Summary of Your Proposed Action

Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Title of Proposal - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 1 - Summary of your proposed action

Provide a summary of your proposed action, including any consultations undertaken.

1.1 Project Industry Type

Transport - Land

1.2 Provide a detailed description of the proposed action, including all proposed activities.

Overview The Holyman Avenue roundabout on the Tasman Highway provides direct access to Hobart International Airport (HIAPL) and is a corridor connector for the growing residential areas of Sorell and the Southern Beaches. The Tasman Highway is a Category 1 Trunk Road under the Tasmanian State Roads Hierarchy and is a major urban corridor into Hobart. It also provides tourist access to the Great Eastern Drive on Tasmania’s East Coast. Currently the Tasman Highway is a dual carriageway to just west of Holyman Avenue. The existing Holyman Avenue roundabout is operating at near-capacity, and it is predicted that future traffic growth will significantly increase queuing and delay time for vehicles, particularly during peak periods. The Hobart International Airport Master Plan predicts that vehicle traffic using the airport will increase from the current figure of approximately 10,000 vehicles per day to 27,000 vehicles per day within 20 years as a result of increased passenger numbers, increased freight task and commercial development within the airport precinct. The predicted growth for HIAPL is discussed extensively in the 2015 Hobart Airport Master Plan (https://hobartairport.com.au/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/HIA_MasterPlan_FINAL_030316__compressed__smaller.pdf). The Master Plan identifies efficient and reliable ground transport to and from the airport as an essential component of the predicted growth.

Upgrading of the Holyman Avenue intersection was identified as part of a submission to the Nation Building 2 (NB2) Program in 2012 and has now been confirmed as a priority upgrade project for commencement of construction in 2017/18. The project became an election commitment at the 2016 Australian Government election and the Department of State Growth’s intention is to award a contract in January 2018 for construction of the new interchange.

Following a comprehensive options analysis process in November 2016 that investigated 11 different options, a signalised diamond interchange was selected as the preferred concept for the new interchange. Current and future traffic volumes indicate that grade separation of the Tasman Highway and Holyman Avenue is necessary in order to provide an acceptable level of service for the Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue Intersection. The current preferred concept design has a smaller footprint and contained entirely within the land that was acquired in 1992. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

The design for the project also needs to ensure that a connection is maintained to Cranston Parade which is a local road that provides access to 3 substantial land parcels to the west of the airport on the southern side of the Tasman Highway. Extensive investigation of available options for a relocated Cranston Parade determined that the most suitable option for Cranston Parade is a left turn in - left turn out arrangement connecting to the westbound on ramp (ramp connecting Hobart Airport to the Tasman Highway). This option is sub optimal from a traffic operation perspective but does enable Cranston Parade to be located where it does not impact on the identified areas of lowland grasslands.

Design Parameters for the Preferred Option are summarised below and drawings of the concept design are attached. Design Guidelines and Standards The concept design for the interchange has been developed using the guidelines and standards listed below: Department of State Growth - Standard Brief for Professional Services Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 3: Geometric Design Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 4A: Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6: Roadside Design, Safety and Barriers.

A design speed of 110 km/h has been adopted for the Tasman Highway and for the on and off ramps

A design speed of 60 km/h has been adopted for Holyman Avenue, Kennedy Drive and Cranston Parade Typical cross sections are provided in the attached concept design drawings. The key features are summarised below. Tasman Highway Lane widths 3.5 metres Outside shoulder 2.0 metres Inside shoulder 1.0 metre Existing Median 13 metres on western approach to Holyman Avenue narrowing to 8.0 m at Holyman Avenue New Median 8 metres at Holyman Avenue narrowing to 2.1 metres with a flexible safety barrier east of Holyman Avenue

Holyman Avenue/Kennedy Drive Lane widths 3.5 metres Shoulders 1.0 metre Median in 4 lane sections 2.1 metres

Cranston Parade Lane widths 3.0 metres Shoulders 1.0 metre

The concept design retains the existing horizontal alignment of the Tasman Highway for the section west of Holyman Avenue. At Holyman Avenue the existing median is 8 metres wide and heading east the design gradually transitions this median down to a width of 2.1 metres with a Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania flexible safety barrier.

Gradient The existing highway has a downgrade grade of approximately 2% from west to east and the concept design retains the highway at existing levels.

To achieve the required clearance for Tasman Highway traffic, Holyman Avenue needs to be lifted above the Tasman Highway by approximately 8 metres resulting in embankments on the approach to the new bridge of approximately 10 metres recognising that the existing highway is approximately 1.8 metres above natural surface. The gradient on both the Kennedy Drive and Holyman Avenue approaches to the structure is 3%. Maximum gradients on the ramps are Eastbound off ramp 3.8% Eastbound on ramp 3.6% Westbound off ramp 4.6% Westbound on ramp 3.9%

Construction The new interchange retains the Tasman highway at existing levels and requires lifting Holyman Avenue to pass over the Tasman Highway. Approximately 140,000 cubic metres of imported fill will be required to construct the elevated Holyman Avenue and connecting on and off ramps onto the Tasman Highway. Preliminary geotechnical investigation indicates that the underlying ground will be subject to settlement and ground improvement may be required to ensure that foundations for the new embankments are satisfactory. The new bridge taking Holyman Avenue over the Tasman Highway will be a forty metre long reinforced concrete structure four lanes wide with a design life of 100 years. Road pavements will be crushed rock with bituminous surfacing and a design life of 25 years. At the end of 25 years the pavements can be rehabilitated to extend their life. Road furniture includes safety barrier (wire rope, concrete barrier and galvanised steel), traffic lights, street lights on galvanised steel masts and road signs.

1.3 What is the extent and location of your proposed action? Use the polygon tool on the map below to mark the location of your proposed action.

Area Point Latitude Longitude

General area 1 -42.834021102144 147.48163017204 containing road proposal General area 2 -42.834021102144 147.48163017204 containing road proposal General area 3 -42.83350182928 147.48364719321 containing road Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Area Point Latitude Longitude proposal General area 4 -42.832195760062 147.48538526466 containing road proposal General area 5 -42.831881040461 147.48452695777 containing road proposal General area 6 -42.831424694193 147.4830463784 containing road proposal General area 7 -42.83114144309 147.48317512443 containing road proposal General area 8 -42.831707943997 147.48630794456 containing road proposal General area 9 -42.831692207931 147.48834642341 containing road proposal General area 10 -42.831109970665 147.49062093665 containing road proposal General area 11 -42.830307418417 147.49229463508 containing road proposal General area 12 -42.828576387893 147.49516996314 containing road proposal General area 13 -42.828780966754 147.49562057426 containing road proposal General area 14 -42.829205859147 147.49493392875 containing road proposal General area 15 -42.830700827684 147.49270233085 containing road proposal General area 16 -42.831550583155 147.4908140557 containing road proposal General area 17 -42.831865304438 147.48941930701 containing road proposal General area 18 -42.832242967863 147.48920473029 containing road proposal Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Area Point Latitude Longitude General area 19 -42.832447534588 147.49023469856 containing road proposal General area 20 -42.833863747191 147.49223026206 containing road proposal General area 21 -42.833989631185 147.49203714301 containing road proposal General area 22 -42.834823606169 147.48886140754 containing road proposal General area 23 -42.834855076703 147.48660835197 containing road proposal General area 24 -42.833895218214 147.48452695777 containing road proposal General area 25 -42.834430223145 147.48190912177 containing road proposal General area 26 -42.834021102144 147.48163017204 containing road proposal

1.5 Provide a brief physical description of the property on which the proposed action will take place and the location of the proposed action (e.g. proximity to major towns, or for off-shore actions, shortest distance to mainland).

The survey area (also referred to as the site) included a buffer around the confluence of four roads at the Holyman Avenue and Tasman Highway roundabout. This interchange services the main access to the Hobart International Airport located 25km east of Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart.

It is located in the Tasmanian South East bioregion[1] and within the jurisdiction of the Clarence City Council.

The locality of the proposed action is presented in Figure 1 (section 1.4) and the footprint is uploaded in GIS form.

