Referral of Proposed Action 1 Summary of Proposed Action

Referral of proposed action

Square Kilometre Array 1-Low Frequency Aperture Array Proposed action title:

1 Summary of proposed action

1.1 Short description

The proposed action involves the development of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, which comprises the SKA1 Low Frequency Aperture Array (SKA1-Low), herein referred to as the Proposed Action. This infrastructure will be added to the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) and Murchison Widefield Array which are already constructed on the current Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) within the bounds of the Boolardy Station in the Murchison region in the midwest of Western Australia, approximately 315km northeast of Geraldton (Figure 1).

1.2 Latitude and Detailed locations of the array antennas are found in Attachment A longitude

1.3 Locality and property description

The Proposal will be located on Boolardy Station, a 346,748 ha pastoral property (Pastoral Lease No. 3114/406) located on the Pindar-Berringarra Road in the arid rangeland region of mid-Western Australia (Crown lease 3146/1966). The Station is located approximately 194 km north-north-east of Pindar and 200 km west-south-west of Meekatharra (Figure 1). Boolardy Station is shown as Lot 502 on deposited plan 55945.

1.4 Size of the The total footprint of the project, including all antenna and access tracks is development anticipated to be approximately 608 ha. The indicative locations of the antennas footprint or work and access tracks are shown in Figure 2. area (hectares) 1.5 Street address of Lot 502 on plan 55945, Murgoo-Boolardy Road, Murchison, Western Australia. the site

1.6 Lot description

The proposed action is located at Lot 502 on deposited plan 55945. Boolardy Station is Pastoral lease No. 3114/406 (Crown lease 146/1966). 1.7 Local Government Area and Council contact (if known)

Shire of Murchison PO Box 61 Mullewa 6630 Western Australia Phone: 08 9963 7999 Fax: 08 9963 7966 1.8 Time frame Construction is proposed to start in 2018 once final design has been refined and completed.

1.9 Alternatives to X No proposed action

X No

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 5 of 41 1.10 Alternative time X No frames, locations or activities 1.11 Commonwealth, State or Territory assessment X Yes, please also complete section 2.5 1.12 Component of larger action X Yes, please also complete section 2.7 1.13 Related actions/proposals X Yes, provide details: 1.14 Australian Government funding X Yes, please also complete section 2.8 1.15 Great Barrier Reef X No Marine Park

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 6 of 41 2 Detailed description of proposed action

2.1 Description of proposed action

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), on behalf of the Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO) propose to build the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope on Boolardy Station the Western Murchison region of Western Australia, comprising the development of the SKA1-Low Array (MWA). This infrastructure will be added at the same location as the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MWA already constructed on the MRO within the Murchison region in the midwest of Western Australia, approximately 315 km northeast of Geraldton (Figure 1). The international SKA project is led by the SKAO, a non-profit company incorporated located at Jodrell Bank Observatory, the United Kingdom.

The SKA project is an international endeavour to build the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope. The SKA will provide a great leap in sensitivity, resolution and survey speed compared to existing radio telescope, enabling it to revolutionise our understanding of the universe. As with all big science projects, the SKA project will draw on the skills, experiences and support of ten countries working collaboratively to construct and operate elements of the SKA project, with the first phase of the project being hosted by South Africa and Australia. Australia will host the SKA1-Low telescope (the proposal), the low frequency component of the SKA Project. The construction of the SKA will require vigorous technological developments in computing, communications and radio frequency devices.

The SKA1-Low baseline design considers various factors, including avoiding sources of radio frequency interference and avoiding geophysical, environmental and cultural constraints based on desktop analysis. The design for the SKA1-Low telescope provides locations for of up to 512 individual array stations of approximately 35-45m in diameter. The majority (296) of the 512 array stations will form a densely populated core with spiral arms extending out to approximately 35 km. Each array station will consist of approximately 256 individual antennas, each standing approximately two metres tall (Plate 1). The array stations will be configured in the following way:

- The majority (296) of the 512 array stations will form a densely populated core approximately 1km in diameter, with another 180 array stations in a region about 6km in diameter around this and the final 36 along 3 spiral arms, each extending out approximately 35km.

- Beyond the core there will be 180 stations in three tightly wound spiral corridors extending to about 6km from the core. Along each corridor will be approximately four “super-stations”. Each super-station would be made up of eight individual array stations. The corridors will also provide the land required for access, power and data reticulation.

- Three additional (less tightly wound spiral corridors) would extend from the core to approximately 35 km comprising 12 stations along each of the spiral arms. Approximately seven “super-stations” will be located along each corridor, each comprising of eight individual array stations. Each “super station” will be approximately 120 x 120 metres. The corridors could also provide the land required for access, power and data reticulation.

- The flatness and ground levels for the core is yet to be determined. It may be that minor levelling of the 1-2 km diameter core will be required, but this will depend on the surface flatness accuracy required and the elevations of the selected site. The density of the SKA1-Low antennas in the 1-2 km diameter core region is such that you can assume that all this ground is disturbed.

- It is not yet certain how SKA1-Low antennas will be anchored to the ground. A possible scenario is that the central pole will be concreted into a hole (rather like a fence post concrete foundation) or it may be driven into the ground with a hydraulic ram. Another possibility is that the antennas will be attached to heavy duty Rebar metal mesh, which will act as a grounding agent, and will also minimise ground disturbance.

