Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Document Number: Status: Final Version: 5 Effective: 2 August 2018 Review: Owner: Environment & Community Manager Rolleston Open Cut
Table of Contents Contents
Executive Summary ...... 4
1 Introduction ...... 9
2 Purpose 10
3 Stage 1 impacts and offsets ...... 12 3.1 Impacts and offset requirements ...... 12 3.2 Offset property description ...... 13 3.3 Offset protection ...... 17 3.4 Compliance with EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy ...... 17 3.5 Compliance with Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy ...... 18
4 Objectives and outcomes ...... 19 4.1 Completion criteria ...... 19 4.2 Risk assessment ...... 20 4.3 Adaptive management approach ...... 21 4.4 Zones for management ...... 22
5 Management measures ...... 24 5.1 General restrictions ...... 27 5.2 Access tracks ...... 28 5.3 Fencing ...... 28
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
5.4 Pest animal management ...... 28 5.5 Weed management ...... 29 5.6 Fire Management ...... 30 5.7 Erosion management ...... 32
6 Monitoring 32 6.1 General offset area monitoring ...... 33 6.2 Targeted offset monitoring ...... 33 6.3 Weed monitoring ...... 36 6.4 Pest animal monitoring ...... 36 6.5 Biomass monitoring ...... 37
7 Reporting 38 7.1 Annual report ...... 38 7.2 BOMP review ...... 38
8 Management, monitoring and reporting schedule ...... 39 8.1 Roles and responsibilities ...... 39 8.2 Implementation schedule ...... 39
9 References 41
10 Consent 42
Table of relevant approval conditions addressed in this BOMP ...... 45
Offsets assessment guides ...... 47
Habitat quality ...... 51
Threats and recovery actions identified in relevant matter specific documents 55
Risk assessment ...... 56
Dry season feed budget ...... 58
ACOS Annexures ...... 59
Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality ...... 60
Relevant BioCondition benchmarks ...... 61
Environment & Community Manager Rolleston Status: Approved Effective: 2/08/2018 Owner: Page 2 of 61 Open Cut Version: 5 Review:
Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
DECLARATION OF ACCURACY
I declare that:
1. To the best of my knowledge, all the information contained in, or accompanying this Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse (version 5) is complete, current and correct.
2. I am duly authorised to sign this declaration on behalf of the approval holder.
3. I am aware that:
a. Section 490 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) makes it an offence for an approval holder to provide information in response to an approval condition where the person is reckless as to whether the information is false or misleading.
b. Section 491 of the EPBC Act makes it an offence for a person to provide information or documents to specified persons who are known by the person to be performing a duty or carrying out a function under the EPBC Act or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) where the person knows the information or document is false or misleading.
c. The above offences are punishable on conviction by imprisonment, a fine or both.
Signed
Full name (please print)
Organisation (please print)
Date / /
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Executive Summary The Rolleston Coal Expansion Project (RCEP) was granted Commonwealth Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 18 March 2016 (EPBC 2011/5965). Queensland Government environmental approval was granted by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES; formerly the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP)) in July 2017 (Environmental Authority EA; EPML00370013). Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd (Glencore) is required to offset significant residual impacts on matters of national environmental significance (MNES) and matters of state environmental significance (MSES) in accordance with the Commonwealth and State approvals, as outlined in Table ES1 and ES2. Glencore will acquit the RCEP’s offset requirements through the delivery of land-based offsets on three properties: Mount Kelman, Meteor Downs and Wildhorse. Tables ES1 and ES2 present the area of suitable habitat that will be secured for each MNES and MSES matter on Wildhorse as well as the offset areas to be secured on Mt Kelman and Meteor Downs. This Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP) has been prepared to outline the ongoing management and monitoring requirements for the Wildhorse offset areas and satisfy the following project approval conditions: Condition 3 of EPBC 2011/5965 requires that Glencore must submit in writing a BOMP for the stage 1 impact area for the Minister's approval, within six months of commencement of the stage 1 works. Condition 5 of EPBC 2011/5965, with respect to managing the Wildhorse, Mount Kelman and Meteor Downs offset areas. Condition K6 of EPML00370013 requires that Glencore must submit a notice of election no less than three months or as otherwise agreed before the proposed commencement of stage 1. This BOMP forms part of the offset delivery plan, which is required to accompany the notice of election. The offset will be managed in accordance with the principles of adaptive management in order to detect changes in the condition of the offset matters and inform decisions on corrective actions to ensure management outcomes, objectives and completion criteria are achieved. The overall outcomes of this BOMP are: attainment and maintenance of completion criteria required under the RCEP’s offset conditions of approval, in accordance with timeframes stipulated in this BOMP to support long term protection of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities, including those that are representative of threatened ecological communities (TEC) within the offset areas (through the declaration of the offset area under a relevant legally-binding protection mechanism) The specific objectives of this BOMP are to: meet offset obligations conditioned as part of RCEP’s approval minimise predation risk by wild dogs, foxes and cats to threatened fauna species within the offset area minimise habitat degradation caused by pigs and rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities, including those that are representative of TEC, through appropriate
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
structures (e.g. firebreaks and maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an appropriate livestock grazing regime minimise degradation of ground microhabitat features (coarse woody debris and ground litter) important to ornamental snake habitat The completion criteria will be achieved when ecological benefit is realised, determined in accordance with the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy (2012) and Offsets Assessment Guides. Following the cessation of active management upon achieving the completion criteria, monitoring of the offset area will continue for the life of the approval (i.e. until 5 February 2046). Monitoring will be undertaken for the life of the approval to measure the success of the BOMP in achieving and then maintaining the management objectives and completion criteria for each MNES and MSES. In the event that the completion criteria are not maintained after the active management period, management actions and corrective actions will be implemented. Glencore proposes to legally secure the offset area by a Voluntary Declaration under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act). Glencore proposes to register a 49.86 ha area of Wildhorse as an advanced offset due to the extensive areas of wetland present on Wildhorse in excess of that required to meet the offset requirements for RCEP stage 1. The advanced offset will be managed and monitored as part of this BOMP in conjunction with the offsets for RCEP stage 1.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Table ES1: Summary of RCEP Stage 1 offset requirements and offset acquittal for MNES
Significant Required Offset area to be secured (ha) Offset MNES residual offset area Mount Kelman & required? Wildhorse Total impact (ha) (ha) Meteor Downs Threatened ecological communities (TEC) Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) threatened ecological 12.00 Yes 21.00 27.69 - 27.69 community TEC (Brigalow TEC) Natural Grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and the northern Fitzroy 67.00 Yes 111.00 122.44 - 122.44 Basin TEC (Natural grasslands TEC) Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt and Nandewar bioregions TEC 16.00 Yes 36.00 36.10 - 36.10 (SEVT TEC) Coolibah-black box woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt 27.00 Yes 77.00 - 84.70 84.70 south bioregions TEC (Coolibah TEC) Threatened species King blue-grass (Dichanthium queenslandicum) 112.00 Yes 185.00 201.85 - 201.85 Black-breasted button quail (Turnix melanogaster) 16.00 Yes 34.00 36.10 36.10 Ornamental snake (Denisonia maculata) 70.00 Yes 123.70 40.33 84.70 125.03 Squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta) 231.00 Yes 600.00 601.92 - 601.92
Table ES2: Summary of RCEP Stage 1 offset requirements and offset acquittal for MSES Offset area to be secured (ha) Broad Significant Required MSES vegetation residual Offset required? offset Mount Kelman group (BVG) impact (ha) area (ha) & Meteor Wildhorse Total Downs Endangered and of concern regional ecosystems (RE) Yes – however, part of the offset area provided is co-located with Natural Endangered RE 11.3.21 30a 3.321 2.21 2.40 - 2.40 Grasslands TEC offset required under EPBC Act approval No – no impact in stage 1 and offset to be Endangered RE 11.4.8 25a - provided by Brigalow TEC offset required - - - - under EPBC Act approval for stage 2
1 2.74 ha out of the total impact (3.32 ha) on RE 11.3.21 for stage 1 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Natural Grasslands TEC. The remaining significant residual impact on MSES RE 11.3.21 is 0.58 ha.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Offset area to be secured (ha) Broad Significant Required MSES vegetation residual Offset required? offset Mount Kelman group (BVG) impact (ha) area (ha) & Meteor Wildhorse Total Downs No – offset provided by Brigalow TEC offset Endangered RE 11.4.9 25a 5.452 - - - - required under EPBC Act approval Of concern RE 11.3.2 17a 37.78 Yes 151.12 152.77 - 152.77 Yes – however, part of the offset area Of concern RE 11.3.3 16c 57.983 provided is co-located with Coolibah TEC 123.92 124.26 - 124.26 offset required under EPBC Act approval Yes – however, part of the offset area provided is co-located with Natural Of concern RE 11.8.11 30b 141.844 311.05 313.74 - 313.74 Grasslands TEC offset required under EPBC Act approval No – no impact in stage 1 and offset to be Of concern 11.9.4 7a - provided under EPBC Act approval as part of - - - - SEVT TEC offset RE that intersect a wetland on the vegetation management wetlands map Wetland RE 11.3.27 34d 21.66 Yes 86.64 5.20 81.63 86.83 RE within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map Watercourse RE 11.3.25 16a 76.91 Yes 307.66 308.95 - 308.95 Watercourse RE 11.3.27 34d 6.62 Yes 26.47 5.20 81.63 86.83 Watercourse RE 11.3.3 16c 7.19 Yes 28.75 29.80 - 29.80 Watercourse RE 11.3.4 16c - No – no impact in stage 1 - - - - Watercourse RE 11.3.6 17b 11.01 Yes 44.06 44.23 - 44.23 Watercourse RE 17/17a - No – no impact in stage 1 - - - - 11.3.6/11.3.2 Watercourse RE 11.3.21 30a 0.27 Yes 1.03 2.40 - 2.40 Watercourse RE 11.4.4 30b - No – no impact in stage 1 - - - -
2 Stage 1 impact on RE 11.4.9 is 5.45 ha and is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965. 3 27 ha of the total stage 1 impact (57.98 ha) on RE 11.3.3 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Coolibah TEC. The remaining significant residual impact on MSES RE 11.3.3 is 30.98 ha. 4 64.08 ha of the total stage 1 impact (141.84 ha) on RE 11.8.11 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Natural Grasslands TEC. The remaining residual impact to be offset as MSES RE 11.8.11 is 77.76 ha
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Offset area to be secured (ha) Broad Significant Required MSES vegetation residual Offset required? offset Mount Kelman group (BVG) impact (ha) area (ha) & Meteor Wildhorse Total Downs Watercourse RE 11.4.9 25a 0.85 Yes 3.39 3.58 - 3.58 Watercourse RE 11.8.11 30b 9.64 Yes 38.57 39.44 - 39.44 Watercourse RE 11.8.5 11a 5.37 Yes 21.48 21.66 - 21.66 Watercourse RE 11a/30b 0.27 Yes 1.06 1.36 - 1.36 11.8.5/11.8.11 Watercourse RE 30b/11a - No – no impact in stage 1 - - - - 11.8.11/11.8.5 Connectivity Areas Connectivity - 78.00 Yes 78.00 78.58 - 78.58 Habitat for a plant that is vulnerable wildlife No – offset provided under EPBC Act King blue-grass - 112.00 - - - - approval for same matter Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - No – offset provided under EPBC Act Black-breasted button quail 16.00 - - - - approval for same matter - No – offset provided under EPBC Act Ornamental snake 70.00 - - - - approval for same matter - No – offset provided under EPBC Act Squatter pigeon (southern) 231.00 - - - - approval for same matter
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
1 Introduction Glencore is currently developing the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project (RCEP), located in the southern Bowen Basin, approximately 120 km south of Emerald and 20 km west of Rolleston, Queensland (Figure 1). The RCEP is divided into two stages, which will result in a westerly and southerly expansion of existing mining operations at the Rolleston open cut coal mine. The RCEP was granted Commonwealth Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 18 March 2016 (EPBC 2011/5965). Queensland Government environmental approval was granted by the Department of Environment and Science (DES; formerly known as the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP)), in the form of an Environmental Authority (EA; EPML00370013) in July 2017. Commonwealth and State approvals require Glencore to provide environmental offsets for Stage 1 of the RCEP’s significant residual impacts on the following:
matters of national environmental significance (MNES): threatened ecological communities (TEC) Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) TEC (Brigalow TEC) Natural Grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and the northern Fitzroy Basin TEC (Natural grasslands TEC) Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt and Nandewar bioregions TEC (SEVT TEC) Coolibah-black box woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt south bioregions TEC (Coolibah TEC) threatened species king blue-grass (Dichanthium queenslandicum) black-breasted button quail (Turnix melanogaster) ornamental snake (Denisonia maculata) squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta) matters of state environmental significance (MSES): o endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.3.21 o of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.3.2 RE 11.3.3 RE 11.8.11 o regional ecosystems (RE) that intersect a wetland on the vegetation management wetlands map – wetland RE 11.3.27 o RE within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map: watercourse RE 11.3.25 watercourse RE 11.3.27 watercourse RE 11.3.3 watercourse RE 11.3.6 watercourse RE 11.3.21 watercourse RE 11.4.9
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
watercourse RE 11.8.11 watercourse RE 11.8.5 watercourse RE 11.8.5/11.8.11. The RCEP’s MNES and MSES offset requirements will be acquitted by the delivery of land-based offsets. Through extensive desktop and on-ground field assessments, Glencore has identified three properties (Mount Kelman, Meteor Downs and Wildhorse) that will enable MSES and MNES offset requirements to be strategically co-located to the greatest extent possible in order to provide contiguous offsets for effective offset management. These offset properties have previously been presented to DES and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DEE) in the form an Offset Proposal for DES (CO2 Australia, 2017a) and Offset Assessment Guide Report (CO2 Australia, 2017b), respectively.
2 Purpose This Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP) has been prepared to meet the requirements of Condition 5 of the approval for EPBC 2011/5965, with respect to managing the Wildhorse offset area (see Appendix A). In combination with the offset delivery plan, this BOMP also satisfies Condition K6 of EPML00370013 which requires that Glencore must submit a notice of election no less than three months or as otherwise agreed before the proposed commencement of stage 1 impacts on MSES. The notice of election must be accompanied by this BOMP and the offset delivery plan. Appendix A provides a table that outlines the relevant approval conditions addressed by this BOMP and the relevant sections for reference. The Mt Kelman and Meteor Downs properties are collectively the subject of a separate BOMP.
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Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Location diagram
Wildhorse Bioregion Figure 1 RCEP impact areas Brigalow Belt North Context map - RCEP Stage 1 impact area Brigalow Belt South Stage 2 impact area
DATA SOURCE: The following datasets are © State of Qld: - Cadastral Data (Qld DCDB) The following datasets provided by Glencore 0 5 10 15 20 - RCEP impact extent Kilometres ¯ Date: 22-06-2017 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 Scale: 1:400,000@A3 Path: P:\GISData\Projects\Glencore\929_20170619_BOMP_figures\Wildhorse\170622 Figure- 1- Contextmap.mxd © CO2 Australia. All Rights Reserved 2017. CO2 Australia gives no warranty about information recorded in this map and accepts no liability to any user for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of this map, except as otherwise agreed between CO2 Australia and a user. Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
3 Stage 1 impacts and offsets 3.1 Impacts and offset requirements Table 1 summarises the RCEP’s stage 1 significant residual impacts on MNES and the offset area required for each matter under the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy. The associated offset area requirements for MNES have been calculated in accordance with the EPBC Act Offsets Assessment Guide (Appendix B) based on detailed field surveys of the offset area. Preliminary field surveys were undertaken on the Wildhorse property in July 2016, with detailed field surveys completed in June 2017 to assess the condition and final extent of the offset values in accordance with Queensland Government’s Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (DEHP, 2017). Table 1: Stage 1 impacts on MNES, condition of impact area and offset area required Significant residual Condition Offset Required offset area MNES impact (ha) (out of 10) required? (ha) Brigalow TEC 12.00 5 Yes 21.00 Natural grasslands TEC 67.00 6 Yes 111.00 SEVT TEC 16.00 6 Yes 36.00 Coolibah TEC 27.00 6 Yes 77.00 King blue-grass 112.00 6 Yes 185.0 Black-breasted button quail 16.00 5 Yes 34.00 Ornamental snake 70.00 5 Yes 123.70 Squatter pigeon (southern) 231.00 6 Yes 600.00
Table 2 summarises the RCEP’s stage 1 significant residual impacts on MSES and the offset area for each matter under the Queensland Environmental Offset Framework. The offset multiplier and associated offset area requirements for MSES have been calculated in accordance with the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (DEHP, 2017) and Land Based Offsets Multiplier Calculator as required under the Queensland Environmental Offset Framework based on detailed field surveys of Wildhorse.
Table 2: Stage 1 impacts on MSES and offset area required MSES Impact (ha) Required offset area (ha) Endangered RE 11.3.21 3.325 2.21 Endangered RE 11.4.8 0 0 Endangered RE 11.4.9 5.456 0 Of concern RE 11.3.2 37.78 151.12 Of concern RE 11.3.3 57.987 123.92 Of concern RE 11.8.11 141.848 311.04 Of concern 11.9.4 0 0 Wetland RE 11.3.27 21.66 86.64 Watercourse RE 11.3.21 0.27 1.03 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 76.91 307.66 Watercourse RE 11.3.27 6.62 26.47
5 2.74 ha out of the total impact (3.32 ha) on RE 11.3.21 for stage 1 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Natural Grasslands TEC. The remaining significant residual impact to be offset as MSES RE 11.3.21 is 0.58 ha. 6 Stage 1 impact on RE 11.4.9 is 5.45 ha and is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965. 7 27 ha of the total stage 1 impact (57.98 ha) on RE 11.3.3 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Coolibah TEC. The remaining significant residual impact to be offset as MSES RE 11.3.3 is 30.98 ha. 8 64.08 ha of the total stage 1 impact (141.84 ha) on RE 11.8.11 is authorised under EPBC 2011/5965 as Natural Grasslands TEC. The remaining residual impact to be offset as MSES RE 11.8.11 is 77.76 ha
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
MSES Impact (ha) Required offset area (ha) Watercourse RE 11.3.3 7.19 28.75 Watercourse RE 11.3.4 0 0 Watercourse RE 11.3.6 11.01 44.06 Watercourse RE 11.4.4 0 0 Watercourse RE 11.4.9 0.85 3.39 Watercourse RE 11.8.11 9.64 38.57 Watercourse RE 11.8.5 5.37 21.48 Watercourse RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 0.27 1.06 Watercourse RE 11.8.11/11.8.5 0 0 Connectivity 78.00 78.00
3.2 Offset property description The offset area presented in this BOMP to meet MNES and MSES offset requirements under the RCEP EPBC Act approval and EA, will be located on a third party owned property called Wildhorse. Wildhorse (Lot 3 SP100437) is located 25 km south-east of the project, 25 km south of Rolleston and 3 km south of Mount Pleasant State Forest. The property is zoned Rural under the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016. The landholders currently operate a certified organic livestock operation (Australian Certified Organic number 12269) across the property including within the proposed offset areas for wetland, ornamental snake and Coolibah TEC. The vegetation within and adjacent to the proposed offset are subject to weed invasion, including presence of Parthenium hysterophorus, and degradation associated with ongoing livestock grazing. Coal exploration permits held by Consuelo Coal EPC 2327 Pty Ltd (EPC 2327), Matilda Coal Pty Ltd (EPC 2922), CFR Consuelo 2318 Pty Ltd (EPC 2318; located across offset area) exist over the property. As a consequence of any significant residual impact associated with any future development within legally secured offset areas, an offset is required to be provided for both the impact on the matters requiring offset as identified by the original authority requirement and any other environmental matter that will be impacted as a result of the activity. In addition, under the Queensland Environmental Offset Framework, if the legally secured offset area is an environmental offset protection area declared under section 30 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (Qld) or an area of high nature conservation value under section 19F of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld; VM Act), the mechanism cannot be removed until the proponent has entered into an agreed delivery arrangement in relation to providing an environment offset for significant residual impacts to the area. Glencore entered into an agreement with the Wildhorse landholders in September 2017 to provide for access for management and monitoring and legal security of the offset area presented in this BOMP. 3.2.1 Property and landholder details Property and landholder details for the offset area are provided in Table 3.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Table 3: Property and landholder details for Wildhorse Real Property Description (Lot and Plan): Lot 3 SP100437 Graeme Anthony McDonald Registered Owner/s on Title: Susan Wendy McDonald Nicholas Christopher McDonald Lessee: (if applicable) - Trustee: (if applicable) - ABN: (if applicable) 65 293 467 011 Phone: 07 4984 3128 Mobile: 0488 651 665 Facsimile: (if applicable) - Primary contact person: Nicholas McDonald Email: [email protected] “Wildhorse” Postal Address: Carnarvon Highway via Rolleston QLD 4702. 3.2.2 Offsets on Wildhorse Table 4 presents the area of suitable habitat that will be secured for each MNES and MSES offset matter on Wildhorse, comprising a total area of 166.33 ha. Figure 2 shows the location for the wetland, ornamental snake and Coolibah TEC offset areas. Table 4: Summary of offset requirements and offset acquittal Offset area to be Required offset Corresponding RE on Matter secured (ha) area (ha) offset Wildhorse MNES Brigalow TEC 21.00 - - Natural grasslands TEC 111.00 - - SEVT TEC 36.00 - - Coolibah TEC 77.00 84.70 11.3.3 King blue-grass 185.00 - - Black-breasted button quail 34.00 - - Ornamental snake 123.70 84.70 11.3.3 Squatter pigeon (southern) 600.00 - - MSES Endangered RE 11.3.21 12.69 - - Of concern RE 11.3.2 151.12 - - Of concern RE 11.3.3 231.91 - - Of concern RE 11.8.11 311.05 - - Wetland RE 11.3.27 86.64 81.63 11.3.27 Watercourse RE 11.3.21 1.03 - - Watercourse RE 11.3.25 307.66 - - Watercourse RE 11.3.27 26.47 81.63 11.3.27 Watercourse RE 11.3.3 28.75 - - Watercourse RE 11.3.6 44.06 - - Watercourse RE 11.4.9 3.39 - - Watercourse RE 11.8.11 38.57 - - Watercourse RE 11.8.5 21.48 - -
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Offset area to be Required offset Corresponding RE on Matter secured (ha) area (ha) offset Wildhorse Watercourse RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 1.06 - - Connectivity 78.00 - - 3.2.3 Advanced offsets on Wildhorse Wildhorse contains an extensive area of RE 11.3.27, which is in excess of RCEP stage 1 offset requirements for watercourse and wetland RE 11.3.27 (Figure 2). As such, Glencore proposes to register this area as an advanced offset for future projects. Advanced offsets provide a means to better manage the risks associated with the time delay in finding a suitable offset site and realising the conservation outcome for MSES. The advanced offset area will be managed and monitored in accordance with this BOMP. The baseline condition scores for the proposed offset area and advanced offset area were calculated in accordance with the DEHP’s Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (DEHP, 2017) and are provided in Appendix C. The baseline condition assessment points and the ongoing monitoring points for the advanced offset area correspond to monitoring points four and seven, as outlined in Appendix C. Table 5 below sets out the baseline habitat quality and area of the advanced offset. Table 5: Details of advanced offset area on Wildhorse Baseline condition (score Advanced offset area MSES out of 10) – points 4 and 7 (ha)
RE 11.3.27 8 49.86
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2 2 6 0 7 1 \ e s r o h d l i W \ s e Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Location diagram r u g i f _ P M
O Wildhorse MNES offset areas MSES offset areas B Figure 2 _ 9 1 6 0 Wildhorse - MNES and DCDB Ornamental snake Wetland RE 11.3.27 7 1 0 2 _
9 MSES offset areas Coolibah TEC Advanced offset (RE 11.3.27) 2 9 \ e r o c n e l G \ s t c e j o r P \ a t DATA SOURCE: a
D The following datasets are © State of Qld: 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 S I - Cadastral Data (Qld DCDB) G \ : P
: Kilometres h t ¯ Date: 05-07-2017 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 Scale: 1:10,000@A3 a P © CO2 Australia. All Rights Reserved 2017. CO2 Australia gives no warranty about information recorded in this map and accepts no liability to any user for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of this map, except as otherwise agreed between CO2 Australia and a user. Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
3.2.4 Baseline condition scores The baseline condition scores for offset areas are presented in Table 6. The baseline condition is given as a score out of 10 based on the results of detailed field surveys on Wildhorse in June 2017. Baseline condition scores for all matters were calculated in accordance with the DEHP’s Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (DEHP, 2017). The baseline condition scores for MNES are start quality inputs for the offsets assessment guides, as presented in Appendix B and Appendix C. The baseline condition scores for MSES are provided in Appendix C. The baseline condition scores will be compared against the habitat quality scores in future monitoring events to measure the success of the offset management measures in achieving the completion criteria and management objectives (section 4). Table 6: Baseline condition scores for RCEP offset areas on Wildhorse Offset matter Baseline condition (score out of 10) MNES Coolibah TEC 6 Ornamental snake 6 MSES Wetland RE 11.3.27 8 Watercourse RE 11.3.27 8
3.3 Offset protection The Wildhorse RCEP and advanced offset area presented in Figure 2 will be protected by a Voluntary Declaration under sections 19E and 19F of the VM Act and will be declared as an area of high nature conservation value. The Voluntary Declaration will be registered on the property’s title and will be binding on current and future landholders. This BOMP has been prepared to support the Voluntary Declaration and will be implemented to preserve the offset areas values.
