Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta)

Nationally threatened species and ecological communities EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 © Commonwealth of 2009

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ii | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta) Introduction

The black‑throated finch (southern) is listed as in north , but is now thought to be endangered under the Australian Government largely restricted to the northern part of its former Environment Protection and Biodiversity range (Figures 1 and 2). Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Listed This policy statement is based on the best threatened species and ecological communities available information, including: are a matter of national environmental significance national environmental significance. • EPBC Act Listing Advice Under the EPBC Act an action will require • national recovery plan for the black‑throated approval from the federal environmental minister finch (southern) subspecies (Poephila cincta if the action has, will have, or is likely to have cincta) a ‘significant impact’ on a matter of national • scientific literature environmental significance. • consultation with the recovery team and other experts, and A ‘significant impact’ is an impact which • application of the national environmental is important, notable, or of consequence, legislation (EPBC Act). having regard to its context or intensity. Whether or not an action is likely to This policy statement builds on the information have a significant impact depends upon and explanations in EPBC Act policy the sensitivity, value, and quality of the statement 1.1 Significant impact guidelines – environment which is impacted, and upon Matters of national environmental significance. the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts. You should consider all of these factors when determining whether an action is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance.

This policy statement is designed to assist you to determine whether a proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on the black‑throated finch (southern). The policy statement applies to habitats, including grassy open woodlands and forests, in which the black‑throated finch (southern) is found during surveys or known from recent (post-1995) records. The black‑throated finch (southern) historically occurred from the northern tablelands and north-west slope regions of New South Wales to the Atherton tablelands

1 How to interpret and What other apply these guidelines laws protect the black‑throated finch (southern)?

The thresholds outlined in this policy statement The black‑throated finch (southern) is also listed are not designed to be prescriptive, but rather as vulnerable in Queensland under the Nature to clarify the level and types of impact likely to Conservation Act 1992 and as endangered in be significant at a national level regarding the New South Wales under the Threatened Species biology, ecology and threats of the subspecies. Conservation Act 1995. The listing of a species, If you are planning to undertake an action in subspecies or ecological community on the grassy, open woodlands and forests in northern EPBC Act threatened species and ecological NSW and Queensland you should consider communities list recognises the importance of the following: the matter from a national perspective, and does • Does my site support the black‑throated finch not replace listing under state, regional or local (southern)? legislation or regulations. • Consider vegetation, habitat, records and Judgements may differ between Australian, state surveys on and near to the site (see page 7). and local decision making processes, due to the • What impacts, both direct and indirect, could different scales of consideration. In some cases, result from my action? multiple approvals or permits will be necessary • Could any of these impacts exceed the before the action can commence. If your activity thresholds outlined in page 8? could affect the subspecies or individual animals, you should contact the relevant state and local • What measures could be taken to reduce the authorities regarding your obligations. level of impact (see page 11)?

If you think that your action is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance, or if you are unsure, you should refer the action to the federal environment minister. The minister will make a decision within 20 business days on whether approval is required under the EPBC Act. Substantial penalties apply for taking an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact without approval.

2 | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta) Ecology of the black‑throated finch (southern)

The subspecies Within this habitat, the black‑throated finch (southern) requires access to three key The black‑throated finch (southern) is one of resources: two subspecies of black‑throated finch. The • water sources information in this policy statement refers only to • grass seeds, and the southern subspecies, Poephila cincta cincta. • trees providing suitable nesting habitat. The black‑throated finch (southern) is a small, The presence and configuration between and thickset passerine (perching songbird) with within these three key resources governs the brownish plumage, grey head and neck, and a distribution of the black‑throated finch (southern). prominent black bib. The black‑throated finch Any disruption to the connectivity between these (southern) is distinguished from the northern resources will have a serious impact on an area’s subspecies (P. c. atropygialis) by its white rump ability to sustain black‑throated finch (southern) and richer brown plumage. populations. While suitable nesting sites are likely to be relatively common in the landscape, the Ecology distribution and availability of water and foraging habitat is much more limited and will, in turn, The black‑throated finch (southern) feeds on limit the number of nesting sites available to the fallen grass seed and needs daily water. It nests black‑throated finch (southern). in loose colonies in trees and shrubs and can be a valuable indicator for assessing the health of woodland and grasslands. Distribution

