014. Glencore are currently progressing a feasibility study for the development. The proposed development is approximately 100 km south east of Weipa on Archer Bay, between the Ward and Watson Rivers (Figure 11-1).

11.6 Other significant developments

Other significant developments in the area include the Urquhart Point Minerals Sands Project, Archer River Quarry, the existing Port of Weipa, and a proposed port development on the Embley River.



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11.8 Cumulative impact assessment

Of the developments currently operating or proposed for the area, the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project is expected to have the greatest cumulative impact on terrestrial ecological values when considered in conjunction with the Bauxite Hills Project. The SRP is directly adjacent to the Bauxite Hills Project (Figure 11-1), is due to commence construction at a similar time and operations will also occur during the dry season. The Skardon River Project is also the most likely to proceed as environmental studies have been completed, the EIS has been released, and public consultation completed. The most relevant impacts to be considered for terrestrial flora species relate to the area of remnant vegetation and REs to be impacted, associated loss of fauna habitats and corresponding impacts relating to habitat fragmentation and threatening processes.

11.8.1 Cumulative impacts to vegetation communities and threatened flora species

The loss of remnant vegetation will occur as a result of construction and operation of the Bauxite Hills Project and Skardon River Project. Direct impacts on vegetation will occur as a result of staged vegetation clearing within the mine areas, and to accommodate the Project infrastructure. For the Bauxite Hills Project a total of 1,467 ha of remnant vegetation is required to be cleared and the Skardon River Project will result in a total of approximately 1,374 ha. The total combined area of clearing is 2,841 ha. Over 95% of the total clearing will impact LC RE3.5.2- Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and remnants. This is the most widespread vegetation community in Cape York and supports a range of flora and fauna species.

Both Projects will result in minor clearing to an OC RE3.3.12 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest associated with scattered coastal swamps. The Bauxite Hills Project will impact 0.6 ha and the Skardon River Project 0.2 ha, a total of 0.8 ha. While this RE is locally restricted in its distribution to small patches or linear strips associated with palustrine wetlands and riparian systems, there are two large patches of mixed polygon containing RE3.3.12 to the west of the Projects. These mapped polygons are associated with a coastal dune wetland system and the combined area is approximately 1,050 ha and the area of available RE3.3.12 is estimated at 104ha. This patch of OC RE3.3.12 is outside of any proposed development. There are no impacts to TECs or endangered REs as a result of the two bauxite mine Projects.

Both the Bauxite Hills Project and Skardon River Project do not expect direct impacts on the two palustrine wetlands; Big Footprint Swamp and Lunette Swamp. The two wetlands are outside of proposed mining and infrastructure areas however it is noted that the Projects will be undertaking some clearing and mining in close proximity to these wetland areas. Therefore there is potential for indirect impacts to wetlands through changes to hydrology, potential for increased pest animals and plants and altered fire regimes. Both Projects have stated there is likely to be potential for changes to surface water runoff and groundwater in these wetland systems. It is expected there will be a small increase in the peak water table in parts of the area due to enhanced recharge, and other parts of the area a decrease in the peak water table due to discharge in the mine pits.

In the vicinity of Big Footprint Swamp, Ewan Wilson Consulting (2015) identifies two time periods when changes to the water table are most extreme:



Year 2022 when the peak water table to the north of Big Footprint Swamp is predicted to decrease by 0.1 metre and the peak water table to the south is predicted to increase by 0.1 metre; and

Year 2026 when the peak water table in the south of Big Footprint Swamp is predicted to increase by 0.1 metre.

At these times the Bauxite Hills Project groundwater modelling is showing small to negligible increases in peak pool level. In year 2026 the peak pool level is predicted to increase by less than 0.1 metre. Therefore, a combined peak pool level is no more than 0.2 metres. It could be viewed that the predicted drawdown by Skardon River in year 2022 will be offset by the predicted increase in pool level by Bauxite Hills. Further information in relation to the groundwater modelling is provided in Chapter 9 – Surface and Groundwater Quality (including Appendix E1 – Groundwater Technical Report) and the Skardon River EIS Chapter 13.

It is not expected the minor changes to pool level and subsequent potential increase in the inundation zone for a small part of each year, will have a significant impact on the wetlands ecological function and biodiversity. The wetlands are resilient to changes in water level and duration of inundation due to natural conditions being quite dynamic between wet and dry seasons and also monsoons. The wetlands will still provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.

Flora ecology surveys for both Projects have not confirmed the presence of any threatened flora species under the EPBC Act or NC Act. The vast majority of known and potential habitat for threatened flora species identified as likely to occur in the broader Project area do not fall with the areas proposed for mining. These habitats are generally associated with buffers protecting riparian or wetland areas and the impact of the Project on these species was not considered significant (Section 10.3). During surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project potential records of the Dendrobium johannis were encountered within wetland habitats proximate to proposed mining areas. However, individuals were not in flower and not able to be positively identified. It is more likely these individuals were Dendrobium trilamellatum based on form and habit. These species have been recently split by the Queensland Herbarium (pers comms, David Fell 2015). All orchid species were detected in Melaleuca swamps adjacent to proposed mining operations and are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed mining operations. A minimum buffer width of 365 metres is currently provided between proposed operations and these records. If these orchids are recorded at a later date in the Skardon River Project area they are also likely to be located in vegetation communities outside of proposed disturbance areas. Should an orchid species be recorded within an area required for clearing the species also has the ability to be translocated to suitable adjacent habitats.

11.8.2 Cumulative impacts to threatened fauna species

Direct impacts to threatened fauna known or potentially occurring in the area would result from vegetation clearing required to accommodate the mine and infrastructure footprints for the Bauxite Hills Project and SRP. This will in turn result in a loss of foraging and breeding habitats for some species. The largest impact will be to the tetrodonta woodlands and those species that utilise these habitats for foraging, nesting and breeding. This may include bird species such as the palm cockatoo and masked owl, bat species, mammals including black-footed tree-ratand reptiles that reside in fallen logs and leaf litter. Both Projects will result in a large loss of tetrodonta woodland in the order of 2,841 ha, that will be cleared in stages over approximately 10-15 years.



The clearing represents approximately 0.005% of the total extent of this RE in the bioregion. There will be large areas of tetrodonta woodland that will be retained adjacent to those areas cleared within the MLs, and in the local region and bioregion. Therefore the loss of foraging habitat is not likely to be significant, also including consideration a number of species are highly mobile and will forage over large areas. Therefore the most significant cumulative impact is likely to be the loss of breeding places such as hollow-bearing trees and fallen logs, leaf litter etc. It is also noted that progressive rehabilitation is planned by both Projects to retain natural ecosystem values.

Species Management Plans and a Vegetation Clearing Plan will be prepared prior to disturbance. These plans will identify specific mitigation measures that will be in put in place to reduce impacts to fauna species and associated habitats and breeding places. Specific mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise the loss of hollow-bearing trees through:

retention in-situ where possible

a small number of large, hollow-bearing trees will be selectively felled ahead of general clearing and relocated (eg cemented in place) within the rehabilitation areas to provide immediate breeding and nesting locations for some species, and act as ‘tall points’ for bird perching within the otherwise cleared areas, whilst rehabilitation is establishing

use of fauna spotter catchers during clearing to ensure hollow bearing trees are identified and measures taken to encourage fauna to exit the hollow, or the spotter will check for fauna once the tree is down and relocate the species to suitable habitats away from clearing; and

installation of nest boxes that are designed for particular species requirements.

Migratory birds recorded or likely to occur in the Project areas predominantly utilise estuarine habitats such as mangroves, tidal flats and bays associated with the Skardon River and mouth of the Skardon River. Some migratory species have been recorded in proximity to Big Footprint Swamp and may use this as a foraging area in wet season. The Skardon River Project will not require clearing in any wetland REs and the Bauxite Hills Project estimates impacts to migratory bird habitat of approximately 30ha predominantly consisting of mangrove and estuarine habitats. While there are some predicted changes to hydrology of the Big Footprint Swamp and Lunette Swamp in proximity to the two mines, these changes are not expected to have a negative impact on the ecological function or biodiversity values of these swamps. If anything the modelling is predicting a small increase in pool level and area of inundation which may benefit migratory bird species by providing a larger foraging area for potentially a longer duration. Therefore it is not expected the Projects will have a cumulative impact on migratory birds or their habitats.

11.8.3 Cumulative impacts to connectivity and threatening processes

The development of both the Bauxite Hills and SRP will result in some fragmentation of remnant vegetation and flora and fauna habitats in the local area. Potential for the largest impact to connectivity is between the southern arm of the Skardon River and Big Footprint Swamp. This area has a number of mining activities proposed including; Bauxite Hills Project has a proposed haul road directly adjacent to the river, then SRP is proposing to conduct open pit mining between the Bauxite Hills haul road and an existing haul road, and then Bauxite Hills Project proposes open cut pits adjacent to Big Fooptrint Swamp.



Therefore connectivity from the Skardon River southern arm west towards the the swamp and coast will be limited for those species that are less mobile. Other areas of habitat in the east of the Bauxite Hills Mine area (BH1) will retain connectivity as the riparian areas adjacent to the Skardon River in the north are being retained with buffers to the mine, and remnant tracts of woodland are retained to the east and south of the BH1 pit. Riparian vegetation along Namaleta Creek will also be retained by the SRP and connectivity to Big Footprint Swamp and Lunette Swamp from the west will not be impacted.

Combined mitigation measures by both Projects should be considered and implemented to reduce the overall impact to connectivity. These measures include ensuring adequate buffers between Big Footprint Swamp and Lunette Swamp from development, retaining adequate riparian buffers along Skardon River and Nameleta Creek to allow fauna to move through these riparian systems and maintain water quality, looking to retain one or two east-west corridors between the southern arm of the Skardon River and Big Footprint Swamp and further south in proximity to Lunette Swamp, and progressive rehabilitation using local provenance species (where possible) to retain natural ecosystem values.



12. MNES – Summary The Project was declared by DotE to be a Controlled Action for which an EIS is required on 18 September 2015. Relevant controlling provisions for the Project under the EPBC Act are listed threatened species and communities and listed migratory species4 (collectively the terrestrial ecological MNES for the Project).

This section provides a compendious summary of key findings of the Terrestrial Ecology Assessment as they relate to MNES. Discussion is split between TECs, MNES flora, MNES fauna and Migratory and Marine avian species.

12.1 TECs

Desktop assessments and field ecology surveys did not identify the presence of any TECs within the Project area. The Project is not expected to have any impact on TECs.

12.2 MNES Flora Species

Desktop searches have identified five MNES flora species as possibly occurring within the Project area. Based on an assessment of the species likelihood to occur within the Project area, including evaluating results of flora surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project and Skardon River Project, one threatened flora species is considered likely to occur, and two as may occur (as detailed in Table 7-3, Section 7.4.1). No threatened flora species were confirmed during seasonal surveys.

Cepobaculum carronii an epiphytic orchid may occur as the Project site contains suitable habitat for the species in low-lying melaleuca swamps that are periodically inundated such as the Big Footprint Swamp and melaleuca woodlands associated near tributaries of the Skardon River. However, the species has not been recorded during all flora surveys in the region and is only known from eastern side of Cape York. Therefore, there is a low risk this orchid will occur in the Project area, or be impacted by the Project due to its habitat largely being outside of the mine lease and proposed disturbance areas.

Dendrobium bigibbum is another epiphytic orchid that may occur in the Project site. Records of the species have been found in the Aurukun area south of the Project. The Project site contains suitable habitat for the species in melaleuca swamps and fringing riparian vegetation. However the species does have a known preference for coastal dune areas. The species is most probably in more mesic vegetation types on land zone 2 (sand) such as beach scrubs (Greencap, 2015). These habitats do not occur in the Project area therefore there is a low risk this orchid will occur in the Project area, or be impacted by the Project due to its habitat largely being outside of the mine lease and proposed disturbance areas.

The one threatened flora species under EPBC Act assessed as likely to occur within the Project site is the Dendrobium johannis and further detail is provided below.

12.2.1 Dendrobium johannis (chocolate tea tree orchid) 12.2.1.1 Status

This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

4 Commonwealth marine areas represent a third controlling provision for the Project; however these areas are beyond the scope of this Terrestrial Ecology Assessment.



12.2.1.2 Likelihood of presence in Project area

This species is considered likely to be present within the Project area.

During flora surveys within the Project area (as summarised in Section 4) individual Dendrobium sp. were identified outside of proposed clearing areas. The observed specimens were noted by the botanist, David Fell, as likely to be Dendrobium trilamellatum; however, this species shares similar habitat and has similar habit to the vulnerable flora species Dendrobium johannis. No suitable flowering material was present at the time of survey therefore species level identification was not possible. These orchids were found in riparian and wetland habitats outside of proposed impact areas. Large buffers of at least 350 m will be retained between the orchids and proposed mining activities. Taking a conservative approach if the orchid species are D. johannis they will not be impacted by the Project and should any individuals be confirmed during future pre-clearance surveys within proposed impact areas, a proposal to relocate the orchids into adjacent suitable habitats would be developed and undertaken.

12.2.1.3 Significant impact assessment A full significant impact assessment has been undertaken based on the EPBC Act Significant Impact Guideline criteria. The full assessment is provided in Attachment 9.

The Project is not expected to have a significant impact upon D. johannis.

12.3 Threatened MNES Fauna Species

Through desktop assessments presented in Section 6, 10 threatened MNES fauna species, 23 migratory bird species and 28 marine and/or migratory species were identified as possibly occurring within the Project area. Desktop results are summarised in Table 6-2. This includes estuarine crocodile that was recorded during surveys for the Skardon River Project.

Based on an assessment of the species likelihood to occur within the Project area, including evaluating results of fauna surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project and Skardon River Project, two threatened fauna species were recorded being the Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo) and Mesebriomys gouldii rattoides (black-footed tree rat). The locations of sightings of palm cockatoo for the Bauxite Hills Project are illustrated within Figure 4-3. This species was recorded for both Projects. No other EPBC Act threatened species were recorded during surveys.

Four other threatened fauna species under EPBC Act have been assessed as having the potential to occur (may occur) in the Project area. They are red goshawk, bare rumped sheathtail bat, masked owl and northern quoll. An evaluation of the MNES fauna species likelihood to occur in the Project area is provided in Table 8-1 and potential impacts to the species and their habitats is provided in Section 10.4.

The palm cockatoo is assessed further below.

12.3.1 Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo (Australian)) 12.3.1.1 Status

This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

12.3.1.2 Likelihood of presence in Project area This species is known to be present within the Project area.



The palm cockatoos were recorded infrequently during the dry season fauna surveys (November, 2014) throughout the Project area. Records are illustrated in Figure 4-3. The palm cockatoo was also observed during SRP surveys in fringing woodland immediately to the north of Namaleta Creek and in Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland. The species has been recorded in low numbers from one individual up to three in a flock.

Palm cockatoos (Australian) are conventionally accepted as a distinct subsp distributed across the north of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, from north of Pormpuraaw on the west coast to Saltwater Creek, Princess Charlotte Bay on the east coast (Storch, 1996; Higgins, 1999). The species inhabits closed forest and riparian systems, and open woodlands adjacent to these habitats. They feed mostly on the hard seeds of fibrous and woody fruits of woodland, littoral and closed forest species, taken from the canopy and the ground (Wood, 1988; Storch, 1996). Nests are mostly in large hollow trees, primarily large eucalypts in woodland, with an average distance of 320 m to the rainforest (Murphy et al., 2003). However, there have also been observations of nests in smaller trees, which may be related to limitations in the availability of hollows at certain times (Murphy 2006).

The tetrodonta woodlands and fringing melaleuca forests in the Project site and surrounding area provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. Hollow bearing trees provide nesting sites for this species.

12.3.1.3 Significant impact criteria A full significant impact assessment has been undertaken based on the EPBC Act Significant Impact Guideline criteria. The full assessment is provided in Attachment 9.

The Project is not expected to have a significant impact upon the palm cockatoo (Australian).

12.4 Migratory and Marine MNES Fauna Species

Through desktop assessments presented in Section 6, 28 migratory and/or marine fauna species were identified as possibly occurring within the Project area. During fauna surveys for the Bauxite Hills Project 5 species listed as Migratory/Marine and 15 listed as Marine were recorded, including:

Migratory/Marine (Mi/Ma):

■ Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper)

■ Adrea idris (cattle egret)

■ Adrea modesta (eastern great egret)

■ Numenius phaeopus (whimbrel)

■ Sternula albifrons (little tern).

Marine (Ma):

■ Ardea intermedia (intermediate egret)

■ Coracina papuensis (white-bellied cuckoo-shrike)

■ Coracina tenuirostris (cicadabird)

■ Dicrurus bracteatus (spangled drongo)

■ Ducula bicolor (pied imperial pigeon)

■ Tadorna radjah (Radjah shelduck)

■ Egretta garzetta (little egret)

■ Eurystomus orientalis (dollarbird)



■ Haliastur indus (brahminy kite)

■ Haliastur sphenurus (whistling kite)

■ Eudynamys orientalis (eastern koel)

■ Ninox novaeseelandiae (southern boobook)

■ Podargus papuensis (Papuan frogmouth)

■ Threskiornis molucca (Australian white ibis)

■ Todiramphus macleayii (forest kingfisher).

The Skardon River Project recorded two additional migratory species being; Pandion haliaetus (eastern osprey) and Crocodylus porosus (estuarine crocodile).

All migratory and marine species and their likelihood of occurrence is summarised in Section 8.5 and Table 12-1 below.

12.4.1 Migratory Birds 12.4.1.1 Status

Twenty-five bird species listed as migratory and/or marine under the EPBC Act have been assessed for impacts.

12.4.1.2 Likelihood of presence in Project area The migratory and marine species recorded to be present, or likely to be present, within the Project area are listed in Table 12-1.

Table 12-1 Migratory Birds Known or Likely to Occur Species name Common name EPBC

Status Esacus magnirostris beach stone-curlew Ma Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper Mi, Ma Ardea ibis cattle egret Mi, Ma Ardea intermedia

intermediate egret

Ma Ardea modesta eastern great egret Mi, Ma Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-

shrike

Ma

Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird Ma Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo Ma Ducula bicolor pied imperial pigeon Ma Egretta garzetta little egret Ma Eudynamys orientalis eastern koel Ma Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird Ma Haliastur indus brahminy kite Ma Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite Ma Numenius phaeopus whimbrel Mi, Ma Sternula albifrons little tern Mi, Ma Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck Ma Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater Mi, Ma Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose Ma Pandion haliaetus eastern osprey Mi, Ma Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth Ma Petrochelidon nigricans tree martin Ma Porzana tabuensis spotless crake Ma Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail Mi, Ma



Essential habitat for most of the migratory and marine avian species known to occur, or likely to occur within the Project area includes coastal, wetland, riverine and riparian habitats.

Migratory bird habitats are mapped in Figure 8-1 and the Project will result in the loss of approximately 30.2 ha of wetlands that provide suitable habitat. The Bauxite Hills Project and SRP have been identified as having the potential to have indirect impacts to the palustrine wetland Big Footprint Swamp. The swamp provides foraging habitat for a number of migratory bird species including egrets and radjah shelduck. The potential impacts to Big Footprint Swamp are discussed in Section 10.2.

12.4.1.3 Significant impact criteria A full significant impact assessment has been undertaken based on the EPBC Act Significant Impact Guideline criteria. The full assessment is provided in Attachment 9.

The Project is not expected to have a significant impact upon migratoy birds or their habitat.



13. Conclusions and Recommendations The Bauxite Hills Project area supports a relatively low diversity of vegetation communities, dominated by tetrodonta woodlands that transition into low lying palustrine melaleuca wetlands and fringing estuarine mangrove communities along Skardon River tributaries. The Project will result in the clearing of approximately 1,467 ha of remnant vegetation. Clearing is dominated by LC RE 3.5.2 (approximately 97% of all clearing). While two OC REs were mapped in the Project area, only one RE 3.3.12 will be impacted by the Project as a result of the southern haul with a clearing area of 0.6ha. While this impact is provisioned for, it is likely to be avoided as part of detailed design where options to move the location of the southern haul road will be investigated. This includes negotiations regarding alternative haul roads off tenement. Due to required infrastructure on the Skardon River for barge loading and the haul roads there will be some unavoidable impacts to marine plants. It is estimated 20.71ha will be impacted.

Other key areas of remnant and riparian vegetation associated with the Skardon River, and Skardon River-Cotterell River wetland aggregation occur in the Project area, but not within the mining footprints. Remnant vegetation in the Project area has linkages to recognised regional and state-significant biodiversity corridors but does not itself form part of these corridors. Intact landscape-scale linkages will remain around the Project area.

One threatened fauna species (palm cockatoo) under EPBC Act was recorded during ecology surveys for the Project. The Project site provides foraging and nesting habitat for the species. The entire Project site could be utilised by this species for both foraging and nesting. One other EPBC Act threatened species (black-footed tree-rat) was recorded during ecology surveys for the SRP.

Other threatened terrestrial fauna and flora species assessed as likely to occur in the area as the Project site provides suitable habitat for the species and records of the species are in proximity to the Project include; D. johannis an epiphytic orchid species, estuarine crocodile (listed as vulnerable under NC Act), beach stone curlew (listed as vulnerable under NC Act) and a number of migratory and/or marine avian species (MNES and SLC). All of these species have primary habitat associated with fringing melaleuca and mangrove wetland areas adjacent to tributaries of the Skardon River and Big Footprint Swamp. The Project will result in minor impacts to these habitats and large areas are being retained both on site and in adjacent areas.

Key habitat resources for fauna identified through the assessment include permanent water sources associated with riparian corridors and wetlands of the Skardon River-Cotterell River aggregation, and large tracts of contiguous remnant vegetation to the south and east of the Project area. In particular wetland areas to the north and west of the Project area (including Big Footprint Swamp) were observed to support a relatively high diversity of fauna species, and may provide habitat for a number of significant species.

The Project will result in no removal of permanent water sources but may have minor indirect impacts to Big Footprint Swamp through an increase in recharge to groundwater both during and post operations. This will see a minor increase in the peak pool level the groundwater modelling predicts that with, and without, the Bauxite Hills Mine pool level fluctuations between wet and dry seasons are very similar. With mining a maximum increase in pool level of 0.35metres above the pre-disturbance baseline may occur although the maximum predicted increase in the peak pool level, at the height of the wet season, is 0.15 m.



This minor increase in the average peak depth has the potential to result in a small increase in the overall area inundated, particularly in the northern end of the swamp where the surrounding land is flatter. While the response of the aquatic ecosystems to predicted changes in the size and depth of inundation is difficult to predict, it is considered likely that these changes are within that of natural cycles and hence the ecological function of these systems will not be significantly impacted. As with most ecosystems associated with variable and perennial inundation, aquatic ecology values are likely to be tolerant of changes in abiotic conditions. Species colonising these areas can generally tolerate a range of conditions.

To assist in the mitigation of impacts to terrestrial flora and fauna species, the provision of pre-clearance surveys and clearing supervision by a suitably qualified fauna spotter catcher should be implemented. Other specific considerations to be addressed through future Project design and development include:

Minimising encroachment on the Skardon River and associated wetlands and floodplains to avoid impacts on riparian vegetation communities and important fauna habitats associated with the Skardon River

Measures to limit vegetation loss and impacts on connectivity where the mining footprint and infrastructure corridors occur between wetland habitat

Translocation of any threatened orchid species should any be positively identified and found within the proposed clearing areas

A small number of large, hollow-bearing trees will be selectively felled ahead of general clearing and will be relocated (e.g. cemented in place) within the rehabilitation areas to provide immediate breeding and nesting locations for some species, and act as ‘tall points’ for bird perching within the otherwise cleared areas, whilst rehabilitation is establishing. Nest boxes with dimensions that support arboreal species on site will also be installed prior to clearing in adjacent habitats being retained, to compensate for loss of hollows

Use of some fallen logs, rocks will be put into adjacent habitats to retain fauna micro-habitats

Minimise edge effects by looking to retain areas of habitat in sufficient widths, that are well connected to other areas of habitat, to ensure less mobile fauna species can still move through these areas and an increase of weeds and light into these vegetation communities is minimised

Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas with locally endemic species to replace vegetation communities and habitats lost

Fire management and pest management across the Project mining leases and coordinated management where possible with adjacent landholders; and

Ecological monitoring of a range of environmental factors to identify if impacts are occurring and any changes in condition or threats to biodiversity values.

To compensate for the significant, residual impacts to MSES offsets are proposed. To fully address the Project’s offset requirements a Biodiversity Offsets Strategy has been prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler (2016b). This report aims to detail the proposed Project’s estimated extent of significant, residual impacts to MNES and MSES. This has been tested through a Significant Impact Assessment for each identified MNES and MSES under the applicable guidelines to determine the extent of offsets required.



14. References Abrahams H, Mulvaney M, Glasco D, Bugg A (1995) Areas of conservation significance on Cape York Peninsula. Queensland Government and Australian Heritage Commission

Amec Foster Wheeler (2016a) Aquatic Ecology Assessment of the Bauxite Hills Project. Prepared for Cape Alumina

Amec Foster Wheeler (2016b) Bauxite Hills Mine Project - Biodiversity Offsets Strategy. Prepared for Metro Mining

Bennett A (2006) Ecology: An Australian perspective. In: Attiwil, P and Wilson, B. (eds). Oxford University Press, Melbourne

Bostock PD, Holland AE (2007) Census of the Queensland flora 2007. Queensland Government: Environment Protection Agency

BoM (2014) Climatic averages for Weipa Aerodrome. Bureau of Meteorology, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_027045.shtml

Cape Alumina (2012) EPBC Act Referral for the Bauxite Hills mine and port project

Cape York Land Manager (2016) http://landmanager.capeyorknrm.com.au/node/51

Churchill S (2008) Australia bats, 2nd Edition. Allen and Unwin, Sydney

Cogger H (2000) Reptiles and amphibians of Australia, 6th Edition. Reed New Holland, Sydney

Corben (2008) AnalookW, www.hoarybat.com

Dames and Moore (1996) Environmental Impact Statement for Botany Cogeneration Project. Prepared for ALISE Energy Marketing Pty Ltd.

Department of the Environment and Resource Management (2010). Cape York Peninsula Natural Resource Management Region - Back on Track : Actions for Biodiversity.

Department of the Environment (2013). Matters of National Environmental Significance – Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Canberra.