- There will be minimal access tracks within the densely populated core, as there will be restricted room between the antennas. All the land within the core will effectively be cleared. From the core to the Control Processor Facility (CPF) there will be a track and buried high density cable management structure that will carry approximately 300 fibre optic cables over about a 1km distance. This combined track and cable management structure will be about 8-10 metres wide in terms of surface impact.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 7 of 41

- The access tracks along the spiral arms for SKA1-Low will be approximately 4-6 m wide. Where possible, trenches for power and data reticulation cables will run next to these tracks. The trenches will be approximately 0.35 m wide and 1 m deep with both power and optic-fibre cable in the same trench. Additional initial disturbance is expected several metres either side of the track / trench corridor to allow for construction vehicles work to establish the track/trenches. Trenches will get wider as they approach the control building. There will be a network of tracks connecting the antennas in the core area and then extending along the arms. The tracks will be constructed such that they mimic the existing ground levels to minimise channelling of rainfall run-off.

Plate 1 SKA1-Low Antenna

The densely populated core of the SKA1-Low array means that the entire core will be cleared of native vegetation to accommodate access tracks, trenches for cabling, and associated infrastructure. In addition to the antennas there will be other areas where clearing is likely to be required. These are: - Control and Processor Facility (CPF).

- Temporary construction camp

- Permanent accommodation facility

- Power Station

- Airstrip modifications.

The CPF will probably be a single story building of approximately 1100 – 1500 sq metres within a fenced compound of up to 2 hectare area, along with minor storage facilities, delivery facilities, etc. It will be located about 1 – 2 km from the centre of the core area. It may have a geo-exchange cooling area associated with it, which would be approximately 14 hectares in total area.

The temporary construction camp will be a self-contained camp for up to 250 people (estimate) and will be located appropriately to minimise distance for the construction teams to travel – the exact location is not yet decided but it will probably be near the Kaili Road about 6 – 10 km from the centre of the Low core . The permanent accommodation facility is likely to be located near the Boolardy homestead. This will require approximately 4 hectares of land.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 8 of 41 It is likely that the power station will be a diesel and solar hybrid, requiring up to 15 hectares, along with an access road and power corridor for trenched power cable of approximately 10 km length and 10 metres (10 ha).

It is possible that modifications to the existing airstrip at Boolardy Station homestead will be required. This would add an additional (2 times 500 metres length extension by 100 metres width (10 ha). Also an emergency use only airstrip close to the Low core area for RFDS access may be built. This would be a 1200 metre long by 100 metre wide for a total of 12 hectares.

Therefore it is estimated that: - SKA1-Low antenna locations and access tracks with a 10 m width will have a footprint of 549 ha

- the CPF may need up to 14 ha

- the construction and permanent camps may need up to 8 ha

- power station with access tracks will need up to 15 ha

- Airstrip extensions may require up to 22 ha.

The density of antennas in the SKA1-Low core areas is such that it has been anticipated that the entire core area will be cleared of native vegetation. The total envelope, including all antenna and access tracks is anticipated to be 608 ha. The indicative locations of the antennas and access tracks are shown in Figure 2. The actual disturbance footprint will be up to 608 ha, but this is yet to be finalised. Flexibility will be required, particularly with access track construction, to enable the project to avoid any sensitive habitats.

Construction is proposed to commence during 2018.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 9 of 41 AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information.

Project Location BERINGARRA - CUE RD

BERINGARRA - BYRO RD

MILEURAPERTH - NOOKAWARRA RD

MANFRED RD

BERINGARRA - PINDAR RD

BOOLARDY - KALLI RD KALLI - MILEURA RDCUE - KALLI RD

KALLI -

RODERICK RD BOOLARDY RD

COODARDY - BOOLARDY - NOONDIE RD WOOLEEN RD

MEKA - NOONDIE RD

MEEBERRIE - MT WITTE RD

PROJECT ID 60327857 LEGEND CREATED BY DGF Project Location APPROVED BY LK SKA1 - Low Watercourses www.aecom.com LAST MODIFIED 16 NOV 2016 Boolardy Station Lakes Murchison Radio Astronomy Observatory ´ DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY DATUM GDA 1994, PROJECTION MGA ZONE 50 Figure 0 4,700 9,400 14,100 18,800 SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY Data sources: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, metres USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community EPBC REFERRAL 1:550,000 when printed at A4 Base Data: (c) Based on information provided by and with the permission of the Western 1 Australian Land Information Authority trading as Landgate (2010).

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AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information.

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PROJECT ID 60327857 Legend CREATED BY DGF SKA1-Low Project Area

!( APPROVED BY LK !( (! Indicative Infrastructure !( !( !( www.aecom.com !( LAST MODIFIED 08 DEC 2016 !( SKA1-Low Configuration Cluster Envelopes ´ Approximate Tracks DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY !( !( !( !( !( !( Boolardy Station !( DATUM GDA 1994, PROJECTION MGA ZONE 50 !( !( !( Figure !( 0 3,400 6,800 10,200 13,600 SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY !( Data sources: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, G eoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, metres USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community EPBC REFERRAL 1:400,000 when printed at A4 Base Data: (c) Based on information provided by and with the permission of the Western 2 Australian Land Information Authority trading as Landgate (2010).

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!( !( !( !( !( !( 2.2 Feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action

There are no alternatives to taking the action.

