Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
BIODIVERSITY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Document Control Edition Revision Author Comment Date Authorised by 1 Rev 1 N. Warren Initial document 8/4/16 P Cameron 2 Rev 3 M Bland Review 13/5/16 J Thompson 3 Rev 4 N. Warren Final Review 18/5/16 J Thompson 4 Rev 5 N. Warren 1/6/1 D Geering 5 Rev 6 N. Warren 23/12/16 6 Rev 7 J Coffey (SLR) Update following Mod 5 20/6/19
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Reference Page ii of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Contents
LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... VI
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 SCOPE ...... 1 1.2 BACKGROUND AND APPROVED ACTIVITIES ...... 5 1.3 OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES ...... 6 1.4 LEGAL AND OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ...... 7 1.5 CONSULTATION ...... 11 1.6 PREPARATION OF THE BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 13 1.7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 15 1.8 COMPETENCE TRAINING AND AWARENESS ...... 15
2. MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY WITHIN THE MINE SITE ...... 16 2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 16 2.2 EXISTING BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...... 16 2.2.1 Landscape Features...... 16 2.2.2 Plant Community Types ...... 16 2.2.3 Fauna ...... 18 2.2.4 Threatened Species ...... 18 2.3 PREDICTED AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...... 19 2.3.1 Introduction ...... 19 2.3.2 Biodiversity Monitoring Results (Pre-Mining) ...... 20 2.3.3 Potential Direct Impacts ...... 22 2.3.4 Potential Indirect Impacts ...... 23 2.3.5 Potential Impacts to Threatened Species ...... 23 2.3.6 Key Threatening Processes ...... 24 2.4 PERFORMANCE AND COMPLETION CRITERIA ...... 24 2.5 BASELINE DATA ...... 32 2.6 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE MINE SITE ...... 32 2.6.1 Introduction ...... 32 2.6.2 Mine Site Biodiversity Strategy ...... 33 2.6.3 Short to Medium Term Measures ...... 33 2.6.4 Medium to Long Term Measures ...... 40 2.6.5 Grazing Management ...... 43 2.6.6 Bushfire Management ...... 43 2.6.7 Weed Management ...... 43 2.6.8 Access and Site Security ...... 45 2.6.9 Progressive and Final Rehabilitation ...... 45
3. STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT ...... 47 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 47
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
3.2 THE BIODIVERSITYSTEWARDSHIP SITE ...... 47 3.3 EXISTING BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...... 48 3.3.1 Landscape Feature ...... 48 3.3.2 Plant Community Types ...... 49 3.4 PCT BENCHMARKS ...... 49 3.4.1 Fauna of the Offset Area ...... 55 3.4.2 Fauna Habitats ...... 55 3.4.3 Threatened Species ...... 55 3.5 MEETING OFFSET OBLIGATIONS ...... 56 3.6 PERFORMANCE AND COMPLETION CRITERIA ...... 56 3.7 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE OFFSET AREA ...... 57 3.7.1 Vegetation Management ...... 57 3.7.2 Erosion and Sediment Control ...... 58 3.7.3 Vertebrate Pest Management ...... 58 3.7.4 Grazing Pressures ...... 58 3.7.5 Weed Management ...... 58 3.7.6 Native Fauna Management ...... 58 3.7.7 Bushfire Management ...... 58 3.7.8 Access and Site Security ...... 59
4. BIODIVERSITY MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 59 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 59 4.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 59 4.3 MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY ...... 60 4.4 MONITORING PROCEDURE ...... 60
5. REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES ...... 1 5.1 REHABILITATION PLANNING ...... 1 5.2 REHABILITATION PHASES ...... 2
6. TRIGGER-ACTION-RESPONSE PLAN ...... 3
7. REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION ...... 3
8. PLAN REVIEW AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ...... 3
FIGURES Figure 1 Locality Plan ...... 2 Figure 2 Project Layout ...... 3 Figure 3 Hera Mine and Chelsea Property ...... 4 Figure 4 Vegetation Communities and Threatened Species within the Mine Site ...... 17 Figure 5 Monitoring Plots – Hera Mine ...... 21 Figure 6 Unexpected Flora Response Plan ...... 40 Figure 7 Plant Community Types on ‘Chelsea’ ...... 52 Reference Page iv of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Figure 8 Monitoring Plots – “Chelsea” ...... 62
TABLES Table 1 Relevant Conditions of PA 10_0191 for Biodiversity Management and Compliance ...... 7 Table 2 BCD and DPIE Comments ...... 12 Table 4 Roles and Responsibilities ...... 15 Table 5 Recorded Threatened Species ...... 19 Table 6 Performance and Completion Criteria – Hera Mine ...... 26 Table 7 Weed and pest baseline data...... 32 Table 8 Weed Species Identified within the Mine Site ...... 44 Table 9 PCT Benchmarks ...... 49 Table 10 Offset Requirements calculated using the BAMM – Original Approved Layout...... 53 Table 11 Performance and Completion Criteria – Chelsea ...... 56 Table 12 Monitoring Locations and Frequency ...... 60 Table 13 Monitoring Procedure for Listed Threatened Species ...... 63 Table 14 Rehabilitation Domains Hera Mine Site ...... 1 Table 15 Fauna Species recorded within the Mine Site (2010-2018) ...... 11 Table 16 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 1 Decommissioning ...... 12 Table 17 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 2 Landform Establishment ...... 19 Table 18 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 3 Growth Medium Development ...... 25 Table 19 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 4 Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment ...... 27 Table 20 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 5 Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability ...... 32
APPENDICES Appendix 1 DPI – Ecologist Approval Letter 31 August 2012 Appendix 2 Fauna Species Recorded within the Mine Site Appendix 3 Management Procedures Appendix 4 Observation, Monitoring and Management Actions Templates Appendix 5 OEH Letter Approving the Location of the Offset Area Appendix 6 Stewardship Site Calculations Appendix 7 Location of Plots and Photo Points within the Mine Site Appendix 8 Rehabilitation Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria Appendix 9 BCD Consultation Appendix 10 DPIE Approval Appendix 11 PCT Descriptions
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AHD Australian Height Datum APZ Asset Protection Zones BC Act Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 BMP Biodiversity Management Plan BSA Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement DPE Department of Planning and Environment DoI Department of Industry EEC Endangered Ecological Community EPA Environment Protection Agency EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 LLS Local Land Services MOP Mining Operations Plan OEH Office of Environment and Heritage PA Project Approval PCT Plant Community Type RFS Rural Fire Service ROM Run of Mine SFA Surface Facility Area TARP Trigger-Action-Response Plan TEC Threatened Ecological Community
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
1. Introduction 1.1 SCOPE Hera Mine is an underground metalliferous mine owned by Hera Resources Pty Ltd (Hera Resources), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurelia Metals Limited (Aurelia). The mine is located approximately 100km southeast of Cobar and approximately 4km south of Nymagee in the central west of New South Wales (NSW) (refer Figure 1). This Biodiversity Management Plan (incorporating a Stewardship Agreement) (BMP) has been prepared for the Hera Mine (the Mine). The BMP also addresses management of the Stewardship Site located within the “Chelsea” property. This document has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 28A, 29 and 30) of Project Approval (PA) 10_0191 which was issued by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) on 31 July 2012 under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). PA 10_0191 has since been modified five times with the most recent modification (MOD 5) being approved on 3rd December 2019. The site also operates in accordance with Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 20179, as well as Mining Lease (ML) 1686 (issued 16 May 2013) and ML 1746 (issued 7 December 2016) issued under the Mining Act 1992 (Mining Act). This BMP relates to the management of remnant vegetation and other identified biodiversity values for the Hera Mine Site (the Mine Site) and the implementation and management of a Stewardship Agreement for the Stewardship Site. The Chelsea Stewardship Site is located approximately 25km southeast of the Mine Site. Figure 3 displays a more detailed view of these areas. Through its involvement in biodiversity management planning, Hera Resources will ensure the following: • Recovery efforts for threatened species and communities are coordinated and prioritised; • Biodiversity corridors and the integrity of species' habitats are maintained or re- established; • Government and other land management agencies, the Indigenous community, landholders (where relevant) and community groups (where relevant) work together to conserve or improve biodiversity; and • Priority areas for conservation and rehabilitation are identified. The description of management actions for the Mine Site and the Stewardship Site have been separated in this document, however monitoring and other actions will be consistent between the two sites and have therefore been included together in this BMP.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Figure 1 Locality Plan
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FIGURE 1 www.slrconsultingaustralia.com.au PH: 61 2 4037 3200 "
" Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Figure 2 Project Layout
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ad o R d o o Light Vehicle Access Road w n le G Existing Site Entrance Mine Camp ML1746
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 2 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Figure 3 Hera Mine and Chelsea Property
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www.slrconsultingaustralia.com.au PH: 61 2 4037 3200 FIGURE 3 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
1.2 BACKGROUND AND APPROVED ACTIVITIES The Mine Site is located on Lot 664, DP761702 and Lot 1730 DP763521, held by Hera Resources under Western Lands Lease No. WLL2455, granted under the Western Lands Act 1901 and managed by the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE). The eastern section of WLL2455 is the subject of Travelling Stock Reserve TSR8792. The Mine is located within ML 1686 and ML 1746 and within land zoned for Primary Production (Zone RU1) under the Cobar Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012. Mining is permissible with consent within that zone. Hera Mine (as approved) involves the following aspects (refer Figure 2): • Extraction of waste rock and metalliferous ore using underground open stope mining methods and underground load and haul operations until 31 December 2022, from ML1686 and ML1746. • Backfilling of underground stope voids created during underground mining using waste rock including waste rock transferred from the surface Waste Rock Emplacements (WREs). • Use of surface infrastructure required for the underground mine, including a box cut, portal and decline, magazines, fuel store, ventilation rises and power and water store. • Use of a processing plant, including a Run of Mine (ROM) pad, WRE, crushing, grinding and screening operations, gravity separation and flotation circuits to process up to 505,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of metalliferous ore to produce gold and silver doré (unrefined bars) and a zinc/lead concentrate. • Use of the Northern and Southern WREs for the placement of waste rock (to date only the Southern WRE is constructed). • Use of a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), including cyanide detoxification of tailings prior to discharge to the TSF. • Use of ancillary facilities, including a ventilation rise, escapeway, Site Office, car park, Contractors Office, Laydown area and workshop, a Reagent Store, plant workshop, ablutions facilities, crib room, hardstand, laydown areas, concentrate storage shed, and an explosives magazine. • Use of a water management system to enable the harvesting and supply of water for environmental flows. • Use of a Light Vehicle Access Road and a Main Site Access Road and intersection to allow site access from Burthong Road.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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• Transportation of zinc/lead concentrate from the Mine to Hermidale via the Principal Concentrate Transportation Route, or when unavailable, via the Secondary Concentrate Transportation Route. This version of the BMP has been updated following approval of MOD 5, which included the following aspects: • Increasing the rate of transportation of concentrate from Hera Mine to the Hermidale rail siding from 50,000 tonnes (t) per calendar year to 60,000 t per calendar year. Rate of transportation of concentrate will not exceed eight truck movements (entering and leaving the site) per day, averaged over a calendar month. • Installation of a 13.7 hectare (ha), 204 mega litre (ML), to crest height, Water Management Dam to act as an external decant pond for the existing TSF; • Receipt of water from dewatering of the Nymagee Copper Mine for use in processing operations at the Hera Mine or evaporation within the Water Management Dam; and • Increasing the approved maximum elevation of the Southern Waste Rock Emplacement from 10m above ground level to 15m above ground level, or approximately 350m AHD.
1.3 Objectives and Outcomes The key objective of this BMP is to manage and mitigate potential impacts to biodiversity values within the Mine Site and to improve and maintain biodiversity values within the Offset Area. Implementation of these management and mitigation measures will ensure satisfaction of the commitments stated in the previous environmental assessments and the biodiversity-related conditions of PA 10_0191 (see Section 1.4). The relevant biodiversity-related objectives of the BMP are to: • Avoid impact to native flora and fauna where possible; • Manage and mitigate any unavoidable impact to native flora and fauna and, where feasible, to limit total impacts to biodiversity values; • Ensure any mine-related impacts are identified as early as possible and that these impacts are investigated and any actions taken are recorded; • Continually improve biodiversity management within the Mine Site and the Offset Area; and • Limit complaints received from the community in relation to biodiversity, as much as possible. The key performance outcomes from the BMP are:
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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• Compliance with all criteria relating to biodiversity at the Mine (see Section 1.4); • Successful implementation of all identified short, medium and long term measures to manage biodiversity within the Mine Site (see Section .2.6); Successful implementation of the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement involving securing the Stewardship Site for conservation purposes in perpetuity and ongoing management of biodiversity values within the Stewardship Site (see Section 3 and Section 4); All identified monitoring is undertaken, documented and published in accordance with the BMP (see Section 4); • Corrective and preventative measures are implemented, if required (see Section 8); and • Incidents are reported in an appropriate and timely manner (see Section 1.7).
1.4 LEGAL AND OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS PA 10_0191 (MOD 5) requires the preparation and approval of a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement and Biodiversity Management Plan for the Mine. Relevant conditions relating to biodiversity management and management plans in general are included in Table 1 which also identifies where in the BMP each individual requirement has been addressed. Table 1
Relevant Conditions of PA 10_0191 for Biodiversity Management and Compliance
Section Condition Condition where No addressed Schedule Biodiversity Offset Strategy 3, By 31 July 2016, the Proponent shall prepare a Biodiversity Offset Strategy Condition for the project to the satisfaction of the Secretary The Strategy must: 26 a) Be prepared in consultation with BCD; b) Identify the portion of Chelsea site (WLL 3881) that would be conserved in perpetuity to offset the impacts of the project using the Biobanking Section 3 Assessment Methodology; and c) Describe the specific management measures that would be implemented on the Chelsea site to conserve and improve the biodiversity values of the site over time.
. Schedule Following approval, the Proponent shall implement the Biodiversity Offset 3, Strategy to the satisfaction of the Secretary. Noted Condition 27 Schedule Within two years of commencing construction of the MOD 5 water 3, management dam, unless the Secretary agrees otherwise, the Proponent Condition must retire biodiversity credits of a number and class identified in Table 6.1 Not yet 27 A. below. The retirement of credits must be carried out in accordance with the triggered Biodiversity Offsets Scheme of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 to the satisfaction of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Section Condition Condition where No addressed Table 6.1: Ecosystem Credit Requirements
Vegetation Community PCT ID Credits Required
Poplar Box – Gum 103 300 Coolabah – White Cypress Pine shrubby woodland in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion Schedule Within 12 months of the approval of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy, the 3, Proponent shall make suitable arrangements to conserve the offset area Not yet Condition identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy in perpetuity to the Satisfaction of triggered 28 the Secretary. Schedule Biodiversity Management Plan 3, Within 6 months of approval and prior to the commencement of vegetation This BMP Condition clearing on the site under this approval, the Proponent shall submit a
29 Biodiversity Management Plan for the project site to the Secretary for approval. This plan must: a) be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) whose 1.6 appointment has been endorsed by the Secretary; b) be prepared in consultation with BCD; 1.5 c) describe how the implementation of the biodiversity offset strategy N/A would be integrated with the overall rehabilitation of the site; d) describe the short, medium, and long term measures that would be
implemented to: i) manage the remnant vegetation and habitat on the site and in the 2.6 and 3.6 offset area/s (if and when applicable); ii) minimise the impacts on Cobar Greenhood Orchid (Cryptostylis cobarensis), Lobed Blue-grass (Bothriochloa biloba) and hollow- 2.6 and 3.7 bearing trees; and iii) implement the biodiversity offset strategy (if and when applicable), 3.5, 3.6 and including detailed performance and completion criteria; 3.7 e) include detailed performance and completion criteria for evaluating the performance of the biodiversity offset strategy, and triggering remedial 3.6, 7 and 8 action (if necessary); f) include a detailed description of the procedures to be implemented for: i) enhancing the quality of existing vegetation and fauna habitat; 2.6.3, 2.6.4, and 2.6.9.2 ii) restoring native vegetation and fauna habitat on the biodiversity areas and rehabilitation area through focusing on assisted natural regeneration, targeted vegetation establishment and the 5.1 introduction of naturally scarce fauna habitat features (where necessary); iii) maximising the salvage of resources within the approved disturbance area - including vegetative, soil and cultural heritage 2.6 and 5.1 resources – for beneficial reuse in the enhancement of the biodiversity areas or rehabilitation area;
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Section Condition Condition where No addressed iv) collecting and propagating seed; 2.63.3 and 5.1 v) minimising the impacts on fauna on site, including pre-clearance 2.6.3.1 surveys and minimising the potential exposure to tailings; vi) controlling weeds and feral pests; 2.5, 2.6.7, 2.6.4.5 and 8 vii) controlling erosion; 2.6.3.4, 2.6.3.5 and 3.7.2 viii) managing grazing and agriculture on site; 2.6.5 and 3.7.4 ix) controlling access; and 2.6.5, 2.6.8 and 3.7.8 x) bushfire management; 2.6.6 and 3.7.7 g) include a seasonally-based program to monitor and report on the effectiveness of these measures, and progress against the detailed 4 performance and completion criteria; h) identify the potential risks to the successful implementation of the biodiversity offset strategy, and include a description of the 3 contingency measures that would be implemented to mitigate against these risks; and i) include details of who would be responsible for monitoring, reviewing 1.7 and implementing the plan. Schedule Within 6 months of the approval of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy, the 3, Proponent shall submit an updated Biodiversity Management Plan to the Condition Secretary for approval. 30 Notes: The specific references to the Biodiversity Offset Strategy in condition 29 must be fully This Plan addressed in the updated management plan under condition 30. In the event that a Biobanking Agreement is entered into with respect to the biodiversity offsets for the project, a management plan under such an Agreement may be used to satisfy all or part of conditions 29 and 30 with the agreement of the Director-General. Schedule Conservation Bond 3, Within three months of the approval of the Biodiversity Management Plan, the Condition Proponent shall lodge a conservation bond with the Department to ensure 31 that the biodiversity offset is implemented in accordance with the performance and completion criteria of the Biodiversity Management Plan. The sum of the bond shall cover the full cost of implementing the Biodiversity Not yet Offset Strategy and be verified by a suitably qualified rehabilitation specialist triggered or quantity surveyor. If the biodiversity offset is implemented to the satisfaction of the Secretary, the Secretary will release the conservation bond. If the offset strategy is not implemented to the satisfaction of the Secretary, the Secretary will call in all or part of the conservation bond, and arrange for the satisfactory implementation of the biodiversity offset. Schedule Incident Notification 5, 1.7 and 8 Condition 7A.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Section Condition Condition where No addressed The Proponent must immediately notify the Department and any other relevant agencies immediately after it becomes aware of an incident. The notification must be in writing and identify the development (including the development application number and name) and set out the location and nature of the incident. Schedule Non-Compliance Notification 5, Condition Within seven days of becoming aware of a non-compliance, the Proponent 7B. must notify the Department of the non-compliance. The notification must be in writing and identify the development (including the development application 1.7 number and name) set out the conditions of this consent that the development is non-compliant with, why it does not comply and the reasons for the non- compliance (if known) and what actions have been, or will be, undertaken to address the non-compliance. Schedule Management Plan Requirements 5, The Proponent shall ensure that the management plans required under this Condition 3 approval are prepared in accordance with any relevant guidelines, and include: (a) detailed baseline data; 2.5 and 3.3 (b) a description of: (i) the relevant statutory requirements (including any relevant 1.4 approval, licence or lease conditions); (ii) any relevant limits or performance measures/criteria; Table 5 and Table 10 (iii) the specific performance indicators that are proposed to be used Table 5 and to judge the performance of, or guide the implementation of, the Table 10 project or any management measures; (c) a description of the measures that would be implemented to comply with 2 Table 5 the relevant statutory requirements, limits, or performance measures/criteria; and Table 10.6 (d) a program to monitor and report on the: (i) impacts and environmental performance of the project; 4 (ii) effectiveness of any management measures (see c above); (e) a contingency plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences and to ensure that ongoing impacts reduce to levels below 8 relevant impact assessment criteria as quickly as possible; (f) a protocol for managing and reporting any: (i) incidents; (ii) complaints; 8 (iii) non-compliances with statutory requirements; and (iv) exceedances of the impact assessment criteria and/or performance criteria; and (g) a protocol for periodic review of the plan. Note: The Secretary may waive some of these requirements if they are unnecessary for particular 7 management plans. Schedule Revision of Strategies, Plans and Programs 5, Within three months of: 7 Condition 5 the submission of an annual review under condition 4 above; a) the submission of an incident report under condition 7 below;
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Section Condition Condition where No addressed b) the submission of an audit under condition 9 below; or c) any modification to the conditions of this approval (unless the conditions require otherwise), the Proponent shall review, and if necessary revise, the strategies, plans, and programs required under this approval to the satisfaction of the Secretary. Note: This is to ensure the strategies, plans and programs are updated on a regular basis, and incorporate any recommended measures to improve the environmental performance of the project. Schedule 5 Access to Information Condition Prior to the commencement of construction on the site, the Proponent shall: 11 (a) make copies of the following publicly available on its website: (i) the documents referred to in condition 2 of Schedule 2; (ii) all relevant statutory approvals for the project; (iii) all approved strategies, plans and programs required under the conditions of this approval; (iv) a comprehensive summary of the monitoring results of the project, reported in accordance with the specifications in any Not yet approved plans or programs required under the conditions of this or triggered any other approval; (v) a complaints register, which is to be updated on a monthly basis; (vi) minutes of CCC meetings; (vii) the annual reviews required under this approval; (viii) any independent environmental audit of the project, and the Proponent’s response to the recommendations in any audit; (ix) any other matter required by the Secretary; and (b) keep this information up-to-date, to the satisfaction of the Secretary.