In addition to the buffer around the existing roads, the survey area extended into adjacent Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania parcels owned by the Department of State Growth and the Commonwealth to allow for design considerations and provide some context on the populations and extent of threatened values within the footprint. The total survey area was 45.25 ha (Figure 2, section 1.4).

The site is essentially flat and occurs almost entirely below 5 m asl, with a small area in the northwest exceeding 10 m asl (Figure 2). Average annual rainfall is around 500 mm per year[2].

The land uses of the broader area include protected native vegetation, drainage easements, motorcycle tracks, fill storage and unformed tracks.

[1] IBRA7 - Commonwealth of Australia 2012

[2] Station details: Hobart Airport, Lower Derwent, Tasmania, 42.8339°S, 147.5033°E, 4m asl, commenced 1958

1.6 What is the size of the proposed action area development footprint (or work area) including disturbance footprint and avoidance footprint (if relevant)?

The total works area will cover 13.77 ha, but only 6.09 ha is within native vegetation requiring clearance

1.7 Is the proposed action a street address or lot?

Lot

1.7.2 Describe the lot number and title.various: 105979/1; 152451/1; 00579/3; 131042/22; 140647/104

1.8 Primary Jurisdiction.

Tasmania

1.9 Has the person proposing to take the action received any Australian Government grant funding to undertake this project?

Yes

1.9.1 Please provide details.

Upgrading of the Holyman Avenue intersection was identified as part of a submission to the Nation Building 2 (NB2) Program in 2012. The upgrade was also an Australian Government commitment at the July 2016 election and has now been confirmed as a priority upgrade project Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania for construction in 2018-2020.

1.10 Is the proposed action subject to local government planning approval?

Yes

1.10.1 Is there a local government area and council contact for the proposal?

Yes

1.10.1.0 Council contact officer details

1.10.1.1 Name of relevant council contact officer.

Ross Graham

1.10.1.2 E-mail [email protected]

1.10.1.3 Telephone Number

03 62179687

1.11 Provide an estimated start and estimated end date for the proposed action.

Start date 06/2018

End date 03/2020

1.12 Provide details of the context, planning framework and State and/or Local government requirements.

The Tasmanian Resource Management Plannnig System (RMPS) was established to achieve sustainable outcomes from the use and development of the State's natural and phyiscal resources. Several pieces of legislation embody the aims of the RMPS. Within the context of this devleopment proposal there a number of pieces of legislation that the development will be considered against:

Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA)

The proposal will require an application for a planning permit to the Clarence City Council under the Clarence Interim Planning Scheme 2015. The land is zoned Utilities and Light Industrial and is subject to the following overlays: Biodiversity Protection Area (Class High), Riverine Inundation Area and Airport Buffer Area. The application will be discretionary and subject to public exhibition requirements by Council with a right to appeal. A small part of the project site is Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania located within the airport site (Commonwealth land) and planning regulations under LUPAA do not apply (the land is unzoned). An application to the Airport Building Controller (ABC) must be made for approval of construction activities within the airport land.

-State Policies and Projects Act 1993

The State Policies and Projects Act 1993 establishes the process to put in place State Policies in relation to the Resource Management and Planning System of Tasmania. State policies seek to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach and incorporate the minimum amount of regulation necessary to achieve their objectives of managing natural resources. State Policies are implemented through their integration into Local Government Planning Schemes.

Currently there are three State Policies, State Coastal Policy 1996 (Coastal Policy), State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (Water Quality Policy) and the State Policy on Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 (PAL Policy).

Tasmanian State Coastal Policy

The purpose of the State Coastal Policy 1996 is to implement the sustainable development objectives of the RMPS in Tasmania’s coastal areas.

The Policy is based on the following three core principles that address these objectives:

• “Natural and cultural values of the coast shall be protected;

• The coast shall be used and developed in a sustainable manner; and

• Integrated management and protection of the coastal zone is a shared responsibility.”

The Coastal Policy is applicable to all Tasmanian State waters and land (excepting Macquarie Island) within one kilometre inland of the high-water mark.

The Coastal Policy is met to the extent that the works involve an upgrade to existing infrastructure. The infrastructure upgrade has been designed and sited in accordance with the Coastal Policy. It does not create new access to the coast and is sensitive to coastal natural and aesthetic values.

State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997

The purpose of the Water Quality Policy is to achieve the sustainable management of Tasmania’s surface water and groundwater resources by protecting or enhancing their qualities while allowing for sustainable development in accordance with the objectives of the RMPS.

Pursuant to the Water Quality Policy, the proposed development must comply with the relevant objectives of sections 33 Urban Runoff and 35 Road Construction and Maintenance. The Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania objectives of these sections are outlined below:

Section 33. Urban runoff

33.1 Regulatory authorities must require that erosion and storm water controls are specifically addressed at the design phase of proposals for new developments, and ensure that best practice environmental management is implemented at development sites.

Section 35. Road construction, maintenance and drainage

35.1.1 Road construction and maintenance operations will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines or code of best practice developed pursuant to this Policy, or employ other measures consistent with best practice environmental management, to prevent erosion and the pollution of streams and waterways by runoff from sites of road construction and maintenance.

The management measures that will be applied to ensure compliance with the Water Quality Policy include:

1. Construction areas will be clearly demarcated in contract documents so that disturbed areas are kept to a minimum and no unnecessary soil or vegetation disturbance occurs

2. Where required, erosion and sediment control measures such as silt stop fencing, sediment traps and erosion control matting will be installed prior to the commencement of construction activities

3. Overland drainage flow will be diverted away from disturbed areas and bare soil to outfalls with sediment traps to reduce the potential for erosion

4. Rehabilitation and revegetation of disturbed areas will occur as soon as practicable on completion of construction to reduce the potential for ongoing soil erosion to occur

5. Stockpiled materials will be managed to ensure that dust and potential runoff is minimised and does not enter watercourses

6. Erosion control measures and sediment traps will be regularly monitored; sediment material will be collected and disposed of on site.

7. Water sensitive urban design features will be incorporated where appropriate.

Impacts to threatened species including threatened flora, fauna and vegetation are considered under:

- Nature Conservation Act 2002 (NCA)

-Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA)

The purpose of the TSPA and NCA is to provide for the protection and management of Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania threatened native flora and fauna and to enable and promote the conservation of native flora and fauna. Under these acts, the crown can issue a 'permit to take' a threatened species for the planned acitivity.

1.13 Describe any public consultation that has been, is being or will be undertaken, including with Indigenous stakeholders.

The Department has consulted with stakeholders identified in the Department's Stakeholder Management Plan. This includes Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT), Clarence City Council, business operators, adjacent landowners, Hobart International Airport (HIAPL), Threatened Species Section of Department of Primary Industry Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), local members (state and commonwealth) and the Tasmaninan Minister for Infrastructure. Extensive consultation has occured with these stakeholder groups, noting key concerns and working with these groups to resolve issues. Through this consultation process, design has been ammended to meet stakeholder expectations and subsequently minimising the project footprint.

Consultation with Indgenous stakeholders was undertaken by AHT via the Aboriginal Heritage Officer (AHO) involved in the 2016 Aboriginal Heritage Survey. The AHO contacted the various local indigenous groups, informing them of the results of the survey. Where impacts are expected, community opinion was incorporated into the management recommendations. Note four listed Aboriginal heritage sites have been identified within the project footprint. Of these, three were isolated artefacts that were not relocated in the recent survey. Advice from AHT is that works should proceed under the conditions of an Unanticipated Discovery Plan. The fourth site was re-identified and was close but not expected to be impacted and will be barricaded during construction as per AHT's advice.

1.14 Describe any environmental impact assessments that have been or will be carried out under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation including relevant impacts of the project.

Road works are not a Level 2 activity under schedule 2 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) and therefore it is not necessary to notify the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). If the EPA considers that an activity requires assessment then the activity can be called in for assessment. This project has not been called in for assessment.

The project is not subject to a State Environmental Impact Assessment. However, environmental studies and assessments were required for approval under the relevant Acts discussed in section 1.12.

Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

1.15 Is this action part of a staged development (or a component of a larger project)?

1.16 Is the proposed action related to other actions or proposals in the region?

No Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 2 - Matters of National Environmental Significance

Describe the affected area and the likely impacts of the proposal, emphasising the relevant matters protected by the EPBC Act. Refer to relevant maps as appropriate. The interactive map tool can help determine whether matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by the EPBC Act are likely to occur in your area of interest. Consideration of likely impacts should include both direct and indirect impacts.