The black‑throated finch (southern) is a The black‑throated finch (southern) historically sedentary or resident bird which makes small occurred from north-east NSW to Queensland’s daily movements between foraging sites. These Atherton Tablelands and west to central movements may increase to up to three km a Queensland. The subspecies now appears to day during the non-breeding period. Breeding be largely constricted to the northern part of its can occur throughout the year under optimal former range, with only one recent record near conditions. In the area, the peak Stanthorpe in southern Queensland (Figure 1). breeding period is during the wet season The subspecies remains locally common in between February and May. at sites near Townsville and Charters Towers (Figure 2). Black‑throated finch (southern) habitat is broadly defined as grassy open woodlands and forests, typically dominated by Eucalyptus, Acacia and Melaleuca.

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5 Why is the Townsville Principal threats to the area important? black‑throated finch (southern)

The Townsville area is seen as the best known The relatively sedentary lifestyle of the remaining stronghold of the black‑throated finch black‑throated finch (southern) increases the (southern). The combination of pastoralism, subspecies’ vulnerability to loss, disturbance, or introduced herbivores and drought are modification of any of its three key resources. considered to be the major cause of the In particular, the principal threats to the subspecies extinction in the southern part of its black‑throated finch (southern) most relevant to range, and declines elsewhere. Management judgements on significance include: actions that continue to alter and reduce the • clearing and fragmentation of nesting sites quantity and availability of seed supply, nesting • clearing and fragmentation of foraging habitat trees and/or water pose a significant ongoing (grasslands and grassy woodlands) threat to the black‑throated finch (southern). • reduction in the availability (location and The black‑throated finch (southern) is rarely duration) of water observed in urban areas and it is considered • alteration in grass species composition or that the subspecies is unable to persist in seed availability, affecting the subspecies urban and peri-urban environments. However, ability to find food throughout the seasons the subspecies continues to persist in rural • inappropriate grazing regimes residential and pastoral areas surrounding • inappropriate fire regimes, and Townsville due to the prevalence of open eucalypt woodlands containing suitable water • introduction of exotic weeds, especially sources and a mosaic of grass species. Rural grasses that may degrade the habitat and residential areas where the subspecies continues reduce resource availability (however, to inhabit tend to be connected to undisturbed the subspecies is known to eat some eucalypt woodland habitat. With coordinated exotic species). management and strategic planning, current and future rural residential areas will be able to provide and maintain suitable connected habitat for the black‑throated finch (southern).

Long term preservation of the black‑throated finch (southern) population in the Townsville area is critical to the survival of the subspecies. Loss of a stable population in this area would contribute significantly to the risk of extinction.

6 | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta) Survey guidelines for the black‑throated finch (southern)

Numerous surveys for the black‑throated finch (southern) in greater Townsville have resulted Consideration should be in a relatively clear picture of the distribution of given to the timing, effort, the subspecies in this area. Given the localised methods and area to be movements of black‑throated finch (southern) covered in the context of the individuals between the three key resources proposed action. If surveys outlined above, it is considered likely that most are conducted outside recommended areas of suitable habitat within five km of a periods or conditions, survey methods and recent (post-1995) record will be utilised by the effort should be adjusted to compensate subspecies. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the current for the decreased likelihood of detecting distribution of these important areas surrounding the species. recent records. Actions proposed in grassland or grassy woodland within five km of a recent (post‑1995) black‑throated finch (southern) record will require habitat assessment (see below). Where suitable habitat exists, the subspecies should be presumed to be present. Surveys for the black‑throated finch (southern) are therefore not essential in these areas, but can be useful.