3.4 Compliance with EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy Table 7 provides an overview of how the BOMP complies with the principles of the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy. Table 7: EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy requirements Principle Description of how the BOMP complies with the principle Suitable offsets must deliver an The Wildhorse offset area, in combination with the Mount Kelman and Meteor Downs overall conservation outcome that offset area, is able to acquit at least 100% of the offset requirements for each MNES improves or maintains the viability of based on the results of the application of the Offsets Assessment Guide (Appendix B). the aspect of the environment that is The offset area will be managed to improve the condition and viability of the species protected by national environment habitat and vegetation communities in accordance with the objectives of this BOMP. law and affected by the proposed action Suitable offsets must be built around Glencore will acquit 100% of the project’s MNES offset requirements through the direct offsets but may include other delivery of direct land-based offsets. These direct offset areas have been determined to compensatory measures be suitable in accordance with the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy and Offsets Assessment Guide. Suitable offsets must be in proportion The threatened status of the impacted protected matters is taken into account by the to the level of statutory protection Offsets Assessment Guide in calculating the area of the offset to be provided. that applies to the protected matter
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Principle Description of how the BOMP complies with the principle Suitable offsets must be of a size The size of the offset area to be secured has been calculated in accordance with the and scale proportionate to the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy and Offsets Assessment Guide as presented in impacts on the protected matter Appendix B. Suitable offsets must effectively The size of the offset area to be secured has been calculated in accordance with the account for and manage the risks of EPBC Act Environmental offsets Policy and Offsets Assessment Guide as presented in the offset not succeeding Appendix B. Implementation of the BOMP will include specific management actions to reduce the risk of threatening processes. Suitable offsets must be additional to The proposed offset is zoned rural under the Central Highlands Regional Council and is what is already required, determined currently used for livestock grazing. The offset is subject to a number of current and by law or planning regulations or potential threats, including potential future development for agricultural purposes and agreed to under other schemes or lack of long term security. programs (this does not preclude state or territory offsets) Suitable offsets must be efficient, Offset areas have been identified and deemed suitable using an evidence-based and effective, timely, transparent, scientifically robust approach. This BOMP supports an efficient, effective, timely, scientifically robust and reasonable transparent, scientifically robust and reasonable approach to providing offsets. Suitable offsets must have The BOMP outlines a clear governance framework and delivery pathway to legally transparent governance secure the offset areas on the property title, which will be monitored, and arrangements including being able to audited/enforced in accordance with the project’s EPBC Act approval. be readily measured, monitored, audited and enforced.
3.5 Compliance with Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Table 8 provides an overview of how the identified direct land based offsets address the principles and requirements of the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. Table 8: Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy principles Queensland Environmental Response Offset Policy requirement Offsets will not replace or undermine A detailed assessment of the significant residual impacts on MSES associated with the existing environmental standards or project was undertaken as part of the EIS for the RCEP. Since the publication of the regulatory requirements, or be used to EIS documentation substantial additional field effort has been undertaken in order to allow development in areas otherwise evaluate the habitat characteristics within the impact area that are specific to the prohibited through legislation or policy respective threatened environmental values. The proposed significant residual impacts on MNES and MSES have been refined and amended accordingly in the EA and EPBC Act approval. Environmental impacts must first be The RCEP has been designed to avoid and minimise environmental impacts to the avoided, then minimised, before greatest extent possible; however, the mine layout is dependent on the underlying considering the use of offsets for any geology as well as the location of the current Rolleston Open Cut. Avoidance and remaining impact. mitigation measures were considered as part of the impact assessment and identification of significant residual impacts on MSES for the EIS. To avoid and minimise any further impacts on environmental values as part of construction and operation, Glencore will implement a range of mitigation measures, previously detailed in the EIS. Offsets must achieve a conservation This BOMP includes specific management objectives and completion criteria for each outcome that achieves an equivalent of the MSES offset values as well as ongoing management and monitoring activities to environmental outcome ensure that a conservation outcome for the offset values can be achieved. In accordance with the Queensland Environmental Offset Framework and the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality, the offsets for MSES are required to achieve a minimum overall habitat quality gain of at least 2 points, relative to the offset sites starting habitat quality. Offsets must provide environmental The MSES offset on Wildhorse meets the required characteristics of a proponent-driven values as similar as possible to those offset site, as outlined in section 2.3.1.6 of the Queensland Environmental Offset being lost. Policy, for vegetation intersecting a wetland. Detailed field surveys on Wildhorse have been undertaken in accordance with the Ecological Equivalence Methodology and the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality in order to confirm the extent and condition of offset values.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Queensland Environmental Response Offset Policy requirement Offset provision must minimise the All relevant offset documentation including the Notice of Election and Offset Delivery time-lag between the impact and Plan under the Queensland Environmental Offset Policy will be submitted to DEHP delivery of the offset. prior to the commencement of construction. Once the Offset Delivery Plan (and BOMP) is approved management of the offset will begin. Offsets must provide additional The offset sites are subject to a number of current and potential threats, including protection to environmental values at weeds outbreaks Parthenium hysterophorus, potential future development for risk, or additional management agricultural purposes and lack of long term security. The offset areas will be will be actions to improve environmental secured through a Voluntary Declaration under the VM Act. The BOMP, which outlines values. the management measures to address these risks, will be attached to Voluntary Declaration and must be implemented. Legal security of the offset area will therefore provide greater protection for the environmental values present on the offsets than what is currently afforded to them. Where legal security is required, The offset area will be protected by a Voluntary Declaration under the VM Act, which offsets must be legally secured for the will remain in effect as required by the applicable State and Commonwealth legislative duration of the impact on the requirements. Under the EPBC Act approval (EPBC2011/5965) the legally binding prescribed environmental matter. mechanism over the offset areas must not be removed unless another legally binding conservation mechanism is in place.
4 Objectives and outcomes The overall outcomes of this BOMP are: attainment and maintenance of completion criteria required under the RCEP’s offset conditions of approval, in accordance with timeframes stipulated in this BOMP to support long term protection of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities, including those that are representative of TEC within the offset areas (through the declaration of the offset area under a relevant legally-binding protection mechanism). The specific objectives of this BOMP aim to:
meet the offset obligations conditioned as part of RCEP’s approval minimise predation risk by wild dogs, foxes and cats to threatened fauna species within the offset area minimise habitat degradation caused by feral pigs and rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities, including those that are representative of TEC, through appropriate structures (e.g. firebreaks and maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an appropriate livestock grazing regime minimise degradation of ground microhabitat features (coarse woody debris and ground litter) important to ornamental snake habitat 4.1 Completion criteria Completion criteria for each of the offset matters within the Wildhorse offset area and the related timeframes for achieving those criteria are described in Table 9. These criteria and timeframes have been tailored to the Wildhorse offset based on broad threats and recovery actions specific to each protected matter, identified by the Commonwealth, state and other relevant conservation experts (see Appendix D). The criteria and timeframes were used to determine the suitability of the offset areas (see Appendix B).
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4.2 Risk assessment The risk assessment presented in Appendix E has been completed to identify the risk of the offset site failing to achieve the management objectives should an unplanned event or circumstance occur within the offset site. The risk of the management objectives failing is ranked low to medium. This BOMP and risk assessment includes triggers and contingency measures to manage the impact to the offset matters should the identified unplanned event occur.
Table 9: Management objectives and completion criteria for each offset matter in the Wildhorse offset area Matter Relevant management objective Completion criteria meet the offset obligations conditioned as part of RCEP’s By 2033, achieve a habitat quality score approval of 7/10 in accordance with the Guide to minimise habitat degradation caused by feral pigs and Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat and the offsets assessment guide by for threatened species and vegetation communities increasing the condition score for including those that are representative of TEC ecological indicators: 2. Native tree richness increase to 5 Coolibah manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on TEC habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities 4. Native grass richness increase to 5 including those that are representative of TEC 5. Native forbs richness increase to 5 reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the 6. Tree canopy cover increase to 5 condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities, including those that are representative of 9. Native perennial grass cover TEC, through appropriate structures (e.g. firebreaks and increase to 3 maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an 11. Large eucalypt trees increase to appropriate livestock grazing regime minimum of 10 meet the offset obligations conditioned as part of RCEP’s approval minimise predation risk by wild dogs, foxes and cats to By 2033, achieve a habitat quality score threatened fauna species within the offset area of 7/10 in accordance with the Guide to minimise habitat degradation caused by feral pigs and Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat and the offsets assessment guide for threatened species and vegetation communities Evidence that habitat is able to support including those that are representative of TEC targeted frog prey species, including one manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on or more of the following or otherwise Ornamental habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities identified: snake including those that are representative of TEC spotted grass frog (Limnodynastes reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the tasmaniensis) condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation green-striped burrowing frog communities, including those that are representative of (Cyclorana alboguttata) TEC, through appropriate structures (e.g. firebreaks and knife-footed frog (Cyclorana cultripes) maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an appropriate livestock grazing regime short-footed frog (Cyclorana brevipes) (DEE 2017). minimise degradation of ground microhabitat features (coarse woody debris and ground litter) important to ornamental snake habitat minimise habitat degradation caused by feral pigs and rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat Wetland RE for threatened species and vegetation communities Achieve habitat quality score of 10 within 11.3.27 including those that are representative of TEC 20 years. manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation Watercourse communities, including those that are representative of Achieve habitat quality score of 10 within RE 11.3.27 TEC, through appropriate structures (e.g. firebreaks and 20 years. maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an appropriate livestock grazing regime
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4.3 Adaptive management approach The implementation of this BOMP is based on the principles of adaptive management, as illustrated in Figure 3. If the results of ongoing monitoring activities indicate the need, corrective actions will be implemented to ensure attainment of the completion criteria within the specified ‘time to ecological benefit’, and the maintenance of those completion criteria during the balance of the period of project approval. Management measures will be reviewed as part of annual reporting and where modified updated in the BOMP to ensure the completion criteria and associated timeframes are achieved. For information on management triggers and contingency responses and actions see Table 10 and Appendix E (risk assessment). The completion criteria will be achieved in accordance with timeframes set out in Table 9 and will be monitored in accordance with Section 6.2.2 to ensure the completion criteria are maintained for the life of the EPBC Act approval (i.e. until 5 February 2046). Following the cessation of active management as defined in Section 5 upon achieving the completion criteria, monitoring of the offset area will continue for the life of the approval. In the event that the completion criteria are not maintained after the active management period, management actions and corrective actions will be implemented in accordance with Section 5 and Table 10.
Figure 3: Process for implementation of the BOMP
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
4.4 Zones for management The offset area comprising the RCEP offset and advanced offset of 216.19 ha is bounded by an existing fence line that extends beyond the boundary of the offset area and includes a 256 ha area comprising a combination of remnant vegetation and non-remnant managed grazing land. The offset area, defined as ‘Zone A’, will be actively managed and monitored in accordance with this BOMP as required under the RCEP’s EPBC Act approval and EA. The area within Zone A will be legally secured through the Voluntary Declaration under the VM Act as outlined in section 3.3. The additional 256 ha area, defined as ‘Zone B’, will continue to be managed as part of the existing property’s organic livestock grazing operation, including management of fuel loads and weeds. As such, the landholder may consider establishment of additional fencing within Zone B for cell grazing to assist with strategic management of the property and optimise pasture utilisation. The location of any additional fencing within Zone B will be at the discretion of the landholder and will not affect the offset values within Zone A. Zone B is not subject to the management measures, monitoring and reporting outlined in this BOMP. Figure 4 spatially presents the location of Zone A and B and existing fence lines that will be used to manage livestock grazing.
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5 Management measures This section outlines the management measures that will be implemented within the offset area to achieve the objectives and completion criteria. The management approach described is designed to minimise risks and key threatening processes to threatened species and ecological communities of relevance to the offsets. Table 10 presents the management objectives and actions that will be implemented across the offset area and which offset value the actions will specifically target. In addition, Table 10 also outlines performance criteria for each management objective and corrective actions. In the event that corrective actions are required an investigation will determine the cause (i.e. whether seasonal influence, result of a failed management action, external factor from surrounding landscape) and the most suitable corrective action taking into account the specific offset values impacted. Section 5 describes the management measures that will be implemented to achieve the objectives and completion criteria. Monitoring, as outlined in section 6, will be ongoing to inform the success of the management actions with the results included as part of annual reporting. Through adaptive implementation of this BOMP, management actions will be reassessed, as required, to specifically target offset matters, to ensure the management objectives and the completion criteria are achieved in accordance with the specified timeframes (Table 9).
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Table 10: Management objectives and performance criteria for offset values, outlining management measures, and triggers for corrective action
Management objectives Performance criteria Management measures Corrective action
Coolibah TEC Ornamental snake Wetland RE
Meet offset obligations conditioned as part of RCEP’s Attainment of completion criteria by specified timeframe/s. Implementation of management measures outlined Encompassed by triggers/corrective actions approval Maintain completion criteria over balance of approval period. in Section 5, and informed by monitoring results. for other management objectives.
Minimise predation risk by wild dogs, foxes and cats to Reduce the number of pest animals in offset area from baseline counts (if detected Pest animal management will be undertaken Any increase in the abundance of pest animal threatened fauna species within the offset area as present) based on an assessment of the following: across the offset areas in accordance with section species from baseline survey or subsequent routine monitoring events 5.4. monitoring events in offset areas will trigger review of pest animal management actions incidental observation and implementation of corrective actions. infrared cameras Corrective actions will be identified and implemented following: Minimise habitat degradation caused by feral pigs and Where pest animals are identified to be impacting on the condition of vegetation a review and evaluation of monitoring rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on habitat within the offset area, reduce the number of pest animals in offset area from results to confirm the increased for threatened species and vegetation communities baseline counts (if detected as present) based on an assessment of the following: abundance; including those that are representative of TEC routine monitoring events additional pest animal surveys within the incidental observation offset area to identify the extent of the infrared cameras issue; and a review of current pest animal control activities; and will be: characterised by an increase in the frequency or modification to the type of invasive pest animal control efforts; in accordance with Queensland DAF guidelines current at the time of the corrective action; and implemented in collaboration with neighbouring land owners. Manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts on Reduce extent of existing weeds across the offset area to less than abundance Weed management and weed hygiene restrictions Increases in the relative abundance of habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities recorded as part of baseline surveys will be implemented across the offset area to restricted, prohibited and other weed including those that are representative of TEC reduce restricted and prohibited weed populations populations from baseline survey or identified in the offset area and manage the subsequent monitoring events or any new introduction of other exotic weed species. outbreaks of restricted and prohibited weed Weed management will be undertaken in species will trigger the following corrective accordance with Section 5.5 and weed hygiene actions: restrictions will be implemented in accordance with review and evaluation of monitoring Section 5.1. results to confirm the issue and inform any necessary additional weed monitoring events within the offset areas to identify the extent of the problem. review weed management planning to ensure risk is as low as reasonably achievable. increase the frequency of weed control actions and/or revise the type of species- specific weed control. Manage impacts of livestock grazing on the condition of No decrease in habitat condition of offset area as a consequence of strategic Implementation of a strategic grazing regime in If there is a decrease in the condition of offset habitat for threatened species and vegetation communities livestock grazing accordance with Section 5.6.1 (livestock value habitat and vegetation communities including those that are representative of TEC management) from baseline surveys and subsequent
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Management objectives Performance criteria Management measures Corrective action
Coolibah TEC Ornamental snake Wetland RE Use of existing fencing around the offset area to monitoring due to the current grazing regime, facilitate strategic grazing events in order to it will trigger the following corrective actions: manage potential impacts to the offset values from temporary exclusion of livestock from the livestock (refer to section 5.3). offset area to promote recovery reduction in stocking rates, and/or duration and frequency of strategic grazing events. provision of livestock watering points (if required) away from sensitive offset areas (e.g. wetland RE 11.3.27) Minimise degradation of ground microhabitat features Should a reduction in the baseline scores for (coarse woody debris and ground litter) important to coarse woody debris at monitoring points be ornamental snake species habitat identified Glencore will undertake an assessment of possible causes. If this assessment shows that the reduction in Implementation of fire management planning to be coarse woody debris is attributable to cattle undertaken in accordance with Section 5.6 (fire grazing and/or fire management the following management) to minimise potential of widespread, steps will be taken: No reduction from the baseline scores of ground microhabitat features (coarse high intensity fire destroying coarse woody debris woody debris and leaf litter cover) in offset area temporary exclusion of livestock from the Implementation of a strategic grazing regime to offset area to promote recovery minimise impact of trampling of coarse woody reduction in stocking rates, and/or debris (refer to Section 5.6.1). duration and frequency of strategic grazing events. if required, amend fire management regime to ensure consistency with performance criteria and completion criteria. Reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires on the Stock do not access offset areas: If: condition of habitat for threatened species and vegetation when the average biomass is <1200 kg/ha monitoring results indicate completion communities, including those that are representative of criteria are unlikely to be achieved or TEC, through appropriate structures (e.g. firebreaks and for a minimum of three months during the wet season (typically between maintained, and those results are directly maintenance of adequate access tracks) and an November and April) based on the start of wet season rains. attributable to cattle grazing; or appropriate livestock grazing regime an uncontrolled fire has impacted the Implement strategic grazing regime in accordance with Section 5.6.1 offset site, Implement fire management across the offset area Glencore will implement the following in accordance with Section 5.6. corrective actions: Monitor fuel loads/biomass to determine the risk of revise physical fire control structures, e.g. No uncontrolled fires in offset area fire to offset areas and inform fire management firebreaks (including updating Section strategies 5.6); and/or reduce stocking rates; and/or reduce the duration of strategic grazing events; and/or reduce the frequency of strategic grazing events.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
5.1 General restrictions Table 11 refers to general restrictions within the offset area.
Table 11: Offset area restrictions Restriction Details To ensure Wildhorse’s organic certification is maintained, the following restrictions apply: the prohibition of the use of any materials listed in the Australia Certified Organic Standard (ACOS) under Annexure I Crop Production Inputs and Annexure II Livestock Treatments & Inputs as prohibited (Appendix G) the prohibition of the use of any materials listed in the ACOS under Annexure I Crop Production Inputs and Annexure II Livestock Treatments & Inputs as restricted without the consent or approval of the landholder or ACOS Organic certification avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertiliser, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives) listed in Annexure I and Annexure II as permitted save and except for any specific requirements associated with the domestic or export market requirements or restrictions on a particular product or input at the direction of the landholder prohibition of the use of genetically modified seed maintaining direct strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products ensure the use of such restricted biological products as may be directed by the landholder in keeping with the landholder obligations under this certification. Access into the offset area will be restricted to authorised personnel only. When entering and leaving the property, the landholder must be advised, and gates left as found. Access Existing fences will be used to manage access into offset areas. Signs will be installed in prominent locations (i.e. at access points into the offset site) which recognise that the areas are protected for conservation purposes. The signs will advise that access into these areas is restricted to authorised personnel only. All of the offset areas will be demarcated on site plans. Contractors entering the offset area are to ensure they hold a current weed hygiene certificate or equivalent for all vehicles and equipment. Evidence is to be provided on request to the landholder that vehicles, slashers or any machinery implementing management actions are clean prior to entry to minimise potential Vehicles weed spread. Vehicle movement will be limited to designated access tracks in the offset areas and access will be restricted to authorised personnel only. Vehicles and machinery will only access the offset area when weather permits. No clearing of native vegetation is permitted within the offset area, with the exception of clearing that is required for: installation and/or maintenance of access tracks and/or fire breaks (up to 5 m wide) fence construction and maintenance (up to 10 m wide) weed management ensuring public safety or as directed by emergency management response personnel in the event of Vegetation uncontrolled fire or other emerency procedure. clearing Where native vegetation clearing is sought for any other purpose, the landholder must contact the relevant department administering the VM Act Any vegetation clearing must be undertaken in accordance with: industry best practices, and any applicable legislative requirements. For example, the clearing of endangered, vulnerable or near- threatened plant species or the tampering of animal breeding places under Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld). Weed hygiene measures will be implemented to prevent the movement of weed material into the offset area. All contractors entering the offset area are required to ensure all vehicles and equipment are weed free. Weed Contractors seeking to enter the offset area are to ensure they hold a current weed hygiene certificate or hygiene equivalent for all vehicles and equipment. Evidence is to be provided on request to the landholder that vehicles, slashers or any machinery implementing management actions are clean prior to entry to minimise potential weed spread.
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Restriction Details Effective 1st of July 2017, Queensland beef herd owners are required to enter into a property biosecurity management plan and maintain supporting processes including declarations in relation to access to assess and manage the associated Johnes Disease risk. Authorised personnel and contractors entering the property will be required to comply with the property biosecurity management plan. A copy of the property biosecurity management plan will be available at Biosecurity Wildhorse and provided to authorised personnel and contractors prior to entering the property. requirements Authorised personnel and contractors entering the property may also be required to provide relevant information and complete documentation as requested by the landholder to ensure Wildhorse’s continued compliance with any guidelines issued under Section 107 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), the property biosecurity management plan, and compliance with any other guidelines put in place by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in furtherance of any quarantine or embargo, or any legislative requirements.