Your assessment of likely impacts should consider whether a bioregional plan is relevant to your proposal. The following resources can assist you in your assessment of likely impacts:

• Profiles of relevant species/communities (where available), that will assist in the identification of whether there is likely to be a significant impact on them if the proposal proceeds;

• Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance;

• Significant Impact Guideline 1.2 – Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land and Actions by Commonwealth Agencies.

2.1 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the values of any World Heritage properties?

2.2 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the values of any National Heritage places?

2.3 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the ecological character of a Ramsar wetland?

2.4 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the members of any listed species or any threatened ecological community, or their habitat?

Yes

2.4.1 Impact table

Species Impact Lowland temperate grasslands of Tasmania Context and site specifics The footprint includes Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact 0.91 ha of direct impact to this community and potentially 0.36 ha of indirect impact through edge effects and reduced patch size (Figure 3, section 2.14). The structurally simple community is dominated by a dense cover (up to 100 %) of robust tussocks of Poa labillardierei. Native herbs are diverse within the spaces between tussocks, with the most frequent including Senecio spp., Ranunculus pumilio var. pumilio, Linum marginale, Calocephalus citreus, Coronidium gunnianum, Epilobium billardierianum ssp. intermedium, Eryngium vesiculosum and Acaena spp. Small graminoids are also frequent, with Juncus amabilis and J. holoschoenus being the most abundant. The patch within the survey area is part of a broader system of native grasslands that cover an additional 57 ha beyond the study area but within 2.5 km of the footprint and which are ecologically connected (Figure 4, section 2.14). Beyond the current survey area, an additional 16.5 ha of this grassland system was found to qualify for EPBCA listing when last assessed (Figure 5, section 2.14), with further areas currently under assessment and around 3.5 ha of this considered likely to qualify based on preliminary data. Thus, based on current data, the lowland temperate grasslands in the area cover 29.98 ha in an ecologically contiguous patch. In terms of tenure, 25.01 ha of the EPBCA qualifying grassland in this system is on Commonwealth land and 4.97 on State land. All the EPBCA qualifying grassland on State land is under informal management plans operated by the Department of State Growth. Similarly, all of the EPBCA grasslands on the Hobart Airport Commonwealth land are managed as Ecologically Significant Areas in order to maintain the grassland values. In addition, the adjoining private property immediately to the west of Hobart Airport and 500 m south of the study area also supports an additional 20 ha of Poa grassland that has only recently been documented and has not yet been incorporated into TASVEG mapping. An assessment of that site undertaken in 2017 Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact confirmed 15 ha to qualify as EPBCA lowland grassland. The management plans referred to above concentrate and mowing regimes, woody weed removal, control of grassy weeds, and removal of native woody plants - all of which are aimed at maintaining grassland condition in accordance with EPBCA criteria. An example of one of the management plans is attached with this referral. The direct loss of 0.91 ha of EPBCA lowland grassland is thus relatively small at a local and State level. Nonetheless, based on the EPBCA guidelines for significant impacts to critically endangered communities, the proposal is at risk of a significant impact in relation to criteria covering the overall reduction in extent of the patch and the potential effects of fragmentation. Options are available to mitigate impacts to a degree that residual impacts do not constitute significant impacts under the EPBCA. Impact summary To mitigate and compensate for the impacts of fragmentation and increased edge effects, the isolated patch of 0.36 ha will be managed to maintain condition at the current level or better. It will be protected from disturbance during the construction phase and be managed through routine mowing and weed control thereafter. The remaining 3.7 ha of EPBCA grassland within land owned by State Growth (Figure 6, section 2.14) will be placed under a formal management agreement. Management priorities within this area will concentrate on the control of weeds and the suppression of woody shrubs and trees invading from the adjacent woodland. Management will include regular ecological monitoring and reporting to ensure the management is effective. The formal management agreement will be guaranteed for perpetuity under the appropriate mechanism. With this in place, the residual impacts from the direct loss of 0.91 ha are not considered to constitute a significant impact to the grassland system as a whole. This proposal has been conceived under advice from North Barker, who have designed and implemented informal management plans for grasslands in the area, Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact which will form the basis of the formal plans. In addition, the findings of North Barker were the impetus for a redesign from an earlier proposal that would have had a larger detrimental impact upon the lowland grassland community, particularly in the form of fragmentation, and was likely to result in a significant impact under the EPBCA (Figure 7, section 2.14). Thus, with this mitigation strategy in place, the impacts to lowland native grasslands of Tasmania are not considered to be significant. Subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh Context and site specifics The footprint includes only 0.03 ha of this community (Figure 3, section 2.14). The patch occurs in a saline area subject to tidal influence. It is dominated by graminoids between 30 cm and 1 m high, predominantly Austrostipa stipoides, with patches of Juncus kraussii ssp. australiensis and occasional Gahnia filum. Gaps between tussocks include small succulent or semi- succulent herbs such as Lobelia anceps, Samolus repens, Sarcocornia quinqueflora and Sebaea spp. Larger tussock free spaces occur in depressions dominated by Wilsonia backhousei and W. rotundifolia. The 0.03 ha section of saltmarsh within the footprint is merely the edge of a larger patch (> 14 ha) forming the relatively well drained landward edge of the Barilla Bay saltmarshes. The Barilla Bay area includes some of the largest saltmarshes mapped within the Clarence City Council, however over 500 ha are known in Clarence overall. Almost 5000 ha of the community is reserved within Tasmania, with over 8000 ha mapped as present in the State. Impact summary The proposed loss of 0.03 ha is a negligible loss of this community at all levels (i.e. local, regional, State, national). Communities listed as vulnerable do not get assessed against the EPBCA criteria for significant impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance, but the proposed impacts to this community would not breach significant impact guidelines even if assessed against the criteria for endangered and critically endangered communities. Thus, the impacts to Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh are not considered to be significant. Eastern barred bandicoot Perameles gunnii Context The eastern barred bandicoot is regarded as vulnerable at the national level primarily because of its near extinction on mainland Australia, which is largely due to introduced predators. The species is not listed as threatened in Tasmania and is thought to have a stable population despite an evident shift in distribution in relation to human land- use. The subspecies is most abundant in the south-eastern quarter of the State. The species is now most frequent in areas that have been lightly cleared for low density residential use and in areas of intermediate disturbance. The species favours a mosaic of open grassy areas for foraging, with thick vegetation cover (including weeds) for shelter and nesting. It is tolerant of a variety of human land-uses but the loss of ground cover can be detrimental to the persistence of the species at a local level. Site specifics The proposal is considered likely to impact potential habitat for this species. However, no observations of the species are known from within the proposed footprint or the broader survey area. In addition, no possible nests or bandicoot diggings were observed during on-ground assessments. However, four observation records are listed on the Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas from within 500 m of the footprint and habitat on site is suitable. The site is located within the area considered to be core range for the species as defined on the Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas as the area within the known range known to support the highest densities of the species and/or thought to be of greatest importance for the maintenance of breeding populations of the species. Impact summary The proposal area is likely to constitute part of a range for individuals of this species. However, the loss of 6.09 ha of native vegetation is not significant in the context of the hundreds of hectares of equivalent potential foraging habitat nearby (which includes essentially any native or semi-natural vegetation, as well as some non-natural Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact vegetation). Given that the proposal occurs within an already highly modified landscape, the proposal is unlikely to result in a meaningful change in habitat suitability to a species that is capable of utilising disturbed areas. It is possible that some sheltering sites may be lost within the footprint, so this will be compensated for by making new shelter sites with piles of cleared native woody plants (mostly black wattle Acacia mearnsii from within the NBA community). One new shelter site will be made for every hectare of habitat lost – totalling 6 new shelters. The constructed shelter sites will be located within or on the edges of the remaining NBA vegetation and will be a minimum of 2 cubic metres in size at the time of construction (they are likely to compact later). As the materials within the constructed shelters decompose the bandicoots will have time to find new shelter sites. The species has very temporary use of shelter sites anyway, and typically maintains multiple shelter points within a range. The deliberate retention of declared or environmental weeds during construction, to retain potential bandicoot habitat, is not favoured, due to the negative impacts of weeds on other values. Similarly, maintaining scattered piles of weed debris following weed control is considered likely to create an unsatisfactory risk of recolonisation of the weeds and potential distribution of their propagules. Direct impacts to individuals are extremely unlikely during construction. It is unlikely the proposed action will increase the likelihood of road mortality given that a highway and secondary roads are already present. Nonetheless, bandicoot awareness road signs will be placed within 1 km of the new sections of road to limit road kill. In addition, the artificial shelter sites will not be constructed within 10 m of any road edges. With this mitigation in place, the impacts to potential eastern barred bandicoot habitat are not considered to be significant and any population in the local area is highly likely to persist. Tasmanian masked owl Tyto novaehollandiae Context The Tasmanian masked owl is Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact endemic to Tasmania. The species inhabits a diverse range of forests and woodlands, including agricultural and forest mosaics. Highest densities occur in the east and the north of the State, with lowest densities at elevations above 600 m ASL. Particularly favoured are forests with relatively open understorey, especially when this habitat adjoins areas of open or cleared land. Nesting occurs in large tree hollows (? 15 cm entrance diameter) of living or dead trees, sometimes in vertical spouts or limbs but generally in the main trunk. The presence of such trees is thus used to define habitat value. Potential habitat for the masked owl is defined as all areas that have trees with large hollows (? 15 cm entrance diameter), with trees over 100 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) having a higher probability of containing such hollows. Significant habitat includes native dry forest areas that contain trees with large hollows (? 15 cm entrance diameter). Remnants and paddock trees in agricultural areas may also constitute significant habitat if they include large old hollow-bearing trees. Threats to the masked owl are habitat clearing and fragmentation, loss of nesting habitat through tree dieback, competition for tree hollows, secondary poisoning and collision mortality. Site specifics The proposal area is within the known distribution of the masked owl, with verified observations of the species known from within 500 m of the footprint, based on historic record of nesting in the Milford property the far side of Hobart Airport. The species has a moderate likelihood of occasionally using the proposal area for foraging only. Because the footprint contains little woodland or forest, it is only marginally suitable foraging habitat and unsuitable for nesting. No viable nesting hollows are present on site and none will be impacted by the proposal. Impact summary Given that the proposal occurs within an already highly modified landscape, the proposal is unlikely to result in a meaningful change in foraging habitat suitability to a species that is Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact capable of using disturbed habitats and ecotones. No potential breeding sites will be impacted. As the proposed action will not impact on any breeding habitat, nor significantly impact foraging habitat, the proposal will not lead to a decrease in the current population, disrupt the breeding cycle or adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species. Furthermore, the proposal will not increase vectors for the spread of pests and diseases that could impact on the species. Therefore, the proposal will not have a significant impact on the Tasmanian masked owl and is not considered to warrant specific mitigation. Dasyuridae species: Eastern quoll Dasyurus Context The eastern quoll was once viverrinus Spotted-tail quoll Dasyurus widespread across south-eastern Australia. It maculatus ssp. maculatus Tasmanian devil disappeared from the mainland in the 1960s. Sarcophilus harrisii Today, it is only found in the wild in Tasmania, where it remains widespread and not listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The species occurs in a range of vegetation types including open grassland (including farmland), tussock grassland, grassy woodland, dry eucalypt forest, coastal scrub and alpine heathland, but is typically absent from large tracts of wet eucalypt forest and rainforest. The spotted- tailed quoll is a medium-sized carnivorous marsupial found mostly in forest habitats in south-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. Priority habitat for the species is lowland, high-rainfall forest across the north of Tasmania. The Tasmanian devil is distributed naturally throughout mainland Tasmania, with a broad ecological niche enabling it to occur within a variety of habitats and disturbance levels. The core habitat of the species comprises the low to moderate annual rainfall zone of the east and northwest of the State, including the eastern half of the State, the northern coastal region and a narrow strip down the west coast. The devil is listed on both the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 primarily due to the ongoing population Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact decline attributed to Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). The species is thought to be relatively resilient to habitat change and fragmentation due to high levels of mobility (large home range size) and a lack of habitat preferences. Use of habitat for foraging is largely driven by the presence of prey, whereas suitable denning habitat can be sparse in some areas. As a result, the protection of denning sites and avoiding impacts to breeding individuals are the primary focuses of management efforts and impact mitigation. Site specifics The proposal area is within the known geographical and ecological range of these species, but only the eastern quoll and Tasmanian devil have verified observations within 5 km of the footprint, with the most recent of these from 2010. No evidence of any of these species was detected during the ecological assessments for the proposal, nor are any suitable denning structures apparent in the survey area. As these species are not typically associated with treeless periurban environments in the southeast, it is unlikely the site is used for anything more than dispersal of juveniles or occasional foraging. The site is thus best treated as marginal potential habitat. Impact summary Given the proposal occurs within an already highly modified landscape, it is unlikely to result in a meaningful change in foraging habitat suitability to these species. Even if the site constituted good habitat, because the species are generalists, the loss of 6.09 ha of native vegetation is not significant in the context of the hundreds of hectares of equivalent potential foraging habitat nearby. No suspected dens will be impacted by the proposal and the site is unsuitable for denning due to regular inundation. Nonetheless, if potential dens for these species are identified within 50 m of the impact area during works, appropriate advice will be sought on a course of action from DPIPWE and/or consultant ecologists. In this scenario, an appropriate course of action is likely to involve an activity assessment of the potential den, camera Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact monitoring, and potentially decommissioning if the den was confirmed to be vacant. No active dens of any of these species will be at any risk of being impacted. As the proposed action will not impact on any known or potential breeding sites for the species, and will result in only negligible changes in potential foraging habitat availability, the project will not: lead to a decrease in any population, disrupt a breeding cycle of a population, or adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species. The proposal will not conceivably reduce prey availability to the species. Similarly, it will not introduce any changes to land-use that could be expected to increase the likelihood of interaction with introduced species or pathogens. The proposal is within the range of confirmed DFTD occurrence. The scheme will introduce no changes that could increase the rate of infection or increase the mortality rates of infected devils. Nor will any other potential pathogens conceivably be introduced by the proposal. Thus, the impacts to potential dasyurid habitat are not considered to be significant.