1.5 CONSULTATION A draft of this BMP was provided to the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (now Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD), and the former Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – Lands (now DoI Crown Lands) on 1 June 2016 with confirmation of a meeting to discuss the BMP and the proposed methodology for securing the approved offset. A meeting was held on 21 June 2016, with each of the agencies present. As a result of the meeting Crown Lands sought legal advice regarding the potential to establish a BioBanking Agreement over land that is subject to a Western Lands lease. The results of that advice confirmed that a BioBanking Agreement is possible over land subject to a Western Lands Lease provided that Crown Lands has provided in principle support, and agreement is reached regarding conditions that would be included on the lease following approval of the BioBanking Agreement by OEH. Additionally, as forestry interests are retained by the Crown on Western Land Leases, the NSW Forestry Corporation is also required to be consulted. On 6 July 2016 OEH formally confirmed that the Company would not be required to contribute to the Total Fund Deposit (TFD) associated with a biodiversity offset secured by a BioBanking Agreement provided that they comply with the following:
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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• Complete all identified management actions on site and adequately complete all reporting requirements; and • Continue to hold WLL3881 (for the Chelsea Property). Despite in-principle support of Crown Lands and OEH, a BioBanking Agreement was not finalised prior to the repeal of the relevant legislation supporting such agreements. Biobanking Agreements have now been replaced by Stewardship Sites under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). Hera Resources has liaised with Crown Lands, Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD) (formerly OEH) and the NSW Forestry Corporation regarding the establishment a Stewardship Agreement for the Chelsea property. This version of the BMP, including a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (updated following the approval of Mod 5) was submitted to the BCD and the DoI Crown Lands in February 2020. Comments received are summarised below. The draft BMP was subsequently submitted to DPIE. Comments received in July 2020 are also summarised below. Table 2 BCD and DPIE Comments BCD Comments Comment Where Addressed Table 5 has been updated to include short, Short, medium- and long-term objectives and medium and long term objectives. These are targets, where appropriate, be developed for relevant for the Hera Mine Site and Stewardship each of the broad management measures. Site Quantitative performance measures, and targets and trigger points for corrective action be Table 5 includes corresponding TARPS. developed for all measures. Baseline data for each of the management Refer section 2.5 measures should be provided in the BMP. The BMP should include all weed species known Section 2.5.7 identifies there are two weed to occur on the mine and stewardship species known to occur. sites. Weeds under watch should be identified and Section 2.5.7 identifies weeds to be monitored and management actions developed as required management actions Benchmark values should be used as completion criteria for areas of native vegetation and these Refer Table 8 should be clearly presented in the BMP. Trigger points linked to benchmark values in performance and completion criteria should reflect Table 14 has been incorporated into Table 5. the relevant benchmark figures. An outline of the rehabilitation activities to be Refer Section 5 undertaken should be provided in the BMP. Vegetation community benchmarks should be considered as completion criteria for rehabilitated Refer Appendix 8 areas. Performance criteria should be established at milestone periods to determine whether Refer Appendix 8 rehabilitated vegetation is on trend to achieve the completion criteria. A final proof-read of the BMP should be conducted Completed. to rectify minor errors. DPIE Comments Table 1 should be updated to cross reference the Table 1 has been updated to ensure current correct sections references
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Section 2.4 Update cross reference to Table 10 Table 14 has been deleted and incorporated into and clarify statement. Table 5 for clarity. Table 5 has been updated to provide further detail on performance and completion criteria. Actions and Performance and Completion Criteria Table 5 outlines actions and criteria for short, are very general. More consideration should be medium and long term timeframes as requested given to BCDs comments. The BMP does not by BCD. appear to include benchmark/targets for each plant community type. Benchmark and targets for each plant community type are provided in Section 3.4. Table 14 has been removed to avoid any It is not clear what the TARP Ref No column confusion or inconsistencies. All TARP is covered relates to. in Table 5. Given the Stewardship Agreement has not yet Section 3.6, 3.7 and 4 outline the management been finalised, it would not be appropriate to rely and monitoring commitments for the Stewardship on that document for the management of the offset Site. area. The Biodiversity Management Plan should describe how the offset area will be managed until the Stewardship Agreement is executed. Once the Stewardship Agreement has been finalised the Biodiversity Management Plan can be updated to reflect the Stewardship Agreement Section 3.1 – Date to be inserted and yellow Reference to date removed. removed. Table 10: Consider BCDs comments regarding the TARPs (reference Table 5) are references for need for “measurable tailored, quantitative each objective and performance criteria as performance measures and targets, completion outlined in Table 10. criteria, and monitoring and trigger points for corrective action. The document has been reviewed and re-worded Some of the language is ambiguous lacking clear to reflect a clear commitment to procedures and commitment. actions. All cross references should be checked and Completed updated.
Correspondence received from BCD and DPIE is included as Appendix 9.
1.6 PREPARATION OF THE BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN Schedule 3, Condition 29 of PA 10_0191 requires this BMP to be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) whose appointment has been endorsed by the Secretary of the DPIE. Mr Phillip Cameron was approved by the Secretary on 31 August 2012 (Appendix 1). The preparation of the technical aspects of the BMP has been undertaken by Mr Cameron. Mr Cameron is the Senior Project Manager / Principal Ecologist for OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Limited. He is an accredited BioBanking Assessor (No 0117) and holds a Licence from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Ethics Approval No 07 / 1601 and NSW Scientific Research Licence 11194. He is an NSW Ecological Consultants Association (ECA) practising member and an EIANZ Certified Environmental Practitioner. Preparation of non- technical aspects of the BMP was managed by Mr Nick Warren, Environmental Consultant with R.W. Corkery & Co Pty Limited. Mr Mitchell Bland, Principal Environmental Consultant with the Reference Page 13 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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same company undertook peer review of the BMP. Management information has been provided by Mr Jonathon Thompson (former Aurelia Metals Environment Advisor). Minor (non-technical) updates were made by SLR Consulting in 2019 to incorporate the PA10_0191 Mod 5 amendments. A technical review was completed by AREA Environmental in February 2020, to ensure this plan is consistent with the Chelsea Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report and current monitoring programs. The Secretary of the DPIE endorsed the appointment of SLR Consulting and AREA Environmental on 3 March 2020 for the updates and review of this BMP (Appendix 10).
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1.7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The roles and responsibilities for Hera Resources personnel in relation to management of biodiversity are listed in Table 3. Table 3
Roles and Responsibilities
Role Accountability General Manager – Hera Mine Ensure the resources are available for the implementation of this BMP. Be accountable for the overall environmental performance of the Mine, including the outcomes of this BMP. Environment Advisor Ensure that the requirements of this BMP are effectively implemented. Ensure the results of all monitoring are recorded. Ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are met. Ensure all personnel undertaking works in relation to this management plan are trained and competent. Update the BMP as required. Undertake/organise, review and analyse all monitoring data. All Personnel and Contractors Operate in a manner that minimises risks of incidents to themselves, fellow workers and biodiversity values of the Mine Site. Fully implement the management measures within the BMP. Report any incidents or events relating to native flora and fauna to the Environment Advisor. Follow any instructions provided by the Environment Advisor regarding biodiversity management.
1.8 COMPETENCE TRAINING AND AWARENESS All personnel shall undergo biodiversity management awareness training through the induction and re-induction process. Biodiversity management shall be a component of the competency- based induction program. The Environment Advisor shall be responsible for ensuring the appropriate biodiversity management training is included in the induction.
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2. MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY WITHIN THE MINE SITE 2.1 INTRODUCTION The Mine is located within Lot 664 DP761702 and Lot 1730 DP763521, and is located approximately 4km south of Nymagee, in the Cobar Local Government Area. PA 10_0191 covers an area of approximately 1,559 ha (Figure 2). The mine site lies within the Western (Nymagee-Rankins Springs) Local Land Services (LLS) area in the Mitchells’ Landscape Nymagee Downs. Travelling Stock Reserve TSR8792 is located on the eastern section of the property covering an area of 4.6km x 1.6km. The eastern portion of the property was originally planned to be used as a biodiversity offset, however this is not possible due to the location of the Travelling Stock Reserve.
2.2 EXISTING BIODIVERSITY VALUES 2.2.1 Landscape Features The Mine site is entirely within Nymagee (Nymagee Downs) Mitchell Landscapes. The Nymagee Downs ecosystem includes parts of eleven land systems: Boulkra, Cobar, Cottage, Hartwood, Ironstone, Killala, Kopyje, Lilyvale, Taringa and Yackerboon. It is characterised by undulating rounded Ordovician, Silurian or Devonian quartzite, sandstone or phyllite ridges with narrow and broad drainage flats with a relief 10 to 20m. It also possesses undulating silcrete ridges with long low slopes and broad level plains with relief to 20m. Drainage lines are up to 1km wide. Shallow, stony, loamy and sandy soils occur on crests, deep, calcareous red earths and solonized brown soils with gilgai are on plateaus, grading to deeper acid, neutral or calcareous red earths and red texture-contrast soils with hardpan down slope. Native vegetation in this landscape is characterised by bimble box, red box, mallee, mulga, warrior bush, rosewood, turpentine, narrow-leaf hopbush, western golden wattle, budda, kurrajong, silver cassia, broad-leaved hopbush, wire grass, rough spear grass, red-leg grass, and windmill grass on crests. The lower slopes typically possess bimble box, red box, wilga, turpentine, budda, punty bush, hopbushes, yarran and ironwood with many other woody shrubs and grasses. Drainage lines are commonly associated with red box, bimble box, yarran and budda with grasses.
2.2.2 Plant Community Types Vegetation within the Mine Site has been assessed as being consistent with BioMetric vegetation communities previously described by Benson et al (2006). In summary, four vegetation communities have previously been identified within the Mine Site. Figure 4 illustrates the vegetation communities (three) which have now been remapped using Plant Community Types.
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Figure 4 Vegetation Communities and Threatened Species within the Mine Site
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 4 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
In addition, 135 species of flora have been identified, including one population of a previously Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed species, namely Lobed Blue-grass (Bothriochloa biloba). Lobed Blue-grass was delisted from the EPBC Act in November 2013.
Three Plant Community Types have been mapped within the Mine Site (as mapped by AREA). • 103: Poplar Box - Gum Coolabah - White Cypress Pine shrubby woodland mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion • 174: Mallee - Gum Coolabah woodland on red earth flats of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion • 180: Grey Mallee- White Cypruss pine woodland on rocky hills of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion. PCT 174 has an associated Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), Acacia Loderi Shrublands, listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This TEC was not listed in the initial Environmental Assessment in 2011 and Acacia loderi was not identified in any monitoring surveys thereafter. This TEC is not present.
2.2.3 Fauna Fauna surveys have been previously undertaken at Hera from 2010 to 2018 as part of the EAs and ongoing biodiversity monitoring program. The surveys continue to identify that the Mine Site supports a moderate diversity of native birds. A total of 152 vertebrate fauna species (146 native and six introduced) were recorded during the various assessments comprising: • 11 reptile species (nil listed BC Act or EPBC Act species); • Five frog species (nil listed TSC Act or EPBC Act species); • 1056 bird species (10 listed BC 2016 Act species, nil EPBC Act species); • Ten species of terrestrial mammal (nil listed BC Act or EPBC Act species); and • 20 species of microchiropteran bat species (including six BC Act listed species and one EPBC Act listed species). A complete list of fauna species which have been recorded within the Mine Site is provided in Appendix 2.
2.2.4 Threatened Species Threatened species recorded within the Mine Site from 2010 to 2019, and their conservation status are provided in Table 4.
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Table 4
Recorded Threatened Species
Scientific Name Common name BC Act EPBC Act Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat X X Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sitella X Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat X Miniopterus schreibersii oceansis Eastern Bentwing Bat X Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat X Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat X Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat X Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchells Cockatoo X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper X Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin X Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot X Pachycephala inornata Gilberts Whistler X Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) X Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail X Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl X
Potential exists for other threatened species, not recorded to date, to occur within the Mine Site that share similar habitat requirements.
2.3 PREDICTED AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO BIODIVERSITY VALUES 2.3.1 Introduction The majority of the 1,559 ha PA 10_0191 area is vegetated. The mine site has a long and comprehensive history of surface and sub-surface disturbance relating to agricultural activities, and past and present mining exploration activities. Grazing by feral goat and overabundant native species such as Kangaroos and Wallabies, dense natural regeneration of White Cypress Pine, alluvial and colluvial erosion processes during frequent flooding events have also compounded the level of current and ongoing surface disturbance. Flora diversity within the Mine Site has been influenced by these activities reducing biodiversity, habitat quality and
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increasing fragmentation of habitat. Feral goat and Kangaroo grazing has also contributed to a range of continual disturbances such as increased edge effects and woody weed infestation. The following subsections review the results of previous biodiversity monitoring and summarise potential impacts to biodiversity values associated with mining activities.
2.3.2 Biodiversity Monitoring Results (Pre-Mining) Monitoring of vegetation between 2013 and 2014 (i.e. prior to mining) over 13 monitoring plots (Figure 5) indicated a decrease in species diversity and increase in weed coverage over the intervening period. During 2013 monitoring 66 flora species were identified and weed coverage was estimated to be 13.7%. In 2014, flora species had declined to 44 and weed coverage was estimated to be 17.1%. However, OzArk noted that a hot dry spring may have been a factor in the reduction in species diversity. Other important issues include feral goat and overabundant native herbivore (Kangaroo and Wallaby) impacts. Plot 13 is within a fenced area, so not subject to feral or overabundant native species. This plot demonstrated a significant difference in ground stratum biodiversity which may be the result of exclusion of herbivores. Plot 13 also demonstrated the largest drop in weed composition even though this plot was not subject to weed control during the period.
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Figure 5 Monitoring Plots – Hera Mine
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 5 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
The majority of historical mining and/or clearing disturbance within the Mine Site has improved habitat for hollow dependant native fauna as the observed ringbarking has created an abundance of dead hollow bearing timber. Furthermore, the abundant understorey created by dense White Cypress Pine suits large local populations of Grey-Crowned Babblers, robins and thornbills. Feral goat and overabundant native herbivore grazing on the prominent hill that overlies the decline and underground working (Figure 2), is the most serious current impact threatening the presence and future potential presence of threatened flora and fauna. Annual ecological monitoring in Monitoring Plot 13, the only area fully fenced, free of herbivores and where cypress pine has been thinned, has demonstrated improvements to native biodiversity values. While disturbance through mining activities may decrease the ecological value of the Mine Site, there is potential to retain dead hollow bearing stags, retain an old exploration mine shaft on the site and positively improve habitat through cypress pine thinning, goat and overabundant native herbivore control and providing compensatory habitat.
2.3.3 Potential Direct Impacts Potential direct impacts associated with mining activities include the following. • Vegetation clearing. • Temporary access routes for construction (on site and off site). • Temporary storage areas (aggregate piles) and permanent storage areas (stockpile locations, sheds etc.). • Temporary and permanent works compounds. • Pre-fabrication areas and set down points. • Construction and/or removal and site cleanup of structure, site compounds, site offices, set down points and storage areas. • Demolition operations. • Removal and disruption of topsoil. • Environmental incidences (i.e. dust, noise, vibration, spills). • Provision of services and utilities (powerlines, lighting, internal road networks, communications, water supply, drainage, sewage). • Greater likelihood of fires. • Blasting for mineral extraction.
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2.3.4 Potential Indirect Impacts Potential indirect impacts associated with mining activities include the following. • Artificial lighting of operational and administrative areas. • General changes to hydrology patterns including continued development of the TSF. • Habitat fragmentation. • Erosion of the landscape due to surface disturbance and modification to topography. • Noise and dust impacts associated with operations. • Potential introduction of pests and disease. • Vehicle trauma to native fauna.
2.3.5 Potential Impacts to Threatened Species There will not be any impacts to EECs as none have been identified within the Mine Site. General impacts likely to affect threatened fauna species include the following. • Loss of habitat as a direct result of clearing and trampling or as in the case of the whole region from predation by goats, results in a removal or reduction of vegetation. • Creation of disturbed edge areas which can encourage introduction of competitive native and introduced species that out-compete other native species and dominate native vegetation. • Changes in hydrology which could lead to changes in vegetation assemblages. • Erosion and sedimentation which could promote introduced species and alter conditions for native species. • Changes in habitat resources can disrupt extant food-chain processes such as an increase in cleared areas encouraging an increase in aerial predation from raptors. • Disruption to essential behavioural patterns because of noise generation, artificial lighting, dust and air quality, road traffic, human interference, invasion of introduced species and predation by feral animals. • Mortality due to drinking polluted waters, collision with artificial structures such as power lines and road traffic.
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2.3.6 Key Threatening Processes Thirty nine key threatening processes are currently listed under the BC Act. The following key threatening processes have been identified as relevant to mining operations within the Mine Site. • Clearing of native vegetation; • Loss of hollow-bearing trees; • Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses; • Removal of dead wood and dead trees; and • Bushrock removal. The main threat to biodiversity at the Mine Site is the destruction of habitat as a result of construction activities, invasive non-native or native species of flora and pest fauna. As the Mine is an underground operation, and layout areas are strictly enforced, the surface disturbance is kept to a minimum and is within a contained Surface Facility Area (SFA) (see Figure 2).
2.4 PERFORMANCE AND COMPLETION CRITERIA Performance and completion criteria allow a measurement of progress and success of management strategies. Table 5 presents the performance and completion criteria that will be used to assess the performance of the biodiversity management strategy within the Mine Site. Short, medium and long term performance measures have been outlined with specific performance and completion criteria outlined for each objective.
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Table 5
Performance and Completion Criteria – Hera Mine
Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria Rehabilitation Maintain or Short / Monitoring Annual monitoring Engage a qualified Points MP1 to MP13 improve native Medium indicates that using Plant ecologist to determine indicates continual vegetation Term native vegetation Community Type the cause for the improvement. compared to has reduced or benchmarks. reduced vegetation benchmarks not maintained Implement measures diversity compared to 1 compared with as advised by benchmarks benchmarks qualified ecologists. recommendations to reverse the trend.
Maintain or Medium Monitoring Annual monitoring at Engage a suitably Points MPP4, MPP5 and improve Term indicates that monitoring points qualified rehabilitation Mpp13 indicates Landscape LFA scores are MPP4, MPP5 and expert to determine why improvement compared Function reducing or not MPP1. Implement landscape function is not to the baseline 2 Analysis scores. maintained. measures as advised progressing as required assessment in by qualified and implement November 2014. ecologists. recommendations. Maintain or Short Term Monitoring Suitably qualified Engage a suitably Maintain groundcover in improve indicates that ecologist or qualified rehabilitation areas not disturbed by groundcover, native revegetation expert expert to determine why mining with a goal of focussing on groundcover has engaged to assess groundcover levels are achieving more than native grasses. reduced from reasons for failure of below 40% and 50% native grasses. 3 previous revegetation and implement records. recommend actions. recommendations. Implement weed control.
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Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria Maintain or Medium / Annual Suitably qualified Engage a qualified Annual monitoring improve native Long Term monitoring ecologist or ecologist to determine indicates continual species diversity. indicates no revegetation expert the cause for the improvement. improvement in engaged to assess reduced flora diversity native species reasons for failure of compared to 4 diversity in a revegetation and benchmarks sites and year with normal recommend actions. implement or above normal recommendations to annual rainfall reverse the trend. levels. Establishment of Long Term Rehabilitation Suitably qualified Implement above Rehabilitation vegetation in monitoring ecologist or recommendations in corresponds as closely accordance with identifies failure revegetation expert consultation with the as possible to rehabilitation or partial failure engaged to assess Resources Regulator. benchmarks. plan of vegetation reasons for failure of establishment on revegetation and final landform. recommend actions to ensure that the final vegetation community corresponds as closely as possible to benchmarks. Data 5 obtained from the benchmark sites will be reviewed and utilised to refine the performance indicators, completion criteria and trigger points for corrective action.
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Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria Utilise suitable Medium Soil not capable Soil parameters not Suitably qualified Recommendations soils for Term of sustaining within 10% of agronomist or soil implemented. rehabilitation vegetation benchmark sites. scientist engaged to areas community. prepare a report including a range of recommendation to 6 ensure that the identified criteria are achieved / soil is suitable for sustaining the vegetation community. Weed Noxious weeds Short Term Mapping out of Review and update Engage a contractor to Weed mapping in place Management identified and date mapping if required undertake a weed and up to date. 7 mapped on an annual basis. inspection and control program. Development of Short / Weed Prepare weed Weed management in weed Medium management management plan place and up to date. management Term plan not specific for the site. 8 plan for prepared. stewardship site Reduce Medium Increase in the Undertake weed No increase in the area presence of Term presence of management of occupancy for weed environmental noxious and measures as outlined species and a 5% and noxious environmental in the weed reduction in weed weeds. weeds identified management plan. coverage per annum. through This may include Completion criteria will 9 monitoring. consideration of be defined as Weed species herbicide use or eradication of identified comprise more physical removal. weeds. than 20% of any community. Pest Control Manage feral Short Term Feral and Implement a Engage a contractor to Biannual monitoring and overabundant monitoring and undertake a pest indicates reduction in overabundant native animals control program to inspection and control extent of feral and native animals causing damage reduce the extent (if program. overabundant native 10 to property (e.g any) of feral or animals. Completion fences) overabundant criteria will be defined as animals. Undertake removal of identified biannual monitoring. populations.
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Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria Short Term Feral and Implement a Biannual monitoring overabundant monitoring and indicates reduction in native animals control program to extent of feral and causing damage reduce the extent (if overabundant native 11 to soil structure. any) of feral or animals. Completion overabundant criteria will be defined as animals. Undertake removal of identified biannual monitoring populations. Long Term Feral and Implement a Biannual monitoring overabundant monitoring and indicates reduction in native animals control program to extent of feral and impacting on reduce the extent (if overabundant native 12 rehabilitation any) of feral or animals. Completion growth overabundant criteria will be defined as animals. Undertake removal of identified biannual monitoring populations. Native Protect native Short / Native Erect fencing and Undertake rehabilitation Ensure that native plant Vegetation vegetation from Medium vegetation provide clear of areas under direction species richness, and impacts to Term impacted due to delineation of no-go of qualified ecologist or native canopy, mid- mining. mining activities. areas. rehabilitation specialist. storey and grass cover 13 Vegetation to within 75% of removed or reference condition. damaged Native Fauna Protect native Short / Native fauna Undertake Removal of habitat No native fauna are fauna from Medium impacted preclearance surveys minimised. displaced, injured or impacts to Term through loss of prior to any killed. mining habitat due to disturbance. 14 mining activities. Minimise habitat growth near infrastructure and active mine areas. Bushfire Fuel loads to be Short / Annual Continue annual Under direction of RFS Fuel load on the Hera managed to Medium monitoring monitoring. undertake fuel reduction Site and Stewardship 15 maintain low risk Term identifies high activities. Site is low. fuel loads
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Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria Controlled Short / Unauthorised Seek authorisation Manage and extinguish Controlled burning only burning to be Medium controlled before any controlled controlled burn in to be undertaken after 16 avoided Term burning burns consultation with RFS. consultation and undertaken direction of RFS. Maintain fire Short / Fire breaks Regularly monitor Maintenance regularly Fire breaks are break around Medium become and clear firebreaks undertaken on fire maintained at a suitable assets. Term overgrown or not breaks. Undertake distance from assets. maintained. maintenance regularly to ensure they remain 17 effective. Undertake regular monitoring of fire breaks. Erosion and Rehabilitation Long Term Erosion and Remediate eroding Engage a suitably Rehabilitation is stable Sediment areas are stable sediment control area through qualified specialist to and erosion and Control measures additional investigate existing water sediment controls failure. Source of earthworks, soil erosion and sediment effective in controlling surface water works, revegetation controls and if impacts to surface pollution. or other stabilisation necessary, design water waters. works. management structures If the above is that will limit further unsuccessful, erosion and 18 engage a suitably sedimentation. qualified professional in sediment and erosion control to prepare an assessment report and recommendations.