2.3 Alternative locations, time frames or activities that form part of the referred action

The international steering committee considered a range of factors during the site selection process, including the need for a radio-quiet location, with good access to infrastructure such as power and telecommunications to support the massive volumes of data expected to be generated by the array of antennas. Boolardy Station was selected as the site for the home of the Australian SKA bid in 2007, and the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) was established in 2009. The ASKAP and MWA have since been constructed at the site, which has become part of the CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), which includes radio telescopes located at Parkes, Narrabri and Coonabarabran.

In 2013, it was announced that Australia would jointly host the SKA with South Africa. The construction of the SKA- 1 Low will commence in 2018. The access tracks and trenches required to connect the antenna of the SKA-1 Low in Australia will be designed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, including avoidance of Shield-back Trapdoor spider population and Western Spiny-tailed skink discussed further in Section 3.1d.

2.4 Context, including any relevant planning framework and state/local government requirements

The project is likely to be assessed under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) (Clearing) pending advice from the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). It is unlikely that assessment under Part IV of the EP Act will be required as there will be no significant impact on more than one key environmental factor (as outlined in EPA Environmental Assessment Guideline (EAG) 8 and EAG9. The action will be referred to the EPA to confirm this decision.

An indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) will be required for the proposed action under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 and the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Currently an ILUA exists for the MRO site on Boolardy Station. A new ILUA is being negotiated for the proposed action. Detailed Aboriginal Heritage Surveys will be undertaken prior to commencement.

Heritage approvals will be sought if necessary although impacts on sites will be prevented by providing a buffer around known sites. Building approval will also be sought from the Murchison Shire for the power supply, if necessary.

2.5 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation

The project is likely to be assessed under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) (Clearing) pending advice from the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The proposal will be referred to the EPA under Section 38 of the EP Act, however, it is unlikely that assessment under Part IV of the EP Act will be required as there will be no significant impact on more than one key environmental factors, as outlined in EPA EAG8 and EAG9. The following ecological assessments have been undertaken for the proposed actions at Boolardy station, the following assessments have been carried out:

- Ecological investigations for the project area including a Level 2 flora and vegetation assessment and a Level 1 fauna assessment, November 2014 (AECOM 2014, Attachment B).

- Reconnaissance survey for the Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum) (Phoenix 2015, Attachment C).

2.6 Public consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders) CSIRO has attended and spoken at forums and town hall meetings with Mid-West residents about the SKA and other projects at the MRO. MRO Indigenous Land Use Agreement Liaison meetings have been held annually since 2009/2010. The project has held regular meetings as and when required with the following WA Government agencies: - Department of Premier and Cabinet - Department of Main Roads - Department of Lands - Department of State Development - Department of Local Government - Shire of Murchison - Shire of Geraldton.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 12 of 41 The project has set up a Stakeholders Group and holds regular meetings every three to six months. Members of this group are: - Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (Mid-West Region) - City of Greater Geraldton - Department of Premier and Cabinet (Office of Science) - Durack Institute of Technology - Geraldton Universities Centre - International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) - Main Roads WA (Mid-West Region) - Meenangu Wajarri Aboriginal Corporation (MWAC) - Mid-West Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Mid-West Development Commission - Mitsubishi Development/Oakajee Port and Rail - Murchison Country Zone of WALGA - Murchison Shire - Regional Development Australia Mid-West Gascoyne - Sinosteel Midwest Corporation Limited - West Australian Museum Geraldton - Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC).

Regular consultation on SKA with the Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owners has occurred since 1999. Consultation on ASKAP with the Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owners started in early 2007. Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owners and anthropologists from the (then) Yamatji Marpla Barma Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation (Regional representative Body for Indigenous people and native title, now called the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation or YMAC) and members of relevant government agencies conducted ethnographic heritage surveys of the MRO, and nearby areas on several occasions.

Concurrently, Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owners and archaeological consultants conducted archaeological surveys within the expected use areas within the MRO. Upon finding indigenous archaeological sites all parties agreed on certain recommendations to protect the indigenous heritage values of the area. Such recommendations include; an Indigenous awareness program for all CSIRO employees and contractors, and a 50-100 metre buffer around sites to prevent soil and artefact disturbance. The low fraction of land used for antennas means that sensitive areas will be able to be avoided.

An indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) for the MRO was developed between:

- The State of Western Australia

- The WA Minister for Lands

- CSIRO

- The Commonwealth of Australia

- Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

- Ike Simpson, Robin Boddington, Ron Simpson, Charlie Snowball, David Jones, Colin Hamlett, Gavin Egan, Mack Mourambine, Timothy Simpson, Bill Pearce, Malcolm Ryan, Neville Mongoo, Gordon Fraser, Rochelle Baumgarten, William Baumgarten and Pam Mongoo (being the registered native title claimants to the Wajarri Yamatji native title claim (Federal Court File No: (WC04/10)).

The purpose of the ILUA was to provide consent for the establishment of the ASKAP and MWA telescopes as well as ancillary works (National Native Title Tribunal File No. WI2009/002). A positive relationship exists between CSIRO and the Wajarri Yamatji community and a new ILUA will be prepared for the SKA Low array. A comprehensive heritage survey will be undertaken of the SKA prior to any disturbance.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 13 of 41 2.7 A staged development or component of a larger action

The SKA is an international endeavour to build the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope. The SKA will provide a great leap in sensitivity, resolution and survey speed compared to existing radio telescope, enabling it to revolutionise our understanding of the universe. As with all big science projects, the SKA project will draw on the skills, experiences and support of ten countries working collaboratively to construct and operate elements of the SKA project, with the first phase of the project being hosted by South Africa and Australia. The construction of the SKA will require technological developments in computing, communications and radio frequency devices. The international SKA project is led by the SKAO, a non-profit company incorporated located at Jodrell Bank Observatory, the United Kingdom.