5.2 Access tracks Existing access tracks will be utilised to undertake management, maintenance and monitoring activities as part of this BOMP (refer to existing tracks in Figure 4). Access tracks will be maintained as required in the event that existing access tracks become impassable (through erosion or vegetation regrowth). Existing and new access tracks will be maintained to be no wider than 5 m and vegetation disturbance will be minimised. 5.3 Fencing Existing fences will be used to manage access to the offset area, including management of strategic grazing activities. Fencing will be inspected as least annually (section 6.1) and maintained as required. Figure 4 presents the location of existing fencing. In the event that monitoring of the offset area indicates biodiversity outcomes are not being achieved, whether through adverse grazing impacts or seasonal conditions, grazing activities will be excluded until the pasture biomass has returned to pre- grazing levels. In the event of grazing exclusion, the landowner may elect to fence off some or all of Zone B from the offset area (Zone A). If part/s of Zone B are fenced off, a 4 strand barbed wire or an electric fence will be constructed. 5.4 Pest animal management MNES and MSES are at risk from various threatening processes imparted by pest animals. Some of these animals are known to be present within or in the immediate vicinity of the offset areas, with threats including: predation by wild dogs (Canis familiaris and Canis lupis dingo or cross breeds thereof), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), cats (Felis catus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) erosion of habitat and competition by pigs (Sus scrofa). Baseline assessments of pest animals in the offset area will be undertaken in year 1 to determine the species present and their distribution and density across the offset area (see Section 6.4). Results of baseline pest animal assessments will be compiled to inform the most appropriate species- specific control measures, location and timing for management activities. These results will be presented as part of the annual report (Section 7.1). Pest animal control activities will be conducted in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld). Table 12 provides examples of species-specific pest animal control measures to be implemented. All pest animal control activities will take into account the organic status of the Wildhorse property, therefore no chemical control will be undertaken. Refer to Appendix Gfor the ACOS Annexure I (Crop Production Inputs) and Annexure II (Livestock treatments and inputs). Species-specific control measures and timing for control activities will be reviewed on an annual basis based on the results of ongoing pest animal monitoring in the offset area.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Table 12: Species-specific control methods for pest animal species. Species Statusa Example control method Limiting artificial food sources Wild dogs, foxes and cats Category 3,4,6 Trapping Aerial and ground shooting Pigs Category 3,4,6 Trapping Trapping and/or warren destruction in accordance with Rabbits Category 3,4,5,6 approved government guidelines
a Status under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld) 5.5 Weed management Offset area weed management will minimise the introduction, establishment and spread of restricted and prohibited pest plants under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld) and other invasive species that present a threat to vegetation communities and species habitat in the offset area. Weed species observed within the offset area as part of field surveys to date include: Isolated infestations of Parthenium hysterophorus Isolated occurrences of Harrisia sp., Solanum seaforthanium, Opuntia sp. Isolated occurrences of known wetland-invasive species including Urochloa mutica (para grass). Management of weed infestations, in particular Parthenium hysterophorus, is conducted by the landholder across the Wildhorse property. While total eradication of Parthenium hysterophorus is unlikely, additional concentrated weed management within the offset area will be important to prevent any further spread with the aim to reduce the overall abundance. Of particular note on the margins of wetland areas is the presence of small, isolated patches of para grass (Urochloa mutica). While not a prohibited or restricted species under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), para grass is considered an invasive weed of natural wetlands in Queensland that has the potential to form pure stands replacing native vegetation communities. As such, ongoing monitoring and management will aim to ensure control and/or containment of this species. Furthermore, if uncontrolled, higher densities of weed infestations can increase fuel loads and in turn increase the fire risk. Invasive weed species can also impact on native vegetation communities, flora and fauna species and habitat. Current weed management across the property, especially for Parthenium hysterophorus, is controlled through selective grazing and strategic optimizing of rest cycles to improve natural grass coverage with the aim to out compete established weed species. Cattle are also used to prevent a large build-up of organic dry matter and reducing introduction of other weed species. Baseline surveys of the offset area will be undertaken in year 1 at the start of management to map out the distribution of Parthenium hysterophorus and occurrences of other invasive weeds. The results of baseline surveys of the offset area will be compiled to inform the location for targeted weed control measures and be used as a comparison against ongoing weed monitoring events to assess the success of weed management. Weed control measures to be implemented within the offset area will include at least one or more of the following: livestock grazing, biological control, mechanical removal and low intensity controlled burns. All weed control activities will take into account for the organic status of the Wildhorse property, therefore no chemical control will be undertaken. Given the sensitivity of the offset matters to overgrazing by livestock, a strategic grazing regime is proposed to be implemented across the offset areas in accordance with section 5.6.1. The condition of the offset values and the extent of weed infestations will be closely monitored as part of regular monitoring events undertaken in accordance with section 6, to assess the success of weed control and ensure there are no adverse impacts to the offset values associated with strategic livestock grazing.
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The following sections detail proposed weed management activities across the offset area for the identified weed species. 5.5.1 Parthenium hysterophorus For the first year of management, no grazing will be undertaken within the offset area for three months of the wet season (typically between November and March). This will reduce pressure on high traffic areas favoured by Parthenium hysterophorus. In most situations increased grass competition will reduce the opportunistic spread of Parthenium hysterophorus into areas of bare ground. In years 2 and 3 of management, any remaining areas heavily infested with Parthenium hysterophorus will continue to be wet season spelled. Where Parthenium hysterophorus infestations continue to prevent achievement of weed control performance criteria, use of biological controls (e.g. Puccinia melampodii or Zygogramma bicolorata) may be considered. 5.5.2 Restricted, prohibited and other weeds Table 13 presents example weed control methods that may be applicable for other weed species known to occur within the offset area. Restricted and prohibited weed species listed under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld) are targeted for control because they have, or could have, serious economic, environmental or social impacts. Glencore will take all reasonable steps to keep the offset area free of restricted or prohibited plants and other weeds. Monitoring events will be undertaken by Glencore to monitor the presence of restricted or prohibited plants and other weeds in the offset area in accordance with section 6.3. Where required in accordance with legislative requirements or in order to achieve the performance and completion criteria, weed infestations in the offset management areas will be controlled in accordance with the recommended control measures available from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Table 13: Example weed control methods Species Statusa Example control method Mechanical control – complete removal of plant and underground stems Urochloa mutica Not listed Livestock grazing Biological control - Puccinia melampodii or Zygogramma bicolorata Mechanical control – complete removal of plant and all tubers Restricted matter – Harrisia spp. category 3 Biological control - mealybug (Hypogeococcus festerianus) or stem- boring longicorn beetle (Alcidion cereicola) Solanum Mechanical control – complete removal of plant, including all Not listed seaforthanium reproductive berries
Prohibited and Mechanical control Optunia sp. restricted depending on the species Biological control
a Status under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld) 5.6 Fire Management 5.6.1 Managing fire risk Unplanned fire risk will be managed through:
regular maintenance (grading) of firebreaks carefully managed biomass levels. Where possible, existing roads, tracks and firebreaks will be maintained to manage fire. If required, additional firebreaks (approximately 5 m wide) will be established around the boundary of the offset area. This will help reduce the risk of weed incursion through movement of traffic into the offset area
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and allow access for existing fence maintenance. Where an unplanned fire threat is present, back burning from firebreaks will minimise the impacts of uncontrolled fire on the offset area. A strategic livestock grazing regime will be implemented across the offset area to assist with management of fuel loads and weed control, especially Parthenium hysterophorus. The grazing regime will be similar to the current regime implemented across the property; however it will include a combination of selective grazing and strategic optimizing of rest cycles to improve natural grass coverage with the aim to out compete established weed species as well as manage fuel loads. Strategic livestock grazing will incorporate the following management practices:
Retain a minimum of 1,200 kg/ha of dry matter at the end of the dry season. No grazing will occur during a prolonged drought. Livestock will be removed from offset areas if prolonged wet weather is anticipated or as soon as practicable after an unanticipated significant rain event. No grazing will occur for a minimum of three months during the wet season (typically November to April), being the period of greatest growth. The commencement of the 3 month wet season spell will be based on the start of wet season rains as determined by Environment and Community Manager Rolleston Open Cut and discussions with the Wildhorse landholder. Livestock will be removed from offset areas if the condition of the offset matters assessed as part of habitat condition assessments has decreased since the last monitoring event until the next habitat condition assessment. Livestock will be removed from offset areas if there is evidence of degradation to the offset matters, observed as part of management and/or monitoring events including but not limited to erosion of wetland areas or other drainage areas and damage to riparian vegetation, water contamination from livestock to wetlands areas, damage or reduction to coarse woody debris until the observed degradation has been remediated. Use of existing fencing around the offset area to control access by livestock and assist with strategic livestock grazing events throughout offset areas. Regular inspections of all fencing will be undertaken and repairs to the fences will be made as required (section 5.3) The suitability of conditions for undertaking a grazing event outside of the wet season will be informed by monitoring events as described in section 6.5 as well as habitat condition monitoring events described in section 6.2.2. Prior to a strategic grazing event in the offset area, a feed budgeting assessment will be undertaken. A feed budgeting assessment is a recognised method of determining the stocking rate based on the amount of feed available and the amount of feed desired at the end of the grazing event. The amount of feed available prior to the grazing event will be estimated using the appropriate photo standards available on the Future Beef website9. The “Dry Season Feed Budget” worksheet provided in Appendix F will then be used to calculate the required stocking rate for the grazing event. At the completion of the grazing event, photo standards will be used to assess ecosystem biomass. Should the grazing event be required to be extended (e.g. as a result of additional rainfall and resultant grass growth), the feed budget assessment would be recalculated at that time using the “Dry Season Feed Budget” worksheet. Further details of the method for undertaking a feed budget assessment are provided in Section 6.5. 5.6.2 Fire management guidelines Fire management of the offset values will be guided by conservation advice documentation (e.g. for MNES) and the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD; Queensland Herbarium 2018),
9 See http://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/agriculture/crop-growing/grazing-and-pasture- management/sustainablegrazing/monitoring-land-condition
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which provides recommendations for fire management for each of the component RE contributing to the offset management areas (Table 14). Table 14: Fire management within the offset areas in accordance with RE fire management guidelines Do you need Relevant offset RE Issues to burn? value This community does not need fire. Flood events drive recruitment of coolabah. Hollow trees are critical habitat. High intensity and extensive fires will degrade vegetation structure and destroy animal habitats. Coolibah TEC 11.3.3 No Restrict extent and intensity of fires. Encroachment of woody-stemmed Ornamental snake plants (Acacia/Atalaya) through over-grazing and lack of burning may be a problem. Fire is an option for control of weeds (possibly in ungrazed situations). If riparian areas need to be burnt to reduce fuel loads then burning should 11.3.27 No Wetland RE 11.3.27 occur when there is good soil moisture and active growth, and when water level is deep enough to protect the bases of aquatic plants. 5.7 Erosion management Erosion will be managed by: promoting vegetation colonisation maintaining offset boundary fencing. Vegetation colonisation will be encouraged through implementation of strategic grazing (see section 5.6.1). Livestock will be excluded from offset areas for a minimum of three months during the wet season (typically November to April), of each year, which is when the majority of the grass growth and seedling recruitment occurs. Offset boundary fencing will be maintained to ensure it is in good working order, with inspections carried out at least annually. In the event that livestock grazing, fire or other management measures are observed to be contributing to ongoing erosion impacts to environmental values in the offset area, corrective actions including extended livestock exclusion, additional fencing or remediation will be implemented. Permanent and semi-permanent wetland areas susceptible to erosion of embankments by livestock will be monitored as part of general offset area monitoring (see section 6.1).
6 Monitoring Ongoing monitoring is required to ensure the BOMP achieves and maintains the objectives and completion criteria outlined in section 4. Monitoring activities have been designed to measure how successful the BOMP is in:
improving the condition of habitat and vegetation communities for MNES and MSES achieving and maintaining the completion criteria (Table 9). The results of ongoing monitoring events will be compared to assess temporal habitat changes over the EPBC Act approval period. The timing of monitoring activities is presented in the implementation schedule in Section 8.2. General offset area monitoring and habitat condition assessments will be undertaken for the life of the EPBC Act approval to ensure the completion criteria are maintained as outlined in sections 6.1 and 6.2.2 below. Where possible, Glencore will align the implementation of monitoring activities where the time- intervals for activities are the same.
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6.1 General offset area monitoring Site visits will be undertaken annually for the life of the EPBC Act approval in accordance with Table 16 to inspect the offset area and assess the following:
condition of fencing incidence of erosion within offset area, particularly around permanent and semi-permanent water bodies fuel loads and firebreaks damage/degradation resulting from pest animal activity within the offset area signs of land degradation, erosion and over-grazing incidental fauna observations and any additional risks to offset values exclusion of livestock during spelling periods. 6.2 Targeted offset monitoring 6.2.1 Monitoring sites Table 15 and Figure 5 presents indicative permanent monitoring sites within the offset area. Monitoring sites will be strategically located within the offset areas to effectively assess key offset habitat features. Some monitoring sites will be used to assess habitat for more than one MNES or MSES species where relevant habitat overlaps. As part of year 1 monitoring activities, monitoring points will be finalised and marked with a capped stake and a GPS location will be recorded using a GPS in GDA94, Zone 55 projection. These monitoring points will be used for habitat condition assessments, photo monitoring, weed monitoring, pest animal monitoring and biomass monitoring. In order to adequately assess the distribution and weeds and pest animals within the offset area and the success of management actions, additional spatially random monitoring sites will be employed. These locations will be determined at the time of each monitoring event as representative of the area in which the offset value is located and presented as part of annual reporting. Consequently, there will be multiple offset monitoring sites to account for the varying management circumstances for the same offset value.
Table 15: Offset area monitoring points (GDA94, Zone 55 projection)
Monitoring point Regional Ecosystem Easting Northing
Coolibah TEC Ornamental snake Wetland RE 11.3.27
1 RE 11.3.27 653326.5 7271185 2 RE 11.3.3 653265 7271413 3 RE 11.3.3 653707.5 7271938 4 RE 11.3.27 653924.5 7271902 5 RE 11.3.27 654906.5 7271101 6 RE 11.3.3 655100 7270959 7 RE 11.3.27 654519 7271936 6.2.2 Habitat condition assessment Initial habitat condition assessments will be conducted in year 1, with subsequent assessments undertaken every two years thereafter up to 10 years, and then every five years during the period of
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the EPBC Act approval (i.e. until 5 February 2046; see Table 16). Habitat condition assessments will be conducted between February and May to align best with recommended species specific survey timing for ornamental snake. Habitat condition assessments will follow the methodology described in the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (2017; Appendix H). The guide was developed by the Queensland Government to measure the habitat quality of a land based offset. The guide has been developed to align with the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy and offsets assessment guide. The habitat quality score calculated through the guide is based on three key indicators:
site condition: a general condition assessment of vegetation compared to a benchmark site context: an analysis of the site in relation to the surrounding environment species habitat index: the ability of the site to support a species. The site condition and site context indicators are determined based on the methodology set out in the BioCondition Assessment Manual and BioCondition benchmarks (Appendix I), as developed by the Queensland Herbarium. The species habitat index indicator is determined through targeted fauna and flora surveys for each of the offset matters. Targeted fauna surveys will be undertaken in accordance with the DSITIA Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al. 2014) or other species- specific survey guidelines. Surveys will be undertaken at approximately the same time of year for each species specific monitoring event, ideally when the species is most detectable. The optimal climatic conditions for ornamental snake occur with the combination of hot temperatures, humidity and electrical storms which typically occur from January to mid-March. 6.2.3 Photo monitoring Photo monitoring will be undertaken to enable visual assessment of habitat trends over time at each of the monitoring sites. Photo monitoring will be undertaken at the same time as the habitat condition assessments. Photos will be taken at each location (from 1.5 m height above ground level) in the direction of ground, north, south, east and west. A record of the photographs will be maintained, including GPS co- ordinates, date and time of each photograph, the direction in which the photograph was taken.
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148°31'0"E 148°32'0"E
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_ monitoring sites 9 Coolibah TEC 2 9 \ e r o c MSES offset areas n e l G \ s t
c Wetland RE 11.3.27 e j o r P \ a t DATA SOURCE: Advanced offset (RE 11.3.27) a
D The following datasets are © State of Qld: 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 S I - Cadastral Data (Qld DCDB) G \ : P
: Kilometres h t ¯ Date: 05-07-2017 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 Scale: 1:10,000@A3 a P © CO2 Australia. All Rights Reserved 2017. CO2 Australia gives no warranty about information recorded in this map and accepts no liability to any user for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of this map, except as otherwise agreed between CO2 Australia and a user. Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
6.3 Weed monitoring The offset management areas will be monitored for evidence of restricted, prohibited and other weed outbreaks, including an initial inspection in year 1 which will map the distribution and abundance of weeds. Formal monitoring of weeds will be undertaken in accordance with Table 16 and opportunistically during other management and monitoring events. Monitoring events will consist of a survey late or post wet season. Monitoring of weeds will be undertaken at the permanent monitoring points as well as additional random locations in order to adequately assess the distribution of weeds within the offset area and the success of management actions. The actual location of sites for each weed monitoring event will be confirmed following the results of baseline surveys and reviewed prior to each monitoring event to ensure the offset area is effectively monitored through selection of a representative monitoring points. Monitoring events will include a combination of the following methods: on ground surveys in accordance with ‘A field manual for surveying and mapping nationally significant weeds’ (McNaught et al. 2006) photo monitoring of selected sites to assess visual changes in weed species and infestations over time. Following each survey event the weed distribution and abundance map will be updated. The results of the surveys will be used to assess the efficacy of weed control such as for Parthenium hysterophorus and other prohibited and restricted weeds as well as fire management and grazing management as a tool to manage weeds. The results of weed surveys and habitat assessments will be used to inform the weed control program, targeting specific areas of high weed cover and weed outbreaks. 6.4 Pest animal monitoring The offset area will be monitored for evidence of pest animals and to assess direct impacts on fauna (e.g. evidence of pest animal predation on fauna species) and impacts on fauna habitat values and vegetation communities. An initial inspection will be undertaken in year 1 to determine the distribution and abundance of pest animals across the offset area. A baseline distribution and density map will be produced following the initial inspection. Ongoing pest animal surveys will be undertaken in accordance with Table 16 and opportunistically during management and monitoring of the offset area. Monitoring of pest animals will be undertaken at the permanent monitoring points as well as additional random locations in order to adequately assess the distribution of pest animals within the offset area and the success of management actions. The actual location of sites for each pest animal monitoring event will be determined following baseline surveys and confirmed prior to each monitoring event to ensure the offset area is effectively monitored. Monitoring activities will be undertaken late or post wet season and will include both incidental observations and infrared or motion cameras to provide an indication of distribution and abundance. Further details of monitoring techniques can be found in the series Monitoring Techniques for Vertebrate Pests (Mitchell and Balogh 2007). Following each monitoring event the pest animal distribution and density map will be updated. The results of pest animal surveys will be used in conjunction with the results of other monitoring activities, to inform adaptive pest animal control, targeting specific areas of pest animal outbreaks.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
6.5 Biomass monitoring Grazing impacts will be minimised through monitoring biomass (or the amount of feed available) within the offset area, with the aim of retaining a minimum of 1,200 kg/ha of dry matter at the end of the dry season. Biomass is at its greatest at the end of the wet season (around April) with fire risk greatest towards the end of the dry season (September/October). As described in section 5.6.1, a feed budgeting assessment will be undertaken prior to any grazing event in the offset area. A feed budgeting assessment is a recognised method of determining stocking rates based on the amount of feed (or biomass) available and the amount of feed (or biomass) that is desired at the end of the grazing event. The feed budgeting assessment will allow the stocking rate and the duration of grazing to be varied depending on the seasonal conditions. Biomass levels will be estimated both before and after the grazing event using the appropriate photo standards10. Photo standards10 will be used to determine dry matter yields/ fuel loads. This method will ensure that desired biomass to achieve ecosystem functionality is achieved at the end of each grazing event. Using the “Dry Season Feed Budget” worksheet provided in Appendix F the process for undertaking a feed budget assessment is summarised as follows: Determine the current amount of dry matter feed present (kg/ha) using appropriate photo standards available on the Future Beef website. Determine the amount of feed desired (kg/ha) at the end of the grazing event. Calculate the total useable feed (kg/ha) by subtracting the feed desired from the feed present. Determine utilisation (i.e. the proportion of useable feed that livestock can use). Determine the feed available for the grazing animal (kg/ha) by multiplying the total useable feed by the utilisation rate (%). Calculate the optimum stocking rate by: o Determining the feed consumption per day (kg/day) per animal, for the particular class of cattle to be grazed o Determining the number of days feed is required (days) o Calculating the feed requirement per head (kg/hd) by multiplying the feed consumption per day by the number of days o Calculating the stocking rate (ha/hd) by dividing the feed requirement per head by feed available (kg/ha) o Calculate the number of stock (head) by dividing the area of the paddock by the stocking rate.
10 See http://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/agriculture/crop-growing/grazing-and-pasture- management/sustainablegrazing/monitoring-land-condition
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7 Reporting 7.1 Annual report Annual reports will be provided to DEE within three months of every twelve month anniversary of the EPBC Act approval decision (i.e. 18 March) following approval of the BOMP by DEE, as per condition 11 of EPBC 2011/5965. The report will detail the progress towards achieving the management objectives and completion criteria outlined in this BOMP. The report will contain, but may not be limited to: name and contact details of the proponent, landholder, and any contractors or consultants who have worked on the offset area. If someone other than the contractor is undertaking management activities (i.e. landholders, lessees, a sub-contractor or consultant) their details will also be provided, including skills and expertise of the responsible entity/ies relevant EPBC approval and EA numbers lot on plan property description and postal address a general description of climatic conditions for the management period management measures undertaken within the management period and, where required, describe instances where corrective actions have been implemented results of monitoring events undertaken within the management period a comparison of the monitoring results for the current management period with the monitoring results from the previous management period an indication of any risks or potential threats that have become apparent in the management period, and activities to be undertaken to manage these threats and risks including any corrective actions that need to be implemented in the subsequent management period evidence of progress towards achieving the management objectives and completion criteria if required, recommendations to be incorporated into the revised BOMP including changes to management and monitoring methodology. The report will be made available to DEHP on request. 7.2 BOMP review Following the completion of year 1 baseline surveys the BOMP will be updated based on the survey results to specify control measures, timing for control activities and the location of monitoring sites. Subsequently in accordance with the principles of adaptive management, the BOMP will be reviewed and amended if required to incorporate changes identified through management activities, regular site visits and monitoring activities. This may include the revision of current management actions, identification of additional activities and responses to unexpected events or threats to the offset area. Any versions of the amended BOMP will be submitted to DEE in accordance with condition 5 (m) of the EPBC Act approval (EPBC 2011/5965) prior to implementation.
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8 Management, monitoring and reporting schedule 8.1 Roles and responsibilities Glencore will implement the BOMP. Persons implementing management and monitoring activities described in this management plan will have appropriate skills and qualifications, and will be authorised by Glencore to do so. Where the identification of a suspected threatened species is not clear, the Queensland Museum of the Queensland Herbarium will be the first contact for identification confirmation (via photographs and/or detailed description). 8.2 Implementation schedule Table 16 summarises the implementation schedule for the management, monitoring and reporting activities presented in this BOMP. Management and monitoring will be undertaken until the completion criteria have been achieved, with general offset area monitoring and habitat condition assessment undertaken for the life of the EPBC Act approval (i.e. until 5 February 2046) to ensure the completion criteria are maintained. If the completion criteria have not been maintained, management and corrective actions will be implemented in accordance with Section 5 and Table 10 to ensure the completion criteria are maintained for the life of the EPBC Act approval. Table 16: Implementation of the management plan
BOMP Activity Timing reference
General restrictions Access, vehicles, vegetation clearing, weed hygiene At all times Section 5.1 Access tracks Maintenance of access tracks As required Section 5.2 Fencing Maintenance of existing fencing As required Section 5.3 Pest animal management As required, following 2018 baseline Control of feral cats, wild dogs, foxes, rabbits and pigs. Section 5.4 assessment Weed management Activities in addition to fire management and livestock Control of Parthenium and other restricted and prohibited management to be undertaken as Section 5.5 weeds required following 2018 baseline assessment Fire management As required, based on the results of biomass monitoring, conservation Strategic fuel hazard reduction grazing advice and fire management guidelines Section 5.6 for regional ecosystems Maintenance of firebreaks around the offset area As required Erosion management Throughout the offset area by livestock Minimise erosion management and general access Section 5.7 restrictions Monitoring
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BOMP Activity Timing reference
Annually for the life of the EPBC Act General offset area monitoring Section 6.1 approval Baseline weed survey 2018 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031, Section 6.3 Weed monitoring 2036 Baseline pest animal survey 2018 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, Section 6.4 Pest animal monitoring 2032, 2034, 2036. Between February and May in 2018, Section Habitat condition assessments 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031, 2036, 6.2.2 2041, 2046 Between February and May in 2018, Section Targeted fauna surveys 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031, 2036, 6.2.2 2041, 2046 Between February and May in 2018, Section Photo monitoring 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031, 2036, 6.2.3 2041, 2046 At least annually, prior to and at the Monitoring biomass for grazing and fire management Section 6.5 end of a grazing event. Reporting Annual report Annually on 18 June Section 7.1
Where there is a significant difference Review and update BOMP to approved management and monitoring activities as per the Section 7.2 performance and completion criteria stated in this BOMP.
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9 References Butler D.W, (2008) unpublished. DRAFT Recovery plan for the “Bluegrass (Dichanthium spp.) dominant grassland in the Brigalow Belt bioregions (north and south)” endangered ecological community 2007-2011. Report to Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane. CO2 Australia (2017a) Offset Proposal for the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project CO2 Australia (2017b) Offset Delivery Plan for the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) (2017). Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (State of Queensland), Brisbane.