Final landform is Long Term Erosion and Remediate eroding Final landfom is stable stable and sediment control area through and erosion and secure. measures additional sediment controls failure. Source of earthworks, soil effective in controlling 19 surface water works, revegetation impacts to surface pollution. or other stabilisation waters. works.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Management Timeframe Trigger Action Response Performance and TARP No. Objectives measures Completion Criteria If the above is unsuccessful, engage a suitably qualified professional in sediment and erosion control to prepare an assessment report and recommendations.
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2.5 BASELINE DATA
Baseline data for each management measure is summarised in the Table 6 relating to feral animal and weed management. Table 6 Weed and pest baseline data.
Management Measure Baseline data Performance Target Performance Measure
Weed Management There are two weed Manage weed The performance target species recorded at the infestations to an for weed species is a 5% mine site. This includes acceptable. Regular annual reduction. Galvanised Burr and weed spraying and Bathurst Burr. Their removal undertaken. distribution is sporadic Mapping to be across the site. undertaken and updated annually.
Feral and pest species Feral animals on site Numbers of feral animals Feral and pest species to intermittently include on site are at a level decline below that rabbits, foxes, feral which does not impact on observed in previous goats, cats and pigs. biodiversity values or years. landforms. Annual monitoring undertaken to observe presence. Ripping of rabbit burrows to be undertaken as required. Baiting program to be implemented as required.
2.6 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE MINE SITE 2.6.1 Introduction Schedule 3, Condition 29(d) of PA 10_0191 requires the description of the short, medium and long term biodiversity management measures that will be implemented for the Mine Site. This section describes the measures that are currently and will continue to be implemented to manage and mitigate unavoidable impacts to biodiversity values within the Mine Site. The management of biodiversity values within the Stewardship Site is presented in Section 3.
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2.6.2 Mine Site Biodiversity Strategy The Mine Site biodiversity strategy will include the following. • Implementation of short, medium and long term biodiversity management measures (this section). • Monitoring (see Section 4). • Evaluation and reporting of biodiversity outcomes (see Section 7). The following subsections provide a description of biodiversity management measures that will continue to be implemented within the Mine Site.
2.6.3 Short to Medium Term Measures Short to medium term measures will be implemented for the Mine Site to minimise impacts on fauna via pre-vegetation clearance surveys, protocols for vegetation clearing, protocols for managing topsoils and subsoil and sediment and erosion control. These measures are discussed in detail in the following sub-sections.
2.6.3.1 Pre-vegetation Clearance Surveys Pre-vegetation clearance surveys will continue to be conducted prior to vegetation clearing. The aim of the surveys will be to identify significant ecological features within areas to be cleared and make all reasonable and feasible attempts to minimise the impact of clearing. The pre- clearing surveys have previously been and will continue to be conducted by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Significant ecological features considered include, but are not limited to: • Habitat for threatened species; • Habitat for endangered populations; • Hollow-bearing trees; • Significant habitat trees; • Vegetation containing significant native seed resources; • Rocky habitat; • Hollow logs and stumps; and • Fallen timber. Surveys will include the identification of any roosting or nesting fauna and the procedures to relocate any fauna immediately prior to clearing activities and to develop safeguards to manage those species that cannot be relocated before the work. During the pre-clearing vegetation survey a suitably qualified and experienced person will inspect the area to be cleared, paying particular emphasis on habitat with potential to be used by a threatened or hollow dependant species. The hollow trees and any other trees with the potential to provide habitat will be Reference Page 33 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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marked with spray paint and will be left for the second stage of clearing to allow fauna to vacate hollows naturally. During the pre-clearing vegetation survey the ecologist will also record the intended locations and placement of tree hollows. Once the hollows are cleared they will be transported to the nominated locations. Placement of these resources would not impact existing habitat for threatened species. During the pre-clearing vegetation survey and during clearing the following data will be collected. • Habitat feature type and location. • Fauna species present. • Fauna species captured. • Fauna species relocated. • Release location. • Condition/behaviour of animal upon release. • Fauna injured or killed. • Other comments or observations as required. If any animals are encountered during the pre-clearing vegetation survey they will be relocated. If an animal is relocated the location will be marked on a map and NSW BioNet Atlas database would be updated as required.
2.6.3.2 Native Orchid Management Cobar Greenhood has not been detected during targeted assessment on the Hera property in October 2001 or September 2018 by a by a suitable qualified and experienced person. To ensure this extant species is not affected by future development targeted searches for it will occur in a time of year suitable to detect it by a suitable qualified and experienced person of any area seeking further development approvals.
2.6.3.3 Vegetation Clearing Prior to vegetation clearing, the location of the identified listed threatened species protected under the BC Act and/or the EPBC Act will be fenced to ensure that no surface disturbance activities occur in this area. Mine Site Monitoring Plot 13 has been fully fenced to protect an identified species of Lobed Blue-grass population, listed as vulnerable at that time.1
1 LOBED BLUE-GRASS (BOTHRIOCHLOA BILOBA) - SINCE THAT TIME THIS SPECIES HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE EPBC ACT THREATENED SPECIES LIST. Reference Page 34 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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The requirements and procedures for the implementation of all vegetation clearing on the Mine Site are described as follows. • Where possible schedule clearing to avoid spring (the most common breeding period for the regions listed threatened species). • Prior to any vegetation clearing, the contractors involved will be taken through an induction to ensure they are aware of the vegetation clearing protocols and risks. • The area of vegetation to be cleared will be clearly defined (surveyor will mark area boundary with pegs) ahead of vegetation clearing activities. This designated area will include the area to be cleared for the vegetation windrows and topsoils stockpiling (if topsoils is available for stockpiling). • All vehicles / equipment will use existing and designated tracks and construction activities will be conducted only within the disturbance footprints nominated. • Machinery will only be parked within designated areas and/or disturbed areas only. • Prior to clearing of any hollow trees the Environment Advisor will inspect any hollows to make sure fauna have had the opportunity to relocate. • Animals which require relocation will be relocated to sites that have the same or better habitat resources compared to the area being cleared. Any relocation will be recorded, as well as the location the animal is relocated to, and reported in the Annual Review. • When a large habitat tree (which may contain hollows) requires clearing it will be gradually nudged at intermittent intervals so that any animals occupying a habitat tree has a chance of vacating the area after the initial disturbance period (tap it with the dozer/excavator, wait five minutes, repeat this another two times). • Careful inspection will occur to any felled hollow / stag to ensure that fauna has not been affected. • Major tree trunks, major limbs and if possible minor branches would be salvaged and used for rehabilitation activities. This activity would create habitat with structural complexity and encourage many species including robins into the rehabilitated areas. • Vegetation is to be pushed into windrows at the limit of the disturbance footprint (allowing room for topsoils stockpiles where applicable). • Only those sections of land required for the dam wall construction proposed for the construction of the Back Dam East will be disturbed. The remaining area will be allowed to flood intermittently. • Vegetation windrows are to be retained until final rehabilitation of the adjacent area of disturbance unless they are a significant resource for feral species
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i.e. harbouring vegetation for rabbits. Vegetation would be stockpiled downslope (where possible) of cleared areas to act as a silt fence. • Once final rehabilitation is required, the vegetation in the windrows is to be pulled back over the area and spread as mulch, habitat and erosion protection. • The native vegetation behind the vegetation windrow is not to be disturbed, hence vegetation is to be pulled back onto the disturbed area – not pushed. • During the vegetation clearing the cleared land will be inspected by the Environment Advisor and any animal handling will be done by the Environment Advisor, who possesses a current NSW Scientific licence, NSW DPI Animal Ethics Approval or is a licensed animal handler with WIRES. Large hollow trunks will be transported to undisturbed areas of the site to provide additional habitat in undisturbed areas. Woody vegetation which may be utilised for rehabilitation will be transported to the area being rehabilitated, or may be stockpiled for future rehabilitation activities.
2.6.3.4 Collecting or Purchase of Seed Options for Mine Site revegetation from seed include the following. • Unassisted revegetation – This method ensures only endemic species, able to withstand the harsh climate of the area, will succeed. In this scenario only weed control and feral and overabundant animal control would be required. • Assisted revegetation – This method includes collecting or purchasing seed. Collecting and propagation of naturally occurring seed produces plant material of local provenance and genetic suitability that can be used in revegetation programs. Unassisted revegetation has been successful within the Mine Site to date and this will be continued. Assisted revegetation will only be undertaken in the event that unassisted revegetation proves to be unsuccessful. If required the following guidance is relevant both in methodology and in species selection for either collection or purchase. Seed will be collected prior to clearing of vegetation if possible, if this is not possible, seed will be collected from desired species alongside the cleared vegetation. Species targeted for collection will be the species required for final rehabilitation activities, as listed in the Mining Operations Plan. These species include, but are not limited to: • Wallaby Grass; • Kangaroo Grass; • Windmill Grass; • Mallee; Reference Page 36 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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• Smooth-barked Coolibah; • Poplar box; and • Gum-barked Coolibah. A NSW BCD permit will be required to collect native seed from public land but not for on-site collection. Seed will be collected at the appropriate time of year (species dependent), possibly treated or cleaned before use, depending on the species. Simple methods of seed collection include: 1. Collect native seed using vacuum; 2. Using pole pruners to remove fruits or fruiting branches from trees and tall shrubs; 3. Using secateurs for grasses and lower shrubs; 4. Hand picking of individual fruits where appropriate (e.g. fleshy-fruited species); and 5. Placing a ground sheet underneath a shrub and then shaking the plant to dislodge pods and seed. This method is particularly useful for prickly or tall shrubs, or plants that have small fruit which can be very time consuming to collect individually. Freshly picked seed and fruit is best placed in breathable collection bags, i.e. not plastic. Paper bags or grain feed bags are preferred. It is not advisable to use cloth bags when collecting grasses as the seeds get caught in the material. Where continuous stretches of indigenous grasses occur, a brush harvester, (e.g. attached to a four-wheel drive) can be used. A small scale brush harvester fitted to the end of a hand-held brush cutter can also be used where the grasses have a patchier distribution. To ensure the seed collected is as genetically diverse as possible, small quantities of seed are to be collected from as many different individual plants as possible taking into account any constraints. Collecting from as many different heights on plants as practical is another practice to increase the genetic ‘worth’ of seed collected. Seeds can also be stored until sowing by being placed in labelled zip-lock bags but this is generally less preferable. As excess humidity or warmth can cause seed to deteriorate or die from fungal disease or rotting. Seeds in plastic bags need be stored in a refrigerator until required. Most seed will remain viable in this way for many years.
2.6.3.5 Soil Stripping and Stockpiling Soil materials within the sections of the Mine Site which will be disturbed were assessed by Strategic Environmental and Engineering Consulting (SEEC) in 2011. In summary, two soil landscape units, namely the Yackerboon Land System and Kopyje Land Systems have been identified within the Mine Site. The Kopyje Land System occupies the southwest of the Mine Site while the Yackerboon Land System occupies the area which will be mainly disturbed by mining. Where required, topsoil material will be stripped to approximately 30cm below the ground surface and subsoil to approximately 70cm below the base of the topsoil, where practicable to Reference Page 37 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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do so. The approximate striping depths of the soil are based on recommendations provided by SEEC in 2011. Topsoil will be removed and reserved from all areas that are to be disturbed to ensure adequate volumes are available for rehabilitation. Important components of the soil stripping activities include the following. • Areas of disturbance will be clearly defined ahead of soil stripping activities (i.e. pegged / flagged on the ground). These designated areas will also include the area to be cleared for soil stockpiling. • Whenever possible, no soil will be removed in wet conditions to avoid breakdown of the soil structure. • The intended destination of the stripped soils will be determined prior to stripping commencing. Stockpiles will preferentially be located immediately adjacent to the area of disturbance, preferably on the down slope side of the area of disturbance and between the disturbance and the vegetation windrow, where practicable. Stockpiling of soils will be recorded in the Mining Operations Plan (MOP), when this document is updated. • Ensure the area of the soil stockpiles are stripped also. • Soil stripping is to include the groundcover which was retained during the vegetation clearing as this contains a seed bank and minimises erosion and dust lift off between vegetation clearing and soil stripping. • Soil is to be removed and reserved as much as possible to ensure that a maximum volume of topsoil is available for rehabilitation. • Topsoil stockpiles are to be created no higher than 2m high and with no greater than 1:2 (V:H) slopes to minimise erosion. • Subsoil stockpiles are to be created no higher than 3m high and with no greater than 1:2 (V:H) slopes to minimise erosion. • Soil stockpiles will not be driven on or compacted in any way. • If the natural seed bank in the soil does not cover the stockpiles with vegetation within a three month period, an assessment will be undertaken to determine the most effective cover to ensure stabilisation of stockpiles and minimal dust lift off. This could include the sowing of native species, sterilised exotic grass species or cover sprays.
2.6.3.6 Erosion and Sediment Management Erosion and sediment control activities are undertaken in accordance with the commitments made in the Hera Mine Water Management Plan and MOP.
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2.6.3.7 Cultural Heritage Resources No cultural heritage resources have been identified within the Mine Site and therefore do not require specific management other than operational protocols described in the 2011 EIS. The Offset Area has not been subject to cultural heritage or archaeological investigations. Procedures for unexpected finds are outlined in the Heritage Management Plan (HMP).
2.6.3.8 Response Plan for Identification and Management of Unexpected Threatened Species Figure 6 presents the response plan following the identification of unexpected threatened flora or fauna species within the Mine Site. This procedure is applicable to all activities that have the potential impact upon threatened flora and fauna species and is to be followed by all staff and contractors at all times.
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Figure 6 Unexpected Flora Response Plan
2.6.4 Medium to Long Term Measures The medium to long term measures that will continue to be implemented for the Mine Site include the following. • Monitoring of established pre-existing vegetation points. • Enhancement of fauna habitat at suitable locations on the Mine Site. • Management of fauna in association with the TSF infrastructure. • Feral and overabundant native herbivore control. • Vertebrate pest management, including though not limited to, goats, foxes, rabbits, hares, pigs and cats. • Weed management.
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• Bushfire management. • Rehabilitation of disturbed areas. The following sub-sections provide a detailed description of the medium to long term measures.
2.6.4.1 Habitat Enhancement for Fauna The following fauna management initiatives will be implemented at the Mine Site to minimise impacts upon local native fauna. • The Mine Site will be maintained to ensure it is a clean, rubbish free environment. This will be particularly important around administration and contractor areas to discourage scavenging and reduce the potential for colonisation of these areas by non-endemic fauna, such as introduced rodents and foxes. • Reduce the potential of vehicular impact of wildlife. Speed limits are imposed on vehicles using roads and tracks within the Mining Lease to a maximum of 40km/h. • Domestic pets are not allowed on the Mining Lease and employees and contractors are not allowed to feed of make pets of native or pest fauna. • Implementation of feral animal controls. • Implementation of fire management regime. • Progressive relocation of old hollow trees from cleared areas into undisturbed areas to provide habitat. The aim is to introduce habitat complexity with salvaged natural materials where possible.
2.6.4.2 Increasing Habitat Complexity / Salvaging Habitat Components To increase habitat complexity, substantive trees (Eucalyptus with tree hollows) will be salvaged during clearing operations and placed in areas designated for habitat restoration to ensure an increase in habitat for a number of species. During previous habitat surveys indicator species such as Hooded Robin (listed under the BC Act) were identified to favour areas with dead and fallen Eucalyptus timber (both in cleared and vegetated areas) and were absent from areas with less habitat complexity (i.e. cypress pine monocultures). The Mine Site has a large number of standing dead trees (Eucalyptus species were ringbarked and are now a relic of historical agricultural and mining development). Where these trees are required to be cleared, they will be progressively relocated to improve habitat complexity in areas designated for restoration. Monitoring will report any species occupying the hollows. Where feral species are identified they will be controlled in accordance with the Mine’s pest management procedures.
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2.6.4.3 Cyanide Management for the Protection of Fauna The following guidelines are relevant to management of cyanide-bearing process water and tailings. • National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) Guidelines on Sodium Cyanide Management (Australian Government NICAS 2010). • The International Cyanide Management Code (the Code) and several other papers (Donato 1999, 2002, 2003a, 2003b, Donato et al. 2007). In summary, to ensure that risk to fauna is minimised the following procedures, developed in consideration of these guidelines, will be implemented. • Management of cyanide will be undertaken in accordance with The International Cyanide Management Code (see Hazardous Material Management Plan for further details). • Cyanide storage and use will be undertaken in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Management Plan, Cyanide Emergency Management Plan, Emergency Response Management Plan and relevant Safety Data Sheets. • Process water will be managed to ensure that the concentration of weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide is less than 20mg/L 90% of the time and less than 30mg/L 100% of the time. • The Process Water Pond will be managed in a manner that will ensure that it remains non-conducive for native fauna. • Tailings discharge will be managed to ensure that the concentration of WAD cyanide on discharge to the TSF is less than 10mg/L at all times. • Water recovery from the TSF will be maximised to ensure that free standing water bodies are minimised, therefore reducing the likelihood of fauna visitation. • Water quality monitoring will be undertaken to ensure cyanide concentrations remain below the identified criteria. • If required, cyanide destruction will be used to reduce WAD cyanide concentrations to below the relevant criteria.
2.6.4.4 Native Animal Rescue The procedures to be undertaken for native animals lost or injured in the Mine Site are provided in Appendix 3. If native animals are found lost or injured within the Mine Site the Environment Advisor is to be contacted. Regardless of whether an animal is injured or not, removal will be be carried out by a qualified ecologist possessing a current NSW scientific licence and NSW DPI Animal Ethics
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approval and or wildlife carer who holds a relevant licence. Persons handling bats will have to be vaccinated for the Australian bat lyssa virus.
2.6.4.5 Vertebrate Pest Management The procedures and suitability for control of each vertebrate and other pest management programs to be implemented are provided in Appendix 3. Templates to record observations, reporting of monitoring activities and management actions undertaken for vertebrate pest management are provided in Appendix 4. Monitoring will be implemented to monitor the success of the ripping up of rabbit warrens. The ripped up warrens will be monitored monthly for the three months following removal and then occasionally during site inspections. If any remaining rabbits are found, follow up control will be carried out. Hera Resources is committed to search for and rip up all identified rabbit warrens present at the Mine Site. Results of monitoring will be reviewed on an annual basis, if there is no decline in the presence of the species the control methods will be increased (i.e. if fox presence is not decreased, the baiting will be conducted more frequently – from twice per year to three times per year).
2.6.5 Grazing Management There are no plans for grazing at the Mine Site. The Peak property is surrounded by a boundary stock fence which will limit access to the Mine Site, and grazing by undesired pests such as goats and pigs. The boundary fence will be inspected and maintained, as required.
2.6.6 Bushfire Management The Asset Protection Zone (APZ) as defined by Planning for Bush Fire Protection (NSW Rural Fire Service, 2006) requires that vegetation clearing extends to at least 15m from all infrastructure with mosaic burning in selected areas. This controlled mosaic burning will have a positive result for the ecology on the Mine Site. It is noted that there has been no recorded fire events within the past 20 years within the Mine Site locality, however, old growth trees show signs of some historic fire events. All bush fire management activities, including the frequency and extent of burning will be directed by the NSW Rural Fire Service. Where mosaic burning has occurred a vegetation plot will be used to determine the response of native flora to the event. Templates for recording observations, reporting of monitoring activities and management actions undertaken for bush fire management are provided in Appendix 3.
2.6.7 Weed Management
Two weed species previously classified as noxious weeds have been identified on the Mine Site, namely Bathurst Burr and Galvanised Burr. Following the repeal of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, these weeds are no longer listed as priority weeds under the Western Regional Strategic Weed
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Management Plan 2017-2022 (Western Local Land Services, 2017), however they will continue to be treated as priority weeds for the site. To ensure that weeds are managed effectively the following will be implemented. • Consultation with relevant government agencies including Cobar Council and the Local Land Services office. • Control of weeds in accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015. • Specific focus upon the removal, deterrence of the growth in disturbed areas and the transportation of weeds into the Mine Site. • Collection of weed baseline data and mapping. • Setting performance targets that there will be no increase in the area of occupancy for weed species. • Setting annual targets of a 5% reduction in weed coverage per annum. • Monitoring and recording performance in terms of the nature and extent of weed populations and controls used to address the issues.
• Setting completion criteria defined as eradication of a given weed for the assessment period. If priority weeds are identified during the clearing process they will be mapped and treated with round up. Bathurst Burr and Galvanised Burr are mostly located around the site dams (Back Dam and Pete’s Dam). Both these species have been sprayed with Round-up and will once again be treated if necessary. Table 7 describes the distribution of weed infestations existing at the commencement date of this BMP. The procedures for weed control (management actions), monitoring and inspections are provided in Appendix 3. Templates for recording observations, reporting of monitoring activities and management actions undertaken for weed management are provided in Appendix 4. Any weed species which are identified on disturbed land, soil stockpiles or upon outbreak will be recorded then destroyed by weed spraying. Any other control methods recommended by ecologist or weed control officer will be implemented as per the requirements. Weeds will also be mapped during the pre-clearing vegetation mapping and destroyed prior to any vegetation clearing activities. Table 7
Weed Species Identified within the Mine Site
Common name Scientific name Description of infestation
Bathurst burr Xanthium spinosum Sporadic weed in disturbed areas.
Galvanised Burr Sclerolaena birchii Sporadic weed in all areas.
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2.6.8 Access and Site Security The following measures will be implemented to ensure restricted access and the prevention of firewood and rock collection. • Inspection and maintenance of fencing as required (after high wind / storm events). • Gates installed and maintained. • Installation of appropriate signage. • Awareness training for site personnel, contractors and neighbours.
2.6.9 Progressive and Final Rehabilitation Rehabilitation for the Mine site will be undertaken in accordance with the MOP. The MOP identifies the rehabilitation domains and the relevant vegetation communities that will be re- instated within disturbed areas of the Mine Site. It also includes a description of final landforms, the development of suitable growth media and vegetation establishment. A series of performance criteria and indicators will be used to guide progressive rehabilitation within the Mine Site. Monitoring of vegetation plots entails comparison with of control analogue sites as a bench mark and to ensure ecological sustainability is achieved.
2.6.9.1 Post Mining Land Use Goal The approved final land use is a combination of agriculture and native vegetation, with areas set aside for native vegetation located particularly in the vicinity and to the east of the Surface Facilities Area and the TSF. The remainder of the Mine Site, comprising the western and southern sections, will continue to be used for agricultural activities.