The proposed action comprises the development of the SKA1-Low, the low frequency component of the SKA Project. The SKA1-Low will be in the same location as the ASKAP and MWA already constructed on the MRO.

The ASKAP and MWA have been previously assessed under the 2009 Commonwealth and State Referrals. The ASKAP telescope was referred under Section IV of the EP Act. The EPA set the level of assessment as ‘Not Assessed – Public Advice Given’ on 17 August 2009. A clearing permit was issued by Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 5 September 2011 (Purpose Permit CPS 4439/1). The permit holder is authorised to clear no more than 30ha of native vegetation for the purpose of installing the MWA Project on Lot 502 on Plan 55945.

The proposal is located within the Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone Area. In a Memorandum of Understanding on the SKA Project, between the Government of Western Australia and the Commonwealth Government, the Governments agree to “Establish and safeguard a radio quiet zone in the Mid-West of Western Australia, with appropriate development and other controls for 30 km radius, 70 km radius and up to 260 km radius.” The Mid West Radio Quiet Zone area has already been established by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, through Spectrum Embargo 41 and Radio communications Assignment and Licensing Instruction MS32, 'Coordination of Apparatus Licensed Services within the Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone’.

The WA State Government has created a Mining Act Section 19 declaration to prevent mining activities within a radius of at least 30 kilometres of the core Boolardy site and has issued a Mineral Resource Management Area notice to control the RFI-emitting activities generated by mining operations within 80 kilometres of the core site.

2.8 Related actions

Please refer to Section 2.7 above.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 14 of 41 3 Description of environment & likely impacts 3.1 Matters of national environmental significance 3.1 (a) World Heritage Properties Description

There are no World Heritage Properties in the vicinity of the proposed action. Shark Bay is the closest World Heritage Area on the mid-western Australian coast, located approximately 220 km west of the proposed action. The proposal is not within the same catchment as the Shark Bay World heritage Area.

Nature and extent of likely impact

There are no likely impacts on any listed World Heritage properties. Shark Bay is in a different catchment and river basin than the proposed action and therefore indirect impacts are also unlikely.

3.1 (b) National Heritage Places Description

There are two National Heritage Properties in the vicinity of the Proposed Action as identified in the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (Attachment E):

- Eranondoo Hill

- Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine.

Eranondoo Hill, Meekatharra is listed to protect Zircon crystals found in a pebble conglomerate in the south western Jack Hills which are identified as the oldest material on Earth. This makes it unique and globally significant. Eranondoo Hill is approximately 55km northeast from the closest Antenna. This is currently listed as a ‘nominated place’.

Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine is a listed place on the National Heritage List due to its outstanding heritage value as it demonstrates the importance of ochre in Aboriginal society. Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine is approximately 60km southeast from the closest Antenna.

Nature and extent of likely impact

There are no likely impacts to any National Heritage Properties as a result of the proposed action.

3.1 (c) Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands)

Description

There is one Wetland of International Importance that is located in the vicinity of the proposed action. Wooleen Lake is a permanent pool that is located approximately 42km from the closest Antennae and 9km west of the eastern extent of the proposed action (access road). Wooleen Lake is recognised as important water bird breeding habitat for Gelochelidon nilotica (gull-billed terns) (Desmond et al., 2001). Wooleen Lake is a good example of a major floodplain lake of which there are few in southern Western Australia. This lake is not located on Boolardy Station.

Nature and extent of likely impact The proposed action will not impact on Wooleen Lake, or any Wetlands of International Importance.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 15 of 41 3.1 (d) Listed threatened species and ecological communities

Description

The ecological surveys included a desktop review of conservation significant species that may occur within the Proposal area. The results of the desktop review and field surveys are provided in Table 1. No Threatened Ecological Communities occur in the vicinity of the proposed action.

Table 1: Threatened species that may occur in the Proposal area National Species Likelihood of Occurrence on Boolardy Station EPBC Act Plants Pityrodia augustensis Unlikely to occur: Grows amongst rocks on slopes or in drainage lines. This Vulnerable Mt Augustus Foxglove species is isolated to one population in the Gascoyne region (WAH 1998). Birds Unlikely to occur: Malleefowl has strict habitat requirements. The species Leipoa ocellata Vulnerable requires unburnt mallee and woodland with low scrub and abundant litter to Malleefowl use in nesting mounds (Morcombe 2003). Reptiles Egernia stokesii subsp. Known to occur: The Western Spiny-tailed Skinks are saxicolous (rock badia Endangered dwelling), occupying rock crevices in large, isolated rocky outcrops, typically Western Spiny-tailed Skink granite (DEC 2012). Egernia stokesii subsp. aethiops Unlikely to occur: This species is restricted to Baudin Island where it shelters Vulnerable Houtman Abrolhos Spiny- under limestone slabs and crevices in fractured limestone (DEC 2012). tailed skink Invertebrates Known to occur: Found in burrows of heavy clay soils in areas of open York Idiosoma nigrum Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba), Salmon Gum (E. salmonophloia) and Wandoo Shield-backed Trapdoor Vulnerable E. wandoo) woodland, where Acacia acuminata forms a sparse understorey Spider (Avon Catchment Council 2007). This species relies heavily on leaf litter and twigs to build its burrow.