Department of the Environment (DEE) (2017). Denisonia maculata in Species Profile and Threats Database. Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1193 Eyre T. J., Ferguson D. J., Hourigan C. L., Smith G. C., Mathieson M. T., Kelly, A. L., Venz M. F., Hogan, L. D. and Rowland, J. (2014) Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd (KBR) (2016) Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Biodiversity Offsets – Phase 1 Report. Prepared for Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. Brisbane McNaught, I., Thackway, R., Brown, L. and Parsons, M. (2006) A field manual for surveying and mapping nationally significant weeds. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. Mitchell, B. and Balogh, S. (2007) Monitoring Techniques for Vertebrate Pests. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange. Myers, B., Allan, G., Bradstock, R., Dias, L., Duff, G., Jacklyn, P., Landsberg, J., Morrison, J., Russell-Smith, J., and Williams, R. (2004) Fire management in the rangelands, Tropical Savannas CRC, Darwin. Queensland Herbarium (2018) Regional Ecosystem Description Database. State of Queensland, Brisbane Richardson, R. (2006) Draft Queensland Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Plan 2008 - 2012. Report to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. WWF- Australia, Brisbane. Richardson, R. (2008) Queensland Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Plan 2008 – 2012. Report to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. WWF-Australia, Brisbane. Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2011). Commonwealth Listing Advice on Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Canberra, ACT. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/66- listing-advice.pdf.
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10 Consent ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY SIGNED by the to indicate approval of the BOMP.
Name Signature
Witness Name Signature
Date
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
LANDHOLDER The landholder agrees: Any non-compliance by the landholder with the requirements of this BOMP shall constitute a breach of the terms and conditions of the legally binding mechanism entered into. To notify the Australian and State Governments in writing of an Event, or the likelihood of the occurrence of an Event. Event means any agreement or understanding entered into or accepted by and or circumstance permitted or suffered by the landholder which effects a change of ownership, control or use of the offset area, the exercise of power of sale under any Mortgage, the granting of a Mortgage associated with the offset area, the appointment of a receiver, the death of a landholder or any other circumstance which may allow or permit a person, other than the Landholder to own, control or use the offset area. In notifying the Australian and State Governments of an Event, the landholder will notify the Australian and State Governments of the nature of the change, or potential change of ownership, control or use result from the Event, and the name and address of any person who may own, control or use the offset area as a result of the Event. That if, at the time of execution of this BOMP, there exists a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) over the offset area or a part of it, the landholder hereby agrees, where the management plan area is identified as Category X on the PMAV, to the replacement of the PMAV by the State to reflect the offset area as Category A. To take all necessary steps as may be required to accomplish the obligations contained in this BOMP. The landholder notes:
All reports, notices or requests for amendment in relation to this BOMP must be in writing and delivered to the administering authority at the following address:
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Table of relevant approval conditions addressed in this BOMP
EPBC Act approval (EPBC 2011/5965) Section (where relevant) Condition 3. The person taking the action must, within six (6) months of commencement of the stage 1 works as identified in table 1 and Appendix A, submit in writing a Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP) Entire BOMP for the stage 1 impact area for the Minister's approval to compensate for any authorised impacts on protected matters. The approved stage 1 BOMP must be implemented. 8.2 Implementation schedule Condition 4. The person taking the action must, at least three (3) months prior to commencement of the stage 2 works as identified in table 1 and Appendix A, submit in writing a BOMP for the stage 2 impact area for - the Minister's approval to compensate for any authorised impacts on protected matters listed in table 1. The person taking the action must not commence clearance within the stage 2 impact area until the BOMP required by this condition has been approved. - The approved stage 2 BOMP must be implemented. - Condition 5. - The BOMP for each stage must: a) define the objectives and outcomes of the BOMP 4 Objectives and outcomes b) comply with the principles of the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy 3.4 Compliance with EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy c) consider all relevant conservation advices, recovery plans and or threat abatement plans Appendix D Threats and recovery actions d) provide a completed offsets assessment guide Appendix B Offsets Assessment Guides e) provide maps of the proposed offset sites Figure 2: MNES and MSES offset areas on Wildhorse f) define the baseline condition of the EPBC Act listed threatened species and communities within the stage 1 impact area or stage 2 impact area (depending on which stage the BOMP is for) prior to 3.1 Impacts and offset requirements commencement g) define the baseline condition of the proposed offset prior to submission of the BOMP 3.2.4 Baseline condition scores Table 9: Management objectives and completion criteria for each h) define the performance goals for offsets relevant to the project stage offset matter in the Wildhorse offset area i) identify the timing and frequency of monitoring to determine whether the offset strategy is meeting performance goals or whether the offset strategy needs to be adaptively managed 6 Monitoring j) identify clear and concise indicators of whether performance goals are being achieved Table 10: Management objectives and performance criteria for offset values, outlining management measures, and triggers for k) identify appropriate corrective actions if the proposed performance goals are not achieved corrective action I) clearly state the position of persons responsible for actions under the BOMP 8.1 Roles and responsibilities m) outline timelines for review noting that any revisions to the BOMP must be approved by the Minister before implementation 7.2 BOMP review Condition 6. Prior to the commencement of stage 1, and prior to the submission of the stage 1 BOMP (described in condition 3), the person taking the action must acquire and commence the management of at least 3.2 Offset property description 80% of the land for offsets proposed in the stage 1 BOMP. The quality of the environmental offsets must not fall below the baseline identified in the BOMP submitted in condition 3 unless the loss of condition can be attributed to an environmental event. - The person taking the action must employ mitigations and adaptive management to minimise the impacts of environmental events upon offsets. This condition lapses if the Minister approves the stage 1 - BOMP. Condition 7. The person taking the action must register a legally binding conservation mechanism over the offset areas approved by the Minister in the BOMP within 3 years of the commencement of the relevant 3.3 Offset protection stage (stage 1 and or stage 2) identified in table 1 and shown in Appendix A. The legally binding conservation mechanism over the offset areas must not be removed unless another legally binding conservation mechanism is in place.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Environmental authority (EPML00370013) Section (where relevant)
K1. Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters are not authorised under this environmental authority unless the impacts are specified in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to 3.1 Impacts and offset requirements prescribed environmental matters and Figures 3 to 7. K2. An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offset Policy, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of impact to each 3.2 Offset property description prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters. K3. The significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters authorised in condition K1 for which an environmental offset is required by condition K2, may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters. 3.1 Impacts and offset requirements K4. Prior to the commencement of each stage, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person, that includes an analysis of the following must be provided to the administering authority: a) For the forthcoming stage - the estimated significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter; and b) For the previous stage, if applicable - the actual significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter, to date. - K5. The report required by condition K4 must be approved by the administering authority before a notice of election for the forthcoming stage, if applicable, is given to the administering authority. - K6. A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in condition K5, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months before the proposed - commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority. K7. Within six months from the completion of the final stage of the project, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person, that includes the following matters must be provided to the administering authority: - a) An analysis of the actual impacts on prescribed environmental matters resulting from the final stage; and b) If applicable, a notice of election to address any outstanding offset debits for the authorised impacts. -
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Offsets assessment guides Coolibah TEC
Input Score Discussion Impact
calculator Impact (ha) 27 ha This is the area required to be offset for Stage 1 in accordance with the EPBC Act approval Quality of impact 6 The quality score for Coolibah TEC within the project impact area is 6 based on the average area ecological condition score of RE 11.3.3 comprising Coolibah TEC. The relevant RE was assessed as part of detailed field surveys in accordance with the EEM (KBR, 2016). The following table details the conversion of EEM ecological condition scores for RE 11.3.3 into quality scores for the offsets assessment guide (KBR, 2016). Coolibah TEC RE 11.3.3
EEM ecological condition score (from EEM Indicators 1–10) 52 Highest possible ecological condition score 80 Average of combined scores as a percentage of the highest possible 65% score Percentage converted to quality score range 1 – 10 (score rounded 6 to nearest whole number) Quality score adopted for EPBC Act offset calculator 6
Coolibah TEC within the impact area is in a fragmented and degraded state. Livestock grazing has led to soil degradation and the gradual decline of floristic diversity and reduced abundance of native understorey and groundcover species. Agricultural land use has also had a negative effect on the natural recruitment of the dominant eucalypt species within this community, as is evidenced by the absence of juvenile and semi-mature trees and presence of only old mature trees (KBR, 2016). Offset calculator Start quality of 6 Coolibah TEC within the offset area comprises remnant RE 11.3.3. The condition of the offset area vegetation community was assessed in accordance with the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality as part of detailed field surveys in June 2017. RE 11.3.3 RE 11.3.3 RE 11.3.3
Site condition (/10) 6.7 6.5 3.9 Site context (/10) 7.3 7.3 6.9 Score (/10) 6.8 6.7 4.7 Average habitat 6 quality score While the property is currently used for livestock grazing, it has largely been excluded through those areas consistent with Coolibah TEC. Notwithstanding, as grazing is undertaken in directly adjacent areas, the condition of Coolibah TEC areas is impacted by threats including weed invasion by Parthenium hysterophorus and degradation by pest animals (e.g. pigs). Coolibah TEC on the offset property is located immediately adjacent to wetland habitat and within 2 km of larger areas of remnant vegetation. Future quality 5 The quality score of 5 without offset reflects the future quality which would be expected in without offset this area as the consequence of ongoing degradation of Coolibah TEC. management Should an offset not be secured, areas of Coolibah TEC will continue to be managed as part of a property wide grazing enterprise with grazing regimes implemented for commercial purposes rather than conservation purposes. Ongoing grazing under a commercial grazing regime adjacent to and within the offset area will continue to reduce the quality of the vegetation over time by encouraging invasion of exotic pasture grasses and weed species. Ongoing grazing under a commercial grazing regime will also impact the vegetation community through browsing, trampling and erosion, resulting in suppression of natural regeneration. In addition, grazing under a commercial grazing regime within or adjacent to Coolibah TEC vegetation will impact on the hydrology, erosion and contamination of wetlands/floodplains associated with the ecological community.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Input Score Discussion Future quality with 7 An offset area on the properties will be secured and managed, with the aim to improve the offset management quality of Coolibah TEC and provide a conservation benefit for the ecological community. Future quality of the Coolibah TEC offset considers the potential ecological gain that can be achieved over 15 years of active land management practices to improve the ecological condition of the offset. This BOMP will be implemented, including specific management actions aimed at reducing the impact of threatening processes and improving the quality of Coolibah TEC within the offset area. The BOMP has been developed in accordance with approved conservation advice, and recommended threat abatement and management advice for Coolibah TEC, including: Vegetation protection – the offset area will be protected through a legally binding mechanism (Voluntary Declaration) Livestock management –Strategic grazing events will be undertaken, when required, in order to control fuel loads, Parthenium hysterophorus and exotic pasture grasses. Periods of grazing will be followed by an extended period of rest and stocking rates will depend on seasonal conditions and pasture growth. Weed control – weed hygiene restrictions and weed control activities will be undertaken within the offset area in order to reduce the threat of invasive weed species (including exotic pasture grasses) on the structure and function of Coolibah TEC. Fire management – fire management including establishment of fire breaks and control of fuel loads will be undertaken within the offset area. This will aim to reduce the risk of high intensity fires within the offset and assist with natural regeneration of Coolibah TEC. Confidence in result 85% This BOMP was developed in accordance with approved conservation advice, and – future quality recommended threat abatement and management advice for Coolibah TEC, detailed field assessments of the offset area and discussions with the landholder. This BOMP details specific management objectives and outcomes aimed at improving the quality of Coolibah TEC. Ongoing monitoring of the offset area will also be undertaken to regularly assess the progress of the offset and ensure the BOMP achieves its required outcomes. Risk of loss without 20% Based on previous discussions with the Wildhorse landholder, should an offset not be offset secured on the property, the landholder will modify the wetland areas (areas of RE 11.3.27 and 11.3.3) that make up and is located adjacent to the Coolibah TEC offset. This would involve deepening the wetland, and building contour banks resulting in permanent inundation of vegetation, killing all large trees and ground cover and impacting the ability of the ecological community to regenerate. The landholder would then introduce improved pasture species in non-inundated areas which would out-compete remaining native species. Modification of these areas would lead to the total loss of the TEC, with one of the main threats to the ecological community relating to changes to water flows and patterns. Risk of loss with 0% Risk of loss with offset is estimated to be 0% as the offset area is proposed to be protected offset through Voluntary Declaration under the VM Act. Confidence in result 90% The offset area is proposed to be legally secured through a Voluntary Declaration under the – risk of loss VM Act. A Voluntary Declaration precludes all development except where the Queensland Government authorises an activity and offsets for both the original offset and any protected matters present on site are provided. Consequently, the resultant difficulty and expense acts as a strong disincentive for development in a Voluntary Declaration. Declaration of the offset is to be accompanied with an environmental offset agreement and BOMP/delivery plan to ensure the vegetation within the offset area is protected from wildfire and to ensure management achieves a conservation benefit Risk related time 20 The offset area will be protected by a legally binding mechanism which will remain in effect horizon (years) as required by the applicable state and Commonwealth legislative requirements, therefore, the time over which loss is averted is considered to be the maximum allowable time of 20 years. Time until 15 Measureable improvement in the ecological condition of Coolibah TEC in response to ecological benefit management actions, particularly protection from commercial livestock grazing, is likely to be (years) realised in 15 years through increased recruitment of canopy and understorey species, concurrently affording an improvement in hydrology, erosion and contamination of wetlands/floodplain vegetation associated with the ecological community.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Ornamental snake
Input Score Discussion Impact
calculator Impact (ha) 70 ha This is the area required to be offset for Stage 1 in accordance with the EPBC Act approval Quality of impact 5 The quality score for ornamental snake habitat within the project impact area is 5, area based on the average ecological condition score of RE 11.3.27, 11.3.3, 11.4.4 and 11.4.9 comprising habitat for the species in accordance with the EEM (KBR, 2016). Targeted fauna surveys did not record the species within the impact area; however, the species was assessed as likely to occur. Habitat for the species within the impact area is limited to wetlands and land zone 4 RE with marginal gilgai formations. Suitable habitat for the species has previously been impacted as a result of historical land clearing activities. In addition, ongoing livestock grazing has resulted in trampling and compaction of potential foraging and sheltering microhabitats (KBR, 2016). Offset
calculator Start quality of 6 Ornamental snake habitat within the offset area comprises remnant RE 11.3.3. The offset area condition of the vegetation community was assessed in accordance with the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality as part of detailed field surveys in June 2017. RE 11.3.3 RE 11.3.3 RE 11.3.3
Site condition (/10) 6.7 6.5 3.9 Site context (/10) 7.3 7.3 6.9 Species habitat (/10) 5.4 6.0 5.4 Score (/10) 6.4 6.5 4.9 Average habitat quality 6 score While the property is currently used for livestock grazing, it has largely been excluded through those areas consistent with ornamental snake habitat. Notwithstanding, as grazing is undertaken in directly adjacent areas, the condition of ornamental snake habitat is impacted by threats including trampling of micro habitat features (coarse woody debris) and weed invasion by Parthenium hysterophorus. Pigs were observed within the property with evidence pig rooting and habitat degradation within the offset area. Future quality 4 The quality score of 4 without offset management reflects the future quality which would without offset be expected as a consequence of periodic cultivation and continued degradation of management ornamental snake habitat likely to occur as a result of: Modification of the offset area (RE 11.3.3 and 11.3.27) by the landholder including deepening the wetland, and building contour banks resulting in permanent inundation of vegetation, killing all large trees and ground cover and introduction of improved pasture species in non-inundated areas Ongoing agricultural land use for commercial livestock grazing leading to degradation and trampling of microhabitat values (logs and under coarse woody debris and ground litter), degradation of habitat through soil compaction and compromising soil structure, alteration of landscape hydrology. Increased disturbance in and adjacent to habitat for the species through commercial livestock grazing enhancing invasion of exotic pasture grass and weeds Habitat degradation by feral animals, especially pigs. In addition, without offset management the species is likely to be under threat from predation by feral animals (i.e. wild dogs, feral cats, foxes). Future quality with 7 The offset area will be secured and managed, with the aim to improve the quality of offset habitat for ornamental snake and provide a conservation benefit for the species. Future management quality of the offset represents the ecological gain that can be achieved over 15 years of active land management practices to improve the ecological condition of degraded habitat in areas of remnant RE 11.3.3.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Input Score Discussion This BOMP will be implemented, including specific management actions aimed at reducing the impact of threatening processes and improving the quality of ornamental snake habitat within the offset area. The BOMP was developed in accordance with the Queensland Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Plan (Richardson, 2008), approved conservation advice and recommended threat abatement and management advice for ornamental snake including: Vegetation protection – the offset area will be protected through a legally binding mechanism. Pest animal management - control of potential predators to the species including wild dogs, cats and foxes Livestock management – livestock will be managed within ornamental snake habitat to ensure the condition of habitat increases to achieve the completion criteria of the BOMP Weed control – weed hygiene restrictions and weed control activities will be undertaken within the offset area in order to reduce the threat of Parthenium hysterophorus and other invasive weed species causing changes to their habitat structure and composition. Fire management – fire management including establishment of fire breaks with the aim to reduce the risk of high intensity fires within the offset. Confidence in 85% This BOMP has been developed in accordance with the Queensland Brigalow Belt result – future Reptile Recovery Plan (Richardson, 2008), approved conservation advice and quality recommended threat abatement and management advice for ornamental snake and detailed field assessments of the offset area. Proposed management measures, particularly strategic grazing and weed control, are based on expert advice and their effectiveness is supported by research (see Butler 2008). The BOMP will detail specific management objectives and outcomes aimed at improving the quality of ornamental snake habitat. The quality score increase from a start quality score of 6 to a quality score of 7 within 15 years of effective offset management, so as to obtain an ecological benefit or gain. This will be measured as part of ongoing monitoring events (e.g. BioCondition assessments) to assess the progress of the ornamental snake offset area and ensure the BOMP achieves its required outcomes. Risk of loss 20% Based on previous discussions with the Wildhorse landholder, should an offset not be without offset secured on the property, the landholder will modify the wetland areas (areas of RE 11.3.27 and 11.3.3) that make up and are located adjacent to the ornamental snake offset. This would involve deepening the wetland, and building contour banks resulting in permanent inundation of vegetation, impact on the presence and structure of cracking clays and woody debris, killing all large trees and ground cover and impacting the ability of the vegetation to regenerate. The landholder would then introduce improved pasture species in non-inundated areas which would out-compete remaining native species. Modification of these areas would lead to the total loss of habitat able to support the ornamental snake. Risk of loss with 0% Risk of loss with offset is estimated to be 0% as the offset area is proposed to be offset protected through a Voluntary Declaration under the VM Act Confidence in 90% The offset area is proposed to be legally secured through a Voluntary Declaration result – risk of loss under the VM Act. A Voluntary Declaration precludes all development except where the Queensland Government authorises an activity and offsets for both the original offset and any protected matters present on site are provided. Consequently, the resultant difficulty and expense acts as a strong disincentive for development in a Voluntary Declaration. Declaration of the offset is to be accompanied with an environmental offset agreement and BOMP/delivery plan to ensure the vegetation within the offset area is protected from wildfire and to ensure management achieves a conservation benefit Time over which 20 The offset area is proposed to be protected by a legally binding mechanism which will loss is averted remain in effect as required by the applicable state and Commonwealth legislative (years) requirements, therefore, the time over which loss is averted is considered to be the maximum allowable time of 20 years. Time until 15 Measureable improvement in the ecological condition of ornamental snake habitat in ecological benefit response to management actions, particularly protection from commercial livestock (years) grazing, is likely to be realised in 15 years through an improvement in the condition of the current habitat in addition to improvements in hydrology, erosion and contamination of wetlands/floodplain vegetation.
