Ha) of Study Notes Area (%)

Home , Acacia ancistrocarpa, Acacia aptaneura, Acacia arida, Acacia atkinsiana, Acacia bivenosa, Acacia citrinoviridis

Table 8: vegetation type AaEfTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Acacia aptaneura and A. pruinocarpa low open Eriachne mucronata, Mesa tops, woodland/tall sparse shrubland Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. raised Excellent - WH12057, WH12154, AaEfTe over Eremophila forrestii subsp. leucophloia, Ptilotus valley/ Very None 79.54 0.16 WH13007 forrestii mid sparse shrubland calostachyus, Senna glutinosa lower Good over Triodia epactia low open subsp. glutinosa slope hummock grassland

Vegetation type AaEfTe was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

The quadrats in vegetation type AaEfTe formed a discrete floristic unit.

Quadrats WH12057 and WH12154 occurred on mesas within the Rocklea land system; quadrat WH13007 was on a raised valley floor on the Robe land system, close to the border with the Rocklea land system. As the Rocklea land system is largely inaccessible, there may be more of this vegetation type than indicated.

Quadrat photo: WH12057

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 61 Table 9: Vegetation type AaTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia tetragonophylla, Aristida contorta, Boerhavia coccinea, Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi, Enneapogon lindleyanus, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Evolvulus alsinoides var. Acacia aptaneura low open villosicalyx, Iseilema Low hill, Indigofera sp. woodland over Triodia epactia dolichotrichum, Maireana WH12279, WH13011, valley, Good - Bungaroo Creek (S. AaTe and Enneapogon polyphyllus low planifolia, Paspalidium 134.53 0.27 WH13012 lower Excellent van Leeuwen 4301) sparse hummock grassland/low clementii, *Portulaca oleracea, slope (P3) isolated grasses Portulaca pilosa, Schizachyrium fragile, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa x luerssenii, Sida echinocarpa, Tragus australianus

Vegetation type AaTe was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

Vegetation type AaTe occurs on the Rocklea land system, in flat or gently undulating areas. The 2012 floristic analysis indicated quadrat WH12279 was floristically associated with drainage lines, however the 2013 analysis, with additional quadrats, indicates vegetation type AaTe to be more similar to a newly identified vegetation type, AiEfTw, that occurs nearby on slightly more elevated lands.

As the Rocklea land system is largely inaccessible, there may be more of this vegetation type than indicated.

Quadrat photo: WH12279

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 62 Table 10: Vegetation type AaTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. pruinocarpa and A. aptaneura tall Acacia bivenosa, A. Valley Very AaTw open shrubland over Triodia citrinoviridis, Eucalyptus WH13005 (alluvial None 46.07 0.09 Good wiseana mid open hummock leucophloia subsp. leucophloia fan) grassland

Vegetation type AaTw was identified as a discrete vegetation type in 2013 following floristic analysis.

Floristically the quadrat that defines this vegetation type is grouped with others considered to represent a number of different types (e.g. both components of AiTwCh / AiTlAb), however the characteristic and dominant species have little in common thus quadrat WH13005 is considered to represent a different vegetation type.

Quadrat photo: WH13005

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 63 Table 11: Vegetation type AaTwEl Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Eremophila Acacia marramamba, Acacia magnifica subsp. pruinocarpa, Cymbopogon WH12002, WH12184, magnifica (P4), Acacia arida mid open shrubland ambiguus, Eriachne WH12185, WH12186, Mesa Indigofera sp. over Triodia wiseana and T. sp. mucronata, Eriachne pulchella WH12191, WH12192, crests, Bungaroo Creek (S. Robe River mid hummock subsp. dominii, Goodenia WH12196, WH12268, lower, van Leeuwen 4301) AaTwEl Excellent 1,863.65 3.69 grassland with Eucalyptus stobbsiana, Hakea WH12270, WH12273, mid and (P3), leucophloia subsp. leucophloia chordophylla, Jasminum WH12274, WH13025, upper Ptilotus mollis (P4), scattered trees didymum subsp. lineare, WH13027, WH13028, hillslopes Triodia sp. Robe Ptilotus calostachyus, Senna WH13029, WH13030 River (M.E. Trudgen glutinosa subsp. glutinosa et al. MET 12367) (P3)

Vegetation type AaTwEl was known as AaTREl in 2012 (2012d). Additional quadrats have indicated the ground stratum is dominated by Triodia wiseana although Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) (P3) remains as a characteristic species.

Floristic analysis identified the quadrats forming vegetation type AaTwEl to be a discrete group (except quadrat WH12192 that was outside this grouping). Vegetation type AaTwEl is floristically most similar to vegetation type AcTwEl that is considered to be associated with the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC. However vegetation type AaTwEl has only sparse or lacks the characteristic species Acacia citrinoviridis and A. pruinocarpa that are required to define the PEC.

Quadrat photo: WH13029

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 64 Table 12: Vegetation type AbTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia aneura, A. aptaneura, Acacia bivenosa mid sparse A. marramamba, A. Very AbTe shrubland over Triodia epactia synchronicia, Ptilotus WH12029 Valley None 124.00 0.25 Good mid open hummock grassland helipteroides, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa

Vegetation type AbTe was identified as a discrete vegetation type in 2013; in 2012 quadrat WH12029 was included in vegetation type AbTw, however the ground stratum is not correct for this vegetation type.

Floristically quadrat WH12029 was associated with other valley floor quadrats (including vegetation types AxEcTe and AeTw) however this quadrat had different dominant species to those nearby in the dendrogram. Therefore it was interpreted as being a discrete vegetation type.

Quadrat photo: WH12029

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 65 Table 13: Vegetation type AbTwCh Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Acacia bivenosa, A. synchronicia and A. ancistrocarpa mid-tall Acacia inaequilatera, Valleys, sparse shrubland over Triodia Corchorus lasiocarpus, WH12138, WH12142, undulating Triodia sp. Robe WH12187, WH12188, Very wiseana low open hummock Paraneurachne muelleri, valleys, River (M.E. Trudgen AbTwCh WH12199, WH12283, Good - 1,462.57 2.90 grassland with Corymbia Senna glutinosa subsp. lower et al. MET 12367) WH13001, WH13002, Excellent hamersleyana and Eucalyptus glutinosa, S. glutinosa subsp. WH13003 slopes, (P3) leucophloia subsp. leucophloia pruinosa footslopes mid scattered trees

Vegetation type AbTwCh is a newly created vegetation type in 2013. It comprises quadrats that were mostly included in 2012 vegetation types AbTw and TwSg2 (2012d).

The quadrats that ultimately comprise this vegetation type were not closely allied in the floristic dendrogram. A secondary analysis using quadrats that had unresolved alliances resulted in clear groupings that largely correlate with field interpretation of vegetation types.

Mid stratum species varied and included Acacia arida, A. atkinsiana, A. exilis, Petalostylis labicheoides and Senna glutinosa (several infrataxa). Eremophila cuneifolia and several Triodia species (T. epactia, T. aff. melvillei and T. sp. Robe River) were also recorded from the ground stratum.

Quadrat photo: WH12199

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 66 Table 14: Vegetation type AcTwEl Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Acacia marramamba, A. bivenosa, A. maitlandii, Acacia citrinoviridis and A. Corchorus lasiocarpus, pruinocarpa tall open-sparse Cymbopogon ambiguus, shrubland over Triodia wiseana Duperreya commixta, Eriachne and T. sp. Robe River mid open mucronata, E. pulchella subsp. Triodia sp. Robe hummock grassland with dominii, Jasminum didymum WH12046, WH12269, Hillslopes River (M.E. AcTwEl Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. Excellent 146.64 0.29 subsp. lineare, Petalostylis WH13008, WH13015 and crests Trudgen et al. MET leucophloia low scattered trees labicheoides, Ptilotus 12367) (P3)

calostachyus, Ptilotus ‘Triodia sp. Robe River obovatus, Senna glutinosa assemblages of mesas of the subsp. glutinosa, Stylobasium West Pilbara’ PEC spathulatum, Tribulus suberosus

Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) (P3) is a characteristic species of this vegetation type.

Three of the four quadrats forming vegetation type AcTwEl were closely spaced onto a discrete group within the floristic analysis dendrogram; the fourth quadrat (WH12046) was separated from the others but was interpreted to belong due to it having the same dominant species.

Interpretation by the DEC in 2012 included quadrats WH12046 and WH12269 in the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC. Ecoscape established additional quadrats in areas likely to be included in the PEC; these quadrats (WH13008 and WH13015) were determined by Ecoscape to represent the same vegetation type. Similar vegetation, but not considered to represent the PEC, has now been included largely within vegetation type AaTwEl.

Quadrat photo: WH13008

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 67 Table 15: Vegetation type AeTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Acacia maitlandii, Amphipogon sericeus, Aristida contorta, A. holathera var. Very gentle holathera, Corchorus lower lasiocarpus, Eriachne pulchella Eremophila slopes, subsp. dominii, Goodenia magnifica subsp. valley Acacia exilis, A. bivenosa and A. microptera, G. stobbsiana, WH12030, WH12034, magnifica (P4), floors, marramamba mid sparse Indigofera monophylla, WH12035, WH12036, Very Goodenia nuda WH12044, WH12147, foothills, AeTw shrubland over Triodia wiseana Keraudrenia nephrosperma, Good - (P4), 2,338.82 4.70 WH12148, WH12149, low hills and T. epactia low open Paraneurachne muelleri, Excellent Indigofera sp. WH12157, WH12159, (Boolgeeda hummock grassland Polycarpaea holtzei, Ptilotus Bungaroo Creek (S. WH12198, WH13010 and astrolasius, P. calostachyus, P. van Leeuwen 4301) Newman nobilis var. nobilis, (P3) land Schizachyrium fragile, Senna systems) glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, S. glutinosa subsp. pruinosa, S. glutinosa subsp. x luerssenii Vegetation type AeTw was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

Vegetation type AeTw was formed by combining two floristic groups characterised by similar species; one group within the floristic dendrogram was associated with upland areas and the other, smaller, group was positioned within other quadrats associated with valley or undulating landforms.

Whilst Acacia exilis is characteristic of this vegetation type, it was not always the dominant mid stratum species (upper stratum Eucalypts were absent or sparsely spaced). As well as the species included in the vegetation description, Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. aptaneura, A. atkinsiana, A. inaequilatera, A. maitlandii, A. pruinocarpa and Senna glutinosa were all considered dominant and characteristic within at least one quadrat.

Quadrat photo: WH12157

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 68 Table 16: Vegetation type AiEfTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia tetragonophylla, Aristida contorta, Bonamia sp. Dampier (A.A. Mitchell PRP 217), Bulbostylis barbata, Enneapogon lindleyanus, Eriachne aristidea, Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx, Goodenia muelleriana, Crest or Acacia inaequilatera and Gossypium australe, Iseilema slope of Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri dolichotrichum, low hills mid-tall open shrubland over AiEfTw Paraneurachne muelleri, WH12163, WH12164 on Excellent None 57.04 0.11 Triodia wiseana, T. epactia and Rhynchosia minima, Rocklea Enneapogon polyphyllus low open Schizachyrium fragile, Senna land hummock grassland/grassland artemisioides subsp. system oligophylla x helmsii, S. glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, S. glutinosa subsp. pruinosa, Solanum horridum, Sporobolus australasicus, Themeda triandra, Tragus australianus, Tribulus suberosus

Vegetation type AiEfTw is a newly created vegetation type in 2013. It comprises quadrats that were included in 2012 vegetation type AiTwCh1 (2012d),now mosaic vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb.