Department of the Environment (2015). Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Fri, 19 Jun 2015

DEWHA (2011a) Guidelines for detecting mammals listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

DEWHA (2011b) Guidelines for detecting bats listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_027045.shtml

http://www.hoarybat.com/



DEWHA (2011c) Guidelines for detecting amphibians listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

DEWHA (2010) Guidelines for detecting birds listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

DEWHA (2011d) Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened reptiles: Guidelines for detecting reptiles listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

DEWHA (2013). Significant Impact Guidelines Version 1.1. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

DIP (2014) Draft Cape York Regional Plan. Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Queensland Government, Brisbane

DotE (2013) Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

EHP (2012) Biodiversity Planning Assessment using BAMM for the Cape York Peninsula heritage area. Summary Report. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Eyre TJ, Ferguson DJ, Hourigan CL, Smith GC, Mathieson MT, Kelly, AL, Venz MF, Hogan, LD & Rowland, J (2014) Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Eyre TJ, Kelly AL, Nelder VJ, Wilson BA, Ferguson DJ, Laidlaw MJ, Franks AJ (2011) BioCondition: A condition assessment framework for terrestrial biodiversity in Queensland Version 2.1. Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Brisbane

Freeman A (2009) Recommended fauna survey methodology for environmental impact assessments (for North Queensland). Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Government, Atherton

Godwin M (1985) Land units of the Weipa region. Final unpublished report. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Queensland Government, Cairns

Greencap (2015) Gulf Alumina Skardon River Bauxite Project Environmental Impact Statement – Chapter 15 – Terrestrial Ecology

Gunness A (1994) Preliminary flora and vegetation study of the areas of impacts of the Venture Exploration NL Skardon Kaolin Project. Prepared for DC Blandford and Associates

Gunness A, Lawrie JW, Forster B (1987) Land units of the Weipa Environs. 1: 25000 map and explanatory notes. Prepared for Comalco

Higgins, PJ & Davies, SJJF (eds) 1996, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds, volume 3: snipe to pigeons, Oxford University Press, Melbourne



IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 2010, The IUCN red list of threatened species, viewed 4 July 2011, <www.iucnredlist.org/>.

Mackey BG, Nix H, Hitchcock P (2001) The natural heritage significance of Cape York Peninsula. Government of Queensland, Brisbane

Morcombe M (2000) Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing, Brisbane

Morton, C. V. (1992). Diets of three species of tree-rat, Mesembriomys gouldii (Gray), M. macrurus (Peters) and Conilurus penicillatus (Gould) from the Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia. B.Sc. (Hons.) thesis, University of Canberra, Canberra.

Neldner VJ, Clarkson JR (1991) Vegetation survey of Batavia Downs, Cape York Peninsula. Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Neldner VJ, Clarkson JR (1994) Vegetation survey of Cape York Peninsula. Cape York Peninsula. Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Neldner VJ, Clarkson JR (1995) Vegetation survey and mapping of Cape York Peninsula. CYPLUS. Department of Environment and Heritage, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Neldner VJ, Wilson BA, Thompson EJ, Dilleward HA (2012) Methodology for survey and mapping of regional ecosystems and vegetation communities in Queensland. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Oakwood M. (2004). The effect of cane toads on a marsupial carnivore, the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus. Report to Parks Australia.

Pedley L, Isbell R (1971) Plant communities of Cape York Peninsula. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland, 82:51-74

Queensland Herbarium (2014) Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version 8.1. Department of Science, Innovation, Technology, Industry and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Rowland, J. 2013. Palm cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus. Targeted species survey guidelines. Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, Brisbane.

RPS Australia (2012) Skardon River flora and fauna assessment. Prepared for Gulf Alumina Ltd.

RPS Australia East Pty Ltd (2015) Consolidated Flora and Fauna Assessment (2010-2015) Report.

Sattler P, Williams R (1999) The conservation status of Queensland’s bioregional ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Specht RL, Salt RB, Reynolds ST (1977) Vegetation in the vicinity of Weipa, North Queensland. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland, 88:17-38

Stanton JP, Fell D (2005) The rainforests of Cape York Peninsula. Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Management. Rainforest CRC, Cairns, 204 pp.

Stanton JP, Teece RJ (1996) Lakefield National Park: Resource information and its management implications. Department of Environment, Queensland Government, Brisbane

Van Dyck S, Strahan R (2008) The mammals of Australia. New Holland, Sydney



Worley Parsons (2011) Bauxite Hills Project, Preliminary Constraints Assessment: Terrestrial ecology. Prepared for Cape Alumina



ATTACHMENT 1 DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other mattersprotected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in thecaveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines,forms and application process details.

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Acknowledgements

Buffer: 25.0Km

Matters of NES

Report created: 03/02/16 15:32:34

Coordinates

This map may contain data which are©Commonwealth of Australia(Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

CaveatExtra Information

DetailsSummary

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

Summary

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or mayrelate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can beaccessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have asignificant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider theAdministrative Guidelines on Significance.

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities:

Listed Migratory Species:

None

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:

Wetlands of International Importance:

Listed Threatened Species:

None

30

None

None

National Heritage Places:

Commonwealth Marine Area:

World Heritage Properties:

None

1

39

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken onCommonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of aplace are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of aCommonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found athttp://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated.Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land,when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken onCommonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing totake an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatenedspecies or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member ofa listed marine species.


None

None

11

Listed Marine Species:

Whales and Other Cetaceans:

81

Commonwealth Heritage Places:

None

None

Critical Habitats:

Commonwealth Land:

Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial:

1Commonwealth Reserves Marine:

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

2

NoneState and Territory Reserves:

Nationally Important Wetlands:

NoneRegional Forest Agreements:

Invasive Species: 9

1Key Ecological Features (Marine)

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits-and-application-forms

Details

Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceBirds

Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Palm Cockatoo (Australian) [67033] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi

Golden-shouldered Parrot [720] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Psephotus chrysopterygius

Masked Owl (northern) [26048] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli

Mammals

Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus

Northern Quoll [331] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dasyurus hallucatus

Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae

Black-footed Tree-rat (north Queensland) [87620] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Mesembriomys gouldii rattoides

Spectacled Flying-fox [185] Vulnerable Species or speciesPteropus conspicillatus

Commonwealth Marine Area [ Resource Information ]

Name

Approval is required for a proposed activity that is located within the Commonwealth Marine Area which has, will have, or islikely to have a significant impact on the environment. Approval may be required for a proposed action taken outside theCommonwealth Marine Area but which has, may have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in theCommonwealth Marine Area. Generally the Commonwealth Marine Area stretches from three nautical miles to two hundrednautical miles from the coast.

EEZ and Territorial Sea

Matters of National Environmental Significance

If you are planning to undertake action in an area in or close to the Commonwealth Marine Area, and a marinebioregional plan has been prepared for the Commonwealth Marine Area in that area, the marine bioregionalplan may inform your decision as to whether to refer your proposed action under the EPBC Act.

Marine Regions [ Resource Information ]

NameNorth

Name Status Type of Presencehabitat may occur withinarea

Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat [66889] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area


Water Mouse, False Water Rat, Yirrkoo [66] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Xeromys myoides

Plants

[8635] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cajanus mareebensis

[11371] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Calophyllum bicolor

an orchid [78700] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cepobaculum carronii

Cooktown Orchid [10306] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dendrobium bigibbum

Chocolate Tea Tree Orchid [13585] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dendrobium johannis

Dwarf Butterfly Orchid, Cooktown Orchid [78893] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Vappodes lithocola

Cooktown Orchid [78894] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Vappodes phalaenopsis

Reptiles

Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Breeding likely to occurwithin area

Caretta caretta

Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Breeding known to occurwithin area

Chelonia mydas

Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Breeding likely to occurwithin area

Dermochelys coriacea

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Breeding known to occurwithin area

Eretmochelys imbricata

Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Breeding known to occurwithin area

Lepidochelys olivacea

Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Breeding known to occurwithin area

Natator depressus

Sharks

Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias

Speartooth Shark [82453] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Glyphis glyphis

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis clavata

Name Status Type of Presence

Largetooth Sawfish, Freshwater Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]

Vulnerable Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceMigratory Marine Birds

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Fregata ariel

Little Tern [813] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Sterna albifrons

Migratory Marine Species

Narrow Sawfish, Knifetooth Sawfish [68448] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Anoxypristis cuspidata

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias


Caretta caretta


Chelonia mydas

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus



Dugong [28] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dugong dugon





Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore MantaRay, Prince Alfred's Ray, Resident Manta

Species or species habitatmay occur within

Manta alfredi

Name Threatened Type of PresenceRay [84994] area

Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific MantaRay, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray [84995]

Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Manta birostris




Natator depressus

Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Orcaella brevirostris

Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis clavata

Largetooth Sawfish, Freshwater Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]

Vulnerable Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sousa chinensis

Migratory Terrestrial Species

Red-rumped Swallow [80610] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cecropis daurica

Oriental Cuckoo, Horsfield's Cuckoo [86651] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cuculus optatus

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Merops ornatus

Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis

Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus

Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Name Threatened Type of PresenceMigratory Wetlands Species

Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Ardea alba

Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Ardea ibis

Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Osprey [952] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pandion haliaetus

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tringa nebularia

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceBirds

Magpie Goose [978] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Anseranas semipalmata

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Ardea alba

Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Ardea ibis

Oriental Cuckoo, Himalayan Cuckoo [710] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cuculus saturatus

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Fregata ariel

Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii

White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster

Red-rumped Swallow [59480] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hirundo daurica


Name Threatened Type of Presence

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Merops ornatus

Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis

Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus

Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca

Osprey [952] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pandion haliaetus

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Little Tern [813] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Sterna albifrons

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tringa nebularia

Fish

Shortpouch Pygmy Pipehorse [66187] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acentronura tentaculata

Three-keel Pipefish [66192] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Campichthys tricarinatus

Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish, Short-bodied Pipefish[66194]


Choeroichthys brachysoma

Pig-snouted Pipefish [66198] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Choeroichthys suillus

Fijian Banded Pipefish, Brown-banded Pipefish[66199]


Corythoichthys amplexus

Reticulate Pipefish, Yellow-banded Pipefish, NetworkPipefish [66200]


Corythoichthys flavofasciatus

Australian Messmate Pipefish, Banded Pipefish[66202]


Corythoichthys intestinalis

Orange-spotted Pipefish, Ocellated Pipefish [66203] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Corythoichthys ocellatus


Schultz's Pipefish [66205] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Corythoichthys schultzi

Maxweber's Pipefish [66209] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cosmocampus maxweberi

Banded Pipefish, Ringed Pipefish [66210] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus

Bluestripe Pipefish, Indian Blue-stripe Pipefish, PacificBlue-stripe Pipefish [66211]


Doryrhamphus excisus

Cleaner Pipefish, Janss' Pipefish [66212] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Doryrhamphus janssi

Girdled Pipefish [66214] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Festucalex cinctus

Brock's Pipefish [66219] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus brocki

Red-hair Pipefish, Duncker's Pipefish [66220] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus dunckeri

Mud Pipefish, Gray's Pipefish [66221] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus grayi

Spiny-snout Pipefish [66225] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus spinirostris

Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned Seadragon [66226] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Haliichthys taeniophorus

Blue-speckled Pipefish, Blue-spotted Pipefish [66228] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys cyanospilos

Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys penicillus

Western Spiny Seahorse, Narrow-bellied Seahorse[66234]


Hippocampus angustus

Spiny Seahorse, Thorny Seahorse [66236] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus histrix

Spotted Seahorse, Yellow Seahorse [66237] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus kuda

Flat-face Seahorse [66238] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus planifrons

Hedgehog Seahorse [66239] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus spinosissimus


Three-spot Seahorse, Low-crowned Seahorse, Flat-faced Seahorse [66720]


Hippocampus trimaculatus

thorntail Pipefish, Thorn-tailed Pipefish [66254] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Micrognathus brevirostris

Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's Pipehorse [66272] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solegnathus hardwickii

Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish,[66183]


Solenostomus cyanopterus

Rough-snout Ghost Pipefish [68425] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solenostomus paegnius

Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse,Alligator Pipefish [66279]


Syngnathoides biaculeatus

Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short-tailedPipefish [66280]


Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus

Straightstick Pipefish, Long-nosed Pipefish, StraightStick Pipefish [66281]


Trachyrhamphus longirostris

Mammals

Dugong [28] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dugong dugon

Reptiles

Horned Seasnake [1114] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acalyptophis peronii

Dubois' Seasnake [1116] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus duboisii

Spine-tailed Seasnake [1117] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus eydouxii

Olive Seasnake [1120] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus laevis

Stokes' Seasnake [1122] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Astrotia stokesii


Caretta caretta


Chelonia mydas

Freshwater Crocodile, Johnston's Crocodile,Johnston's River Crocodile [1773]


Crocodylus johnstoni

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus




Spectacled Seasnake [1123] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira kingii

Olive-headed Seasnake [1124] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira major

Beaked Seasnake [1126] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Enhydrina schistosa



Black-ringed Seasnake [1100] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrelaps darwiniensis

Black-headed Seasnake [1101] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis atriceps

Elegant Seasnake [1104] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis elegans

Slender Seasnake [1106] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis gracilis

null [25926] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis mcdowelli

Spotted Seasnake, Ornate Reef Seasnake [1111] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis ornatus

Large-headed Seasnake, Pacific Seasnake [1112] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis pacificus

Spine-bellied Seasnake [1113] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Lapemis hardwickii

a sea krait [1092] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Laticauda colubrina

a sea krait [1093] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Laticauda laticaudata




Natator depressus

Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Pelamis platurus

Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceMammals

Name Status Type of Presence

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin [60] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Delphinus delphis

Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Grampus griseus



Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Orcaella brevirostris

Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sousa chinensis

Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Stenella attenuata

Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted BottlenoseDolphin [68418]

Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus

Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Tursiops truncatus s. str.

[ Resource Information ]Commonwealth Reserves MarineName LabelWest Cape York Multiple Use Zone (IUCN VI)

Extra Information

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ]Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plantsthat are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. Thefollowing feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps fromLandscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of PresenceFrogs

Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rhinella marina

Nationally Important Wetlands [ Resource Information ]Name StatePort Musgrave Aggregation QLDSkardon River - Cotterell River Aggregation QLD

Name Status Type of PresenceMammals

Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Bos taurus

Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris

Horse [5] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Equus caballus

Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Felis catus

House Mouse [120] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Mus musculus

Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rattus rattus

Pig [6] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sus scrofa

Plants

Gamba Grass [66895] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Andropogon gayanus

Key Ecological Features are the parts of the marine ecosystem that are considered to be important for thebiodiversity or ecosystem functioning and integrity of the Commonwealth Marine Area.

Key Ecological Features (Marine) [ Resource Information ]

Name RegionGulf of Carpentaria coastal zone North

- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites

- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers

- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only.Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in generalterms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seekand consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, Statevegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are lesswell known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailedhabitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. Forspecies whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums,and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In somecases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.

The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of thereport.

Caveat

- migratory and

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from thisdatabase:

- marine

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations underthe Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritageproperties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened,migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not completeat this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:

-11.86668 142.04155

Coordinates

-Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT-Birdlife Australia-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme

-Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia

Acknowledgements

-Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales

-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania

-Parks and Wildlife Commission NT, Northern Territory Government-Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland

-Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria

-Australian National Wildlife Collection

-Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia

This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the followingcustodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Australian Museum

-National Herbarium of NSW

Forestry Corporation, NSW-Australian Government, Department of Defence

-State Herbarium of South Australia

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert adviceand information on numerous draft distributions.

-Natural history museums of Australia

-Queensland Museum

-Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra

-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria

-Geoscience Australia

-Ocean Biogeographic Information System

-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums-Queensland Herbarium

-Western Australian Herbarium

-Tasmanian Herbarium

-Northern Territory Herbarium

-South Australian Museum

-Museum Victoria

-University of New England

-CSIRO-Other groups and individuals

© Commonwealth of Australia

+61 2 6274 1111

Canberra ACT 2601 Australia

GPO Box 787

Department of the Environment

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

http://www.environment.act.gov.au/

http://birdlife.org.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/science/bird-and-bat-banding

http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/

http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/home

http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Collections/ANWC

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Home

http://australianmuseum.net.au/

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/science/Herbarium_and_resources/nsw_herbarium

http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/

http://www.defence.gov.au/

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Science/Science_research/State_Herbarium

http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/herbarium/

http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/science/herbarium-and-resources/national-herbarium-of-victoria

http://www.ga.gov.au/

http://www.iobis.org/

http://ozcam.org.au/

http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/

http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/wa-herbarium

http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/collections_and_research/tasmanian_herbarium

http://www.lrm.nt.gov.au/plants-and-animals/herbarium

http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/

http://museumvictoria.com.au/

http://www.une.edu.au

http://www.csiro.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/copyright-statement

http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

Wildlife Online Extract

Search Criteria: Species List for a Specified Point

Species: All

Type: All

Status: All

Records: All

Date: All

Latitude: -11.8667

Longitude: 142.0416

Distance: 25

Email: [email protected]

Date submitted: Thursday 04 Feb 2016 10:04:17

Date extracted: Thursday 04 Feb 2016 10:10:26

The number of records retrieved = 617

Disclaimer

As the DSITIA is still in a process of collating and vetting data, it is possible the information given is not complete. The information provided should only be usedfor the project for which it was requested and it should be appropriately acknowledged as being derived from Wildlife Online when it is used.

The State of Queensland does not invite reliance upon, nor accept responsibility for this information. Persons should satisfy themselves through independentmeans as to the accuracy and completeness of this information.

No statements, representations or warranties are made about the accuracy or completeness of this information. The State of Queensland disclaims allresponsibility for this information and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damagesand costs you may incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Feedback about Wildlife Online should be emailed to [email protected]

Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records

animals amphibians Bufonidae Rhinella marina cane toad Y 11 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria bicolor northern sedgefrog C 13/1animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria rubella ruddy treefrog C 6 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria caerulea common green treefrog C 5 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria gracilenta graceful treefrog C 1 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria infrafrenata white lipped treefrog C 5 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria nigrofrenata tawny rocketfrog C 5 animals amphibians Hylidae Cyclorana novaehollandiae eastern snapping frog C 4/1animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria nasuta striped rocketfrog C 12/1animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria rothii northern laughing treefrog C 5 animals amphibians Limnodynastidae Platyplectrum ornatum ornate burrowing frog C 8/3animals amphibians Limnodynastidae Limnodynastes convexiusculus marbled frog C 16/1animals amphibians Microhylidae Austrochaperina gracilipes shrill whistlefrog C 3 animals amphibians Myobatrachidae Crinia remota northern froglet C 4 animals amphibians Myobatrachidae Uperoleia mimula mimicking gungan C 4 animals birds Acanthizidae Sericornis beccarii tropical scrubwren C 1 animals birds Acanthizidae Gerygone magnirostris large-billed gerygone C 6 animals birds Acanthizidae Gerygone palpebrosa fairy gerygone C 6 animals birds Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite C 31 animals birds Accipitridae Milvus migrans black kite C 3 animals birds Accipitridae Haliastur indus brahminy kite C 7 animals birds Accipitridae Pandion cristatus eastern osprey SL 8 animals birds Accipitridae Accipiter cirrocephalus collared sparrowhawk C 2 animals birds Accipitridae Hieraaetus morphnoides little eagle C 2 animals birds Accipitridae Haliaeetus leucogaster white-bellied sea-eagle C 12 animals birds Accipitridae Accipiter fasciatus brown goshawk C 5 animals birds Accipitridae Circus approximans swamp harrier C 6 animals birds Acrocephalidae Acrocephalus australis Australian reed-warbler SL 1 animals birds Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian owlet-nightjar C 1 animals birds Alcedinidae Ceyx azureus azure kingfisher C 2 animals birds Alcedinidae Ceyx pusilla little kingfisher C 1 animals birds Anatidae Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose C 2 animals birds Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific black duck C 6 animals birds Anatidae Anas gracilis grey teal C 4 animals birds Anatidae Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck C 14 animals birds Anhingidae Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian darter C 8 animals birds Anseranatidae Anseranas semipalmata magpie goose C 12 animals birds Ardeidae Ardea alba modesta eastern great egret SL 9 animals birds Ardeidae Ardea ibis cattle egret SL 1 animals birds Ardeidae Egretta sacra eastern reef egret C 2 animals birds Ardeidae Ardea pacifica white-necked heron C 5 animals birds Ardeidae Egretta picata pied heron C 3 animals birds Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae white-faced heron C 14 animals birds Ardeidae Egretta garzetta little egret C 15 animals birds Ardeidae Ardea intermedia intermediate egret C 8 animals birds Ardeidae Ardea sumatrana great-billed heron C 1

Page 1 of 14Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 04/02/2016 at 10:10:26


animals birds Artamidae Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird C 1 animals birds Artamidae Cracticus quoyi black butcherbird C 15 animals birds Artamidae Cracticus mentalis black-backed butcherbird C 22 animals birds Artamidae Artamus leucorynchus white-breasted woodswallow C 6 animals birds Artamidae Artamus superciliosus white-browed woodswallow C 2 animals birds Burhinidae Esacus magnirostris beach stone-curlew V 6 animals birds Burhinidae Burhinus grallarius bush stone-curlew C 1 animals birds Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus banksii red-tailed black-cockatoo C 9 animals birds Cacatuidae Probosciger aterrimus palm cockatoo NT V 12 animals birds Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita sulphur-crested cockatoo C 29 animals birds Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike C 19 animals birds Campephagidae Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird SL 2 animals birds Campephagidae Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-shrike C 26 animals birds Campephagidae Lalage leucomela varied triller C 10 animals birds Caprimulgidae Caprimulgus macrurus large-tailed nightjar C 5 animals birds Charadriidae Charadrius ruficapillus red-capped plover C 3 animals birds Charadriidae Vanellus miles miles masked lapwing (northern subspecies) C 10 animals birds Charadriidae Erythrogonys cinctus red-kneed dotterel C 2 animals birds Charadriidae Elseyornis melanops black-fronted dotterel C 1 animals birds Charadriidae Vanellus miles masked lapwing C 7 animals birds Ciconiidae Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus black-necked stork C 8 animals birds Cisticolidae Cisticola exilis golden-headed cisticola C 6 animals birds Climacteridae Climacteris picumnus brown treecreeper C 2 animals birds Columbidae Ducula bicolor pied imperial-pigeon C 13 animals birds Columbidae Phaps sp. 1 animals birds Columbidae Geopelia striata peaceful dove C 12 animals birds Columbidae Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove C 43 animals birds Columbidae Ptilinopus magnificus wompoo fruit-dove C 4 animals birds Columbidae Ptilinopus regina rose-crowned fruit-dove C 2 animals birds Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian crow C 34 animals birds Cuculidae Scythrops novaehollandiae channel-billed cuckoo C 4 animals birds Cuculidae Centropus phasianinus pheasant coucal C 6 animals birds Cuculidae Cacomantis variolosus brush cuckoo C 1 animals birds Cuculidae Eudynamys orientalis eastern koel C 7 animals birds Cuculidae Chalcites minutillus little bronze-cuckoo C 1 animals birds Cuculidae Chalcites basalis Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo C 1 animals birds Dicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo C 12 animals birds Estrildidae Neochmia temporalis red-browed finch C 2 animals birds Estrildidae Lonchura castaneothorax chestnut-breasted mannikin C 2 animals birds Estrildidae Taeniopygia bichenovii double-barred finch C 1 animals birds Falconidae Falco berigora brown falcon C 14 animals birds Falconidae Falco peregrinus peregrine falcon C 2 animals birds Falconidae Falco cenchroides nankeen kestrel C 4 animals birds Fregatidae Fregata ariel lesser frigatebird SL 2 animals birds Glareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian pratincole C 9 animals birds Gruidae Grus rubicunda brolga C 15



animals birds Haematopodidae Haematopus longirostris Australian pied oystercatcher C 10 animals birds Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii blue-winged kookaburra C 27 animals birds Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra C 10 animals birds Halcyonidae Todiramphus sanctus sacred kingfisher C 5 animals birds Halcyonidae Todiramphus sordidus Torresian kingfisher C 2 animals birds Halcyonidae Todiramphus macleayii forest kingfisher C 14 animals birds Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena welcome swallow C 3 animals birds Hirundinidae Petrochelidon nigricans tree martin C 3 animals birds Jacanidae Irediparra gallinacea comb-crested jacana C 2 animals birds Laridae Chlidonias hybrida whiskered tern C 2 animals birds Laridae Thalasseus bergii crested tern C 4 animals birds Laridae Hydroprogne caspia Caspian tern SL 2 animals birds Laridae Sternula albifrons little tern SL 3 animals birds Laridae Gelochelidon nilotica gull-billed tern SL 9 animals birds Laridae Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae silver gull C 2 animals birds Laridae Thalasseus bengalensis lesser crested tern C 2 animals birds Maluridae Malurus amabilis lovely fairy-wren C 2 animals birds Maluridae Malurus melanocephalus red-backed fairy-wren C 3 animals birds Megaluridae Megalurus timoriensis tawny grassbird C 2 animals birds Megapodiidae Megapodius reinwardt orange-footed scrubfowl C 9/1animals birds Megapodiidae Alectura lathami Australian brush-turkey C 6/1animals birds Meliphagidae Myzomela erythrocephala red-headed honeyeater C 6 animals birds Meliphagidae Melithreptus albogularis white-throated honeyeater C 41 animals birds Meliphagidae Conopophila rufogularis rufous-throated honeyeater C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Conopophila albogularis rufous-banded honeyeater C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Philemon citreogularis little friarbird C 21 animals birds Meliphagidae Xanthotis flaviventer tawny-breasted honeyeater C 7 animals birds Meliphagidae Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird C 14 animals birds Meliphagidae Ramsayornis modestus brown-backed honeyeater C 4 animals birds Meliphagidae Philemon argenticeps silver-crowned friarbird C 2 animals birds Meliphagidae Lichmera indistincta brown honeyeater C 7 animals birds Meliphagidae Cissomela pectoralis banded honeyeater C 2 animals birds Meliphagidae Stomiopera unicolor white-gaped honeyeater C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Philemon buceroides helmeted friarbird C 3 animals birds Meliphagidae Meliphaga gracilis graceful honeyeater C 29 animals birds Meliphagidae Entomyzon cyanotis blue-faced honeyeater C 15 animals birds Meliphagidae Meliphaga notata yellow-spotted honeyeater C 19 animals birds Meliphagidae Myzomela obscura dusky honeyeater C 10 animals birds Meliphagidae Stomiopera flava yellow honeyeater C 16 animals birds Meropidae Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater SL 36 animals birds Monarchidae Myiagra alecto shining flycatcher C 6 animals birds Monarchidae Symposiachrus trivirgatus spectacled monarch SL 2 animals birds Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca magpie-lark C 18 animals birds Monarchidae Myiagra ruficollis broad-billed flycatcher C 1 animals birds Monarchidae Myiagra rubecula leaden flycatcher C 19 animals birds Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian pipit C 2