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Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required
Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name Ornamental Snake
EPBC Act status Vulnerable Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 0.2% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute
Impact calculator Offset calculator
Minimum Attribute Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Start area and Future area and Future area and Confidence in Adjusted Net present value Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Raw gain impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) quality quality without offset quality with offset result (%) gain (adjusted hectares) source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Ecological communities Ecological Communities
Risk of loss Risk of loss Area (%) without (%) with Risk-related offset offset Start area time horizon (hectares) Future area Future area (max. 20 years) without offset with offset Quality 0.0 0.0 Area of community No Area of community No (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares)
Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)
Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat
The score is based Risk of loss Risk of loss upon habitat Degraded Area 70 Hectares (%) without 20% (%) with 0% assessment data and in Ornamental Snake Time over offset offset consideration of the habitat within an which loss is Start area conversion of the Wildhorse - Ornamental 20 84.7 16.94 90% 15.25 14.65 agricultural averted (max. (hectares) Future area Future area average ecological Snake habitat within an without offset with offset (grazing) Quality Scale 0-10 Adjusted 20 years) 67.8 84.7 Area of habitat Yes 5 condition score of Area of habitat Yes 35.00 agricultural (grazing) 27.02 77.21% No landscape. hectares (adjusted (adjusted regional ecosystems landscape comprising hectares) hectares) Comprised of 11.3.27, 11.3.3, 11.4.4 RE 11.3.3. regional ecosystem and 11.4.9, as obtained 11.3.27, 11.3.3, Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Adjusted from field data using Start quality 11.4.4 and 11.4.9. 35.00 ecological 15 6 without offset 4 with offset 7 3.00 85% 2.55 2.47 impact hectares the Ecological (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10) Equivalence Minimum
Impact Impact calculator Total
Attribute Offset calculator Attribute % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Future value without Future value with Confidence in Adjusted Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Start value Raw gain Net present value impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) offset offset result (%) gain source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Number of features Number of features e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees No No
Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No
Threatened species Threatened species
Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No
Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No
Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals No No
Summary
Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)
Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00
Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00
Number of individuals 0 $0.00 $0.00
Summary
Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00
Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00
Area of habitat 35 27.02 77.21% No $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Area of community 0 $0.00 $0.00
$0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required
Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name Coolibah
EPBC Act status Endangered Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 1.2% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute
Impact calculator Offset calculator
Minimum Attribute Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Start area and Future area and Future area and Confidence in Adjusted Net present value Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Raw gain impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) quality quality without offset quality with offset result (%) gain (adjusted hectares) source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Ecological communities Ecological Communities
The score is a Risk of loss Risk of loss Area 27 conversion of the 20% 0% Degraded remnant Hectares (%) without (%) with average ecological Coolibah Risk-related offset offset condition score of Start area vegetation within time horizon 20 77 15.40 90% 13.86 10.92 Coolibah regional (hectares) Future area Future area an agricultural (max. 20 years) without offset with offset Quality ecosystems, as Adjusted Coolibah TEC 61.6 77.0 Area of community Yes (grazing) 6 Scale 0-10 Area of community Yes 16.20 16.40 101.23% Yes obtained from field hectares comprsing RE 11.3.3 (adjusted (adjusted landscape. data using the hectares) hectares) Comprised of Ecological regional ecosystem Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Adjusted Equivalence Start quality 11.3.3. 16.20 ecological 15 6 without offset 5 with offset 7 2.00 85% 1.70 1.42 impact hectares Methodology (EEM) (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10) (DEHP, 2011). Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat
Risk of loss Risk of loss Area (%) without (%) with Time over offset offset which loss is Start area averted (max. (hectares) Future area Future area without offset with offset Quality 20 years) 0.0 0.0 Area of habitat No Area of habitat No (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares)
Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)
Minimum
Impact Impact calculator Total
Attribute Offset calculator Attribute % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Future value without Future value with Confidence in Adjusted Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Start value Raw gain Net present value impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) offset offset result (%) gain source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Number of features Number of features e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees No No
Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No
Threatened species Threatened species
Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No
Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No
Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals No No
Summary
Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)
Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00
Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00
Number of individuals 0 $0.00 $0.00
Summary
Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00
Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00
Area of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00
Area of community 16.2 16.40 101.23% Yes $0.00 N/A $0.00
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Habitat quality Table C1 presents the habitat quality scores for the Wild Hose offset area assessed in June 2017 in accordance with the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality. Table C2 presents the heuristic decision process used to calculate the habitat quality score for ornamental snake. Table C1: Habitat quality scores for the Wild Hose offset area assessed in June 2017 W004 (advanced W007 (advanced Site number W001 W002 W003 W005 W006 offset) offset) RE 11.3.27 11.3.3 11.3.3 11.3.27 11.3.27 11.3.3 11.3.27 Coolibah TEC Coolibah TEC Colibah TEC Offset matter Wetland Ornamental Ornamental Wetland Wetland Ornamental Wetland snake snake snake Ecological condition indicators 1 Recruitment of woody perennial species 5 5 5 5 5 0 5 2 Native plant species richness - trees 5 3 3 5 5 3 5 3 Native plant species richness - shrubs 2.5 2.5 2.5 5 5 2.5 5 4 Native plant species richness - grasses 5 2.5 3 5 5 3 5 5 Native plant species richness - forbs 5 3 3 3 5 2.5 5 6 Tree canopy height 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 7 Tree canopy cover 5 2.5 2.5 5 5 2.5 5 8 Shrub canopy cover - 0 0 - - 0 - 9 Native perennial grass cover 1 0 1 0 1 1 5 10 Organic litter 5 5 3 5 5 5 3 11 Large trees 10 15 15 15 15 0 15 12 Coarse woody debris 2 5 5 2 5 2 5 13 Non-native plant cover 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Total of BioCondition attributes 55.5 53.5 52 60 66 31.5 68 MAX Ecological Condition score 75 80 80 75 75 80 75 /10 7.40 6.69 6.50 8.00 8.80 3.94 9.07 Site context indicators 1 Size of patch (fragmented bioregions) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 2 Connectivity (fragmented bioregions) 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 3 Context (fragmented bioregions) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Distance to permanent watering point (intact bioregions) ------5 Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total of site context attributes 19 19 19 19 19 18 19 MAX Site Context score 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 /10 7.31 7.31 7.31 7.31 7.31 6.92 7.31 Fauna species habitat index 1 Threats to species - 7 7 - - 7 - 2 Quality and availability of food and foraging habitat - 5 5 - - 5 - 3 Quality and availability of shelter - 5 5 - - 5 - 4 Species mobility capacity - 7 10 - - 7 -
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
W004 (advanced W007 (advanced Site number W001 W002 W003 W005 W006 offset) offset) RE 11.3.27 11.3.3 11.3.3 11.3.27 11.3.27 11.3.3 11.3.27 Coolibah TEC Coolibah TEC Colibah TEC Offset matter Wetland Ornamental Ornamental Wetland Wetland Ornamental Wetland snake snake snake
5 Role of site location to species overall population in the state - 3 3 - - 3 -
Total of fauna species habitat index 0 27 30 0 0 27 0 MAX fauna habitat index score 0 50 50 0 0 50 0 /10 0 5.40 6.00 0 0 5.40 0
Habitat quality score (measured) 75 73 71 79 85 50 87 Habitat quality score (maximum) 101 106 106 101 101 106 101 Assessment unit habitat quality score (/10) 7.38 6.84 6.70 7.82 8.42 4.67 8.61
Habitat quality score (measured) FOR FAUNA - 100 101 - - 77 - Habitat quality score (maximum) FOR FAUNA - 156 156 - - 156 - Assessment unit habitat quality score FOR FAUNA (/10) - 6.38 6.47 - - 4.90 -
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Table C2: Species habitat index scoring guide Indicator description Score Species specific index
Habitat is not protected through legislation and/or is likely to be cleared for development or agricultural landuse and/or subject to ongoing degradation. Overgrazing by livestock resulting in irreversible damage to microhabitat including loss of deep cracks in clay soils, High threat level (i.e. likely to result in death, irreversible damage) fallen timber and logs. Site subject to a high level of threat, whether being part of a highly fragmented Known presence of foxes and/or feral cats on site and within adjacent properties and/or known or observed 1 system, without and core area, and previous, present and future management evidence of predation. No active pest animal management on site. realising an ongoing threat No active fire management on site, with habitat either frequently burnt and/or subject to a high risk of uncontrolled wildfire on site, including from adjacent properties. Site is not actively managed for conservation purposes and lack of landholder awareness of threatened species habitat and conservation. Removal of fallen timber.
Habitat is not protected through legislation and is unlikely to be cleared for development or agricultural landuse. Moderate threat level Strategic pulse livestock grazing resulting in irreversible damage to critical microhabitat including deep cracks in Threats to species Site subject to a moderate, realised level of threat, being part of a fragmented clay soils, fallen timber and logs. 7 system, with edge effects resulting in a high edge/core area ratio and/or with Foxes and/or feral cats observed on site or within adjacent properties and/or limited evidence of known or observed previous, present and future management resulting in a moderate level of threat predation. Active pest animal management implemented on site. Active fire management and/or low risk of uncontrolled wildfire on site, including from adjacent properties.
No foxes and/or feral cats observed or known within the vicinity of the site and no known or observed evidence of predation. Successful active pest animal management implemented on site. Habitat protected as part of a legally binding mechanism for an offset and/or National Park and/or Nature Refuge, Low threat level (i.e. likely to survive) with management aimed at maintaining or improving habitat. No actual or realised threats occur on or near the site. Site not part of 15 Livestock grazing excluded from habitat at all times (except for need for fuel load control through strategic grazing, if fragmented system, with no edge effects, and no immediate threat from required) present or future management Active fire management, with controlled burns on site and low risk of uncontrolled wildfire on site, including from adjacent properties. Site is actively managed for conservation purposes to enhance habitat for threatened species.
Overall biocondition score <5 AND/OR Poor 1 <50% of the RE benchmark value for coarse woody debris AND leaf litter Very limited species-specific habitat, conditions or resources available Highly disturbed ground layer
Moderate Overall biocondition score >5 - <8 AND/OR Quality and availability of food and foraging habitat Species-specific habitat, conditions or resources for most relevant stages of the 5 >50% of the RE benchmark for attributes coarse woody debris AND leaf litter. life cycle are present, yet limited Evidence of some disturbance to ground layer reducing habitat condition for known food sources, e.g. frogs.
High Overall biocondition score >8 AND/OR Species-specific habitat, conditions or resources for all relevant stages of the 10 >70% of the RE benchmark for attributes coarse woody debris AND leaf litter. life cycle present Limited evidence of disturbance to ground layer likely to support known food sources, e.g. frogs.
Overall biocondition score <5 AND/OR Poor 1 <50% of the RE benchmark value for coarse woody debris Very limited species-specific habitat, conditions or resources available Limited evidence of potential shelter habitat
Quality and availability of shelter Overall biocondition score >5 - <8 AND/OR Moderate >50% of the RE benchmark for coarse woody debris. Species-specific habitat, conditions or resources for most relevant stages of the 5 Evidence of disturbance to ground layer with presence of potential shelter sites (i.e. fallen timber and ground litter, life cycle are present, yet limited cracks in alluvial clay soils)
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Indicator description Score Species specific index
Overall biocondition score >8 AND/OR High >70% of the RE benchmark for coarse woody debris. Species-specific habitat, conditions or resources for all relevant stages of the 10 No evidence of disturbance to ground layer with presence of potential shelter sites (i.e. fallen timber and ground life cycle present litter, cracks in alluvial clay soils)
Species mobility capacity Barriers within or bounding >75% of the site restricting mobility. Natural barriers may include steep mountain ranges This attribute should be measured in consideration Severely restricted (76–100% reduction) 1 (cliffs), unsuitable habitats, major rivers/water bodies or treeless areas more than 2 km wide. Artificial barriers may of the presence and severity of factors that would include infrastructure (such as roads, rail, mines), or developments that create treeless areas more than 2 km wide. contribute to a reduction in the mobility of the species. For example, when a barrier to movement is created within or between habitats that is likely to Highly restricted (51–75% reduction) 4 Barriers within or bounding 50-75% of the site restricting mobility result in a long-term reduction in genetic fitness or Moderately restricted (26–50% reduction) 7 Barriers within or bounding 25-50% of the site restricting mobility access to important resources. Minor restriction (0–25% reduction) 10 Barriers within or bounding <25% of the site restricting mobility
Site unlikely to support a population of the species and site is within geographical range of the species and site Not or unlikely to be critical to species’ survival 1 contains low quality food, foraging and shelter habitat Site likely to support only a small or relictual species population or community, not near the geographical limit of the species/community range OR there are very few records for migratory species. Site likely to support a population of the species and site is within the geographical range of the species and site 3 contains at least moderate quality food, foraging and/or shelter habitat
Likely to be critical to species’ survival Site supports an important species population for breeding or dispersal, or a Role of site location to species overall population in Evidence of one or more species records within the last 10 years within 5 km of the site and site contains greater community that is a contiguous or functional link between known, important or 4 the state than moderate quality food, foraging and/or shelter habitat key source species populations or communities at the landscape to regional scale, OR is an important stopover habitat for migratory species.
Critical to species survival Site supports a key source species population for breeding and/or dispersal or community at the state to national scale, necessary for maintaining genetic Evidence of one or more species records within the last 10 years and site contains high quality food, foraging and/or 5 diversity AND/OR the population is outside or near the geographical limit of the shelter habitat species/community range OR is critical stopover habitat for migratory species at the national or state scale.
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Threats and recovery actions identified in relevant matter specific documents The threats and recovery actions presented in this table have been taken from relevant documentation including Commonwealth listing and conservation advice, recovery plans and other documentation prepared with the aim of encouraging the conservation of relevant protected matters.
Table D1: Threats and recovery actions Offset matter Identified threats Recovery actions Coolibah TEC The key threats impacting upon the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands ecological community are Research priorities that would inform future regional and local priority actions include: (TSSC: determine optimal management regimes for high quality remnants (e.g. flooding) clearing and fragmentation; development of regimes for managing regrowth across the ecological community and within different catchments. changes to water flows and patterns; Support and enhance existing surveys for the identification of sites of high conservation priority and to gain a better inappropriate grazing regimes; understanding of variation across the ecological community. invasion by exotic species (especially Lippia (Phyla canescens) and African Boxthorn (Lycium support ongoing research aimed at managing weeds within the community including Lippia (Phyla canescens), ferocissimum)) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta var. stricta), Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus low level of protection in reserves geniculatus) and Coolatai Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta). infrastructure and water storage for irrigation, and climate change impacts. Ornamental snake The Brigalow Belt Bioregion in which the ornamental snake is found, is an area of high human The Queensland Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Plan (Richardson, 2006), identifies a number of management actions impact with much of the region modified through agricultural and resource infrastructure including: development (TSSC, 2014). Key threats identified for the ornamental snake include: Inspect and identify suitable habitat for conservation of the ornamental snake broadscale land clearing – legacy of past broadscale land clearing converted to cropping and Identify key threats and development management guidelines to protect key habitat grazing pasture Maximise the establishment of appropriate reserves to protect ornamental snake habitat and landscape connectivity habitat degradation – degradation of known habitat through grazing and trampling of over the long term. important microhabitat structure, including degradation of wetland habitat by feral pigs (Sus Negotiate management agreements and voluntary conservation agreements with landholders and integrate weed and scrofa), and destruction of frog habitat comprising their primary food source. feral predator management programs. Implement recommended fire management guidelines in property and reserve designs. Monitor and evaluate recovery actions applying an adaptive management approach. In the absence of specific conservation advice and list of specific threats, generic threats for each In the absence of specific recovery plans targeting regional ecosystems, recovery is mediated through improvement of regional ecosystem can be summarised as including the following: ecological condition indicators calculated under the Queensland Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality (DEHP clearing and fragmentation – ongoing clearing and fragmentation of regional ecosystems 2014). reduces their representation within landscapes and detrimentally impacts on species of flora and fauna associated with them as well as the ecological functions those regional ecosystems provide. Wetland and watercourse RE degradation – ongoing degradation of regional ecosystem components including reduction in 11.3.27 native plant species richness (including reduction in recruitment of woody perennial species), reduction in canopy, subcanopy, shrub and native perennial grass cover, increase in weed cover, reduction in number of large trees and volume of coarse woody debris. Depending on the type of regional ecosystem (e.g. woodland, forest, grassland or wetland), degradation (through complete or partial loss of ecosystem components) can also have indirect impacts on matters including water quality, erosion, salinity etc.
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Risk assessment
Related Risk Objective Event or circumstance11 Likelihood Consequence Trigger Contingency/s monitoring level activity Habitat condition assessments Performance and/or completion criteria Habitat Meet offset obligations conditioned as part of demonstrate that performance or are not achieved according to approved Possible Moderate Medium Revise this BOMP condition RCEP’s approval completion criteria have not been timeframes assessments met Minimise predation risk by wild dogs, foxes and cats Pest animal predation on the offset Unlikely Moderate Low An increase in the number of pest Review and evaluate monitoring results to General offset to threatened species within the offset area matters or evidence of habitat animals (wild dogs, foxes, feral cat, confirm the issue and inform any necessary site monitoring degradation identified as part of ongoing pig or rabbit) within the offset site additional pest animal surveys within the Habitat offset monitoring events. identified as part of pest animal offset area to identify the extent of the condition Minimise habitat degradation caused by pigs and monitoring event. problem. rabbits within the offset area to reduce impacts on assessments habitat for threatened species and vegetation A decrease in the habitat condition Increase the frequency or revise the type of Photo communities including those that are representative score for the offset matters in invasive pest animal control efforts in monitoring comparison to the baseline accordance with Queensland DAF guidelines of TEC Pest animal condition score or latest condition and in conjunction with neighbouring land monitoring score assessed as part of habitat owners (i.e. implement annual pest animal condition monitoring events control activities and monitoring events for Targeted fauna and flora Cane toads are identified to be first 10 years). surveys present and are considered to be impacting on the viability of ornamental snake Manage invasive weed species to reduce impacts Habitat degradation as a result of Possible Moderate Medium An increase in weed species Review adherence to weed hygiene General offset on habitat for threatened species and vegetation invasive weed species identified as part richness or abundance within the procedures outlined in Section 6.2 (general site monitoring communities including those that are representative of ongoing offset monitoring events offset site identified as part of restrictions) to ensure compliance and Habitat of TEC weed monitoring and habitat update restrictions condition condition assessments. Increase the frequency of weed control assessments measures and monitoring events (i.e. Photo implement annual weed control and monitoring monitoring events for the first 10 years). Weed Investigate alternative and more effective monitoring weed management control actions and implement. Reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires Degradation of habitat condition as a Possible Moderate Medium Decrease in the habitat condition Modify stocking rates, and/or duration and General offset on the condition of habitat for threatened species result of unauthorised or unmanaged of the offset matters identified as frequency of strategic grazing events (i.e. site monitoring and vegetation communities, including those that are grazing and/or uncontrolled fire within the part of habitat condition exclude grazing from the offset areas of the Habitat representative of TEC, through appropriate offset area identified during habitat assessments. affected offset matters for a minimum of 3 condition structures (e.g. firebreaks and maintenance of condition assessments and general offset Evidence of unauthorised or months depending on the severity of the assessments adequate access tracks) and an appropriate site monitoring degradation). unmanaged grazing within the Photo livestock grazing regime offset site identified during ongoing Construction of additional fencing to protect monitoring monitoring events. affected vegetation and offset values. Targeted fauna Uncontrolled fire within the offset and flora area resulting in a decrease in the surveys habitat condition of the offset values. Minimise degradation of ground microhabitat Degradation of offset values as a result Unlikely High Medium Uncontrolled fire within the offset Modify stocking rates, and/or duration and General offset features (coarse woody debris and ground litter) of an uncontrolled fire within the offset area resulting in a decrease in the frequency of strategic grazing events to site monitoring important to ornamental snake area resulting in a decrease in the habitat habitat condition of the offset reduce fuel loads within the offset area Biomass condition of the offset values. values. Amend fire management measures to reduce monitoring A decrease in the habitat condition the risk of an additional uncontrolled fire Habitat of the offset values following an within the offset area including widening condition uncontrolled fire within the offset existing fire breaks, or construction of assessments site. additional firebreaks. Photo Investigate and implement additional monitoring management measures such as Targeted fauna rehabilitation of habitat and vegetation and flora surveys
11 Assumes effective implementation of management measures, as described in the plan.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Related Risk Objective Event or circumstance11 Likelihood Consequence Trigger Contingency/s monitoring level activity communities depending on the severity of the degradation. Amend management measures for the affected offset areas including exclusion of livestock grazing until the affected ecosystem is able to regenerate to at least the baseline habitat quality identified at the start of management. Reduce the risk of damaging hot/uncontrolled fires Degradation of offset values as a result Unlikely High Medium General offset on the condition of habitat for threatened species of over burning (i.e. prolonged burns, Investigate and implement additional site monitoring and vegetation communities, including those that are burns are too hot) of habitat and management measures such as Biomass representative of TEC, through appropriate vegetation communities rehabilitation of habitat and vegetation monitoring structures (e.g. firebreaks and maintenance of communities depending on the severity of Burning practices become Habitat adequate access tracks) and an appropriate the degradation. uncontrolled resulting in a condition livestock grazing regime decrease in the habitat condition of Amend management measures for the assessments the offset values. affected offset areas including exclusion of livestock grazing until the affected ecosystem Photo is able to regenerate to at least the baseline monitoring habitat quality identified at the start of Targeted fauna management. and flora surveys
RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGMENT Table 3: Risk framework Consequence Minor Moderate High Major Critical
Highly Likely Medium High High Severe Severe Likely Low Medium High High Severe Possible Low Medium Medium High Severe Unlikely Low Low Medium High High
Likelihood Rare Low Low Low Medium High Table 4: Likelihood and consequence Qualitative measure of likelihood (how likely is it that this event/circumstances will occur after management actions have been put in place/are being implemented) Highly likely Is expected to occur in most circumstances Likely Will probably occur during the life of the project Possible Might occur during the life of the project Unlikely Could occur but considered unlikely or doubtful Rare May occur in exceptional circumstances Qualitative measure of consequences (what will be the consequence/result if the issue does occur) Minor Minor risk of failure to achieve the plan’s objectives. Results in short term delays to achieving plan objectives, implementing low cost, well characterised corrective actions. Moderate Moderate risk of failure to achieve the plan’s objectives. Results in short term delays to achieving plan objectives, implementing well characterised, high cost/effort corrective actions. High High risk of failure to achieve the plan’s objectives. Results in medium-long term delays to achieving plan objectives, implementing uncertain, high cost/effort corrective actions. Major The plan’s objectives are unlikely to be achieved, with significant legislative, technical, ecological and/or administrative barriers to attainment that have no evidenced mitigation strategies. Critical The plan’s objectives are unable to be achieved, with no evidenced mitigation strategies.
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Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Dry season feed budget
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Dry Season Feed Budget Site Name
Date 1/07/2017
End Date (1 Nov or earlier) 1/11/2017
Amount of feed currently present (Table B) Pasture type Downs Country Kg/Ha Based on Photo Standard Alluvial Kg/Ha Basalt Kg/Ha Buffel grass Kg/Ha Buffel regrowth Kg/Ha Eucalypt woodlands Kg/Ha Eucalyptus box Kg/Ha Bluegrass wiregrass Kg/Ha
Less: Amount of feed desired at end of Dry season 1500 Kg/Ha (Check relevant plan specification; if not available refer to Table A ) Total useable feed Kg/Ha
Utilisation (proportion of useable feed that livestock can use, based on descriptions below) 40% % 0.40 (40%) Native pasture good condition (in good condition) 0.35 (35%) Native pasture (less than 25% desirable (decreaser) species) 0.50 (50%) Improved pasture (usually better adapted to higher grazing pressure)
Feed available for the grazing anaimls = Total usable feed kg/ha x utilisation % 0 Kg/Ha
Feed consumption per day Refer to Table D Kg/Ha Animal / Body weight Dry matter intake (kg/day) Growing cattle / 150 kg 3.7 Growing cattle / 200 kg 5 Growing cattle / 300 kg 7.3 Growing cattle /400 kg 9 Growing cattle / 500 kg+ 11.1 Dry pregnant mature cows 11.2 Lactating Cows 12.6
Determine the number of days of feed required Days eg. Start date April 1 → End date November 1 = 214 days
Feed requirement 0 Kg/Head = Feed consumption/day x NO. of days
Stocking Rate #DIV/0! Ha/Head = Feed requirement (Kg/Hd) ÷ Feed available (Kg/Ha)
Area of paddock Ha
Number of stock #DIV/0! Head = Area of paddock (Ha) ÷ stocking rate (Ha/Hd) TABLE A SUGGESTED MINIMUM AMOUNT OF FEED TO GIVE ADEQUATE COVER AND TO PROVIDE A BASE FOR NEW SEASON PASTURE GROWTH
RAINFALL ZONE (mm) BRIGALOW FOREST DOWNS* BLACK SPINIFEX I GIDGEE SPEAR 500 800 550 800 450 600 1000 650 1000 800 700 1200 750 1200 1000 800 1400 - 750 1200 *Higher if parthenium a potential problem
800 - 1500 Kg/Ha needed for a successful burn
TABLE B Pasture types Refer to relevant Pasture Photo Standard http://futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/pasture-photo-standards/
Alluvial Downs Country Basalt Buffel grassBuffel regrowthEucalypt woodlandsEucalyptus box Bluegrass wiregrass 450 540 300 400 750 500 140 510 700 1080 800 1050 1250 850 500 960 950 2140 1400 1650 1500 1200 1010 1170 1940 3015 2000 2850 1750 1800 1230 1750 2560 3850 3000 4750 2650 2500 3000 2710 4250 5040 4000 7550 3750 3600 5490 3840
TABLE C Utilisation (40%) Native pasture good condition (in good condition) 0.4 (35%) Native pasture (less than 25% desirable (decreaser) species) 0.35 (50%) Improved pasture (usually better adapted to higher grazing pressure) 0.5
TABLE D DRY MATTER INTAKE OF BEEF CATTLE ANIMAL BODY WEIGHT (Kg) AVERAGE DAILY GAIN DRY MATTER INTAKE (Kg/DAY) (Kg/DAY) *
GROWING 150 0.00 3.0 CATTLE 0.25 3.3 0.50 3.6 0.75 3.7 200 0.00 3.7 0.25 4.4 0.50 4.8 0.75 5.0 300 0.00 5.0 0.25 6.0 0.50 6.9 0.75 7.3 400 0.00 6.2 0.25 7.4 0.50 8.6 0.75 9 500 0.00 7.8 (estimated) 0.25 9.3 0.50 10.6 0.75 11.1 DRY PREGNANT 350 0.00 8.7 MATURE COWS 450 0.00 11.2 LACTATING 350 0.00 9.8 COWS 450 0.00 12.6 *Values from: Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle #4 NAS ( 1970) Minson & McDonald ( 1987) Tropical Grasslands 21 :3 Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
ACOS Annexures
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AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
ANNEX I: CROP PRODUCTION INPUTS Annexes Note this Annex is for crop inputs only (i.e., not for post-harvest use). Some inputs that are prohibited or restricted for animal treatment or other uses are listed. Check the other Annexes for cross reference.
Note also that all applications to crops and stock require conformance with appropriate regulation and registration in each state. This is in addition to specific requirements of sections 4 and 5 of this Standard.
How to use this Annex: The list below notes whether or not you are permitted to use such products in your certified farming operation for the Australian marketplace. Note that there may be additional export market requirements or restrictions on some product or input use. Onus is on the operator to ensure they are also compliant with these requirements (e.g., USDA NOP, Japan (JAS) etc.).
Note also that use of inputs such as manures and other biological products, if not registered by Australian Certified Organic as an Allowed Input (see the register at aco.net.au or contact the certification office), the onus is on the operator to ensure that such products do not exceed allowances for presence of heavy metals, OPs, OCs and other contaminants including pathogens. Such onus shall include regular testing of each batch used. Registered products have been independently verified and regularly tested and do not require such further testing by the end user.