The two quadrats comprising vegetation type AiEfTw formed a discrete group within the 2013 floristic dendrogram; floristics indicate they are most similar to vegetation type AaTe (Acacia aptaneura), and similarly occurred on the Rocklea land system.

As the Rocklea land system is largely inaccessible, there may be more of this vegetation type than indicated.

Quadrat photo: WH12164

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 69 Table 17: Vegetation type AiTlAb Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Undulating hills on the Triodia longiceps and T. wiseana Acacia exilis, A. maitlandii, A. Platform mid open hummock grassland synchronicia, Eriachne WH12043, WH13004 land system with Eucalyptus leucophloia pulchella subsp. dominii, and as a AiTlAb subsp. leucophloia low scattered Ptilotus calostachyus, Senna (WH12039, WH12160, Excellent None 41.20 0.08 mosaic trees over Acacia bivenosa and A. glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, S. WH12161 in mosaic component ancistrocarpa mid scattered glutinosa subsp. pruinosa, with AiTwCh) on the shrubs Sporobolus australasicus Rocklea land system

Vegetation type AiTlAb is a newly created vegetation type in 2013. It comprises quadrats that were included in 2012 vegetation type AiTwCh1 (now mosaic vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb) that were described but not attributed to a separate vegetation type, and quadrats included in 2012 vegetation type ElTlAb.

AiTlAb occurs as a stand-alone vegetation type on the Platform land system and also forms a mosaic with vegetation type AiTwCh on the Rocklea land system.

The quadrats comprising vegetation type AiTlAb occurred within two closely spaced groups within the floristic dendrogram, with the quadrats WH12043 and WH13004 separate to the three quadrats comprising the AiTlAb component of the mosaic vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb. These groups were combined based on the dominant and characteristic species.

Quadrat photo: WH13004

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 70 Table 18: Vegetation type AiTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia pyrifolia var. pyrifolia, Amphipogon sericeus, Aristida holathera var. holathera, Bonamia sp. Dampier (A.A. Mitchell PRP 217), Codonocarpus cotinifolius, Low Corchorus lasiocarpus, Acacia inaequilatera, A. exilis and undulating Corymbia deserticola subsp. Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa foothills of Very deserticola, C. hamersleyana, WH12006, WH12010, AiTw mid sparse shrubland over Triodia the Good - None 540.42 1.07 Cymbopogon ambiguus, WH12013, WH13019 wiseana and T. aff. melvillei low Platform Excellent Eriachne aristidea, E. open hummock grassland land mucronata, E. pulchella subsp. system dominii, Goodenia stobbsiana, Polycarpaea holtzei, Ptilotus calostachyus, P. nobilis var. nobilis, Schizachyrium fragile, Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa

Vegetation type AiTw was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013. This vegetation type was known as AiTwCd in 2012.

Three of the quadrats comprising vegetation type AiTw formed a discrete group (with one other quadrat having different dominant species) within the floristics dendrogram. The fourth quadrat (WH13019) was floristically similar to the quadrats comprising vegetation type TmAt that is of similar appearance and also characterised by Triodia aff. melvillei, but having a different characteristic upper stratum.

Whist the dominant ground stratum species was Triodia wiseana, T. aff. melvillei is characteristic and definitive. The upper stratum was generally sparse, and varied between Corymbia hamersleyana (most commonly), C. deserticola subsp. deserticola, Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia and Hakea chordophylla. Acacia inaequilatera was not always present within the quadrat but was generally present within the vegetation type.

Quadrat photo: WH12013

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 71 Table 19: Vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) WH12016, WH12023, Mosaic of: Boerhavia coccinea, Bonamia WH12024, WH12025, Acacia inaequilatera and A. sp. Dampier (A.A. Mitchell PRP WH12026, WH12042, bivenosa mid-tall sparse 217), Corchorus tectus, WH12048, WH12146, shrubland over Triodia wiseana Oldenlandia crouchiana, Senna WH12152, WH12153, low hummock grassland with artemisioides subsp. WH12173, WH12174, Eremophila Undulating Corymbia hamersleyana low oligophylla, S. glutinosa subsp. WH12181, WH12182, magnifica subsp. hills on the Mosaic isolated trees pruinosa, S. glutinosa subsp. WH12183, WH12189, Very magnifica (P4), Rocklea of: glutinosa WH12190, WH12193, Good - Goodenia nuda WH12194, WH12271, land system AiTwCh And Excellent (P4), 25,341.51 50.20 WH12272, WH13013 and and Indigofera sp. occasionally AiTlAb Triodia longiceps and T. wiseana Acacia exilis, A. maitlandii, A. Excellent Bungaroo Creek (S. WH12039, WH12160, Platform mid open hummock grassland synchronicia, Eriachne van Leeuwen 4301) WH12161 land system with Eucalyptus leucophloia pulchella subsp. dominii, (P3) subsp. leucophloia low scattered Ptilotus calostachyus, Senna (WH12043, WH13004 trees over Acacia bivenosa and A. glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, S. not in mosaic) ancistrocarpa mid scattered glutinosa subsp. pruinosa, shrubs Sporobolus australasicus

This vegetation type was known as AiTwCh1 in 2012, and is now described in more detail as a mosaic type. 2012 vegetation type AiTwCh2 is now also included.

The mosaic vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb occurs on the Rocklea land system that comprises low undulating hills on basalt and occasionally (for AiTlAb) on the Platform land system (e.g. quadrats WH12043, WH13004). AiTlAb only occupies a small proportion of the mosaic, frequently where the soil also contains quartz or calcrete.

AiTlAb also forms a stand-alone vegetation type (i.e. not within the mosaic). The two mosaic components formed widely separate groups within the floristics dendrogram. Quadrats WH12043 and WH13004 that were not physically located within the mosaic vegetation were also not within the same tight cluster of quadrats on the floristic dendrogram, although they were grouped together and not far from the mosaic quadrats.

Quadrat photos: WH12023 (left, illustrating AiTwCh) and WH12039 (right, illustrating AiTlAb)

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 72 Table 20: Vegetation type AxEcTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

A. aneura, A. bivenosa, A. synchronicia, A. Acacia xiphophylla and A. tetragonophylla, Maireana aptaneura low woodland over planifolia, M. villosa, Ptilotus Eremophila cuneifolia and Ptilotus nobilis var. nobilis, Valley Very WH12020, WH12156, AxEcTe obovatus mid sparse shrubland Sarcostemma viminale subsp. floors or Good - None 49.59 0.10 WH13020 over Triodia epactia and T. australe, Salsola australis, flats Excellent wiseana mid sparse hummock Senna artemisioides subsp. grassland oligophylla, S. glutinosa, S. sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1-26), Sporobolus australasicus

Vegetation type AxEcTe was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

Vegetation type AxEcTe was not a floristic unit (i.e. the quadrats were not grouped within the floristics dendrogram); it was derived from the common dominant and characteristic species. The characteristic species, Acacia xiphophylla, on occasion formed a lower (mid) stratum.

Quadrat photo: WH12156

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 73 Table 21: Vegetation type EcAcCv Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. Acacia coriacea subsp. Drainage refulgens mid woodland over pendens, Centipeda minima on the Acacia citrinoviridis and subsp. macrocephala, Very EcAcCv WH12278 Rocklea None 1.38 0.003 Melaleuca glomerata tall Chrysopogon fallax, Good land shrubland over Cyperus vaginatus Dactyloctenium radulans, system mid sparse sedgeland Eucalyptus victrix

EcAcCv, associated with the larger drainage areas on the Rocklea land system, was identified as a distinctive vegetation type during the 2012 survey. Accessible areas were targeted for searches for similar vegetation in 2013 however no additional areas were identified, and the mapped extent has been refined to less than originally identified. However, despite being targeted for searches, many areas on the Rocklea land system were not accessible during the field survey and it is possible that some of the larger streams in the northern portion of the study area contain similar vegetation. Currently these inaccessible areas are considered to be vegetation type EvAcCc (to which it is floristically similar), and have been mapped by aerial imagery interpretation.

EcAcCv was amongst the weediest vegetation types, having low cover values of six introduced species (*Bidens bipinnata, *Bothriochloa pertusa, *Cenchrus ciliaris, *Malvastrum americanum, *Sonchus oleraceus, *Vachellia farnesiana) probably as a result of being grazed and used as a corridor for livestock (cattle) and feral animal (horses and donkey) movement across the landscape.

Quadrat photo: WH12278

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 74 Table 22: Vegetation type EgAaTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia monticola, Aristida holathera var. holathera, Bonamia erecta, Corymbia hamersleyana, Digitaria brownii, Duperreya commixta, Eulalia aurea, Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx, Goodenia microptera, Hibiscus Eucalyptus gamophylla mid WH12004, WH12005, coatesii, Indigofera sparse mallee shrubland over WH12014, WH12022, Valley Indigofera sp. monophylla, Jasminum WH12038, WH12040, Very Acacia atkinsiana, A. bivenosa floors, Bungaroo Creek (S. EgAaTe didymum subsp. lineare, WH12140, WH12141, Good - 3,025.93 5.99 and A. exilis tall sparse shrubland undulating van Leeuwen 4301) Keraudrenia nephrosperma, WH12150, WH12165, Excellent over Triodia epactia and T. plains, flats (P3) Paraneurachne muelleri, WH12167, WH12169, wiseana mid hummock grassland Ptilotus calostachyus, Ptilotus WH12170 nobilis var. nobilis, Rhyncharrhena linearis, Scaevola parvifolia subsp. pilbarae, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, Themeda triandra, Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum Vegetation type EgAaTe was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

Floristically vegetation type EgAaTe occurred as two distinct groups, with 11 of the 13 component quadrats in one group close to other valley floor vegetation types, and two quadrats (WH12040 and WH12170, both located towards the western end of the study area) separated and with upland vegetation types in the floristic dendrogram.

The characteristic species Eucalyptus gamophylla did not occur in all quadrats, however it was generally present within the vegetation type. Acacia aptaneura, Corymbia deserticola subsp. deserticola and C. hamersleyana on occasion were present as upper stratum species, and rarely Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia or E. xerothermica. Unusually, quadrat WH12040 (on an undulating landform) had Triodia aff. melvillei as a ground stratum species.

Quadrat photo: WH12140

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 75 Table 23: Vegetation type EgAmTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Corchorus tectus, Cymbopogon Acacia ambiguus, Dampiera bromilowiana candicans, Dodonaea coriacea, (P4), Eucalyptus gamophylla and Eriachne mucronata, Eriachne Eremophila Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. pulchella subsp. dominii, magnifica subsp. leucophloia mid open mallee Hakea chordophylla, WH12018, WH12033, magnifica (P4), shrubland/mid open woodland Indigofera monophylla, WH12155, WH12275, High Eremophila EgAmTw over Acacia maitlandii, WH12276, WH12281, Excellent 392.94 0.78 Oldenlandia crouchiana, hilltops magnifica subsp. Petalostylis labicheoides and WH13014, WH13017, Polycarpaea holtzei, Ptilotus velutina (P3) Acacia pyrifolia var. pyrifolia tall WH13026, WH13032 calostachyus, Schizachyrium sparse shrubland over Triodia fragile, Senna glutinosa subsp. Acacia aff. wiseana low hummock grassland glutinosa, Senna glutinosa maitlandii subsp. pruinosa, Trachymene (undescribed oleracea subsp. oleracea species)

Vegetation type EgAmTw was identified during the 2012 survey.

