Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd T +61 7 3173 8000 ABN 54 005 139 873 F +61 7 3173 8001
32 Turbot Street E [email protected]
(Locked Bag 331 Brisbane QLD W aurecongroup.com 4001)
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
To: Copy: Circulate: Name: Organisation: Location/Facsimile:
Paul Wybrew Santos Pty Ltd 32 Turbot St, Brisbane
From: Aurecon C/o Vanessa Boettcher Date: 16 September 2011 Total pages: 9
IMPORTANT NOTICE The information contained in this document is CONFIDENTIAL and may also be LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, intended only for the addressee. If you are not the addressee, you are hereby notified that any use or dissemination of the information and any copying of the document is strictly prohibited. If you are not the addressee, please immediately notify us by telephone and we will arrange for the return of this document to us.
Subject: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report Addendum – Campo Santo & TP-F034: Lot 4 on WT217
Dear Mr Wybrew,
This memo is in relation to the ground-truthing of the proposed Campo Santo quarry and geotechnical location TP-F034 (from herewith referred to as the ‘proposed development areas’) that occur within Lot 4 on WT217. A specific Lot 4 WT217 Ecological Assessment Report has been completed previously (Santos document control id: 0020-GLNG-4-1.3-0029) and this memo is an addendum to that report. This memo only relates to the additional areas of the Campo Santo Quarry and geotechnical location TP-F034.
1. Campo Santo Quarry General The Campo Santo proposed development area is situated along the western side of The Basin Road, within Lot 4 on WT217 (Figure 1; page 3).
This proposed development area is considered a highly modified environment, as a result of land clearing and current land-use. As a result, mature canopy cover is considered sparse (ie 2-5%), and is largely restricted to the fringes of the proposed development area. Large portions of the proposed development area are completely devoid of vegetation; as a result, both the shrub and ground cover layers are also considered sparse (10-20%).
DERM RE mapping (version 6.0) indicates that a No Concern at Present (Biodiversity Status) RE (11.10.1/11.10.13a) occurs within the footprint of the proposed development area (Figure 1). Upon inspection, it has been concluded that the extent of the DERM mapping is inaccurate, and remnant vegetation does not occur within the proposed development area.
One conservation significant species, namely Gonocarpus urceolatus (Rasp weed), has been detected within and adjacent to the proposed development area (Figure 1). This species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the provisions of the NC Act. A sample of this species was collected during field investigations, and has been sent to the Queensland Herbarium for official identification (pending response).
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 1
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
No known ESAs have been mapped within or adjacent to the proposed development area. The closest ESA mapping is a Category B (Endangered RE) which occurs approximately 400 m to the west.
No mapped watercourses occur within the proposed development area.
Floristics The very sparse canopy layer, (which is typically restricted to the fringes of the proposed development area) is represented predominately by Eucalyptus species and Callitris glaucophylla (White cypress pine).
Acacia regrowth (Acacia leiocalyx, A. excelsa, A. complanata) dominates the sparse (10%) shrub layer, with occurrences of Cassinia laevis (cough bush), Callitris glaucophylla, Alstonia constricta (Bitterbark), Alphitonia excelsa (Red ash), and Tagetes minuta (Stinking roger).
Pasture species dominate the sparse (20%) ground cover layer within the proposed development areas. Indicative species include Eragrostis fallax (Tall love grass), Verbena tenuisecta (Mayne’s curse), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed wire grass), Melinis repens (Red natal grass), and Sporobolus creber (Western rat’s tail grass).
Gonocarpus urceolatus (Rasp weed) was detected within and immediately adjacent to the proposed development area (Figure 1). This species is listed as Vulnerable under the provisions of the NC Act. No other conservation significant flora species or Type A restricted species were detected within the proposed development area.
A species list for this proposed development area is provided in Table 3.1 on page 7.
Habitat values The proposed development area contains limited woody vegetation and has been extensively disturbed by grazing stock, historical clearing, and current land-use practices. Habitat features associated with the proposed development area are therefore typically limited to sparse vegetation (ie occasional grassy tussocks and shrubs). As a result, the habitat value of this survey area is considered very low, overall.
Accordingly, the species utilising resources in the proposed development region are most likely to be limited to common, generalist species that are able to adapt to significant habitat disturbances (ie House mouse [Mus musculus], macropods etc). Common birds of prey known from the area (ie Wedge-tailed eagle [Aquila audax] and Nankeen kestrel [Falco cenchroides]) would also be expected to utilise this site and the surrounding areas for foraging purposes.
Four (4) incidental fauna species were recorded during surveys of the proposed development area, namely Striated pardalote (Pardalotus striatus), Pied currawong (Strepera graculina), Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen), and Torresian crow (Corvus orru). All of these species are listed as ‘Least Concern’ under the provisions of the NC Act and are not listed under the provisions of the EPBC Act.