2.4.2 Do you consider this impact to be significant?

Yes

2.5 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the members of any listed migratory species, or their habitat?

Yes

2.5.1 Impact table

Species Impact Gallinago hardwickii Context This species is a non-breeding migrant within Tasmania. It is capable of using non- natural habitats, such as inundated pasture, and as a result is widespread across most of the State. Primary habitat however is Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Species Impact permanent and ephemeral wetlands (including tidal flats), as well as highland grasslands and sedgelands. The species has a naturally fragmented population due to high mobility and the distribution of wet habitats across the landscape. Site specifics This species was not recorded within the footprint during assessments, but is known to occur within 500 m. Suitable habitat for the species is present within the 'Lowland temperate grasslands of Tasmania' community, which may be used for occasional foraging, but is suboptimal for roosting. The site is not considered to constitute important habitat for the species under the definitions of EPBCA Policy Statement 3.21, because it is unlikely to support at least 18 individuals of the species. Based on our observations of the habitat and knowledge of the species elsewhere, the site is likely to be utilised by 2-4 birds occasionally, and as a standalone site would not be sufficient to support a single bird. Impact summary Less than 1 ha of potential snipe foraging habitat will be lost to the footprint of the proposal. This is considered to be a negligible loss given the widespread distribution of the species (including habitat within numerous reserves) and the tens of hectares of equivalent suitable habitat that will remain within south-eastern Tasmania. No direct impacts are conceivable during works and this is not considered to warrant specific mitigation. The proposal is not likely to measurably effect the likelihood of the species utilising the site in the future nor have a detrimental impact on habitat suitability. Because of these factors, and the fact that the site does not support important habitat, the proposal does not constitute a significant impact under the EPBCA Policy Statement 3.21 guidelines. Thus, the proposal will not have a significant impact on the Lathams snipe.

2.5.2 Do you consider this impact to be significant? Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

2.6 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a marine environment (outside Commonwealth marine areas)?