While some important areas are known from outside the greater Townsville area (for example Figure 1), comprehensive large scale surveys have not been undertaken. Actions proposed in grassland or grassy woodland will require surveys to determine the likelihood of suitable habitat and subspecies presence. A guide to conducting surveys and habitat assessments for the black‑throated finch (southern) are outlined in the background paper. It is an expectation of the department that surveys be conducted by appropriately experienced observers who have excellent identification skills, including familiarity with species calls and a good knowledge of avian ecology, at least in relation to the species being targeted.

7 What sorts of actions are likely to have a significant impact on the subspecies?

Significant impact judgements must be made Significant impact thresholds on a case by case basis and with consideration for the context of the action. The potential for a It is thought that the black‑throated finch significant impact on a listed threatened species (southern) continues to persist in the Townsville will depend on the: hinterland because the historic land use has • intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic preserved the mosaic of grassland and woodland extent of the impact critical to the survival of the subspecies. The main land use in the area surrounding • sensitivity, value and quality of the Townsville is low intensity agriculture (mainly beef environment on and around the site production), however there is increasing pressure • cumulative effect of on‑site, off‑site, direct and for low density residential development. indirect impacts, and • presence of this and other matters of national Within the area shown in Figure 2 (essentially environmental significance. areas within five km of known black‑throated finch (southern) sightings), uses and A significant impact on the black‑throated finch developments that markedly degrade the (southern) is likely if an action threatens to disrupt landscape value may have a significant access to or availability of one or more of the impact on the black‑throated finch (southern). three key resources (water, seeding grasses and Alternatively, activities that are designed to nesting trees). preserve the character and quality of the area may not have a significant impact.

As a guide, the character and quality of the habitat may to be significantly diminished if an action results in: • net loss or degradation of water sources (either permanent or seasonal) in the locality • widespread or indiscriminate loss of trees, including known nest trees within one km of a water source • a decrease in tree recruitment capacity which limits the area’s ability to be self-sustaining • the degradation of foraging habitat (grassland) where known black throated finch (southern) records exist, including the intensification of biomass reduction or stocking rates.

8 | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta) Note that the presence of the black‑throated finch (southern) at a site indicates that the existing management regime is likely to be compatible with maintaining suitable habitat for the subspecies.

Outside the areas shown in Figures 1 and 2, caution should be taken to minimise impacts on habitat quality within five km of any black‑throated finch (southern) sighting.

Actions likely to have a significant impact

The significant impact thresholds in this policy statement should be read in conjunction with the significant impact criteria in the ‘EPBC Act Policy • the introduction of exotic plants, particularly Statement 1.1, Significant impact guidelines – exotic grasses, and Matters of national environmental significance’, • substantial increases in human traffic and/or and should not be taken to be exhaustive recreational activities (for example trail bike or conclusive. riding, dog walking etc).

Actions that may lead to the loss, degradation and/or fragmentation of black‑throated finch Distribution maps (southern) habitat and may have a significant Figures 1 and 2 highlight important areas for the impact on the subspecies, could include, but are black‑throated finch (southern) in Queensland not limited to: and the greater Townsville region. The important • clearing of grassland and/or grassy woodland areas include the habitat within five km of • damming or disrupting the natural flows of post-1995 sightings of the black‑throated finch creeks and rivers (southern).

• earthworks or excavation The maps provided in Figures 1 and 2, are based • pasture improvement (to previously on information available at publication and should unimproved grassland) not be taken to be exhaustive, but rather to • changes in management regimes, such as provide a guide. burning, slashing and grazing • construction of roads, structures and/or hard surfaces • construction of temporary or permanent structures for storage and accommodation • the introduction of domestic and agricultural animals

9 What does this mean for actions in black‑throated finch (southern) habitat?

If an action is proposed within an important Exceptions to the EPBC Act area (within five km of a post-1995 sighting), and is likely to result in a significant impact, the Note that an action does not require approval action should be referred to the minister before under the EPBC Act if it meets the criteria commencing the action. The minister will decide, for the ‘prior authorisation’ or ‘continuing within 20 business days, whether assessment use’ exemptions. The EPBC Act allows for and approval is required under the EPBC Act. the continuation of activities that were fully More information on referral and assessment approved by state and local governments is available at: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/ prior to the EPBC Act coming into force assessments/process.html. (16 July 2000), or unauthorised, but lawful, activities which commenced before the EPBC Act came into force and which have continued without substantial interruption. However, any enlargement, expansion or change in intensity of an existing action is not covered by the ‘prior authorisation’ or ‘continuing use’ exemptions and, if the enlargement, expansion or change in intensity is likely to have a significant impact on the black‑throated finch (southern), then referral to the minister is required.