animals birds Nectariniidae Nectarinia jugularis olive-backed sunbird C 27 animals birds Nectariniidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird C 29 animals birds Neosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera varied sittella C 3 animals birds Oriolidae Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian figbird C 2 animals birds Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus olive-backed oriole C 3 animals birds Oriolidae Oriolus flavocinctus yellow oriole C 30 animals birds Otididae Ardeotis australis Australian bustard C 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler C 11 animals birds Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush C 7 animals birds Pachycephalidae Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush C 2 animals birds Paradisaeidae Phonygammus keraudrenii trumpet manucode C 5 animals birds Paradisaeidae Ptiloris magnificus magnificent riflebird C 1 animals birds Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian pelican C 18 animals birds Petroicidae Microeca flavigaster lemon-bellied flycatcher C 16 animals birds Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax sulcirostris little black cormorant C 1 animals birds Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax varius pied cormorant C 3 animals birds Phalacrocoracidae Microcarbo melanoleucos little pied cormorant C 6 animals birds Podargidae Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth C 11 animals birds Podargidae Podargus strigoides tawny frogmouth C 4 animals birds Podargidae Podargus ocellatus marmoratus marbled frogmouth C 1 animals birds Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus temporalis grey-crowned babbler C 3 animals birds Procellariidae Pterodroma leucoptera Gould's petrel C 1 animals birds Psittacidae Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus rainbow lorikeet C 60 animals birds Psittacidae Aprosmictus erythropterus red-winged parrot C 24 animals birds Psittacidae Platycercus adscitus pale-headed rosella C 1 animals birds Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis great bowerbird C 12 animals birds Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus black-winged stilt C 12 animals birds Rhipiduridae Rhipidura leucophrys willie wagtail C 2 animals birds Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa grey fantail C 1 animals birds Rhipiduridae Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail SL 4 animals birds Scolopacidae Tringa nebularia common greenshank SL 2 animals birds Scolopacidae Numenius phaeopus whimbrel SL 6 animals birds Scolopacidae Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper SL 3 animals birds Scolopacidae Calidris tenuirostris great knot SL 1 animals birds Scolopacidae Tringa stagnatilis marsh sandpiper SL 2 animals birds Scolopacidae Numenius madagascariensis eastern curlew V CE 4 animals birds Scolopacidae Calidris acuminata sharp-tailed sandpiper SL 3 animals birds Strigidae Ninox boobook southern boobook C 11 animals birds Threskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis straw-necked ibis C 15 animals birds Threskiornithidae Threskiornis molucca Australian white ibis C 21 animals birds Threskiornithidae Platalea flavipes yellow-billed spoonbill C 2 animals birds Threskiornithidae Platalea regia royal spoonbill C 7 animals birds Threskiornithidae Plegadis falcinellus glossy ibis SL 7 animals birds Tytonidae Tyto delicatula eastern barn owl C 1 animals mammals Bovidae Bos taurus European cattle Y 7 animals mammals Canidae Canis lupus familiaris dog Y 2



animals mammals Canidae Canis lupus dingo dingo 2 animals mammals Canidae Canis sp. 6 animals mammals Dasyuridae Sminthopsis archeri chestnut dunnart NT 1/1animals mammals Dasyuridae Dasyurus hallucatus northern quoll C E 8/1animals mammals Dasyuridae Sminthopsis virginiae red-cheeked dunnart C 9/6animals mammals Delphinidae Orcaella heinsohni Australian snubfin dolphin V 2 animals mammals Equidae Equus caballus horse Y 24 animals mammals Felidae Felis catus cat Y 3 animals mammals Macropodidae Macropus antilopinus antilopine wallaroo C 10 animals mammals Macropodidae Macropus agilis agile wallaby C 26 animals mammals Megadermatidae Macroderma gigas ghost bat V 1 animals mammals Miniopteridae Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis eastern bent-wing bat C 6/5animals mammals Molossidae Chaerephon jobensis northern freetail bat C 6/4animals mammals Muridae Melomys sp. 3 animals mammals Muridae Rattus tunneyi pale field-rat C 6/5animals mammals Muridae Melomys burtoni grassland melomys C 17/13animals mammals Muridae Rattus sordidus canefield rat C 24/19animals mammals Muridae Hydromys chrysogaster water rat C 1/1animals mammals Muridae Uromys caudimaculatus giant white-tailed rat C 2/1animals mammals Muridae Pseudomys delicatulus delicate mouse C 21/10animals mammals Muridae Leggadina lakedownensis Lakeland Downs mouse C 1/1animals mammals Muridae Rattus sp. 1/1animals mammals Peramelidae Isoodon macrourus northern brown bandicoot C 2/1animals mammals Peramelidae Isoodon sp. 1 animals mammals Petauridae Petaurus breviceps sugar glider C 15/1animals mammals Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula common brushtail possum C 5 animals mammals Pteropodidae Pteropus scapulatus little red flying-fox C 4 animals mammals Pteropodidae Pteropus alecto black flying-fox C 7/3animals mammals Suidae Sus scrofa pig Y 5 animals mammals Vespertilionidae Pipistrellus adamsi Cape York pipistrelle C 4 animals mammals Vespertilionidae Myotis macropus large-footed myotis C 4/2animals mammals Vespertilionidae Pipistrellus westralis northern pipistrelle C 5/5animals mammals Vespertilionidae Scotorepens sanborni northern broad-nosed bat C 2/1animals ray-finned fishes Ariidae Neoarius berneyi highfin catfish 1 animals ray-finned fishes Eleotridae Oxyeleotris fimbriata fimbriate gudgeon 1 animals ray-finned fishes Gobiidae Glossogobius concavifrons concave flathead goby 1 animals reptiles Agamidae Chlamydosaurus kingii frilled lizard C 1 animals reptiles Agamidae Diporiphora bilineata two-lined dragon C 7/2animals reptiles Boidae Liasis mackloti water python C 2 animals reptiles Boidae Aspidites melanocephalus black-headed python C 1 animals reptiles Boidae Simalia kinghorni amethystine python (Australian form) C 2 animals reptiles Colubridae Tropidonophis mairii freshwater snake C 3 animals reptiles Colubridae Stegonotus cucullatus slaty-grey snake C 3/1animals reptiles Colubridae Dendrelaphis punctulatus green tree snake C 1/1animals reptiles Crocodylidae Crocodylus porosus estuarine crocodile V 5 animals reptiles Diplodactylidae Amalosia rhombifer zig-zag gecko C 3



animals reptiles Diplodactylidae Oedura castelnaui northern velvet gecko C 2 animals reptiles Elapidae Hydrelaps darwiniensis C 1/1animals reptiles Elapidae Hydrophis elegans C 1/1animals reptiles Elapidae Furina ornata orange-naped snake C 1 animals reptiles Elapidae Acanthophis praelongus northern death adder C 1/1animals reptiles Elapidae Antaioserpens warro robust burrowing snake C 1 animals reptiles Gekkonidae Hemidactylus frenatus house gecko Y 1 animals reptiles Gekkonidae Nactus eboracensis C 22/1animals reptiles Gekkonidae Gehyra dubia C 16/5animals reptiles Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's gecko C 5/2animals reptiles Pygopodidae Lialis burtonis Burton's legless lizard C 4/1animals reptiles Scincidae Glaphyromorphus nigricaudis C 12/1animals reptiles Scincidae Cryptoblepharus virgatus striped snake-eyed skink C 6 animals reptiles Scincidae Eremiascincus pardalis C 1/1animals reptiles Scincidae Morethia taeniopleura fire-tailed skink C 1/1animals reptiles Scincidae Glaphyromorphus sp. 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Cryptoblepharus sp. 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Tiliqua scincoides eastern blue-tongued lizard C 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Carlia munda C 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Carlia sexdentata C 44/5animals reptiles Scincidae Ctenotus spaldingi C 18/1animals reptiles Scincidae Carlia storri C 2/1animals reptiles Typhlopidae Anilios ligatus robust blind snake C 1 animals reptiles Varanidae Varanus tristis black-tailed monitor C 1 animals reptiles Varanidae Varanus indicus mangrove monitor C 2 animals reptiles Varanidae Varanus gouldii sand monitor C 1 animals reptiles Varanidae Varanus panoptes yellow-spotted monitor C 1 animals reptiles Varanidae Varanus scalaris spotted tree monitor C 3/3plants ferns Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea ensifolia subsp. agatii C 1/1plants ferns Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea ensifolia subsp. ensifolia C 1/1plants ferns Platyzomataceae Platyzoma microphyllum braid fern C 1/1plants higher dicots Acanthaceae Asystasia gangetica subsp. gangetica Y 1/1plants higher dicots Acanthaceae Rostellularia adscendens C 1/1plants higher dicots Amaranthaceae Alternanthera pungens khaki weed Y 1/1plants higher dicots Amaranthaceae Gomphrena flaccida C 2/2plants higher dicots Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera C 1/1plants higher dicots Amaranthaceae Celosia argentea Y 2/2plants higher dicots Amaranthaceae Deeringia amaranthoides redberry C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Marsdenia cymulosa C 3/3plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Wrightia pubescens subsp. penicillata C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Alstonia actinophylla C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Gymnanthera oblonga C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Secamone elliptica C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Carissa laxiflora C 1/1plants higher dicots Apocynaceae Alyxia spicata C 2/2plants higher dicots Araliaceae Trachymene psammophila C 2/2



plants higher dicots Asteraceae Blumea diffusa C 1/1plants higher dicots Asteraceae Elephantopus scaber Y 1/1plants higher dicots Asteraceae Cyanthillium cinereum C 1/1plants higher dicots Asteraceae Phacellothrix cladochaeta C 1/1plants higher dicots Asteraceae Apowollastonia longipes C 1/1plants higher dicots Asteraceae Sphaeranthus africanus C 2/2plants higher dicots Asteraceae Sphaeromorphaea harrisii C 2/2plants higher dicots Bataceae Batis argillicola C 1/1plants higher dicots Boraginaceae Heliotropium ovalifolium C 3/3plants higher dicots Boraginaceae Heliotropium indicum Y 1/1plants higher dicots Boraginaceae Heliotropium vagum C 1/1plants higher dicots Burseraceae Canarium australianum var. australianum C 1/1plants higher dicots Caesalpiniaceae Chamaecrista rotundifolia var. rotundifolia Y 1/1plants higher dicots Caesalpiniaceae Cynometra iripa C 1/1plants higher dicots Caesalpiniaceae Senna occidentalis coffee senna Y 2/2plants higher dicots Caesalpiniaceae Chamaecrista absus var. absus C 2/2plants higher dicots Campanulaceae Lobelia stenophylla C 1/1plants higher dicots Campanulaceae Isotoma gulliveri C 2/2plants higher dicots Campanulaceae Lobelia dioica C 3/3plants higher dicots Caryophyllaceae Polycarpaea spirostylis subsp. densiflora C 1/1plants higher dicots Caryophyllaceae Polycarpaea corymbosa var. corymbosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Celastraceae Denhamia oleaster C 2/2plants higher dicots Celastraceae Denhamia cunninghamii C 1/1plants higher dicots Chenopodiaceae Tecticornia indica C 1/1plants higher dicots Chrysobalanaceae Maranthes corymbosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Cleomaceae Cleome viscosa tick-weed C 1/1plants higher dicots Combretaceae Terminalia muelleri C 1/1plants higher dicots Combretaceae Quisqualis indica Y 1/1plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Jacquemontia paniculata C 2/2plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea diversifolia C 2/2plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Polymeria ambigua C 1/1plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Merremia dissecta Y 2/2plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea quamoclit star of Bethlehem Y 2/2plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea eriocarpa C 4/4plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Merremia quinata C 3/3plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea graminea C 2/2plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea gracilis C 1/1plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Cressa australis C 3/3plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea plebeia bellvine C 1/1plants higher dicots Convolvulaceae Ipomoea nil Y 1/1plants higher dicots Cucurbitaceae Cucumis althaeoides C 3/3plants higher dicots Cucurbitaceae Diplocyclos palmatus subsp. palmatus C 1/1plants higher dicots Dilleniaceae Dillenia alata C 1/1plants higher dicots Dilleniaceae Hibbertia banksii forma banksii C 1/1plants higher dicots Droseraceae Drosera petiolaris C 1/1plants higher dicots Droseraceae Drosera serpens C 3/3



plants higher dicots Droseraceae Drosera lanata C 1/1plants higher dicots Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus arnhemicus C 1/1plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Mallotus nesophilus C 1/1plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia heterophylla Y 1/1plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Microstachys chamaelea C 2/2plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia mitchelliana var. filipes C 3/3plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Croton multicaulis subsp. multicaulis C 1/1plants higher dicots Euphorbiaceae Excoecaria agallocha milky mangrove C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Millettia pinnata C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Zornia floribunda C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Crotalaria montana C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium pullenii C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Glycine tomentella woolly glycine C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Indigofera hirsuta hairy indigo C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium tortuosum Florida beggar-weed Y 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Sesbania burbidgeae C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Stylosanthes scabra Y 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Pycnospora lutescens pycnospora C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Stylosanthes humilis Townsville stylo Y 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Uraria lagopodioides C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Aphyllodium schindleri C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium pycnotrichum C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium strigillosum Y 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Crotalaria quinquefolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Alysicarpus schomburgkii C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium trichostachyum C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Austrodolichos errabundus C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Vigna vexillata var. youngiana C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Vigna lanceolata var. filiformis C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Vigna vexillata var. angustifolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Galactia sp. (Andoom A.Morton 1149) C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Aeschynomene americana var. americana Y 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Cajanus scarabaeoides var. pedunculatus C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Crotalaria medicaginea var. medicaginea C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Glycine C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Galactia C 3/3plants higher dicots Fabaceae Uraria picta C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Zornia ramosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Tephrosia laxa C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Glycine curvata C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Smithia conferta C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Tephrosia juncea C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Crotalaria brevis C 2/2plants higher dicots Fabaceae Desmodium brownii C 1/1plants higher dicots Fabaceae Eriosema chinense C 1/1plants higher dicots Goodeniaceae Goodenia debilis C 2/2



plants higher dicots Haloragaceae Myriophyllum C 1/1plants higher dicots Helicteraceae Helicteres sp. (Heathlands R.W.Johnson 5134) C 1/1plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Vitex rotundifolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Anisomeles antrorsa C 2/2plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Pogostemon stellatus C 1/1plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Clerodendrum costatum C 1/1plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Mesosphaerum suaveolens Y 1/1plants higher dicots Lamiaceae Clerodendrum floribundum C 1/1plants higher dicots Lentibulariaceae Utricularia chrysantha C 1/1plants higher dicots Lentibulariaceae Utricularia caerulea blue bladderwort C 1/1plants higher dicots Lentibulariaceae Utricularia limosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Lentibulariaceae Utricularia C 1/1plants higher dicots Loganiaceae Mitrasacme brachystemonea C 1/1plants higher dicots Loganiaceae Mitrasacme stellata C 3/3plants higher dicots Loranthaceae Dendrophthoe glabrescens C 2/2plants higher dicots Malvaceae Thespesia populneoides C 1/1plants higher dicots Malvaceae Sida acuta spinyhead sida Y 1/1plants higher dicots Malvaceae Decaschistia peninsularis C 6/6plants higher dicots Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Y 1/1plants higher dicots Malvaceae Hibiscus heterophyllus C 1/1plants higher dicots Malvaceae Hibiscus forsteri C 1/1plants higher dicots Malvaceae Hibiscus meraukensis Merauke hibiscus C 3/3plants higher dicots Melastomataceae Osbeckia chinensis C 1/1plants higher dicots Melastomataceae Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum C 1/1plants higher dicots Meliaceae Aglaia elaeagnoidea C 1/1plants higher dicots Meliaceae Owenia vernicosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Menyanthaceae Nymphoides exiliflora C 1/1plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Acacia torulosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Acacia crassicarpa C 2/2plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Neptunia gracilis forma gracilis C 1/1plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Adenanthera abrosperma C 1/1plants higher dicots Molluginaceae Glinus oppositifolius C 2/2plants higher dicots Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa forma rubiginosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Moringaceae Moringa oleifera Y 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Syzygium eucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides C 2/2plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. platyphylla C 2/2plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca quinquenervia swamp paperbark C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Syzygium suborbiculare C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Syzygium angophoroides C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Thryptomene oligandra C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca acacioides C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Osbornia octodonta myrtle mangrove C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca dealbata swamp tea-tree C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Gossia retusa C 1/1plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Melaleuca leucadendra broad-leaved tea-tree C 2/2



plants higher dicots Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia mutabilis C 2/2plants higher dicots Nyctaginaceae Pisonia aculeata thorny pisonia C 1/1plants higher dicots Onagraceae Ludwigia perennis C 2/2plants higher dicots Orobanchaceae Striga curviflora C 1/1plants higher dicots Orobanchaceae Buchnera gracilis C 1/1plants higher dicots Oxalidaceae Biophytum petersianum C 1/1plants higher dicots Passifloraceae Passiflora foetida Y 2/2plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus amarus Y 1/1plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Sauropus elachophyllus var. latior C 4/4plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus tenellus Y 1/1plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Bischofia javanica C 1/1plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus simplex C 1/1plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Breynia oblongifolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Picrodendraceae Petalostigma pubescens quinine tree C 1/1plants higher dicots Plantaginaceae Adenosma caerulea C 2/2plants higher dicots Plantaginaceae Limnophila fragrans C 1/1plants higher dicots Polygalaceae Polygala persicariifolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Polygalaceae Polygala scorpioides C 2/2plants higher dicots Polygalaceae Polygala longifolia C 1/1plants higher dicots Polygalaceae Salomonia ciliata C 1/1plants higher dicots Polygonaceae Persicaria attenuata x Polygonum glabrum C 1/1plants higher dicots Polygonaceae Antigonon leptopus Y 3/3plants higher dicots Polygonaceae Persicaria attenuata C 1/1plants higher dicots Portulacaceae Calandrinia gracilis C 1/1plants higher dicots Proteaceae Hakea pedunculata C 2/2plants higher dicots Rhizophoraceae Carallia brachiata carallia C 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Spermacoce latifolia Y 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Oldenlandia galioides C 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Coelospermum decipiens C 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Pavetta brownii var. brownii C 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Richardia scabra Y 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Aidia racemosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Spermacoce C 2/2plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Spermacoce papuana C 3/3plants higher dicots Sapindaceae Allophylus cobbe C 1/1plants higher dicots Solanaceae Solanum yirrkalense C 1/1plants higher dicots Solanaceae Solanum pugiunculiferum C 3/3plants higher dicots Solanaceae Solanum discolor C 1/1plants higher dicots Sphenocleaceae Sphenoclea zeylanica C 1/1plants higher dicots Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia intermedia C 1/1plants higher dicots Sterculiaceae Brachychiton muellerianus C 2/2plants higher dicots Sterculiaceae Sterculia quadrifida peanut tree C 2/2plants higher dicots Stylidiaceae Stylidium schizanthum C 2/2plants higher dicots Stylidiaceae Stylidium diffusum C 1/1plants higher dicots Stylidiaceae Stylidium delicatum C 1/1plants higher dicots Stylidiaceae Stylidium foveolatum C 1/1



plants higher dicots Ulmaceae Celtis paniculata native celtis C 3/3plants higher dicots Verbenaceae Phyla nodiflora carpetweed C 3/3plants higher dicots Vitaceae Ampelocissus acetosa C 1/1plants higher dicots Vitaceae Cayratia acris hairy grape C 1/1plants lower dicots Annonaceae Miliusa traceyi C 1/1plants lower dicots Aristolochiaceae Pararistolochia linearifolia C 1/1plants lower dicots Lauraceae Litsea glutinosa C 1/1plants lower dicots Lauraceae Cassytha filiformis dodder laurel C 3/3plants lower dicots Menispermaceae Tinospora esiangkara C 2/2plants lower dicots Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. japonica C 1/1plants lower dicots Menispermaceae Pachygone ovata C 1/1plants lower dicots Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea immutabilis C 2/2plants lower dicots Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea violacea C 1/1plants monocots Anthericaceae Chlorophytum laxum spider plant C 1/1plants monocots Araceae Typhonium wilbertii C 2/2plants monocots Araceae Lemna aequinoctialis common duckweed C 1/1plants monocots Arecaceae Livistona muelleri dwarf fan palm C 1/1plants monocots Commelinaceae Murdannia gigantea C 1/1plants monocots Commelinaceae Cartonema spicatum C 1/1plants monocots Commelinaceae Murdannia graminea murdannia C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fuirena ciliaris C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus aquatilis C 3/3plants monocots Cyperaceae Eleocharis dulcis C 6/6plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis rara C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fuirena umbellata C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Rhynchospora leae C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Schoenus sparteus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus tenuispica C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis furva C 3/3plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis recta C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Bulbostylis barbata C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Eleocharis spiralis C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Eleocharis sundaica C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis nutans C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus multispiceus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus pedunculatus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus stoloniferus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Lepironia articulata C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Eleocharis geniculata C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Schoenus calostachyus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma common fringe-rush C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Tricostularia undulata C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis acicularis C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis ferruginea C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis littoralis C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Rhynchospora longisetis C 1/1



plants monocots Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus subulatus C 2/2plants monocots Cyperaceae Scleria novae-hollandiae C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis stenostachya C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Rhynchospora heterochaeta C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Fimbristylis pterigosperma C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Cyperus polystachyos var. laxiflorus C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Scleria laxa C 1/1plants monocots Cyperaceae Scleria brownii C 1/1plants monocots Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea bulbifera var. bulbifera C 1/1plants monocots Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon clarksonii C 1/1plants monocots Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon depressum C 2/2plants monocots Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon australe C 1/1plants monocots Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon C 1/1plants monocots Haemodoraceae Haemodorum coccineum C 1/1plants monocots Hemerocallidaceae Dianella odorata C 1/1plants monocots Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerulea C 1/1plants monocots Hydrocharitaceae Blyxa aubertii C 2/2plants monocots Juncaginaceae Cycnogeton dubius C 1/1plants monocots Laxmanniaceae Lomandra laxa broad-leaved matrush C 1/1plants monocots Laxmanniaceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis C 1/1plants monocots Orchidaceae Dendrobium canaliculatum C 1/1plants monocots Pandanaceae Pandanus cookii C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Capillipedium parviflorum scented top C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Thaumastochloa monilifera C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Diplachne fusca var. fusca C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Schizachyrium pachyarthron C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Aristida utilis var. utilis C 4/4plants monocots Poaceae Pseudopogonatherum irritans C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Pseudopogonatherum contortum C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne glauca var. barbinodis C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Aristida utilis var. grandiflora C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Ischaemum australe var. australe C 3/3plants monocots Poaceae Aristida holathera var. holathera C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Panicum decompositum var. tenuius C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Panicum seminudum var. cairnsianum C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii subsp. bladhii C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne pallescens var. pallescens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Urochloa holosericea subsp. holosericea C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. unispiculus Y 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. pedicellatus Y 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Digitaria C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ectrosia laxa C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ectrosia ovata C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Sarga angustum C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Sarga plumosum C 1/1



plants monocots Poaceae Chloris inflata purpletop chloris Y 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Isachne confusa C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Panicum effusum C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Setaria surgens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Themeda arguens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne armitii C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne triseta C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Eriochloa crebra spring grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ectrosia leporina C 4/4plants monocots Poaceae Elionurus citreus lemon-scented grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriochloa procera slender cupgrass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ischaemum fragile C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Mnesithea formosa C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Setaria apiculata C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Digitaria bicornis C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Digitaria ciliaris summer grass Y 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's lovegrass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eulalia mackinlayi C 3/3plants monocots Poaceae Heterachne baileyi C 3/3plants monocots Poaceae Lepturus geminatus NT 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Paspalum vaginatum saltwater couch C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Sacciolepis indica Indian cupscale grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Coelachne pulchella C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Cymbopogon ambiguus lemon grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ectrosia nervilemma C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eragrostis capitula C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eragrostis elongata C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Eremochloa ciliaris C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eriachne agrostidea C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Ischaemum decumbens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Panicum mindanaense C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Paspalum multinodum V 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus barbed-wire grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Ectrosia agrostoides C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Eragrostis pubescens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Pheidochloa gracilis C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Thaumastochloa major C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Urochloa holosericea C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Dimeria acinaciformis C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Heteropogon triticeus giant speargrass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Panicum trachyrhachis C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Schizachyrium fragile firegrass C 2/2plants monocots Poaceae Alloteropsis semialata cockatoo grass C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Paspalum scrobiculatum ditch millet C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Urochloa subquadripara Y 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Cleistochloa sclerachne C 1/1



plants monocots Poaceae Eragrostis stenostachya C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Sacciolepis myosuroides C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Sporobolus jacquemontii Y 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Thaumastochloa pubescens C 1/1plants monocots Poaceae Thaumastochloa rariflora C 2/2plants monocots Pontederiaceae Monochoria cyanea C 3/3plants monocots Restionaceae Dapsilanthus elatior C 3/3plants monocots Restionaceae Dapsilanthus ramosus C 1/1plants monocots Restionaceae Dapsilanthus spathaceus C 3/3plants monocots Xyridaceae Xyris oligantha C 1/1plants monocots Xyridaceae Xyris complanata yellow-eye C 2/2plants mosses Calymperaceae Octoblepharum albidum C 1/1plants spike mosses Selaginellaceae Selaginella pygmaea C 2/2plants Linderniaceae Lindernia tenuifolia C 2/2plants Linderniaceae Lindernia sp. (Merapah B.S.Wannan 5240) C 2/2plants Linderniaceae Lindernia aplectra C 1/1plants Phrymaceae Mimulus uvedaliae C 1/1plants Streptophyceae Chara zeylandica C 1/1protists uncertain Algae Algae C 1/1

CODES

I - Y indicates that the taxon is introduced to Queensland and has naturalised.

Q - Indicates the Queensland conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The codes are Extinct in the Wild (PE), Endangered (E),Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (C) or Not Protected ( ).

A - Indicates the Australian conservation status of each taxon under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The values of EPBC areConservation Dependent (CD), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (XW) and Vulnerable (V).

Records – The first number indicates the total number of records of the taxon for the record option selected (i.e. All, Confirmed or Specimens).This number is output as 99999 if it equals or exceeds this value. The second number located after the / indicates the number of specimen records for the taxon.This number is output as 999 if it equals or exceeds this value.