No conservation significant fauna species (under the provisions of the EPBC Act and/or NC Act) were detected during field investigations.
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 2
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
Figure 1 Campo Santo Quarry Proposed Development Area
Figure notes: Stars denote location of individual Gonocarpus urceolatus Purple polygon denotes larges areas of Gonocarpus urceolatus
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 3
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
2. Geotechnical Location TP-F034
General The TP-F034 proposed development area is situated at the terminus of proposed Corridor F38, within Lot 4 on WT217 (Figure 2; page 6).
This proposed development area is considered a modified environment, as a result of land clearing associated with an existing access track and additional infrastructure. As a result, mature canopy cover is considered moderately sparse (ie 10%), and the shrub layer is considered moderately dense (ie 25-30%). The ground cover is the dominant stratum within the proposed development area, and is considered dense (ie 70-80%).
DERM RE mapping (version 6.0) indicates that a sub-dominant Of Concern (Biodiversity Status) RE (11.10.3/11.3.25) occurs within the footprint of the proposed development area (Figure 2). Due to the presence of mapped Of Concern vegetation, the development area partially occurs within a Category C ESA.
Upon inspection, it has been concluded that the extent of the DERM mapping is inaccurate, and remnant vegetation does not occur within the proposed development area. Mapping inaccuracies relate to the species composition, the canopy cover and height (ie only regrowth recorded within the development area), and the landzone of the area.
Three (3) Type A restricted species have been detected within the proposed development area, namely Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (Grass tree) (Figure 2).
No other conservation significant species (under the provisions of the NC Act and/or EPBC Act) have been detected within and adjacent to the proposed development area.
The proposed development area is located entirely within a mapped Category A ESA buffer, associated with Expedition National Park located to the north of the development area.
No mapped watercourses occur within the proposed development area. The closest watercourse (stream order 2) is located approximately 270 m to west of the proposed development area.
Floristics As discussed, the vegetation within the proposed development area has been historically cleared, and as such, is not analogous to a remnant vegetation community (canopy range 11-13 m; sub- canopy range 5-11 m). Additionally, assessment of the geology, soils, and position within the landscape, has identified the proposed development area as occurring within Landzone 10. As a result, RE 11.3.25 (Landzone 3) is absent within the proposed development area, despite DERM RE mapping indicating otherwise. This is further supported by the fact that RE 11.3.25, is described as Eucalyptus tereticornis fringing drainage lines which is not analogous to the vegetation or landscape features within the proposed development area.
The development area is situated on a sandstone plateau and is dominated by Eucalyptus species, with Acacia species also occurring in the sub-canopy and shrub layers. A rocky scarp occurs further to the north which is likely to be RE 11.10.3, however this is located outside of the development area.
The sparse canopy layer is represented by Eucalyptus tenuipes (Narrow-leaved white mahogany), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved ironbark) and Corymbia trachyphloia (Small-fruited bloodwood).
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 4
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
Sub-canopy species recorded include Callitris glaucophylla (White cypress pine), Acacia macradenia (Zigzag wattle), and Allocasuarina luehmannii (Bull oak).
The shrub layer recorded within this proposed development area is represented by Acacia leiocalyx (Black wattle), Acacia macradenia (Zigzag wattle), Allocasuarina luehmannii (Bull oak), Acacia complanata (Velvet wattle), and Hovea planifolia (a Hovea).
The dense ground-cover is represented by a number of native and exotic species, namely Entolasia stricta (Wiry panic), Oplismenus aemulus (Basket grass), Bothriochloa bladhii (Forest blue grass), Digitaria ammophila (Digitaria), and Eragrostis brownii (Brown’s lovegrass).
A species list for this proposed development area is provided in Table 3.1 on page 7.
Habitat values Habitat features associated with the proposed development area include:
Canopy suitable for shelter, foraging and perching Fissured tree bark Dense groundcover vegetation (ie grassy tussocks) Woody debris (ie fallen/felled timber, including hollow-bearing logs) Leaf litter Rocky outcrops and crevices
The habitat value of the proposed development area can be considered to be moderate overall, given its position within the landscape and the presence of numerous habitat features.
Seven (7) incidental fauna species were recorded within the proposed development area, as indicated in Table 2.1, below. All of these species are listed as Least Concern under the provisions of the NC Act, and are not listed under the provisions of the EPBC Act.