2.7 Is the proposed action to be taken on or near Commonwealth land?

Yes

2.7.1 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the Commonwealth land?

Yes

2.7.2 Describe the nature and extent of the likely impact on the whole of the environment.

Only a small portion (0.16 ha) of the direct impact to native vegetation is within Commonwealth land, on a parcel leased to the Hobart Airport (HRN59). The same parcel includes 0.17 ha of the potential indirect impact area (Figure 8 in section 2.14). These impacts are within the lowland temperate grasslands of Tasmania community and thus already taken into account with the mitigation strategy for that community. Similarly, the areas within Commonwealth land include equivalently small portions (< 0.16 ha direct and < 0.17 ha indirect) of the habitat for the TSPA listed flora Calocephalus citreus, Juncus amabilis, Ranunculus pumilio var. pumilio and Senecio squarrosus. The extent of habitat for each of these species within the area of Commonwealth land is considered to be negligible given that the impacts will already be accounted for as part of the overall footprint and assessment through local and State Government Acts pertaining to these species. No unique impacts to natural values occur within the area of Commonwealth land, nor will including a small amount of Commonwealth land in the proposal result in any unique facilitated or indirect impacts.

2.7.3 Do you consider this impact to be significant?

2.8 Is the proposed action taking place in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

2.9 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on a water resource related to coal/gas/mining?

2.10 Is the proposed action a nuclear action? Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

2.11 Is the proposed action to be taken by the Commonwealth agency?

2.12 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a Commonwealth Heritage Place Overseas?

2.13 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on a water resource related to coal/gas/mining?

No Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 3 - Description of the project area

Provide a description of the project area and the affected area, including information about the following features (where relevant to the project area and/or affected area, and to the extent not otherwise addressed in Section 2).

3.1 Describe the flora and fauna relevant to the project area.

The project footprint was assessed for ecological implications by North Barker Ecosystem Services (2017 – attached in section 3.1.1), who have also monitored and/or assessed parts of the site and nearby areas on several occasions over the course of the past 26 years. DPIPWE databases have been consulted for data from the broader surrounds out to a 5 km radius.

Vegetation

Native vegetation types were mapped across the site in accordance with units defined in TASVEG 3.0 and checked against EPBCA listed ecological communities.

The following native vegetation types are found within the development footprint (TASVEG codes):

Saline sedgeland/rushland (ARS) – 0.03 ha;

Eucalyptus viminalis – E. globulus coastal forest and woodland (DVC) – 0.8 ha;

Lowland Poa labillardierei grassland (GPL) – 0.91 ha; and

Bursaria – Acacia woodland and scrub (NBA) – 4.33 ha.

Over 20 ha of the survey area (which extended beyond the footprint for context and design considerations) is human-modified land that has already been cleared for various uses, but mostly for the existing road network.

EPBCA status of vegetation

The extent of GPL within the footprint qualifies as EPBCA critically endangered 'lowland native grasslands of Tasmania'.

The 0.03 ha of ARS meets the criteria for the EPBCA vulnerable 'subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh’ ecological community.

Context of vegetation communities

The study area supports a greater extent of all communities outside the footprint of the Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania development. Therefore, no communities will be significantly impacted even at the local context.

In relation to the two EPBCA listed communities:

The 0.03 ha section of subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh within the footprint is merely the edge of a larger patch (> 14 ha) forming the relatively well drained landward edge of the Barilla Bay saltmarshes. The Barilla Bay area includes some of the largest saltmarshes mapped within the Clarence City Council, however over 500 ha are known in Clarence overall. Almost 5000 ha of the community is reserved within Tasmania, with over 8000 ha mapped as present in the State.

The patch of lowland native grasslands of Tasmania within the survey area is part of a broader system of Poa dominated grasslands that cover more than 75 ha within 2.5 km of the footprint (Figure 4, section 2.14). Beyond the current survey area, an additional 31 ha of this grassland system was found to qualify for EPBCA listing when last assessed (Figure 5, section 2.14). Up to 4,100 ha of this community is reserved in Tasmania, with up to 21,000 ha in the State overall.

Flora within project area

A total of 285 vascular plant taxa were recorded during the ecological assessment. Over a third of the site diversity was from introduced taxa, which were concentrated within the areas of human modified land.

No plant species listed on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are known from within the footprint or broader survey area.

Six species listed as ‘rare’ under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) have been recorded from the footprint the distributions of which are documented within North Barkers report:

Austrostipa scabra - 115 plants were observed on an existing road edge. Calocephalus citreus - the footprint intersects with 1.2 ha of habitat for this species, which includes part of a population that has been monitored for 26 years and has been found to fluctuate in number between 10,000 and 60,000. Calculations by North Barker suggest that the direct impact footprint represents a loss equivalent to 9,870 plants. Haloragis heterophylla - around 135 m2 of this rhizomatous species occurs within the impact area, but with less than 1 % ground cover in this patch. Juncus amabilis - around 170 plants will be lost due to the proposal, with c. 700 remaining in the immediate surrounds and many thousands more in southeast Tasmania. Ranunculus pumilio var. pumilio – around 0.65 ha of habitat for this species will be lost to direct impacts, which North Barker have calculated to represent an equivalent loss of 60 plants based on the past seasons abundance. But in most seasons the species is absent from the site, with over 20 years of absence in the 26 year monitoring period. Senecio squarrosus - around 6 % (0.8 ha) of the area of the 13.1 ha population will be lost due to the proposal. Based on this seasons population estimate, this amounts to an equivalent of 300 plants, out of population with over 5000 plants.

North Barker documented that each of these species occurs beyond the footprint and that the Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania potential impacts from the direct impact footprint are not expected to result in any local extinctions. Indeed, it is expected that DPIPWE in their assessment of these losses will only require an offset for the impacts to C. citreus and that this will be in the form of direct replacement of plants.

Other threatened flora species are known within 500 m of the footprint but are not at risk of impacts from the proposal and are not likely to have been overlooked within the footprint.

Fauna within project area

No threatened fauna species have been recorded from the site, despite a targeted survey for the TSPA vulnerable tussock skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri). The site is not considered to contain any critical habitat elements that are likely to impact the persistence of threatened fauna species within the local area. Species such as the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) and Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) may utilise the site, but this is unlikely to be significantly impacted by the proposal nor to trigger any legislation. Further discussion of any relevant fauna is presented in section 2.

3.2 Describe the hydrology relevant to the project area (including water flows).

The upper reaches of the catchment are defined by the ridgeline of the Meehan Range with the highest part being Mount Rumney, and this part of the catchment is generally steep forested land. At the foothills of the range, the land is largely developed into 1.0 to 2.0 ha semi-rural allotments. Acton Road and Estate Drive cut the catchment.

The land between the semi rural allotments, Holyman Drive and the proposed roadworks is considerably flatter with some limited semi-rual development. The land immediately adjacent to the roadworks is extremely flat and low lying. Inspection suggests the land adjacent to the highway and immediately west of Holyman Drive acts as a natural detention basin and attenuates peak stormwater flows before they discharge into Barilla Bay and Pittwater respectively.

Catchment assessment

The catchment delineation was based on LiDAR information available for the area around the Hobart airport. Times of concentration for each catchment were estimated based on a combination of Friend’s equation for sheet flow and combination of stream velocity method and simplified Izzard’s equation for concentrated channel flows where appropriate.

The catchment gradient is relatively flat for the non-paved areas. The paved areas are mainly the road surface and some industrial buildings. Most of the flow follows open drains along the road side and are of low gradient typically 0.2-0.5%.

Catchment sizes for the larger areas are a rough estimate due to insufficient data further from the site such as which direction industrial runoff is forced. The catchments were sized from the proposed road design surface. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Values for depression storages were 1mm for paved areas and 5mm for grassed areas. Runoff coefficients (c10 paved 0.9, c10 pervious 0.3), Manning’s roughness (0.025 grass swale, 0.013 concrete pipes), Horton’s coefficients (0.015 paved, unpaved 0.045), were determined in accordance with Australian Rainfall and Runoff procedures.