ATTACHMENT 2 SPECIES LISTS

Project Name: Bauxite Hills Mine Project Document Title: Terrestrial Ecology Assessment

Sub-document Title: Observed Terrestrial Fauna and Flora Species List

REPORT | 16 03 2016 | 652200_ENV-RPT-001 Page 1 of 7

Attachment 2: Consolidated Fauna Species List: Bauxite Hills & Skardon River Scientific Name Common Name Status* BH1 BH6 Skardon

River Project

BPA

NC

Act

EPB

C

TR04

TR05

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TR07

Opp

TR01

TR02

TR03

Cam

p

OB

S01

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2010

-20

15

BIRDS Accipiter cirrocephalus collared sparrowhawk LC X X Accipiter fasciatus brown goshawk LC X Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X

Alcedo azurea azure kingfisher LC X Amaurornis cinerea white-browed crake LC X Aprosmictus erythropterus red-winged parrot LC X X X X X X X X X X X Ardea ibis cattle egret LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X X X

Ardea intermedia intermediate egret LC Ma X X Ardea modesta eastern great egret LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X

Burhinus grallarius bush stone-curlew P LC X X X Butorides striata striated heron LC X Cacatua galerita sulphur-crested cockatoo LC X X X X X X Cacomantis variolosus brush cuckoo LC X X X X X X X X X X Centropus phasianinus pheasant coucal LC X X X X X X Chlamydera nuchalis great bowerbird LC X Cissomela pectoralis banded honeyeater LC X X X X X X X X Climacteris picumnus brown tree creeper P LC X Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush LC X X X X XX XX XX XX X X X X X X X Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush LC X Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-shrike LC Ma X X X X X X X X X X Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird LC Ma X X X X XX X X X Corvus orru Torresian crow LC X X X X X X XX X X Cracticus mentalis black-backed butcherbird LC X X X




Scientific Name Common Name Status* BH1 BH6 Skardon River

Project

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2010

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15

Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird LC X X X X X X X X X Cracticus quoyi black butcherbird LC X Dacelo leachii blue-winged kookaburra LC X X X XX X X X XX X Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra LC X X X XX X XX X X X Daphoenositta chrysoptera varied sittella LC X Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird LC X X X Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo LC Ma X X Dromaius novaehollandiae emu LC X X X Ducula bicolor pied imperial pigeon LC Ma X X X Egretta garzetta little egret LC Ma X X X X X Egretta picata pied heron LC X X X Esacus giganteus beach stone curlew P V Ma X Eudynamys orientalis eastern koel LC Ma X X X X X X X X Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird LC Ma X X X X X Falco berigora brown falcon LC X X X X X X X X X X X Falco peregrinus peregrine falcon LC X X X Gelochelidon nilotica gull-billed tern LC X Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove LC X X X X X Gymnorhina tibicen australian magpie LC X Haematopus longirostris australian pied

oystercatcher LC X

Haliastur indus brahminy kite LC Ma X X X X X Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite LC Ma XX X X Lalage leucomela varied triller LC X X X X X Lcterus nigrogularis yellow oriole LC X Lichenostomus flavus yellow honeyeater LC X X Lichmera indistincta brown honeyeater LC X X X X X X X X Malurus amabilis lovely fairy-wren LC X X X X Meliphaga gracilis graceful honeyeater LC X X





Project

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2010

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15

Melithreptus albogularis white-throated honeyeater LC X X XX X X X XX X Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater LC

SLC Mi Ma

X

Microeca flavigaster lemon-bellied flycatcher LC X X X X X X Milvus migrans black kite LC X Myiagra rubecula leaden flycatcher LC X X X X Myzomela obscura dusky honeyeater LC X X X Nectarinia jugularis yellow-bellied sunbird LC X X Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose LC Ma X Ninox novaeseelandiae southern boobook LC Ma X X X X X X X X X X X Numenius phaeopus whimbrel LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X X

Nycticorax caledonicus nankeen night heron LC X Oriolus flavocinctus yellow oriole LC X X Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler LC X X X Pandion haliaetus eastern osprey LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X

Pardalotus striatus striated pardalote LC X Pelecanus conspicillatus australian pelican LC X Petrochelidon nigricans tree martin LC Ma X Philemon citrogularis little friarbird LC X X X X X X X X X Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird LC X X X Platalea regia royal spoonbill LC X X X X X X X Platycercus adscitus pale-headed rosella LC X X X X X XX X X X X X X Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth LC Ma X X XX X X Podargus strigoides tawny frogmouth LC X X X XX X X X X X XX Pomatostomus temporalis grey-crowned babbler LC X X X X X X Porzana tabuensis spotless crake LC Ma X Probosciger aterrimus palm cockatoo P NT X X X X X X





Project

BPA

NC

Act

EPB

C

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TR05

TR06

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2010

-20

15

Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis great bowerbird LC X X Ramsayornis modestus brown-backed honeyeater LC X X X Scythrops novaehollandiae channel-billed cuckoo LC X X X X X X X X X X Sternula albifrons little tern P LC

SLC Mi, Ma

X

Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck P LC Ma X X X X X Thalasseus bergii crested tern LC Ma X Threskiornis molucca Australian white ibis LC Ma X X X X Todiramphus macleayii forest kingfisher LC Ma X X X Todiramphus sanctus sacred kingfisher LC X Trichoglossus haematodus rainbow lorikeet LC X X XX XX X XX X X X XX X Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

scaly-breasted lorikeet LC X

Vanellus miles masked lapwing LC X X X 88 TOTAL = 15 20 21 19 35 20 14 24 9 7 17 16 22 10 56 66

AMPHIBIANS Austrochaperina gracilipes slender frog LC X Crinia remota torrid froglet LC X X Litoria bicolor northern dwarf tree frog LC X X Litoria caerulea green tree frog LC X Litoria fallax eastern dwarf tree frog LC X Litoria gracilenta dainty green tree frog LC X Litoria inermis bumpy rocket frog LC X Litoria microbelos javelin frog LC X Litoria nasuta striped rocket frog LC X X Litoria novaehollandiae new holland frog LC X Litoria rothii roths tree frog LC X Litoria rubella desert tree frog LC X X X Platyplectrum ornatum ornate burrowing frog LC X X





Project

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EPB

C

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TR05

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TR01

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S04

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2010

-20

15

Rhinella marinus cane toad I X X XX X Uperoleia lithomoda stone masons toadlet LC X Uperoleia mimula mimic toadlet LC X

16 TOTAL = 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 1 14 MAMMALS Boss p. cattle I X Canus lupus/dingo dog/dingo I X X X X X X X Chaerephon jobensis Northern freetail bat LC X Chalinolobus nigrogriseus hoary wattled bat LC X Felis catus feral cat I X X X Macropus agilis agile wallaby LC X XX X XX X Macropus antilopinus antilopine wallaby LC X Melomys burtoni burtons melomys LC X Melomys capensis cape melomys LC X Miniopterus australis little bentwing bat LC X Miniopterus orianae oceanensis common bentwing bat LC

X

Mormopterus beccarii beccari’s freetail bat LC X Petaurus breviceps sugar glider LC X X X X X X Pipistrellus adamsi Forest pipistrelle LC X Pteropus alecto black flying-fox LC X X Pteropus scapulatus little red flying-fox LC X Saccolaimus flaviventris yellow-bellied sheathtail bat LC X Saccolaimus mixtus papuan sheath-tailed bat P LC X Scotorepens sanborni northern broad-nosed bat LC X Sus scrofa feral pig I X XX X X X Trichosurus vulpecula common brushtail possum LC X X

21 TOTAL = 1 3 4 1 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 4 20 REPTILES





Project

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TR01

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OB

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2010

-20

15

Antaresia maculosa spotted python LC X **Aspidites melanocephalus black-headed python LC X Carlia longipes closed-litter rainbow-skink LC X X X X X X X X X X Carlia munda shaded-litter rainbow-skink LC X Carlia sexdentata six-toothed rainbow-skink LC XX XX XX XX X X XX XX X X X X XX X

Carlia storri brown bicarinate rainbow-skink LC

X

Carlia rostralis black-throated rainbow-skink LC

X

**Chlamydosaurus kingii frill-necked lizard LC X X Crocodylus porosus estuarine crocodile P V X Cryptoblepharus virgatus snake-eyed skink LC X X X X Ctenotus robustus eastern striped skink LC X Ctenotus spaldingii straight-browed ctenotus LC XX X X X XX X X XX X Diporiphora bilineata two-lined dragon LC X X X X XX X Furina ornata orange-naped snake LC X Gehyra dubia dubious dtella LC XX X XX X X X X X X XX X Glaphyromorphus nigricaudis black-tailed bar-lipped skink LC

X

Hemidactyus frenata common house gecko I X X Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's gecko LC X X X Lialis burtonis Burton's legless Lizard LC X Morethia taeniopleura fire-tailed skink LC X Nactus eboracensis Eborac Island gecko LC X X X X X X X Oedura castelnaui northern velvet gecko LC X X X Oedura rhombifer zigzag velvet gecko LC X X X X X Rhinoplocephalus nigrostriatus black-striped snake LC

X

Varanus gouldii sand goanna LC X





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Varanus panoptes Argus monitor LC X X Varanus scalaris spotted tree monitor LC X Varanus tristis black-headed monitor LC X

28 TOTAL = 5 6 3 9 6 7 6 6 4 5 2 2 3 0 8 21 *LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened, I = Introduced, Mi = Migratory, Ma = Marine, P = Priority Taxa, SLC = Special Least Concern ** = Species recognised through interrogation of Cape Alumina Staff who have worked at Bauxite Hills X = Wet season fauna record Species in blue were only recorded during wet season survey. X = Skardon River Project record Specied in red were recorded for Skardon River only. X = Dry season fauna record

ATTACHMENT 2 CONSOLIDATED FLORA SPECIES LIST: BAUXITE HILLS & SKARDON RIVER Summary of Bauxite Hills Survey Results Total species: 227 Total native: 223 Total naturalised: 4 Total Declared: 1 No. of families: 78 Dominant families: Poaceae (29), Myrtaceae (25), Cyperaceae (17), Apocynaceae (8), Proteaceae (8)

Skardon River Survey Results

FAMILY BOTANICAL NAME

LIFE

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ALL

UVI

AL

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RES

IDU

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FAC

E ST

RIN

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/ BLO

OD

W

WO

OD

LAN

DS

Land

Zo

ne 5

DG

F SU

RVE

Y R

ECO

RD

Nov

201

4

DG

F SU

RVE

Y R

ECO

RD

Jan

201

5

H’R

ECS

FRO

M

SKA

RD

ON

LO

CA

LITY

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ies

Rec

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Ferns and Allies Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sp. Fern SLC X X X X Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea ensifolia subsp. agatii Fern - X X X Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea ensifolia subsp. ensifolia Fern - X X X X Pteridaceae Acrostichum aureum Fern - X X Polypodiaceae Drynaria quercifolia Fern - X X Angiosperms Amarylllidaceae Crinum uniflorum Aroid SLC X X X Acanthaceae Brunoniella acaulis Forb - X X Acanthaceae Rostellularas adscendens Forb - X X X X Acanthaceae Thunbergia arnhemica Vine - X X Adiantaceae Cheilanthes caudata Fern - X Antheriaceae Chlorophytum laxum Forb - X X Apocynaceae Alstonia actinophylla Tree - X X X Apocynaceae Alyxia spicata Shrub - X X X Apocynaceae Dischidia nummularia Ep. Vine - X X Apocynaceae Gymnanthera oblonga Vine - X X X X X Apocynaceae Marsdenia connivens Vine - X X X X X Apocynaceae Marsdenia sp. Vine - X X Apocynaceae Apocynaceae (DGF SKQ35/3) Vine - X X Apocynaceae Apocynaceae (DGF SKQ42/2) Vine - X X Apocynaceae Wrightia saligna Shrub - X Arecaceae Livistona muelleri Palm - X X X X X Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia sp. (DGF SKQ39/1) Vine - X X X X Asteraceae Asteraceae (DGF SKQ86/1) Forb - X X Asteraceae Blumea diffusa Forb - X Asteraceae Cyanthillium cinereum Forb - X X X X

Summary of Bauxite Hills Survey Results Total species: 227 Total native: 223 Total naturalised: 4 Total Declared: 1 No. of families: 78 Dominant families: Poaceae (29), Myrtaceae (25), Cyperaceae (17), Apocynaceae (8), Proteaceae (8)



LIFE

FO

RM

NC

Act

ESTU

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INE

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and

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1

ALL

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AL

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ES

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RES

IDU

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/ BLO

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W

WO

OD

LAN

DS

Land

Zo

ne 5

DG

F SU

RVE

Y R

ECO

RD

Nov

201

4

DG

F SU

RVE

Y R

ECO

RD

Jan

201

5

H’R

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Asteraceae Eclipta sp. Forb - X Asteraceae Elephantopus scaber* Forb - X X Asteraceae Glossocardia bidens Forb - X Asteraceae Phacellothrix cladochaeta Forb - X X Asteraceae Pleurocarpaea denticulata Forb - X X X X Asteraceae Wedelia longipes Forb - X X X X X Avicenniaceae Avicennia marina Tree - X X Bataceae Batis argillicola Forb - X X Bignoniaceae Deplanchea tetraphylla Tree - X Boraginaceae Dolichandrone heterophylla Tree - X X X X X Bignoniaceae Heliotropium vagum Forb - X Burseraceae Canarium australianum var. australianum Tree - X X X X Caesalpiniaceae Erythrophleum chlorostachys Tree - X X X X Capparaceae Capparis canescens Shrub - X X X Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia Tree - X Celastraceae Denhamia cunninghamii Shrub - X X Celastraceae Maytenus cunninghamii Tree - X Celastraceae Siphonodon pendula Tree - X X X X Chenopodiaceae Tecticornia sp. (DGF SKQ57/1) Forb - X X X Chenopodiaceae Tecticornia sp. (DGF SKQ57/2) Forb - X X Chrysobalancaceae Parinari nonda Tree - X X X X X Clusiaceae Garcinia warreni Tree - X X X Colchicaceae Schellhamera multiflora Forb - X X X Combretaceae Lumnitzera racemosa Tree - X X X Combretaceae Terminalia muelleri Tree - X X X Commelinaceae Cartonema spicatum Forb - X X X Commeliniiaceae Commelina ensifolia Forb - X X Commelinaceae Murdannia graminea Forb - X X X X X




LIFE

FO

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Nov

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DG

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Convolvulaceae Evolvulus alsinoides Forb - X Convolvulaceae Ipomoea gracilis Vine - X X X Convolvulaceae Ipomoea graminea Vine - X X X Convolvulaceae Ipomoea plebeia Vine - X X X Convolvulaceae Jacquemontia paniculata Vine - X Convolvulaceae Merremia quinata Vine - X Convolvulaceae Polymeria ambigua Creeper - X Cyperaceae Abildgaardia ovata Sedge - X X Cyperaceae Cyperus aquatilis Sedge - X X Cyperaceae Cyperus polystachyos var. laxiflorus Sedge - X Cyperaceae Eleocharis dulcis Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Eleocharis geniculata Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Sedge - X X X X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis ferruginea Sedge - X X X X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis insignis Segde - X X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis littoralis Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis nutans Sedge - X Cyperaceae Fimbristylis stenostachya Sedge - X X Cyperaceae Fuirena ciliaris Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Rhynchospora corymbosa Sedge - X Cyperaceae Rhynchospora heterochaeta Sedge - X X X X Cyperaceae Rhynchospora longisetis Sedge - X Cyperaceae Schoenus calostachyus Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Schoenus sparteus Sedge - X X X X Cyperaceae Scleria brownii Sedge - X X X Cyperaceae Scleria laxa Sedge - X X X X Cyperaceae Scleria novae-hollandiae Sedge - X X X Dilleniaceae Dillenia alata Tree - X




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Dilleniaceae Hibbertia caudice Forb - X X X X Dilleniaceae Hibbertia candicans Shrub - X Dilleniaceae Hibbertia cistifolia Shrub - X Dilleniaceae Hibbertia dealbata Shrub - X Dilleniaceae Hibbertia sp. Forb - X X Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea transversa Vine - X X X Droseraceae Drosera lanata Forb SLC X X X Droseraceae Drosera sp. Forb SLC X X Ebenaceae Diospyros hebecarpa Tree - X X Ebenaceae Diospyros littorea Tree - X X Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus arnhemicus Tree - X X Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon scariosum Forb - X X Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum sp. Shrub - X X X X Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum australe Shrub - X Euphorbiaceae Calycopeplus casuarinoides Tree - X X X X Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce bifida Forb - X Euphorbiaceae Croton arnhemicus Shrub - X Euphorbiaceae Croton multicaulis subsp. multicaulis Shrub - X X X Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia bifida Forb - X X X X Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia vachellii Forb - X Euphorbiaceae Excoecaria agallocha Tree - X X X Euphorbiaceae Microstachys chamaelea Forb - X X X X Fabaceae Alysicarpus schomburgkii Vine - X Fabaceae Austrodolichos errabundus Vine - X Fabaceae Crotalaria brevis Forb - X Fabaceae Crotalaria medicaginea Forb - X Fabaceae Crotalaria montana var. angustifolia Forb - X Fabaceae Desmodium sp. Vine - X




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Fabaceae Desmodium trichostachyum Forb - X X X Fabaceae Eriosema chinense Forb - X Fabaceae Indigofera pratensis Shrub - X Fabaceae Fabaceae (DGF SKQ45/1) Forb - X X Fabaceae Flemingia parviflora Vine - X Fabaceae Galactia sp. (Andoom A. Morton 1149) Forb - X X X X X Fabaceae Glycine sp. Vine - X Fabaceae Glycine tomentella Forb - X X X X Fabaceae Macroptilium atropurpureum Vine - X Fabaceae Pycnospora lutescens Forb - X X X X Fabaceae Rhynchosia minima Legume - X Fabaceae Stylosanthes hamata Forb - X Fabaceae Stylosanthes scabra* Forb - X X X X Fabaceae Tephrosia juncea Shrub - X Fabaceae Uraria lagopodioides Vine - X Fabaceae Uraria picta Forb - X X X Fabaceae Vigna lanceolata Legume - X Fabaceae Vigna vexillata Legume - X Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica Vine - X X X Helicteraceae Helicteres sp. Forb - X Haemodoraceae Haemodorum coccineum Forb - X X X X Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerulea Forb - X X X Hemerocallidaceae Dianella odorata Forb - X X X X X X Johnsoniaceae Tricoryne anceps Forb - X X Lamiaceae Anisomeles malabarica Forb - X X Lamiaceae Clerodendrum floribundum Shrub - X X X X Lamiaceae Hyptis suaveolens Shrub - X




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Lamiaceae Gmelina dalrympleana Tree - X X X X X Lamiaceae Mesosphaerum suaveolens* Forb - X X X Lauraceae Cassytha filiformis Vine - X X X X X Laxmanniaceae Lomandra banksii Graminoid - X Laxmanniaceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Forb - X X X X X Laxmanniaceae Lomandra laxa Graminoid - X Laxmanniaceae Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Forb - X X X X X Laxmanniaceae Thysanotus banksii Forb - X Lecythidaceae Planchonia careya Shrub - X X X X X Lentibulariaceae Utricularia sp. Forb SLC X Loranthaceae Dendrophthoe glabrescens Saprophyte - X Loranthaceae Amyema sp. (DGF SKQ35/4) Saprophyte - X X Malvaceae Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus Shrub - X Malvaceae Decaschistia peninsularis Shrub - X X X X X Malvaceae Hibiscus forsteri Shrub - X Malvaceae Hibiscus meraukensis Shrub - X X X X X Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Forb - X X Malvaceae Malvaceae sp. Forb - X X Meliaceae Owenia vernicosa Tree - X Meliaceae Xylocarpus granatum Tree - X X Melastomataceae Melastoma malabrathicum subsp. malabrathicum Shrub - X X Menispermaceae Tinospora esiangkara Vine - X X X X X Menyanthaceae Nymphoides exiliflora forb (aq) SLC X Mimosaceae Acacia abrosperma Tree - X Mimosaceae Acacia auriculiformis Tree - X Mimosaceae Acacia calyculata Shrub - X X Mimosaceae Acacia crassicarpa Tree - X X X X Mimosaceae Acacia holosericea Shrub - X




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Mimosaceae Acacia leptocarpa Shrub - X X X X Mimosaceae Acacia platycarpa Shrub - X Mimosaceae Acacia rothii Shrub - X X X X Mimosaceae Acacia sp. (DGF SKQ64/2) Shrub - X X Mimosaceae Adenanthera abrosperma Tree - X X X Mimosaceae Albizia procera Tree - X X X Moraceae Ficus opposita Shrub - X X X X Myrsinaceae Aegiceras corniculatus Shrub - X X X Myrtaceae Asteromyrtus lyscicephala Shrub - X X X Myrtaceae Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa Tree - X X X X X Myrtaceae Corymbia confertiflora Tree - X X Myrtaceae Corymbia nesophila Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Corymbia novoguineensis Tree - X X X X X Myrtaceae Corymbia polycarpa Tree - X Myrtaceae Corymbia stockeri Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Eucalyptus brassiana Tree - X Myrtaceae Eucalyptus cullenii Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Eucalyptus leptophleba Tree - X X Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tetrodonta Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Lophostemon suaveolens Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca acacioides Shrub - X X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. platyphylla Tree - X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca dealbata Tree - X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca leucadendra Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca nervosa Tree - X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca quinquenervia Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca saligna Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca stenostachya Tree - X X X X X




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Myrtaceae Melaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora Tree - X X X X Myrtaceae Neofabricea myrtifolia Tree - X X X Myrtaceae Syzygium eucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides Tree - X X X Myrtaceae Syzygium suborbiculare Tree - X X X X X Myrtaceae Thryptomene oligandra Tree - X X X Myrtaceae Xanthostemon crenulatus Tree - X X X Nepenthaceae Nepenthes mirabilis Aroid/Forb - X Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea violacea Forb (aquatic) SLC X Onagraceae Ludwigia perennis Forb - X X Orchidaceae Dendrobium canaliculatum Orchid (epiphytic) SLC X X X Orchidaceae Dendrobium trilamellatum Orchid (epiphytic) SLC X X X Orchidaceae Dendrobium smillieae Orchid (epiphytic) SLC X X Orchidaceae Dendrobium califorme Orchid (epiphytic) SLC X Orchidaceae Dipodium eglandulatum Orchid (terrestrial) SLC X X Orchidaceae Dipodium stenochilum Orchid (terrestrial) SLC X X Orobanchaceae Buchnera gracilis Forb - X X X Pandanaceae Pandanus spiralis Palm - X X X X Pandanaceae Pandanus sp. Palm - X Picrodendraceae Petalostigma banksii Tree - X Picrodendraceae Petalostigma banksii Tree - X Passifloraceae Passiflora foetida* Vine - X X X X X Phyllanthaceae Antidesma ghaesembilla Shrub - X X X X Phyllanthaceae Antidesma parviflorum Shrub - X Phyllanthaceae Breynia oblongifolia Shrub - X X X X Phyllanthaceae Bridelia tomentosa Shrub - X X X Phyllanthaceae Flueggea virosa Shrub - X Phyllanthaceae Glochidion apodophyllum Shrub - X X




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Phyllanthaceae Sauropus elachophyllus var. elatior Shrub - X X X X Plantaginaceae Bacopa floribunda Forb - X Plumbaginaceae Aegialitis annulata Shrub - X X Poaceae Alloteropsis semialata Grass - X X X X X Poaceae Aristida holathera var. holathera Grass - X X X X Poaceae Aristida utilis var. utilis Grass - X X Poaceae Bothriochloa pertusa* Grass - X X Poaceae Capillipedium parviflorum Grass - X X X X Poaceae Cymbopogon ambiguus Grass - X X X X X Poaceae Cymbopogon bombycinus Grass - X Poaceae Ectrosia leporina Grass - X X X X X Poaceae Ectrosia nervilemma Grass - X Poaceae Eragrostis sp. Grass - X X Poaceae Eriachne armitii Grass - X X X Poaceae Eriachne burkittii Grass - X Poaceae Eriachne pallescens Grass - X Poaceae Eriachne stipacea Grass - X Poaceae Eriachne triseta Grass - X X X X Poaceae Eulalia mackinlayi Grass - X Poaceae Heterachne baileyi Grass - X Poaceae Heteropogon contortus Grass - X Poaceae Heteropogon triticeus Grass - X X X X X X Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Grass - X Poaceae Ischaemum australe var. australe Grass - X X X Poaceae Ischaemum fragile Grass - X Poaceae Melinis repens Grass - X Poaceae Mnesithea formosa Grass - X X Poaceae Mnethisea rothboellioides Grass - X X X X




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Poaceae Panicum decompositum var. tenuius Grass - X X X Poaceae Panicum mindanaense Grass - X Poaceae Panicum seminudum var. cairnsianum Grass - X X X X Poaceae Paspalum vaginatum Grass - X X X Poaceae Paspalidium sp. Grass - X X Poaceae Pseudopogonatherum irritans Grass - X X X Poaceae Sarga plumosum Grass - X X X X Poaceae Schizachyrium fragile Grass - X X X Poaceae Schizachyrium pachyarthron Grass - X X X Poaceae Setaria surgens Grass - X X X Poaceae Sporobolus virginicus Grass - X X X Poaceae Sporobolus sp. Grass - X X Poaceae Thaumastochloa pubescens Grass - X Poaceae Thaumastochloa rariflora Grass - X Poaceae Themeda arguens Grass - X X X X Poaceae Themeda triandra Grass - X Poaceae Vetiveria elongata Grass - X X X Polygalaceae Comesperma secundum Forb - X X X X Polygalaceae *Polygala paniculata Forb - X Polygalaceae Polygala rhinanthoides Forb - X Proteaceae Banksia dentata Shrub - X X X X Proteaceae Grevillea pteridifolia Shrub - X X X Proteaceae Grevillea glauca Tree - X X X X Proteaceae Grevillea parallela Tree - X X X X Proteaceae Hakea sp. Shrub - X Proteaceae Hakea pedunculata Shrub - X X X Proteaceae Hakea pershiana Shrub - X X X Proteaceae Persoonia falcata Shrub - X X X X




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Proteaceae Xylomelum schottiana Tree - X X X X Putrangivaceae Petalostigma pubescens Tree - X X X Restionaceae Dapsilanthus elatior Sedge - X X X X X Restionaceae Dapsilanthus ramosus Sedge - X X X X Restionaceae Dapsilanthus spathaceus Sedge - X X X Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Tree - X X X X Rhamnaceae Alphitonia obtusifolia Tree - X Rhizophoraceae Carallia brachiata Tree - X X X X Rhizophoraceae Ceriops tagal Tree - X X X Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora apiculata Tree - X X X Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora stylosa Tree - X X X Rubiaceae Cyclophyllum brevipes Shrub - X X X Rubiaceae Morinda reticulata Shrub - X X X X Rubiaceae Pogonolobus reticulatus Shrub - X X X X X Rubiaceae Spermacoce brachystylis Forb - X Rubiaceae Spermacoce papuana Forb - X Rubiaceae Spermacoce sp. Forb - X X X X Rubiaceae Timonius timon Tree - X Santalaceae Santalum lanceolatum Shrub - X X Sapotaceae Planchonella pohlmaniana var. vestita Tree - X X X X Sapotaceae Pouteria unmackiana Shrub - X X X Sapotaceae Sersalisia unmackiana Tree - X Scrophulaiaceae Lindernia subulata Forb - X Scrophulaiaceae Striga curviflora Forb - X Smilacaceae Smilax australis Vine - X X X X Sparmanniaceae Grewia retusifolia Shrub - X X X Stackousiaceae Stackhousia clementii Forb - X Sterculiaceae Brachychiton diversifolius subsp. orientalis Tree - X




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Sterculiaceae Brachychiton garrawayae Shrub/Tree - X Sterculiaceae Brachychiton muellerianus Shrub - X X X X X Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus subsp. orientalis Tree - X X X Sterculiaceae Sterculia quadrifida Tree - X Stylidiaceae Stylidium sp. Forb SLC X X Taccaceae Tacca leontopetaloides Aroid X Vitaceae Ampelocissus acetosa Vine - X X X X Vitaceae Cissus trifolia Vine - X X X Xyridaceae Xyris complanata Forb - X X X X X Zingiberaceae Curcuma australasica Forb - X X X X X

SLC = special least concern; - least concern Flora species in red were recorded only during Skardon River Surveys. X = recorded



ATTACHMENT 3 SITE DESCRIPTIONS

ATTACHMENT 3 SITE DESCRIPTIONSDRY SEASON SITES – NOVEMBER 2014 (secondary sites in bold)

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FieldRE Threatened Species Notes

1 Q SK BH6 614586 8695192 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya, Grevillea parallela, Acaciacrassicarpa, Parinari nonda, Alphitonia excelsa,Pogonolobus reticulatus, Santalum lanceolata,Adenanthera abrosperma and Xylomelum schottiana.Mid dense grassy groundcover of Heteropogontriticeus and Sarga plumosa.

Bauxiteplateausurface

3.5.2 0 Unburned. Noweeds.

2 Q SK BH6 613603 8695202 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya, Grevillea parallela, Acaciacrassicarpa, Parinari nonda, Alphitonia excelsa,Pogonolobus reticulatus, Santalum lanceolatum,Adenanthera abrosperma and Xylomelum schottiana.Mid dense grassy groundcover of Heteropogontriticeus and Cymbopogon plumosus.


3.5.2 0 Unburned. Noweeds.