Nine of the 10 quadrats that comprise EgAmTw were grouped together in a broad grouping with other upper slope quadrats within the floristic dendrogram. The other quadrats within this group were considered to represent vegetation type ElAmTw that, while similar, lacked the characteristic species Eucalyptus gamophylla.

EgAmTw occurred on the highest hills within the study area. The characteristic mid stratum species Acacia maitlandii was, at times, replaced by its undescribed relative A. aff. maitlandii.

Quadrat photo: WH13014

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 76 Table 24: Vegetation type ElAaTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland Gentle Acacia pyrifolia var. pyrifolia, over Acacia atkinsiana and A. upper ElAaTw Eriachne mucronata, Goodenia WH12139 Excellent None 503.07 1.00 exilis tall open shrubland over slope, stobbsiana Triodia wiseana low open hillcrest hummock grassland

Vegetation type ElAaTw was identified during the 2012 survey. Despite searches, no other areas of this vegetation type were found.

Floristically this quadrat was grouped with others considered to represent vegetation type ElAmTw, however the dominant and characteristic mid stratum species are significantly different, therefore ElAaTw has been considered as a separate vegetation type. Given the open nature of the vegetation, it is possible that its differences are due to the effects of fire.

Quadrat photo: WH12139

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 77 Table 25: Vegetation type ElAmTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia bromilowiana (P4), Eremophila magnifica subsp. Acacia pruinocarpa, A. magnifica (P4), pyrifolia var. pyrifolia, WH12008, WH12009, Eremophila Aristida holathera var. WH12012, WH12017, magnifica subsp. holathera, Corymbia WH12019, WH12028, Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. velutina (P3), hamersleyana, Cymbopogon WH12032, WH12041, leucophloia low open woodland Indigofera sp. ambiguus, Eriachne WH12045, WH12143, Hillslopes, over Acacia maitlandii, A. WH12144, WH12151, Bungaroo Creek (S. mucronata, E. pulchella hillcrests, ElAmTw marramamba and Senna WH12158, WH12166, Excellent van Leeuwen 4301) 11,997.97 23.77 subsp. dominii, Hakea raised glutinosa subsp. glutinosa mid-tall WH12168, WH12172, (P3), chordophylla, valleys sparse shrubland over Triodia WH12175, WH12176, Ptilotus mollis (P4), Paraneurachne muelleri, wiseana mid hummock grassland WH12177, WH12178, Triodia sp. Robe Polycarpaea holtzei, Ptilotus WH12179, WH12195, River (M.E. Trudgen calostachyus, Schizachyrium WH12280, WH13006, et al. MET 12367) fragile, Senna glutinosa WH13009 (P3) subsp. pruinosa

Acacia aff. maitlandii (undescribed species) ElAmTw is a combination consisting of most quadrats included in the 2012 vegetation types ElAmTw1, ElAmTw2 and ApTw with some quadrats originally considered to be included in 2012 vegetation type AcTwEl (2012d). The latter quadrats are similar to, but not considered to represent, the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC; the 2013 floristic analysis confirms these quadrats to be floristically separate (except for WH12177, however this quadrat does not have all of the species required for inclusion in the PEC). Floristically ElAmTw is an amalgamation of a two very broad floristic groups that include vegetation types EgAmTw and AeTw (both separated by characteristic species and landform position).

ElAmTw is the most common vegetation type found on hills in the study area. Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al MET 12367) (P3) is a common ground stratum component in some parts of the western portion of the study area. The characteristic mid stratum species Acacia maitlandii was, at times, replaced by its undescribed relative A. aff. maitlandii.

Quadrat photo: WH12017

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 78 Table 26: Vegetation type EvAcCc Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia pyrifolia var. pyrifolia, Boerhavia coccinea, Cleome viscosa, Cucumis maderaspatanus, Enteropogon ramosus, Eragrostis cumingii, Eucalyptus victrix low-mid open Eulalia aurea, Evolvulus woodland over Acacia alsinoides var. villosicalyx, Indigofera sp. citrinoviridis and Melaleuca Flueggea virosa subsp. Mid-larger Poor - Bungaroo Creek glomerata tall open shrubland WH12001, WH12027, EvAcCc melanthesoides, Gossypium drainage Very (S. van Leeuwen 455.69 0.90 over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Pluchea WH12037, WH13033 robinsonii, Ipomoea plebeia, (creeks) Good 4301) (P3), dentax and Eriachne tenuiculmis *Malvastrum americanum, Ptilotus mollis (P4) mid open tussock grassland/low Melhania oblongifolia, sparse herbs Phyllanthus maderaspatensis, Rhynchosia minima, Sporobolus australasicus, Stemodia grossa, Themeda triandra, *Vachellia farnesiana Vegetation type EvAcCc was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

Floristically the quadrats comprising EvAcCc form a discrete group within the dendrogram, and are closely related to the other drainage line vegetation types EcAcCv, ExAcTe and AaAbTe.

EvAcCc is associated with the larger-sized drainage lines (creeks) of the study area, on the Rocklea land system in the northern part of the study area (where Melaleuca glomerata is common) and the main drainage line in the western portion of the southern part of the study area (where Melaleuca glomerata is absent). It merges with vegetation type ExAcTe (e.g. quadrat WH12037 shows similarities with both vegetation types) that is more common in the eastern portion of the southern part of the study area. Much of the Rocklea land system was not accessible during the field survey; these inaccessible areas are considered to be vegetation type EvAcCc and have been mapped by aerial imagery interpretation.

EvAcCc is commonly weed invaded along the banks, frequently supporting dense areas of *Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffel Grass); *Vachellia farnesiana (Mimosa Bush) is also a common component. *Argemone ochroleuca (Mexican Poppy) also likely to occur in this vegetation type; it was recorded in 2012 in one quadrat, but not in 2013. However, a survey of the nearby Delphine tenement two weeks after the conclusion of the EFF survey, following rain, identified many newly germinated seedlings thus it is likely to be

more common than indicated during the 2013 EFF survey. Livestock (cattle) and feral animals (horses and donkeys) grazing and trampling are the likely cause of weed invasion and spread.

Quadrat photo: WH12001

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 79 Table 27: Vegetation type ExAbTw Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Capparis lasiantha, Enneapogon caerulescens, Eucalyptus xerothermica and E. Eriachne mucronata, Goodenia Low hills , socialis subsp. eucentrica low microptera, Hakea undulating open mallee woodland over chordophylla, Jasminum WH12015, WH12031, valleys ExAbTw Acacia bivenosa and A. didymum subsp. lineare, WH12197, WH13021, Excellent None 413.88 0.82 with synchronicia tall sparse shrubland Oldenlandia crouchiana, WH13022, WH13023 calcrete over Triodia wiseana low Paraneurachne muelleri, substrate hummock grassland Ptilotus clementii, P. nobilis var. nobilis, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa

Vegetation type ExAbTw was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013. It was classified as ExTw in 2012 (2012d).

ExAbTw is floristically related to AiTwCh in the mosaic vegetation type AiTwCh / AiTlAb and vegetation type Tw; five of the quadrats comprising ExAbTw are grouped moderately closely, with WH12031 not floristically close but still within the same broad group but included due to the dominant species.

The two characteristic upper stratum species do not always co-occur, and the vegetation tends to be characterised by either one or the other of these species.

Quadrat photo: WH13022

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 80 Table 28: Vegetation type ExAcTe Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%) Acacia ancistrocarpa, *Bidens bipinnata, Boerhavia coccinea, *Cenchrus ciliaris, Cleome viscosa, Corymbia hamersleyana, Cucumis Eucalyptus xerothermica mid-low maderaspatanus, Duperreya open woodland over Acacia commixta, Eulalia aurea, Goodenia nuda citrinoviridis, A. bivenosa and A. Evolvulus alsinoides var. (P4) Drainage, pyrifolia var. pyrifolia tall open villosicalyx, Hybanthus WH12007, WH12011, Very Indigofera sp. ExAcTe WH12047, WH12145, low-lying 575.45 1.14 shrubland over Triodia epactia, aurantiacus, Jasminum Good Bungaroo Creek WH12180, WH13024 depressions Themeda triandra and didymum subsp. lineare, (S. van Leeuwen Chrysopogon fallax mid hummock *Malvastrum americanum, 4301) (P3) grassland/mid tussock grassland Melhania oblongifolia, Paraneurachne muelleri, Pterocaulon sphacelatum, Sida sp. spiciform panicles (E. Leyland s.n. 14/8/90), Triodia wiseana

Vegetation type ExAcTe was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

The quadrats comprising ExAcTe form a discrete group within the floristics dendrogram.

Eucalyptus victrix occurs on occasion as a sparse emergent. Vegetation type ExAcTe, that tends to occur on smaller drainage lines, merges with vegetation type EvAcCc as the drainage lines get larger.

Quadrat photo: WH12011

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 81 Table 29: Vegetation type TmAt Proportion Other Species / Code Vegetation Type Quadrats Landform Condition PF Area (ha) of study Notes area (%)

Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. atkinsiana, A. exilis, A. maitlandii, Goodenia Low Triodia aff. melvillei and T. stobbsiana, Keraudrenia rolling hills wiseana low open hummock TmAt nephrosperma, Ptilotus WH12277, WH12277b (Platform Excellent None 187.11 0.37 grassland with Acacia calostachyus, Senna glutinosa land trudgeniana low scattered trees subsp. glutinosa, Solanum system) lasiophyllum, Tribulus suberosus

Vegetation type TmAt was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013.

TmAt is floristically grouped with quadrats considered to represent vegetation types EgAaTw and AiTw; the latter is also characterised by Triodia aff. melvillei.

Quadrat photo: WH12277

Aristida contorta, Cymbopogon ambiguus, Euphorbia schultzii, Gomphrena cunninghamii, Eremophila Paraneurachne muelleri, Triodia wiseana low open WH12021, WH12171, magnifica subsp. Tw Ptilotus calostachyus, WH13016, WH13018, Scree Excellent 678.40 1.34 hummock grassland magnifica (P4), Rhynchosia minima, WH13031 Ptilotus mollis (P4) Schizachyrium fragile , Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa, Tribulus suberosus

Vegetation type Tw was identified during the 2012 survey, with mapping and composition refined in 2013. It was described as TwSg1 in 2012 (2012d).

The initial floristic analysis did not resolve floristic relationships of the quadrats that ultimately have been included in this vegetation type, most likely because of the large number of taxa that occurred in only one or two of the five quadrats (70 of the 90 taxa recorded from this vegetation type). A secondary floristic analysis, including only unresolved quadrats that have ultimately been included in vegetation types Tw, AbTe and AbTwCh was undertaken. This analysis showed clear groupings that largely correlate with field interpretation of vegetation types.