Table 2.1 Incidental fauna species recorded within Hub 04 – Laydown A proposed development area
Species Common name
Corvus orru Torresian crow Lichmera indistincta Brown honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared honeyeater Malurus lamberti Variegated fairy wren Pardalotus striatus Striated pardalote Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill
Strepera graculina Pied currawong
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 5
Project: Fairview Ecological Assessment Report – Campo Santo & Geotech TP-F034 Reference: 221708
Figure 2 Geotech TP-F034 Proposed Development Area
Figure notes: Star denotes approximate location of three individual Xanthorrhoea johnsonii
Project 221708 File Lot 4 WT217_memo_VJB edits doc.docx 16 September 2011 SS Page 6
3. Botanical Species List
Table 3.1 Botanical species lists for Campo Santo and Geotech TP-F034 Proposed development areas
Family Name Scientific Name Common Name Campo Santo Geotech TP-F034
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern X X
Amaranthaceae Gomphrena celosioides Gomphrena Weed X
Apocynaceae Alstonia constricta Bitter Bark X
Asteraceae Brachycome dentata Lobe-seed Daisy X Asteraceae Bracteantha bracteata Everlasting Daisy X
Asteraceae Cassinia laevis Cough Bush X
Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle, X Black Thistle Asteraceae Senecio lautus Fire Weed X
Asteraceae Tagetes minuta Stinking Rodger X
Black Spear X Boraginaceae Heteropogon contortus Grass
Cactaceae Opuntia tomentosa Velvety Tree Pear X
Capparaceae Apophyllum anomalum Broom bush X Allocasuarina
Casuarinaceae leuhmannii Bull Oak X
Chenopodium
Chenopodiaceae carinatum Keeled Goosefoot X
Chenopodium
Chenopodiaceae desertorum Desert Goosefoot X
Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla Small-leaf X Bluebush
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvanised Burr X
Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress X X Pine Fabaceae -
Faboideae Hovea planifolia Hovea X
Fabaceae - X Faboideae Indigofera sp. An indigofera
Fabaceae -
Mimosoideae Acacia complanata Velvet Wattle X
Fabaceae - Acacia excelsa Iron wood X Mimosoideae
P 7
Family Name Scientific Name Common Name Campo Santo Geotech TP-F034
Fabaceae -
Mimosoideae Acacia leiocalyx Black Wattle X
Fabaceae -
Mimosoideae Acacia macradenia Zigzag Wattle X
Goodeniaceae Goodenia glabra Smooth Goodenia X Goodeniaceae Goodenia sp. A goodenia X X
Haloragaceae Gonocarpus urceolatus Rasp weed X
Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerula Blue Flax-lily X
Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Juncus X
Lomandraceae Lomandra hystrix Creek Mat Rush X
Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora Lomandra X
Malvaceae Sida acuta Spiny head sida X
Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne X
Queensland X Malvaceae Sida subspicata Hemp Marsileaceae Marsilea drummondii Nardoo X
Mimosaceae Acacia excelsa Iron wood X
Mimosaceae Acacia leiocalyx Black Wattle X
Henderson’s X Myrtaceae Corymbia hendersonii Bloodwood small fruited
Myrtaceae Corymbia trachyphloia bloodwood X
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved X X ironbark Narrow Leaved
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tenuipes White Mahogany X
Ophioglossaceae Oplismenus aemuleus Basket Grass X
Phormiaceae Dianella caerula Blue Flax-lily X
Poaceae Aristida calycina Dark Wiregrass X
Poaceae Aristida caput medusae Many-headed X X Wire Grass
Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis Jericho wire grass X
Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii Forest Blue Grass X Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbwire Grass X
Poaceae Digitaria ammophila Digitaria X
P 8
Family Name Scientific Name Common Name Campo Santo Geotech TP-F034
Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic X
Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Browns Lovegrass X X
Poaceae Eragrostis fallax Tall Lovegrass X
Poaceae Eragrostis sororia Blue eragrostis X
Poaceae Melinis repens Red Natal X
Poaceae Panicum decompositum Hairy Panic X
Poaceae Panicum effusum Inquisitive Grass X X
Two-coloured X Poaceae Panicum similie Panic
Poaceae Pennisetum ciliare Buffel Grass X
Poaceae Setaria surgens Pigeon Grass X
Poaceae Sporobolus caroli Desert Sporobolus, Fairy X Grass
Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rats Tail X Grass
Portulacaceae Portulaca pilosa Hairy Pigweed X
Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash X
Lycium ferocissimum X Solanaceae LPA2 African boxthorn
Solanaceae Ocimum tenuifolium Native thyme X Solanaceae Solanum ellipticum Potato Bush X
Brown Potato X Solanaceae Solanum esuriale Bush
Verbenaceae Verbena tenuisecta Mayne’s Curse X
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii X Xanthorrhoeaceae Type A Grasstree Notes:
1 - Taxonomic classifications, nomenclature and naturalised status of species is derived from the Census of Queensland Flora 2010
LPA2 - Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (Qld) – Class 2 weed
Type A – Type A restricted plant under the provisions of the NC Act
P 9