A Allowed R Restricted P Prohibited A
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Animal byproducts R Includes meatmeal, bone meal and urine. Ideally fully composted and materials prior to use. Also see separate listings under “Manures”. Leather byproducts are prohibited. Application of abattoir byproducts is only allowed in restricted instances for use as fertiliser on areas where ruminants or herbivore livestock are to be grazed. Note some market prohibition for this practice (e.g., UK). Aquatic plant products R Natural (non-synthetic) extracts are allowed. Extraction and including algae stabilisation with most synthetic solvents is prohibited. Potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are permitted. Aquatic plant products are usually prohibited if they contain other synthetic preservatives, such as formaldehyde, or are fortified with prohibited nutrients. Arsenate treated timber R Includes copper-chromium arsenate. Arsenate treated timber cannot be in contact with soil used to grow vegetables (e.g., boxed beds). If fence posts are treated, an appropriate distance shall be maintained between posts and crops or vines so as to prevent contamination – see section 4.8. This may require verification by operator. New additions of such treated timbers into orchards, vineyards, etc. shall only be allowed in restricted instances of no sustainable alternatives available. Some markets (e.g., US) prohibit use of this product. Ash R Ash from untreated plant sources only. Operators who use ash obtained from off-farm sources may be required to obtain an analysis of contaminants, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium & lead. Azadirachta indica R See “Neem”
96 © 2013 Australian Organic Ltd. All rights reserved.
B
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Bacillus thuringiensis A 1 Basalt A Beneficial organisms A I ncluding but not limited to: viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, insects, nematodes, plants and animals. Biodynamic preparations A 2 Biological controls A such as microbes or insects Biosolids R See Standard, section 4.4 Blood and blood meal R See “Animal byproducts and materials” 3 Bones and bone meal R See “Animal byproducts and materials” Borates R See “Boron products” Bordeaux mixes R See “Copper products” 4 Boric acid R See “Boron products” Boron products R May be used as a micronutrient with a documented deficiency or observed need with a plan to avoid nutrient imbalances. See “Micronutrients”. 5 Botanical pesticides R Botanical pesticides must be part of a biorational pest management program, and cannot be the primary method of pest control in the OMP. The least-toxic botanicals must be used in the least ecologically disruptive way possible. Restrictions and directions must be followed, including crops, livestock, target pests, safety precautions, pre-harvest intervals and worker re-entry. Pure nicotine and tobacco 6 products are prohibited. Burgundy mixes R See “Copper products” 7 C
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Calcium carbonate A 8 Calcium A Natural sources or naturally derived sources, e.g., limestone Calcium sulphate R See “Gypsum” Carbon dioxide gas R Permitted for post-harvest Chelates (natural) R Including chelates produced utilising chelants such as amino acids, 9 citric acid, tartaric acid and other di- and tri-acid chelatants, and lignin sulphonate. Clay A Bentonites, Kaolin Compost A Aerobic or anaerobic – see section 4.3 Annexes
97 AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
Compost tea A C ompost used for tea must be made from material that meets compost Standards and does not pose end biological or other contamination Annexes risks to crops or stock. Copper products R B ordeaux mixes, copper hydroxide and copper sulphates are permitted. Copper cannot be used as an herbicide and shall be used in a manner that prevents excessive copper accumulation in the soil. On an average rolling basis copper application up to 6 kg/ha/annum is permissible as a restricted input. Coprameal A Cottonseed meal R Use only if certified organically grown, documented to be residue free or thoroughly composted prior to use. Note no use of GMO cotton source allowed.
D
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Diatomaceous earth A Dolomite, Mined A Magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate
E
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Enzymes R Natural sources Epsom salts A Magnesium sulphate Equipment cleaners R Allowed equipment cleaners include acetic acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, soap and water.
F
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Feldspar R See “Minerals, Mined” Fertilisers, Blended R O perators using blended fertilisers containing restricted ingredients must adhere to the regulations for all of the restricted ingredients. Fish emulsions R See “Fish products” Fish meal R See “Fish products” Fish products R Fish products are prohibited if they contain synthetic preservatives or are fortified with otherwise prohibited plant nutrients (e.g., urea). Foliar sprays R Prohibited if product contains any prohibited materials. Shall be supplementary to soil amendments and conditioners and holistic soil building and management program.
98 © 2013 Australian Organic Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fruit Wax R Carnauba or wood extracted wax are acceptable. Products coated with wax must be indicated as such on the shipping container or packaging and comply with importing country requirements. Note not acceptable for EU market. 1 G
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Garlic A 2 Granite dust A See “Minerals, Mined” Greensand A Potassium silicate: See “Minerals, Mined” Guano (bat or bird) R See “Manures, Raw” for restrictions on bat or bird manure. 3 Gypsum R Mined forms that have not been chemically synthesised or modified are acceptable.
H 4 INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Homoeopathic preparations A Hoof and horn meal R Note restrictions for animal products above. 5 Humates R Humates are usually natural deposits that are mined and may have high trace mineral content.
i 6
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Inoculants R See “Microbial products” 7 Insect extracts A Iron (III) phosphate Plant pest control
K 8
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Kelp extracts R See “Aquatic plant products” 9 Kelp meal A
Annexes
99 AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
L Annexes INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Langbeinite A A lso known as “Sulphate of potash – magnesia” See “Minerals, Mined” Lime sources A Including oystershell flour, dolomite, aragonite, sugar lime
and mined CaCO3 Lime sulphur R Includes calcium polysulphide. Foliar application as a fungicide is restricted. May be used as an insecticide in restricted instances. Note potential impact on beneficial insects
M
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Magnesium carbonate A Naturally occurring in dolomite and magnesite
Magnesium sulphate A Kieserite or epsom salts Manures, composted R Must be aerobically or anaerobically composted. See “Compost” and section 4.3 of Standard. Manures, raw R Sheet composting is allowed under strict conditions only – see section 4.1.3 (b) or where arising from direct stock grazing. Withholding periods required before access is allowed for livestock for grazing Microbial inoculants R See “Microbial products” Microbial products R A llowed materials include rhizobium bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, yeast and other microorganisms. Microbial products are prohibited if the final product contains synthetic preservatives such as sodium sulphite, or if they are fortified with otherwise prohibited plant nutrients. Micronutrients R Use is allowed only for a documented or observed need with a plan to avoid nutrient imbalances. Trace elements made from nitrates or chlorides are not allowed. Micronutrients include: boron, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc. Milk and milk byproducts A Includes whey and whey products. Mined minerals R Natural sources only Molasses A Mulches R Certified and/or registered AI products preferred, and required where contact with certified end product occurs. Mushroom compost R See “Compost” for guideline.
100 © 2013 Australian Organic Ltd. All rights reserved.
N–O
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Neem extract R Powder and seeds. See “Botanicals” for restrictions. 1 Neem cake/meal A Used as a soil amendment or fertiliser. Nicotine P Prohibited Oils R See “Petroleum distillates” 2 P INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES 3 Peat moss R Permitted for nursery production. Perlite A Petroleum distillates R Narrow-range (light) petroleum derivatives allowed for use in organic production as suffocating oils on foliage, as dormant or 4 summer oils, and as inert ingredients. Direct application to harvested crop is prohibited. Some market restrictions may apply. Pheromones A Phosphate rock R See ‘Minerals, Mined’ 5 Plant extracts R Natural sources only. Synthetic ingredients not permitted. Plant products A Includes plant preparations, extracts and teas. Plastics for mulch R Must not be incorporated into soil or left in field to decompose. and solarisation Must be removed at the end of the growing season and/or managed 6 to ensure protection of soil microbiological life, while being disposed of in environmentally sound ways. Weed mat is allowed where it allows free movement of air into the soil. Pomace A 7 Potassium bicarbonate A Potassium glauconite A Potassium soap R Pest and disease management Potassium sulphate R Mined natural sources 8 Propolis A Pyrethrins R Only naturally occurring and naturally derived forms are allowed. Synthetic pyrethroids are prohibited. Note that any Pyerthrins containing piperonyl butoxide (PB) as a synergist cannot be used. 9
Annexes
101 AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
Annexes Q–R INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Quassia R Extracted from Quassia amara. Rock dusts A See “Minerals, Mined” Rodent traps A Mechanical traps are acceptable. Rotenone P Ryania R See “Botanical pesticides” for restrictions.
S
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Sawdust, bark R From untreated sources & wood waste Seaweed A See “Aquatic plant products” Slurry R Composting and testing shall be required for non-certified sources. Soap, insecticidal R I nsecticidal soaps consisting of fatty acids naturally derived from animal or vegetable oils are permitted for use. May also be used as adjuvants/wetters (spreader-stickers, surfactants and carriers). Sodium bicarbonate A Pest and disease management Sodium molybdate R T o correct documented molybdenum deficiencies See “Micronutrients” Sodium silicate A As a fungicidal Sticky barriers and traps A Stonemeal A Straw A Mulch from non-contaminated source. Uncertified sources must not have contact with edible portions of crop. Sugar A Sulphate of potash R Natural sources Sulphates of zinc or iron R May be used only to correct for deficiencies determined by soil or plant tissue testing. Sulphur R Natural sources
102 © 2013 Australian Organic Ltd. All rights reserved.
T
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES Trace minerals R Includes micronutrients from natural sources. See Micronutrients. 1 Treated seed – natural forms R Seeds treated with naturally occurring biological control agents, or pelletised with non-synthetic coatings such as clay are allowed. Prohibited seed treatments include synthetic fungicides and pesticides. 2 U–V
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Vegetable oils R Spreader-stickers, surfactants and carriers. 3
Vermiculite A Vinegars R For pest control. Natural sources. Virus sprays A 4 Vitamins R Natural sources of all vitamins and synthetic sources of vitamins B1, C and E may be used in certified organic crop production.
W–Z 5
INPUT ACOS CROP PRODUCTION INPUT NOTES
Wax – carnauba R Citrus. Note restrictions or prohibitions of some importing countries. Wetting agents R Natural wetting agents, including saponins and microbial wetting 6 agents are allowed. Polyacrylamides and other synthetic wetting agents are prohibited. Wood ash R See “Ash” Worm castings R Feed source shall comply with the compost input requirements 7 and worm liquid of this Standard. Yeast A See “Microbial products” Zeolites A Zinc sulphate R To correct deficiencies 8 9
Annexes
103 AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
Annexes ANNEX II: LIVESTOCK TREATMENTS & INPUTS Materials used in livestock production have one of the following designations:
A ALLOWED materials may be used on animals in the certification program. Many allowed materials contain advisory information on their use. Allowed materials must still be used only under the guidelines set by appropriate authorities.
R RESTRICTED materials are allowed by the certifier only with certain restrictions and only if no alternatives are feasible. The use of these materials is discouraged. Efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of restricted materials are required in the organic management plan.
P PROHIBITED materials may not be used on livestock in the certification program. In the case of slaughter animals, the use of a prohibited material requires separation of these animals from certified organic stock. In the case of breeding, dairy, laying or fibre producing animals, an adequate withdrawal or transition time must occur. These withdrawal periods are contained in table 5a or are contained in the following materials list.
The list below notes whether or not you are permitted to use such products in your certified farming operation for the Australian marketplace. Note that there may be additional export market requirements or restrictions on some product or input use. Onus is on the operator to ensure they are also compliant with these requirements (e.g., USDA NOP, Japan (JAS) etc.).
A
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Acetic acid R Includes cider vinegar from certified sources Alcohol R Ethyl, methyl (methylated spirits) and isopropyl alcohol are allowed in medications and topically as disinfectants only Anaesthetics R Required for some surgical treatments. Withholding periods apply Antibiotics P Treated meat animals shall require permanent withdrawal from certification. See table 5a for medication treatments policy. Aquatic plant products R From natural sources
B
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Bentonite R Biological controls A Brewer’s yeast R Botanical insecticides R Including but not limited to pyrethrum, quassia, neem, garlic. Pure nicotine and strychnine prohibited
104 © 2013 Australian Organic Ltd. All rights reserved.
C
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES Charcoal A 1 Cleaning agents R Includes alcohol, natural soaps Cobalt R See “Minerals, Mined” Copper sulphate R For topical use and as an essential nutrient 2 D–F
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Diatomaceous earth R 3 Dolomite A Electrolytes R May not contain antibiotics or other prohibited substances Epsom salts A See “Magnesium sulphate” Fluorosilicate R Magnesium form 4 Folic acid R See “Vitamins” G–K 5 INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Herbal preparations R Herbs and herbal preparations taken internally by livestock must be certified organically grown and prepared. Homoeopathic preparations R Ingredients must comply with this Standard 6 Hydrogen peroxide A Iodine A Allowed as a feed supplement and as a topical disinfectant
L–N 7
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES Lime sulphur A 8 Magnesium fluorosilicate R Magnesium sulphate R Meat meal R Prohibited for ruminants and herbivores. In markets such as EU and US, prohibited for all animal feeds. Mineral oil R 9 Minerals, Non-synthetic A Includes mined minerals Minerals, Synthetic R Limited to those approved for animal use in cases of documented deficiency. Shall not contain contaminants or prohibited substances Annexes
105 AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STANDARD 2013
Molasses R N on-organic molasses is allowed as a feed supplement where no organic molasses is available. See Feeds in section 5 of this Standard. Annexes Nicotine P
O–R
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Oils, vegetable R M ay be used for external treatments or in combination with external treatments. Internal use requires certified product as part of feed ration. Potassium permanganate R For disinfecting livestock facilities. Post-washdown with clean water required Probiotics R Pyrethrins R Only naturally occurring and naturally derived forms are allowed. Synthetic pyrethroids are prohibited. Please note that any pyerthrins containing piperonyl butoxide (PB) as a synergist are not permitted
S–T
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Salt licks R Not containing urea or other prohibited substances Seaweed R Natural sources only Selenium R May be fed or injected to livestock to treat for documented deficiencies Shell grit A Soap R May be used as a disinfectant for livestock and facilities Sodium chloride R Allowed as a feed supplement Sulphur A Internally & externally for parasites Tallow R Not as an internal treatment for ruminants or herbivores
U–V
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Vitamins R Limited to those approved for animal use in cases of documented deficiency Vaccines R M ay be used for specific diseases that are known to exist on the farm or in the region, or where there is a mandate from relevant authorities
W–Z
INPUT ACOS LIVESTOCK TREATMENT INPUT NOTES
Zinc sulphate R Mineral lick
106 Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality Version 1.2 April 2017
Environment & Community Manager Status: Final Effective: 2/08//2018 Owner: Page 60 of 61 Rolleston Open Cut Version: 5 Review: Uncontrolled when printed
Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality A toolkit for assessing land based offsets under the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Version 1.2 April 2017
Prepared by: Biodiversity Integration and Offsets, Ecosystem Outcomes, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
© State of Queensland, 2014. The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence.
Under this licence you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms. You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication. For more information on this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en
Disclaimer This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy.
If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3170 5470.
This publication can be made available in an alternative format (e.g. large print or audiotape) on request for people with vision impairment; phone +61 7 3170 5470 or email
April 2017
Contents 1 Purpose and application of this guide ...... v 2 Habitat quality assessment ...... 6 2.1 Habitat quality scoring ...... 6 2.2 Types of habitat quality assessments ...... 6 3 Rapid assessment process (impact site only) ...... 7 4 Standard assessment process ...... 7 4.1 Assessor variation ...... 8 4.2 Desktop assessment ...... 8 4.3 Prepare a map to define the assessment units...... 9 4.4 Assessing field-based attributes ...... 9 5 Site condition assessment ...... 11 5.1 Introduction ...... 11 5.1.1 How to measure field based attributes ...... 11 6 Site context assessment ...... 18 6.1 Introduction ...... 18 6.2 Undertaking a site context assessment ...... 18 7 Fauna species habitat assessment ...... 23 7.1 Species habitat index (included for fauna species offsets only) ...... 23 7.2 Undertaking a species habitat index assessment ...... 23 8 Determine the final habitat quality score ...... 26 9 Glossary ...... 29 10 References...... 30 11 Appendices ...... 31 11.1 Impact site assessment sheet ...... 31 11.2 Offset site assessment sheet ...... 32 11.3 Checklist ...... 33 11.4 Additional information ...... 34 11.5 Measuring species threat examples ...... 36 11.6 Intact and fragmented subregions of Queensland ...... 37
iii
1 Purpose and application of this guide This guide has been developed by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) to assist proponents measuring the habitat quality of a land based offset under the Queensland Environmental Offset Policy (QEOP). The guide is based on the methodology set out in the BioCondition Assessment Manual and BioCondition benchmarks, as developed by the Queensland Herbarium. ‘Habitat quality’ is the currency for measuring these values based on three key indicators, site condition, site context and species habitat index. This approach aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) Environmental Offsets Policy measure of ‘habitat quality’ and is intended to provide a consistent framework for environmental offsets in Queensland. The purpose of this guideline is to provide a methodology for proponents for determining the habitat quality of sites under the Queensland Environmental Offsets framework. The guideline is used as a step-by-step methodology explaining how to measure habitat quality for land-based offsets for the following items under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014: • Regulated Vegetation (Schedule 2 Section 2) • Protected Wildlife Habitat (Schedule 2 Section 6(4)) • Advanced offsets for Regulated Vegetation and Protected Wildlife Habitat. For impacts on bushland koala habitat, high value rehabilitation koala habitat and medium value rehabilitation koala habitat in South East Queensland (Schedule 2 Section 6(3) of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014), the only required analysis is the number of non-juvenile koala habitat trees present. A land-based offset involves securing and managing a parcel of land in order to provide a conservation outcome for impacted prescribed environmental matters. Habitat quality is an essential part of the assessment of a land-based offset. Habitat quality is assessed to ensure that an offset site is of a suitable quality and can achieve a gain in habitat quality sufficient to compensate for a significant residual impact at the impact site. Use of this guideline is mandatory unless an alternative approach is approved by EHP. Note any alternative methodology will have to demonstrate that it can achieve measurable comparative habitat quality score that can be replicated, and can demonstrate capacity to meet the rules for a conservation outcome in this guideline (see sections 3 and 4).
v
2 Habitat quality assessment Habitat quality is assessed through a strategic combination of indicators that measure the overall viability of the site and its capacity to support a prescribed environmental matter. The process for assessing habitat quality is designed in a simple and repeatable way. The process includes mapping, field measurements and simple calculations to score the indicators. The assessment must measure habitat quality at the impact site and the offset site in order to quantify and compare scores. Each of the three indicators are scored, then summed and translated to a final score out of 10. This process is undertaken using either the rapid or standard assessment process in sections 3 and 4 respectively. The key indicators for determining habitat quality of a land based impact site or an offset site are: • site condition: a general condition assessment of vegetation compared to a benchmark • site context: an analysis of the site in relation to the surrounding environment • species habitat index: the ability of the site to support a species. The variance in structure, function and quality of habitat on an impact or offset site is accounted for by delineating sites into ‘assessment units’ based on broad condition state and distinct1 regional ecosystems. Once the habitat quality of an offset site has been determined it is then assessed based on its ability to improve and provide a conservation outcome for the impacted matter.
2.1 Habitat quality scoring A land-based offset site must be considered an equivalent replacement of the habitat values lost at the impact site. The habitat scoring system involves scores out of 10, whereby a maximum score of 10 represents a fully intact system, scores of 4, 5 and 6 may indicate good quality regrowth or medium value habitat, and a minimum score of 1 would indicate a totally cleared area.
2.2 Types of habitat quality assessments In order to measure habitat quality, three indicators—site condition, site context and species habitat index—are combined. Site condition and site context are measured for all sites, while species habitat index is only included when impacted matters include Protected Wildlife Habitat. Each indicator is scored and the sum of the scores determines the final habitat quality score for any given site. The following formula is used:
Site condition + Site context + Species habitat index = Habitat quality score (measured)
For the impact site, a proponent may choose to assess habitat quality using one of two methods: • the rapid assessment process, or • the standard assessment process. The standard assessment process requires both field-based and desktop type assessment, whilst the rapid assessment process requires only a desktop assessment. For the offset site, a proponent must assess habitat quality using the standard assessment process.
1 A ‘distinct’ regional ecosystem refers to one regional ecosystem type.
6
3 Rapid assessment process (impact site only) The Rapid assessment process assumes an impact site habitat quality score of 7. This score represents an average score of a generic remnant regional ecosystem in Queensland. It is derived from Queensland Herbarium expert analysis and from Broad Vegetation Group (BVG) data obtained from the EHP offsets financial calculator. It is important to note that conducting a rapid assessment process is only applicable to the impact site and cannot be used to predict the values at the offset site. The offset site must be assessed using the standard assessment process. The rapid assessment process is particularly useful where time and resources are limited and/or the impact site is not a degraded site. In order to achieve a conservation outcome, the following rules2 must be followed in delivering a land-based offset: 1. After 20 years, the offset site habitat quality score must be at least 1 point greater than the impact site habitat quality score (at the time of impact)3; and 2. After 20 years, the offset site habitat quality score must have achieved an overall habitat quality score gain of 2 points.
4 Standard assessment process The standard assessment process is identical for both the impact and offset sites. After calculating the habitat quality score of the impact site, this score can be input into the Land-based Offsets Multiplier Calculator to determine an offset size multiplier based on the applicable BVG or Species Functional Group. This multiplier can be used to determine the appropriate size of the offset site relative to the size of the impact. Note that the Land- based Offsets Multiplier Calculator uses fixed assumptions based upon the Commonwealth offset assessment guide, and on data provided by the Queensland Herbarium. These include assumptions about confidence in result and the predicted future quality with and without an offset. Offset applications that propose a conservation outcome at a lower multiplier than that calculated by the Land-based Offsets Multiplier Calculator will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In order to achieve a conservation outcome, the rules as outlined in Section 3 above must be followed. The following information and equipment are recommended prior to undertaking the field-based component of the standard assessment process.
2 Note that an offset delivery plan which proposes a habitat quality condition gain of more than 2 points is likely to incur greater costs than standard management actions would normally require and include higher levels of uncertainty in regards to successful delivery. Plans that propose to achieve a habitat quality score of 9 or 10 will need to clearly demonstrate the actions to achieve this and the subsequent assessment of the plan will include appropriate scrutiny given the difficulty and uncertainty of achieving the proposed condition. 3In instances where this would require an offset site to achieve a habitat quality score of higher than 10 after 20 years, then a score of 10 must be achieved.
7
Recommended field equipment • 100m transect tape • 1m x 1m quadrat for measuring ground cover (or one–metre–long sticks) • compass (to lay out the area) • star pickets for the zero metre and 50m point along the transect for relocating the area • flagging tape • a diameter tape or a smaller measuring tape • benchmark documents for each of the regional ecosystems assessed (these can be found on the EHP website at http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/) (a reference site should be used where there is no available benchmark; see Appendix 11.4) • a clinometer, hypsometer or ruler for measuring tree heights • a camera • clipboard, pencils and erasers • Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver unit • copies of the field assessment sheet • Regional Ecosystem technical descriptions which can be found on the EHP website, RE descriptions also available from an EHP business centre. • 50m transect tape (optional) • flagging tape (optional) • plant identification books (optional).
4.1 Assessor variation Significant variation can occur between persons undertaking field assessment regardless of expertise or experience (Kelly et al, 2011). A minimum of two assessors is recommended to compare results. Where there is variation amongst assessors, it is best to average the results. However, if there is significant variation amongst assessors, it is recommended that assessors compare and review their methods to identify and correct any differences or deficiencies in the approach. In the event of further variation in results, guidance should be sought from an experienced assessor.
The habitat quality assessment provides a methodology which should yield consistent scoring across sites even when different assessors are involved. However, consistency is best when the same assessor(s) carries out the habitat quality assessments at both the impact site and offset site.
4.2 Desktop assessment Prior to undertaking any field based assessment, it is recommended that a standard desktop assessment of the impact and or offset site is undertaken. This desktop assessment should quantify the full range and extent of ecosystems and threatened species records present both on site and in the surrounding landscape. A desktop assessment can save time and money by ensuring proper preparation before commencing the field assessment. A desktop assessment can include a review of mapping material to identify assessment units, but can also assist to identify logistics of travel and any potential safety risks. Maps and tables produced through this assessment are crucial in planning the extent of field work required to meet the requirements of the habitat quality guide.