2.6.9.2 Rehabilitation Objectives The Company’s rehabilitation objectives for the Mine Site can be defined in the short term and long term. In the short term, the objective would be to stabilise all earthworks, drainage lines and disturbed areas no longer required for mine-related activities in order to minimise erosion and the generation of sediment-laden water, and to reduce the visibility of the activities from the local road network. Erosion control would be achieved by the early establishment of a groundcover. In the long term, and in order to achieve the nominated post mining land use goals, Hera Resources’ rehabilitation objectives include the following. • Remove all items of infrastructure, stabilise disturbed areas and minimise erosion and dust generation;
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• Create a low maintenance, geotechnically stable and safe, non-polluting final landform consistent with the surrounding topography and suitable for the end land use of nature conservation and agriculture; • Establish a soil profile capable of sustaining the specified end land use; • Establish native vegetation with the species diversity commensurate with surrounding vegetation; and • Protect and enhance those sections of the Mine Site with remaining vegetation.
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3. STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT 3.1 INTRODUCTION As the eastern section of the mine site is unable to be utilised as a Stewardship Site due to the presence of a Travelling Stock Reserve, Hera Resources propose to establish a Stewardship Site within the company-owned Chelsea property located 25km southeast of the Mine Site (Figure 3). The Chelsea property covers an area of approximately 1,964ha. Approximately 295ha of Chelsea is on the same LLS area as the Mine Site i.e. Western (Nymagee-Rankins Springs), the remaining 1,670 ha is in the Central West LLS (Nymagee- Rankins Springs). Chelsea was historically used for forestry and light grazing (sheep and goats) and remains relatively undisturbed. While offsetting was achievable in the Western LLS portion, offsetting was preferred in the Central West LLS portion of the property so it could be adjacent to Nangerybone State Forest. This maximised the ‘patch size ‘of a contiguous remnant protected by a conservation covenant. The biodiversity offset requirements for the ongoing development of the Mine Site had been calculated using the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (BBAM) as required by Schedule 3 Condition 26 of PA 10_0191. As the Offset Area is dissected by the boundary of the Central West and Western Catchment Management Authority (CMA) two BioBanking credit reports were required. The approved Offset Area within the Chelsea property has been approved in two stages. An Offset Area incorporating 537.74ha within the Chelsea property was approved on 31 July 2012 and an additional 18.00ha was incorporated into the approved Offset Area following approval of MOD3 on 25 February 2016. As noted in Section 1.5, Hera Resources has undertaken extensive consultation regarding the offset site, and despite in-principle support of Crown Lands and BCD, a BioBanking Agreement was not finalised prior to the repeal of the relevant legislation supporting such agreements. Biobanking Agreements have now been replaced by Stewardship Sites under the BC Act. Hera Resources has liaised with Crown Lands, BCD and the NSW Forestry Corporation regarding the establishment a Stewardship Site over the ‘ Chelsea’ property. Hera Resources prepared a Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report for the property.
3.2 THE BIODIVERSITYSTEWARDSHIP SITE The Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report (BSSAR) will support an application to establish a stewardship site agreement for ‘Chelsea’, Lot 1753 of DP763625, 6436 Canbelego- Nymagee Road, Nymagee, NSW. Chelsea is in western NSW Figure 1. The property is in the IBRA Cobar Peneplain Bioregion, Nymagee subregion. Three Plant Community Types (PCTs) occur on the property, each vegetation type is in a similar condition and relatively homogeneous, therefore each PCT constitutes one zone. Chelsea is
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moderately wooded across the entire property. Species observation, dominant species mapping, and strategic vegetation assessment was used to inform the PCT map for Chelsea. The ground truthed PCT map of Chelsea contains • PCT82 – Western Grey Box - Poplar Box - White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red loams mainly of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion. • PCT103 – Poplar Box - Gum Coolabah - White Cypress Pine shrubby woodland mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion • PCT184 – Dwyers Red Gum - White Cypress Pine - Currawang low shrub-grass woodland of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion Chelsea is approximately 1,954 hectares in total, all of which is allocated as the stewardship site. The ground truthed PCTs are; • PCT 82- 551.25 hectares • PCT 103- 643.42 hectares • PCT 184- 760.26 hectares At the time of writing the Biodiversity Stewardship Site application has not been submitted to the government.
3.3 EXISTING BIODIVERSITY VALUES 3.3.1 Landscape Feature The Stewardship Site is entirely within Nymagee (Nangerybone Hills) Mitchell Landscapes.The Nangerybone Hills ecosystem includes parts of seven land systems: Boppy, Eremeran, Mineshaft, Shepherds Hill, Warrowie and Yarambie. Rounded ridges possess Devonian quartzite, conglomerate, and sandstone, over Ordovician or Silurian phyllite and schist, with narrow incised drainage lines and a relief to 180m. High peaked, steep hillcrests with tors possess granite; poorly defined radial drainage with typical reliefs to 100m. Strike ridges consist of highly-rounded hills on Silurian quartz-feldspar porphyry, rhyolites and tuffs interbedded with slate and chert with a relief 15 to 50m. Abundant rock outcrops occur with shallow sandy lithosols on crests. Native vegetation in this landscape is characterised grey mallee, white cypress pine, Dwyer's mallee gum, mulga, kurrajongs, currawang, bimble box, western golden wattle, silver cassia, mint bush, cough bush, variable spear grass, wire grass, and rock fern on crests. Bimble box and grasses increase down slope with green mallee, white cypress pine, red box, broad-leaf hopbush, long greybeard grass, rough spear grass, and rock fern. Lower slopes and flats possess dense pointed mallee, moderate red box, white cypress pine, budda, warrior bush, rosewood, curly-bark wattle, shrubby rice-flower, long greybeard grass, white-top, mulga grass, and variable speargrass. Dense white cypress pine, bimble box, broad-leaf hopbush, budda, and kangaroo grass occur along drainage lines. River red gum and bimble box occur along major creeks. Reference Page 48 of 152 Location O:\Administration\Documents
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3.3.2 Plant Community Types The following Plant Community Types have been mapped in the Chelsea property (Figure 7): • PCT82 – Western Grey Box - Poplar Box - White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red loams mainly of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion. • PCT103 – Poplar Box - Gum Coolabah - White Cypress Pine shrubby woodland mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion • PCT184 – Dwyers Red Gum - White Cypress Pine - Currawang low shrub-grass woodland of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion
3.4 PCT BENCHMARKS Vegetation Condition Benchmarks describe the reference state for plant community types. Site specific data can be compared to the benchmarks to measure their site-scale biodiversity values or set goals for management or restoration. The three primary attributes of biodiversity; composition, structure and function are described by benchmarks: • Composition benchmarks are growth form species richness (green) • Structure benchmarks are growth form summed foliage cover (blue) • Function benchmarks are number of large trees, length of logs and cover of litter (red) The benchmark criteria for plant communities at Hera will be applicable to the Cobar Peneplain IBRA Bioregion. Aurelia will be guided by these benchmarks and vegetation community descriptions during the enhancement of the Biodiversity Offset Area. A full description of each PCT is provided in Appendix 11.
Table 8 PCT Benchmarks
Community Condition Vegetation Class Western Peneplain Woodlands Benchmarks-PCCT103 IBRA Cobar Peneplain
Benchmark Calculation Level Class/IBRA
Tree Richness 3
Shrub Richness 7
Grass and Grass Like Richness 6
Forb Richness 9
Fern Richness 1
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Other Richness 1
Tree Cover 18.0
Shrub Cover 11.0
Grass and Grass Like Cover 6.0
Forb Cover 3.0
Fern Cover 0.0
Other Cover 0.0
Total length of fallen logs 26
Litter Cover 30
Number of Large Trees 3.0
Large Tree Threshold Size 30
Community Condition Vegetation Class Sand Plain Mallee Woodlands Benchmarks PCT174 IBRA Cobar Peneplain
Benchmark Calculation Level Class/IBRA
Tree Richness 4
Shrub Richness 10
Grass and Grass Like Richness 4
Forb Richness 6
Fern Richness 0
Other Richness 1
Tree Cover 20.0
Shrub Cover 14.0
Grass and Grass Like Cover 4.0
Forb Cover 1.0
Fern Cover 0.0
Other Cover 0.0
Total length of fallen logs 41
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Litter Cover 30
Number of Large Trees 3.0
Large Tree Threshold Size 30
Community Condition Vegetation Class Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands Benchmarks PCT180 IBRA Cobar Peneplain
Benchmark Calculation Level Class/IBRA
Tree Richness 4
Shrub Richness 6
Grass and Grass Like Richness 5
Forb Richness 12
Fern Richness 1
Other Richness 1
Tree Cover 37
Shrub Cover 17
Grass and Grass Like Cover 9
Forb Cover 5
Fern Cover 1
Other Cover 0
Total length of fallen logs 41
Litter Cover 30
Number of Large Trees 3
Large Tree Threshold Size 30
Provided in Table 9 are the requirements calculated using the BAMM from the originally approved layout.
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Figure 7 Plant Community Types on ‘Chelsea’
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Chelsea Property Vegetation Communities Sheet Size : A4
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Table 9 Offset Requirements calculated using the BAMM – Original Approved Layout
IBRA region IBRA region IBRA region where where these where these Total PCT Associated Associated these can come Associated PCTID PCT Name can come can come from Trading group number of Code PCT PCT from PCT from (2015 – MOD credits (2015 – MOD5) (2012) 3) Nymagee, Barnato Poplar Box - Downs, Bogan- Gum Macquarie, Coolabah - Canbelego Downs, Western Western: Western White Darling Depression, Peneplain Barnato Peneplain Cypress Pine Lachlan Plains and Woodlands Downs Woodlands - 103 shrubby WE91 PCT103 - - Lower Slopes. (including 4,228 Nymagee- cleared group woodland Or PCT103 Rankins (including Tier mainly in the Any IBRA subregion PCT135 Springs 6 or higher). Cobar that is within 100 PCT145 Peneplain kilometers of the Bioregion outer edge of the impacted site. Poplar Box Nymagee- grassy Rankins woodland on Springs – flats mainly in Western and the Cobar any IBRA PCT105 105 Peneplain WE92 - - subregion that - - - 74 PCT145 Bioregion and adjoins the Murray IBRA subregion Darling in which the Depression development Bioregion occurs.
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Lachlan: Barnato Downs Darling Depression Lachlan: Grey Mallee - (Part B) PCT184 White Lachlan PCT185 Cypress Pine Plains woodland on Lower Slopes Western: 180 rocky hills of WE61 Nymagee- PCT184 - - - - - 9 the eastern Rankins PCT256 Cobar Springs PCT176 Peneplain PCT180 Bioregion Western: PCT175 Canbelego PCT72 Downs Nymagee- Rankins Springs Mallee - Gum Coolabah woodland on Western: red earth flats Nymagee- 174 WE84 PCT174 - - - - - 205 of the eastern Rankins Cobar Springs Peneplain Bioregion Nymagee- Dwyer's Red PCT184 Rankins Gum - White PCT256 Springs – Cypress Pine PCT257 Western and - Currawang PCT176 any IBRA low shrub- PCT218 184 WE58 - - subregion that - - - 81 grass PCT180 adjoins the woodland of PCT175 IBRA subregion the Cobar PCT122 in which the Peneplain PCT104 development Bioregion PCT68 occurs.
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3.4.1 Fauna of the Offset Area 132 species of fauna have been recorded in the Stewardship Site.
3.4.2 Fauna Habitats Fauna habitats in the Stewardship Site vary. The many mature eucalyptus have tree hollows and there are fallen logs (>10cm diameter) located within the Dwyer’s Gum community with fewer logs in the Bimble Box community. The following provides a brief summary of the habitat quality of the various vegetation layers. • A tree canopy covers approximately 70% of the property with half of this area being eucalyptus. The flowering periods of eucalypts in the Stewardship Site are staggered throughout the year with few flowering in autumn and winter. An average of four upper stratum species have been recorded within the seven monitoring plots in the Offset Area (the minimum species count in the monitoring plots is two and maximum six). • Pockets of understory plants occur within the Stewardship Site with densities varying due to the levels of herbivory (by both native and feral species). An average of two species have been recorded in the Offset Area plots (the maximum species count in the monitoring plots is three and minimum one). The species richness of the Offset Area midstratum has declined since 2013 due to herbivory. The midstratum provides significant resources for the regions woodland birds. • The ground stratum species richness averages 12 species. The number of exotic species recorded has risen slightly from 3% in 2013 to 12.5% in 2019, reflecting unusually hot and dry periods with rain preceding the 2019 monitoring surveys. The Stewardship Site possesses rocky habitats, which cover approximately 60% of the area. The complexity of habitat varies from smooth rounded rock outcrops to deeply incised and boulderised areas possessing substantive habitat complexity. The rocky areas provide high quality habitats for both reptiles and microbats. Deep sandy and eroded waterway banks in the Stewardship Site are likely breeding habitats for rainbow bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) (an EPBC Act listed species) and pardalotes which tunnel into sand.
3.4.3 Threatened Species Twelve species recorded in the Offset Area are listed under the EPBC and/or BC Act: • Chalinolobus dwyeri, Large-eared Pied Bat (BC and EPBC Act). • Chalinolobus picatus, Little Pied Bat (BC and EPBC Act). • Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) (BC Act).
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• Melanodryas cucullata, Hooded Robin (BC Act). • Circus assimilis, Spotted Harrier (BC Act). • Neophema pulchella, Turquoise Parrot (BC Act). • Stagonopleura guttata, Diamond Firetail (BC Act). • Miniopterus (schreibersii) orianae oceansis, Eastern Bentwing Bat (BC Act). • Saccolaimus flaviventris, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (BC Act). • Vespadelus baverstockii, Inland Forest Bat (BC Act). • Vespadelus troughtoni, Eastern Cave Bat (BC Act). • Cacatua leadbeateri, Major Mitchells Cockatoo (BC Act). Anecdotal evidence from the past landowner suggests Kultarr and Superb Parrot have been present within the Stewardship Site .
3.5 MEETING OFFSET OBLIGATIONS Chelsea is in the process of being established as an agreement with the government. The offset requirements will be met as part of this process or otherwise in accordance with the BC Act and Regulation.
3.6 Performance and Completion Criteria Performance and completion criteria allow a measurement of progress and success of management strategies. Table 10 presents the performance and completion criteria that will be used to assess the performance of the biodiversity management strategy within the Stewardship Site. TARP relevant to each criteria are outlined in Table 5 should the performance measures not be achieved. Table 10 Performance and Completion Criteria – Chelsea TARP (refer Objectives Performance and Completion Criteria Table 5) 1. Preserve or improve native Annual monitoring using Biometric Vegetation vegetation compared to an Benchmarks at Monitoring Points MPC1 to MPC7 1 analogue site within the indicates continual improvement. Stewardship Site 2. Preserve or improve Annual monitoring at Monitoring Points MPC 1, Landscape Function MPC 2 and MPC3 indicates improvement 2 Analysis scores. compared to the baseline assessment in November 2014. 3. Preserve or improve Maintain groundcover at 40% or more in areas groundcover, focussing on not disturbed by mining with a goal of achieving 3 native grasses. more than 50% native grasses.
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4. Preserve or improve native Annual monitoring indicates continual fauna species diversity. improvement compared to previous monitoring 4 results within the Biodiversity Offset Area Stewardship Site. 5. Preserve Manage weeds No increase in the area of occupancy for weed through an annual weed species and a 5% reduction in weed coverage control program, focussing per annum. 9 on noxious priority weeds Completion criteria will be defined as eradication of identified weeds. 6. Manage feral and Biannual monitoring indicates reduction in extent overabundant native of feral and overabundant native animals. animals through an annual Completion criteria will be defined as removal of 10,11,12 monitoring and control identified populations. program 7. Control erosion and Annual monitoring of sediment and erosion sedimentation with the control structures indicates that these remain Stewardship Site adequate and the landform is not a source of pollution. 18 No visible rills/gullies in landform greater than 0.3m in width or depth.
3.7 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE OFFSET AREA Condition 3(26) of PA 10_0191 requires that the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement describe the management measures that be implemented within the Chelsea property to conserve and improve biodiversity values of the property over time. This section describes the measures that will be implemented to preserve or improve biodiversity values within the Offset Area.
3.7.1 Vegetation Management The Stewardship Site is fenced to minimise the effects of opportunistic grazing by pest animals (overabundant native herbivores, goats and pigs). The fence is standard stock fencing and will be inspected and maintained, as required.
3.7.1.1 Native Orchid Assessment
Cobar Greenhood has not been detected during targeted assessment on the Hera property in October 2001 or September 2018 by a by a suitable qualified and experienced person. To ensure this extant species is not affected by future development targeted searches for it will occur in a time of year suitable to detect it by a suitable qualified and experienced person of any area seeking further development approvals.
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3.7.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Soil erosion control works will be implemented as required, to ensure the stabilisation of drainage areas within the Stewardship Site . Thinning of White Cypress Pine along drainages line on the Stewardship Site will be undertaken progressively to address soil erosion.
3.7.3 Vertebrate Pest Management Vertebrate pest control measures will be implemented by the filling in of all on-property dams. This action will address the population densities for a number of species including goats, foxes, rabbits, pigs, cats and rodents. Other control methods and procedures and suitability of control methods are similar to those presented in Appendix 4.
3.7.4 Grazing Pressures No grazing is proposed for the Stewardship Site and therefore grazing pressures will only be present as a result of vertebrate pests or native macropods. Removal of farm dams on the property will reduce the overall density of feral animals on the property.
3.7.5 Weed Management All noxious priority weeds will be managed and controlled in accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015. Weed management will be implemented within the Stewardship Site in a similar manner to weed management within the Mine Site (as described in Appendix 4).
3.7.6 Native Fauna Management If native animals are found lost or injured during work in the Stewardship Site the Environment Advisor is to be contacted. Regardless of whether an animal is injured or not, removal should be carried out by a qualified ecologist passing a valid NSW Scientific licence and NSW DPI Animal Ethics approval and or wildlife carer who holds a relevant licence. Persons handling bats will have to be vaccinated for the Australian bat lyssa virus. Native fauna management will be consistent with that implemented for the Mine Site (as described in Appendix 4).
3.7.7 Bushfire Management Bushfire management has been achieved in part by implementation of Asset Protection Zones (APZ) buffers to 10 to 20 meters around the Offset Area fence line.
Advice from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) was sought in 2015 regarding controlled burns. Burns will be unsuccessful until ground covers are re-established. Maintenance of APZ will be undertaken periodically with frequency of fire in the broader areas largely to be determined via risk assessment and advice from the RFS. There are no communities or species within the Stewardship Site that will not be able to naturally recover in the face of a managed fire regime.
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The ecological fire requirements including fire frequency intervals for each vegetation type or threatened species within the Stewardship Site are listed in Appendix 4. These are the same as those recommended for the vegetation types and threatened species present on the Mine Site. They include any requirement adjustments to the schedule in the event of a wildfire or activities undertaken under the Rural Fires Act 1997 to ensure the minimum frequencies between ecological burns are retained.
3.7.8 Access and Site Security The following measures will be implemented to ensure restricted access and the prevention of firewood and rock collection. • Inspection and maintenance of fencing as required (after high wind / storm events). • Gates installed and maintained. • Installation of signs regarding the biodiversity conservation purpose of the site. • Awareness training for site personnel, contractors and neighbours regarding the purpose of the Stewardship Site .
• Consultation with surrounding landowners regarding the purpose of the Stewardship Site .
4. Biodiversity Monitoring Program 4.1 INTRODUCTION This section provides detail on the ecological monitoring program for the Mine Site and the Offset Area, designed to assess the adequacy of the ecological management strategies to be undertaken as part of the BMP. Appendix 4 provides the templates for documentation of this process. For more details on monitoring refer to the Annual Monitoring Reports.
4.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE MONITORING PROGRAM The objectives of the monitoring program are to: • Determine progress towards and compliance with the performance and completion criteria identified in Section 2.4 and Section 3.6; • Facilitate continuous improvement in rehabilitation and revegetation practices; • Record and document changes in retained vegetation within the Mine Site, and allow for comparison with baseline data; • Record and document fauna population changes and identify breeding and critical habitat; and • Ensure the ecological significance of the biodiversity management areas are maintained or improved as a result of ongoing management practices.
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4.3 MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY Figure 5 and Figure 8 present monitoring locations within the Hera Mine Site and Chelsea properties. Table 11 presents the locations and frequency of monitoring within each property. Table 11
Monitoring Locations and Frequency
Location Type of Monitoring Frequency By Whom Hera Mine All General site inspection and verification Monthly or after Site Personnel <25mm rain MPP1 to MPP13 BioMetric Vegetation Condition Annual Ecologist Benchmark. BAM 2017 plots as of 2020 MPP4, MPP5 and Landscape Function Analysis After significant Ecologist MPP13 rainfall or management actions implemented that would impact landscape function Various Fauna monitoring1 Annual Ecologist Various Weeds and pests Six monthly Ecologist/Weeds Contractor Chelsea All General site inspection and verification Quarterly or after Site Personnel <25mm rain MPC1 to MPC76 Plot BioMetric Vegetation Condition Annual Ecologist Benchmark. BAM 2017 Plots as of 2020 MPC1, MPC2 and Landscape Function Analysis After significant Ecologist MPC3 rainfall or management actions implemented that would impact landscape function Various Fauna monitoring1 Annual Ecologist Various Weeds and pests Six monthly Ecologist/Weeds Contractor Note 1: Fauna monitoring = ultrasonic bat call detection, bird surveys, scat and tracks, herpetofauna survey, Elliot traps and pitfall trapping, particularly focusing on malleefowl and Kultarr.
4.4 MONITORING PROCEDURE Table 12 presents an overview of the monitoring methodology to be implemented within both the Mine Site and Chelsea properties. In addition to the methodology identified in Table 12, photo points have been established for each vegetation monitoring plot at Chelsea and Hera Mine. Photographs will be taken at the same direction, location, height and time of day (during
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daylight hours) at commencement and annually thereafter. All photographs will be dated, stating the direction in which they were taken and identified with their locations. A template document for photo point monitoring is provided as Appendix 4.
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Figure 8 Monitoring Plots – “Chelsea”
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Table 12
Monitoring Procedure for Listed Threatened Species
Target Description of extent Monitoring Locations Monitoring Methodology Timing
Flora
Flora generally See Figure 5 (Hera Mine) and Figure 7 Mapped vegetation and • Opportunistic observation during routine monitoring. Spring (Chelsea). monitoring plots.
Terrestrial orchids No known population of Pterostylis cobarensis Hera - MPP1 to MPP13. • Terrestrial orchids (October to end of November). October to late or Diuris tricolor identified in impact footprints Chelsea – MPC1 to • Annual assessment between October the end of November each year in November after targeted assessment during flowering MPC76. targeted locations. Likelihood is heavily dependent on preceding rainfall. periods. Possible extant populations remain in • Best achieved when undertaking formal 20 x 20 veg plots or rapid veg point surrounding areas. assessments. • Opportunistic observations.
Lobed Bluegrass Had been identified at the north-west corner MPP13 • Lobed Bluegrass (spring). Spring of the Hera site (Figure 4). The area has • Annual spring assessment. been fenced off to prevent disturbance from • Best achieved when undertaking formal 20 x 20 veg plot and mapping the feral goats and mining activities. distribution / estimated density of the local population.