All quadrats comprising vegetation type Tw had Cymbopogon ambiguus, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa and S. glutinosa subsp. pruinosa at low density (<1% cover). Emergent upper and mid strata species are generally sparsely spaced and typically vary between locations, but may include Acacia bivenosa, A. inaequilatera, A. synchronicia, A. trudgeniana, Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia and Hakea chordophylla.

Quadrat photo: WH13018

4.2.2 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF VEGETATION TYPES

4.2.2.1 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities

No vegetation assessed as being, or likely to be considered as a TEC was recorded from the EFF study area. Development of the study area is unlikely to impact on known TECs as none are known from nearby.

Vegetation type AcTwEl has a number of attributes that show similarity to the P3 ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC, in that it:  occurred on mesa slopes and peaks or cordillo (chain; linear mountain or hill ranges) landforms  had Acacia pruinocarpa and A. citrinoviridis as characteristic species  contained Triodia sp. Robe River, although at times the cover of this species was less than T. wiseana.

Details of the floristic quadrats within vegetation type AcTwEl were supplied to the DEC Species and Communities Branch in 2012 for PEC determination. The DEC determined that quadrats WH12046 and WH12269 align with the PEC (Appendix Nine). Both occur on the Brockman Ridge, near the western and south-western portions of the study area. Ecoscape has extrapolated the DEC determination to include vegetation type AcTwEl in the vicinity of these quadrats as representative of the PEC (i.e. on the Brockman Ridge and within the Robe land system, but not similar vegetation elsewhere) and established additional quadrats to further confirm this. Refining the vegetation mapping to correlate with the DEC determination was also undertaken in 2013.

The area considered to represent the PEC is shown on Map 6a and b, and occupies 146.64 ha.

4.2.2.2 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

Eucalyptus camaldulensis-dominated vegetation

Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens is widely regarded as being characteristic of a GDE (see Section 0). This taxon was recorded as a dominant species at quadrat WH12278 however additional searches in the vicinity did not locate further areas of Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens.

The presence of Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens indicates that vegetation type EcAcCv, occupying 1.38 ha in the northern portion of the study area, can be considered a GDE. However much of the land system within which this vegetation type occurs is inaccessible and therefore additional areas with Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens may occur and thus indicate a GDE. These potential additional areas have been mapped as vegetation type EvAcCc.

The southern portion of the study area has been adequately surveyed and contains no E. camaldulensis subsp. refulgens, therefore this portion does not have any known GDEs.

Current evidence does not clearly indicate if Eucalyptus victrix is considered groundwater dependent (see Section 2.2.3.4). However the precautionary principle outlined in Position Statement No. 7 – Principles of Environmental Protection (EPA2004b) should be followed and E. victrix considered to be at least partly groundwater dependent and therefore characteristic of a potential GDE.

Vegetation type EvAcCc, occupying 455.69 ha, is characterised by E. victrix, and may be considered a potential GDE.

4.2.2.3 Sheet Flow Dependent Communities

Grove – intergrove Mulga (Acacia aptaneura and relatives) is considered to be dependent on surface water flows to regenerate. Mulga groves were not identified from the study area.

4.2.2.4 Other Measures of Vegetation Type Significance

In Guidance Statement No. 51 (2004a), the EPA lists several reasons why vegetation may be considered to be significant in addition to its listing as a TEC or PEC or because the extent is below a minimum threshold. These reasons, which may apply at a number of scales but are not defined in detail, include:  scarcity  unusual species  novel combinations of species  role as a refuge  role as a key habitat for threatened species or large populations representing a significant proportion of the local to regional total population of a species  being representative of the range of a unit (particularly a good local and/or regional example of a unit in ’prime’ habitat, at the extremes of range, recently discovered range extension or isolated outliers of the main range)  restricted distribution.

Locally significant vegetation, unless it is a TEC, does not have any form of statutory protection. The only vegetation type that may have a degree of local significance is dominated or characterised by P3 species Triodia sp. Robe River (vegetation types AaTwEl and AcTwEl) due to the restricted distribution of the characteristic species. Vegetation type AcTwEl also has significance as it aligns with the P3 ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC.

Vegetation significance is discussed in Section 5.2.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 85 4.2.3 VEGETATION CONDITION The extents and proportion of each vegetation condition rating category, assessed using the condition rating category of Trudgen (1991), is shown in Table 31. Map 7 shows the vegetation condition of the study area.

Note that tracks, drill pads, laydown areas and camps that would have been assessed as being in Completely Degraded condition occurred at a scale too small for inclusion in the mapping.

Table 31: Vegetation condition in the EFF study area (Trudgen 1991) Completely Condition Rating Excellent Very Good Good Poor Very Poor Degraded Extent (ha) 48,077.21 2,351.31 49.12 7.77 0 0 Proportion (%) 95.23% 4.66% 0.1 0.02 0 0

4.3 Study Area Floristic Analysis

The dendrogram produced by PATN analysis generally shows some clear floristic groupings that correspond well with observed vegetation types (defined by dominant and characteristic species), landforms (including riparian areas, valley floors and scree slopes) or land systems (especially the Rocklea, Robe or Plateau land systems). However, a number of quadrats did not sit comfortably within the groups; these were subject to a separate analysis, the results of which largely corresponded with field interpretation of vegetation types.

Interpretation of the vegetation types in relation to floristic units is discussed in Section 4.2.1.

4.4 Adequacy of Sampling

A species accumulation curve is generated to display adequacy of sampling: if the curve has reached (or nearly reached) an asymptote, it is considered likely that most species have been recorded from the study area. Figure 6 displays the species accumulation curve for the study area.

400

350

300

250

200

150 NumberofSpecies

100

0 1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101 111 121 131 141 151 161 Sample Sites

Figure 6: Species accumulation curve

The species accumulation curve for the study area (using only quadrat data) shows that most species are likely to have been recorded (Figure 6), especially when opportunistic observations and targeted searches for conservation significant flora are taken into account. Review of the curve suggests a likely asymptote at approximately 440 plants (11 more than was collected, when taking opportunistic collections into account). Various calculations provide different potential species richness estimations; 474.3 using the Bootstrap method and 432.6 using the Michaelis-Menten estimation (Pisces Conservation Ltd 2010).

Adequacy of sampling can also be illustrated by comparing the number of taxa recorded per unit area (km2) from the study area with the same data from nearby. Figure 7 shows the taxa area plot for the study area and nearby areas. The references used for this data are listed in Table 32.

The taxa area plot indicates that, relative to other Pilbara flora and vegetation surveys, the taxa recorded per unit area is mid-range to low, although most of the above average (in terms of species per unit area) studies are on linear corridors that traverse multiple habitat areas. The quality of data included in Table 32 is likely to be variable, and include a combination of single and two seasons of survey, a range of seasonal conditions and a range of numbers of quadrats and quadrats/area.

Therefore it is Ecoscape’s opinion that the sampling of the EFF study area is adequate.

500 Mesa A Corridor

Taxa 400 MF Nammuldi W 300 Nammuldi E S&I 200 Silvergrass Stage A Rail 100 Turee West Angelas 0 WTE 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 WT2 Area (km2)

Figure 7: Taxa area plot

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 88 Table 32: Taxa recorded from various Pilbara surveys Legend Survey Area (km2) Taxa Reference Abbreiviation Fortescue Eliwana/Flying Fish EFF 497.2 424 This survey (Mattiske EM & Associates 1986) in (Coffey Channar Survey Area Channar 120 288 Environments 2010b) Fortescue CPP and regional survey CPP 1195.44 621 (Ecoscape 2012b) area *Extent is 2012 study area (Ecoscape Fortescue Delphine Delphine 783.24* 468* 2012c) *Taxa count is 2013 results (Ecoscape 2013) Fortescue Firetail Firetail 26.7 206 (Ecoscape 2010) Hardey Resource Area & Gas HRAG 13.64 295 (Astron Environmental Services 2012b) Pipeline Fortescue Kings Kings 106.45 365 (ENV Australia Pty Ltd 2010) Mesa A & Mesa G Mesa A/G 33 257 (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2005) Mesa A Corridor, Warramboo, Mesa A 70.45 437 (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2006) Yarraloola Corridor Fortescue Mt Farquhar MF 95.64 303 (Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012e) (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd Nammuldi Expansion (West) Nammuldi W 15.53 262 2010a) (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd Nammuldi Expansion (East) Nammuldi E 0.77 77 2010a) Fortescue Solomon and S&I 180 467 (Coffey Environments 2010a) Investigator Project Areas (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd Silvergrass West Silvergrass 21.14 306 2010b) (Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd Fortescue Stage A Rail Corridor Stage A Rail 700 762 2004a) in (Coffey Environments 2010b) Turee Syncline Turee 14 296 (GHD 2009) (Trudgen & Casson 1998) in (Coffey West Angelas Survey Area West Angelas 420 635 Environments 2010b) West Turner Syncline Section 10 WTE 7.78 218 (Biota Environmental Sciences 2011) Expanded West Turner Syncline Phase 2 WT2 223.08 638 (Biota Environmental Sciences 2013)

Table 33: Botanical limitations Constraints (Yes/No); Possible Limitations Significant, Moderate or Comments Negligible Lead survey staff have relevant recent experience surveying in the Pilbara region. Lyn Atkins has been conducting Pilbara surveys since 2008 (six years), Stephen Kern since 2005 (nine years) and Jared Competency/experience of the Nelson since 2008 (six years). No constraints consultant botanist Conservation significant flora, range extensions and various ‘difficult to identify taxa were verified by Malcolm Trudgen who is recognised as a Pilbara flora expert. 424 taxa were identified from the surveys. 0.79% of taxa records were not identifiable to species level. Several of these are likely to represent taxa that were identified from other collections during this survey but Proportion of the flora identified No constraints were not able to be identified to species level due to lack of diagnostic material (particularly sterile Poaceae and Malvaceae). None of these unidentified taxa resemble any currently listed TF or PF taxa. Adequate information was available from previous surveys, largely to the east of the study area, also within the Hamersley Ranges. Sources of information No constraints (historic/recent or new data) A number of other surveys in the vicinity were conducted concurrently with the EFF surveys, therefore recent information sources are available. Proportion of the task achieved This survey represents a reconnaissance survey and further work that may need No constraints followed by a two-season Level 2 vegetation and flora to be undertaken survey with replication of survey effort. The survey was conducted during the season following rainfall in 2012 and 2013, and is consistent with the requirements for botanical surveys in Western Australia. There are no survey timing constraints.

The seasonal conditions preceding both seasons of field survey were considered average (Figure 5) Timing/weather/season/cycle No constraints however there was little summer rainfall (Figure 4). However, the year preceding the first season of survey had experienced above average rainfall and most expected flora species were recorded, although the growth and abundance of ephemeral species was significantly less than the preceding year. Therefore there were no constraints as a result of seasonal conditions.

The intensity of the survey in the southern portion of the study area was considered consistent with the intensity required to accurately record the flora and vegetation of the study area. Intensity of survey No constraints

Due to lack of accessibility in the northern (central) portion of the study area, this area was surveyed at a lower intensity than other areas. The species accumulation curve suggests no constraints in terms of survey adequacy in this area. The anticipated resource areas were largely accessible and were adequately surveyed. No constraints have been identified in terms of completeness in this area.