8 4.3 Prepare a map to define the assessment units Units of assessment are mapped to determine where the sample sites will be and how many are required to adequately assess the site’s condition. Assessment units are relatively homogenous, defined by a distinct regional ecosystem (RE) and isolation from other patches of vegetation. The steps in this process are: 1. Create a digital map that reflects the vegetation communities on the ground and their extent. Also include important landmarks such as roads, fences, watering points and property boundaries. 2. Divide the map into assessment units (the minimum assessment unit size should be 1 hectare (ha)) taking note of the following to assist in defining boundaries: - ensure the area is a distinct RE or species habitat; or - whether the RE or species habitat is isolated from other patches of vegetation.
Figure 1: An impact area divided into assessment units (Eyre et al. 2011a)
4.4 Assessing field-based attributes Once the assessment units have been defined, sampling sites within each assessment unit need to be selected. These sampling sites should be placed within the assessment unit in a way that represents the typical structure and function of the habitat or ecosystem. As a guide it is best to aim for two to five randomly selected sampling sites per assessment unit, depending on the size of the unit. A random sampling site selection methodology may be to generate a coordinate for the 50m point i.e. the centre of the plot to be used in the site condition analysis. The bearing for the 100m axis should then follow the contour, or topographic position (e.g. gully, midslope, ridge).
9 Table 1: Guide to number of sampling sites relative to assessment unit size
Assessment unit size Suggested number of sampling sites
0–50 hectares (ha) At least two
50–100ha Three
100–500ha Four
500–1000ha Five
More than 1000ha Six
It may be possible to reduce the number of sampling sites if it can be demonstrated that different assessment units containing the same RE are in the same condition. See Box 1 and Figure 2 about streamlining field sampling sites.
Box 1 – Streamlining field sampling sites
Field assessment across a single assessment unit containing discrete polygons can be streamlined if it can be demonstrated that each polygon is uniform or in the same general condition. Evidence to be supplied to the decision maker may include recent remote sensing or aerial imagery and must be supported by sufficient photographic evidence and the GPS location of the sites. Once the evidence has been recorded, the individual site measurements are no longer necessary and the total number of sampling sites can be reduced. For example, an impact site within an intact landscape may have an assessment unit in six separate areas (consisting of the same remnant RE) over a 2000ha extent. This could be reduced by half by sampling just three representative sites where photographic evidence and aerial imagery demonstrates the uniformity and consistency in site condition across the Figure 2: Diagram explaining field streamlining impact area. as outlined in Box 1
Sampling sites should be located in areas typical of the assessment unit. For example, sampling sites should not be located in weedy, disturbed roadside areas where the rest of the assessment unit is relatively undisturbed. When undertaking a field assessment it is best practice to take photographic evidence at each assessment unit facing north, south, east and west. This evidence will support the findings of each site and should be supplied to the decision maker.
10 5 Site condition assessment
Bird nest fern in a tall rainforest Wait-a-while vine covering rainforest Pumpkin Gum (Eucalyptus tree, Kuranda National Park, Far trees, Kuranda National Park, Far pachycalyx) – a rare gum tree North Queensland North Queensland near Irvinebank, Far North Queensland Photographs by G. Mogridge.
5.1 Introduction An integral step in determining whether an offset site is suitable is to establish its capacity to support the prescribed environmental matters requiring an offset. The on-site condition is a key element of habitat quality and has a direct influence on the biodiversity it supports. Site condition is assessed using a suite of attributes to describe the structure and function of the vegetation community, compared to the expected range for a relatively undisturbed community.
5.1.1 How to measure field based attributes After completing the desktop component of the site condition assessment, it is assumed that verification and ground-truthing of the desktop information will occur. As part of the verification and ground-truthing process, it may be necessary to refine the assessment unit mapping to reflect any on-ground variation. It will also be useful for assessors to have an understanding of the historical use of the site/s prior to undertaking field-based assessment. Please note that the following steps can be undertaken in any order (except Step 1 which must be completed first) and attributes can be measured in combination, if the assessor believes this will improve efficiency. However, to complete this assessment, each attribute must be measured accurately. There are six steps and 13 attributes to measure. The 13 attributes are scored using Table 2—Guide for site condition scoring sheet. Step 1: Lay out the plot • Lay a 100m transect line following the contour of the land (i.e. along a slope as opposed to up or down a slope). • Mark the 50m point on the transect line with a star picket or temporary marker—this point acts as the centre of the plot. • From the 50m point:
o Record the area number, on-ground regional ecosystem, date of assessment and the property or location name, and GPS location.
4 o Take landscape photos along and perpendicular to the transect line, to provide a record of the tree and shrub layers and the general condition of the area.
4 The standard camera lens length is 50mm.
11 From the zero (0m) point, use a compass to record the direction (compass bearing) the transect follows and record the location of this point using GPS. Step 2: Tree species richness, tree canopy height, recruitment of woody perennial species and number of large trees For steps 2-6 a copy of the benchmark document should be available. In the absence of an available benchmark, a reference site should be used (see Appendix 11.4 for details). • Measure and mark out 25m either side of the transect line to create a large 100m x 50m plot. Four attributes are measured within this plot area. • Refer to the benchmark document to determine if there are separate benchmarks for the canopy, emergent and/or sub-canopy layers (see Figure 3 for visual illustration of these layers). If more than one layer is identified in the benchmark document, then assessment of each layer is required for the canopy height and cover attributes.
Figure 3: Example of determining the median height of the ecologically dominant layer (Eyre et al. 2011a) • Assess the ‘number of large native trees’ by counting the number of trees over a certain size threshold, as recorded on the benchmark document for the regional ecosystem being assessed. If no benchmark exists for the regional ecosystem of interest, use the threshold of 30cm diameter at breast height (DBH) for ‘eucalypt’ trees (genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Lophostemon and Syncarpia) and 20cm DBH for ‘non-eucalypts’. A consistent approach should be applied to determine if trees fall into these classifications. For a species of tree that typically occurs in multi stemmed form, branching below 1.3m, within the particular regional ecosystem that is measured, at least one of the stems must meet a threshold of 20cm DBH, where no benchmark exists. • Assess ‘recruitment of woody perennial species’ by observing the proportion of the ecologically dominant layer species regenerating (<5cm DBH). One individual is required for each species to be counted as considered present. For example, if there are four dominant species of trees recorded in the benchmark then four species need to occur as regeneration to make up 100%. • Assess native ‘tree canopy height’ by using a clinometer or hypsometer. Measure the height of trees in the ecologically dominant layer at the highest leaf in metres and determine the median canopy height. The median canopy height is the height that has 50% of canopy trees larger and 50% smaller than it. • Where the data is available in the benchmark for emergent and sub-canopy, assess ‘tree canopy height’ for these layers as well. In this instance, when determining the score for ‘tree canopy height’ this will be based on the average score from all tree canopy layers, for example, the median height for the emergent, sub-canopy and canopy layers. • Assess native ‘tree species richness’ by counting the number of different native tree species present.
12 Step 3: Native species richness and non-native plant cover • Mark out the 25m and 75m points along the transect, for example with a star picket or flagging tape. • Measure 5m either side of the transect at this point to create a 50m x 10m plot. • Assess ‘native plant species richness’ by slowly walking along the plot, looking each side of the centre- line and tallying the number of species in each of the three life-forms: shrubs5, grasses and forbs/other. (This step does not include ‘tree species richness’ which is assessed in another step).
• Assess all ‘non-native plant cover’ by estimating the cover of exotic species over the 50m x 10m plot. The estimate can be improved by dividing this plot into 20 smaller 5m x 5m sub-plots (10 each side of the transect line) and then determining the average across all 20.
Step 4: Coarse woody debris • At the 25m and 75m points along the transect line, measure 10m either side of the centre line to create a 50m x 20m sub-plot. • ‘Coarse woody debris’ is assessed by measuring the total length of all logs within the sub plot that are:
o > 10cm diameter (only measure that component of the log that is > 10cm and within the sub plot); and
o > 0.5m in total length; and o > 80% per cent in contact with the ground. Additionally: o only record the length of the log measured to the boundary line of the subplot.
o Note that the total measured value is multiplied by 10 for comparison with the benchmark (which is a metre per hectare value)
5Shrubs take their definition from the published benchmark document. Where a benchmark document does not exist and the proponent is relying on a reference site, then shrub will take its ordinary or common meaning. Where there is subjectivity in this meaning, for example, Mulga can exist as both a shrub and a small tree, it can be circumvented by applying the same definition to both the impact and offset site.
13 Step 5: Native perennial grass cover, organic litter • Starting at the 25m point, mark out and measure five 1m x 1m squares located 10m apart on alternate sides—along the transect line until the 65m point. • It may be acceptable to move the squares one metre up or down the transect line where an obstacle such as a tree or large log is present. • ‘Native perennial grass cover’ refers to the percentage cover of native perennial grasses, assessed within each of the five 1m x 1m square and averaged to give a value for the area. Measure the complete coverage of all types of native perennial grass cover within the squares.
• ‘Organic litter’ is assessed by estimating the cover of fine and coarse organic material such as fallen leaves, twigs and branches <10cm diameter within the five squares. The organic litter score is the average of the five squares. • Take spot photos at each square to document change in ground cover over time. • Figure 4 below provides a visual guide to determining the percentage of cover.
Figure 4: Examples of ground cover percentage in 1m x 1m plot (adapted from Eyre et al. 2011a)
14 Step 6: Tree canopy cover and shrub canopy cover • Estimate ‘tree canopy cover’ as the percentage of living, native trees within the ecologically dominant layer with a canopy that overlaps the 100m transect line. • Walk along the transect line looking upwards and record the start and finish distance of the tree canopy to determine the percentage of cover over the 100m transect line (line intercept method as shown in figure 5). Where the canopies of multiple trees overlap each other this is identified as continuous unbroken cover. For sparsely canopied trees the cover is counted as continuous for the one tree.
• Record canopy cover of the emergent and sub-canopy layers if present in the benchmark. When measuring the score for ‘tree canopy cover’ this will be the average score for each tree canopy cover layer. For example, the scores obtained for the emergent, sub-canopy and canopy layers. • Where multiple layers exist, care must be taken to measure the cover relevant to that layer being measured. • Assess ‘native shrub canopy cover’ using the same line intercept method. Shrub canopy cover can be assessed from above the canopy if it is below eye level.
Figure 5: Line intercept method for measuring canopy cover—note that sparsely crowned individuals should also be counted as continuous cover (Eyre et al. 2011a).
15 Step 7: Compare the benchmark data and score • Compare the values recorded at the site against the relevant 13 attributes for the benchmarked regional ecosystem. • Use Table 2—Guide for Site Condition scoring sheet to determine what class range the value falls within. • This percentage of the benchmark corresponds to a certain score. Enter the score into the assessment scoring sheet. • For example, as depicted in Figure 6, the benchmark for the attribute ‘tree canopy height’ for a particular regional ecosystem is 16m. The measured value for this attribute from step 2 of the field assessment is 10m. This value falls within the class range [>25–70%] of the benchmark for attribute 6 of Table 2. The score associated with this class range is 3 and it is entered into either the Habitat Quality Scoring Template, (which automatically calculates the score), or the habitat quality assessment scoring sheet in Appendix 11.1 and 11.2, (where calculations must be done manually). If undertaking manual calculations, continue onto Step 8 below. Note, in the absence of benchmark data, a reference site is required (see Appendix 11.4 for details).
Tree canopy height Score 0 3 5 (Table 2) Benchmark is <25% >25–70% >70% 16m
Tree canopy height Score 0 3 5 (site assessment) Recorded <4m ≥4 – ≤12m >12m value is 10m
Figure 6: Example of scoring an attribute against a benchmark
Step 8: Scoring sheet input Compare the values observed for each attribute during the field assessment against the relevant benchmark class ranges from Table 2. Input the scores into the relevant site condition assessment sheet provided in Appendix 11.1 and 11.2. Summing these scores will determine the overall score for site condition for the assessment unit.
Table 2 - Guide for site condition scoring sheet
1 Recruitment of woody Score 0 3 5 perennial species in EDL* Benchmark <20% >20–75% >75%
2 Native plant species Score 2.5 3 5 richness—trees Benchmark <25% >25–90% >90%
3 Native plant species Score 2.5 3 5 richness—shrubs Benchmark <25% >25–90% >90%
4 Native plant species Score 2.5 3 5 richness—grasses Benchmark <25% >25–90% >90%
16 5 Native plant species Score 2.5 3 5 richness - forbs Benchmark <25% >25–90% >90%
6 Tree canopy Height Score 0 3 5
Benchmark <25% >25–70% >70%
7 Tree canopy cover Score 0 2 3 5
Benchmark <10% >10%–<50% >200% >50%–<200%
8 Shrub canopy cover Score 0 3 5
Benchmark <10% ≥10%–<50% or >200% >50%–<200%
9 Native perennial grass Score 0 1 3 5 cover Benchmark <10% >10–50% >50–90% >90%
10 Organic litter Score 0 3 5
Benchmark <10% ≥10%–<50% or >200% >50%–<200%
11 Large trees Score 0 5 10 15
Benchmark 0% 0–50% >50–100% >100%
12 Coarse woody debris Score 0 2 5
Benchmark <10% <50% or >200% >50% or <200%
13 Non-native plant cover6 Score 0 3 5 10
% of weed >50% >25–50% >5–25% <5% cover
*Ecologically dominant layer
6 For non-native plant cover scoring: the percentages do not represent a score against a benchmark; rather, this should be assessed as a percentage of the cover of exotic species within the plot. This is because the benchmark for non-native plant cover for any ecosystem type is zero.
17 6 Site context assessment
Farmland and scenery near Scenery in Almaden, Far North Queensland Photo taken from the top of the Warwick, Southern Downs, ‘Green Ladder’, looking north Queensland over Cairns Airport, Far North Queensland
6.1 Introduction The surrounding landscape and adjacent land uses can directly influence the quality and security of habitat through edge effects, environmental buffering, or threatening processes (Jurskis et al 2005). An offset site with limited threats and a complementary environmental setting (such as highly vegetated surroundings) will have greater potential for success in achieving the desired management outcomes. Site context is measured using a suite of attributes to describe the location of the habitat within the surrounding landscape and the influence of its associated threats. This assessment also considers the influence of adjacent vegetated areas and ecological corridors.
6.2 Undertaking a site context assessment There are 7 steps. When assessment requires referral to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, relevant spatial data can be downloaded from the Queensland Government Information Service (QGIS) website at www.information.qld.gov.au and click on ‘Queensland Government information service’. Alternatively, contact Regional EHP offices with details available on the EHP website www.ehp.qld.gov.au (search for ‘business centres’).
Step 1: Assessment of GIS attributes for site context Site context attributes are measured via desktop assessment using GIS mapping and spatial analysis. The first step is to determine whether the site is located within a fragmented or intact subregion in Queensland. Fragmented subregions are defined as containing 30–95% non-remnant vegetation, while intact subregions are defined as containing less than 30% non-remnant vegetation. A map of fragmented and intact subregions is provided in figure 7 (below), and a complete listing of subregions is provided in Appendix 11.6.
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Figure 7 - Intact (<30% non-remnant) and Fragmented (30–95% non-remnant) Subregions of Queensland
Figure 8 - Calculating patch size
Step 2: Patch size This attribute is only scored for fragmented landscapes. Patch size is the size of the patch being assessed and any directly connecting remnant vegetation. This indicator can be measured using GIS. To calculate the patch size score: 1. Measure the area of vegetation in which the assessment unit is contained, and add on all other directly connecting areas of mapped remnant vegetation. 2. Determine the score for this attribute by matching with the class ranges in Table 3.
Step 3: Connectedness This attribute is only scored for sites within the fragmented subregions listed in Appendix 11.6. The assessment involves measuring the proportion of the site’s boundary which is connected to remnant vegetation. This attribute can be measured using GIS. An example of calculating this attribute is provided in Figure 9. To calculate the connectedness score: 1. Measure the length of remnant vegetation that is along the boundary of the site. 2. Determine the score for this attribute by matching with the class ranges in Table 3.
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Figure 9: Scoring connectedness (adapted from Eyre et al. 2011a)
Step 4: Context This attribute is only scored for fragmented landscapes. Assessment involves measuring the percentage of remnant vegetation within a one kilometre buffer around the site. This indicator can be measured using GIS. To calculate the context score: 1. Create a one kilometre buffer around the edge of the site. 2. Measure the percentage of remnant vegetation within the buffer zone. 3. Determine the score for this attribute by matching with the thresholds in Table 3.
Step 5: Distance to permanent watering point This attribute is only scored for intact landscapes. This attribute can be measured through satellite imagery or air photo interpretation. It can also be measured by on-ground verification of the location of watering points. Permanent water points include dams, earth tanks, raised ring-tanks, troughs on pipelines and natural permanent water supplies (rivers and waterholes). Where there is a discrepancy in the permanency of waterholes, local knowledge will prevail. To calculate the permanent water score: 1. Measure the distance to the nearest water source from the site within a five kilometre radius. 2. Determine the score for this attribute by matching with the thresholds in Table 3. (Due to the pattern of increased grazing pressure on land closer to water (known as a piosphere), sites closer to watering points will achieve a lower score).
21 Step 6: Ecological corridors This attribute is scored for both fragmented and intact landscapes. To calculate the ecological corridor score: 1. Determine the proximity of the site to state, bioregional, regional or sub-regional corridors7 (terrestrial or riparian). 2. Determine the score from Table 3 based on whether the site is located within (wholly or partly); shares a common boundary with; or is not within a corridor.
Step 7: Scoring sheet input Once all of the scores have been collected for site context compare the scores with the assessment scoring sheet and carry out the calculations to determine the habitat quality score. This can be done using the Habitat Quality Scoring Template (which calculates the score automatically, as per for Site Condition), or manually. A site context scoring guide is provided in Table 3.
Table 3 - Site Context scoring sheet guide
1 Size of Patch* Score 0 2 5 7 10
Description <5ha 5–25ha 26–100ha 101–200ha >200ha
2 Connectedness* Score 0 2 4 5
Description 0–10% >10%–<50% 50–75% >75% or >500ha
3 Context* Score 0 2 4 5
Description <10% >10–30% >30–75% >75% remnant remnant remnant remnant
4 Distance to Score 0 2 5 10 20 permanent watering point † Description 0-500m >500m– >1–3km >3–5km >5km 1km
5 Ecological Score 0 4 6 corridors Description Not within Sharing a common Within (whole or part) boundary
*measured for fragmented bioregions only †measured for intact bioregions only
7 An ‘ecological corridor’ is represented as any ‘Riparian’ or ‘Terrestrial’ feature within the ‘CORR_TYPE’ attribute table of the ‘Queensland biodiversity and vegetation offsets special features’ map.
22 7 Fauna species habitat assessment
A Barn Owl in a hollow tree, Barron A number of birds’ nests in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Gorge National Park, Far North branches of a Poplar Gum (Eucalyptus Queensland platyphylla), Kuranda National Park, Far North Queensland Photographs on left and centre by G. Mogridge. Photograph on right from Queensland Government.
7.1 Species habitat index (included for fauna species offsets only) A suitable offset must demonstrate that the species definitely occurs in the area and the site can support the reproduction and continued existence of species. Species habitat index measures the capacity of a site to support a species and requires field survey data, available modelling and current species records. The index represents an analysis of the quality and availability of habitat for the species, and the likelihood of continued existence of the species at the site. Information is available from the EHP website to guide this process. In addition a copy of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland is also available on the EHP website www.qld.gov.au and search for ‘fauna survey guidelines’.
7.2 Undertaking a species habitat index assessment Species Habitat Index assessment requires undertaking a targeted field survey for each offsetable species. Co- location of offsetable matters on one offset site is allowed. Consideration can be given to species with the same habitat requirements who commonly occupy the same area and are identified as belonging to the one ‘species functional group8’, as developed by EHP in conjunction with the Queensland Herbarium. In cases where species can be grouped based on shared habitat requirements, surveys can be targeted to consider the entire functional group and do not require surveys for individual species.
A site is not suitable as a species habitat offset unless it can be shown that the habitat requirements for the species occur at the site. Further evidence to show that a site is a suitable offset may be that the species is either identified at the site, adjacent to the site or within the expected home range of the site.
8 Species Functional Group is a group of species that have similar attributes and habitats and therefore can be co-located for the purpose of offset calculation. The threatened animals data table contained in Appendix 4 of the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy identifies the species functional group for each protected animal species.
23 Step 1: Undertake a desktop review Undertake a desktop review of the available published and unpublished literature and information from relevant databases (including, but not limited to species mapping and modelling, recent surveys, recorded sightings and the essential habitat database). This review should also include an assessment of the known and potential threats to the species, and the habitat requirements for the species in terms of foraging, shelter and mobility requirements. Consider any essential habitat factors for the individual species or species functional group, if known, as a majority of these factors are required for the site to be considered a viable offset. Threats may include, but are not limited to, feral animal invasion and predation, encroachment of infrastructure and roads, habitat fragmentation and pollution. Step 2: Undertake a survey of the species and its habitat Using the same assessment units as defined within the site condition survey, undertake a targeted survey of the species and its habitat. Survey methods outlined in the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland are the best available source of information and can provide guidance on the most suitable survey for the particular species under consideration. Ensure essential information about the species is measured including, but not limited to, foraging, mobility and shelter requirements. The number of surveys to be undertaken can be reduced by re-using raw data as obtained in the site condition survey. For example, in considering shelter requirements for reptiles, the data collected when assessing ‘organic litter’ as part of the site condition assessment could be used to assign a score in relation to the specific reptile’s shelter or foraging requirement. In addition to fauna sightings and definitive indications of species occurrence and habitat, take note of the extent and severity of threatening processes which may have an adverse impact on the viability of the species at the site. Step 3: Scoring sheet input There are five attributes that are required to be assessed and scored using Table 4—Species habitat index scoring guide. This can be done using the Habitat Quality Scoring Template (which calculates the score automatically, as per for Site Condition), or manually. Please note that where multiple species in the same functional group are assessed within an assessment unit, the score of the highest scoring species should be used for that assessment unit. Note when assessing the offset site, only assess those species which are present at the impact site.
Threats to species: This should be based on the number and severity of threatening processes observed at or adjacent to the site. Examples include: • clearing associated with development • creating a barrier to movement within or between habitat critical to the survival of the species • the introduction or spread of disease or pathogens to an area (where this is known) • increasing the risk of high-intensity fires • degradation of habitat from hydrological change • introducing or increasing mortality to a species due to vehicle strike or dog attacks. Appendix 11.5 provides examples of how the level of threat can be measured for three species.
Quality and availability of food an d foraging habitat: Consider these parameters relative to the essential habitat requirements for the species. These attributes should realistically reflect how much of a sustainable population of a species could be supported. For example, a site with no or very few food and foraging opportunities would score 1. A site with abundant food and foraging opportunities, with the ability to support a viable population of the species, would score a 9 or 10. Quality and availability of shelter habitat:
An assessment of a species’ shelter requirements must take into account the relative abundance and condition of habitat features that could be used within a site. The site’s shelter habitat is necessarily species specific and includes, but is not limited to an assessment of: hollows, logs, cracking clays, large trees, leaf litter, caves, rocky outcrops, slopes or other microhabitat requirements.
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Species mobility capacity: This attribute should be measured in consideration of the presence and severity of factors that would contribute to a reduction in the mobility of the species. For example, when a barrier to movement is created within or between habitats that is likely to result in a long-term reduction in genetic fitness or access to important resources. Role of site to overall population in the state: This score should be based on the observed role of the site in relation to the overall population of the species in Queensland. This should take into account the species’ use of the site – such as whether it is used for feeding and/or nesting and the effect that damage to or removal of the site would have to the likelihood of the species’ overall population survival.