Threatened species known or likely to occur within the proposed action area are discussed in detail below.

Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii subsp. badia): Endangered E. stokesii subsp. badia (Black Form) are restricted to massive granite exposures with variable cover of loose boulders and pockets of soil and low shrubland vegetation (DEC 2012). These outcrops are separated by open low woodland and shrubland. All the black form populations are important due to their overall small geographic range and ongoing degradation of habitat from uncontrolled grazing (DEC 2012).

Granite outcrops were subject to intense searches during the field survey, during which four pieces of scat were recorded at three granite outcrop locations. The Skink, and evidence of its presence, was recorded at two locations in the SKA1-Low project area on one granite outcrop. Another record was identified within a granite outcrop located south of the MRO originally surveyed by Alexander Holm & Associates (2008). This record was reconfirmed during the field survey where evidence was recorded. This indicates this species’ continued survival at this location since 2008 during which time the ASKAP, Control Building, and Fibre Optic cabling has been constructed.

Western Spiny-tailed Skink habitat is shown in Figure 3.

Shield-back Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum): Vulnerable Idiosoma nigrum is commonly known as the Shield-backed (or Black Rugose) Trapdoor Spider and is endemic to the Murchison region in WA (Main 2003). Idiosoma nigrum was first described by Main in 1952 (cit. in. Avon Catchment Council 2007). The key distinguishing feature is the distinctive thick and hard cuticle on the abdomen. The end of the abdomen is flattened into a shield and the sides are deeply corrugated.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 16 of 41

The burrows always have a lightweight, leaf litter and silk door, with leaf and twig trip-lines fanning out from the centre of the front of the burrow rim (DotE 2014). Spiderlings generally construct their burrows within a very short distance (several centimetres) of the matriarch female, forming a family cluster that is typical of mygalomorph spiders that do not have aerial dispersal. Gene flow is maintained through the dispersal of mature males in search of females for mating, (≤500m; B. Main, unpublished data cit. in Anonymous 2010), the only time males leave their burrows. Females spend their entire life in the one burrow or within its proximity. Both males and females reach maturity after approximately 5-6 years. Males die shortly after reaching sexual maturity and mating, whereas females may live as long as 20 years, reproducing several times. The species becomes dormant during the drier months of November to February.

They typically inhabit clay soils of Eucalypt woodland and Acacia vegetation (Australian Government 2013). Leaf litter and twigs are extremely important to the species as it provides material for the burrows, reduced soil moisture loss and increased prey availability (DotE 2015). The DotE (2015) population information states that in 2010 there were seven locations where populations of I. nigrum exceeded 30 spiders. Total population reduction has not been investigated, but data from a study in East Yorkrakine Reserve from 1989 to 1999 showed a 95% reduction in abundance at the site (Main 2003). Future reductions are possible due to ongoing threats in the Wheatbelt and mining in the vicinity of populations at Karara, Weld Range and Jack Hills (DotE 2015).

The Level 1 fauna assessment (AECOM 2014) identified potential evidence of the Shield-back Trapdoor Spider at one location in the lower saline footslopes habitat, below rocky breakaways. Following this, a reconnaissance survey was conducted in December 2014 (Phoenix 2015, Attachment C). The survey confirmed the presence of three I. nigrum individuals at one location. This location is situated along the SKA1-Low south arm within the ‘access track’ footprint. The site was characterised by sparse mulga woodland with rocky ground-cover; however the species was absent at other sites of similar habitat. This location is situated along the SKA1-Low south arm within the ‘access track’ footprint. The site was characterised by sparse mulga woodland with rocky ground-cover; however the species was absent at other sites of similar habitat. It has been identified that the local habitat preferences of I. nigrum, it is difficult to extrapolate the distribution of the species in the study area. Habitat mapping alone should not be used to infer the distribution of the species (Phoenix 2015, Attachment C). The confirmed location of the Spider is shown in Figure 3.

Significant and other more recently reported I. nigrum populations are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: significant and recently reported populations for I. nigrum No. of Area of Survey Date Location Comments Burrows Occupancy 1987- East Yorkrakine Nature 135 4 km2 Heavily fragmented Reserve 2007-2009 Karara Mining Lease 301 28 km2 Active mining and exploration 2012 Blue Hills 53 2012 Karara-Blue Hills-Mungada- 606 Terapod 2007-2009 Weld Range Mining 3058 176 km2 Heavily grazed, active mining and exploration; Tenement population actively managed. 2007-2009 Jack Hills Mining Tenement 2390 100 km2 Active mining and exploration, population actively managed. 2008 Minnivale Nature Reserve 331 4 km2 2010 Dalgaranga DEC Pastoral 55 28 km2 Station 2010 Lakeside DEC Pastoral 30 20 km2 Station 2012 Mummaloo Hill 159 22 km2 Partially adapted from Anonymous (2010)

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 17 of 41

Plate 4: Idiosoma nigrum a) Species (source: Avon Catchment Council 2007) b) Trapdoor (source: Matthew Cann, AECOM ecological survey)

Nature and extent of likely impact There will be no impact on species of national significance identified in Table 1 that are considered unlikely to occur. No significant earth moving will be required for the telescope infrastructure.