3 Q SK BH6 613452 8695152 Low woodland (6-9m) of Melaleuca saligna,Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa, Lophostemonsuaveolens, Calycopeplus casuarinoides andMelaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata. Shrub layer of A.symphyocarpa and M. viridiflora. Very sparsegroundcover with dense leaf litter. Sparsegroundcover with Eriocaulon sp.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 Dendrobium johannis Outer margin oflarge seasonalswamp. Wetseason water markat 1m. Site approx.20m fromboundary of E.tetrodontawoodland on landzone 5.

4 Q SK BH6 613291 8695061 Low open forest (8-12m) of M. viridiflora var.attenuata.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 0

DRY SEASON SITES – NOVEMBER 2014 (secondary sites in bold)Si

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5 Q SK BH6 613207 8695042 Open forest (10-15m) of Melaleuca quinquenervia.Very sparse shrub layer of M. viridiflora. Very sparsegroundcover with dense leaf litter.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.12 0 M. quinquenerviadominates incentral parts ofswamp with wetseason waterdepth to 2m.

6 Q SK BH6 612934 8695415 Sedgeland of Eleocharis sp. With scatteredfreshwater couch.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.65 0 No permanentwater. Pig damagethroughout.

8 Q SK BH6 613095 8694933 Open forest (16-20m) of Melaleuca saligna and M.quinquenervia. Very sparse shrub layer with scatteredCyclophyllum brevipes.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.12 0 Water depth 1.5-2m in wet season.

9 Q SK BH6 612927 8695713 Open forest (18-24m) with dense patches Melaleucaleucadendra over a canopy of M. viridiflora var.attenuata and M. saligna. Sparse groundcover offreshwater couch and Eriocaulon sp.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 0 M. leucadendronoccurs in patches.Fires havepenetrated intoswamp.

10 Q SK BH6 612890 8695815 Grassland of Poaceae (freshwater couch). Alluvialswamp.

3.3.65 0 Permanent waterremains in lowestpart of swamp.Grassland grazedby feral cattle andpigs. Goodpopulation ofwaterbirds.


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11 Q SK BH6 613157 8695508 Low open forest (8-12m) of Lophostemon suaveolens,Melaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata and Asteromyrtussymphyocarpa. Very sparse shrub layer ofCalycocephalus casuarinoides, and Cyclophyllumbrevipes. Sparse groundcover of Aristida sp.,Eragrostis sp., Sarga plumosa and Heterachnebaileyi.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 Dendrobium johannis,Heterachne baileyi

Outer margin offorested swamp.

12 Q SK BH6 612674 8688645 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta andParinari nonda. Very sparse shrub layer of Acaciarothii, Planchonia careya and Livistona muelleri.


3.5.2 0

13 Q SK BH6 611701 8688715 Woodland/tall woodland (24-30m) of C.novoguineensis, Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbianesophila. Second tree layer of Livistona muelleri,Alstonia actinophylla, Erythrophleum chlorostachys,Parinari nonda, C. novoguineensis, Gmelinadalrympleana, Grevillea glauca and Acacia rothii.

Outermargin ofcircularswamp withgrey siltytopsoil.

3.3.22 0 Occurs on outermargins ofseasonal swampmerging from E.tetrodontawoodland.

14 Q SK BH6 611039 8689025 Woodland (20-26m) of Corymbia nesophila withEucalyptus tetrodonta.


3.5.2 0

15 Q SK BH6 611035 8689577 Woodland (20-26m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta. Bauxiteplateausurface

3.5.2 0 Flat plateausurface.


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16 Q SK BH6 611048 8690429 Woodland/tall woodland (24-30m) of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Second treelayer of Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Grevilleaglauca, Parinari nonda and Acacia rothii. Sparseshrub layer of Xylomelum schottiana, Erythrophleumchlorostachys, Grevillea glauca, Parinari nonda andAcacia rothii. Dry grassy groundcover of Sargaplumosa and Heteropogon triticeus with Spermacocesp. and Comesperma secundum.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

17 Q SK BH6 611142 8690668 Low open forest (8-14m) dominated by Melaleucasaligna with Lophostemon suaveolens. Very sparseshrub layer of Melaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata andAsteromyrtus symphyocarpa. Sparse groundcover ofDapsilanthus sp., Eriachne triseta and Cyperaceae(DGF SKQ17/1).

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 0 This type ischaracteristic onthe outer marginsof a circularswamp.

18 Q SK BH6 611170 8690736 Low open forest (6-8m) dominated by Melaleucaviridiflora var. attenuata.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.32 0 Occurs on theinner margins ofcircular swamp.

19 Q SK BH6 611209 8690675 Sedgeland of Eleocharis sp. with scattered freshwatercouch on margins.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.65 0 Inner part ofcircular swampwith small pool ofremaining water.Habitat totallyworked over byferal pigs. Poolprovides importantlate season watersource for wildlifeas well as pigs andwild cattle.


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20 Q SK BH6 611484 8690230 Woodland (8-14m) dominated by Melaleuca salignaand M. quinquenervia with Lophostemon suaveolens.Shrub layer of M. quinquenervia with Asteromyrtussymphyocarpa and M. viridiflora. M. quinquenerviadominates canopy in places. Groundcover of tallsedge

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 0 Palustrine wetland,forested swamp.

21 Q SK BH6 611130 8688641 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya and Grevillea parallela. Grassygroundcover.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

22 Q SK BH6 611505 8668649 Open forest (10-15m) of Lophostemon suaveolens,Melaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata, Calycopepluscasuarinoides and M. saligna. Sparse understorey ofM. viridiflora. No groundcover, dense leaf litter.

Alluvialswamp.

3.3.14 0 Palustrine wetland,forested swamp.Water 1.5m deepin wet season.

23 Q SK BH1 623274 8694172 Riparian woodland (8-12m) of Melaleuca saligna,Lophostemon suaveolens and Asteromyrtussymphyocarpa, Garcinia warrenii, and Dillenia alata.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.14 0 Narrow ephemeraldrainage linedissecting alluvialplain/remnantsurface.

24 Q SK BH1 623244 8695170 Woodland (12-16m) dominated by Corymbianovoguineensis with a dense subcanopy of Melaleucaviridiflora with scattered Parinari nonda, Planchoniacareya and Grevillea glauca. Sparse shrub layer ofXylomelum schottiana, Melaleuca stenostachya, C.novoguineensis, P. careya, Livistona muelleri,Pogonolobus reticulatus, Persoonia falcata andAcacia rothii. Groundcover recently burnt.

Flat plainwith greysilty surfacesoils andsomeironstonenodules onsurface.

3.3.22 0 Bloodwood formsthe upper strata.


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25 Q SK BH1 623257 8695564 Tall woodland (26-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila with scattered Erythrophleumchlorostachys. Sparse second tree layer of Parinarinonda, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Grevilleaparallel, and Syzygium suborbiculare. Very sparseshrub layer of Grevillea parallela, Planchonia careya,Acacia rothii and E. chlorostachys saplings. Grassygroundcover of Heteropogon triticeus.


3.5.2 0 Recently burnt.

26 Q SK BH1 622561 8695589 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya, and Grevillea parallela.



27 Q SK BH1 622053 8695596 Tall woodland (28-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya and Grevillea parallela.










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30 Q SK BH1 618487 8695594 Tall woodland (26-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila with scattered Erythrophleumchlorostachys. Sparse second tree layer of Parinarinonda, Erythrophleum chlorostachys and C.nesophila. Very sparse shrub layer of E.chlorostachys saplings, G. parallela, Planchoniacareya, Xylomelum schottiana, Acacia rothii,Brachychiton sp., Persoonia falcata, Maytenuscunninghamii, Ficus opposita and Dillenia sp. Grassygroundcover of Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa,Pogonolobus reticulatus, Morinda reticulata, Wedelialongipes, Mnethisea rothboellioides and Spermacocesp.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

31 Q SK BH1 618488 8694844 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya, Acacia calyculata, Dolichandroneheterophylla, Acacia crassicarpa, Canariumaustralianum and Grevillea parallela. Grassygroundcover of Heteropogon triticeus with Curcumaaustralasica.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

32 Q SK BH1 618481 8694353 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta and C.stockeri. Very sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Planchonia careya, Acacia calyculata, Dolichandroneheterophylla, Acacia crassicarpa, Brachychitondiversifolius subsp. orientale, Canarium australianumand Grevillea parallela. Grassy groundcover ofHeteropogon triticeus, Cymbopogon globosus andHaemodorum coccineum.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt


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33 Q SK BH1 618539 8694041 Woodland (18-24m) of Corymbia nesophila withassociated Erythrophleum chlorostachys. Very sparsesecond tree of canopy species. Very sparse shrublayer of saplings with Grevillea parallela, Alphitoniaexcelsa, Pogonolobus reticulata, Planchonia careya,Capparis canescens, Livistona muelleri, Petalostigmapubescens, Dolichandrone heterophylla, Adenantheraabrosperma and Hakea presliana. Grassygroundcover of Sarga plumosa, Heteropogon triticeus,Spermacoce sp., Lomandra sp., Morinda reticulata,Haemodorum coccinea, Eriachne burkittii andHibbertia sp.

Gentlyslopingmargin ofremnantsurface.

3.5.2 0 Unburnt. Mergesinto M. viridifloraon alluvial flat.

34 Q SK BH1 618632 8693818 Open woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora with Corymbianovoguineensis, Parinari nonda and Livistonamuelleri.

Alluvial flat. 3.3.42 0 Seasonallyswampy. A narrowalluvial flat thatmerges withmangroves onmargins ofestuarinesediments andalluvium.

35 Q SK BH1 618727 8693895 Low closed mangrove forest with Ceriops sp.,Xylocarpus granatum, Excoecaria agallocha,Aegiceras corniculatus and scattered Melaleucaarcana. Groundcover with Acrostichum aureum andSporobolus virginicus. Scattered epiphytes ofDendrobium johannis.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.3 0 Melaleucaacacioides formsnarrow bands onouter margins.

36 Q SK BH1 618659 8693873 Low open woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora and M.acacioides. Dense grassy groundcover.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.51 Dendrobium johannis Occurs on outermargins ofmangrove.


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37 Q SK BH1 613890 8693443 Woodland/tall woodland (24-30m) of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Second treelayer of Erythrophleum chlorostachys and Parinarinonda. Sparse shrub layer of Grevillea parallela,Acacia rothii, Xylomelum schottiana, Erythrophleumchlorostachys, Pogonolobus reticulatus andPersoonia falcata. Grassy groundcover of Sargaplumosa, Heteropogon triticeus and Cymbopogonglobosus.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

38 Q SK BH1 612629 8693645 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta,Corymbia nesophila and Erythrophleum chlorostachys(Basal Area 13m2/ha). Sparse second tree layer ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, E. tetrodonta, C.stockeri and Parinari nonda. Sparse shrub layer ofAcacia rothii, Planchonia careya, Grevillea parallela,Xylomelum schottiana, Persoonia falcata, P. nondaand Maytenus cunninghamii. Grassy groundcover ofHeteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, M.rothboellioides with Wedelia longipes, Morindareticulata, Lomandra filiformis, Cassytha filiformis,Phyllanthus sp., Smilax australis, Panicum sp., andDillenia sp.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt

39 Q SK BH1 611947 8693765 Tall woodland (26-32m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila with scattered C. stockeri. Sparsesecond tree layer of Parinari nonda, Erythrophleumchlorostachys, and C. nesophila.


3.5.2 0 Unburnt


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40 Q SK BH1 611182 8693939 Open forest (14-18m) of Lophostemon suaveolens,with Parinari nonda, Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Acaciarothii. Mid dense subcanopy of Banksia dentata, A.rothii, P. nonda, Deplanchea tetraphylla, L.suaveolens, and Neofabricia myrtifolia. Mid denseshrub layer of Acacia rothii, B. dentata, N. myrtifolia,Melaleuca viridiflora, Hibiscus meraukensis,Xylomelum schottiana, Smilax australis, Grevilleaglauca and Asteromyrtus lysicephala. Dense grassygroundcover of Schoenus calostachyus, Eriachnetriseta, Lomandra longifolia, Dianella sp.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.42 0 Unburnt. Surfacesoil a dark siltyloam. Seasonallyswampy broadalluvialdepressions.

41 Q SK BH1 610890 8694053 Low open forest (10-14m) of M. viridiflora,Lophostemon suaveolens, Parinari nonda, Corymbianovoguineensis and Acacia rothii. Second tree layerof A. rothii, M. viridiflora, Banksia dentata, Livistonamuelleri and Persoonia falcata. Sparse shrub layerwith same species. Dense groundcover dominated byEriachne triseta and Schoenus calostachyus.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.42 0 Unburnt. Surfacesoil a dark siltyloam. Seasonallyswampy broadalluvialdepressions.

42 Q SK BH1 610675 8694115 Open shrubland (4-8m) of Melaleuca viridiflora,Neofabricia myrtifolia, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa,Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata, Corymbianovoguineensis and Xanthostemon crenulatus withdense patches of Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa. Verysparse shrub layer of Melaleuca viridiflora, A.symphyocarpa, Grevillea pteridifolia and Thryptomeneoligandra. Mid dense groundcover of Schoenus sp.and Dapsilanthus sp.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.42 0 Unburnt


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43 Q SK BH1 615786 8693503 Low open forest (8-12m) of Melaleuca quinquenerviaand Melaleuca viridiflora with scattered Corymbianovoguineensis and Livistona muelleri on outermargins. Occasional L. muelleri in sparse second treelayer. Sparse shrubs layer of M. quinquenervia, M.viridiflora and Acacia leptocarpa with Diospyroslittorea on mangrove margins. Sparse groundcoverwith scattered clumps of tall Restoniaceae,Ischaemum sp. and Fimbristylis sp.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.12 0 M. quinquenerviaoccurs as a narrowband on the outerseepage marginsof alluviumadjoiningmangroves.

44 Q SK BH1 615826 8693599 Low closed mangrove forest (4-8m) dominated byLumnitzera racemosa, and Rhizophora apiculata withgroundcover of Acrostichum aureum.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.1 0 Represents outerlandwardmangrovemargins.

45 Q SK BH1 615895 8693742 Low closed mangrove forest (4-8m) dominated byLumnitzera racemosa, and Rhizophora apiculata withgroundcover of Acrostichum aureum.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.1 0 Papuan frogmouthrecorded inmangroves at thissite.

46 Q SK BH1 615736 8693452 Woodland (18-24m) dominated by Corymbianovoguineensis with associated Erythrophleumchlorostachys, Livistona muelleri, Acacia crassicarpaand Parinari nonda. Sparse second tree of L.muelleri, A. crassicarpa, Syzygium suborbiculare andE. chlorostachys. Shrubs layer of A. crassicarpa,Xylomelum schottiana, Acacia leptocarpa, E.chlorostachys, S. suborbiculare, Planchonia careya,L. muelleri, and Grevillea parallela. Dense grassygroundcover of Heteropogon triticeus, Lomandralongifolia, Mnethsea rothboellioides.

Margins ofremnantsurface andalluvium ongravellygentle slopewithironstonesurfacenodules.Surface soilsgrey.

3.5.22 0 Bloodwood typeoccurs on marginsof remnantsurfaces.

47 Q SK BH1 615517 8693444 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila.


3.5.2 0 Typical stringybarkwoodland onplateau.


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50 S SK BH1 618450 8694953 Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 45%/BA7m2ha/ stems180 stems-ha) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila with scattered E. leptophleba.Sparse second tree layer (16-20m/10%/2m2ha/20stems-ha) of C. nesophila, C. stockeri and E.leptophleba. T3 (6-12m/ 10%/160 stems-ha) ofGrevillea parallela, Planchonia careya, E.leptophleba, E. tetrodonta, C. nesophila,Xylomelum schottiana, Persoonia falcata,Capparis canescens, Brachychiton sp., Canariumaustralianum, Ficus opposita and Syzygiumsuborbiculare and Livistona muelleri. Sparseshrub layer (1-5m/5%/580 stems-ha). Groundcover(0-1m, 34%) Heteropogon triticeus, Sargaplumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides, Buchneratetragona, Dillenia sp., Spermacoce sp.,Euphorbiaceae sp., Hibbertia sp., Cymbopogonglobosus and Morinda reticulatus.


3.5.2 0 Typicalstringybarkwoodland onplateau. Faunasite


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51 S SK BH1 619906 8695651 Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 48%/BA 8m2ha/stems 100 stems-ha) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer (12-16m/14%/4m2ha/140 stems-ha) of Erythrophleumchlorostachys, C. nesophila and E. tetrodonta. T3(4-8m/ 8%/220 stems-ha) of Erythrophleumchlorostachys, C. nesophila and E. tetrodonta.Sparse shrub layer (1-3m/7%/800 stems-ha) of P.nonda, E. chlorostachys, G. parallela, C.nesophila, E. tetrodonta, S. suborbiculare,Morinda reticulata, C. australianum, Brachychytonsp., Pogonolobus reticulatus, Ficus opposita,Antidesma ghaesembilla and Planchonia careya.Groundcover (0-1m, 51%) Heteropogon triticeus,Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides,Dillenia sp., Spermacoce sp., Lomandra filiformisand Wedelia longipes. Coarse woody debris 60logs/ha.


3.5.2 0 Fauna site.

52 S SK BH1 622244 8695559 Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 37%/BA 4m2-ha/stems 40 stems-ha) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer (12-16m/10%/3m2-ha/300 stems-ha) of C. nesophila, E.tetrodonta, E. chlorostachys, E. leptophleba andAlstonia actinophylla. T3 (4-8m/ 12%/2m2-ha/260stems-ha) of P. careya, E. tetrodonta, X.schottiana, E. leptophleba, E. chlorostachys, G.parallela and C. nesophila. Sparse shrub layer (1-5m/5%/580stems-ha) of C. nesophila, E. tetrodontaand E. chlorostachys. Groundcover (0-1m, 8%)Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Hibbertiasp. and Morinda reticulatus. CWD 20 logs/ha.


3.5.2 0 Fauna site.Recently burnt.


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53 Q SK BH1 622951 8694262 Riparian woodland (8-12m) of Melaleuca saligna,Lophostemon suaveolens and Asteromyrtussymphyocarpa, Garcinia warrenii, Carallia brachiataand Dillenia alata. Shrubs of Alyxia spicata, Diospyroshebecarpa, Cyclophyllum brevipes and vines ofFlagellaria indica.

Alluvial flat. 3.3.14 0 Narrow ephemeraldrainage linedissecting alluvialplain/remnantsurface. Extensivepig damage.

54 Q SK BH1 623109 8694294 Low open woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora andCorymbia novoguineensis with Syzygiumeucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides and Petalostigmapubescens. Sparse shrubs of Pandanus sp., Livistonamuelleri and Parinari nonda. Burnt out groundcover.

Alluvial flat. 3.3.42 0 Margin of leaseboundary.

55 Q SK BH1 617004 8695094 Low closed mangrove forest with Ceriops sp., andscattered Avicennia marina. Groundcover withAcrostichum aureum.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.3 0 Outer margin ofmangroves.

56 Q SK BH1 617062 8695130 Saline herbland of Tecticornia sp. and Halosarcia sp.,with scattered low shrubs of Ceriops sp., Aegialitisannulata and Avicennia marina.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.6 0 Salt pans.

57 Q SK BH1 617149 8695138 Saline grassland/herbland complex of Sporobolusvirginicus with Tecticornia sp. and Halosarcia sp., withscattered low shrubs of Ceriops sp.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.6 0 Salt pans.Incorporates 3.1.5

58 Q SK BH1 617218 8695263 Low woodland (6-9m) of Melaleuca viridiflora withoccasional Eucalyptus leptophleba. Dense grassygroundcover of Ischaemum australe and Sporobolusvirginicus.

Alluvial flat. 3.3.42 0 Forms broadtransition betweensaline flats andremnant surface.

59 Q SK BH1 617286 8695352 Woodland (18-24m) of Corymbia nesophila withassociated Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Eucalyptustetrodonta and E. leptophleba. Sparse shrub layer ofsaplings with Planchonia careya and Planchoniacareya with dense groves of Livistona muelleri.

Remnantsurfacemargins.

3.5.2 0 Outer margins ofironstone remnantsurface.

60 Q SK BH1 617189 8695711 Low mangrove shrubland (o.5-1.5m) with Aegialitisannulata and Ceriops sp. and scattered Avicenniamarina.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.6 0 Occurs on outermargins ofmangrove.


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61 Q SK BH1 617434 8696192 Woodland (14-18m) of Eucalyptus cullenii, Corymbiastockeri and Erythrophleum chlorostachys. Sparseshrub layer of saplings with Planchonia careya,Brachychyton sp., Capparis canescens, Pogonolobusreticulatus and Livistona muelleri.

Margins ofremnantsurface ongravellygentle slopewithironstonesurfacenodules.

3.5.2 0 ironstone onsurface. Best fit for3.5.8. Smallpatches of ironbarkonly. On marginsof 3.5.2.

62 Q SK BH1 617376 8696219 Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora and M.acacioides with Hakea pedunculata and shrubs ofAegiceras corniculata and Excoecaria agallocha. Tallclumps of Restioniaceae.

Outermargins ofmangroves.

3.3.51 Dendrobium johannis Occurs on outermargins ofmangrove.

63 Q SK BH1 617942 8696971 Low open forest (8-12m) of M. viridiflora. Alluvialplain.

3.3.32 0

64 Q SK BH1 618551 8697081 Open forest (10-15m) of Melaleuca quinquenervia.Very sparse shrub layer of M. viridiflora. Very sparsegroundcover with Acrostichum aureum and tall clumpsof Restoniaceae.

Margins ofalluvium.

3.3.12 0 Outer margin ofmangroves.

65 Q SK BH1 619358 8697097 Salt pan with scattered Halosarcia sp. and Fimbristylissp.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.6 0 Transitions intolow mangroveshrublands onmargins of saltpan.

66 Q SK BH1 619295 8696964 Shrubland (2-5m) of Melaleuca acacioides and Hakeapedunculata with groundcover of tall Restoniaceaeand Halosarcia sp.

Estuarinesediments.

3.3.51 Dendrobium johannis Habitat is approx.20m wide betweensaltpan and M.viridiflorawoodland. Habitatof Dendrobiumjohannis.

67 Q SK BH1 619279 8696869 Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora. Low shrubs ofPandanus sp., Acacia leptocarpa, Banksia dentataand Livistona muelleri. Grassy groundcover ofIschaemum sp.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.32 0 Margins of alluvialplain.


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68 Q SK BH1 619791 8696818 Low woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora, Corymbianovoguineensis and scattered Syzygiumeucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.42 0

69 Q SK BH1 620833 8696728 Low open forest (8-12m) of M. viridiflora. Alluvialplain.

3.3.32 0

70 Q SK BH1 621185 8697263 Low woodland (5-8m) of Melaleuca viridiflora withHakea pedunculata and shrubs of Hakea preslianaand M. acacioides. Groundcover of sparse tussockgrasses.

Alluvialplain.Surface soilsorangebrown.

3.3.51 Dendrobium johannis Outer margins ofalluvial plain nearmangroves.

71 Q SK BH1 621454 8696947 Woodland (12-16m) dominated by Corymbianovoguineensis with Melaleuca viridiflora andSyzygium eucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides.Grassy groundcover.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.22 0 Unburnt

72 Q SK BH1 622289 8697340 Woodland (18-24m) of Corymbia nesophila withEucalyptus tetrodonta and scattered Erythrophleumchlorostachys. Sapling dominated understorey withGrevillea parallela and Planchonia careya. Densegrassy groundcover of Sarga plumosa andHeteropogon triticeus.

Remnantsurface withironstonenodules.

3.5.2 0 ironstone onsurface.

73 Q SK BH1 622023 8697415 Woodland dominated by Corymbia novoguineensisand Melaleuca viridiflora with occasional Syzygiumeucalyptoides, Grevillea glauca and Parinari nonda.

Alluvialplain.

3.3.22 0

74 Q SK BH1 see 64gps

see gps Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila.


3.5.2 0

75 Q SK BH6 610931 8691177 Low woodland (8-15m) of Melaleuca saligna, Parinarinonda, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa, Grevilleapteridifolia, Lophostemon suaveolens and Corymbianovoguineensis. Shrub layer of Banksia dentata, M.viridiflora and A. symphyocarpa. Sparse groundcoverof Dapsilanthus sp and Eriachne triseta.

Seasonallyswampysandyalluvium.

3.3.14 0


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g



76 Q SK BH6 610966 8691460 Open shrubland (4-8m) of Melaleuca viridiflora andGrevillea pteridifolia with Banksia dentata. Dense lowshrubby patches of Asteromyrtus lysicephala. Densegroundcover of Dapsilanthus sp. with Drosera sp.


3.3.32 0 Surface sands arewhite.

77 Q SK BH6 611106 8691589 Low open forest (12-18m) of Lophostemonsuaveolens, Corymbia novoguineensis, Parinarinonda, Neofabricia myrtifolia, Banksia dentata,Melaleuca viridiflora var. attenuata, Acacia rothii,Xylomelum schottiana, Deplanchea tetraphylla andLivistona muelleri. Mid dense shrub layer of Acaciarothii, N. myrtifolia, X. schottiana and Banksia dentata.Mid dense groundcover of Eriachne triseta. Denseleaf litter.


3.3.22 0



3.5.2 0 0



3.5.2 0 0



3.5.2 0 0



3.5.2 0 0



3.5.2 0 0

83 Q SK BH6 see 73gps

see 73gps

Woodland (14-18m) dominated by Eucalyptusleptophleba, Corymbia novoguineensis and Melaleucaviridiflora. Sparse shrub layer of Pandanus spiralis,Acacia leptocarpa and Livistona muelleri.Groundcover dominated by Ischaemum sp. andPandanus sp.

Alluvial flat. 3.3.42 0 Narrow alluvial flatbetween remnantsurface andmangroves.


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g



84 Q SK BH6 616753 8697088 Closed mangrove forest (10-14m) dominated byCeriops sp. With dense shrubs of Aegicerascorniculatus and groundcover of Acrostichum aureum.Linear bands of M. quinquenervia occur on outermargins.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.3 0 Mangrove robin.

85 Q SK BH6 616022 8695569 Low closed mangrove forest with Rhizophoraapiculata, Lumnitzera sp. and Ceriops sp.Groundcover of Acrostichum aureum and tallclumping Restoniaceae. Linear bands of M.quinquenervia occur on outer margins.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.1 0

86 Q SK BH6 616011 8694112 Closed mangrove forest (10-14m) dominated byRhizophora apiculata with Ceriops sp., Xylocarpusgranatum and Diospyros littorea on margins.Groundcover of Acrostichum aureum and tallclumping Restoniaceae.

Estuarinesediments.

3.1.1 0


Gentleslopingmargin ofbauxiteplateausurface.

3.5.2 0

WET SEASON SITES – FEBRUARY 2015 (secondary sites in bold see Appendix C & D)

Site

#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g

Vegetation Structure & Dominant Flora Geology, landform,soils Field RE Threatened

Species Notes

WET SEASON SITES – FEBRUARY 2015 (secondary sites in bold see Appendix C & D)Si

te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g


Species Notes

88 Q SK BH6 612432 8688697 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodontaand Corymbia nesophila.

Bauxite plateausurface.