The northern (central) portion of the study area was Completeness (e.g. was relevant largely not accessible, however Ecoscape experience None-negligible area fully surveyed) in the relevant land system (Rocklea) has shown that it is not biologically diverse, nor does it generally provide habitat for significant flora species. Therefore, despite the low intensity of the survey in this area, there are only negligible constraints applicable to this area. Resources (e.g. degree of Sufficient resources were available, including the expertise available for plant No constraints assistance of Malcolm Trudgen for plant identification. identification) Availability of contextual (e.g. Adequate information was available, despite the bioregional) information for the No constraints western Hamersley Range being in an area considered study area to be poorly surveyed.

5.0 Discussion

5.1 Flora

There were 429 flora taxa recorded from floristic quadrats, opportunistic observations and targeted

conservation significant flora searches from the EFF study area. This figure has increased from the

394 flora taxa recorded in the 2012 Phase 1 flora survey. The species accumulation curve (Figure 6)

indicates that survey intensity was adequate to identify most species occurring within the study area. _rev0

final

_ R

Comparison with other survey reports from the Pilbara (Figure 7 and Table 32) indicate that the 3

1 -

number of taxa recorded per unit area is broadly comparable with ‘regular’ survey areas (in

984 2

comparison with linear survey areas that tend to have higher numbers of taxa), indicating that survey -

967 8 intensity is adequate to identify most species. It also indicates that the EFF study area is not likely to

be considered to be either floristically rich or poor, in comparison to other Pilbara areas.

The seasonal conditions at the time of survey were considered to be average (Figure 4 and Figure 5).

Many grass species had ceased flowering by the time of surveys (April) however they retained

sufficient fruiting material (seed heads) to permit identification. Therefore there were no botanical

limitations imposed by the seasonal conditions.

5.1.1 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FLORA SPECIES No flora taxa listed as TF under either the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 or Western Australian WC Act 1950 were recorded during the survey.

Until recently there were only two TF species known from the Pilbara (WAH 1998-2013), Lepidium catapycnon and Thryptomene wittweri. Both are known from hillslopes, including scree slopes with a generally southerly aspect. Neither have previously been recorded from within the study area, nor

nearby (within approximately 20 km). They were not recorded during this survey and Ecoscape Pty Ltd (Australia) ©Ecoscape

considers they are unlikely to occur in the study area.

A third species, Aluta quadrata, has recently been declared Rare (Government of Western Australia 2012). It is known from gorges, cliff bases and high hilltops and ridges (WAH 1998-2013), with the closest NatureMap (DPaW 2007-2013) record being 120 km to the southeast. As such it is unlikely to occur within the study area.

Seven PF taxa were recorded from the EFF study area:  three P3 taxa;  Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina, associated with hillslopes of the EgAmTw and ElAmTw vegetation types

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 92  Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen 4301) that was widespread across the study area. It was mostly associated with drainage lines, but was also recorded from hillslopes. It was recorded from the AaTe, AaTwEl, AcTwEl, AeTw, AiTwCh/AiTlAb, EgAaTe, ElAmTw, EvAcCc and ExAcTe vegetation types  Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) that was typically associated with Robe land system mesas and hills. It was a dominant and characteristic taxon of the AaTwEl and AcTwEl vegetation types and also occurred within AbTwCh, AeTw and ElAmTw  four P4 taxa;  Acacia bromilowiana, associated with high hillcrests and steep rocky slopes at lower elevations, from the EgAmTw and ElAmTw vegetation types  Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica, associated with hillslopes of the AaTwEl, AeTw, AiTwCh/AiTlAb, EgAmTw, ElAmTw and Tw vegetation types  Goodenia nuda recorded from the AeTw, AiTwCh/AiTlAb and ExAcTe vegetation types  Ptilotus mollis from the AaTwEl, ElAmTw, EvAcCc and Tw vegetation types.

Of these, Acacia bromilowiana, Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica, Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina and Ptilotus mollis are, according to records included on NatureMap (DPaW 2007-2013), on the western edge of their previously known extents or westerly range extensions. These apparent range extensions are likely a result of a paucity of broad scale botanical surveys in the area as all are known from elsewhere in the Hamersley Range, and are not considered as significant.

5.1.2 RANGE EXTENSIONS Based on the records included on NatureMap, only two species have range extensions that are considered significant (i.e. 100 km or more); Acacia monticola x tumida var. pilbarensis and Spermacoce brachystema. Whilst Acacia monticola x tumida var. pilbarensis is approximately 380 km from the nearest population included on NatureMap (DPaW 2007-2013), it is a hybrid with the potential to occur anywhere across the distribution of the parent taxa, which are both widespread across the Pilbara. Ecoscape has also recorded this hybrid from Mt Farquhar (Ecoscape 2012e). Spermacoce brachystema is approximately 100 km west of its previously recorded range (DEC 2007-), and represents a potentially significant range extension. It was recorded from one quadrat (WH12003), on a valley floor near the far eastern edge of the study area in 2012.

There is no statutory protection of species found outside their usual extents, however Guidance Statement No. 51 (EPA 2004a) considers species that have recently discovered range extensions or are isolated outliers of the main range to be ‘significant flora’, and should be taken into consideration when defining the scale and nature of impacts on biodiversity.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 93 5.1.3 UNDESCRIBED (NEW) TAXA The taxon referred to as Acacia aff. maitlandii may represent an undescribed (new to science) species, however, without reproductive material (which was not located despite three searches to do so), the taxonomic specialist for this genus (B. Maslin) was not prepared to make a determination of taxonomic status.

5.1.4 INTRODUCED SPECIES Eleven introduced flora species were recorded from the study area: *Aerva javanica (Kapok Bush), *Argemone ochroleuca subsp. ochroleuca (Mexican Poppy), *Bidens bipinnata (Bipinnate Beggartick), *Bothriochloa pertusa (Indian Burrgrass), *Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffel Grass), *Datura leichhardtii (Native Thornapple), *Flaveria trinervia (Speedy Weed), *Malvastrum americanum (Spike Malvastrum), *Setaria verticillata (Whorled Pigeon Grass), *Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sowthistle) and *Vachellia farnesiana (Mimosa Bush). Infestations of these weeds were largely restricted to drainage lines, and associated with feral animal and livestock grazing and trampling.

The only introduced weed infestation that Ecoscape considered to be significant, based on having contiguous coverage along drainage lines, was *Cenchrus ciliaris. This species is the major factor contributing to the Good-Poor condition of vegetation along the drainage line near the western edge of the study area (Map 5 and Map 7).

No weeds recorded in the study area are listed under the BAM Act 2007 as a Declared Pest in the Shire of Ashburton, and none are listed as WONS (Weeds Australia 2012b). There is currently no requirement for weed control within the study area.

There is no indication that any activities undertaken to date by Fortescue have contributed to the introduction or spread of any introduced species. All introduced species are associated with drainage lines where cattle graze and congregate. Except for road crossings at isolated points (most of which were well established and appear to pre-date mineral exploration, i.e. were originally station tracks) there is no evidence of other soil disturbance that is likely to have contributed to the introduction and spread of introduced species.

One species recorded within the study area, *Bothriochloa pertusa, has not been previously recorded in the Pilbara bioregion.

5.2 Vegetation

5.2.1 VEGETATION TYPES IN THE EFF STUDY AREA Twenty four vegetation types were identified from the EFF study area:  AaAbTe Acacia aptaneura and Eucalyptus xerothermica low woodland/mallee woodland over Acacia bivenosa and A. exilis mid sparse shrubland over Triodia epactia, Chrysopogon fallax and Digitaria brownii mid hummock grassland/tall tussock grassland

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 94  AaEfTe Acacia aptaneura and A. pruinocarpa low open woodland/tall sparse shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii mid sparse shrubland over Triodia epactia low open hummock grassland  AaTe Acacia aptaneura low open woodland over Triodia epactia and Enneapogon polyphyllus low sparse hummock grassland/low isolated grasses  AaTw Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. pruinocarpa and A. aptaneura tall open shrubland over Triodia wiseana mid open hummock grassland  AaTwEl Acacia arida mid open shrubland over Triodia wiseana and T. sp. Robe River mid hummock grassland with Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered trees  AbTe Acacia bivenosa mid sparse shrubland over Triodia epactia mid open hummock grassland  AbTwCh Acacia bivenosa, A. synchronicia and A. ancistrocarpa mid-tall sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana low open hummock grassland with Corymbia hamersleyana and Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia mid scattered trees  AcTwEl Acacia citrinoviridis and A. pruinocarpa tall open-sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana and T. sp. Robe River mid open hummock grassland with Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low isolated trees  AeTw Acacia exilis, A. bivenosa and A. marramamba mid sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana and T. epactia low open hummock grassland  AiEfTw Acacia inaequilatera and Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri mid-tall open shrubland over Triodia wiseana, T. epactia and Enneapogon polyphyllus low open hummock grassland/grassland  AiTlAb Triodia longiceps and T. wiseana mid open hummock grassland with Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low scattered trees over Acacia bivenosa and A. ancistrocarpa mid scattered shrubs  AiTw Acacia inaequilatera, A. exilis and Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa mid sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana and T. aff. melvillei low open hummock grassland  Mosaic of AiTwCh / AiTlAb Mosaic of: Acacia inaequilatera and A. bivenosa mid-tall sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana low hummock grassland with Corymbia hamersleyana low isolated trees, and Triodia longiceps and T. wiseana mid open hummock grassland with Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low scattered trees over Acacia bivenosa and A. ancistrocarpa mid scattered shrubs  AxEcTe Acacia xiphophylla and A. aptaneura low woodland over Eremophila cuneifolia and Ptilotus obovatus mid sparse shrubland over Triodia epactia and T. wiseana mid sparse hummock grassland  EcAcCv Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens mid woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis and Melaleuca glomerata tall shrubland over Cyperus vaginatus mid sparse sedgeland  EgAaTe Eucalyptus gamophylla mid sparse mallee shrubland over Acacia atkinsiana, A. bivenosa and A. exilis tall sparse shrubland over Triodia epactia and T. wiseana mid hummock grassland

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 95  EgAmTw Eucalyptus gamophylla and Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia mid open mallee woodland/mid open woodland over Acacia maitlandii, Petalostylis labicheoides, Acacia pyrifolia var. pyrifolia tall sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana low hummock grassland  ElAaTw Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia atkinsiana and A. exilis tall open shrubland over Triodia wiseana low open hummock grassland  ElAmTw Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia maitlandii, A. marramamba and Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa mid-tall sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana mid hummock grassland  EvAcCc Eucalyptus victrix low-mid open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis and Melaleuca glomerata tall open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Pluchea dentax and Eriachne tenuiculmis mid open tussock grassland/low sparse herbs  ExAbTw Eucalyptus xerothermica and E. socialis subsp. eucentrica low open mallee woodland over Acacia bivenosa and A. synchronicia tall sparse shrubland over Triodia wiseana low hummock grassland  ExAcTe Eucalyptus xerothermica mid-low open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis, A. bivenosa and A. pyrifolia var. pyrifolia tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia, Themeda triandra and Chrysopogon fallax mid hummock grassland/mid tussock grassland  TmAt Triodia aff. melvillei low open hummock grassland with Acacia trudgeniana low isolated trees  Tw Triodia wiseana low open hummock grassland.