Fauna
Fauna generally See Figure 5 (Hera Mine) and Figure 7 The Mine Site and • Opportunistic observation during routine monitoring. Spring (Chelsea). .Chelsea Property
Woodland birds Various Various • Annual spring assessment with exception of Superb Parrot that requires an Spring autumn assessment. (Autumn for Superb • BCD assessment guidelines would be followed, however are likely to parrot) require bird point census (timed assessment over a transect in a set time frame at set times of the day / evening). • Opportunistic observations.
Microbats Various Various, waterways • Two Anabat detection devices would be placed at potential flyways over Spring targeted. water bodies for three consecutive nights in spring.
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5. REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES
5.1 REHABILITATION PLANNING Hera Mine has been categorised into a series of primary (operational) domains and secondary (post mining land use) domains as outlined in Table 13. Primary domains have been defined on the basis of existing land management units within the mine site which have similar operational purposes and therefore similar geophysical characteristics. Secondary domains have been defined as land management units characterised by similar post mining land use objectives Table 13 Rehabilitation Domains Hera Mine Site
Code Primary Domains Code Secondary Domains
1 Infrastructure Area - Includes all existing A Infrastructure – Includes all infrastructure built infrastructure and facilities (other than that will remain on the site at mine closure, water management structures). Includes including access tracks and roads, pre- ROM Pad, processing plant and associated existing infrastructure, including houses and infrastructure, buildings including sheds, as well as selected sheds and administration, mine camp, workshops and transportable buildings that could amenities, roads (including access roads and reasonably be required for agricultural haul roads), hardstand areas and car park, and/or nature conservation purposes. the magazine, ventilation shafts and associated infrastructure.
2 Tailings Storage Facility - This domain B Water Management Area – Includes the includes the TSF, including all dams and water management structures embankments, access tracks and drainage that will remain the final landform (Pete’s structures. Dam, Three Gates Dam, Back Dam, Back Dam East).
3 Water Management Area - Includes clean C Rehabilitation Area – Grassland – and dirty water diversion structures and Grassland rehabilitation comprising a cover sediment basins. Excludes water crop which includes native grassland management structures associated with the species. Relates to the TSF. TSF.
4 Waste Rock Emplacement Area - The footprint of the southern waste rock emplacement.
5 Stockpiled Material - This domain D Rehabilitation Area – Woodland –Native incorporates areas used for stockpiling of woodland vegetation (Mallee – Smooth - topsoil and subsoil material (excludes Barked Coolibah and Poplar Box – Gum – stockpiled waste rock or ore). Barked Coolibah). Relates to all other rehabilitation other than the TSF, i.e. 6 Void (Box Cut and Portal) - Box cut and infrastructure area, and dams that will be portal providing entrance to the underground rehabilitated, waste rock emplacement area, mine workings. stockpiles and void.
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5.2 REHABILITATION PHASES Phase 1: Decommissioning Decommissioning will include the disconnection of remaining services, demolition and removal of infrastructure from site. This Phase will also include capping of boreholes and sealing of ventilation shafts. Remediation of any contamination will also be undertaken during this phase. Phase 2: Landform Establishment The landform establishment phase involves the earthworks required to construct and/or profile all or part of each domain to the approved final landform. The constructed landform should be suitable for the proposed final land use and blend, as far as practicable with the adjacent topography. This stage also includes the construction of any drainage structures needed for the final landform. Phase 3: Growth Medium Development The growth medium development phase involves the placement of waste rock, subsoil and topsoil on the final landform and preparation of the surface for revegetation. Soil preparation may include ameliorant application (e.g. gypsum) and ripping or scarifying the surface. Organic material will be used in preference to fertilisers during rehabilitation. Phase 4: Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment The ecosystem and land use establishment phase involves the establishment and maintenance of vegetation on the completed landform. Initial activities for ecosystem and land use establishment of land that will have a final use of native vegetation conservation will focus on establishing a cover of suitable native groundcover (grasses). Revegetation will then comprise seeding / planting of suitable vegetation. Following completion and during mining activities these areas will be returned to native vegetation as follows: • The Box Cut and Portal areas (final void) will be seeded with a Mallee – Smooth - Barked Coolibah seed mix; and • Rehabilitated infrastructure areas will be seeded with a mix of seed representative of the Poplar Box – Gum – Barked Coolibah vegetation community. White Cypress Pine will be allowed to regenerate naturally, however, it will be controlled to ensure it does not out-compete other species. Table 16 presents a list of indicative species to be used in revegetation activities. Phase 5: Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability The ecosystem and land use sustainability phase occurs once monitoring illustrates the achievement of relevant performance indicators with respect to ecosystem development and the stability and function of built structures such as the final open void or water management
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 structures. Areas of the landform may remain within this phase for extended periods whilst progress is made towards achieving completion criteria. Phase 6: Land Relinquishment On achievement of the nominated closure criteria for ML1686 and ML1746, the land will be relinquished and the rehabilitation security held by the Resources Regulator released. Performance criteria has been developed for each phase and is provided in Appendix 9. 6. TRIGGER-ACTION -RESPONSE PLAN The objective of this monitoring is to evaluate the progress of biodiversity enhancement and rehabilitation activities over the life of the Mine in order to achieve the objectives and outcomes identified in Section 1.3. In the event that monitoring indicates that progress towards or compliance with the identified objectives is not achieved, the TARP identified in Table 5 would be implemented. It is noted that rehabilitation objectives are identified in the MOP and a separate TARP is included in that document.
7. REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION A Biodiversity Status Report will be provided annually in the Annual Review. The Annual Review is a requirement under Schedule 5, Condition 4 of PA 10_0191 and is submitted to the DPIE. Other government agencies are also provided of a copy of the Annual Review, these government agencies include but are not limited to: • DPIE - Resources Regulator. • Environment Protection Authority (EPA). • DPIE-Water. • Cobar Shire Council. • Any other agencies with a statutory interest in the Mine Site. Once the Annual Review is distributed to government agencies a date for a site inspection is selected and the government agencies are invited to attend the site inspection.
8. PLAN REVIEW AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT In accordance with Schedule 5, Condition 5 of PA 10_0191, this BMP will be reviewed and, if required, revised within 3 months of: • The submission of an Annual Review under Condition 4; • The submission of an incident report under Condition 7; • The submission of an independent audit report under Condition 9; and
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• Any modification to the conditions of PA 10_0191. This review will include the adequacy of strategies, plans and programs as required under the PA 10_0191. Where the biodiversity monitoring results suggest modifications are required to the monitoring program or management measures, these would be included in any review of the BMP. Recommendations received from a government agency for appropriate measures or actions to improve the biodiversity-related performance of the Mine and or the results of any assessment, plan or program will also be incorporated into this BMP.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Appendices
(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 58) Appendix 1 Department of Planning and Infrastructure - Approval Letter 31 August 2012 Appendix 2 Fauna Species Recorded within the Mine Site Appendix 3 Procedures for Vertebrate Pest, Weeds Bushfire and Native Fauna Rescue Appendix 4 Observation, Monitoring and Management Actions Templates Appendix 5 OEH Letter Approving the Location of the Offset Area Appendix 6 Biodiversity Stewardship Site Calculations Appendix 7 Location of Plots and Photo Points Appendix 8 Rehabilitation performance criteria Appendix 9 BCD Consultation Appendix 10- DPIE Approval Appendix 11 – PCT Descriptions
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Appendix 1
DPI – Ecologist Approval Letter 31 August 2012
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Appendix 2
Fauna Species Recorded within the Mine Site
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Table 14
Fauna Species recorded within the Mine Site (2010-2018)
EPBC Bio- Class Scientific Name Common name BC Act Act indicator Amphibians Limnodynastes dumerilii Eastern Banjo Frog Amphibians Litoria caerulea Green Tree Frog Amphibians Litoria latopalmata Broad Palmed Frog Amphibians Litoria peronii Peron's Tree Frog Amphibians Notaden bennettii Crucifix Frog Bats Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail Bat Bats Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V Bats Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat Bats Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat Bats Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat V Bats Miniopterus schreibersii oceansis Eastern Bentwing Bat V Bats Mormopterus petersi (M. sp. 3 Inland Freetail Bat Bats Mormopterus planiceps (M. sp 3/4) Southern Freetail Bat Bats Mormopterus sp. 4 Western / Southern Freetail Bat Bats Nyctophilus geofroyii Lesser Long-eared Bat Bats Nyctophilus sp. Large-eared Bat sp Bats Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat V Bats Scotorepens balstoni Western / Inland broad-nosed bat Bats Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat Bats Tadarida australis White-striped free-tailed bat Bats Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V Bats Vespadelus darlintoni Large Forest Bat Bats Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat Bats Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat V Bats Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat Birds Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Birds Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill Birds Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill Birds Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill Birds Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill Birds Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Birds Anas castanea Chestnut Teal Birds Anas gracillis Grey Teal Birds Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Birds Anthus novaeseelandiae Australian Pipit Birds Anthus richardi Richards Pipit Birds Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface Birds Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Birds Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron Birds Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow Birds Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow Birds Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow Birds Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow Birds Artamus superciliosus White-Browed Woodswallow Birds Barnardius zonarius barnardi Mallee Ringneck Birds Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Birds Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchells Cockatoo V Y Birds Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella Birds Certhionyx niger Black Honeyeater Birds Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater V Birds Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher Birds Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Birds Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark Birds Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Birds Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V Birds Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper V Birds Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush
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EPBC Bio- Class Scientific Name Common name BC Act Act indicator Birds Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Birds Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough Birds Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Birds Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail Birds Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Birds Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie Birds Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Birds Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Birds Daphoenositta chhrysoptera Varied Sitella V Birds Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird Birds Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu Birds Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Birds Eolophus roseicapillus Galah Birds Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Y Birds Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat Birds Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel Birds Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Birds Fulica atra Eurasian Coot Birds Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone Birds Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Birds Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Birds Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Birds Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller Birds Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Birds Lichenostomus ornatus Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Birds Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater Birds Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater Birds Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Birds Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren Birds Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner Birds Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Birds Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin V Y Birds Melithreptus validirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater Birds Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar Birds Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Birds Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter Y Birds Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher Birds Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot V Birds Northiella haematogaster Blue Bonnet Birds Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Birds Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Birds Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird Birds Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Birds Pachycephala inornata Gilberts Whistler V Birds Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Birds Passer domesticus* House Sparrow Birds Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin Birds Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin Y Birds Phalacrocorax carbo Little Black Cormorant Birds Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Birds Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird Birds Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird Birds Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Birds Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater Birds Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Birds Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe Birds Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot Birds Pomatostomus ruficeps Chestnut-crowned Babbler Birds Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler Birds Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) V Y
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EPBC Bio- Class Scientific Name Common name BC Act Act indicator Birds Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Birds Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot Birds Ptilonorhynchus maculatus Spotted Bowerbird Y Birds Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater Birds Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Birds Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Birds Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill Birds Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V Birds Struthidea cinerea Apostle bird Birds Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Birds Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch Birds Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch Birds Tyto alba Eastern Barn Owl Y Birds Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V Mammals* Capra hircus* Goat Mammals* Felis catus* Cat Mammals* Oryctolagus cuniculus* Rabbit Mammals* Sus scrofa* Pig Mammals* Vulpes vulpes* Fox Marsupials Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Marsupials Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo Marsupials Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo Marsupials Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna Marsupials Antechinus flavipes Yellow-footed Antechinus Reptiles Cryptoblepharus spp. Snake-eyed Skinks Reptiles Ctenotus atlas Southern Mallee Ctenotus Reptiles Morethia boulengeri Tree Skink Reptiles Gehyra versicolor Variable Dtella Reptiles Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko Reptiles Diporiphora nobbi Common Nobbi Dragon Reptiles Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon Reptiles Tiliqua rugosa Shingle-back Reptiles Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna Reptiles Varanus varius Lace Monitor Reptiles Pseudonaja nuchalis Western Brown Snake * Introduced species
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Appendix 3
Management Procedures
- Feral Species and Overabundant Native Herbivores - Weed Control - Ecological Burning - Native Animal Rescue
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Feral Species and Overabundant Native Herbivores Page 1 of 3 Feral and overabundant native herbivores
Feral Name of feral Description of extent Management type species/overabundant areas native herbivore
A Fox Known to exist within the surrounds of the All areas Mine Site. A background population is assumed for the Offset Area. Hera Resources has previously identified fox presence within the Mine Site and conducted fox baiting. No targeted species monitoring has been done to date. Monitoring to be done prior to fox baiting.
B Goat Known as a constant problem in the west of NSW, they easily move from property to property and do not shy away from persons. Goats have been found within the Mine Site by the hundreds during the summer season. A background population is assumed for the Offset Area. Baseline data is almost impossible to gather as they are extremely common throughout western NSW.
C Rabbit Known to exist within the Mine Site. Rabbit warrens are destroyed as they are identified. A background population is assumed for the Offset Area.
D Pig A background population is assumed for the Offset Area.
E Cats Known to exist within the surrounds of the Mine Site. Evidence of rooted up soil has previously been identified in the Mine Site. A background population is assumed for the Offset Area.
F Rodents Known to inhabit Mine Site dwellings during the winter season. A background population is assumed for the Offset Area.
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Methods considered
Feral Name and description of program or method Describe suitability type
A Fox, 1 080 baiting, licensed shooting. All pest baiting Baiting program developed programs will be implemented in conjunction with the with neighbours is the most Livestock Health and Pest Authority. Hera Resources will effective. complete a Risk Assessment with the Livestock Health and Pest Authority, and comply with all requirements (e.g. obtaining chemical accreditation, appropriate training for use of 1 080, and erect signs when using 1 080). In filling farm dams on the Offset Area.
Feral Species and Overabundant Native Herbivores (Cont’d) Page 2 of 3 Methods considered (Cont’d)
Feral Name and description of program or method Describe suitability type
B Goat, trapping, herding, licensed shooting. Hera Resources Commercially viable and is registered with Ausgoat and have a National Vendor widely used method in the Declaration (Goats) and Waybill document on site which is locality. to be filled in by the goat herder at the time of capturing the goats on site. All pest baiting programs will be implemented in conjunction with the Livestock Health and Pest Authority. In filling farm dams on the Offset Area.
C Rabbit, ripping of burrows, gassing, use of 1080, licensed Suites of methods used in shooting. All pest baiting programs will be implemented in combination are effective. conjunction with the Livestock Health, Pest Authority. Hera Resources will complete a Risk Assessment with the Livestock Health and Pest Authority, and comply with all requirements (e.g. obtaining chemical accreditation, appropriate training for use of pindone, and erect signage when using it). In filling farm dams on the Offset Area.
D Pig, trapping, baiting, licensed shooting. All pest baiting Suites of methods are programs will be implemented in conjunction with the effective. Livestock Health, Pest Authority. In filling farm dams on the Offset Area.
E Cats – trapping, licensed shooting. In filling farm dams on Difficult species to effectively the Offset Area. manage. Poisoning of cat is not allowed.
F Rodents, baiting. In filling farm dams on the Offset Area. Commercial baits are effective.
Methods of control
Management Feral Method of control Frequency and timing areas type
All areas A - Fox 1 080 baiting, ripping of burrows. Twice per year, during spring In filling farm dams on the Offset Area. and autumn. Dams infilled on Chelsea in April 2016
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B - Goat Trapping, herding, licensed shooting. In Goat herding will occur twice filling farm dams on the Offset Area. per year, preferably once during summer when goats are most likely to be attracted to the dams at the Hera Site. Goat herding cannot occur within close proximity of fox baiting as the baits are a risk for the dogs used to herd goats. Goat traps will be constructed near largest water storage (back dam), Salt will be used as goat bait where traps are used. Dams infilled on Chelsea in April 2016
Feral Species and Overabundant Native Herbivores (Cont’d) Page 3 of 3 Methods of control (Cont’d)
Management Feral type Method of control Frequency and timing areas
C - Rabbit Ripping of burrows, gassing, use of 1080, As required, Environment licensed shooting control harbouring Advisor conducts monthly areas (i.e. standard housekeeping for inspections of site where rabbit storage of equipment). In filling farm dams presence will be recorded. on the Offset Area. Dams infilled on Chelsea in April 2016
D - Pig Trapping, 1080 baiting, licensed shooting. Pig baiting will be conducted In filling farm dams on the Offset Area. once per year (preferably during the same time as fox baiting). Dams infilled on Chelsea in April 2016
E - Cat Trapping, licensed shooting. In filling farm Cat trapping will be conducted dams on the Offset Area. each month. Dams infilled on Chelsea in April 2016
F - Baiting. Opportunistic. Rodents
Monitoring and inspections
Management Feral Method of monitoring Date/s required areas type/s
All areas Fox Sand pits – footprint (track) identification, Before a baiting program and scat identification after the baiting program.
Goat Direct observation. Continuously. Feral goat are a Distance software may be suitable to constant problem in the west of determine population densities. NSW, they easily move from property to property and do not shy away from persons.
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Annual monitoring using Distance (if other methods are not providing reliable data)
Rabbit Targeted observation of species, Monthly detection of burrows.
Pig Targeted observation – rooted up soil and Once per year grassland, trees ringbarked, dung counts
Other management activities (where required)
Any problem species identified as requiring targeted management (population growth) would be targeted ad-lib.
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Weed Control Procedures
Weed types
Weed Common Scientific name Description of infestation Management name of of target weed (eg intensity (% cover) & location areas target weed within areas)
A Galvanised Bassia birchii Sporadic weed in all areas. All areas, burr 0.5% cover. mostly around water storage dams within Mine Site
B Bathurst Xanthium Sporadic weed in disturbed areas near All areas burr spinosum dams.
Methods of weed control
Management Weed/s Method of weed control Frequency areas
All areas A and B Prior to implementation a LHIP officer / Council officer As required. would be consulted to ensure the most up to date treatments are used (there is danger in fixing a chemical or treatment regime in documents such as this).
Native planting required to provide habitat for native species affected by weed control activities
Management Description of planting required (reference planting schedule at Timing area item 6.6)
All areas Weed control (see LLS officer / Cobar Council Officer for an up to As required. date regime). Ground preparation only (planting not required as soil seed bank is adequate).
Monitoring and inspections of existing and new weeds
Management Weed/s Method of monitoring Date/s area/s required
All areas Any Annual weed inspection from a suitably qualified Spring / weed individual. summer
Other weed management activities (where required)
Opportunistic weed control will occur as required. Management regime will be underpinned by set inspection periods best timed to detect the regions problem weeds.
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Ecological Burning Procedures Page 1 of 2 Fire history for previous 20 years (or longer if known)
Year of Hazard reduction, wildfire or ecological burn and extent of fire Management fire area/s
No known fires within past 20 years, however old growth trees showed All areas. sign of previous (Historic) fire events.
Fire requirements for vegetation types and threatened species
Vegetation type and/or threatened Fire Time of Fire Adjustment species (Figures 3 and 4) frequency year for intensity required due to required burning required wildfires or RFA activities
• Poplar Box – Gum-barked Coolibah – Frequency, Timing Low Larger areas White Cypress Pine shrubby nature and indicted intensity requiring woodland mainly in the Cobar extent by the fires. treatment are Peneplain Bioregion (Benson 103). indicted by RFS. initially advised • This is the general vegetation within the RFS, to protect assets the Mine Site that mixes and however and reduce fuel integrates with the three other ecologically loads. Again vegetation types on slopes and hills. mosaic RFS advice will Benson 103 broadly consists of burning underpin an 88.9% of the vegetation assessed 1:10 years effective within the Mine Site. This vegetation of an strategy. type is broken down into a further two individual Weed Benson 103 subsets reflecting the manageme abundance / dominant species. nt Area distribution would be • This community occupies 830ha in trends would beneficial. the Central West CMA (Nymagee- need to factored Maximal Rankins Springs) portion of the Offset into the interval Property and covers the full 310ha in programme and being 40 the Western CMA (Nymagee-Rankins addressed as years Springs) portion of the Offset required. 10% Property. increase would trigger action. • Further mapping is continuing to determine of area in this community dominated by Inland Grey Box (EPBC and TSC community) will be independently mapped as a separate community.
• Dwyer's Red Gum – Currawang low As above. As above. As above. As above. woodland mainly of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion (Benson 184). • This community occupies 570ha in the Central West CMA (Nymagee- Rankins Springs) portion of the Offset Property.
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Ecological Burning Procedures (Cont’d) Page 2 of 2 Fire requirements for vegetation types and threatened species (Cont’d)
Vegetation type and/or threatened Fire Time of Fire Adjustment species (Figures 3 and 4) frequency year for intensity required due to required burning required wildfires or RFA activities
• Mallee – Smooth-barked Coolibah As above. As above. As above. As above. woodland on red earth flats of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion (Benson 174). • This vegetation type occurs in clusters within the vegetation type. Benson 180 and comprises approximately 4.3% of vegetation within the Mine Site. • This community occupies 565ha in the Central West CMA (Nymagee- Rankins Springs) portion of the Chelsea property.
• Cleared grassland / shrubland and Annually As above As above As above cleared areas associated with tracks. This vegetation comprises approximately 3.2% of vegetation within the Mine Site.
• Eremophila and hopbush regrowth. 1:3 years As above As above As above This vegetation comprises approximately 0.7% of vegetation within the Mine Site.
Methods for monitoring the outcomes of ecological burns
Management Method of monitoring Date/s required area/s
All communities At 20x20m permanent vegetation plots and photos. Prior to implementation of fire management, annually thereafter.
All communities Photo point monitoring Prior to implementation of fire management, annually thereafter.