The construction of the SKA1-Low proposal will involve:

- clearing native vegetation for the antenna structures and access at a total of 583 ha. - vibration from construction including digging trenches and installing antenna ‘anchors’ - open trenches between the Control building and all antenna. The Western Spiny-tailed Skink has a very distinctive habitat including large granite outcrops. These granite outcrops also support regionally significant fauna, flora, habitat-specialists and a high diversity of flora. The proposed action footprint will not include granite outcrops, domes, or breakaways as construction requires trenches, access tracks and concrete slabs. Therefore all Western Spiny-tailed Skink habitat will be avoided and as such impacts on this species are considered negligible.

The Shield-back Trapdoor Spiders (three individuals) were located in the SKA1-Low south arm. The known location of this population can be easily avoided as it is situated in a proposed access track. CSIRO has committed to avoiding these locations. The final project footprint will use spider habitat mapping as an indication of where potential populations occur and avoid these areas. The access tracks linking the antenna are such that they are easily shifted to avoid significant impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).

Vibrations are considered a potential threat and as such will need to be managed during construction and operation of the SKA1-Low telescope. Studies at Jack Hills and Weld Range show a possible reduction in emergents and juveniles within 50m of exploration drilling pads (Anonymous 2010). This impact will be avoided by applying a 50m exclusion zone around the spider population on Boolardy Station.

Impacts can be further mitigated for this species by erecting an exclusion zone fence. This will prevent damage by stock and feral animals which have been recognised as potential threats to this species (Australian Government, 2013).

The open trenches are unlikely to impact on MNES species. The Skink and the Spider have very unique habitat requirements and are limited in their mobility. It is unlikely that open trenches will impact these species.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 18 of 41 AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information.

$+ (! (! (!(!(! (! (! (! (! $+

(! (! (!(!(!(!(! $+(!(!

Shield-back *# Trapdoor (! Spider

PROJECT ID 60327857 LEGEND CREATED BY DGF SKA1-Low Project Cluster Envelopes Species APPROVED BY LK www.aecom.com Significant Fauna LAST MODIFIED 16 NOV 2016 Approximate Tracks (! Eremophila simulans Shield-back trapdoor spider confirmed (! Hemigenia tysonii (P3) *# location ´ (! Ptilotus beardii (P3) DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY $+ Western Spiny Tailed Skink Location Sauropus sp. Woolgorong (M. Officer DATUM GDA 1994, PROJECTION MGA ZONE 50 (! Western Spiny Tailed Skink Habitat s.n. 10/8/94) (P1) Figure 0 3,400 6,800 10,200 13,600 SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY (! Verticordia jamiesonii (P3) EPBC REFERRAL metres Data sources: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 1:400,000 when printed at A4 3 Base Data: (c) Based on information provided by and with the permission of the Western Australian Land Information Authority trading as Landgate (2010). Map Document: P:\603X\60327857\4. Tech work area\4.99 GIS\Workspaces\20161114_EPAReferalFigures - Copy\G60327857_EPBCFig3_Fauna_DF_A4_v01_20161116.mxd (fotheringhamd) A4 size

3.1 (e) Listed migratory species Description

A number of migratory species listed under international agreements to which Australia is signatory are predicted to occur on Boolardy Station based on the EPBC Act protected matters search and the Level 1 fauna assessment (Table 3).

Table 3: Migratory species that may occur in the area

Species Likelihood of Occurrence Apus pacificus Seasonal Visitor Low: The Fork-tailed Swift is almost exclusively aerial, and a non-breeding visitor to Fork-tailed Swift Australia (DotE 2014). They are rarely seen roosting on land. Seasonal Visitor Low: Occupies a wide variety of wet habitats including freshwater wetlands, dams, Ardea alba flooded pastures, estuarine mudflats, mangroves and reefs (Morcombe 2003). The species is also Great Egret known to visit shallows of rivers, sewage ponds and irrigation areas (Pizzey & Knight 2007). Seasonal Visitor Low: The heaviest distribution of this species in WA is in the north east, and into the Ardea ibis Northern Territory. In the non-breeding season, it can be found throughout most of Australia (DotE Cattle Egret 2014). Likely to occur: Occupies numerous habitats including open woodlands with sandy loam soil, sand Merops ornatus ridges, sandpits, riverbanks, road cuttings, beaches, dunes, cliffs, mangroves and rainforests. It is Rainbow Bee- possible that this species will occupy open woodland areas within the survey area. The Rainbow Bee- eater eater avoids heavy forest that would hinder the pursuit of its insect prey (Morcombe 2003).

Nature and extent of likely impact Three migratory species are considered to be a seasonal visitor with low occupancy in the area (refer to Table 3) including Apus pacificus, Ardea alba and Ardea ibis. Boolardy Station is not considered as an ‘important habitat’ as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Principal Significant Impact Guidelines because Boolardy station does not contain:

a) habitat used by migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages b) habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range c) habitat within an area where the species is declining.

As such the Proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on these three migratory species.

The Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) is considered likely to occur. However, Boolardy Station is not considered as an ‘important habitat’ for this species which is distributed across much of mainland Australia, and Indonesia. The banks of the Murchison River may provide nesting habitat, however given the extent of the Murchison river (and associated riparian vegetation), it remains unlikely to be considered an ‘important habitat’ in the Murchison region.