Reasons that these vegetation types may be considered to have significance are discussed below. Unless specifically discussed, the vegetation of the EFF study area is of no particular significance as the vegetation is considered similar to other areas within the Pilbara and/or has no other attribute that conveys significance.

5.2.2 TECS No vegetation was considered to match the descriptions of any currently recognised TEC in the Pilbara.

5.2.3 PECS Vegetation type AcTwEl has Triodia sp Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) and other characteristic species in sufficient density and frequency to consider the vegetation type for inclusion in the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC.

In 2012 the DEC Species and Communities Branch determined that two quadrats located within vegetation type AcTwEl are considered to represent the PEC. Ecoscape established additional quadrats in vegetation considered to represent the PEC (based on the DEC’s determination) and has extrapolated the extent to include the vegetation type in the vicinity of the relevant quadrats, but

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 96 not in areas located away from them, to be included in the PEC. The areas considered to represent the PEC are in the western and south-western portion of the study area, on the Brockman Ridge.

The area considered to represent the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC (vegetation type AcTwEl) occupies 146.64 ha.

5.2.4 GROUNDWATER DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEMS Vegetation considered to represent a GDE was recorded from a single location (totalling 1.38 ha) towards the northern portion of the study area. This area was dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens (vegetation type EcAcCv), which is widely regarded as being a facultative phreatophyte and indicative of a GDE (Eamus 2009b). However, as much of the northern portion of the study area was inaccessible due to lack of track access, it was not possible to groundtruth the entire area or use aerial imagery interpretation, to determine if more E. camaldulensis subsp. refulgens dominated vegetation occurs.

Ecoscape considers it possible that Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens occurs in other areas associated with drainage lines in the northern portion of the study area. However, as the majority of the surveyed drainage was dominated by E. victrix, it is Ecoscape’s opinion that any additional areas with E. camaldulensis subsp. refulgens are likely to be small in extent, as was the only recorded occurrence (1.38 ha).

Vegetation considered to represent a potential GDE was recorded from the mid-sized drainage lines within the study area (vegetation type EvAcCc). Eucalyptus victrix-dominated vegetation occupied 455.69 ha (0.90%) of the study area.

No other vegetation types contain species that are considered to be dependent on groundwater.

5.2.5 SHEET FLOW DEPENDENT MULGA No sheet flow dependent Mulga communities were identified from the study area.

5.2.6 VEGETATION SUPPORTING PRIORITY FLORA Vegetation types that support PF also have a degree of significance, especially if the PF taxa form a characteristic or dominant component of the vegetation type, or if it supports TF, P1 or P2 taxa (none of which occurred within the study area).

Vegetation types AaTwEl and AcTwEl have P3 species Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) as characteristic; the latter is considered to represent a PEC and therefore has conservation significance.

PF and the vegetation supporting them have no statutory protection unless the vegetation is listed as a TEC.

The vegetation condition of the EFF study area, that was assessed using the Trudgen (1991) vegetation condition scale, varied from Poor to Excellent (Table 31). Areas considered to be in Degraded condition were associated with areas cleared for camps, laydown areas, tracks and drill pads, however they occurred at a scale too small to be mapped. Whilst the extent of Degraded areas is not recorded, Ecoscape considers these areas are likely to represent less than 0.5% of the total extent of the study area.

Overall, 99.89% of the study area (not taking into account the unrecorded Degraded areas discussed above) is considered to be in Very Good or Excellent condition, with the difference between these two ratings generally due to minor differences in vegetation condition as a result of low levels of grazing impacts or weed cover. Vegetation assessed as Very Good and Excellent condition may have small areas of disturbance but not of sufficient size to impact on the overall vegetation condition in the area.

The lesser condition areas (in Good and Poor condition, occupying 0.11% of the study area) are generally associated with valley floors, in particular riparian areas and Acacia shrublands and woodlands, in which cattle and probably feral horse and donkeys congregate or traverse. Evidence of grazing (direct sightings, hoofprints including trails, trampled soil and vegetation, grazed shrubs, faeces) and presence of introduced species (particularly *Cenchrus ciliaris) were the main factors contributing to a condition rating of Good (or lower).

Excluding clearing for tracks, drill pad, camps and laydown areas, no activities undertaken by Fortescue are considered to have contributed to any lowering of vegetation condition.

6.0 Conclusion

During the flora and vegetation surveys, 161 floristic quadrats, 128 of which were scored over two

seasons in 2012 and 2013, were established and scored. The vegetation was mapped, based on a

combination of field mapping using dominant and characteristic species and floristic analysis used to

inform the identification of vegetation types. Vegetation condition was also assessed.

The findings of the EFF Level 2 flora and vegetation surveys are summarised below. _rev0

final

3 1

FLORA -

984 2

The surveys identified 429 vascular flora taxa, including: -

967 8  no TF species  seven PF (three P3, four P4), none of which are considered of high significance

 two flora taxa representing significant range extensions (Acacia monticola x tumida var. pilbarensis and Spermacoce brachystema); neither are of conservation significance

 one taxon referred to as Acacia aff. maitlandii that may represent an undescribed (new to science) species

 11 introduced species, generally pastoral species associated with drainage lines, none of which

are listed under any weed register; one had not previously been recorded in the Pilbara.

VEGETATION

The surveys identified 24 vegetation types, including:  no vegetation that is considered to represent a TEC  146.64 ha that considered to represent the ‘Triodia sp. Robe River assemblages of mesas of the West Pilbara’ PEC

 one vegetation type that is considered to represent a GDE (EcAtCv, occupying 1.38 ha) and one Pty Ltd (Australia) ©Ecoscape

to represent a potential GDE (EvAcCc, occupying 455.69 ha)  no sheet flow dependent Mulga vegetation  two vegetation types that are characterised or dominated by PF; AaTwEl and AcTwEl; the latter is considered representative of a PEC.

Most (99.89%) of the vegetation was assessed as being in Very Good or Excellent condition.

100

References

Astron Environmental Services 2008a, Nullagine Project Flora and Vegetation May - September 2008,

Unpublished report prepared for BC Iron Limited.

Astron Environmental Services 2008b, Sino Iron Project - Cape Preston Mapping and Surveying of

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems, Unpublished report prepared for CITIC Pacific Mining

Management Pty Ltd.

_rev0 final

Astron Environmental Services 2010, West Pilbara Iron Ore Project Reconciliation of Vegetation Descriptions _

3 1

and Associated Vegetation Mapping, Unpublished report for API Management Pty Ltd. -

984 2

Astron Environmental Services 2012a, Hardey Rail Corridor and Borrow Pits Vegetation and Flora Survey - 967

(Phase 2), Unpublished report for API Management Pty Ltd. 8

Astron Environmental Services 2012b, Hardey Resource Area and Gas Pipeline Vegetation and Flora Survey

(Phase 2), Unpublished report for API Management Pty Ltd.

Australian Government & Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities.

2013. EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/arcgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst-coordinate.jsf.

Australian Natural Resources Atlas. 2009. Rangelands Overview - Pilbara. Available from:

http://www.anra.gov.au/topics/rangelands/overview/wa/ibra-pil.html. [May 2009].

Batini, F. 2008, Interim Report to 17-09-2008 - Marandoo Phase 2 Proposal, Assessing the Impacts of Groundwater Dewatering and Surface Water Drainage on Significant Vegetation - Coolibah and Mulga, unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Belbin, L. & Collins, A. 2006. PATN Version 3.11. Blatant Fabrications Pty Ltd.

Biota Environmental Sciences 2011, West Turner Syncline Section 10 Expanded Vegetation and Flora Survey Pty Ltd (Australia) oscape

Report, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Pty Ltd. ©Ec

Biota Environmental Sciences 2013, West Turner Syncline Phase 2 Vegetation and Flora Report, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Pty Ltd.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2004a, Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage A Rail Corridor, Unpublished Report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, August 2004.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2004b, Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mines Areas, Unpublished Report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, December 2004.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2005, Vegetation and Flora Survey of Mesa A and Mesa G, near Pannawonica, Unpublished report for Robe River Iron Associates.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2006, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed Mesa A Transport Corridor, Warramboo Deposit and Yarraloola Borefield, Unpublished report for Robe River Iron Associates.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 100 Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2007a, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Mesa K Mine Site, near Pannawonica, Unpublished report for Robe River Mining Pty Ltd.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2007b, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the West Turner Section 10 Area and Infrastructure Corridor, Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2008, Marandoo Mine Phase 2 Project Vegetation and Flora Survey, Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2010a, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of Expansion Areas at Nammuldi, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2010b, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of Silvergrass West, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2010c, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Wheatstone Study Area, near Onslow, Unpublished report prepared for URS Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Chevron Australia Pty Ltd.

Bureau of Meteorology. 2013a. Climate Data Online (Wittenoom, Station 005026). Available from: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_005026.shtml. [April 2013a].

Bureau of Meteorology. 2013b. Six-monthly rainfall deciles for Western Australia (1 November 2012 to 30 April 2013). Available from: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/awap/rain/index.jsp?colour=colour&time=latest&step=1&map=decile &period=6month&area=wa.

Coffey Environments 2007, Targeted Flora Survey, Exploration Leases E47/1763, P47/1255 and P47/1256, Mt McLeod, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Limited.

Coffey Environments 2010a, Flora and Vegetation Assessment, Solomon Project and Investigator - Volume 1, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Coffey Environments 2010b, Flora and Vegetation Assessment, Solomon Rail Project - Volume 1, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Commonwealth of Australia. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia. 2013. Western Australian Organism List. Available from: http://www.biosecurity.wa.gov.au/western-australian-organism-list-waol.

Department of Conservation and Land Management 1999, Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia, CALM, Como, Western Australia.

Department of Conservation and Land Management. 2002. A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia's 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Department of Conservation and Land Management 2003. Draft Botanical Survey Requirements for the Pilbara Region.

Department of Environment and Conservation. 2007. NatureMap: Mapping Western Australia's Biodiversity. Available from: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/default.aspx.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 101 Department of Environment and Conservation. 2010. Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened Ecological Communities. Available from: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,1/gid,402/task,doc_download /.

Department of Environment and Conservation. 2011. Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Available from: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/852/2010/1/1/.

Department of Environment and Conservation. 2012. Invasive plant prioritisation process for DEC. Available from: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/6295/2275/1/1/.

Department of Environment and Conservation Species & Communities Branch. 2013a. List of Threatened Ecological Communities endorsed by the Western Australian Minister for the Environment (Correct to May 2013). Available from: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/publications/2/doc_download/8276- threatened-ecological-communities-endorsed-by-the-minister-for-the-environment-may-2013.html.

Department of Environment and Conservation Species & Communities Branch. 2013b. Priority Ecological Communities for Western Australia Version 18 (26 March 2013). Available from: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/publications/2/doc_download/8275-priority-ecological-communities- list-march-2013.html.

Department of Parks and Wildlife. 2007. NatureMap: Mapping Western Australia's Biodiversity. Available from: http://naturemap.dpaw.wa.gov.au.

Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2009. EPBC Act List of Threatened Ecological Communities. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publiclookupcommunities.pl.

Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2011. IBRA - Australia's Bioregions. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion- framework/ibra/.

Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2012a. National Environmental Alert List. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/alert.html.

Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2012b. Sleeper Weeds. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/sleeper.html.

Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2012c. Species Targeted for Eradication. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/eradication.html.

Eamus, D. 2009a, A review of the report written by Frank Batini entitled "Eucalyptus victrix, Karijini National Park", Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Eamus, D. 2009b. Identifying groundwater dependent ecosystems: a guide for land and water managers. Available from: http://lwa.gov.au/files/products/innovation/pn30129/pn30129_1.pdf.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 102 Eamus, D., Froend, R., Loomes, R., Hose, G., & Murray, B. 2006. A functional methodology for determining the groundwater regime needed to maintain the health of groundwater-dependent vegetation. Australian Journal of Botany, vol. 54, pp. 97-114

Ecologia Environment 2008, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Rapid Growth Project 5 (RGP5) Chichester Deviation Vegetation and Flora Report (Version 3), Unpublished report for BHPBIO.

Ecologia Environment 2009, Brockman Resources Limited Marillana (E47/1408) Vegetation and Flora Report Version 5, Unpublished report for Brockman Resources Limited.

Ecologia Environment 2012, Brockman Resources Limited Rail Development Vegetation and Flora Survey, Unpublished report for Brockman Resources Limited.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2010, Level Two Flora and Vegetation Assessment, Firetail Mining Area, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2011, Pilbara Iron Ore Project - Blacksmith Flora and Vegetation Survey, Unpublished report for Flinders Mines Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012a, 'Themeda Grasslands on Cracking Clay' TEC Assessment, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012b, Central Pilbara Project Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Assessment, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012c, Delphine Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Survey, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012d, Eliwana and Flying Fish Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Survey, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012e, Mt Farquhar Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Survey, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012f, Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Targeted Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna Survey: Delphine, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012g, Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Targeted Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna Survey: Eliwana, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012h, Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Targeted Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna Survey: Flying Fish, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012i, Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Targeted Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna Survey: Mt Farquhar, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2012j, Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Targeted Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna Survey: Raven, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 2013, Delphine Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Survey (Phase 2) draft, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Environmental Protection Authority 2002, Position Statement No. 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection, Environmental Protection Authority, Perth.

Environmental Protection Authority 2004a, Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986) No. 51 - Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, EPA, Perth, Western Australia.

Environmental Protection Authority 2004b, Position Statement No. 7 - Principles of Environmental Protection, Government of Western Australia.

Environmental Protection Authority & Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd 2010, Marandoo Mine Phase 2: Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, Western Australia.

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd 2011a, Flora and Vegetation Assessment Guidelines 100-GU-EN-0005, 17 January 2011, Unpublished report.

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd 2011b, Significant Flora, Vegetation, Fauna and Fauna Habitats of the Special Rail Licence.

Froend, R. 2009, Peer Review of the Mt Bruce Flats Coolibah Woodland 'State of Knowledge' Report, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

GHD 2009, Turee Syncline Infrastructure Area Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Surveys, Unpublished report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Gibson, N., Keighery, B., Keighery, G., Burbidge, A., & Lyons, M. 1994. A Floristic Survey of the Southern Swan Coastal Plain Perth, Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Government of Western Australia. Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

Government of Western Australia. Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976.

Government of Western Australia. Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

Government of Western Australia. 2012. Government Gazette, Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice 2012(2).

Government of Western Australia. 2013. 2012 Statewide Vegetation Statistics incorporting the CAR Reserve Analysis (Full Report). Current as of October 2012. Available from: https://www2.landgate.wa.gov.au/web/guest/downloader.

Grierson, P. 2010, Ecological water requirements of riparian vegetation, In Kwongan Workshop 2010: On the ecology of WA's arid zone, University of Western Australia.

Hatton, T. & Evans, R. 1998, Dependence of ecosystems on groundwater and its significance to Australia, Land and Water Research and Development Corporation (Australia), Occasional Paper No. 12/98, Canberra, ACT.

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 104 Hussey, B., Keighery, G., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S., & Cousens, R. 2007. Western Weeds: A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second edn, Victoria Park, Western Australia, The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia (Inc.).

Keighery, G. 2010. The naturalised vascular plants of the Pilbara region. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78, pp. 299-311

Kendrick, P. 2002, "Pilbara 3 (PIL3 - Hamersley subregion)," in A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia's 53 Biogeographic Subregions in 2002, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, pp. 568-580.

Maslin, B. & Reid, J. 2012. A taxonomic revision of Mulga (Acacia aneura and its close relatives: Fabaceae) in Western Australia. Nuytsia, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 129-267. Available from: http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/science/nuytsia/604.pdf

Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd 2005, Flora and Vegetation on the Cloudbreak and White Knight Leases, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd 2008, Flora and Vegetation on the Hope Downs 4 Mine and Village/Camp Area, Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron.

Mattiske EM & Associates 1986, Flora and Vegetation Survey of the Channar Mining Area and Surrounds, Hamersley Range, Western Australia, Unpublished report for Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd.

Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd 2006, Pit Dewatering and Vegetation Monitoring Plan - Iron Ore Mine and Downstream Processing, Cape Preston, Western Australia, Unpublished report prepared for Mineralogy Pty Ltd.

McKenzie, N.L., May, J.E., & McKenna, S. 2003. Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia.

Muller, C. 2005, Water flow in Mulga areas adjoining Fortescue Marsh, Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group Limited.

National Hertiage Trust. 2003. Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual Version 6.0. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/nvis/.

Pisces Conservation Ltd. 2007. Species Diversity and Richness Version 4.1.2.

Pisces Conservation Ltd. 2010. Species Diversity and Richness IV.

Resource and Environmental Management Pty Ltd 2007, Pirraburdoo Creek Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems study, Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron.

Seymour, D, Thorne, A, and Blight, D, 1988. 'Wyloo, Western Australia', Perth, Western Australia: Geological Survey of Western Australia. 1:250 000 Geological Series - Explanatory Notes.

Shepherd, D.P., Beeston, G.R., & Hopkins, A.J.M. 2002. Native Vegetation in Western Australia: Extent, Type and Status. Resource Management Technical Report 249

© Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 8967-2984-13R_final_rev0 105 Telford, I., Sebastian, P., Bruhl, J., & Renner, S. 2011. Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae) in Australia and Eastern Malesia, including newly recognized species and the sister species to C. melo. Systematic Botany, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 376-389

Thackway, R. & Cresswell, I. 1995. An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a framework for establishing the national system of reserves, Version 4.0 Canberra, Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Thorne, A. M., Tyler, I. M., Blockley, J. G., and Blight, D. F., 1996. Mount Bruce, W.A. Sheet SF 50-11 (2nd edition): Western Australia Geological Survey, 1:250 000 Geological Series,

Trudgen, M. E. 1991, "Vegetation Condition Scale," in 1993 Urban Bushland Policy, National Trust of Australia (WA) ed., Wildflower Society of Western Australia (Inc.) and the Tree Society (Inc.), Perth, Western Australia.

Trudgen, M. E. & Casson, N. 1998, Flora and Vegetation Surveys of Orebody A and Orebody B in the West Angelas Hill Area, an Area Surrounding Them, and of Rail Route Options Considered to Link Them to the Existing Robe River Iron Associates Rail Line, Unpublished Report for Robe River Iron Associates.

van Leeuwen, S. & Bromilow, M. 2002, Botanical Survey of Hamersley Range Uplands, Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Van Vreeswyk, A.M.E., Payne, A.L., Leighton, K.A., & Hennig, P. 2004. Technical Bulletin 92 - An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia South Perth, Department of Agriculture.

Weeds Australia. 2012a. Target Species for Biological Control. Available from: http://www.weeds.org.au/management.htm.

Weeds Australia. 2012b. Weeds of National Significance. Available from: http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/.

Western Australian Herbarium. 1998. FloraBase - the Western Australian Flora. Department of Parks and Wildlife. Available from: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/.

Western Botanical 2009a, Flora and vegetation of the proposed Cape Preston Rail Corridor West Pilbara Iron Ore Project 2007-2008, Unpublished report for API Management.

Western Botanical 2009b, Flora and vegetation of the proposed mine and associated infrastructure areas West Pilbara Iron Ore Project, Unpublished report for API Management.

107

Maps

_rev0

final

_ R

984

967

oscape (Australia) Pty Ltd (Australia) oscape

©Ec

ROB BGD ROB

7530000 BGD PLA

BRO ROB

R E E K C K D U C

ROB ROB ROC

PLA 7520000

ROB

BGD

PLA BGD PLA ROB

PLA

7510000 PLA NEW TAB ROB

K E E R C BGD A R ROB ROB R A

I P BGD RIV ROB K ROB E E A C R B O O L G E E D PLA RIV ROB PLA 7500000

ROB TAB

RIV ROB ROB ROB ROB ROB WON PLA GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Imagery Source: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community PORT !! LEGEND HEDLAND AUTHOR: JN CHECKED: SB DATE: 06-13 PROJECT NO: 2984-13 M KARRATHA a River; Creek PLA - Platform land system - Dissected slopes and rb y G le raised plains supporting hard spinifex grasslands. wa ! Ba gh ! r r ELIWANA & FLYING FISH LEVEL 2 FLORA & VEGETATION SURVEY (PHASE 2) Survey Area 2013 i !! e R H a o RIV - River land system - Flood plains and terraces l a a t t d flanking major rivers and creeks; little pasture s MALLINA N CLIENT: FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LTD

Survey Area 2012 o a MARBLE degradation or o r !! t

C h Survey Area 2011 t BAR ROB - Robe land system - Low limonite mesas and s e e r n buttes supporting soft spinifex (and occasionally W DAFWA Land Systems H LAND SYSTEMS h hard spinifex) grasslands. t i r !! g BGD - Boolgeeda land system - Stony lower slopes o h and plains below hill systems; not degraded or ROC - Rocklea land system - Rugged basalt hills and N w PANNAWONICA a eroded. dissected plateaux; poorly accessible, not degraded y !! or eroded. NULLAGINE BRO - Brockman land system - Alluvial plains with cracking clay soils supporting tussock grasslands. TAB - Table land system - Low calcrete plateaux, mesas and lower plains supporting mulga and cassia utar MAP 1 NEW - Newman land system - Rugged ironstone shrublands an ra W N i SCALE 1:165,000 @ A3 ridges, plateaux and mountains; hard spinifex tte arijini Drive pastures in good WON - Wona land system - Basalt upland gilgai no K 0 2 4 6 8 km plains supporting tussock grasslands and minor hard om TOM to excellent condition; no erosion. Ro ! spinifex grasslands ad PRICE ! Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367)

Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) 446000 466000 486000 506000 526000 546000 566000

R D E H I L L R E E K $$ C Rhynchosia bungarensis "" Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) Genus sp. Hamersley Range hilltops (S. van Leeuwen 4345) !!

Calotis latiuscula $ Sida sp. Hamersley Range (K. Newbey 10692) $$ Glycine falcata $ !!