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Native Animal Rescue Procedures
Fauna Management Small animal – uninjured (e.g. lost) Remove animal from any potentially harmful location and place in a ‘safe’ area. The ‘safe’ area will be located as close as practicable to where the animal was found (approximately 100m away). Small animal – injured Remove animal from location and place in an enclosed box. Keep in a warm, dark and quiet area. Notify Environment Advisor who will contact WIRES. Large animal – uninjured (e.g. kangaroo) Large animals tend to find their own way out of work area if left undisturbed. If the animal needs to be relocated they will be encouraged out of the area by staff. Large animal – injured Large animals found injured are dealt with on a case by case basis. If the animal is dead, the pouch will be checked for surviving young which will be placed in a pillow case or similar and box, kept in a warm, safe, quiet place until it can be taken to WIRES. Note: Bats should never be handled by an unexperienced person
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Appendix 4
Observation, Monitoring and Management Actions Templates
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Monitoring of Feral and Overabundant Native Herbivores Template
Template for Reporting of Monitoring Activities
Management Date Current level of impact on vegetation Observations and area/s This column must record impact as assessment of monitoring Negligible, Minimal, Moderate or High
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Feral and Overabundant Herbivore Management Template
Template for Feral and Overabundant Herbivore Management
Date of Management Description and type of activity undertaken Minor variations activity area/s This column must include details of the feral (details and reasons) and overabundant herbivores targeted, control techniques applied and numbers controlled
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Burning-off Management Activities Template
Template for Burning-off Management Activities
Date Management Description of activity undertaken or Minor variations area/s observation made (details and reasons)
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Weed Monitoring Activities Template
Template for Reporting of Weed Monitoring Activities
Management Date Observations and assessment of monitoring area/s This table must include the information for each area which is described in the table titled ‘monitoring and inspections of existing and new weeds’
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Weed Control Management Template
Template for Weed Control Management
Date Management Description and type of activity undertaken Minor variations area/s (e.g. weed control, observation) (details and reasons)
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Listed Threatened Species Monitoring Template
Template for Monitoring Listed Threatened Species
Date of Management Description and type of activity undertaken Minor variations activity area/s This column must include details of the (details and reasons) species targeted, assessment techniques applied and numbers undertaken
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Photo – Point Monitoring
Site:______Name of person(s):______GPS Point:______Date: ______/ ______/ ______
Insert Photo Here
General Observations Soil surface (stable, sealed, eroding)
Vegetation state (healthy, regenerating, dieback)
Weather / Natural events (rainfall, heatwave, fire, flood)
Other notable comments
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 5
OEH Letter Approving the Location of the Offset Area
(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 4)
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 6
Biodiversity Stewardship Site Calculations
(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 4)
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Table A6.1 Offset Requirements calculated using the BAMM – Original Approved Layout 2012
Impact Site (Hera Mine) Chelsea (Western CMA) Chelsea (Central West CMA)
ha
redits
oM) (BBAM)
Vegetation Type L
/Deficit
(ha)
Credits
full
Required
Available Available
Allowable
Areas(ha)
Generated Generated
Vegetation
requiredto CreditSurplus
meet1 Tier
No. No. Credits No. Credits
OffsetArea OffsetArea
TargetOffset
Generated/ Generated/ha
No. No. of C No. of Credits
Area(Tier or 1
Types AreaImpacted
Benson 103 Popular Gum-barked Benson 73.7 422 3,928 310 2,377 7.67 830 5,516 6.65 512.28 3,965 Coolibah 103 Benson 174 Mallee- Smooth-barked Benson 3.2 22 205 238 2,009 8.44 24.29 1,804 Coolibah Woodland 174 Benson 0.1 1 9 Benson 180 Grey Mallee – White 180 Cypress Pine Benson 570 4,456 7.82 1.15 4,447 184 Total 77.0 445.00 4,142.00 310.00 3,377 7.67 1,638 11,981 7.31 537.71 10,216.0
A7-1
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Table A7.2 Offset Requirements calculated using the BAMM – Additional MOD3 Disturbance Area 2015
The Development Area The Offset Area
credits
(Offset (Offset
/ha in /ha
credit credit
achieved?
Development Development
OffsetArea
be required
Offset)
summary
to to beoffset
Vegetation Type Credits
CreditsRequired
AreaImpacted (ha)
No. No. of CreditsGenerated
No. Credits Generated / ha No. Credits / Generated
Available ha inAvailable ha
Allowable Vegetation AllowableTypes Vegetation
Canoffsetting
Communityecosystem
(OffsetCredits generated
Credits generated / Creditsgenerated
No. of ha required to No. offset of ha to required Surplus (black) deficit (red) Surplus(black) deficit Benson 103 Popular Gum- Benson Benson 103 Popular Gum- WE91 2.55 74 95.3 714 7.49 9.88 640.00 YES barked Coolibah 103 barked Coolibah Dwyer’s Red Gum –White Dwyer’s Red Gum –White Cypress Pine– Currawang Cypress Pine– Currawang Benson WE58 low shrub-grass woodland 4.05 81 low shrub-grass woodland 80.17 799 9.97 8.12 718.00 YES 184 of the Cobar Peneplain of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion Bioregion
Total 6.60 155.00 175.47 1,513 N/A 18.00 N/A
s
s
credits credits credits
Credits
created created
Species Species Species Species
Extent of Extent of
summary summary
Sci Name Sci Name
Individual Individual
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
A7-2
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 7
Location of Plots and Photo Points within the Mine Site
(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 8)
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 1
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 1 435567 6447115 306m 12.14.04
Plate 2
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 2 435996 6447423 313m 12.25.38
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 3
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 3 436724 6445740 311m 12.36.54
Plate 4
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 4 437239 6445218 320m 12.45.45
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 5
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 5 438975 6445465 318m 12.57.20
Plate 6
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 6 439186 6445721 335m 13.03.35
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 7
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 7 438773 6445000 336m 13.11.35
Plate 8
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 8 439223 6445277 321m 09.45.05
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 9
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 9 437954 6444440 327m 13.32.34
Plate 10
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 10 437024 6444621 302m 13.43.59
A7-7
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 11
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 11 435209 6444689 310m 13.53.17
Plate 12
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo 12 434716 6445554 306m 14.05.53
A7-8
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Plate 13
Point GDA_E_Z55 GDA_N_Z55 Z (AHD) Photo
13 434891 6447667
A7-9
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 8
Rehabilitation performance criteria
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Table 15 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 1 Decommissioning
Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area All Services not required for Relevant services Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA infrastructu final land use disconnected. inspection and following Section 2.15.5 re and disconnected. report, including decommissioning (unless services not photographs. follow up actions Roads not required for Roads removed 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA suitable for identified). final land use are unless permitted a lawful Section 2.15.5 removed. for agricultural or final land other approved use will be activity. removed. Infrastructure not Relevant 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA required for final land infrastructure Section 2.15.5 use removed. removed. Ventilation rises Ventilation rises Relinquishment Following completion. Resources Regulator Not Commenced Post MOP N/A capped. capped (in inspection and Requirements consultation with report, including Resources photographs, Regulator). prepared by a qualified person.
A7-12
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology All All remaining All remaining Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA infrastructu infrastructure has been infrastructure inspection and following Section 2.15.4.4 re approved made safe and fit for made safe. report, including decommissioning (unless to remain in post-mining purpose. photographs. follow up actions the final identified). landform (existing house, exploration office, core store and processing facility) are made safe. All roads Remaining roads Required width Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA and reduced in width to that identified and inspection and following Section 2.15.5 hardstand suitable for final legal roads reduced to report, including decommissioning (unless areas to be land use. comply. photographs. follow up actions retained for identified). Hardstand areas Permitted 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA a lawful reduced in size to that hardstand areas final land Section 2.15.5 suitable for final legal identified and use reduced land use or removed remainder in width to fully. removed. that suitable for final land use. Contaminated land Soils meet 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 1 identified and relevant criteria. Section 2.15.5 remediated.
A7-13
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain safe All hazardous materials Contaminated Contaminated land Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA and free removed. land assessment assessment report following Section 2.15.5 from confirms no prepared by qualified decommissioning (unless hazardous hazardous person. follow up actions materials materials remain identified). and on site. contaminan ts. Domain 2 – Tailings Storage Facility Infrastructu Pipework, decant and Pipework, decant Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA re removed associated ancillary and associated inspection and following Section 2.15.5 and domain infrastructure removed. ancillary report, including decommissioning (unless made safe. infrastructure photographs. follow up actions removed. identified). TSF structurally sound. Technical report Independent Ongoing and following 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 6 confirms that TSF engineers report to decommissioning. Section 2.15.5 is structurally Dam Safety sound, report is Committee of NSW. accepted by Dam Correspondence with Safety Committee Dam Safety of NSW, and Committee of NSW. notification of successful decommissioning received.
A7-14
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology TSF non-polluting. Surface water and Water quality testing Monthly during and 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 3 & 4 groundwater as per the approved immediately following Section 2.15.5 monitoring Water Management operations, with indicates that Plan. frequency to be reduced surface progressively post- flow/leachate closure, based on complies with performance. trigger values noted in the Water Management Plan.
A7-15
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain 3 – Water Management Area All water Water management Redundant water Plan showing Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA manageme structures not required management redundant following Section 2.15.5 nt for the final land use structures structures. decommissioning (unless structures removed. identified and Photographs follow up actions not suitable removed. identified). for a lawful final land use will be removed. All water Remaining water All remaining Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA manageme management structures water inspection and following Section 2.15.4.4 nt are safe. management report, including decommissioning (unless structures structures made photographs. follow up actions approved to safe. identified). remain in the final landform (Back Dam East, Back Dam West, Pete’s Dam, House Dam, Three Gates Dam, and clean water diversions) are made safe.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain safe Contaminated land Surface water and Water quality testing Monthly during and 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 3 and free identified and groundwater as per the approved immediately following Section 2.15.5 from remediated. monitoring Water Management operations, with hazardous indicates that Plan. frequency to be reduced materials surface water progressively post- and complies with closure, based on contaminan trigger values performance. ts. determined in the Water Management Plan. Domain 4 –Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Waste rock No hazardous materials All PAF material is Relinquishment Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA not remain. preferentially inspection and following Section 2.15.5 required for placed report, including decommissioning (unless rehabilitatio underground. photographs. follow up actions n activities All NAF material identified). is removed not required for from rehabilitation domain. activities is removed. Relevant areas are reduced to a profile consistent with adjacent areas. Domain 5 – Stockpiled Material
A7-17
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Completion Progress at start Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Justification/ Source criteria of MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain safe Contaminated land Contaminated Contamination report Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 1/2/3 and free identified and land assessment prepared by qualified following Section 2.15.5 from remediated. Any confirms soils person. decommissioning (unless hazardous contaminated material meet relevant follow up actions materials placed within TSF. criteria and identified). and indicates no contaminan contamination ts. risk in final landform. Domain 6 – Void (Box Cut and Portal) Domain safe Contaminated land Contaminated Contamination report Single occurrence 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 1/2/3 and free identified and land assessment prepared by qualified following Section 2.15.5 from remediated. Any confirms soils person. decommissioning (unless hazardous contaminated material meet relevant follow up actions materials placed within TSF. criteria and identified). and indicates no contaminan contamination ts. risk in final landform. Free- Fencing of box cut, Fence erected Relinquishment Following completion. Resources Regulator Not Commenced Post MOP 4 draining, sealing of portal. around Box Cut. inspection and Requirements stable and report, including Portal sealed (in permanent photographs, consultation with landform prepared by a Resources established. qualified person. Regulator).
A7-18
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Table 16 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 2 Landform Establishment
Performance Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at Expected TARP Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Indicator Methodology Source start of MOP Completion Ref No. Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area Free Presence of Water quality within Water quality testing in Following rainfall events that POEO Act Not Commenced Post MOP 5 draining, erosion / sediment basins accordance with the Water generate surface water runoff, stable and sedimentation, complies with the Management Plan. Monitoring with frequency to be reduced permanent landform and relevant trigger values reported annually through the progressively post-closure, landform monitored identified in the Annual Review. based on performance. established. water quality. Water Management Plan. The number of visible Visual inspection and monitoring Quarterly during operations 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 5/10 gullies or rills that are reports, including photographs. with frequency to be reduced Section 2.15.5 greater than 0.3m in progressively post-closure, width or depth is based on performance. limited or improving. All slopes in final Water Not Commenced Post MOP 4 landform <18º or 1:3 As constructed survey plans. Following completion. Management (V:H). Plan Longitudinal grade of contour drains 2% Domain 2 – Tailings Storage Facility Tailings fully Monitoring indicates Visual surveys of tailings surface Six monthly following 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP NA settled. that tailings settling / by site personnel. decommissioning. Section 2.15.5 dewatering is complete/reduced to an acceptable level.
A7-19
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Free Tailings are The final closure Inspection and testing report, During placement of capping 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 11 draining, appropriately strategy for the TSF including photographs, prepared and cover layers with final Section 2.15.5, stable and capped and will be subject to by a suitably qualified person. monitoring to be undertaken EMM 2016 permanent have an results of Relinquishment inspection and upon establishment of final landform appropriate rehabilitation trails on report, including photographs. landform. established. store and the appropriate release capping depth and function for compositions. Until management such time, an interim of rainfall approach to infiltration. rehabilitation has been developed based on the cover depth assessment completed by EMM (2016): • Embankments will be stabilised with NAF waste rock, where necessary. • A 0.8m covering of NAF waste rock or other suitable material will be applied to the surface to provide a store-release cover for management of rainfall infiltration.
A7-20
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Performance Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at Expected TARP Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Indicator Methodology Source start of MOP Completion Ref No. • The final landform in this domain will be constructed to be free draining. Landform All downstream As constructed survey plans. Following completion. 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 4 suitable for slopes <18º or 1:3 Section 2.15.5 growth media (V:H). establishment. Facility Mapping confirms As constructed survey plans. Following completion. 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 5 profiled to be that the landform is Relinquishment inspection and Section 2.15.5 free draining. free draining. report, including photographs. Embankment height of 9m above original surface. Slope of outer embankment 1:3 (V:H). No pooling of water on upper surface of the facility is observed. Suitable drop Drop structures As constructed survey plans. Following completion and 6 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 5 structures constructed as per Visual inspection and monitoring monthly. Section 2.15.5 installed and Landcom (2004). reports, including photographs. capable of The number of visible transferring gullies or rills that are water from the greater than 0.3m in facility without width or depth is eroding. limited or improving.
A7-21
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Performance Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at Expected TARP Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Indicator Methodology Source start of MOP Completion Ref No. Limit Leachate (if Water quality Water quality testing in Monthly during and Water Not Commenced Post MOP 2/3 opportunities present) of complies with the accordance with the Water immediately following Management for pollution acceptable relevant trigger values Management Plan. Monitoring operations, and then less Plan of the quality. identified in the reported annually through the frequently following surrounding Water Management Annual Review. completion of the Mine. landscape. Plan. Suitable Water quality Water quality testing in Following rainfall events that Water Not Commenced Post MOP 3 surface water complies with the accordance with the Water generate surface water runoff, Management controls relevant trigger values Management Plan. Visual with frequency to be reduced Plan installed and identified in the inspection and monitoring progressively post-closure, operating Water Management reports, including photographs. based on performance. effectively. Plan. The number of visible gullies or rills that are greater than 0.3m in width or depth is limited or improving. Domain 3 – Water Management Areas Retained Sediment Basin walls and Relinquishment inspection and Single occurrence following 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 10 water basins are spillways are assessed report, including photographs, completion of final landform Section 2.15.5 management stable and to be stable. prepared by a qualified person. (unless follow up actions structures contain a The number of visible identified). are stable suitably gullies or rills that are and designed spill greater than 0.3m in permanent way for width or depth is overflow overflow of limited or improving. drainage is water to constructed. surrounding drainage lines.
A7-22
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Performance Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at Expected TARP Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Indicator Methodology Source start of MOP Completion Ref No. Free Landform Decommissioned Relinquishment inspection and Single occurrence following 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 5/10 draining, suitable for dams have been report, including photographs, decommissioning (unless Section 2.15.5 stable and growth media backfilled and prepared by a qualified person. follow up actions identified). permanent establishment. landform constructed landform to blend with established. surrounding topography. Domain is Landform and Water monitoring Water quality testing as per the Monthly during and Water Not Commenced Post MOP 1/2/3/ stable and retained water indicates that water Water Management Plan. immediately following Management 5/10 non- management quality complies with operations with frequency to Plan polluting. structures are the trigger values in be reduced progressively non- polluting. the Water post-closure, based on Management Plan or performance. is consistent with ambient water quality and satisfies Section 120 of the POEO Act. Domain 4 –Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Free- Landform All slopes <18º or 1:3 As constructed survey plans. Following completion. 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 4 draining, suitable for (V:H). Section 2.15.5 stable and growth media permanent establishment. landform Suitable Water quality Water quality testing in Monthly during and 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 3 established. surface water complies with the accordance with the Water immediately following Section 2.15.5 controls relevant trigger values Management Plan. Visual operations, with frequency to installed and identified in the inspection and monitoring be reduced progressively operating Water Management reports, including photographs. post-closure, based on effectively. Plan. performance. The number of visible gullies or rills that are greater than 0.3m in width or depth is limited or improving.
A7-23
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Performance Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at Expected TARP Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Indicator Methodology Source start of MOP Completion Ref No. Domain 5 – Stockpiled Material Free- Landform All slopes <18º or 1:3 As constructed survey plans. Following completion. 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 4 draining, suitable for (V:H). Section 2.15.5 stable and growth media permanent establishment. landform established. Domain 6 – Void (Box Cut and Portal) Free- Bunding Bund constructed Relinquishment inspection and Following completion. Resources Not Commenced Post MOP 4 draining, around box around Box Cut. report, including photographs, Regulator stable and cut. prepared by a qualified person. Requirements permanent Walls of box All slopes <18º or 1:3 As constructed survey plans. Following completion. landform cut reduced to (V:H). established. approximately 1:3(V:H).
A7-24
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Table 17 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 3 Growth Medium Development
TAR Rehabilitation Expected Objectiv Performanc Completion Monitoring Justificatio Progress at P Monitoring Completi e e Indicator criteria Frequency n/ Source start of MOP Ref Methodology on No. Domain 5 – Stockpiled Material No growth medium establishment proposed. Stockpiling areas will not require growth medium development as suitable material will remain in situ. Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area Domain 2 – Tailings Storage Facility Domain 3 – Water Management Areas Domain 4 –Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Domain 6 – Void (Box Cut and Portal) Establish Growth Indicative Relinquishment Following 2011 EA Not Post MOP 8 a soil medium topsoil inspection and spreading of Section Commenc profile spread on depth report, including soil. 2.15.5. ed capable final between photographs, 8 of landform. 200mm to prepared by a sustainin 300mm. qualified person. g the Key soil Analysis of Soil analysis within Following 2011 EA Not Post MOP 8 specified characterist representati rehabilitation growth Commenc end land Section ics generally ve soil monitoring report. medium ed use. 2.15.5. within the samples Parameters to be spreading and 8 range of soil record assessed include annually until characterist parameters the following. site ics within 10% • pH relinquishme identified at of analogue nt. • Conductivi analogue sites. ty sites. • Organic matter • Phosphoru s • Nitrate
A7-25
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 TAR Rehabilitation Expected Objectiv Performanc Completion Monitoring Justificatio Progress at P Monitoring Completi e e Indicator criteria Frequency n/ Source start of MOP Ref Methodology on No. • Cation exchange capacity • Exchangea ble sodium percentag e • Nutrient levels
A7-26
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Table 18 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 4 Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment
Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at start of Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Source MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain A – Infrastructure No ecosystem and land use establishment activities proposed. Domain B – Water Management Areas Domain stable Water management Design in accordance Visual inspection Initially monthly 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 5, 10 and non- structures stabilised with Landcom (2004) and monitoring during Section 2.15.5 polluting. and capable of and DECC (2008). The reports, including operations, with retaining and conveying number of visible gullies photographs. frequency to be water without causing or rills that are greater reduced pollution. than 0.3m in width or progressively depth is limited or based on improving. performance. Water discharged from Monitoring of water Water quality Monthly during 2011 EA Not Commenced Post MOP 3,10 site within relevant discharged from the testing in and immediately Section 2.15 criteria. Mine Site complies with accordance with following EPL limits and relevant the Water operations, with trigger values identified Management frequency to be in the Water Plan. reduced Management Plan. Photographs. progressively post- closure, based on performance. Domain C – Rehabilitation Area - Grassland
A7-27
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at start of Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Source MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Establish Successful Comparison with Monitoring of Analogue sites –in 2011 EA Section Not Commenced Post MOP 12 predominantly establishment of native undisturbed analogue revegetation accordance with 2.15 native grasses. areas confirm: success will existing grassland • >70% total involve a biodiversity species number of combination of monitoring. species visual and Rehabilitated established are technical sites – Quarterly in accordance assessments of visual inspections with the applied groundcover, by site personnel. species mix and biomass and Annual represent 75% Landscape inspections and of the total Function Analysis monitoring report projected A minimum of preparation by a ground cover; two monitoring suitably • Species diversity points in each experienced >65% of treatment area person post analogue site; will be closure established. • Species density comparable with A monitoring analogues site. report will be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person. The report will include a summary of performance of the treatment area(s) against representative analogue monitoring points and photographs.
A7-28
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at start of Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Source MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Domain D – Rehabilitation Area - Woodland
A7-29
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation Monitoring Justification/ Progress at start of Expected TARP Objective Performance Indicator Completion criteria Monitoring Frequency Source MOP Completion Ref No. Methodology Establish Successful Comparison with Monitoring of Analogue sites –in EA Section 2.15 Not Commenced Post MOP 12 vegetation establishment of native undisturbed analogue revegetation accordance with with similar grasses, shrub and tree areas confirm: success will existing species species. • >70% total involve a biodiversity composition number of combination of monitoring. to the Poplar species visual and Rehabilitated Box – Gum – established are technical sites – Quarterly Barked in accordance assessments of visual inspections Coolibah with the applied groundcover, by site personnel. and/or Mallee species mix and biomass and Annual Smooth- represent 75% Landscape inspections and barked of the total Function Analysis monitoring report Coolibah projected foliage A minimum of preparation by a vegetation cover; two monitoring suitably community. • Species diversity points in each experienced >65% of treatment area person post analogue site; will be closure established. • Species density comparable with A monitoring analogues site. report will be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person. The report will include a summary of performance of the treatment area(s) against representative analogue monitoring points and photographs.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Table 19 Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria – Phase 5 Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability
Rehabilitation TARP Performance Justification/ Progress at start of Expected Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Indicator Source MOP Completion Ref Methodology No. Domain A – Infrastructure Areas No ecosystem and land use sustainability activities proposed. Domain B – Water Management Area Domain Water Design in accordance Visual inspection and Initially monthly during 2011 EA Section Not commenced Post-MOP 5, 10 stable and management with Landcom (2004) monitoring reports, operations, with frequency 2.15 non- structures and DECC (2008). including photographs. to be reduced progressively polluting. stabilised and The number of visible based on performance. capable of gullies or rills that are retaining and greater than 0.3m in conveying width or depth is water without limited or improving. causing pollution. Water Monitoring of water Water quality testing in Monthly during and 2011 EA Section Not commenced Post-MOP 2,3 discharged discharged from the accordance with the immediately following 2.15 from site Mine Site complies Water Management operations, with frequency within with EPL limits and the Plan. Photographs to be reduced progressively relevant relevant trigger values post-closure, based on criteria. identified in the Water performance. Management Plan. Domain C – Grassland
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Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation TARP Performance Justification/ Progress at start of Expected Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Indicator Source MOP Completion Ref Methodology No. Grassland Successful Surveys confirm Monitoring of Analogue sites –in 2011 EA Section Not Commenced Post MOP 12, ecosystem is establishment consistency between revegetation success accordance with existing 2.15 13 established of native disturbed areas and will involve a biodiversity monitoring. with grasses or undisturbed analogue combination of visual Rehabilitated sites – maintenance other suitable sites in relation to the and technical Quarterly visual inspections needs no groundcover following: assessments of by site personnel. Annual greater than species. • Percentage of groundcover, biomass inspections and monitoring those of plants and Landscape report preparation by a surrounding, affected by Function Analysis suitably experienced person undisturbed negative A minimum of two post closure. land. health monitoring points in indicators each treatment area (nutrient will be established. deficiency, A monitoring report shallow root will be prepared by a development). suitably qualified and • Ground cover experienced person. %. The report will include • Number of a summary of native flora performance of the species treatment area(s) recorded. against representative • Percentage analogue monitoring cover of points and environmental photographs. weeds. • Pest species and abundance.