3.5.2 0 Fauna surveysite.

89 Q SK BH6 611941 8688838 Woodland of Corymbia novoguineensis, C.nesophila, Eucalyptus brassiana with Livistonamuelleri in second tree layer.

Margins of remnantsurface with broadalluvial depression.

3.3.42 0 0

90 Q SK BH6 611595 8689213 Woodland (8-12m) of Lophostemon suaveolens,Corymbia clarksoniana, Parinari nonda, Acaciarothii, Melaleuca stenostachya. Shrub layer ofCalycopeplus casuarinoides, L. muelleri, Banksiadentata, M. viridiflora, and Neofabricea myrtifolia.Grassy groundcover of Eriachne triseta.

Alluvium 3.3.14 0 0

91 Q SK BH6 611325 8689819 Tall woodland of E. tetrodonta and C. nesophila.Second tree layer with Deplanchea tetraphylla,Acacia rothii, Grevillea glauca, L. muelleri, andXylomelum schottianum.


3.5.2 0 0

92 S SK BH6 611076 8690699 Woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta andCorymbia nesophila. Lower tree layers ofParinari nonda, Acacia rothii, Livistona muelleriand Lophostemon suaveleons. Very sparseshrub layer of Acacia rothii, Syzygiumsuborbiculare, Xylomelum schottiana,Persoonia falcata, Planchonia careya, E,tetrodonta and Dechaschista peninsularis. Middense ground cover of Heteropogon triticeusand Lomandra longifolia.


3.5.2 0 0

93 Q SK BH6 611678 8689782 Woodland dominated by Lophostemon suaveolenswith Carallia brachiata, M. viridiflora, Xanthostemoncrenulatus, and Corymbia novoguineensis withBanksia dentata, Livistona muelleri, and M.viridiflora. Grassy groundcover of Eriachne triseta.

Seasonally swampyalluvium.

3.3.14 0 0

94 S SK BH6 612511 8689241 Tall woodland/Woodland of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Lower treelayers of C. nesophila, Erythrophleumchlrostachys. Sparse shrub layer of Planchonia


3.5.2 0 0


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g


Species Notes

careya, A. rothii, Livistona muelleri, E.tetrodonta and E. chlorostachys. Mid denseground cover of Heteropogon triticeus andGlycine sp.

95 Q SK BH6 612701 8689518 Woodland (22-26m) of Corymbia nesophila and E.tereticornis. Sparse shrub layer of Acacia rothii,Petalostigma pubescens, and Brachychitonmuellerianus. Groundcover of Heteropogontriticeus, and Sarga plumosa.


3.5.2 0 0

96 Q SK Outsideleasearea

623199 8694672 Depauperate vine thicket of Pouteria sericea, Litseaglutinosa, Sterculia quadrifida, and Terminaliasubacroptera.

Ironstone outcropswith rubbly surfacerock within bauxiteplateau.

3.5.2 0 Not amappable unitdue torestricted size.Not in theLease area.

97 S SK BH1 619915 8694524 Tall woodland/Woodland of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Lower treelayers of Erythrophleum chlrostachys withBrachychiton muellerianus, Planchonia careya,and Livistona muelleri. Sparse shrub layer ofFicus opposita, B. muellerianus, Pogonolobusreticulatus, Flueggea virosa subsp.melanthesioides. Mid dense ground cover ofHeteropogon triticeus, Mnethisearothboellliodes, Cucurma australasica, andGlycine sp.,


3.5.2 0 0

98 Q SK BH1 619908 8694253 Woodland (16-20m) of Corymbia confertiflora,Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Eucalyptus tetrodontaand Brachychiton muellerianus. Lower tree layer ofE. chlorostachys and Livistona muelleri. Shrubbyunderstorey of Flueggea virosa subsp.melanthesioides, Glochidion apodogynum, Ficusopposita, Croton multicaulis, Ampelocissus acetosaand Brachychiton diversifolius subsp. orientalis.

Gravelly ironstonemargins of bauxiteplateau surface.

3.5.22 0 0


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g


Species Notes

99 Q SK BH1 619837 8694134 Outer margin of low mangrove forest of Lumnitzeraracemosa and Excoecaria agollocha with Melaleucacitreolens woodland.

Estuarine/alluvialmargins

3.1.3 0 0

100 S SK BH1 619889 8694181 Open woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora withscattered Corymbia clarksoniana andPlanchonia careya. Very sparse shrub layer ofM. viridiflora, C. clarksoniana, Hakea pershianaand Acacia leptocarpa. Groundcover dominatedby Allopteris semialulata.

Alluvium 3.3.42 0 0

101 Q SK BH1 622481 8696041 Tall woodland (25-30m) of Eucalyptus tetrodontaand Corymbia nesophila.


3.5.2 0 0

102 S SK BH6 612929 8696000 Open forest of Lophostemon suaveolens andMelaleuca leucadendra with lower tree layer ofCalycopeplus casuarinoides, and Livistonamuelleri. Very sparse shrub layer ofCyclophyllum brevipes. Very sparsegroundcover of Vetiveria elongata.

Outer margin ofshallow ephemeralswamp.

3.3.14 0 Big FootSwamp.Palustrineforestedwetland.

103 Q SK BH6 612991 8696131 Woodland (20-26m) dominated by Corymbianesophila with subdominant E. tetrodonta, C.novoguineensis, E. brassiana and Erythrophleumchlorostachys.

Margin of alluviumand remnant surfacewith ironstonenodules on surface.

3.5.2 0 0

104 Q SK BH6 612924 8696072 Open woodland (12-16m) of Corymbianovoguineensis dominating with M. viridiflora and E.brassiana. Very sparse shrub layer with scatteredCalycopeplus casuarinoides and M. viridiflora.Dense grassy groundcover dominated by Aristidasp.

Alluvium 3.3.22 0 Note allgrasses sterile.

105 Q SK BH6 612679 8696307 Woodland of Eucalyptus brassiana, Lophostemonsuaveolens, Corymbia novoguineensis, Melaleucaviridiflora. Sparse shrub layer of Asteromyrtussymphyocarpa and C. casuarinoides.

Outer margins ofalluvial swamp

3.3.22 0 Big FootSwamp

106 Q SK BH6 612616 8696686 Low open forest (6-9m) of scattered Lophostemonsuaveolens, Corymbia novoguineensis, anddominant Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa, C.

Outer margins ofalluvial swamp

3.3.14 0 Big FootSwamp


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g


Species Notes

casuarinoides and Melaleuca viridiflora.

107 Q SK BH6 612784 8696813 Woodland (8-12m) of C. novoguineensis, M.viridiflora, Acacia rothii, L. suaveolens, and P.nonda. Sparse shrub layer of A. rothii, G. glauca, A.symphyocarpa, C. casuarinoides, and B. dentata.Groundcover 30% dominated by Schoenus sp.

Margin of alluvialplain with scatteredsurface bauxiterubble.

3.3.22 0 0

108 Q SK BH6 612982 8696954 Woodland (10-14m) with occasional emergents ofC. novoguineensis to 16m and a canopy of L.suaveolens, C, novoguineensis, M. viridiflora, andP. nonda. Sparse second tree layer of C.casuarinoides, and A. symphyocarpa.

Margin of alluvialplain with scatteredsurface bauxiterubble.

3.3.22 0 0

109 Q SK BH6 613157 8696873 Low woodland (8-10m) of M. viridiflora, C.novoguineensis, X. scottiana, A. rothii, L.suaveolens, M. stenostachya and Syzygiumeucalyptoides subsp. eucalyptoides. Densegroundcover of Schoenus sp. and native grasses.

Margin of alluvialplain.

3.3.22 0 0

110 Q SK BH6 613303 8696815 Tall woodland/woodland (24-28m) of C. nesophilawith E. tetrodonta. Second tree layer of M.viridiflora, P. nonda, Planchonella pohlmaniana var.vestita, and A. rothii. Sparse shrub layer of A. rothii,A. crassicarpa, Pogonolobus reticulatus, Gmelinadalrympleana, and Pogonolobus reticulata. Middense groundcover of Heteropogon triticeus,Morinda reticulata and Panicum sp.


3.5.2 0 0

111 Q SK BH6 613088 8696680 Tall woodland/woodland (24-28m) of C. nesophilawith E. tetrodonta.


3.5.2 0 0

112 Q SK BH6 612822 8696671 Woodland of Corymbia novoguineensis, E.tetrodonta, C. nesophila with P. nonda, L.suaveolens, and M. viridiflora.

Alluvium 3.3.22 0 0

113 Q SK BH6 613790 8694526 Woodland of L. suaveolens, and C. novoguineensis. Alluvium 3.3.14 0 0

114 Q SK BH6 613653 8694556 Low woodland (6-8m) of A. symphyocarpa with M.viridiflora and M. saligna. Mid dense grassy

Alluvium 3.3.32 0 10 cm deepsurface water.


te#

Site

Typ

e

Site

_ C

ode

Are

a

East

ing

Nor

thin

g


Species Notes

groundcover. Margin ofpalustrinewetland.

115 Q SK BH6 613542 8694348 Tall woodland/woodland (24-28m) of C. nesophilawith E. tetrodonta. Second tree layer of E.chlorostachys. Sparse shrub layer of A. rothii, B.muellerianus, Pogonolobus reticulatus, andPogonolobus reticulata. Dense groundcover ofHeteropogon triticeus,


3.5.2 0 0

116 Q SK BH6 617295 8696258 Low woodland of M. viridiflora and M.quinquenervia. Dense groundcover of Vetiveriaelongata and M. rothboellioides. Adjoins mangroveforest.

Margin of alluviumand estuarinesediments.

3.3.32 0 Proposedlanding site.Palustrinewetland withsurfacefreshwater.

117 Q SK BH6 617225 8698261 Tall woodland/woodland (24-28m) of C. nesophilawith E. culleni and C. stockeri. Second tree layer ofE. chlorostachys, E. cullenii and Erythrinavespertilio. Sparse shrub layer of B. muellerianus,G. parallella, P. careya, and Pogonolobus reticulata.Dense groundcover of Sarga plumosa andHeteropogon triticeus.

Gently sloping marginof plateau surface.

3.5.? 0 0



3.5.2 0 0



3.5.2 0 0

121 Q SK BH6 613955 8689994 Woodland (16-20m) of E. tetrodonta, C.novoguineensis, P. nonda and E. brassiana.Second tree layer of M. viridiflora with L. muelleri.


3.5.2 0 More opencanopy withabundantpaperbark.

122 Q SK - 616781 8691927 Disturbed previously cleared. Bauxite plateausurface.

Non-R 0 SkardonLanding weedsurvey area.



ATTACHMENT 4 SITE PHOTOS

ATTACHMENT 4 SITE PHOTOS

Plate 1: Pogona sp. (baby dragon) Plate 2: Ninox novaeseelandiae (boobook owl)

Plate 3: Litoria latopalmata (broad palmedrocket frog)

Plate 4: Carlia sp.

Plate 5: Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper) Plate 6: Litoria microbelos (javelin frog)

Plate 7: Melithreptus albogularis (white throatedhoneyeater)

Plate 8: Haliastur sphenurus (whistling kite)

Plate 9: Diporiphora bilineata (two-lined dragon)

Plate 10: Litoria bicolor(northern dwarf treefrog)

Plate 11: Platyplectrum ornatum (ornateburrowing frog)

Plate 12: Probosciger aterrimus (palm cockatoo)

Plate 13: Ctenotus spaldingii (straight-browedctenotus)

Plate 14: Podargus strigoides (tawny frogmouth)

Plate 15: Crinia remota (torid froglet) Plate 16: Carlia sp.

Site SKS92

SKS94

SKS97

SKS100

SKS102



ATTACHMENT 5 BIOCONDITION ASSESSMENTS

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXIV

ATTACHMENT 6 BIOCONDITION ASSESSMENT

Offset Biocondition and Habitat quality assessmentVersion 2.2

Assessment detailsAssessed by: DG FellAssessment date: 06/11/2014General site description:Approximate time to remnant Currently at remnant statusObserved fire frequency 1-3 yearsWater points kmProximity to protected areas >100 kmProximity to other high value areas >100 kmBenchmark Existing NO

Site: BKS50 RE: 3.5.2 Bioregion: CYP Property: BH1

Date: 6/11/2014 Photos:

Transect co-ordinates0m (start of transect) Datum: GDA94 Elev 5m50m (centre point) Datum: GDA94 618450 869453 Elev 445m

General Description: Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 45%/BA7m2ha/ stems 180 stems-ha) of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila with scattered E. leptophleba. Sparse second tree layer (16-20m/10%/2m2ha/20 stems-ha) of C. nesophila, C. stockeri and E. leptophleba. T3 (6-12m/ 10%/160 stems-ha)of Grevillea parallela, Planchonia careya, E. leptophleba, E. tetrodonta, C. nesophila, Xylomelum schottiana,Persoonia falcata, Capparis canescens, Brachychiton sp., Canarium australianum, Ficus opposita andSyzygium suborbiculare and Livistona muelleri. Sparse shrub layer (1-5m/5%/580 stems-ha). Groundcover(0-1m, 34%) Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides, Buchnera tetragona, Dilleniasp., Spermacoce sp., Euphorbiaceae sp., Hibbertia sp., Cymbopogon globosus and Morinda reticulatus.

Bio-Condition Assessment Sheet100 x 50m area (½ ha)Proportion of dominant canopy or EDL species with evidence of recruitment: 100

Eucalypt large tree DBH: no benchmark(from benchmark document)Number of large Eucalypt trees:Number of large Eucalypt trees with >10cmhollows 3

Non-Eucalypt Large tree DBH : no benchmark(from benchmark document)Number of large non-eucalypt trees: 0Number of large non-eucalypt trees with >10cmhollows: 0

Total large trees: 0 Total large trees with hollows: 3Tree canopy (EDL) height: 28mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila, E. leptophleba, C. stockeri,Grevillea parallela, Planchonia careya, Xylomelum scottianum, Persoonia falcata, Capparis canescens,Brachychiton muellerianus, Canarium australianum, Syzygium suborbiculare, Livistona muelleri. = 13

50 x 10m area: List species if known or count if unknownShrub spp richness: Acacia calyculata, Ficus opposita, Pogonolobus reticulata, Dillenia sp., Morindareticulata = 5Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides, Cymbopogonglobosus = 4

Forbs spp richness: Buchnera tetragona, Spermacocce sp., Euphorbiaceae sp., Wedelia spilanthoides,Lomandra sp., Hibbertia sp. = 4

Other species (optional): (0)

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXV

Weed cover as % of area: 0%

50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha1, 2, 2.5, 1, 0.5, 2 9 90

Five 1 m x 1 m plots (*attributes are essential for scoring however, assessment of all attributesimproves ability to more accurately visualise proportions for each)

Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 MeanNative perennial grass cover 40 50 5 30 30 31

Native forbs and other species (non-grass)Native shrubs (< 1m height) 0 0 10 0 5 3

Non-native grass

Non-native forbs and shrubs

Litter * 60 40 80 70 60 62

Rock

Bare ground 0 10 5 0 5 4

Cryptograms (ie mosses, lichen,liverworts)Total =100% =100% =100% =100% =100% 100

100 m transect Tree and shrub coverTree canopy cover (Only assess Emergent (E) or Subcanopy (S) layers if benchmark documentstipulates these layers are present. *Group trees that are continuous and in the same layer)Tree or tree group: C=canopy, E=emergent, S=subcanopy

Summary tableAssessment site Benchmark

Emergent (%) 0m no benchmarkCanopy cover (%) 40m no benchmarkSubcanopy cover (%) 19m no benchmarkShrub cover (%) 0m no benchmark

Habitat QualityHabitat Feature Site scoreTrees with hollows 0Foraging quality 0Shrubby understory 0Rocky outcrops 0Litter and logs 0Threatening processes (industry, grazing stock, urban, pollution etc.) 0Species mobility 0Aquatic/riparian habitat quality 0Total

Prompts - Habitat features relevant to noted speciesHabitat features Abundant Present AbsentDead trees with hollows XLiving Habitat / FoodTrees

X

Shrubby understory XGround cover X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXVI

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentTussocky grasses XLeaf Litter and debris XDense prickly groundcover

X

Woody material onground (< 10cm dia.)

X

Woody material onground (> 10cm dia. w/hollows)

X

Bare soil XCracking clays XMelon holes XVisible burrows XVertical earth banks(erosion)

X

Rock overhangs /crevices

X

Caves XLarge fixed rocks XStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland ie marshland,swamp

X

DISTURBANCE AND THREATSDISTURBANCE AND

THREATS Abundant Present Absent

Evidence of fire XPresence of weeds XCattle / Livestock(grazing pressure)

X

Infrastructure, roads, andbuilt Environment

X

Clearing/ logging X

The assessable attributes and weightings for deriving the final Habitat Quality scoreAttribute Wooded ecosystem Weighting

(%)Offset Score

(%)Site - basedRecruitment of woody perennial species

Native plant species richness – TreesShrubsGrassesForbs

Tree canopy cover (%)

Tree canopy height

Shrub layer cover (%)

Native perennial grass cover (%)

Large trees

Fallen woody material

Weed cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXVII

Attribute Wooded ecosystem Weighting(%)

Offset Score(%)

Litter cover 5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity

ORDistance to artificial water

10

5

5

20

Total BioCondition 100Habitat 100Total BioCondition/Habitat Quality 200% Result:

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXVIII



Transect co-ordinates50m (centre point) Datum: GDA94 619906 8695651 Elev 5

General Description: Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 48%/BA 8m2ha/ stems 100 stems-ha) of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer (12-16m/14%/4m2ha/140 stems-ha) ofErythrophleum chlorostachys, C. nesophila and E. tetrodonta. T3 (4-8m/ 8%/220 stems-ha) of Erythrophleumchlorostachys, C. nesophila and E. tetrodonta. Sparse shrub layer (1-3m/7%/800 stems-ha) of P. nonda, E.chlorostachys, G. parallela, C. nesophila, E. tetrodonta, S. suborbiculare, Morinda reticulata, C. australianum,Brachychyton sp., Pogonolobus reticulatus, Ficus opposita, Antidesma ghaesembilla and Planchonia careya.Groundcover (0-1m, 51%) Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides, Dillenia sp.,Spermacocce sp., Lomandra filiformis and Wedelia longipes. Coarse woody debris 60 logs/ha.


Eucalypt large tree DBH: no benchmark(from benchmark document)Number of large Eucalypt trees:Number of large Eucalypt trees with >10cmhollows 4


Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 3Tree canopy (EDL) height: 28mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila, E. chlorostachys, Parinari nonda,Grevillea parallela, Planchonia careya, Xylomelum scottianum, Brachychiton muellerianus, Canariumaustralianum, Syzygium suborbiculare = 10

50 x 10m area: List species if known or count if unknown

Shrub spp richness: Ficus opposita, Pogonolobus reticulata, Dillenia sp., Morinda reticulata = 4

Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides = 3

Forbs spp richness: Spermacocce sp., Euphorbiaceae sp., Wedelia spilanthoides, Lomandra sp.

Other species (optional): (0)Weed cover as % of area: 0%

50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha1, 2, 2.5, 0.5, 0.5, 1, 1 8.5 850



Native forbs and other species (non-grass)

5 5 0 5 0 3

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXIX

Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 MeanNative shrubs (< 1m height) 0 0 10 0 5 4

Non-native grass

Non-native forbs and shrubs 5 0 0 0 0 0

Litter * 50 40 60 25 45 44

Rock






Habitat QualityHabitat Feature Site scoreTrees with hollowsForaging qualityShrubby understoryRocky outcropsLitter and logsThreatening processes (industry, grazing stock, urban, pollution etc.)Species mobilityAquatic/riparian habitat qualityTotal

Prompts - Habitat features relevant to noted species

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentDead trees with hollows XLiving Habitat / FoodTrees

X

Shrubby understory XGround cover XTussocky grasses XLeaf Litter and debris XDense prickly groundcover

X


X


X

Bare soil XCracking clays XMelon holes XVisible burrows XVertical earth banks X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXX

Habitat features Abundant Present Absent(erosion)Rock overhangs /crevices

X

Caves XLarge fixed rocks XStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland i.e. marshland,swamp

X

DISTURBANCE AND THREATS

DISTURBANCE ANDTHREATS Abundant Present Absent


X


X

Clearing/ logging X

The assessable attributes and weightings for deriving the final HabitatQuality score


Offset Score(%)

Site - basedRecruitment of woody perennial species



Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXI


Offset Score(%)

Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20


Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXII




General Description: Tall woodland (28-32m/ PCC 37%/BA 4m2-ha/ stems 40 stems-ha) of Eucalyptustetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Sparse second tree layer (12-16m/10%/3m2-ha/300 stems-ha) of C.nesophila, E. tetrodonta, E. chlorostachys, E. leptophleba and Alstonia actinophylla. T3 (4-8m/12%/2m2-ha/260 stems-ha) of P. careya, E. tetrodonta, X. schottiana, E. leptophleba, E. chlorostachys, G. parallela andC. nesophila. Sparse shrub layer (1-5m/5%/580stems-ha) of C. nesophila, E. tetrodonta and E. chlorostachys.Groundcover (0-1m, 8%) Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Hibbertia sp. and Morinda reticulatus.


Eucalypt large tree DBH: no benchmark(from benchmark document)Number of large Eucalypt trees:Number of large Eucalypt trees with >10cmhollows: 7


Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 7Tree canopy (EDL) height: 30mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia nesophila, E. leptophleba, E. chlorostachys,Parinari nonda, Grevillea parallela, Planchonia careya, Persoonia falcata, Xylomelum scottianum,Brachychiton muellerianus, Alstonia actinophylla, Syzygium suborbiculare = 10

50 x 10m area: List species if known or count if unknownShrub spp richness: Ficus opposita, Pogonolobus reticulata, Dillenia sp., Morinda reticulata, Crotonmulticaulis = 5Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides = 3

Forbs spp richness: Euphorbiaceae sp., Wedelia spilanthoides, Hibbertia sp. = 3

Other species (optional): (0)Weed cover as % of area: 0%

50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha1, 2, 2, 5 50




Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXIII

Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 MeanNon-native grass

Non-native forbs and shrubs 5 0 0 0 0 0

Litter * 50 60 10 70 60 52

Rock

Bare ground 45 30 85 20 30 40







X


X


X


X


X


X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXIV

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentCaves XLarge fixed rocks XStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland i.e. marshland,swamp

X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X

The assessable attributes and weightings for deriving the final HabitatQuality score

Attribute Wooded ecosystemWeighting (%)

Offset Score(%)

Site - basedRecruitment of woody perennial species



Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20

Total BioCondition 100Habitat 100

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXV

Attribute Wooded ecosystemWeighting (%)

Offset Score(%)

Total BioCondition/Habitat Quality 200% Result:

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXVI




General Description: Woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Lower tree layers ofParinari nonda, Acacia rothii, Livistona muelleri and Lophostemon suaveleons. Very sparse shrub layer ofAcacia rothii, Syzygium suborbiculare, Xylomelum scottianum, Persoonia falcata, Planchonia careya, E,tetrodonta and Dechaschista peninsularis. Mid dense ground cover of Heteropogon triticeus and Lomandralongifolia.




Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 7Tree canopy (EDL) height: 30mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Lophostemon suaveolens, Corymbia nesophila,Grevillea glauca, Acacia rothii, Parinari nonda, Planchonia careya, Planchonella pohlamniana, Persooniafalcata, Xylomelum scottianum, Gmelina dalrympleana, Syzygium suborbiculare = 12

50 x 10m area: List species if known or count if unknownShrub spp richness: Hibiscus meraukensis, Pogonolobus reticulata, Clerodendrum floribundum, Morindareticulata, Croton multicaulis = 5Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, unknown, Panicum sp., Sarga plumosa, Mnethisearothboellioides = 5

Forbs spp richness: Sauropus sp., Glycine sp., Lomandra longifolia, S. multiflora, Glycine tomentella,Chielanthes sp., Vigna vexillata, Platycorne long, Pleurocarpaea denticualta, Dianella odorata, Dioscoreatransversa, Xyris sp., Aristolochia sp., Pseuderanthemum variable = 14Other species (optional): Marsdenia sp., Smilax australis, Livistona muelleri = 3Weed cover as % of area: 0%

50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha6.5, 2, 1, 1, 1, 5.5, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2,1.5, 2.5, 0.5, 4, 5, 2, 2, 0.5, 0.5, 1

43.5 435




5 0 5 0 0 2

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXVII

Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 MeanNative shrubs (< 1m height)

Non-native grass


Litter * 35 85 60 10 20 41

Rock

Bare ground






Prompts - Habitat features relevant to noted speciesHabitat features Abundant Present AbsentDead trees with hollows XLiving Habitat / Food Trees XShrubby understory XGround cover XTussocky grasses XLeaf Litter and debris XDense prickly ground cover XWoody material on ground(< 10cm dia.)

X

Woody material on ground(> 10cm dia. w/ hollows)

X


X

Rock overhangs / crevices XCaves XLarge fixed rocks X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXVIII

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland i.e. marshland,swamp

X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X

The assessable attributes and weightings for deriving the final Habitat Quality scoreAttribute Wooded ecosystem

Weighting (%)Offset Score




Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20


Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XXXIX



Transect co-ordinates50m (centre point) Datum: GDA94 612511 8689241 Elev: 10

General Description: Tall woodland/Woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Lower treelayers of C. nesophila, Erythrophleum chlrostachys. Sparse shrub layer of Planchonia careya, A. rothii,Livistona muelleri, E. tetrodonta and E. chlorostachys. Mid dense ground cover of Heteropogon triticeus andGlycine sp.




Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 6Tree canopy (EDL) height: 30mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Corymbia nesophila,Grevillea glauca, Acacia rothii, Parinari nonda, Planchonia careya, Persoonia falcata, Xylomelum scottianum,Siphonodon pendula, Syzygium suborbiculare = 11

50 x 10m area: List species if known or count if unknownShrub spp richness: Wrightia saligna, Brachychiton muellerianus, Ficus opposita, Pogonolobus reticulata,Decaschista peninsularis, Morinda reticulata, Breynia oblongifolia, Grewia retusifolia, Croton multicaulis,Indigofera praatensis, = 10Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Themeda arguens, Allopteris semialulata, Capillepedium spic,Sarga plumosa, Mnethisea rothboellioides = 6

Forbs spp richness: Wedeila spilanthoides, Glycine sp., Hibbertia candice, Euphorbia bifida, Taccaleontopetaloides, Phyllanthus virgatus, Flemingia parviflora, Helicteres sp. (Heathlands), Malvaceae,Rostellularia adscendens, Pynchosia lutescens, Tricoryne anceps, Ipomoea phlebia, Cassytha filiformis,Dipodium elangulatum, Brunoniella acaulis, Uraria sp., Lomandra multiflora, Schellhamera multiflora, Glycinetomentella, Chielanthes sp., Vigna vexillata, Platycorne long, Pleurocarpaea denticualta, Dianella odorata, =25

Other species (optional): Marsdenia sp., Marsdenia convivens, Smilax australis, Tinospora esaingkara,Livistona muelleri = 5Weed cover as % of area: 0%

50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total

CWDtotalmetres/ha

1.5,1,1.5,1,3,1.5,1,1.5,5.5,2.5,1,1,1,3,1.5,2,1,1,1,1.5,7,1,3.5,2.5,2.5,6,2,1.5,2,3.5,3.5 69 690


Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 MeanNative perennial grass cover 32

Native forbs and other species (non- 43

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XL

Ground Cover 1 2 3 4 5 Meangrass)

Native shrubs (< 1m height)

Non-native grass


Litter * 30 20 20 30 20 24

Rock

Bare ground


100 m transect Tree and shrub coverTree canopy cover (Only assess Emergent (E) or Subcanopy (S) layers if benchmark document stipulatesthese layers are present. *Group trees that are continuous and in the same layer)Tree or tree group: C=canopy, E=emergent, S=subcanopy



Habitat QualityHabitat Feature Site scoreTrees with hollowsForaging qualityShrubby understoryRocky outcropsLitter and logs 0Threatening processes (industry, grazing stock, urban, pollution etc.) 0Species mobilityAquatic/riparian habitat quality 0Total

Prompts - Habitat features relevant to noted speciesHabitat features Abundant Present AbsentDead trees with hollows XLiving Habitat / Food Trees XShrubby understory XGround cover XTussocky grasses XLeaf Litter and debris XDense prickly ground cover XWoody material on ground (<10cm dia.)