Drainage requirements

With the proposed road design, several additional culverts will be required. The increase in flow north of Kennedy drive/Tasman Highway that flows into the large open drain is estimated to increase flow by 12%. The area to the south of the intersection will flow first under the re-aligned Cranston Parade which will require only minimum 375 diameter pipes due to large detention capacity. The flow then moves to the Llanherne Golf course and eventually under the airport runway. This additional flow added to the catchment area is insignificant as the catchment is approximately 1000 hectares, has a large storage capacity and already has roughly 50ha of paved areas.

To mitigate the increased flow on the northern side, the open drain flow on the northern side of the highway towards the Kennedy drive intersection was reassessed as flowing on the northern side of the ramp bank then under Kennedy drive and an appropriate pipe culvert size selected to allow detention against the bank. The area behind the bank allows a natural detention basin and will only flood the area in the Major storm event (while remaining well below the road level).

Conclusion

The results of the drainage assessment are summarised below:

The increased flow on the northern side of the Tasman Highway can be mitigated by appropriate sizing and location of pipes under Kennedy drive to allow detention behind the banks where the Tasman Highway and Kennedy drive meet. This can be achieved through the natural attenuation of flow through the low-lying lands and appropriate sizing of culverts.

Space is available to create a detention basin on the northern side of the intersection of Kennedy Drive and the off-on ramps to the Tasman Highway. If detention is required, outflow from the basin can be controlled by a low weir.

The increase in flow on the southern side is relatively insignificant at the location of the airport runway and can be ignored. The catchment is already large with significant paved areas and the additional flow from the increased road area is very small and assessed at less than 1%. Given the margin of error in undertaking hydrologic assessments, this amount is inconsequential.

There is likely to sufficient remnant land between the interchange roadways to provide areas to treat pavement runoff to an extent that the biological values on site and nearby will not be detrimentally impacted. This should include ground water and surface water. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

3.3 Describe the soil and vegetation characteristics relevant to the project area.

Soil within the site is comprised primarily of black, alkaline, cracking clay known as black vertosol. Although similar to soils derived from basalt, black vertosols are Quaternary depositions of Jurassic dolerite colluvium. Black vertosols develop in depressions and lower landscape positions. The site also includes other soils of Quaternary origin, such as wind deposited sediments. These distinct soil types support distinct vegetation and habitat characteristics. At this site the vertosols are largely dominated by grassland communities, while the woodlands and saltmarsh communities occur mostly on the Quaternary sediments.

The geological map 1:25.000 scale shows that the area is predominantly underlain by Tertiary and quaternary sediments of marine and aeolian origin.

Boreholes, Cone Penetrometer Tests (CPT) and test pits were conducted in the area. The soils are mainly composed of sandy clays and clayey sands to a depth of 30 m below ground level. Test pits assessments have identified some minor elements of coarser sands and gravels at approximately 2.5 to 4 meters depth.

Water inflow was registered at depth between 2.3 and 3.5 m in the test pits.

The proposed project is in a coastal area and the Australian Height Data (AHD) is approximately 8 m or lower. The project is likely to disturb surface material and the probability of occurrence of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS), according to the Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils map provided by the Tasmanian Government on theList website, is high (70% or greater).

For these reasons, field sampling at the depths of 0.25m, 0.50m, 0.75m and 1m below ground level were undertaken and the soil samples will be tested to assess the presence of ASS. These results are pending. Once these tests have been received a general assessment of the likelihood of the distribution of potential ASS will be made.

The Tasmanian Acid Sulfate Soil Management Guidelines, provide technical and procedural advice in terms of prevention, assistance on environmental management and decision-making to industries, local governments and the community. If the laboratory analysis results confirm the presence of ASS, an ASS Management Plan will need to be developed prior to construction works commencing.

3.4 Describe any outstanding natural features and/or any other important or unique values relevant to the project area.

Two sites of regional or global geoconservation significance are found within 2000 m of the proposal area. The sites are the Llanherne Pleistocene Aeolian Deposit and the Seven Mile Beach Spit.

The Llanherne deposit is a small feature found between 950 and 1 km to the northeast of the Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania footprint. This outcrop is significant due to the preserved suite of well-developed sedimentary structures; trace fossil burrows; and a palaeosol which give important scientific insight into the palaeoenvironment of the Coal River Basin. Possibly the most significant earth-features within this site include the 8-10 m artificial section which exposes a suite of aeolian sedimentary structures within the basal sequence of the dune. Although exposures of colder climate aeolian deposits in the forms of calcareous aeolianites have been noted along the Victorian and South Australian coastline, aeolian exposures of this quality are considerably less common in siliceous dunes. The proposal will have no possible impacts on this feature as it is well beyond the footprint.

The Seven Mile Beach Spit is listed as being a notable example of a sand spit. It is a minimum of 1300 m from any point of the proposal and will not experience any detrimental impacts from the proposal.

The closest dedicated formal nature reserve is the Pitt Water Nature Reserve (which forms part of the Ramsar listed Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon. This site is a minimum of 300 m from the footprint, at which point is the existing highway and this will not markedly change under the current proposal.

3.5 Describe the status of native vegetation relevant to the project area.

One vegetation community, Eucalyptus viminalis – E. globulus coastal forest and woodland, is a listed threatened community under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002 (NCA).

Saline sedgeland/rushland is not listed on the NCA but corresponds to the EPBCA vulnerable ecological community ‘subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh’.

Similarly, whilst no grasslands are listed on the NCA, some of the GPL and GCL on site correspond to the EPBCA critically endangered ‘lowland native grasslands of Tasmania’ where they meet the condition criteria and the key diagnostic traits, as discussed in more detail in section 2 and the assessment by North Barker.

3.6 Describe the gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area) relevant to the project area.

The site is essentially flat and occurs almost entirely below 5 m asl, with a small area in the northwest exceeding 10 m asl (Figure 2, section 1.4). The interchange configuration requires Holymand Drive to be lifted by approximately 8 metres to provide sufficient clearance for the bridge over the Tasman Highway. The four connecting ramps (eastbound off ramp from highway to the airport, eastbound on ramp from Holyman Drive to the highway, westbound off ramp from highway to airport and westbound on ramp from airport to the highway)also need to be elevated to join in to the new elevated Holyman Drive. Profiles and cross sections for the new elevated roads are shown on the attached Airport Interchange Concept Design Drawings The footprint of the new embankments covers an area of approximately 40,000 square metres Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania and the new embankment for Holyman Drive will have a maximum width of 60 metres at the approaches to the new bridge.

3.7 Describe the current condition of the environment relevant to the project area.

Native vegetation within the proposal area is in moderate to good condition, but the overall condition of the area is impacted by the prevalence of human modified land and ongoing human use, including the existing highway and adjoining roads linking to an industrial area. From a flora and fauna perspective, the most apparent limitation on the condition of the environment is the presence of weeds.

Although many of the 120 taxa of introduced plants recorded during the ecological assessments for this proposal are widespread species with limited capacity to displace natives, ten taxa classified as declared weeds under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 were observed within the project area. Of these, three species are also listed as Weeds of National Significance. Each of these species were concentrated along the northern edge of the existing highway, as demonstrated in the report by North Barker.

Declared weeds:

Carduus pycnocephalus slender thistleErica lusitanica Spanish heathFoeniculum vulgare fennelLepidium draba hoary cress/white weedMarrubium vulgare horehound

Weeds of National Significance:

Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera boneseedCytisus scoparius English broomGenista monspessulana canary broomLycium ferocissimum African boxthornRubus fruticosus blackberry

Other introduced species:

One other declared weed, Allium vineale, has a verified observation within 500 m of the footprint (by North Barker) and another, Eragrostis curvula, has recently been eradicated under the authority of State Growth due to risk of invasion of the adjacent native grasslands. Indeed, the grasslands themselves have been the subject of much weed control under the direction of State Growth, with the removal of large numbers of woody weeds largely responsible for the current condition of the patches within State Growth land.

Environmental weeds known from the project area include Chamaecytisus palmensis, Cotoneaster spp., Paraserianthes lophantha and Psoralea pinnata.

In addition to weeds, other introduced species known to occur within the local area of the proposed action include feral cats Felis catus, European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, brown hares Lepus capensis, various birds and ubiquitous rodents.