3.1 (f) Commonwealth marine area (If the action is in the Commonwealth marine area, please complete 3.2(c) instead. This section is for actions taken outside the Commonwealth marine area that may have impacts on that area.) Description

The proposed action is not in a Commonwealth marine area.

Nature and extent of likely impact

The proposed action will not affect any Commonwealth marine areas.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 20 of 41 3.1 (g) Commonwealth land (If the action is on Commonwealth land, please complete 3.2(d) instead. This section is for actions taken outside Commonwealth land that may have impacts on that land). Description

The proposed action does not occur on Commonwealth land.

Nature and extent of likely impact

The proposed action will not affect any Commonwealth land.

3.1 (h) The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Description

The proposed action is not located within or in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Marine Park.

Nature and extent of likely impact The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park will not be impacted by the proposed action.

3.1 (i) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development or large coal mining development Description

Nature and extent of likely impact

3.2 Nuclear actions, actions taken by the Commonwealth (or Commonwealth agency), actions taken in a Commonwealth marine area, actions taken on Commonwealth land, or actions taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

3.2 (a) Is the proposed action a nuclear action? X No Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment

3.2 (b) Is the proposed action to be taken by the No Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency? X Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment

Locality The proposed action is to be undertaken by a Commonwealth Agency (CSIRO), on Boolardy Station, Commonwealth leased land. Boolardy Station is a 346,748ha pastoral property (pastoral lease no. 3114/406) located on the Pindar-Berringarra Road in the arid rangeland region of midwest Western Australia.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 21 of 41

Project Area The SKA1-Low array will incorporate 512 array stations, each approximately 35-45m in diameter. The stations will form a dense core with spiral arms extending to 35km, with an access track connecting each array station to the Control centre. In addition to this footprint, it is estimated that a CPF will be required, and a construction camp is required. These will be located near the SKA1- Low central core.

Ecosystems The proposed action will remove up to 608 ha of native vegetation, all of which is considered in Good or Very Good condition. Degradation from long-term grazing in the area has caused significant erosion and a decline in productivity on Boolardy Station. Beard’s (1976) vegetation series map for the Murchison region shows six broad terrestrial vegetation types that occur within the Proposal areas. According to the comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) reserve system, the six vegetation associations each have more than 98% of their original pre-European extent remaining.

There are no EPBC listed Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) on Boolardy Station. This was confirmed by the EPBC Protected Matters Search report and the DPaW database search. Furthermore, no State-listed TECs or PECs are known to occur on Boolardy Station. The vegetation of Boolardy station is comprised predominantly of Mulga (Acacia aneura complex species) low woodlands over mixed Eremophila and Senna species on flat terrain.

The proposed action may impact on ecosystems and their constituent parts including:

- clearing of native vegetation and loss of habitat including several locally significant communities defined as such because they provide refuge for listed Priority flora species - alteration of surface water flows - altered fire regimes - death or injury to wildlife from vehicle movement - introduction and spread of weed species - dust generation - pollution through construction activities and vehicle emissions. Many of these impacts will be avoided or mitigated through the design process. Where impacts are unavoidable, they are unlikely to be significant as the proposed action:

- will not significantly fragment or reduce habitat - will not disturb habitat of significant species including granite outcrops and locations of Idiosoma nigrum burrows.

Natural and physical resources The Proposal could potentially impact on local water sources and will need a power supply. For the already constructed ASKAP telescope, CSIRO committed to using renewable energy sources for a portion of power generation. It is likely that this will be supplemented considering the power requirements of the SKA project.

Water will be sourced from a combination of existing and new bore licences on Boolardy Station. The proposal will not significantly reduce the quality or availability of either surface or groundwater resources. Surface water flow will be managed during the design of the Proposal, particularly relating to access tracks. The natural landscape features of the site will not be significantly altered and will not include large scale excavation.

Chemicals and hydrocarbons, such as diesel fuel will be stored at the power station and the accommodation facility at Boolardy Station and appropriate safeguards and mitigation measures will be put in place as part of the construction and operation Environmental Management Plan for the project. - The existing MRO site has a site management document “HSE and Site Information for Contractors” (2013) that sets out environmental management requirements for anyone entering the site. Management protocols have been established for:

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 22 of 41 - Chemicals – Storage, Management and Spill Response - Dust Generating Work – Erosion and Sediment control - Environmentally Sensitive Areas – Flora - Vegetation – Clearing and Revegetation - Groundwater - Waste management and Recycling - Weed Control – Earthmoving Vehicle Inspections. - In order to minimise erosion and maintenance CSIRO prepared access tracks with the objective of maintaining existing ground levels and minimising windrows so channelling and erosion due to stormwater flows did not occur (Pers. Comm Antony Schinckel). This methodology also minimises the requirement for regular maintenance of the access tracks and the potential for any additional disturbance during this process. - In terms of water use, the existing geo-exchange cooling uses rainwater collected from the roof and this has proved to be sufficient to maintain operation of the facility.

Heritage The Boolardy Homestead Group is listed as a Heritage Place in Western Australia. The upgrades and modifications to the Homestead group have already been conducted as part of the ASKAP project in 2009-2016. At that time, no impacts from the proposed modifications were anticipated. This proposed action does not involve any works on the Boolardy Homestead Group, therefore no impacts to the heritage value of the homestead is expected.