X

Woody material on ground (>10cm dia. w/ hollows)

X

Bare soil XCracking clays XMelon holes XVisible burrows XVertical earth banks (erosion) XRock overhangs / crevices XCaves XLarge fixed rocks X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLI

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland i.e. marshland, swamp X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X






Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20


Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLII




General Description: Tall woodland/Woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila. Lower treelayers of Erythrophleum chlrostachys with Brachychiton muellerianus, Planchonia careya, and Livistonamuelleri. Sparse shrub layer of Ficus opposita, B. muellerianus, Pogonolobus reticulatus, Flueggea virosasubsp. melanthesioides. Mid dense ground cover of Heteropogon triticeus, Mnethisea rothboellliodes,Cucurma australasica, and Glycine sp.




Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 4Tree canopy (EDL) height: 30mTotal Tree species richness: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Corymbia nesophila,Brachychiton muellerianus, Planchonia careya, Brachychiton diversifolius subsp. orientalis = 6


Shrub spp richness: Ficus opposita, Pogonolobus reticulata, Grewia retusifolia, Croton multicaulis,Clerododendrum floribundum, Morinda reticualta, Flueggea melanthesoides subsp. virosa = 7

Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Mnethisea rothboellioides = 2

Forbs spp richness: Curcuma australasica, Wedeila spilanthoides, Scleria sp., Cissus trifolia, Glycine sp.,Euphorbia bifida, Aristoclochia sp., Tacca leontopetaloides, Phyllanthus virgatus, Flemingia parviflora,Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rostellularia adscendens, Ipomoea phlebia, Rostellularia adsendens,Brunoniella acaulis, Schellhamera multiflora, Glycine tomentella = 19

Other species (optional): Ampelocissus acetosa, Marsdenia convivens = 3


50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha1.5,1,1.5,1,3,1.5,1,1.5,5.5,2.5,1,1,1,3,1,2,1,1,1,1.5,6,1,3.5,2,2,2 47 470




20 35 25 25 30 28

Native shrubs (< 1m height) 10 10 0 0 5 5

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLIII



Litter * 25 10 25 5 0 13

Rock

Bare ground 25 5 20 25 10 17




Emergent (%) 0m no benchmarkCanopy cover (%) 40m no benchmarkSubcanopy cover (%) 24m no benchmarkShrub cover (%) 0 m no benchmark



X


X


X


X


X


X

Caves X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLIV

Habitat features Abundant Present AbsentLarge fixed rocks XStill water XRunning water XDeep waterholes XVertical riparian banks XVariable water depth XReeds, sedges, rushes XDiversity Aquatic plants XWetland i.e. marshland,swamp

X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X






Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20


Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLV




General Description: Open woodland of Melaleuca viridiflora with scattered Corymbia clarksoniana andPlanchonia careya. Very sparse shrub layer of M. viridiflora, C. clarksoniana, Hakea pershiana and Acacialeptocarpa. Groundcover dominated by Allopteris semialulata.




Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 0Tree canopy (EDL) height: 8mTotal Tree species richness: Melaleuca viridiflora, Corymbia clarksoniana, Planchonia careya, Hakeapershiana, Dolichandrone heterophylla, Acacia leptocarpa = 6


Shrub spp richness: = Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa

Grass spp richness: Heteropogon triticeus, Allopteris semialulata, Digiratia sp., Veyiveria elongata = 2

Forbs spp richness: Pleurocarpaea denticulata, Crinum sp., unknown, Fimbristylis sp., Desmodium sp. = 5

Other species (optional): = 0


50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD total metres/ha,3,1.5,1,1.5,2.5,1,1,1,3,1,2 18 180




5 10 10 25 15 13

Native shrubs (< 1m height) 0 0 5 0 0 5

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLVI



Litter * 95 80 40 40 55 60

Rock

Bare ground 0 0 10 25 10 9







X


X


X


X


X


X

Caves X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLVII


X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X






Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20


Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLVIII




General Description: Open forest of Lophostemon suaveolens and Melaleuca leucadendra with lower treelayer of Calycopeplus casuarinoides, and Livistona muelleri. Very sparse shrub layer of Cyclophyllumbrevipes. Very sparse groundcover of Vetiveria elongata.




Total large trees: Total large trees with hollows: 5Tree canopy (EDL) height: 24mTotal Tree species richness: Lophostemon suaveleons, Melaleuca leucadendra, Calycopepluscasuarinoides = 3


Shrub spp richness: Cyclophyllum brevipes = 1

Grass spp richness: Unknown, Digitaria sp., Vetiveria elongata = 3

Forbs spp richness: = 0

Other species (optional): Livistona muelleri = 1


50 m x 20 m area – Coarse Woody Debris (all logs >10cm diameter, >0.5m measure to plotboundary)Length of CWD Total CWD Total metres/ha1,1,2,1,1,2,10,4,3,3,2,2,1,1,2,2,2,1,2 44 440




Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 XLIX



Litter * 95 95 95 95 15 79

Rock






Habitat QualityHabitat Feature Site scoreTrees with hollowsForaging qualityShrubby understoryRocky outcropsLitter and logsThreatening processes (industry, grazing stock, urban, pollution etc.) 0Species mobilityAquatic/riparian habitat qualityTotal


X


X


X


X


X


X

Caves X

Ref No. DGF/AMEC001 L


X




X


X

Clearing/ logging X






Tree canopy height



Large trees


Weed cover

Litter cover

5

5555

5

5

5

5

15

5

10

5Landscape Scale

Size of patch

Context

Connectivity


10

5

5

20




ATTACHMENT 6 SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIVITY CORRIDORS

62

Figure 3. Cape York bioregional corridors.



ATTACHMENT 7 ESA, TEC MAPS

Centred on tenure: ml: 20676 Map requested: 16/03/2016 15:24:40

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

Roma

Weipa

Mackay

Emerald

Brisbane

Cooktown

Longreach

Bundaberg

Mount Isa

Innisfail

Charters Towers

NT

NSW

SA

±

0 100 200 300 40050Km

Map of EPBC-listed Ecological Communities occurring in Queensland (Map 1 of 2)

Disclaimer:This indicative map shows the approximate outer boundaries of areas in which each of these ecological communities may occur.In most cases, the communities have been heavily cleared and are fragmented within these boundaries.The Commonwealth gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability) andaccepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequentialdamage) relating to any use of the data.Produced by the Environmental Resources Information Network (ERIN).Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. © Commonwealth ofAustralia, 2013.

LegendBrigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant)Mabi Forest (Complex Notophyll Vine Forest 5b)The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian BasinWeeping Myall WoodlandsLittoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern AustraliaBroad leaf tea-tree (Melaleuca viridiflora) Woodlands in High Rainfall Coastal North QueenslandWhite Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland

QLD

NSW

VIC

TAS

SA

WA

NT

ACT

These maps are for display purposes at a broad-scale andonly show indicative distribution of threatened ecologicalcommunities. They should not be used for environmentalassessment and approval processes. Ground-truthing isrequired to verify the presence of a threatened ecologicalcommunity for site based projects, planning or investmentdecisions. Such decisions should refer to the text of therelevant Listing Advice and Conservation Advice atwww.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.plTo help determine whether matters of national environmentalsignificance or other matters protected by the EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are likelyto occur in your area of interest, use the protected matterssearch tool at www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html



ATTACHMENT 8 MSES SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

1

MSES Significant Impact Assessments

This section summarises the significant impact assessments that have been completed to identify whether the Project will have a significant, residual impact to MSES, which are then required to be offset. The Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Significant Residual Impact Guideline (December, 2014) has been used to guide the assessment process. Please note only terrestrial MSES and marine plants (other than seagrass) have been assessed. Marine fauna species and seagrass are addressed in a separate marine ecology report.

Below is a summary of the MSES identified as known or likely to occur within the Project

area. Residual impacts have been assessed based on the Project mine and infrastructure

locations illustrated in Figure 2-1 of this report.

Where MSES have been assessed as MNES, this is identified in the table. Under the

Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy to avoid duplication between jurisdictions, State

governments can only impose an offset condition on a prescribed activity, if the same, or

substantially the same impact and the same, or substantially the same matter, has not been

subject to assessment under the EPBC Act for an activity declared as a controlled action.

Therefore it is proposed where a MSES is also listed as MNES, impacts will be assessed

under the EPBC Act. No offsets will be required at the State level for that particular matter.

The remaining MSES impacts have then been assessed for significance guided by the

Significant Residual Impact Guideline.

MSES Trigger VM Act or NC Act Area of estimated disturbance (ha; max)

status

Endangered and Of Concern REs

Of Concern RE 3.3.12 Of Concern 0.6 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Watercourse REs (within a defined distance from a stream order)


Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE 3.1.1a/3.1.3

- 0.39 ha (Southern Haul Road)



- 0.05 ha (Barge Loading Facility)


- 0.03 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

Total 0.81 ha

Connectivity

The connectivity tool was run and the result stated there is no significant impact to connectivity.

- 0


Major category - 5 - 9.23 ha (Northern Haul Road)

Major category - 5 - 9.64 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Major category - 5 - 1.00 ha (Barge Loading Area)

Major category - 5 - 0.15 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

2

Major category - 5 - 4.25 ha (Mooring Area)

Total 24.27 ha


Category 1 - Low - 107.65 m (Southern Haul Road)

Total 107.65 m

Mapped essential habitat

None - -

Fish habitat areas

None - -

Queensland protected flora trigger area

None

Strategic environmental areas

None - -

Vegetation management mapped wetlands

None - -

Wetland Areas HES

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 0.15 ha (Logistics Barge Facility)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 9.57 ha (Southern Haul Road)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 9.23 ha (Northern Haul Road)

Wetland Management Area (HES) - 0.25 ha (Barge Loading Area)

Total 19.20 ha

Wetland protection area trigger

None - -

Endangered and Vulnerable fauna species


Vulnerable Assessed as MSES

Crocodylus porosus (estuarine crocodile)

Vulnerable Assessed in marine ecology report.

Migratory birds Special Least Concern

Assessed as MNES


Dendrobium johannis (Chocolate tea tree orchid)

Vulnerable No direct impacts have been confirmed. Assessed as MNES.

Marine plants

RE3.1.1 Closed forest of Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer mangroves.

9.74 ha


10.72 ha


0.25 ha

3

Seagrass communities Assessed in marine ecology report. No direct impacts have been confirmed.

Total 20.71 ha

Existing offset areas

None -

4

The following presents the significant impact assessment for each MSES and impact area summarised above.

MSES Trigger VM Act or NC

Act status

Area of

estimated

disturbance (ha;

max)

Significance Assessment

Endangered and Of Concern REs

Of Concern RE 3.3.12

Melaleuca quinquenervia open

forest associated with scattered

coastal swamps

Of Concern 0.6 ha The Of Concern RE 3.3.12 is classified as mid dense. The clearing width is

approximately 75metres, and total patch area is 0.6ha. Therefore clearing

associated with this option is significant under the guideline. Based on the

current location of the southern haul road a worse case scenario of 0.6ha will be

impacted. This potential impact is being allowed for in the Project’s Offset

Strategy, however, during detailed design post approval Metro Mining would seek

to revise the location and design of the southern haul road to avoid the of

concern RE.

Watercourse REs (within a defined distance from a stream order)

Stream Order 2 (25m Buffer) RE

3.1.1

0.06 ha

(Southern Haul

Road)

Clearing of watercourse vegetation is required due to haul roads being required

to cross watercourses on site. For the haul roads clearing will be required within

5m of the bank and a clearing width greater than 20m. The REs impacted are

dense, mid dense and sparse.

Metro Mining is proposing to fully rehabilitate all riparian vegetation that has

been cleared as part of the final decommissioning of the Project. However, it

should be noted that the final determination of what infrastructure will remain

post-mining is dependent upon the Traditional Owners and the land owners, with

the relevant regulatory approval. As a conservative approach to allow for any


3.1.1a/3.1.3

0.39 ha

(Southern Haul

Road)


3.3.22

0.28 ha

(Southern Haul

Road)


3.1.1a/3.1.3

0.05 ha (Barge

Loading Facility)

5


3.1.1a/3.1.3

0.03 ha

(Logistics Barge

Facility)

future final land use option, it is assumed that watercourse vegetation cleared for

haul roads will be a permanent impact and offset.

Therefore the impacts to watercourse vegetation are considered to be significant.

Clearing of riparian vegetation will be minimised to the greatest extent possible,

and haul roads constructed in the dry season to avoid and minimise impacts to

water quality in the creeks and Skardon River.

Total 0.81 ha

Connectivity

The Landscape Fragmentation

and Connectivity Tool was run

and the result stated there is no

significant impact to

connectivity.

- 0 No significant impact to connectivity.


Major category - 5 9.23 ha

(Northern Haul

Road)

The northern haul road impacts where they are adjacent to fringing estuarine

mangroves along the Skardon River will

not have a significant residual impact to fish passage. The river and river flows

will not be impacted.

Where a haul road is crossing an estuary measures will be taken to minimise

impacts on fish and maintain fish passage including:

Haul roads will be constructed in the dry season

Fish passage will be maintained through the use of large culverts and overflows which allow stream flow and fish to move upstream and downstream


(Southern Haul

Road)

Major category - 5 1.00 ha (Barge

Loading Area)


(Logistics Barge

Facility)

6

Major category - 5

4.25 ha

(Mooring Area)

No substantial modification or change in the hydrological regime will occur

No significant changes in water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH or conductivity will occur during construction and operation.

A residual impact will occur to some mangrove riparian vegetation to allow

construction of the haul roads. This will remove some fish habitat. However this

will not impact upon fish passage. The likelihood for greatest impact is during

construction of these creek crossings, where clearing has potential to increase

sedimentation and decrease water quality. However this is of a temporary nature

and appropriate mitigation measures including erosion and sediment control will

be put in place to minimise any temporary impacts.

The barge loading area, logistics facility and moorings will require some

permanent removal and temporary disturbance during construction to fish

habitat. However all infrastructure within the estuarine areas are not expected to

impede fish passage or alter the hydrological regime of the waterway.

Based on the above assessment, and mitigation measures to be put in place

during construction the impacts to fish passage and fish habitat are not

significant.

Total 24.27ha


Category 1 - Low - 107.65m The potential impact to a stream’s fish passage is from the southern haul road

entering into the BH1 pit area. Where the haul road crosses the creek measures

will be taken to minimise impacts on fish and maintain fish passage including:

Haul roads will be constructed in the dry season

Fish passage will be maintained through the use of large culverts and overflows which allow stream flow and fish to move upstream and downstream

Total 107.65

7

No substantial modification or change in the hydrological regime will occur

No significant changes in water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH or conductivity will occur during construction and operation.

A residual impact will occur to some riparian vegetation to allow construction of

the haul roads. This will remove some fish habitat. However this will not impact

upon fish passage. The likelihood for greatest impact is during construction of

these creek crossings, where clearing has potential to increase sedimentation and

decrease water quality. However this is of a temporary nature and appropriate

mitigation measures will be put in place including erosion and sediment control to

minimise any temporary impacts.

Based on the above assessment, and mitigation measures to be put in place

during construction the impacts to fish passage and fish habitat are not

significant.

Wetland protection area HES

Wetland Management Area

(HES)

0.15 ha

(Logistics Barge

Facility)

Impacts from proposed infrastructure including haul roads, BLF and RoRo will

occur to mapped estuarine wetlands associated with the Skardon River. Areas of

the estuarine wetland/watercourse will need to be cleared for construction. A

measurable change in water quality of the wetland/watercourse that exceed the

water quality guidelines are not expected. Mitigation measures during

construction including erosion and sediment control will be taken to ensure

sedimentation or pollution are minimised and contained.

The habitat or lifecycle of native species, including invertebrates or fish,

dependent on the wetland are not expected to be seriously affected.


(HES)

9.57 ha

(Southern Haul

Road)


(HES)

9.23 ha

(Northern Haul

Road)


(HES)

0.25 ha (Barge

Loading Area)

8

A substantial and measurable change in the hydrological regime of the Skardon

River will not occur. The river flows and fish passage will remain as per their

natural conditions.

An invasive species harmful to the environmental values of the wetland being

spread or established is not expected. Mitigation measures will be taken to

ensure there are no pest species introduced during construction by machinery or

boats through appropriate biosecurity measures.

Based on the above assessment as there will be a permanent loss in wetland

vegetation and area as a result of proposed infrastructure a significant impact has

been determined.

Total 19.20ha

Endangered and Vulnerable fauna species

Esacus magnirostris (beach

stone-curlew)

Vulnerable 20.71ha No significant impact is expected to occur to this species.

The beach stone-curlew breeds for the most part on beaches just above the high

tide mark within a shallow scratching often among seaweed and other wave-

washed debris; at times often by an estuary or creek close behind the ocean

beach (Morcombe, 2010). This species does however forage within the marine

tidal zone, including mangroves and mudflats found in areas around the Skardon

River estuary and beach areas. The proposed action will not directly impact on

any suitable breeding habitat for the beach stone-curlew. No beach habitat will be

impacted by the project and creek areas which potential provide potential

breeding habitats are likely to be too far inland from the ocean for this species.

Foraging resources which these species rely on are common and extensive

throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches and tidal

estuaries. The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing

the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals in the dry season. These

vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger

shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result

9

in minor interactions with these species’ foraging habitat (mangroves near the

Skardon River port, along the river reaches and beach habitats near the river

mouth). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are

relatively low and barges will be moving slowly. Vessel movements are unlikely to

have a significant impact on the species. Specifically there is a very low likelihood

of any mortality or injury as a result of vessel movements given these species

habits and slow movement of barges. It is also unlikely given the species mobile

and flighty nature, clearing will result in mortality or injury as individuals are likely

to vacate disturbance areas of their own volition. Vessel movement impact will be

very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low

level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader

estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have

habituated when present. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes

within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and

thus no impacts to these species habitats through altered hydrology.

Recreational vehicles provide the highest risk to the beach stone-curlew should

they actively breed on beaches proximate to the Project area. Nests are

inconspicuous as to chicks and can be easily driven over. An increase of

unsolicited beach access for recreation or mining vehicles as a result of the

proposed action may potentially occur however the potential is minimised by the

project being a solely fly in-fly out operation, with no regular vehicle access being

maintained to the site, and private vehicles being strongly discouraged from the

operations. Mitigation measures such as security fencing and restricted access

through mining tenements and access tracks will limit access to public vehicles via

mining tenements, except where specifically approved by the Traditional Owners

and Indigenous land owners.


10

Dendrobium johannis (Chocolate

tea tree orchid)

Vulnerable No direct

impacts have

been confirmed.

Assessed as

MNES

The species has not been confirmed. Records of Dendrodium sp. have been

found outside of any proposed disturbance areas.

Should any orchids be confirmed during pre-clearance surveys they will be

relocated prior to clearing to adjacent suitable habitats. No significant impact is

expected.

Marine plants

RE3.1.1 Closed forest of

Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera

gymnorhiza. Occurs as outer

mangroves.

Least

Concern RE

Marine

Plants

7.89ha

(Northern Haul

Road)

1.85ha

(Southern Haul

Road)

9.74ha

The project will result in a reduction of mangroves and other marine plants

associated with intertidal areas due to construction of haul roads, BLF and RoRo.

The clearing is for private infrastructure and will result in more than 17 square

metres of fish habitat being impacted. Most of these impacts are of a permanent

nature as the haul roads will be maintained during operations and the conveyor

to the barge loading site maintained to avoid mangroves impeding on the jetty

and conveyor belt that is above mangroves.

The impacts are likely to be a significant, residual impact to mangrove and

intertidal areas. RE3.1.1/3.1.3 Closed forest of

Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera

gymnorhiza. / Ceriops tagal ±

Avicennia marina low closed

forest. Extensive on intertidal

area.

Least

Concern RE

Marine

Plants

0.25 ha (Barge

Loading Area)

0.15 ha (Logistic

Barge Facility)

2.83 ha

(Northern Haul

Road)

7.49 ha

(Southern Haul

Road)

10.72 ha

11

RE3.1.6 Sparse herbland or bare

saltpans. Associated with salt

plains and saline flats

0.25ha

(Southern Haul

Road)



ATTACHMENT 9 MNES SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

1

MNES Significant Impact Assessments

An assessment of the likelihood of MNES including; TECs, threatened flora and fauna species and migratory and marine birds has been completed as a part of the terrestrial ecology assessments for the Project. Based on these assessments:

no TECs listed under the EPBC Act have been identified within or adjacent to the Project site during desktop assessments or ecology surveys

no threatened flora species have been confirmed during ecology surveys, however one orchid species, Dendrobium johannis listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act has been identified as likely to occur within the Project site

one terrestrial threatened fauna species under the EPBC Act was recorded during surveys for Bauxite Hills being Probosciger aterrimus macgillivrayi (palm cockatoo (Australian)). An additional species Mesebriomys gouldii rattoides (black-footed tree rat) was recorded during surveys for Skardon River Project. A significant impact assessment for the black-footed tree-rat is included as part of the EIS

7 migratory birds have been recorded, or are likely to occur, in the Project area as described in Table 1 below. Additional marine avian species known or likely to occur have also been summarised.

Table 1: Migratory and Marine Migratory Avian Species Species name Common name EPBC Status

Esacus magnirostris beach stone-curlew Ma

Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper Mi, Ma

Ardea ibis cattle egret Mi, Ma

Ardea intermedia

intermediate egret

Ma

Ardea modesta eastern great egret Mi, Ma

Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-

shrike

Ma

Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird Ma

Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo Ma

Ducula bicolor pied imperial pigeon Ma

Egretta garzetta little egret Ma

Eudynamys orientalis eastern koel Ma

Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird Ma

Haliastur indus brahminy kite Ma

Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite Ma

Numenius phaeopus whimbrel Mi, Ma

Sternula albifrons little tern Mi, Ma

Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck Ma

Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater Ma

Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose Ma

Pandion haliaetus eastern osprey Mi, Ma

Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth Ma

Petrochelidon nigricans tree martin Ma

Porzana tabuensis spotless crake Ma

2

Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail Mi, Ma

Below are the significant impact assessments that have been completed for MNES known or likely to occur in the Project site. The assessments have applied the requirements of the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 - Significant Impact Guidelines. The guidelines define a ‘significant impact’ as an impact which is important, notable or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. The likelihood of an action having a significant impact depends upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts.

3

Significant Impact Assessment: Dendrobium johannis - Chocolate Tea Tree Orchid

One flora species listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act has been identified as ‘likely to occur’ within the project site, being Dendrobium johannis. This species is also listed as vulnerable under the NC Act. As the species is being addressed within the MNES section, it will not be assessed again in the MSES component.

During dry season vegetation surveys in November 2014 a number of suspected Dendrobium orchid species were identified adjacent to proposed clearing areas in melaleuca and mangrove fringing communities. All Dendrobium specimens were infertile at the time of survey therefore future identification will need to be confirmed during flowering periods. Based on the habit and form of the individuals encountered it is more likely these species were the common Dendrobium trilamellatum. Recent taxonomic review of Orchidaceae by the Queensland Herbarium has resulted in the revision of some Dendrobium species. This review has recently split Dendrobium johannis into two separate species being D. johannis and D. trilamellatum1. The most recent revisions to this species undertaken by the Queensland Herbarium has again separated them back into two full species (pers comms - David Fell, 2015). D. johannis has retained its vulnerable status under the EPBC Act and NC Act, while D. trilamellatum is not listed under the EPBC Act and Special Least Concern under the NC Act.

The vulnerable Dendrobium johannis is known to occur in Cape York and prefers open, humid habitats and is often found on trees growing in or close to swamps and in pockets of monsoon forest (Queensland Herbarium 1997). Vegetation surveys have confirmed suitable habitat for the species does occur in the broader project area, such as the lower melaleuca wetlands and fringing habitats. Given these suitable habitats occur within and proximate to the project area and Dendrobium species were found within these habitats, it is likely this species could occur. As surveys were conducted at a time when the species is not flowering, it has been classified as “likely to occur”. Pre-clearance surveys will be undertaken by suitably qualified ecologists prior to clearing. Any orchids identified in proposed disturbance areas will be recorded and relocated to suitable habitat away from any potential disturbance. The species flowering period is March to July and if flowering individual orchids are found a sample will be taken for confirmation from the Queensland Herbarium.

An assessment of the proposed action against the impact criteria for vulnerable MNES is outlined within Table 2. The assessment of the orchid species against the significant impact criteria for vulnerable MNES has identified the proposed action is not likely to result in a significant impact to the species.

1 Both species were historically full species in their own right; however, subsequent revisions carried out by the Queensland Herbarium

merged them into one species and referred to this species as D. johannis due to similarities in the morphology (this taxonomic review retained the species vulnerable status under the EPBC and NC Acts). This has been again subsequently reversed to establish both species as full species in their own right.

4

Table 2: Significant Impact Assessment - Dendrobium johannis Impact Criteria Significant

Impact

Likely (Y/N)

Justification

Will the action lead to a

long-term decrease in the

size of an important

population of a species?

N All orchids identified during surveys were not within the proposed disturbance areas for the Project. A

number of orchid specimens were identified within fringing melaleuca and mangrove communities

adjoining the proposed impact areas. These specimens were noted as likely to be Dendrobium

tilamellatum based on their habit and form; however, there is potential for some of these specimens to

be Dendrobium johannis which is a very similar species (these species were recently known as the same

species and referred to as Dendrobium johannis). No flowering material was present at the time of the

survey, therefore identification could not be confirmed.

The proposed action is not expected to result in a decrease to individual or orchid populations as no

orchids were found within the proposed impact areas, and a minimum of 300m buffer is proposed to

these records. The proposed action will only result in minor impacts to habitat for these species such as

wetlands including melaleuca and mangrove fringing communities. Approximately 37ha of potential

habitat is anticipated to be cleared to accommodate project infrastructure.

Should any threatened orchids be confirmed within the impact areas prior to clearing, they will be

translocated where practicable into adjacent, suitable habitats that are outside of any potential impacts.

Therefore no short term or long term decrease to the orchid populations are expected.

Will the action reduce the

area of occupancy of an

important population?