Pathogens: Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

The Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas identifies no known biosecurity risks within 1 km of the footprint. The site is not considered to be climatically or ecologically suitable for the expression of Phytophthora species, myrtle wilt (Chalara australis) or myrtle rust. The chytrid frog fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis could be present in the area simply due to the high levels of human modification, but given there is no suitable habitat for threatened frog species this would be of little consequence.

3.8 Describe any Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values relevant to the project area.

Australia's National Heritage List was consulted to determine whether there were any Commonwealth Heritage Places were contained within the project area. No federally listed heritage values were identifed within the project area. A search of the Tasmanian Heritage Management System, managed by Heritage Tasmania, was also consulted and no state listed European heritage values were identified in the project area.

3.9 Describe any Indigenous heritage values relevant to the project area.

There are state recognised Indigenous heritage values within the project area. This was based on advice received from Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT). Subsequently an Aboriginal Heritage survey was conducted for the Holyman Avenue project footprint in 2016. The report and survey was undertaken by CHMA. According to AHT, there were three known sites on file. However only one known site was actually identified during the survey. The extent of this site falls outside the area impacted by the project. The site will be barricaded during construction to ensure that it is not impacted. AHT advice and the CHMA report and survey are attached as appendices to this application.

3.10 Describe the tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold) relevant to the project area.

The action area applies to Crown land (road reserve and adjacent land) and Commonwealth land (airport). No private land is affected.

3.11 Describe any existing or any proposed uses relevant to the project area. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Part of the area is an existing road corridor; the other areas abutting this are classified as rural resource and light industrial. Land uses within these areas include managed native vegetation, drainage easements, motorcycle tracks, fill storage and unformed tracks. The proposal is not expected to facilitate or influence any land-use changes beyond the footprint. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 4 - Measures to avoid or reduce impacts

Provide a description of measures that will be implemented to avoid, reduce, manage or offset any relevant impacts of the action. Include, if appropriate, any relevant reports or technical advice relating to the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Examples of relevant measures to avoid or reduce impacts may include the timing of works, avoidance of important habitat, specific design measures, or adoption of specific work practices.

4.1 Describe the measures you will undertake to avoid or reduce impact from your proposed action.

Planning and design phase

State Growth commissioned comprehensive environmental surveys to assess impacts of the project and inform mitigation strategies. The outcomes of the ecological assessment resulted in a redesign of the footprint to minimise the direct overlap with the critically endangered lowland native grasslands of Tasmania community. Given the road corridor available for the design of the road duplication there were constraints on the degree to which the grasslands could be avoided. Several options were worked through to minimise impacts whilst maintaining road safety and engineering standards. Engineering measures such as altering the steepness of batters and sharpness of bends were implemented during the design refinement phase to further minimise impacts. Through this process of refining design, State Growth has reduced the area of impact to Lowland temperate grasslands of Tasmania (TNLG) from a potential 2.59 hectares with an earlier design (as reported in the North Barker assessment) to 1.27 hectares. The 1.27 hectare estimated area of impact includes 0.36 hectares of indirect impact and 0.91 hectares of direct impact.

In addition to informing the project design, data from the flora and fauna surveys will be uploaded into the Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas and can thus be used to inform any future developments or conservation assessments in the area.

Threatened species approvals

There are some unavoidable direct impacts to several species listed as rare under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Impacts to these species will require a permit from the State Department of Primary Industries Water and Environment (DPIPWE). Assessment of the permit application will take into consideration the proposed magnitude of losses in relation to the number of plants nearby, the likelihood of population persistence, and species adaptability to disturbance. If deemed necessary, DPIPWE will issue the permit with conditions requiring the offsetting of impacts to an extent that residual impacts are acceptably small. Similarly, assessment under the Land Use and Approvals Act through the local council will consider threatened flora, threatened fauna and vegetation removal. Through this process Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania several MNES will have impacts assessed through the local planning scheme, which in some cases, such as the eastern barred bandicoot (a species which is not listed as threatened in Tasmania), may be a more appropriate assessment with respect to the local context.

Construction commitments and ongoing management

Threatened vegetation and flora management

The remaining main patch (3.7 ha) of lowland native grasslands of Tasmania and Bursaria- Acacia woodland (as specified in Figure 6, section 2.14) will be entered into perpetual formal management agreements under the most appropriate mechanism. The management agreements will detail measures and frequencies of weed control, threatened flora species management, and woody shrub and tree control as appropriate. Existing informal management plans devised by North Barker for the broader will be used a guideline for the new formal plans (see attached plan in section 4.3). Management will include regular ecological monitoring and reporting to ensure the management is effective. This will yield data that will be uploaded to the Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas and will aid future conservation and development assessments.The area of indirectly impacted 0.36 ha of lowland native grasslands of Tasmania will be managed as specified within the assessment by North Barker, but it is not practical for such a small area in this location to be protected under a formal agreement.

Threatened fauna mitigation

Eastern barred bandicoot

It is possible that some sheltering sites for this species may be lost within the footprint. To compensate for this, new shelter sites will be constructed with piles of cleared native woody plants (mostly black wattle Acacia mearnsii from within the NBA community) placed within the areas of the new management agreements. One new shelter site will be made for every hectare of native habitat lost – totalling 6 new shelters. The constructed shelter sites will be located within or on the edges of the remaining NBA vegetation and will be a minimum of 2 cubic metres in size at the time of construction (they are likely to compact later).

It is unlikely the proposal will increase the likelihood of road mortality given that a highway and secondary roads are already present. Nonetheless, bandicoot awareness road signs will be placed within 1 km of the new sections of road in an attempt to limit road kill. In addition, the artificial shelter sites will not be constructed within 10 m of any road edges.

Dasyurid species – Tasmanian devil, eastern quoll, spotted-tailed quoll

No suspected threatened fauna dens will be impacted by the proposal and the site is unsuitable for denning due to regular inundation. Nonetheless, if potential dens for species such as the Tasmanian devil, the eastern quoll and/or the spotted-tailed quoll are identified within 50 m of the impact area during works, appropriate advice will be sought on a course of action from DPIPWE and/or consultant ecologists. In this scenario, an appropriate course of action is likely to involve an activity assessment of the potential den, camera monitoring, and potentially decommissioning if the den was confirmed to be vacant. No active dens of any of these species Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania will be at any risk of being impacted.

In the works contract

A Vegetation Management Plan will be prepared for the contract area to ensure retained values are protected and appropriately managed during the period of the contract. Specifically:threatened values that are not permitted to be impacted will be identified in the contract specifications and deemed exclusion areas during operations, andareas will be delineated for the storing and movement of materials and machinery to avoid further impact to threatened values.A Weed Management Plan will be prepared to control ‘declared’ weeds throughout the works area and environmental weeds within patches of native vegetation. Specifically, the plan will:plan for targeted pre-works control to reduce propagule pressure during works;ensure excavated soil from weed affected areas is not spread to weed free areas and preferably is buried beneath 500 mm of fill;include prescriptions for hygiene measures during work; andallow for targeted weed treatment on completion of works and during follow-up. This should include annual weed control on the site for up to five years following completion, to specifically target weeds that have exploited the disturbances associated with earthworks.

Regulatory commitment by State Growth

State Growth will be responsible for any auditing and reporting in accordance with relevant permit conditions.

Additional considerations

If the contractor identifies additional areas for disturbance during works, these will be assessed appropriately and permits amended if necessary.

4.2 For matters protected by the EPBC Act that may be affected by the proposed action, describe the proposed environmental outcomes to be achieved.

Outcome 1: Unavoidable residual impacts to the critically endangered lowland native grasslands of Tasmania community will be compensated by managing the remaining extent of the community patch on State Growth land, with the main remaining patch to be placed under a formal agreement – this will ensure the ecological integrity of the patch by controlling weeds, monitoring threatened flora, and suppressing woody plant growth. Without management, the patch would be almost certain to degrade in condition due to weed infestation and woody plants colonisation.

Outcome 2: No other threatened flora or threatened ecological communities will be significantly impacted by works.

Outcome 3: There will not be a meaningful decline in habitat quality or availability to any threatened fauna potentially within the footprint, particularly in regard to critical habitat elements required for breeding. The creation of habitat shelters for the eastern barred bandicoot will enhance nesting habitat. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Outcome 4: No population of threatened species will have their breeding cycle interrupted by works.