Dampiera anonyma Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek $ (S. van Leeuwen 4301) $ C A V E S C R Eragrostis surreyana E Gymnanthera cunninghamii $E $ 7540000 $ $ S K Sida sp. Barlee Range E Glycine falcata

R P Iotasperma sessilifolium Helichrysum oligochaetum $ (S. van Leeuwen 1642) Goodenia sp. East Pilbara

E "" !!$ (A.A. Mitchell PRP 727) $ N Æ ! $ Æ $ Sida sp. Hamersley Range !!$$ Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek T Livistona alfredii Eremophila magnifica $ !$ $ I N E $ Æ (K. Newbey 10692) ! (S. van Leeuwen 4301) $

C subsp. velutina $ $ Astrebla lappacea $

R $ Eremophila magnifica $ E Æ subsp. velutina !D E !D !D$$ K ! $ Eremophila magnifica D !!Æ $ $#$ subsp. velutina $!! Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek #$## $ Themeda sp. Hamersley Station $ Ptilotus (S. van Leeuwen 4301) Swainsona sp. Astrebla lappacea (M.E. Trudgen 11431) $ subspinescens Hamersley Station Spartothamnella !D $$ (A.A. Mitchell 196) puberula !

$$ Calotis

Æ D

Æ $ Æ $ $ !! latiuscula $ Æ

Æ $ $ Goodenia sp. East Pilbara $ Æ (A.A. Mitchell PRP 727) $ Goodenia " $ $ $ nuda " Ptilotus $

$ Ptilotus

$ D U C $ subspinescens K C R subspinescens $ Æ E E K Æ $ $ Sida sp. Barlee Range Ptilotus (S. van Leeuwen 1642) Brachyscome sp.

subspinescens Wanna Munna Flats Rhagodia sp. Hamersley

Ptilotus mollis $ (M. Trudgen 17794) Æ Æ $

$ $$$ (S. van Leeuwen 4662) $

$ Æ $ Æ $ Æ !! Sida sp. Barlee Range Polymeria distigma $$ (S. van Leeuwen 1642) $

7520000 Ptilotus "$"$ Acacia bromilowiana $ $

subspinescens ""! " $ Æ !!$! " $$!$!Æ $ Sida sp. Barlee Range $$Æ $ Æ (S. van Leeuwen 1642) Dampiera anonyma Triodia sp. Robe River Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek Sida sp. Hamersley Range (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) Sida sp. Barlee Range (S. van Leeuwen 4301) $ (K. Newbey 10692) $ (S. van Leeuwen 1642) "$ $ Ptilotus Rhynchosia bungarensis "$ ! Sida sp. Hamersley Range $ $ ! Genus sp. Hamersley Range $ subspinescens Eremophila magnifica (K. Newbey 10692) ! Indigofera sp. ! hilltops (S. van Leeuwen 4345) subsp. velutina Gompholobium $#$ karijini $##$ Bungaroo Creek

(S. van Leeuwen 4301) " Rhynchosia bungarensis Æ " Eremophila magnifica $$ ^^Æ subsp. velutina ^^Æ Lepidium Sida sp. catapycnon $ Barlee Range $

(S. van Leeuwen 1642)

Ptilotus Æ

$ Ptilotus Ptilotus Æ $ subspinescens $ subspinescens $ subspinescens $$

Æ Æ $$ R $$ E Ptilotus Ptilotus Ptilotus V 7500000 K $ I subspinescens E D A C R E E subspinescens $ subspinescens R

G E E Y $ $

L $ A S L $ Æ Æ $ $

E Æ O Æ $ $ $Æ $ O $ Æ

B $B $ Ptilotus sp. Brockman $

$ $ ! Æ !$! (E. Thoma and A. Joder ET and AJ 145) Ptilotus Æ $ !

$Æ !$! Ptilotus

subspinescens $$ Æ $ $$ subspinescens Ptilotus $ Ptilotus subspinescens M subspinescens Goodenia sp. E T $ East Pilbara A W A Ptilotus $$ (A.A. Mitchell PRP 727) N D Y C R E subspinescens $ E K H A R D E Y R I V E R

Ptilotus subspinescens $ Sida sp. Hamersley Range (K. Newbey 10692) $ !! 7480000 GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Imagery Source: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community PORT !! LEGEND HEDLAND AUTHOR: JN CHECKED: SB DATE: 06-13 PROJECT NO: 2984-13 M KARRATHA a WA Herbarium DEC Threatened Flora Database River; Creek rb y G le hwa ! Ba Conservation Code Conservation Code g ! r r ELIWANA & FLYING FISH LEVEL 2 FLORA & VEGETATION SURVEY (PHASE 2) 2013 Survey Area i !! e R H a o l a ^ Threatened ^ a t Threatened t d ^ ^ MALLINA N 2012 Survey Area s CLIENT: FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LTD a o MARBLE ! Priority 1 ! o r !! ! Priority 1 t ! 2011 Survey Area C h t BAR s e ## Priority 2 # Priority 2 e r # n DEC Ecological Community Database W $ H DEC DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS $ Priority 3 $ Priority 3 h $ t i r !! g !D TEC (Vulnerable) - Themeda grasslands on cracking clays o h

! w " Priority 4 " Priority 4 N " " PANNAWONICA a TEC Administrive Buffer y NULLAGINE !! Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 (WA) utar MAP 2 an ra W Schedule 1 Areas N i SCALE 1:350,000 @ A3 tte arijini Drive no K 0 5 10 15 20 km Environmentally Sensitive Areas om TOM Ro ! ad PRICE ! 476000 486000 496000 506000 516000 526000

7530000 82 82 565 569

82 178

R E E K C K D U C 7520000

567

175

82 7510000

K E E R C A R 103 R

N 18 I

K E E A C R B O O L G E E D 7500000 567 GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Imagery Source: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community PORT !! LEGEND HEDLAND AUTHOR: JN CHECKED: SB DATE: 06-13 PROJECT NO: 2984-13 M KARRATHA a River; Creek rb y G le wa ! Ba gh ! r r ELIWANA & FLYING FISH LEVEL 2 FLORA & VEGETATION SURVEY (PHASE 2) Survey Area 2013 i !! e R H a o l a a t t d MALLINA N Survey Area 2012 s CLIENT: FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LTD a o MARBLE o r !! t

C h Survey Area 2011 t BAR s e e r n W Pre-European Vegetation (DEC 2006) H PRE EUROPEAN VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS h t i r !! g 18 : Low woodland; mulga (Acacia aneura) o h

N w

82 : Hummock grasslands, low tree steppe; snappy gum over Triodia wiseana PANNAWONICA a y !! 103 : Hummock grasslands, shrub steppe; snakewood over soft spinifex and Triodia wiseana NULLAGINE 175 : Short bunch grassland - savanna/grass plain (Pilbara) 178 : Hummock grasslands, grass steppe; hard spinifex, Triodia basedowii utar MAP 3 n ra a W SCALE 1:165,000 @ A3 565 : Hummock grasslands, low tree steppe; bloodwood over soft spinifex N it te arijini Drive no K 0 2 4 6 8 km 567 : Hummock grasslands, shrub steppe; mulga and kanji over soft spinifex and Triodia basedowii om TOM Ro ! 569 : Hummock grasslands, low tree steppe; bloodwood over soft spinifex and Triodia wiseana ad PRICE ! 476000 486000 496000 506000

C R E D U C K E K 7520000

!!TR

EIBm !TR !! IB ! TR !! Pm ! IB ! ! ! IB Gn !TR ! ! !! !!IB !! ! ! Em !IB TR ! !TR!!TR ! !IB IB ! ! ! ! ! TR!!

!! !!TR

! Em TR ! ! TR TR Pm TR !!! !! !!!! !! TR TR Pm !! !! !! TR TR TR Em !! !! !! TR Ev !! Pm IB ! !! ! TR ! IB ! ! TR !!! !! ! !TR !! IB ! IB !! n ! !!TR !!G ! !TR !Em !TR ! !TR ! !

! Em Em TR ! !

IB TR !TR ! ! ! ! !!!! !!! IB TR Em Ev !TR !! !! ! ! !Em Ev ! ! Ev Em Em TR !!! m ! ! ! IB ! Pm !! Em E Em !! ! ! ! Ab Ab !!!! !! ! ! ! !!!! Em ! !! !! !IB !Em ! ! !!IB 7510000 !!Em!Em !!IB !!IB

! !IB ! ! !!Ab!!Ab !!Ev ! !!Em

K E E R C A

N I

P GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Imagery source: supplied by Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community AUTHOR: JN CHECKED: SB DATE: 06-13 PROJECT NO: 2984-13 LEGEND ELIWANA AND FLYING FISH LEVEL 2 FLORA & Drainage 2011 Recordings 2012 Recordings 2013 Recordings VEGETATION SURVEY (PHASE 2) 2013 Survey area Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) !! !! !! CLIENT: FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LTD 2012 Survey area !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) 2011 Survey area ! ! ! Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen Ev Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina (P3) Ev Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina (P3) IB !! !! !! 4301) (P3) PRIORITY FLORA Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen IB !Gn Goodenia nuda (P4) TR Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET !! 4301) (P3) ! !! 12367) (P3) Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen Pm Ptilotus mollis (P4) IB Vegetation containing Triodia sp. Robe River ! !! 4301) (P3) ! (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) (P3) Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET TR !Pm Ptilotus mollis (P4) MAP 4a !! 12367) ! SCALE 1:100,000 @ A3 TR Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 0 1 2 3 4 5 km !! 12367) (P3) 506000 516000 526000 536000

!!IB!!IB !!Ab 7520000 !!IB

!!Gn !!IB !IB !!!IB

!!Ev !!Gn !!IB !!IB !!IB !Ab

Em ! Ev ! Em IBBI ! v ! Em Em Em !!! !! !E ! !!!! !! ! IBBI ! Em ! !! Ab !! !! !! IB ! IB !Em ! !! Ab ! !IB Em Em !! Em ! !! ! Gn ! 7510000 ! ! m m IB Ev AbEm !!

!E E !IB ! !!! Em !! ! ! ! ! !

! !IB ! ! ! v Ab Ab !E !!!! !!Ev ! !!Em ! !!IB

E K R E A C G E E D O L B O

B O O L G E E D A C R E E K GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Imagery source: supplied by Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community AUTHOR: JN CHECKED: SB DATE: 06-13 PROJECT NO: 2984-13 LEGEND ELIWANA AND FLYING FISH LEVEL 2 FLORA & Drainage 2011 Recordings 2012 Recordings 2013 Recordings VEGETATION SURVEY (PHASE 2) 2013 Survey area Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) Ab Acacia bromilowiana (P4) !! !! !! CLIENT: FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LTD 2012 Survey area !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) !Em Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (P4) 2011 Survey area ! ! ! Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen Ev Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina (P3) Ev Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina (P3) IB !! !! !! 4301) (P3) PRIORITY FLORA Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen IB !Gn Goodenia nuda (P4) TR Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET !! 4301) (P3) ! !! 12367) (P3) Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen Pm Ptilotus mollis (P4) IB Vegetation containing Triodia sp. Robe River ! !! 4301) (P3) ! (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 12367) (P3) Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET TR !Pm Ptilotus mollis (P4) MAP 4b !! 12367) ! SCALE 1:100,000 @ A3 TR Triodia sp. Robe River (M.E. Trudgen et al. MET 0 1 2 3 4 5 km !! 12367) (P3)