N The proposed action is not expected to result in a decrease to individual or orchid populations as no

orchids were found within the proposed impact areas. The proposed action will only result in minor

impacts to suitable habitat for these species such as wetlands including melaleuca and mangrove fringing

communities. Approximately 37 ha of suitable habitat is anticipated to be cleared to accommodate

project infrastructure. Areas of melaleuca wetlands and mangroves are being retained on site and there

are also large areas of suitable habitat for the orchid species in adjacent areas to the Project that will

support populations.

The project is not expected to reduce the area of occupancy of important orchid populations.

5

Will the action fragment an

existing important

population into two or

more populations?

N The project will not fragment existing orchid populations. Where orchids were found, and suitable

habitat areas, all occur within the wetland areas of melaleuca and mangrove communities. These

habitats are connected to the Skardon River and associated tributaries. Large areas of these habitats will

be retained on site and are connected to adjacent habitats in the north, south and west of the Project.

Will the action disrupt the

breeding cycle of an

important population?

N It is considered the proposed action will not disrupt the breeding cycle of any existing important

populations. The orchid species habitats are within wetland areas of melaleuca and mangrove

communities. These are connected to the Skardon River and associated tributaries. Large areas of these

habitats will be retained on site and adjacent areas therefore reproduction will not be impacted.

Will the action modify,

destroy, remove or isolate

or decrease the availability

or quality of habitat to the

extent that the species is

likely to decline?

N All orchids were detected outside proposed Project impact areas within fringing melaleuca and

mangrove communities. These specimens were noted as likely to be Dendrobium tilamellatum based on

their habit and form; however, there is potential for some of these specimens to be Dendrobium johannis

which is a very similar species (these species were recently known as the same species and referred to as

Dendrobium johannis). No flowering material was present at the time of the survey. Therefore

identification could not be confirmed.

The proposed action will only result in minor impacts to habitat for these species such as wetlands

including melaleuca and mangrove fringing communities. Approximately 37ha of suitable habitat is

anticipated to be cleared to accommodate project infrastructure. Should any threatened or least

concern orchids be confirmed on site within proposed clearing areas they will be translocated to suitable

adjacent habitats that are not subject to disturbance.

Although the action will result in the removal of up to 37 ha of potential habitat for the species, there are

still large areas of suitable habitat being retained on site. Also large areas of suitable habitat exist in the

broader region which support these orchid populations, therefore the species is unlikely to decline as a

result of the Project.

Will the action result in

invasive species that are

harmful to a vulnerable

species becoming

N The proposed action has the potential for the introduction of invasive vascular plant species to habitats

surrounding mining, camp, port and road areas.

6

established in the

vulnerable species’ habitat?

Ecological surveys found minimal weed incursion within areas of remnant vegetation. Weeds observed

were generally restricted to areas surrounding existing disturbances such as the existing camp facility at

Skardon Mine.

Mitigation measures including the use of weed hygiene certified equipment, vehicles and machinery

coupled with weed monitoring and weed management measures during clearing and operation of the

project will occur. In particular weed management will be focused on bushland and wetland areas that

have been retained on site to ensure invasive vascular plant species do not degrade native ecosystems

and orchid habitats. Monitoring of any confirmed threatened orchids will also occur during operation of

the Project to identify if any impacts are arising from disease or weeds etc.

Will the action introduce

disease that may cause the

species to decline?

N The proposed action has the potential for the introduction of diseases to the area in the form of

pathogens found on machinery, clothing or mining equipment.

Mitigation measures including the use of weed hygiene certified equipment, vehicles, machinery and use

of clean boots and clothes will assist in the reducing of this risk. Monitoring of any confirmed threatened

orchids will also occur during operation of the Project to identify if any impacts are arising from disease

or weeds etc.

Will the action interfere

substantially with the

recovery of the species?

N All orchids were detected outside proposed project impact areas within fringing melaleuca and

mangrove communities. The proposed action will only result in minor impacts to habitat for these

species such as wetlands including melaleuca and mangrove fringing communities. Approximately 37ha

of suitable habitat is anticipated to be cleared to accommodate project infrastructure. Should any

threatened or least concern individual orchids be confirmed on site within proposed clearing areas they

will be translocated to suitable adjacent habitats that are not subject to disturbance.

The action is not likely to interfere with the recovery of this species. No areas identified as priority

recovery areas or offsets for this species are known from the Project area or adjoining lands.

7

Significant Impact Assessment: Migratory and Marine Migratory Avian Species Eight species listed as Migratory have been identified as known or likely to occur within the Project area. A number of additional birds are listed as marine only. Of these species, one is also listed as vulnerable under the NC Act being the Esacus magnirostris (beach stone-curlew). The species has been included in these assessments, however as it is only listed as marine it will be assessed as a MSES.

An assessment of the proposed action against the impact criteria for Migratory Avian MNES is outlined within Table 3 to Table 10. The assessment of these species against the applicable significant impact criteria has identified the proposed action will have no significant, residual impacts to these species or habitat.

This assessment is predicated on detailed ecological survey results obtained by Amec Foster

Wheeler’s during recent late dry and early wet season surveys in 2014 and 2015 coupled

with three surveys of adjoining land completed by RPS in 2010, 2011 and Worley Parsons in

2011 for the Gulf Alumina Skardon River Project.

Migratory bird habitats are predominantly associated with the estuaries of the Skardon River including fringing mangroves and tidal flats. Some species also utilise the melaleuca palustrine wetlands to the west of the Project area. It is estimated approximately 30.2ha of migratory bird habitat will be directly impacted by the Project. The palustrine melaleuca wetland Big Footprint Swamp may experience some indirect impacts through changes to hydrology. In summary the groundwater modelling predicts that with, and without, the Bauxite Hills Mine pool level fluctuations between wet and dry seasons are very similar. With mining a maximum increase in pool level of 0.35metres above the pre-disturbance baseline may occur although the maximum predicted increase in the peak pool level, at the height of the wet season, is 0.15 m. This minor increase in the average peak depth has the potential to result in a small increase in the overall area inundated, particularly in the northern end of the swamp where the surrounding land is flatter. It is also possible for the average pool size that remains during the dry season to increase. Following the completion of mining activities, there is expected to be a permanent net increase in groundwater discharge to the swamp of approximately 1.5% from about 2035 onwards, resulting in <0.05 m increase in the peak pool level.

This is unlikely to have a significant impact on the ecological function of the wetland and

usage by migratory bird species. The changes have the potential to increase migratory bird

foraging areas, that may be available for a longer period into the dry season. This is

discussed in further detail in Section 10.2 of the report.

8

Table 3: Significant impact assessment for Little Tern Impact Criteria Significant

Impact

Likely

(Y/N)

Justification

An action is likely to have a

significant impact on a

migratory species if there is a

real chance or possibility that it

will substantially modify

(including by fragmenting,

altering fire regimes, altering

nutrient cycles or altering

hydrological cycles), destroy or

isolate an area of important

habitat for a migratory species.

N The little tern tends to live and feed over shallower coastal waters – the estuaries, lagoons and channels around river and harbour entrances, and along shallows close inshore. The little tern breeds along sandy beaches only slightly above the high-tide mark (Morcombe, 2010).

The proposed action will not result in the modification, destruction or isolation of important habitat for this species. The action will result in the removal of approximately 20ha of coastal mangrove and tidal habitats to provide sufficient area for haul roads and barge loading facilities; however, will not result in the direct loss or fragmentation of any specific breeding or core foraging habitat for this species.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the little tern as no beach habitat will be impacted by the project. Foraging resources which this species relies on are common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beach and tidal estuaries. The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals. These vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result in minor interactions with this species’ foraging habitat (marine and estuarine environments). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the little tern. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of slow vessel movements given the species habits. Any minor impacts are associated with foraging resources being disturbed by vessel movements (small fish species). Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and thus no impacts to the little tern through altered hydrology.

Recreational vehicles provide the highest risk to the little tern should they actively breed on beaches

proximate to the Project area. Nests are inconspicuous as to chicks and can be easily driven over. An

9

increase of unsolicited beach access for recreation or mining vehicles as a result of the proposed action

may potentially occur however the potential is minimised by the project being a solely fly in-fly out

operation, with no regular vehicle access being maintained to the site, and private vehicles being

strongly discouraged from the operations. Mitigation measures such as security fencing and restricted

access through mining tenements and access tracks will limit access to public vehicles via mining

tenements, except where specifically approved by the Traditional Owners and Indigenous land owners.





will result in an invasive

species that is harmful to the

migratory species becoming

established in an area of

important habitat for the

migratory species.

N The action will not result in any direct impacts to beach environments where this species breeds. Given no direct clearing or activities will occur within the areas this species breeds and roosts it is highly unlikely the action will result in the introduction of or proliferation of invasive species which will impact the little tern such as predation from foxes and cats.

It is also unlikely the proposed action will result in the introduction of invasive species to marine environments that will result in deleterious impacts to the little tern.





will seriously disrupt the

lifecycle (breeding, feeding,

migration or resting behaviour)

of an ecologically significant

proportion of the population of

a migratory species.

N Although this species was observed during field surveys, it was not observed in significant numbers; however surveys were not extensive in beach, coastal or mangrove environments given the majority of impacts will be on higher plateaus with only minor impacts to estuarine habitats. The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the little tern.

Foraging resources which this species relies on are common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beach and tidal estuaries. The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals. These vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result in minor interactions with this species’ foraging habitat (marine and estuarine environments). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the little tern. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of slow vessel movements given the species habits. Any minor impacts are associated with foraging resources being disturbed by vessel movements (small fish species). Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in

10

Table 4: Significant impact assessment for Beach Stone-curlew, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper

nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated.

Recreational vehicles provide the highest risk to the little tern should they actively breed on beaches

proximate to the Project area. Nests are inconspicuous as to chicks and can be easily driven over. An

increase of unsolicited beach access for recreation or mining vehicles as a result of the proposed action

may potentially occur however the potential is minimised by the project being a solely fly in-fly out

operation, with no regular vehicle access being maintained to the site, and private vehicles being

strongly discouraged from the operations. Mitigation measures such as security fencing and restricted

access through mining tenements and access tracks will limit access to public vehicles via mining

tenements, except where specifically approved by the Traditional Owners and Indigenous land owners.

Impact Criteria Significant

Impact

Likely

(Y/N)

Justification












N Similar to the little tern the beach stone-curlew breeds for the most part on beaches just above the high tide mark within a shallow scratching often among seaweed and other wave-washed debris; at times often by an estuary or creek close behind the ocean beach (Morcombe, 2010). This species does however forage within the marine tidal zone, including mangroves and mudflats found in areas around the Skardon River estuary and beach areas. The whimbrel and common sandpiper also forage within these habitats, particularly mangroves, however; breed in northern America (DoE, 2015b) and Russia respectively (DoE, 2015a) thus no breeding habitat occurs within the region for this species. As these species share similar foraging habitats they have been assessed together. The proposed action will result in the loss of approx. 20ha of mangrove and tidal flats which provide suitable foraging habitat for these species.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the beach stone-curlew or other non-breeding migratory species. No beach habitat will be impacted by the project and

11

creek areas which potential provide potential breeding habitats are likely to be too far inland from the ocean for this species. Foraging resources which these species rely on are common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches and tidal estuaries.

The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals. These vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result in minor interactions with these species’ foraging habitat (mangrove near the Skardon River port, along the river reaches and beach habitats near the river mouth). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the these species. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of slow vessel movements given these species habits. It is also unlikely given the species mobile and flighty nature, clearing will result in mortality or injury as individuals are likely to vacate disturbance areas of their own volition. Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated when present. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and thus no impacts to these species habitats through altered hydrology.

Recreational vehicles provide the highest risk to the beach stone-curlew should they actively breed on

beaches proximate to the Project area. Nests are inconspicuous as to chicks and can be easily driven

over. An increase of unsolicited beach access for recreation or mining vehicles as a result of the

proposed action may potentially occur however the potential is minimised by the project being a solely

fly in-fly out operation, with no regular vehicle access being maintained to the site, and private vehicles

being strongly discouraged from the operations. Mitigation measures such as security fencing and

restricted access through mining tenements and access tracks will limit access to public vehicles via

mining tenements, except where specifically approved by the Traditional Owners and Indigenous land

owners.




N The action will not result in any direct impacts to beach environments where these species breed. Given no direct clearing or activities will occur within the areas this species breeds and roosts it is highly

12







migratory species.

unlikely the action will result in the introduction of or proliferation of invasive species which will impact the little tern such as predation from foxes and cats.

It is also unlikely the proposed action will result in the introduction of invasive species to marine

environments will result in deleterious impacts to the beach stone-curlew, whimbrel and common sandpiper.











N Similar to the little tern the beach stone-curlew breeds for the most part on beaches just above the high tide mark within a shallow scratching often among seaweed and other wave-washed debris; at times often by an estuary or creek close behind the ocean beach (Morcombe, 2010). This species does however forage within the marine tidal zone, including mangroves and mudflats found in areas around the Skardon River estuary and beach areas. The whimbrel and common sandpiper also forage within these habitats, particularly mangroves, however; breed in northern America (DoE, 2015b) and Russia respectively (DoE, 2015a) thus no breeding habitat occurs within the region for this species. As these species share similar foraging habitats they have been assessed together. The proposed action will result in the loss of approx. 20ha of mangrove and tidal flat habitats which provide suitable foraging habitat for these species.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the beach stone-curlew or other non-breeding migratory species. No beach habitat will be impacted by the project and creek areas which potential provide potential breeding habitats are likely to be too far inland from the ocean for this species. Foraging resources which these species rely on are common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches and tidal estuaries.

The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals. These vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result in minor interactions with these species’ foraging habitat (mangrove near the Skardon River port, along the river reaches and beach habitats near the river mouth). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the these species. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of vessel movements given these species habits. It is also unlikely given the species mobile and flighty nature, clearing will result in mortality or injury as individuals are likely to vacate disturbance areas of their own

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Table 5: Significant impact assessment for Cattle Egret, Eastern Great Egret and Little Egret

volition. Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated when present. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and thus no impacts to these species habitats through altered hydrology.

Recreational vehicles provide the highest risk to the beach stone-curlew should they actively breed on

beaches proximate to the Project area. Nests are inconspicuous as to chicks and can be easily driven

over. An increase of unsolicited beach access for recreation or mining vehicles as a result of the

proposed action may potentially occur. Mitigation measures such as security fencing and restricted

beach access through mining tenements and access tracks will limit access to public vehicles via mining

tenements.


Impact

Likely

(Y/N)

Justification


significant impact on a migratory

species if there is a real chance

or possibility that it will

substantially modify (including

by fragmenting, altering fire

regimes, altering nutrient cycles

or altering hydrological cycles),

destroy or isolate an area of

important habitat for a

migratory species.

N All three egret species are known to occur within the project area. These species are however, restricted to shallow open wetlands, wetland margins, mudflats, estuarine mudflats, mangroves and reefs.

The proposed action will result in minor impacts to suitable foraging habitat for these egret species, mainly associated with jetty and haul road components. These components of the action intersect riparian and mangrove (Landzone 1 & 3) vegetation communities resulting in impacts up to approx. 30.2ha of direct clearing. Foraging resources which these species rely on are highly common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches and tidal estuaries.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the egret species. Egret species breed in colonies (or rookeries) with other wetland birds such as ibis, heron and spoonbills. No rookeries were observed during the surveys undertaken by Amec Foster Wheeler in

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2014/15 or RPS in 2010/11. Rookeries are generally established in moderately tall vegetation in wetland habitats (usually with standing water around vegetation). Big Footprint Swamp to the west of the project provides potential breeding habitat which will be retained. Also the area was not being used by these species for breeding purposes.

It is unlikely the proposed actions impacts to mangrove and riparian vegetation will result in the reduction, significant fragmentation or isolation of any important habitat for these egret species.




or possibility that it will result in

an invasive species that is

harmful to the migratory species

becoming established in an area

of important habitat for the

migratory species.

N The action will not result in any direct impacts breeding sites (rookeries). Given no rookeries have been detected within or adjacent to the proposed action it is highly unlikely the action will result in the introduction of or proliferation of invasive species which will impact the egret species breeding such as predation from foxes and cats.

It is also unlikely the proposed action will result in the introduction of invasive species to marine/estuarine environments will result in deleterious impacts to the egret species. Where egrets are common, invasive species such as cane toads, cats and black rats have not notably impacted populations as these species remain somewhat common, particularly the cattle egret.




or possibility that it will seriously

disrupt the lifecycle (breeding,

feeding, migration or resting

behaviour) of an ecologically

significant proportion of the

population of a migratory

species.

N The action will not result in any direct impacts breeding sites (rookeries). Given no rookeries have been detected within or adjacent to the proposed action it is highly unlikely the action will result in the introduction of or proliferation of invasive species which will impact the egret species breeding such as predation from foxes and cats.

These egret species were not observed in significantly high numbers nor where these egret species observed to be actively or evidence found of their breeding colonies. It is unlikely the proposed action will impact any significant populations of these species.

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Table 6: Significant impact assessment for Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea eagle and Whistling Kite Impact Criteria Significant

Impact

Likely (Y/N)

Justification











migratory species.

N Within the project area and region all three of these diurnal raptor species share the same breeding and foraging habitats, associated within riparian, estuarine and coastal habitats. All three raptor species are known to establish large stick nests within proximity to aquatic habitats (coastal, mangrove, riparian and wetland areas) in tall trees often standing in water or adjacent to it (Morcombe, 2010). Of these species, the white-bellied sea-eagle is more likely to build a nest site further from the edge of aquatic environments; however, these sites generally require a direct view of aquatic environments. Within the Project area and surrounding region all three species are likely to be common and forage within the abundant, vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches, tidal estuaries and wetlands areas of western Cape York.

The proposed action will result in minor impacts to suitable foraging and breeding habitat for these raptor species, mainly associated with the barge loading site and haul road components. These components of the action intersect riparian and mangrove (Landzone 1 & 3) vegetation communities resulting impacts up to approx. 30.2ha of direct clearing. Foraging resources which these raptors rely on are highly common and extensive throughout the region and the proposed action is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate areas of important habitat for these species. All three species are highly adaptable to disturbance as evidenced by their presence in highly urbanised areas within their range.









migratory species.

N Given the raptors ecology, breeding habits, size and foraging preferences it is unlikely the proposed action will result in the introduction or establishment of an exotic species which is harmful to them nor reduce the likelihood of these raptors establishing home ranges.

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Table 7: Significant impact assessment for Radjah Shelduck










species.

N The action will result in the direct loss of potential foraging and breeding habitat being up to approx. 30.2ha. These habitats are extensive throughout the region and should established nesting sites fall within the proposed clearing areas it is unlikely the proposed action will impact the breeding cycle of these highly adaptable raptors.


Impact

Likely (Y/N)

Justification












N This species congregates on mangrove lined river channels, tidal mudflats and beaches, or remain inland on permanent lagoons. In the wet season the species moves from littoral habitat to the shallow margins of the expanding wetlands (Morcombe, 2010).

The proposed action will result in minor impacts to suitable foraging habitat for this large shelduck species, mainly associated with the barge loading facility and haul road components which intersect mangrove and tidal flat habitats up to approx. 30.2ha. Foraging resources which this shelduck species relies on during the dry season are highly common and extensive throughout the region and the proposed action is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate areas of important habitat for these species. During wet season periods it is likely this species would migrate away from the Project area to breed within inland wetlands where it utilises hollow bearing trees to incubate eggs and chicks utilising wetland habitats for initial foraging periods before returning to dry season habitats found in the Project area.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the Radjah shelduck or other non-breeding migratory species. No beach habitat will be impacted by the project and creek

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areas which potential provide potential breeding habitats are likely to be too far inland from the ocean for this species. Foraging resources which these species rely on are common and extensive throughout the region including vast undeveloped relict coastal beaches and tidal estuaries.

The proposed action will result in flat bottom barge vessels traversing the Skardon River at approximately 3 hour intervals. These vessels will transport the bauxite ore from the proposed port area to a larger shipping vessel moored in deeper waters off the coast. The movements will result in minor interactions with these species’ foraging habitat (mangrove near the Skardon River port, along the river reaches and beach habitats near the river mouth). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the this species. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of vessel movements given this species habits and mobility. Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated when present. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and thus no impacts to these species habitats through altered hydrology.










migratory species.

N Given the shelducks ecology, breeding habits, and foraging preferences it is unlikely the proposed action will result in the introduction or establishment of an exotic species which is harmful or cause deleterious impacts to the shelduck within the Project area.





N It is unlikely the proposed action will disrupt the lifecycle of an important ecological population of radjah shelduck. The proposed action will result in minor impacts to suitable foraging habitat for this large shelduck species, mainly associated with jetty and haul road components which intersect mangrove and tidal flat habitats up to approx. 30.2ha. Foraging resources which this shelduck species

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Table 8: Significant impact assessment for Rufous Fantail







relies on during the dry season are highly common and extensive throughout the region and the proposed action is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate areas of important habitat for these species. During wet season periods it is likely this species would migrate away from the Project area to breed within inland wetlands where it utilises hollow bearing trees to incubate eggs and chicks utilising wetland habitats for initial foraging periods before returning to dry season habitats found in the Project area.

The proposed action will not directly impact on any suitable breeding habitat for the Radjah shelduck or other non-breeding migratory species.

The proposed action will result in the introduction of flat bottom barges traversing the Skardon River to transport bauxite ore from the port to a moored shipping vessel off shore to the west of the Project area at approximately 3 hour intervals.

The movements will result in minor interactions with these species’ foraging habitat (mangrove near the Skardon River port, along the river reaches and beach habitats near the river mouth). The proposed levels of vessel movement associated with the project are relatively low and are unlikely to have a significant impact on the this species. Specifically there is a very low likelihood of any mortality or injury as a result of vessel movements given this species habits and mobility. Vessel movement impact will be very minor, isolated and short term in nature. There is likely to be an existing low level of recreational and commercial fishing vessel interactions in the broader estuarine and coastal habitats proximate to site which the species is likely to have habituated when present. No dredging or alterations to hydrological processes within the project area or Skardon River are proposed as a part of the action and thus no impacts to these species habitats through altered hydrology.


Impact

Likely

(Y/N)

Justification




N The rufous fantail inhabits rainforest, dense wet eucalypt and monsoon forest, paperbark and mangrove swamp, riverside vegetation; and open country while migrating (Morcombe, 2010). Breeding habitat

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occurs in in dense wet forests – rainforests, mangroves, the wet fern gullies in eucalypt forests and other dense vegetation (Morcombe, 2010).

The proposed action will result in minor impacts to suitable foraging and breeding habitat for the rufous fantail, mainly associated with barge loading facility and haul road components which intersect mangrove and tidal flat habitats up to approx. 30.2ha.










migratory species.

N The proposed action is unlikely to result in the introduction of invasive flora or fauna species which will have significant deleterious impacts to the rufous fantail. This species breeding habitats are restricted for the most part to mangrove habitats (within the project area). Invasive species which may occur as a result of the proposed action are unlikely to predate this species nor establish themselves in areas of suitable breeding habitat for the rufous fantail.











N The proposed action will result in minor loss of suitable breeding habitat. This habitat is however, highly common and extensive within the areas proximate to the Project area and greater region and the proposed action is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of an ecologically significant proportion of the rufous fantail population. Larger areas of dry woodland habitat which the species may utilise for migration will be lost during the operation period of the proposed action. These areas however, provide marginal movement habitats which are common and extensive throughout the Cape York Bioregion.

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Table 9: Significant impact assessment for Dollarbird Impact Criteria Significant

Impact

Likely (Y/N)

Justification












N The dollarbird inhabits diverse: woodland, edges of heavier forest, open country with widely scattered trees, inland watercourse trees, farmland, and suburbs (Morcombe, 2010). This species widely occurs throughout eastern and northern Australia breeding through the summer months utilising shallow tree hollows.

The proposed action will result in the clearing of suitable foraging and potential breeding habitat (hollows) throughout the entire area of the project footprint. The greatest impact to habitat for this species occurs where proposed mining operations fall. Habitats which require clearing for mining operations are however, the dominate vegetation type within the western areas of Cape York and northern areas of the Gulf Plains. Given this species migratory habits, robust nature (ability to forage and reside in cleared farming and urban environments) and the vast remnant areas of suitable habitat available across the broader region it is unlikely the proposed action will substantially modify, destroy or isolate important habitat for the species overall.










migratory species.

N It is unlikely, given this species ecology, foraging and breeding habits it will be impacted by invasive species. This species readily inhabits environments where high densities of invasive species and ecology pressures are high such as agricultural and urban areas.




N The proposed action will result in the clearing of suitable foraging and potential breeding habitat (hollows) throughout the entire area of the project footprint. The greatest impact to habitat for this species occurs where proposed mining operations fall. Habitats which require clearing for mining

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Table 10: Significant impact assessment for Rainbow Bee-eater








operations are however, the dominate vegetation type within the western areas of Cape York and northern areas of the Gulf Plains. Given this species migratory habits, robust nature (ability to forage and reside in cleared farming and urban environments) and the vast remnant areas of suitable habitat it is unlikely the proposed action will significant disrupt the lifecycle of an ecological significant proportion of the species overall, particularly given how widespread and robust the species is.


Impact

Likely (Y/N)

Justification











migratory species.

N The rainbow bee-eater occurs in woodland, open forest, semi-arid scrub, grassland, clearings in heavier forest, and farmland. It typically avoids heavy forest which hinders its foraging techniques. The rainbow bee-eater requires an open clearing or paddock with loamy soil soft enough for nest tunnelling, yet firm enough to support the tunnel (Morcombe, 2010). This species is regularly noted in disturbed, agricultural and urban environments.

Much of the site provides suitable foraging habitat for the rainbow bee-eater. Breeding habitat is likely to be restricted to margins of woodland habitats where vegetation composition and soil types transition to those more favourable for tunnelling (e.g. loamy soils with open areas and high banks of upper ephemeral riparian areas).

The proposed action will result in the clearing of suitable foraging and potential breeding habitat (loamy, sandy soils) including Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland communities. Habitats which require clearing for mining operations are however, the dominant vegetation type within the western areas of Cape York and northern areas of the Gulf Plains. Given this species migratory habits, robust nature (ability to forage and reside in cleared farming and urban environments) and the vast remnant areas of suitable habitat it is unlikely the proposed action will substantially modify, destroy or isolate important habitat for the species overall.

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migratory species.

N It is unlikely, given this species ecology, foraging and breeding habits it will be impacted by invasive species. This species readily inhabits environments where high densities of invasive species and ecology pressures are high such as agricultural and urban areas. The prevalence of cane toad may impact breeding individuals (predation of eggs/hatchlings); however, it is unlikely the proposed action will significantly increase the prevalence of this species causing a significant impact on breeding individuals within or adjacent to the Project area.










species.

N The proposed action will result in the clearing of suitable foraging and potential breeding habitat (loamy, sandy soils in forest openings) throughout the entire area of the project footprint. The greatest impact to habitat for this species occurs where proposed mining operations fall in the Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodlands. Habitats which require clearing for mining operations are however, the dominant vegetation type within the western areas of Cape York and northern areas of the Gulf Plains. Given this species migratory habits, robust nature (ability to forage and reside in cleared farming and urban environments) and the vast remnant areas of suitable habitat it is unlikely the proposed action will significantly disrupt the lifecycle of an ecological significant proportion of the species overall, particularly given how widespread and robust the species is.

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