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Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019 Rehabilitation TARP Performance Justification/ Progress at start of Expected Objective Completion criteria Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Indicator Source MOP Completion Ref Methodology No. Domain D – Rehabilitation Area - Woodland Areas Successful Surveys confirm Monitoring of Analogue sites –in 2011 EA Section Not Commenced Post MOP 12, revegetated establishment consistency between revegetation success accordance with existing 2.15 13, to a Poplar of native disturbed areas and will involve a biodiversity monitoring. 14 Box – Gum – grasses, shrub undisturbed analogue combination of visual Rehabilitated sites – Barked and tree sites in relation to the and technical Quarterly visual inspections Coolibah or species. following: assessments of by site personnel. Annual Mallee • Percentage of groundcover, biomass inspections and monitoring Smooth- plants and Landscape report preparation by a barked affected by Function Analysis suitably experienced person Coolibah negative A minimum of two post closure. community. health monitoring points in indicators each treatment area (nutrient will be established. deficiency, A monitoring report shallow root will be prepared by a development). suitably qualified and • Ground cover experienced person. %. The report will include • Canopy cover a summary of %. performance of the • Number of treatment area(s) native flora against representative species analogue monitoring recorded. points and photographs. • Percentage cover of environmental weeds. • Pest species and abundance.
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Appendix 9
BCD & DPIE Consultation
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Mr Liam Richards Environment Advisor Hera Resources Pty Ltd “The Peak” 252 Burthong Road NYMAGEE, NSW, 2831
01/07/2020
Dear Mr Richards
Hera Gold Mine (MP10_0191-PA-16) Biodiversity Management Plan - Request for Additional Information
I refer to the Biodiversity Management Plan submitted to the Department as required under the conditions of approval for Hera Gold Mine.
Please submit a revised document that addresses the items on page 2 of this letter.
You should provide the information, or notification that the information will not be provided, to the Department by Fri 24 July 2020. If you are unable to provide the requested information within this timeframe, you are required to provide, and commit to, a timeframe detailing the provision of this information.
If you have any questions, please contact Brittany Golding, who can be contacted on 02 9995 5742/ at [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Rose-Anne Hawkeswood Team Leader Resource Assessments
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Page*/Sectio Text in Document Amendment/s Comments n Table 1 Table 1 should be updated to cross reference the correct sections Table 1 Schedule 5, Condition 7A to 7B Change to match correct 7A. condition number Section 2.4 “Table 10 also presents Update the cross Assume this should the Trigger – Action – reference and clarify reference Table 14. Response Plan (TARP) the statement However, it’s not clear what relevant to each criteria this statement means or should the performance what the relationship is measures not be between Table 5 and Table achieved.” 10 (or 14) Table 5 Specific Actions and Performance performance and Completion Criteria are indicators should be very general. proposed that can More consideration should be used to judge the be given to BCD’s performance of, or comments in Attachment B guide the of its letter. implementation of, The BMP does not appear to any management include benchmarks/targets measures. for each plant community type. Table 5 It’s not clear what the ‘TARP Ref No’ column relates to (presumably it relates to Table 14, however the purpose in having both tables is unclear). Section 3.1 Describe how the Given the Stewardship offset area will be Agreement has not yet been managed, consistent finalised, it would not be with the appropriate to rely on that commitments made document for the in the Environmental management of the offset Assessment and the area. The Biodiversity requirements of the Management Plan should conditions of the describe how the offset area project approval. will be managed until the Stewardship Agreement is executed. Once the Stewardship
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta 2150 | Locked Bag 5022 Parramatta 2124 | dpie.nsw .gov.au | 2 Agreement has been finalised, the Biodiversity Management Plan can be updated to reflect the arrangements in the Stewardship Agreement.
Section 3.1 Hera Resources Date to be inserted prepared a Biodiversity & yellow highlight Stewardship Site removed Assessment Report for the property on [date] 2019. Table 10 Update to include Consider BCD’s comments clear actions that regarding the need for would be carried if “measurable performance and tailored, quantitative completion criteria performance measures and are not met targets, completion criteria, and monitoring and trigger points for corrective action” General Check management Some of the language used actions are in the document is described in ambiguous and lacking clear unambiguous commitment. For example, language and reflect section 2.6.3.3 describes a firm commitment options that are available, to the actions without making a firm commitment to implementing the options; section 2.6.3.7 describes a procedure, but is not clear that the procedure will be followed.
General All cross references should be checked and updated
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Our ref: DOC20/246859 Your ref: MP10_0191-PA-16
Liam Richards Environmental Advisor, Hera Mine Aurelia Metals Ltd [email protected]
Dear Liam
Hera Gold Mine Biodiversity Management Plan
I refer to your email dated 16 March 2020 to the Biodiversity and Conservation Division (BCD) of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (the department) inviting comments on the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the Hera Gold Mine. BCD has reviewed the BMP and provides a summary of recommendations in Attachment A and detailed comments in Attachment B regarding: • short, medium and long-term objectives and targets • requirement for baseline data • aligning completion criteria with benchmarks for plant community types (PCTs) • rehabilitation • completing a final edit of the BMP
It is noted that BCD has provided feedback on previous versions of the BMP (January 2013, April 2013, September 2013, and July 2016). Specific guidance regarding matters which BCD would recommend proponents include in a BMP was provided as an attachment to our letter dated 9 April 2013. Many of the issues raised previously have not been addressed and are raised again here. Guidance relating to matters recommended to be included in a BMP has been included again in Attachment C. It should be noted that this is provided for guidance only and that some of the content has been superseded. Content in the Leard Forest Regional Biodiversity Strategy is also applicable to this project, with sections on management actions, monitoring, performance measures and completion criteria, and Trigger Action Response Plans providing relevant guidance.
If you require any further information regarding this matter, please contact David Geering, Senior Conservation Planning Officer, via [email protected] or (02) 6883 5335. Yours sincerely
01 April 2020
Renee Shepherd Acting Senior Team Leader Planning, North West Biodiversity and Conservation Division cc. [email protected]
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Attachment A BCD recommendations – Hera Mine Biodiversity Management Plan
1.1 Short, medium- and long-term objectives and targets, where appropriate, be developed for each of the broad management measures. 1.2 Quantitative performance measures, and targets and trigger points for corrective action be developed for all measures. 2.1 Baseline data for each of the management measures should be provided in the BMP. 2.2 The BMP should include all weed species known to occur on the mine and stewardship sites. 2.3 Weeds under watch should be identified and management actions developed as required. 3.1 Benchmark values should be used as completion criteria for areas of native vegetation and these should be clearly presented in the BMP. 3.2 Trigger points linked to benchmark values in performance and completion criteria should reflect the relevant benchmark figures. 4.1 An outline of the rehabilitation activities to be undertaken should be provided in the BMP. 4.2 Vegetation community benchmarks should be considered as completion criteria for rehabilitated areas. 4.3 Performance criteria should be established at milestone periods to determine whether rehabilitated vegetation is on trend to achieve the completion criteria. 5.1 A final proof-read of the BMP should be conducted to rectify minor errors.
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Attachment B BCD review of Hera Gold Mine – Biodiversity Management Plan 1 Targets should be quantifiable
The targets outlined in Section 2.4 are general in nature. Short, medium- and long-term objectives and targets should be described in the BMP. In the case of long-term targets, the BMP should include some interim targets that can be reviewed and amended as required. Successful management plans include tailored, quantitative performance measures and targets, completion criteria, and monitoring and trigger points for corrective action which adhere to the SMART principles (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely). Management targets are required for each of the broader management measures identified including bushfire, weed control, feral animal control, rehabilitation and erosion and sediment control. These targets should be expressed in a manner that allows evaluation of progress toward the completion criteria. Examples of these could be: Weed Management Objective 1: Noxious and environmental weeds are identified and mapped. Year 1: Undertake a detailed inspection of the mine area and offset areas and accurately map weed extent. Years 2 & 3: Undertake weed inspections, update GIS database with necessary changes. Objective 2: A risk-based weed management plan is developed for the mine and stewardship site. Year 1: Develop a risk-based weed management program. Years 2 & 3: Implement weed management program, undertake weed inspections and schedule and undertake necessary weed treatment. Objective 3: Reduce presence of noxious and environmental weeds. Year 1: Implement management actions for high risk areas identified in the detailed weed inspection. Develop specific actions e.g. Targeted spraying of (insert weed) in (insert area) Years 2 & 3: Implement weed management program. List specific actions.
Completion and performance criteria should reflect the objectives and must be quantifiable. Examples for weed management may include “the complete removal of all (insert noxious weed) ” and that “ non-native groundcover not exceed 10 percent of the total groundcover ”.
Similar detail is required for other management actions such as animal pests, bushfire management and erosion control. Recommendations: 1.1 Short, medium- and long-term objectives and targets, where appropriate, be developed for each of the broad management measures. 1.2 Quantitative performance measures, and targets and trigger points for corrective action be developed for all measures.
2 Baseline data for management measures should be clearly presented
It is important that baseline data be presented to demonstrate the extent to which objectives have been achieved. For example, the BMP indicates a successful vertebrate pest management system is in place, which includes fox baiting, capture and destruction of cats and rabbit warren ripping.
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Baseline data should be presented in order to demonstrate the extent to which the pest management objectives associated with the management system are being met. Baseline data should include a description of the initial extent of each threat and the control method/s being used in each domain. The performance target should relate to actual biodiversity outcomes (i.e. reduction of fox numbers to an acceptable threat level) and the performance measure should be quantitative (e.g. number / percentage decline in the presence of foxes at each domain). It is noted that the BMP has an emphasis on noxious weeds. Weed mapping should not be limited to these weeds alone. Mapping should include environmental weeds, for example exotic perennial grasses, as they may become problematic if not kept under control. Those weeds under watch should be identified, risk assessed, and management actions developed as required. Recommendations: 2.1 Baseline data for each of the management measures should be provided in the BMP. 2.2 The BMP should include all weed species known to occur on the mine and stewardship sites. 2.3 Weeds under watch should be identified and management actions developed as required.
3 Targets for native vegetation should be clearly presented
The targets outlined in Table 4 and 7 indicate that native vegetation will be preserved or improved. While it is alluded to that the completion criteria for native vegetation is benchmark values this is not clearly stated. Benchmarks for each plant community type (PCT) should be clearly presented as a table in the BMP. Table 10 indicates a trigger point of 40 per cent ground cover for corrective action. Table 4 includes the objective “ Maintain or improve groundcover, focussing on native grasses ” with completion criteria being to maintain groundcover at 40 per cent or more in areas not disturbed by mining with a goal of achieving more than 50 per cent native grasses. It is assumed that this means 50 per cent of the ground cover is native grasses. It is noted that PCTs 103,174, 180 and 82 have benchmarks of 35-48 per cent groundcover and 6-9 per cent cover for native grasses. In all these PCTs litter accounts for 30 per cent cover. For PCT 82 the groundcover benchmark is 82 per cent while that for grasses is 60 per cent cover. The trigger point for groundcover needs to consider these variations. Grasses and forbs may be a more appropriate trigger than all ground cover. Recommendations: 3.1 Benchmark values should be used as completion criteria for areas of native vegetation and these should be clearly presented in the BMP. 3.2 Trigger points linked to benchmark values in performance and completion criteria should reflect the relevant benchmark figures.
4 Rehabilitation measures should be included in the BMP
While detailed rehabilitation objectives and procedures for areas to be impacted by the development are contained in the Rehabilitation Plan, an outline of the rehabilitation activities to be undertaken should be provided in the BMP. This should include performance criteria, completion criteria and relevant trigger points. The Mine Operations Plan indicates that completion criteria for grassland and woodland areas is based on a percentage of the total number of species established from the species mix used for
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rehabilitation, projected ground cover, species diversity, and species density compared with analogue sites. Another measure of rehabilitation success could be a comparison against relevant vegetation community benchmarks. It is not clear whether the analogue sites are within benchmark or whether the suggested completion criteria are likely to be within benchmark. Performance criteria should be established at milestone periods (e.g. 5 years, 10 years, 20 years) to determine whether rehabilitated vegetation is on trend to achieve the completion criteria. Recommendations: 4.1 An outline of the rehabilitation activities to be undertaken should be provided in the BMP. 4.2 Vegetation community benchmarks should be considered as completion criteria for rehabilitated areas. 4.3 Performance criteria should be established at milestone periods to determine whether rehabilitated vegetation is on trend to achieve the completion criteria.
5 A final proof-read is required
A final proof-read of the BMP should be conducted to rectify some minor errors including, but not restricted to, the following: • section 2.2.3 suggests that 1,056 bird species have been recorded at Hera • names and acronyms of agencies need to be updated, e.g. OEH, DPE and Livestock Health & Pest Authority. It is noted that D.Geering is listed as authorising Revision 5 of the BMP. Comments were provided by BCD in July 2016, but this does not constitute authorisation of the document. Recommendations 5.1 A final proof-read of the BMP should be conducted to rectify minor errors.
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Attachment C DRAFT Guidelines for the Preparation of Biodiversity Management Plans for Major Projects (2014)
A Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) sets out a commitment and a methodology to manage, enhance and protect biodiversity values. The purpose of a BMP is to: • document the biodiversity values of a site; • outline strategies to prevent, minimise, mitigate and/or offset impacts and threatening processes on biodiversity from a project’s activities; • outline performance criteria to judge the success of the implementation of the plan including monitoring and reporting of management actions and outcomes; and • set out how adaptive management will be achieved through evaluation of performance. Commitments contained within a BMP should be clear and auditable. The BMP should cover impacts that may arise from activities conducted throughout the life of the project. It should cover any biodiversity conditions related to the development’s impacts as well as the management of any biodiversity offset areas. These can potentially be in single or multiple documents. This guideline has been developed by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to assist proponents in the development of a Biodiversity Management Plan to implement conditions associated with the approval of a major project. Separate guidelines are also available for the development of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans.
SUGGESTED CONTENTS 1.0 Project outline Provide a description of the nature of the project, including the location, extent, tenure of land, activities and expected life of the project. A map and imagery showing the location of the development in a local and regional context should be included. 2.0 BMP purpose and scope State the purpose and objective(s) of the BMP. These should relate to the biodiversity resources and what is required to achieve the desired outcomes detailed in the BMP. Outline the factors that have been considered in developing the BMP including consent conditions, legislative requirements, and information collected for the original Environmental Assessment including environmental mapping and surveys. Identify the area of the project site the BMP will apply to, and whether it is to apply to one or more stages of a multi-stage development. Identify the timeframe for the duration and periodic review of the BMP. 3.0 Biodiversity management areas 3.1. Identification of management areas The project area should be divided into discrete zones for biodiversity management. These may be divided by vegetation type, condition classes, or any other practical delineation. The BMP should clearly identify the locations and boundaries of these zones, including appropriate mapping. A description for each management area should be provided which includes details outlined in section 4.0. The description should outline the level of intervention activities proposed in each management area. Areas where salvage of biodiversity resources will occur within impacted areas (e.g. collection of tree stems or hollows, plants or animals for translocation) should be indicated.
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3.2. Management objectives State the objectives for managing biodiversity values for each management area. 4.0 Existing biodiversity values 4.1. Environmental setting Provide details of the environmental context of the project area, including details on the bioregion/s and the catchment/s the project falls within. 4.2. Biodiversity values Provide details of the known and predicted biodiversity values within the project area. The values should include detailed descriptions of: • vegetation communities in each biodiversity management area, including - a map and photographs depicting these vegetation communities; - the area and the condition state of each vegetation community, described as per the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (see Appendix A [1]) or an equivalent or better method; and - a description of rare or significant flora (eg. species at the edge of their range, taxonomically unusual, etc). It is recommended that vegetation should be described as per the NSW Vegetation Information System and the Native Vegetation Interim Type Standard [see Appendix B]. Permanent vegetation plots should be established. • fauna assemblages in the project area and their habitat, including maps of known records and identified areas of significant habitat for particular threatened or declining species; • riparian areas and wetlands (where relevant) including a map identifying their location in the project area, and photographs; • any groundwater dependent ecosystems that are present; and • any other important habitat values that are present (e.g. caves, cliff lines, raptor nests, areas with abundant hollow-bearing trees, etc). The descriptions should include the presence of important structural, floristic and habitat elements. Include additional mapping, and/or imagery, and photographs that illustrate: • the footprint of the project site compared to the surrounding biodiversity values; • areas of high conservation significance; and • proposed habitat corridors and linkages between areas of remnant vegetation (where relevant). The corridors and linkages should be related to individual species requirements wherever possible, or at the very least to generic requirements (refer to Doerr et al. article listed in Appendix B). Note: Where mapping products are requested, separate spatial layers should also be provided. 4.3. Threatened species Provide details of the known and predicted occurrence of threatened species, populations and ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 , and the Fisheries Management Act 1994 . The BMP should outline the species requirements for each threatened species that will be impacted by the development, and how these requirements will be provided for, particularly in areas to be re-vegetated (see Appendix A [2]). 5.0 Threats to biodiversity 5.1. Threat identification Provide details of the threats to biodiversity that currently exist on site and those that may occur in the future. These may include:
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• Pest animals, including native pest animals (see Appendix A [3]); • Noxious and/or environmental weeds; • Erosion; • Current land use practices; • Altered hydrological processes; • Fire regimes; and • Existing infrastructure. Include additional mapping, and/or imagery, and photographs that illustrate threats that can be mapped, such as weeds and erosion. Baseline data that describes the current extent of each threat described in the BMP is also required. For example, for weeds this may include details on the area or number of plants that currently exist. If weed infestations occur at multiple locations the extent at each location should be detailed . Baseline information is required to assess the change in the level of the threat and to monitor success over time against relevant performance criteria. Some threats may become more apparent or relevant as regeneration and rehabilitation activities progress. These threats should also be discussed. For example, agricultural land that has previously been fertilised may present difficulties in increasing the native species ground cover diversity (see Appendix A [4]). 5.2. Risks to achieving outcomes A risk assessment that details how each threat (described in section 5.1) may impact on the success of achieving each relevant performance target (detailed in section 7.0) must be undertaken. For example: Threat Relevant performance Mitigation Risk criteria measures level Grazing from Increase groundcover species Management Area Low domestic stock diversity by 10% by 2020 in A to be fenced and Management Area A domestic stock to be removed.
The risk assessment should be used as a tool to determine the level of management that each threat requires. For example, 10 weed species may be present but only one is considered to be a high risk to maintaining ground cover diversity. The management action (including effort and period of implementation) would then be determined by the level of reduction required for that weed species to decrease to an acceptable level. The trigger levels for corrective actions describe the point at which current management actions need to be reviewed and potentially amended to ensure the performance indicators and targets are being met.
The mitigation measures summarised in this risk assessment should be explained in detail in section 6.0. 6.0 Biodiversity management and mitigation strategies Detail the strategies to be implemented to manage biodiversity threats and to ensure that biodiversity values are improved (to offset biodiversity losses associated with the development). The timing of each strategy should be outlined (whether they will be implemented over the short, medium or long term).
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6.1. Pre-development phase Strategies to be undertaken in the pre-development phase may include: • pre-clearance surveys (see discussion in Appendix A [5]); • salvage of resources from the development area (including rocks, logs, hollows and soil resources) for habitat enhancement during the operational and rehabilitation phases; • transplanting and/or propagating threatened flora and native grassland and any other significant species; and • managing soil disturbance, including conserving and reusing topsoil and subsoils to meet rehabilitation objectives. 6.2. Operational and post-development phase Strategies to be implemented during the operational phase and as part of the post-development activities may include: • use of resources for habitat enhancement that were salvaged in the pre-development phase; • management of remnant vegetation and habitat; • revegetation and regeneration including the establishment (where relevant) of canopy, sub- canopy, understorey and ground strata; • maintenance or improvement of connectivity; • rehabilitation of riparian areas and aquatic habitat; • catering for threatened species requirements where the rehabilitation or revegetation of areas of potential habitat will occur; • managing impacts on fauna, including catering for fauna that are to be relocated from the impacted areas on the project site; • controlling weeds and pest animals, including native pest animals; • managing grazing and agriculture to ensure biodiversity outcomes (where this has been agreed to as a future land use); • managing soil disturbance; • controlling access; • integrating management with adjoining landholders; and • wildfire and ecological fire management (see Appendix A [6]). 6.3. Rehabilitation and final land use activities Whilst detailed rehabilitation objectives and procedures for areas to be impacted by the development may be contained in a separate document to the BMP, an outline of the rehabilitation activities to be undertaken should be provided. This should include: • objectives of the rehabilitation activities, particularly any that relate to biodiversity; • a summary of the proposed rehabilitation activities, including timeframes for the implementation of these activities (short, medium or long term); • measures of how the success of the rehabilitation will be measured, for example comparisons to vegetation benchmarks and condition prior to the project implementation or comparisons to established control sites; • management options if rehabilitation is not achieving the measures described above; • an explanation as to how the rehabilitation activities will relate to the biodiversity management actions outlined in this plan and the outcomes proposed in the offset management plan; • description of the final land use; and • a map outlining where the rehabilitation will occur. 7.0 Performance indicators and targets 7.1. Target identification State the measurable performance indicators and targets that will be used to demonstrate the extent to which the biodiversity management objectives have been achieved. The performance targets should reflect the difference stages of succession of biodiversity management (and
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vegetation succession) throughout the life of the project. Targets should relate to actual biodiversity outcomes, including species requirements (see Appendix A [2]), at different times rather than simply inputs and outputs (see Appendix A [7]). 7.2. Trigger points and corrective actions State the trigger points and subsequent corrective actions to be implemented if the monitoring program identifies that the performance targets and therefore biodiversity management objectives are not being met. For example, the trigger point for applying a corrective action to a weed infestation may be when the weed species increases in area by 5 ha. The corrective action (implementing weed management activities) should then be detailed. 8.0 Offset security Detail the mechanism to be used to secure the offset area(s) in perpetuity. The tenure of the offset area(s) should be identified. Details should be provided regarding how funding for conservation actions will be secured into the future. 9.0 Monitoring and reporting Detail the monitoring program to be implemented that will assess the effectiveness of the management and mitigation strategies against the management objectives and performance indicators and targets. The need for, and difference between input, output and outcome criteria is discussed in Appendix A [7]. The monitoring program should: • contain clear objectives and targets that relate to the biodiversity management objectives stated in section 3.2. All monitoring objectives and targets should adhere to the SMART principles (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely); • describe the intended monitoring methods and proposed analysis to be used; • measure any differences between predicted and actual impacts and outcomes; • identify any unpredicted impacts requiring remedial measures; • take into account seasonal variability of certain biodiversity components when determining the timing of the monitoring; • monitor species recovery throughout the life of the mine (and beyond) including establishing a succession pathway for key species and monitoring progress along this pathway at regular intervals; • be implemented throughout the construction, operation and (where appropriate) decommissioning of the project; and • articulate how the results of the monitoring program will have an adaptive management feedback to the biodiversity management strategies that are being implemented. Depending on the actions required the levels of monitoring may vary over the length of the project. For example intense weed management initially may require frequent (annually or less) monitoring but in the long-term the rates may decrease as the weed infestation is controlled or removed. Alternatively, other monitoring rates may increase as cleared land or poor condition vegetation communities are regenerated or rehabilitated. The nature and frequency of the reporting that will be undertaken should be described, including outlining who will be the recipient/s of the reports. 10.0 Operational and training protocols Outline the requirements and responsibilities of all employees, contractors, sub-contractors and visitors with respect to biodiversity management within the project area, including induction and training requirements. Outline the roles and responsibilities of staff for biodiversity management throughout the project.