Outcome 5: There will be no significant detrimental impacts on MNES as a result of the operation of the proposal following works.

Outcome 6: There will be improved biodiversity data sets for the area available from the management and monitoring to be undertaken. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 5 – Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts

A checkbox tick identifies each of the matters of National Environmental Significance you identified in section 2 of this application as likely to be a significant impact.

Review the matters you have identified below. If a matter ticked below has been incorrectly identified you will need to return to Section 2 to edit.

5.1.1 World Heritage Properties

5.1.2 National Heritage Places

5.1.3 Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar Wetlands)

5.1.4 Listed threatened species or any threatened ecological community

Listed threatened species and communities - Yes

5.1.5 Listed migratory species

5.1.6 Commonwealth marine environment

5.1.7 Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land

5.1.8 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

5.1.9 A water resource, in relation to coal/gas/mining

No Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

5.1.10 Protection of the environment from nuclear actions

5.1.11 Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions

5.1.12 Commonwealth Heritage places overseas

5.2 If no significant matters are identified, provide the key reasons why you think the proposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act and therefore not a controlled action.

The key reasons why the proposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on MNES are:

There is only one confirmed MNES (lowland native grasslands of Tasmania) within the footprint and the design area investigated by North Barker; Measures of direct avoidance of this MNES were applied during the planning and design phase as informed by the ecological assessment; Additional management measures have been proposed to reduce the residual impacts on this community to an acceptable level in the context of the local grassland ecosystem as a whole; Some MNES with potential habitat within the footprint are not considered likely to experience significant impacts due to their ecological resilience to disturbance of the proposed nature, and/or due to the only minor potential impacts that may result; and To further reduce potential impacts on other MNES that have potential habitat within the footprint, mitigation measures will be applied as specified during the construction and operating phases to protect their habitats from unnecessary impacts.

These reasons mean that the proposal will not significantly impact any EPBCA listed flora or ecological communities. Potential impacts to EPBCA listed fauna will be limited to minor amounts of potential habitat loss, with no potential significant impacts in relation to breeding activities or population viabilities. Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 6 – Environmental record of the person proposing to take the action

Provide details of any proceedings under Commonwealth, State or Territory law against the person proposing to take the action that pertain to the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

6.1 Does the person taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible environmental management? Please explain in further detail.

The Department of State Growth has a proven track record of applying best management practices on environmental issues. The following projects are a testimony to Department of State Growth practice:

-Bass Highway, Ulverstone to Penguin Stages 1 and 2

-Construction of McGees Bridge at Sorell, including management of issues related to wetlands of international significance (Ramsar)

-Bass Highway, Westbury-Hagley Bypass

-Brighton Bypass

-Tarkine Forest Drive Road Upgrade

-Rokeby Main Road Upgrade

The Department of State Growth maintains a road information database (RIMS), which identifies the location of significant environmental sites. Significant sites include threatened species populations, native vegetation remnants and fauna habitat. In 2000, North Barker and Associates undertook a biological risk assessment on land managed by the Department. This report identified that a number of threatened plant species were entirely dependent on road reserves for their continued survival and that many road reserves are crucial for protection of threatened native grassland communities. Following this, the Department developed a management plan for the highest priority conservation sites. The Department of State Growth identified that the protection of the 43 highest priority sites in the management plan would play an important role in ensuring the survival of Tasmania's threatened species and that appropriate management was crucial.Greening Australia, Tasmania was engaged by State Growth in 2005 to implement the“Conservation Sites Management Plan” (High Priority Botanical Sites – Environmental Works, Contract No. 1075) over five years at the sites. These areas have been identified as having significant natural values such as threatened vegetation types and populations of threatened plants. The Department of State Growth has made a commitment to Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania retain these values. State Growth is currently reviewing the success of the Project and looking at ways to increase the number and diversity of sites actively managed across the road network. This will include both threatened flora species and native vegetation communities.

6.2 Provide details of any past or present proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources against either (a) the person proposing to take the action or, (b) if a permit has been applied for in relation to the action – the person making the application.

N/A

6.3 If it is a corporation undertaking the action will the action be taken in accordance with the corporation’s environmental policy and framework?

Yes

6.3.1 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of the corporation's environmental policy and planning framework.

In working to meet the transport needs of Tasmania, the Department of State Growth strives to achieve contemporary community environmental goals and meet appropriate State and National environmental standards. State Growth takes responsibility for sustainable management of biodiversity, land, soil and water resources in Tasmanian transport corridors.

State Growth policy highlights are:

- Formal adoption of VicRoads specifications, resulting in specifications that are performance based, with improved environmental management outcomes

-Conform to appropriate State and Federal environmental legislation

-Improving the integration of land use and transport planning, support public transport, cycling and multiple occupancy vehicles

- Maintain the integrity of our natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage

-Meet community needs in landscaping of transport facilities

- Improve management and disposal of materials

-Reduce the environmental impacts of construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure

-Protection of threatened plant and animal species Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

-Control the spread of weeds and soil pathogens in transport corridors

-Reduce the environmental impacts of emergencies and accidents

-Reduce the environmental impacts of vehicle noise.

6.4 Has the person taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?

Yes

6.4.1 EPBC Act No and/or Name of Proposal.

Since 2002 the Department of State Growth (previously known as the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources) have been issued with the following EPBC permits:

-Tarkine Forest Drive Road Upgrade (EPBC 2011/6210)

-Brighton Bypass (EPBC 2009/4762; 2009;4757)

-Rokeby Main Road Upgrades (2011/6061)

-Gunns Hill, Arthur Highway Upgrades (2002/842)

2008/4537

2008/4344

2007/3892, 3807, 3526, 2553

2006/3007, 2005, 1963

2003/1301, 1266

2002/ 733, 667

2001/500, 241

Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 7 – Information sources

You are required to provide the references used in preparing the referral including the reliability of the source.

7.1 List references used in preparing the referral (please provide the reference source reliability and any uncertainties of source).

Reference Source Reliability Uncertainties North Barker Ecosystem High Nil Services Natural Values Assessment 2017 EPBC Act Protected Matters High Type II errors (false negatives) Report PMST_41AWP3 are very unlikely with this resource. Type I errors (false positives) are possible and were identified in the Natural Values Assessment referred to above. DPIPWE Natural Values Atlas High Nil Report nvr_4_15-Dec-2017 State Growth Tasman Hwy High Nil Holyman Ave Aboriginal heritage report 3092016 Holyman Avenue Aboriginal- High Nil Advice from AHT.msg Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Section 8 – Proposed alternatives

You are required to complete this section if you have any feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action (including not taking the action) that were considered but not proposed.

8.0 Provide a description of the feasible alternative?

There are no alternatives to the proposed road design that can meet the objectives of the project to:

• Improve access to the Hobart International Airport and the growing resdiential areas of Sorell and Southern Beaches

• Improve safety outcomes

• Improve transport efficiency

It is not possible to alter the alignment of the works without significantly impacting on Commonwealth and private land (the area proposed for works has been reserved for road construction for many years) and compromising design measures such as maintenance of a safe horizontal curve and appropriate sightlines.

8.1 Select the relevant alternatives related to your proposed action.

8.27 Do you have another alternative?

Submission #1952 - Tasman Highway - Holyman Avenue intersection upgrade, near Hobart International Airport, Tasmania

Appendix A - Attachments

The following attachments have been supplied with this EPBC Act Referral:

1. airport_interchange_concept_design_drawings_-_reduced.pdf 2. appendix_a_apt_holyman_avenue_hobart_airport_grasslands_management_plan_2015 0415.pdf 3. figure_2.pdf 4. figure_3.pdf 5. figure_4.pdf 6. figure_5.pdf 7. figure_6.pdf 8. figure_7.pdf 9. figure_8_referral.pdf 10. holyman_ave_design.zip 11. holyman_avenue_aboriginal-advice_from_aht.msg 12. part_1_aboriginal_cultural_heritage_assessmentchma_2016.pdf 13. part_2_aboriginal_cultural_heritage_assessmentchma_2016.pdf 14. tashway_holyave_interchange_nvassessment_northbarker_20170911.pdf