Examples of activities that may be exempt under the ‘continuing use’ provision: • routine grazing activities • continuing cropping and crop rotation • slashing to maintain existing fire breaks • maintenance of existing dams, roads, fences etc., and • continuing an existing weed control program.

10 | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta) How can my action avoid having a significant impact on the black‑throated finch (southern)?

Mitigation includes all measures undertaken • maintaining connectivity between important on the site of the action to avoid or reduce the habitat, or areas known or likely to contain the impacts. Measures should be incorporated into black‑throated finch (southern), with corridors the design of the action at the conceptual and of at least 100 m in width. (Note: when planning stage(s) to: planning corridors and buffers, priority should • reduce the level of the impact to below the be given to riparian areas and alluvial plains, significant impact thresholds outlined in this where early flowering perennial grasses are policy statement likely to occur. Land uses adjoining corridors should be planned and conditioned so as • monitor the performance of the mitigation to not impact the ecological integrity of the measures (for example by using performance corridor. Also, the effectiveness of habitat indicators measured at seasonally/annually corridors diminishes with increasing length) nominated times), and • building structures (for example buildings, • feedback into an adaptive management roads etc.) at least one km from key water plan, to quickly react to any changes sources and nesting trees in performance. • enhancing the availability of water in the Mitigation and management actions must: landscape through management and • prioritise impact avoidance over impact construction of water sources reduction measures • limiting livestock grazing to ensure that the • avoid negative impacts on other matters of herbaceous layer (particularly perennial national environmental significance, and grasses) is maintained in a healthy condition. • be consistent with relevant recovery, Care should be taken to plan a grazing regime conservation or action plans. that will achieve this, and • enhancing the availability of seeding grasses Impacts on the black‑throated finch (southern) in the landscape through the incorporation of can be minimised by: conservative stocking rates and wet season • retaining remnant woodland within one km of spelling into any grazing regime. water sources (nesting habitat) • maintaining all foraging habitat within 400 m of known nesting habitat, and within three km of water sources

11 Where can I get more information?

The background paper for this policy statement Further information including on this and provides a biological and ecological context for other listed threatened species and ecological survey guidelines, significant impact thresholds, communities is at the department’s species and mitigation measures. profiles and threats database (SPRAT) at: www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/ Other EPBC Act policy statements are available sprat.pl. to help you to understand the EPBC Act and your obligations. They are available from the department’s website at: www.environment. gov.au/epbc/guidelines-policies.html, or by contacting the community information unit by email: [email protected] or by phone: 1800 803 772.

The protected matters search tool can provide a good starting point for determining the likelihood of having national environmental significance in your area. State and territory government agencies may also hold relevant information including habitat and species distribution information.

Photo credits FRONT COVER IMAGES (left to right) Landscape (K Lynch), Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton), Landscape (K Lynch), Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton), Black Throated Finch (G Baker), Birdnest (K Lynch) INTERNAL IMAGES (left to right, top to bottom) p1 Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton), p2 Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton), p6 Landscape (K Lynch), p7 Black Throated Finch (G Baker), p8 Birdnest (K Lynch), p9 Landscape (K Lynch), p10 Birdnest (K Lynch) BACK COVER IMAGES (left to right, top to bottom) Landscape (K Lynch), Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton), Landscape (K Lynch), Black Throated Finch (R & A Sutton)

12 | EPBC Act policy statement 3.13 Significant impact guidelines for the endangered black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila cincta cincta)

BIO05.0809