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APPENDIX A: EXPLANATORY NOTES
1. Condition assessment The vegetation communities present in each biodiversity management area should be identified within the BMP. The condition state(s) of each vegetation type should also be identified as per the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (see Appendix B). These condition states include: Low condition vegetation: Woody native vegetation with native over-storey percent foliage cover less than 25% of the lower value of the over-storey percent foliage cover benchmark for that vegetation type, and • less than 50% of ground cover vegetation is indigenous species, or • greater than 90% of ground cover vegetation is cleared. Native grassland, wetland or herbfield where: • less than 50% of ground cover vegetation is indigenous species, or • more than 90% of groundcover vegetation is cleared. If native vegetation is not in low condition, it is in moderate to good condition. Moderate to good condition vegetation: Native vegetation that is not in low condition, as defined above. 2. Species requirements For each threatened species that will be impacted by the development, the requirements for that species and how they will be catered for across the non-impacted and/or offset areas should be detailed. Elements to be discussed should include preferred vegetation structure, floristic composition, food resources, minimum patch size, landscape connectivity, and breeding, nesting and roosting requirements. Knowledge of threats to the species and how these will be managed should be outlined. An example of these species requirements for the Brown Treecreeper ( Climacteris picumnus victoriae ) is provided below. A BMP should provide this information and outline how each element will be provided for at the project site. Vegetation type and structure: Eucalypt woodland, generally those lacking a dense understorey. Landscape position : Low to moderate relief, particularly fertile patches. Diet: Ants, beetles and larvae taken from ground, fallen logs and tree trunks. Competition : Noisy Miners dominate fragmented woodlands and will exclude smaller species from territories. Starlings compete for nesting hollows. Breeding locations: Nests in tree hollows 5-15 cm in size. Utilises a wide variety of tree species – not selective. Connectivity: Will use paddock trees for dispersal across open country. These trees should preferably be less than 100m apart with 230m being the greatest recorded distance moved between paddock trees. Suitable habitat patches need to be no more than two kilometres apart and preferably one kilometre apart. Dispersal of females critical to maintain viable populations. Patch Size : Unable to maintain viable populations in remnants less than 200 ha.
3. Native pest species Some opportunistic native species compete with, and have a detrimental impact on, other native species. An example is the Noisy Miner ( Manorina melanocephala ). This bird’s aggressive behaviour can exclude many other birds from the patches they inhabit. Where Noisy Miners are
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present a BMP should outline the management actions that will be implemented to reduce their impact on other species. This may include: • implementing a control program; • ensuring habitat patches are large enough to prevent the penetration of the species into habitat interiors; and/or • ensuring grassland areas are densely vegetated as Noisy Miners prefer short heavily grazed pasture; and • ensuring that rehabilitation and revegetation programs establish habitat with structural complexity. 4. Past land use and rehabilitation/revegetation success Whilst tree planting in degraded landscapes and rehabilitation areas is generally successful, the restoration of understorey species can be a difficult task. Pastures with a history of fertiliser application tend to be dominated by perennial grasses and weeds which can hamper the regeneration and establishment of native species. As soil phosphorus increases the ability of native vegetation to cope with the enhanced fertility decreases, impacting on native plant diversity and ground cover.
*From Dorrough, Stol & McIntyre (2008)
This issue should be considered when rehabilitation and regeneration activities are being planned. Focusing regeneration activities on land that has been fertilised is likely to reduce the success of re-establishing a fully functioning vegetation community, and the time frame for establishment may be greatly extended. 5. Pre-clearing surveys Detailed information on the fauna to be impacted by the development should have been provided in the original environmental assessment. It is acknowledged that the development will result in the loss of habitat. However, research also indicates that most individuals in cleared areas will die in situ or in adjoining areas (Cogger et al 2003; Tyndale-Biscoe and Smith 1969; Woinarski et al 2006). The success rate of displaced individuals being able to establish in surrounding habitat (if present) is very low. In order to minimise direct deaths from clearing activities it is recommended that established pre-clearing guidelines like those developed by the Roads and Traffic Authority are utilised and the details are incorporated into the BMP. Where a particular species of interest occurs, or further information is required on the density of a particular species, additional effort on pre-clearing surveys may be needed. This additional effort should be described in the BMP.
48–52 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 | PO Box 2111 Dubbo NSW 2830 | dpie.nsw.gov.au | 11
6. Wildfire and ecological fire management A fire management regime should be described that outlines the intensity, frequency and seasons that will form the basis of a wildfire and ecological fire program. The ecological requirements and sensitivities of the vegetation communities that are present should be considered and the program developed accordingly. The regime should form a long-term strategy rather than be an activity that is developed on a short-term basis (three years or less). 7. Performance indicators and targets Establishing appropriate criteria that will be monitored regularly to determine whether management objectives have been met is essential. The assessment criteria may take three forms: 1. Input – what action will be undertaken (e.g. 10 trees will be planted). 2. Output – what result is expected to be achieved by a particular action (eg. The trees will reach a height of 5 metres in 5 years; the trees will have medium-sized hollows by 100 years). 3. Outcome – the consequence of the output (eg. regeneration activities will establish habitat for the Brown Treecreeper within 80 years). The proposed outcomes may need to be assessed at specific intervals in relation to expected succession timeframes. For example, the revegetation of an area to support the Brown Treecreeper may be a management objective. The establishment of a fully functioning habitat patch may not occur for 80 years or longer. Performance indicators should be established at regular intervals (for example 5 years) to determine: (1) if the expected successional trajectory is occurring; and (2) if not, appropriate adaptive management measures that can be applied to the site to ensure a successful outcome. For example, if 1000 native trees were planted at the commencement of a revegetation program, and after 10 years only 200 trees remained and the groundcover was predominantly exotic species, then additional tree planting and/or weed management would need to be implemented. Monitoring undertaken in the vegetation community should also assess whether species that are expected to re-colonise the vegetation are in fact returning. For example it may be expected that a range of small woodland-dependant birds should be recorded by year 5 and by year 20 there should be at least 15 different understorey plants present. Thus the progress criteria might state: • A range of small woodland dependent birds present at year 5 (examples could include thornbills, superb fairy-wren, robins and honeyeaters) • at least 25 different understorey plant species present at year 20. 8. References Cogger, H., Ford, H., Johnson, C., Holman, J. and Butler, D. (2003) Impacts of land clearing on Australian wildlife in Queensland , WWF Australia; Sydney. Dorrough, J., Stol, J. and McIntosh, S. (2008) Biodiversity in the paddock – a land managers guide, Future Farm Industries CRC, Canberra. Tyndale-Biscoe, C.H. and Smith, R.F.C. (1969) Studies on the marsupial glider Schoinobates volans (Kerr) III Response to habitat destruction. Journal of Animal Ecology 38 : 651-659. Wilkins, S., Keith, D.A. and Adams, P. (2003) Measuring success: Evaluating the restoation of a grassy eucalypt woodland on the Cumberland plain, sydney, Australia. Restoration Ecology 11 :489-503. Woinarski, J.C.Z., McCosker, J.C., Gordon, G., Lawrie, B., James, C., Augusteyn, J., Slater, L. and Danvers, T. (2006) Monitoring change in the vertebrate fauna of central Queensland, Australia, over a period of broadscale vegetation clearance, 1973-2002. Wildlife Research 33 : 263-274.
48–52 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 | PO Box 2111 Dubbo NSW 2830 | dpie.nsw.gov.au | 12
APPENDIX B: GUIDELINES Guidelines and information sources that may assist in the development of a BMP include:
BioBanking Assessment Methodology: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/assessmethodology.htm
Habitat corridors: Doerr, V.A.J., Doerr, E.D. and Davies, M.J. (2009) Does structural connectivity facilitate dispersal of native species in Australia’s fragmented terrestrial landscapes? Systematic Review No. 44 , Collaboration for Environmental Evidence, Canberra.
Pre-clearing surveys Biodiversity guidelines – protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA projects (Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW, September 2011) http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/environment/downloads/biodiversity_guidelines.pdf
Threatened species: OEH threatened species website http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/
Translocation of threatened fauna: Policy for the translocation of threatened fauna in NSW (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, October 2001) http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/policyFaunaTranslocation.pdf
Vegetation mapping: • NSW Vegetation Information System http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/VegetationInformationSystem.htm • Native Vegetation Interim Type Standard (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, January 2010) http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf
Vegetation management: • A Guide to Managing Box Gum Woodlands http://www.nrm.gov.au/resources/publications/stewardship/pubs/bggw-handbook.pdf • Managing and Conserving Grassy Woodlands (S. McIntyre, J McIvor and K Heard, 2002, CSIRO Publishing) • Managing Native Grassland: a Guide to Management for Conservation, Production and Landscape Protection http://awsassets.wwf.org.au/downloads/fl005_managing_native_grassland_1jul02.pdf • Biodiversity in the Paddock: a Land Managers Guide http://www.futurefarmonline.com.au/publications/other-publications.htm
Revegetation Planting for Wildlife: A Practical Guide to Restoring Native Woodlands. (N. Munro and D. Lindenmayer 2011. CSIRO Publishing)
48–52 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 | PO Box 2111 Dubbo NSW 2830 | dpie.nsw.gov.au | 13 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 10
DPIE APPROVAL
A7-36
Mr Jonathon Thompson Group Manager – Environment Aurelia Metals Ltd Level 2, Suite 5 60-62 NcNamara Street Orange, NSW, 2800
03/03/2020
Dear Mr Thompson
Hera Project (PA 10_0191) Biodiversity Management Plan – Endorsement of Experts
I refer to your request for the Secretary’s approval of suitably qualified persons to prepare the Biodiversity Management Plan for the Hera Project (PA 10_0191) as required by conditions 29 of Schedule 3 of the project approval.
The Department has reviewed the nominations and information you have provided and is satisfied that these experts are suitably qualified and experienced. Consequently, I can advise that the Secretary approves the appointment of Ms Barbara Watson, Mr Phillip Cameron and Mr Dave Sturman of AREA Environmental Consultants & Communication, and Ms Renae Gifford and Ms Jessica Coffey of SLR to prepare the Biodiversity Management Plan.
If you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact Rose-Anne Hawkeswood on 9274 6324.
Yours sincerely
Stephen O'Donoghue Director Resource Assessments As nominee of the Planning Secretary
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta 2150 | dpie.nsw .gov.au | 1 Mr Liam Richards Environment Advisor Hera Resources Pty Ltd
18/12/2020 Dear Mr Richards
Hera Gold Mine (MP10_0191-PA-16) - Biodiversity Management Plan
I refer to the Biodiversity Management Plan which was submitted in accordance with Condition 29 of Schedule 3 of the approval for Hera Gold Mine (MP10_0191).
The Department notes that the management measures included in the plan for the biodiversity offset site on the “Chelsea” property are the minimum needed to maintain the property, and little is proposed to improve the biodiversity values of the site. However, the Department notes that Hera Resources is intending to secure the offset site with a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, which would also set out the terms for managing the site.
The Department supports the use of a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to secure the offset area and considers that the actions described in the Biodiversity Management Plan are adequate to manage the site until the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement is finalised. The Department is also satisfied that the Biodiversity Management Plan generally addresses the conditions of the project approval. Accordingly, the Secretary approves the Biodiversity Management Plan.
However, the Department requests that within three months of the execution of the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, Hera Resources submit a revised Biodiversity Management Plan that reflects the terms of the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
The Department also emphasises that the approval of the Biodiversity Management Plan in its current form in no way establishes the terms of the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, which must be negotiated separately with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Those negotiations should not be prejudiced by this approval.
Finally, if the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement has not been finalised by 31 December 2021, Hera Resources should re-consult with the Department about the need to revise both the Biodiversity Management Plan and the Biodiversity Offset Strategy required under condition 26 of Schedule 3.
If you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact Rose-Anne Hawkeswood [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Stephen O'Donoghue Director Resource Assessments As nominee of the Planning Secretary
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta 2150 | dpie.nsw .gov.au | 1 Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Appendix 11
PCT DESCRIPTIONS
A7-37
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Poplar Box - Gum Coolabah - White Cypress Pine shrubby woodland mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion
PCT ID: 103
Upper stratum species: Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil; Callitris glaucophylla; Eucalyptus intertexta; Casuarina cristata; Acacia excelsa subsp. angusta; Atalaya hemiglauca; Grevillea striata; Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus; Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens; Mid stratum species: Geijera parviflora; Eremophila mitchellii; Eremophila glabra; Acacia deanei subsp. paucijuga; Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima; Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata; Bertya cunninghamii; Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata; Apophyllum anomalum; Rhagodia spinescens; Acacia aneura; Eremophila sturtii; Senna form taxon artemisioides; Eremophila longifolia; Hakea tephrosperma; Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala; Beyeria viscosa; Acacia tetragonophylla; Acacia homalophylla; Amyema quandang var. quandang;
Ground stratum species: Maireana microphylla; Enteropogon acicularis; Sclerolaena birchii; Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra; Sclerolaena diacantha; Einadia nutans subsp. nutans; Einadia nutans subsp. linifolia; Aristida jerichoensis var. subspinulifera; Thyridolepis mitchelliana; Monachather paradoxus; Chloris truncata; Eragrostis lacunaria; Vittadinia cervicularis var. cervicularis; Calotis lappulacea; Vittadinia cuneata var. hirsuta; Sida corrugata; Ptilotus atriplicifolius var. atriplicifolius; Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia; Oxalis chnoodes; Boerhavia dominii; Solanum ferocissimum; Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus; Chrysocephalum semipapposum; Xerochrysum bracteatum; Chenopodium desertorum subsp. desertorum; Solanum coactiliferum;
Landform pattern: Peneplain , Sand plain
Vegetation description: Open woodland to 25 m high dominated by Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil) often with Gum Coolabah (Eucalyptus intertexta) and White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla). A dense to sparse shrub cover is present consisting of Wilga (Geijera parviflora), Budda (Eremophila mitchellii), Tar Bush (Eremophila glabra), various subspecies of Sticky Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa sens lat.), Bertya cunninghamii, Acacia deanei subsp. paucijuga, Emubush (Eremophila longifolia), Senna artemisioides s. lat. and Rhagodia spinescens. The ground cover is composed of small shrubs such as Maireana microphylla and copper burrs (Sclerolaena spp.). Grasses include Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra, Aristida jerichoensis var. subspinulifera, Chloris truncata, Enteropogon acicularis and Monachather paradoxus. Forbs are very sparse and include Vittadinia and Calotis spp. Occurs on clay loam, sandy loam or lateritic soils on alluvial flats, footslopes and broad ridges of undulating plains mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion of central-western NSW with annual rainfall 350 - 450 mm. This community covers a large section of north-central NSW and varies in its understorey depending on soils and land use. It grades into Mulga communities to the west and White Cypress Pine dominated communities in the south. It grades into Eucalyptus intertexta woodland (ID104) upslope or on rockier ground, or Green Mallee or Eucalyptus dwyeri communities on ridges. This community is subject to woody regrowth of native shrubs including patches of Callitris glaucophylla. While this community is mainly not targetted for clearing is often cleared when adjoining grassy Poplar Box woodland is cleared (ID105). Clearing of woody native shrubs may inadvertently reduce tree cover.
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Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Mallee - Gum Coolabah woodland on red earth flats of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion
PCT ID: 174
Associated TEC- Acacia Ioderi shrublands (Part) BC Act
Upper stratum species: Eucalyptus socialis; Eucalyptus dumosa; Eucalyptus viridis; Eucalyptus intertexta; Eucalyptus leptophylla; Eucalyptus microcarpa; Eucalyptus sideroxylon; Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus; Acacia doratoxylon; Casuarina cristata; Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens; Callitris glaucophylla; Santalum acuminatum;
Mid stratum species: Eucalyptus socialis; Eucalyptus dumosa; Eucalyptus viridis; Eucalyptus intertexta; Eucalyptus leptophylla; Eucalyptus microcarpa; Eucalyptus sideroxylon; Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus; Acacia doratoxylon; Casuarina cristata; Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens; Callitris glaucophylla; Santalum acuminatum;
Ground stratum species: Sclerolaena birchii; Triodia scariosa subsp. scariosa; Austrodanthonia fulva; Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra; Austrodanthonia caespitosa; Solanum ellipticum; Calotis cuneifolia; Vittadinia cervicularis var. cervicularis; Enchylaena tomentosa; Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus; Solanum coactiliferum; Solanum ferocissimum; Xerochrysum bracteatum; Dianella revoluta var. revoluta; Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea; Halgania cyanea; Lomandra effusa; Scaevola humilis; Vittadinia cuneata var. hirsuta; Daucus glochidiatus; Brachyscome multifida var. multifida; Cryptandra amara var. floribunda; Sclerolaena bicornis var. horrida; Vittadinia cervicularis; Euchiton sphaericus; Plantago cunninghamii; Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi;
Landform pattern: Peneplain, Rises
A7-39
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Vegetation description: Tall mallee forest or woodland up to 15 m tall but usually about 8 m tall, or post-disturbance shrubland about 5 m tall, dominated by Red Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) and White Mallee (Eucalyptus dumosa) sometimes with Narrow-leaved Red Mallee (Eucalyptus leptophylla). A taller tree layer, to 25 m tall, is often present composed of Gum Coolabah (Eucalyptus intertexa). In some places this may be a dominant layer over the top of mallee. Other trees include Western Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), Mugga Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) and Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus). White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) occurs in patches. A sparse shrub layer is composed of Deanes Wattle (Acacia deanei), Acacia colletioides, Acacia havilandiorum, Acacia buxifolia subsp. buxifolia, Gooma Bush (Bertya cunninghamii), Tar Bush (Eremophila glabra subsp. glabra), Budda (Eremophila mitchellii), Wilga (Geijera parviflora), Dead Finish (Acacia tetragonophylla), Turkeybush (Eremophila deserti), Emubush (Eremophila longifolia), Philotheca difformis subsp. difformis and various species of hopbush (Dodonaea spp.). Ground cover includes the low shrubs Galvanised Burr (Sclerolaena birchii) and Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa); the grass species Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra, Austrodanthonia caespitosa and Spinifex (Triodia scariosa subsp. scariosa); the forb species Purple Burr-daisy (Calotis cuneifolia), Ivy Goodenia (Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea), Xerochrysum bracteata, Dianella revoluta var. revoluta and Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus. The restricted species Choretrum glomeratum and Philotheca brevifolia occur in Tollingo Nature Reserve. This community occurs on sandy-loam or gravel soils on flats and low rises on peneplains that are composed of basic volcanics or metasediment substrates. Mainly distributed on the eastern edge the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion including parts of the Honeybugle basic volcanic intrusion. A high proportion of the eastern areas is cleared and further clearing remains a threat. Many areas are scalded from soil erosion
Grey Mallee - White Cypress Pine woodland on rocky hills of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion
PCT ID: 180
Upper stratum species: Eucalyptus morrisii; Callitris glaucophylla; Acacia doratoxylon; Eucalyptus dwyeri; Eucalyptus viridis; Eucalyptus intertexta;
Mid stratum species: Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei; Cassinia laevis; Dodonaea boroniifolia; Pandorea pandorana subsp. pandorana inland form; Prostanthera ringens; Beyeria viscosa; Acacia aneura; Acacia decora; Dodonaea lobulata; Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia; Prostanthera striatiflora; Parsonsia eucalyptophylla; Indigofera australis; Acacia deanei subsp. deanei; Acacia burrowii; Sida filiformis; Philotheca difformis subsp. difformis; Eremophila serrulata; Eremophila mitchellii; Alstonia constricta; Geijera parviflora; Micromyrtus ciliata;
Ground stratum species: Austrostipa densiflora; Eriachne mucronata; Amphipogon caricinus var. caricinus; Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi; Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra; Aristida jerichoensis var. subspinulifera; Dianella longifolia var. longifolia; Lomandra patens; Themeda australis; Digitaria brownii; Austrodanthonia setacea; Calotis cuneifolia; Calotis lappulacea; Thyridolepis mitchelliana; Goodenia glabra; Brunonia australis; Sclerolaena birchii;
Landform pattern: Peneplain
A7-40
Biodiversity Management Plan AUR- Author N. Warren Created 13/05/2016
Approved M Williams Review date 20/06/2019 Version Rev 7 Updated 20/06/2019
Vegetation description: Mid-high woodland (or very tall mallee woodland) dominated by Grey Mallee (Eucalyptus morrisii) to about 8 m high, with an overstorey of White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) or Currawang (Acacia doratoxylon) to about 12 m high. Other mallee species such as Eucalyptus dwyeri and Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) may be present. The shrub layer varies from very sparse to mid-dense depending on aspect and grazing history. Common shrub species include Crimson Turkey Bush (Eremophila latrobei), several other Eremophila species, species of hopbush (Dodonaea lobulata, Dodonaea boroniifolia, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia, Beyeria viscosa, Cassinia laevis, Prostanthera ringens, Prostanthera striatiflora, several wattles including Acacia decora and Acacia burrowii and Wilga (Geijera parviflora). The ground cover is sparse and is composed of grasses such as Mountain Wanderrie Grass (Eriachne mucronata), corkscrew grasses including Austrostipa densiflora and Austrostipa scabra, Amphipogon caricinus var. caricinus, wiregrass (Aristida jerichoensis var. subspinulifera), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) and Austrodanthonia setacea. Forbs include burr daises (Calotis spp.) and Dianella longifolia var. longifolia. The tussocky graminoid Lomandra patens may be present and the rock fern Cheilanthes sieberi is also common. The inland form of the Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana subsp. pandorana) is a common woody scrambler. This community occurs on shallow, stony and loamy soils derived from Ordovician and Devonian chert, quartzite and volcanic rocks. It is restricted to steep hills and ridges on the eastern side of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion mainly around Nymagee and to the north to Coolabah, but with small areas in Nombinnie and Yathong Nature Reserves. It is not threatened by clearing but may become threatened over the long term due to grazing by goats and domestic stock. as of 2005 it was poorly protected in reserves or under property agreements.
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