Table 4 - Species habitat index scoring guide
1 Threats to Score 1 7 15 species Description High threat level (i.e. likely to Moderate Low threat level result in death, irreversible threat level (i.e. likely to survive) damage)
2 Quality and Score 1 5 10 availability of food and Description Poor Moderate High foraging habitat
3 Quality and Score 1 5 10 availability of shelter Description Poor Moderate High
4 Species Score 1 4 7 10 mobility capacity Description Severely Highly Moderately Minor restriction restricted restricted restricted (0–25% reduction) (76–100% (51–75% (26–50% reduction) reduction) reduction)
5 Role of site Score 1 4 5 location to species overall Description Not or unlikely to be critical to Likely to be Critical to species survival population in species’ survival critical to the state species’ survival
25 8 Determine the final habitat quality score At this stage of the assessment, the assessor will have collected the raw data, and derived a score based on a comparison with the benchmark or reference site. The following steps are outlined to assist in deriving the final habitat quality score for the impact site and/or offset site. Step 1: For each assessment unit: calculate the scores for ‘site condition’, ‘site context’ and ‘species habitat index’ (if applicable) and add these scores together to determine the Habitat Quality Score (measured).
Site condition + site context + species habitat index = Habitat quality score (measured)
Step 2: For each measured attribute, find the highest possible score. For example, the highest possible score for tree canopy height in site condition is ‘5’. Add all the highest possible scores for each measured attribute to find the Habitat quality score (max). See Table 5 below which shows the highest possible scores for each attribute.
Table 5—Attribute highest possible scores
Site condition Site context Species habitat index
1. Recruitment of woody 5 1. Size of patch 10 1. Threats to species 15 perennial species in EDL
2. Native plant species 2. Quality and availability of 5 2. Connectedness 5 10 richness—trees food and foraging habitat
3. Native plant species 3. Quality and availability of 5 3. Context 5 10 richness—shrubs shelter
4. Native plant species 4. Distance to permanent 5 20* 4. Species mobility capacity 10 richness—grasses watering point [intact only]
5. Native plant species 5. Role of site location to 5 5. Ecological corridors 6 5 richness—forbs overall population
6. Tree canopy height 5 Subtotal 26 Subtotal 50
7. Tree canopy cover 5
8. Shrub canopy cover 5
9. Native perennial grass 5 cover
10. Organic litter 5 * Only scored for intact landscapes 11. Large trees 15
12. Coarse woody debris 5
13. Non-native plant cover 10
Subtotal 80
26 Step 3: The score for each assessment unit is then converted to a score out of 10 using the following equation:
(Habitat quality score (measured) / Habitat quality score (max)) x 10 = (out of 10) = Assessment unit habitat quality score
Round the Habitat quality score to the nearest whole number (integer), out of 10, using standard rounding conventions where 0.5 is rounded up to 1. Only use two decimal places. Step 4: For each assessment unit, divide the assessment unit area (in hectares) by the total impact or offset site area (in hectares) to find the size weighting for that assessment unit.
Assessment unit area (ha) / Total site area
= Size weighting
Step 5: Multiply each Assessment unit habitat quality score by its Size weighting.
Assessment unit habitat quality score x Size weighting = Weighted assessment unit habitat quality score
Step 6: Once each Weighted assessment unit habitat quality score has been determined, add these scores to find the final Habitat Quality Score for the entire site (this should be rounded to the nearest whole number).
27 Example calculation: An impact site consisting of three assessment units located in a fragmented bioregion is measured. Assessment unit 1 provided the following scores: • 65 for site condition, out of a total possible score of 80 for this section; • 19 for site context, out of a total possible score of 26 for this section; and • 22 for species habitat index, out of a total possible score of 50 for this section. Step 1: 65 + 19 + 22 = 106 is the Habitat quality score (measured) Step 2: 80 + 26 + 50 = 156 is the Habitat quality score (max) Step 3: (106 / 156) x 10 = 7 is the Assessment unit habitat quality score (out of 10) The Habitat quality score of the assessment unit is 7 (6.79 rounded using standard conventions). This process would be repeated for each assessment unit. Step 4: Finding the Size weightings For the purposes of this example, assessment unit 2 achieved a score of 5, and assessment unit 3 achieved a score of 6. • Assessment unit 1: 7ha • Assessment unit 2: 10ha • Assessment unit 3: 5ha • Total site size: 22ha Assessment unit 1: 7 / 22 = 0.32 Assessment unit 2: 10 / 22 = 0.45 Assessment unit 3: 5 / 22 = 0.23 Step 5: Finding the Weighted assessment unit habitat quality scores • Assessment unit 1: 7 x 0.32 = 2.24 • Assessment unit 2: 5 x 0.45 = 2.25 • Assessment unit 3: 6 x 0.23 = 1.38 Step 6: Finding the final Habitat quality score for the site: 2.24 + 2.25 + 1.38 = 6 (5.87 rounded). The final Habitat quality score for the site is 6.
28 9 Glossary Assessment units—relatively homogenous units defined by a distinct regional ecosystem and broad condition state. These condition states could be classified by whether they are remnant regional ecosystems, high value regrowth regional ecosystems or non-remnant regional ecosystems.
Biocondition benchmarks—biocondition benchmarks or regional ecosystem benchmarks are a description of a regional ecosystem that represents the median or average characteristics of a mature and relatively undisturbed ecosystem of the same type. There are numerous characteristics that make up a benchmark such as tree height, canopy cover, species richness etc. Available benchmark data can be found at the EHP website www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Broad Vegetation Group (BVG)—broad vegetation groups represent a combination of regional ecosystems grouped by similar vegetation communities.
Ecologically Dominant Layer (EDL)—layer or species making the greatest contribution to the overall biomass of the site and the vegetation community.
Impact site—area proposed to be cleared that has resulted in the requirement for an offset.
Non-remnant vegetation—areas that are not remnant vegetation or high value regrowth vegetation. Generally, these are areas that have been cleared and contain limited amounts of native vegetation such as built up areas or pastures. However, in some circumstances it may contain some limited regrowth regional ecosystems that have been cleared after 31 December 1989.
Offset site—area that is proposed to be conserved, enhanced, maintained, monitored and/or rehabilitated to counterbalance the proposed impact area.
Regional ecosystem (RE)—refers to a vegetation community within a bioregion that is consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil. REs occur in various condition states such as ‘remnant’ (mature, relatively undisturbed), ‘high value regrowth’ (20 year old regrowth) and ‘non-remnant’ (less than 20 year old regrowth). For more information on REs see EHP website www.ehp.qld.gov.au.
Remnant vegetation—includes areas of vegetation on a remnant map or regional ecosystem map certified by the chief executive under the Vegetation Management Act 1999. It includes vegetation, part of which forms the predominant canopy of the vegetation: (a) covering more than 50 % of the undisturbed predominant canopy; and (b) averaging more than 70 % of the vegetation’s undisturbed height; and (c) composed of species characteristic of the vegetation’s undisturbed predominant canopy.
Remnant vegetation is classified into three conservation statuses—endangered, of concern and least concern.
Species Functional Group (SFG)—group of species that has similar attributes and habitats. Threatened species within the same SFG are considered more likely to occupy similar environments, respond positively to the same types of land management and be successfully co-located at a single offset site. The threatened animals data table included in Appendix 4 of the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy identifies the species functional group for each protected animal species.
29 10 References Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, (2013). Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane.
Environmental Protection Agency (2002). Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Methodology. Biodiversity Planning Unit, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Environmental Protection Agency, (2008). Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L., Neldner, V.J., Wilson,B.A., Ferguson, D.J., Laidlaw, M.J. and Franks, A.J. (2011a). Biocondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Manual. Version 2.1. Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Brisbane.
Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L., and Neldner, V.J (2011b). Method for the Establishment and Survey of Reference Sites for BioCondition. Version 2.0. Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Brisbane.
Eyre, T.J., Maron, M., Mathieson, M.T., and Haseler, M. (2009a). Impacts of grazing, selective logging and hyper- aggressors on diurnal bird fauna in intact forest landscapes of the Brigalow Belt, Queensland, Austral Ecology 34, 705–716.
Fensham, R., McAlpine, C., SeaBrook, L., (2007). Spatial and temporal analysis of vegetation change in agricultural landscapes: A case study of two brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) landscapes in Queensland, Australia, Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 120 (211-228).
Jurskis, V., (2005). Decline in Eucalypt forests as a consequence of unnatural fire regimes, Australian Forestry Vol. 68, No 4. (257-262)
Jurskis, V., (2005). Eucalypt decline in Australia and a general concept of tree decline and dieback, Forest Ecology and Management 215, (1-20).
Kelly, A.L., Franks, A.J., Eyre, T.J., (2011), Assessing the assessors, Quantifying observer variation in vegetation and habitat assessment, Ecological Management & Restoration, Vol. 12, Issue 2.
30 11 Appendices 11.1 Impact site assessment sheet 11.2 Offset site assessment sheet 11.3 Checklist 11.4 Additional information 11.5 Measuring species threat examples 11.6 Intact and fragmented subregions of Queensland
11.1 Impact site assessment sheet
Impact site - assessment unit number Habitat Quality attributes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Recruitment of woody perennial species
2. Native plant species richness
Trees—species richness
Shrubs—species richness
Grasses—species richness
Forbs—species richness
3. Tree canopy height 4. Tree canopy cover
5. Shrub canopy cover 6. Native perennial grass cover 7. Organic litter 8. Large trees
9. Coarse woody debris 10. Weed cover 11. Size of patch (fragmented)
12. Connectedness (fragmented) 13. Context (fragmented) 14. Distance from water (intact) 15. Ecological corridors 16. Threats to species 17. Quality and availability of food and foraging habitat 18. Quality and availability of
19. Species mobility capacity
31 20. Role of site location to overall population
Habitat quality score(measured)
Habitat quality score(max)
Area (ha)
Administrative Information
Name of assessment officer Date
Organisation/Company name
Project name
Phone number Email
Signature
11.2 Offset site assessment sheet
Offset site—assessment unit number Habitat quality attributes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1. Recruitment of woody perennial species
2. Trees—species richness
3. Shrubs—species richness 4. Grasses—species richness
5. Forbs—species richness
6. Tree canopy height 7. Tree canopy cover 8. Shrub canopy cover 9. Native perennial grass cover 10. Organic litter 11. Large trees 12. Coarse woody debris 13. Weed cover 14. Size of patch (fragmented) 15. Connectedness (fragmented) 16. Context (fragmented)
32 17. Distance from water (intact) 18. Ecological corridors 19. Threats to species 20. Quality and availability of food and foraging habitat
21. Quality and availability of shelter 22. Species mobility capacity
23. Role of site location to overall population
Habitat quality score(measured)
Habitat quality score(max)
Area (ha)
Administrative information
Name of assessment officer Date
Organisation/Company name
Project name
Phone number Email
Signature
11.3 Checklist
Habitat quality assessment checklist
Site condition assessment complete……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ☐ Site context assessment complete………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ☐ Species habitat index assessment complete…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ☐ All forms checked and complete…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ☐ Additional supporting information attached where applicable……………………………………………………………………… ☐
33 Administrative information
Name of assessment officer Date
Organisation/Company name
Project name
Phone number Email
Signature
11.4 Additional information Queensland regional ecosystem mapping framework
Regional ecosystem mapping exists for the majority of the state which can be used to determine the vegetation community on the ground, its conservation status and general clearing history including areas that have previously been cleared (non-remnant) have regenerated (regrowth) or may have never been cleared (remnant). Each regional ecosystem has been provided a unique identification number which describes the bioregion in which it occurs, the land zone type, and the species composition. Regional ecosystem mapping can be downloaded by visiting the EHP website www.ehp.qld.gov.au.
Heterogeneous polygons containing multiple regional ecosystems
Queensland’s regional ecosystem framework includes polygons which are mapped as either single ‘homogenous’ polygons containing one regional ecosystem, or mixed ‘heterogonous’ polygons consisting of a number of regional ecosystems in various quantities. Where a polygon contains multiple regional ecosystems the exact location of this regional ecosystem compared with the remaining regional ecosystems will need to be defined. The regional ecosystem mapping does provide an estimate of the percentage of each regional ecosystem within the polygon in the format %/%/%. For example, an area may contain 95% of RE 4.3.3 and 5% of RE 4.3.20 and 5% RE 4.3.8 represented as 95/5/5. In all cases the on ground presence of the regional ecosystem requiring assessment must be identified to determine its spatial area and location within the A mixed (heterogeneous) polygon consisting of multiple regional ecosystems including one which has been identified nominated impact or offset area. on the ground
Where a single regional ecosystem within a heterogeneous polygon is identified as species habitat and contains the habitat factors for a protected animal under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the entire area relevant to the
34 species (in any stage of its life cycle) must be reasonably identified. The species habitat should not be limited to the boundaries of the single regional ecosystem mapped within a heterogeneous polygon. On the other hand if a percentage of the regional ecosystem contained within a heterogeneous polygon is sub-dominant and surrounded by unsuitable habitat, it is unlikely to support the threatened species and would not be considered species habitat.
Bio-condition benchmarks for regional ecosystems Bio-condition benchmarks have been developed by the ecological sciences department of the Queensland Herbarium to describe an undisturbed regional ecosystem with most of its natural values intact (Eyre et al, 2011a). A comparison of the environmental values present at an offset site and impact site against the values obtained from an intact site (Bio-condition benchmark) provides an indication of the level of degradation and relative level of ‘pristineness’. Bio-condition benchmarks can be downloaded by visiting the EHP website www.ehp.qld.gov.au.
An example Bio-condition benchmark is provided to the right.
This guide was largely informed by the existing Bio-condition assessment manual (Biocondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland, Assessment Manual, Version 2.1), and is used to assess attributes of site condition and site context. The Biocondition assessment methodology can be consulted for further information.
Reference sites
Queensland regional ecosystem mapping has identified, mapped and provided descriptions for over 1300 regional ecosystems. Bio-condition benchmarks have been developed for a proportion of the regional ecosystems in the state representing a number of bioregions however they have not been comprehensively developed for each regional ecosystem. Where a benchmark has not yet been developed proponents may be required to obtain a reference site or ‘best on offer’ site from a parcel of land within the bioregion which best represents that particular regional ecosystem in its undisturbed form. The ‘Method for the Establishment and survey of Reference Sites for Bio-Condition’ (Eyre, T.J. et al, 2011b) describes the process for obtaining this data however for the purposes of habitat quality assessment the required number of sampling sites can be reduced to one. This method can also be downloaded by visiting the EHP website located at www.ehp.qld.gov.au.
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11.5 Measuring species threat examples
Species An example threat measurement
The main threats to koalas are habitat loss and fragmentation, car strike, dog attacks, and disease. The threat level scoring should take into account the home range of individual koalas in the relevant bioregion.
An offset site may have a low threat level if it is located more than approximately 1500m from roads, or if there is a koala exclusion fence between the site and the road to prevent Koala koala death and injury.
The highest level of threat may be scored if the site is isolated from other koala habitat, or if major roads without exclusion measures, or residential encroachment is within 1500m of the site boundary, causing increased risk of contact with cars and dogs.
Aggressive noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala), fragmentation and degradation of habitat are the major threats to the Black-throated finch.
A low threat level may be scored if the riparian area of the site (a main habitat of the species) is undisturbed and there is very little or no evidence of grazing. Moderate to high Black-throated finch threat levels may be scored if noisy miners are present at the site, higher particularly if there is evidence that the noisy miners have permanent established habitat (i.e. for breeding) at the site. The highest levels of threat may be scored in instances where the risk of predation is intensified by the lack of available habitat—for example, when noisy miners are present in high numbers, as well as a disturbed riparian area.
The Wallum froglet is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and modification, predation of eggs and larvae by introduced fish, and deterioration of water quality.
A low threat level could be scored if the site has no or very little human visitation, with a low Wallum froglet risk of trampling on reed beds which are a main habitat feature of the species. The level of risk increases with proximity to urban areas, as nutrient-laden run-off can render habitat unsuitable for the species by inhibiting larval growth and reducing survivorship. Moderate to high levels of risk may be scored if the site contains water bodies that receive runoff from nearby urban areas. High threat levels may be scored if the site is directly adjacent to a golf course or urban area, or predatory fish are present in the froglet habitat.
36 11.6 Intact and fragmented subregions of Queensland Subregions are considered fragmented when they are more than 30% non-remnant vegetation. Intact subregions are less than 30% non-remnant vegetation.
Intact landscapes Fragmented landscapes
Northwest Highlands (NWH)
- Mount Isa Inlier - Southwestern Plateaus and Floodouts
- McArthur - Thorntonia
Gulf Plains (GUP)
- Donors Plateau - Claraville Plains - Holroyd Plain - Red Plateau - Gilberton Plateau - Woondoola Plains
- Armraynald Plains - Mitchell - Gilbert Fans - Doomadgee Plains - Karumba Plains - Wellesley Islands
Cape York Peninsula (CYP)
- Starke Coastal Lowlands - Weipa Plateau - Laura Lowlands - Cape York - Torres Strait - Jardine - Pascoe Sandstones - Coen - Yambo Inlier - Battle Camp Sandstones - Northern Holroyd Plain - Coastal Plains
Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD)
- Southern Wooded Downs - Flinders - Central Downs
- Kynuna Plateau - Georgina Limestone - Southwestern Downs
37 - Barkly Tableland
Channel Country (CHC)
- Goneaway Tablelands - Cooper - Diamantina Plains - Noccundra Slopes - Sturt Stony Desert - Bulloo - Toko Plains - Lake Pure - Bulloo Dunefields - Georgina - Eyre Plains - Coongie - Dieri - Simpson Desert - Strzelecki Desert
Mulga Lands (MUL)
- Warrego Plains - West Balonne Plains - West Warrego - Eastern Mulga Plains - Northern Uplands - North Eastern Plains - Cuttaburra - Paroo - Langlo Plains - Urisino Sandplains - Nebine Plains - West Bulloo
Wet Tropics (WET)
- Macalister - Atherton - Bellenden Ker - Lamb - Innisfail - Daintree - Bloomfield - Tully - Kirrama - Hinchinbrook - Herbert - Paluma - Seaview
Central Queensland Coast (CQC)
- Debella - Clarke - Connors Ranges - Manifold - Proserpine - Sarina Lowlands - Byfield - Whitsunday
Einasleigh Uplands (EIU)
- Hodgkinson Basin
- Herberton - Wairuna
38 - Broken River - Undara - Toomba Basalts - Kidston - Georgetown - Croydon
Desert Uplands (DEU)
- Cape - Campaspe Plains - Prairie - Torrens Creeks Alluvials - Jericho - Alice Tableland
Brigalow Belt (BRB)
- Tara Downs - Taroom Downs - Callide Creek Downs - Dawson River Downs - Moonie - Barwon Interfluve - Eastern Darling Downs - Moonie R. - Commoron Creek Floodout - Dulacca Downs - Warrambool - Moonie - Macintyre - Weir Fan - Isaac - Comet Downs - Upper Belyando Floodout - Townsville Plains - Weribone High - Bogie River Hills - Belyando Downs - Carnarvon Ranges - Southern Downs - Cape River Hills - Mount Morgan Ranges - Wyarra Hills - Banana - Auburn Ranges - Buckland Basalts - Culgoa - Bokhara - Narrandool - Basalt Downs - South Drummond Basin - Boomer Range - Arcadia - Claude River Downs - Barakula - Inglewood Sandstones - Northern Bowen Basin - Marlborough Plains - Nebo - Connors Ranges - Beucazon Hills
39 - Woorabinda - Anakie Inlier
South East Queensland (SEQ)
- Brisbane - Barambah Volcanics - Gympie Block - Woodenbong - Great Sandy - Burringbar - Conondale Ranges - Southern Great Barrier Reef - Burnett - Curtis Coastal Lowlands - Sunshine Coast - Gold Coast Lowlands - Scenic Rim - Burnett - Curtis Hills and Ranges
New England Tableland (NET)
- Nandewar Northern Complex - Stanthorpe Plateau - Tenterfield Plateau
40 Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse
Relevant BioCondition benchmarks
RE 11.3.3 and RE 11.3.27
Environment & Community Manager Status: Final Effective: 2/08//2018 Owner: Page 61 of 61 Rolleston Open Cut Version: 5 Review: Uncontrolled when printed
BioCondition benchmark for regional ecosystem condition assessment Brigalow Belt Regional ecosystem: 11.3.27i
Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland with Eleocharis spp. ground layer
Chris Pennay
BioCondition attribute Benchmark
Recruitment of dominant canopy species (%): 100 Native plant species richness: Tree: 1 Shrub: 1 Grass: 1 Forbs and other: 6 Trees: Emergent canopy Tree emergent canopy median height (m): na Tree emergent canopy cover (%): na Tree canopy Tree canopy median height (m): 17 Tree canopy cover (%): 46 Tree sub-canopy Tree sub-canopy median height (m): na Tree sub-canopy cover (%): na Large trees Large eucalypt tree dbh threshold (cm): 48 Number of large eucalypt trees per hectare: 12 Large non-eucalypt tree dbh threshold (cm): na Number of large non-eucalypt trees per hectare: na Typical tree species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus coolabah (coolabah) Shrubs: Native shrub cover (%): na Typical shrub species: Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum), Rhagodia spinescens Ground cover (%): Native perennial grass cover (%): 16 Organic litter cover (%): 20 Typical ground cover species: Paspalidium jubiflorum (warrego grass), Eleocharis sphacelata, Eleocharis pallens (pale spikerush), Juncus aridicola Coarse woody debris: Total length (m) of debris ≥ 10cm diameter and ≥0.5m in length per hectare: 406 Non-native plant cover 0 Typical non-native species: Phyla canescens, Cirsium vulgare Benchmark based on: 8 Corveg sites and expert opinion Benchmark reliability ranking: moderate
Selected typical species are those that characterize the ecosystem, community or stratum at reference sites. Up to five frequently occurring species for each stratum are selected. Shrub and ground strata may contain recruiting canopy species. ‘Eucalypt’ refers to species belonging to the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora, Lophostemon and Syncarpia. Users should refer to regional ecosystem technical descriptions for more complete lists of characteristic species. Common names can differ between regions. Declared pest species in Queensland are designated (^). 12/06/2014 BioCondition benchmark for regional ecosystem condition assessment Brigalow Belt Regional ecosystem: 11.3.3
Eucalyptus coolabah woodland on alluvial plains
John Neldner
BioCondition attribute Benchmark
Recruitment of dominant canopy species (%): 100 Native plant species richness: Tree: 3 Shrub: 5 Grass: 12 Forbs and other: 15 Trees: Emergent canopy Tree emergent canopy median height (m): na Tree emergent canopy cover (%): na Tree canopy Tree canopy median height (m): 18 Tree canopy cover (%): 28 Tree sub-canopy Tree sub-canopy median height (m): 10 Tree sub-canopy cover (%): 5 Large trees Large eucalypt tree dbh threshold (cm): 45 Number of large eucalypt trees per hectare: 10 Large non-eucalypt tree dbh threshold (cm): na Number of large non-eucalypt trees per hectare: na Typical tree species: Eucalyptus coolabah (coolabah), Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box), Acacia pendula (myall), Acacia salicina (doolan), Alectryon oleifolius Shrubs: Native shrub cover (%): 4 Typical shrub species: Acacia stenophylla (belalie), Acacia pendula (myall), Acacia salicina (doolan), Casuarina cristata (belah), Eucalyptus coolabah (coolabah) Ground cover (%): Native perennial grass cover (%): 45 Organic litter cover (%): 30 Typical ground cover species: Aristida leptopoda, Bothriochloa erianthoides, Chloris divaricata (slender chloris), Enteropogon acicularis (curly windmill grass), Cyperus bifax (western nutgrass) Coarse woody debris: Total length (m) of debris ≥ 10cm diameter and ≥0.5m in length per hectare: 285 Non-native plant cover 0 Typical non-native species: Malvastrum americanum var. americanum, Parkinsonia aculeata^ (Jerusalem thorn), Megathyrsus maximus, Vachellia farnesiana (mimosa bush), Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) Benchmark based on: 4 reference sites, 14 Corveg sites and expert opinion Benchmark reliability ranking: high
Selected typical species are those that characterize the ecosystem, community or stratum at reference sites. Up to five frequently occurring species for each stratum are selected. Shrub and ground strata may contain recruiting canopy species. ‘Eucalypt’ refers to species belonging to the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora, Lophostemon and Syncarpia. Users should refer to regional ecosystem technical descriptions for more complete lists of characteristic species. Common names can differ between regions. Declared pest species in Queensland are designated (^). 14/03/2014