A search of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System identified there are no known aboriginal heritage sites within the SKA1-Low project area. Using the external Boolardy lease as the search area, an examination of the Register of Aboriginal Sites (the Register) indicated that there are three registered Aboriginal sites, two of which are archaeological. There is one registered ethnographic Aboriginal site purported to be within the Project Area (Survey Area). This Closed site file, Site ID 8327 “Coocoowilya Pool” is registered as a ceremonial site, and is actually not located within the Boolardy lease, but on the Pia Reserve. The extended boundary of the Closed site crosses into the Boolardy lease, however this DAA boundary does not represent the actual area of cultural significance. The DAA boundary is extended to mask the actual boundary of the site.

A preliminary Ethnographic Heritage Survey was undertaken of Boolardy Station and the MRO Lease in January 2015 (Haydock 2015). This confidential survey identified 15 sites across Boolardy Station that should be avoided by the project. A comprehensive Aboriginal Heritage Survey will be completed prior to finalising the Project footprint.

Social, economic and cultural aspects The SKA is an international endeavour to build the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope. The SKA will provide a great leap in sensitivity, resolution and survey speed compared to existing radio telescope, enabling it to revolutionise our understanding of the universe. As with all big science projects, the SKA project will draw on the skills, experiences and support of 10 countries working collaboratively to construct and operate elements of the SKA project, with the first phase of the project being hosted by South Africa and Australia. To build the SKA will require vigorous technological developments in computing, communications and radio frequency devices. The international SKA project is led by the SKAO which is located at Jodrell Bank Observatory, United Kingdom. The SKAO is currently established as a non-profit company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

Co-hosting the SKA is expected to enhance Western Australia’s science reputation, provide Western Australian scientists and industry with international collaboration opportunities, and inspire the next generation of scientists. The project could also catalyse new technologies, in the same way that the technology underpinning Wi-Fi wireless internet was originally developed by CSIRO for radio astronomy. Hosting the SKA is anticipated to place Western Australia in a position of advantage in relation to the global big data industry, with applications across a broad range of industries, including oil and gas and mineral resources.

Boolardy Station may continue to operate as a cattle station throughout the construction and operation of the SKA telescope, but the future of the lease is undecided. Positive impacts of the proposal, such as regional employment, tourism and education opportunities have been analysed in a Business Case for the SKA developed by the Government of Western Australia.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 23 of 41

3.2 (c) Is the proposed action to be taken in a X No Commonwealth marine area? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(f))

3.2 (d) Is the proposed action to be taken on X No Commonwealth land? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(g))

3.2 (e) Is the proposed action to be taken in the X No Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(h))

3.3 Description of the project area and affected area for the proposed action

3.3 (a) Flora and fauna A total of 199 native flora species from 82 genera and 36 families were recorded during the SKA ecological surveys. This included the SKA1- Low survey area, and a wider survey to the northwest of the proposal area. Six Priority flora species and one potential Priority flora species was recorded. No MNES were recorded.

Four introduced weed species were recorded on Boolardy Station. None of these species are Declared Pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 or Weeds of National Significance.

A total of 82 fauna species were recorded during the field survey including:

- 55 birds - 12 mammals (including 7 introduced species) - 14 reptiles including one EPBC listed species (see Section 3.1(d)). - one potential Threatened invertebrate (see Section 3.1(d)) Cats, dogs, camels, goats and rabbits were recorded intermittently in the Proposal area. Dogs were identified through tracks and scats, which were typically common around drainage lines and infrastructure including access tracks. Cattle did not appear to be concentrated in particular areas and signs were widespread. Horses were recorded near the homestead with fewer signs of the species in the Proposal area and its surrounds.

3.3 (b) Hydrology, including water flows

The Murchison River is located to the northwest of the proposed action. The landscape is dissected by a number of small creeks, and unnamed minor drainage channels, fringed with Eucalyptus victrix and occasional Melaleuca glomerata. The Murchison River has been given a condition classification of 1 in the WA Biodiversity Audit (Desmond et al. 2001) indicating it is degraded and recovery is unlikely in the medium term. Smaller drainage channels were characterised by chenopods and Allocasuarina campestris. The smaller drainage channels are very shallow channels or completely flat drainage tracts directing surface sheet water after occasional inland downpours. Surface water enters the groundwater system and flows either west towards the Murchison River or south towards the Roderick River.

3.3 (c) Soil and Vegetation characteristics

The proposed action is located in the Murchison Bioregion (Western Murchison subregion) in WA. The Western Murchison subregion, described by Desmond et al. (2001) is on the northern part of the Yilgarn Craton. The area supports low Mulga woodlands with bunch grasses and ephemerals (annuals). Landscape features include outcrop and extensive fine-textured hardpan washplains. Quaternary sandplains support hummock grasslands, calcareous

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 24 of 41 soils support Saltbush and saline alluvia support Halosarcia low shrublands. The subregion contains the headwaters of the Murchison and Wooramel Rivers which drain westwards to the coast.

The land use is predominantly grazing native pastures (96%) and Crown Reserves (2.8%). Rare features of the area include calcrete aquifers with short-range endemics, rare fauna, and some rare flora. Approximately 42% of the Murchison area is in poor to very poor condition due to pastoralism. Furthermore, 37% is in fair condition and 21% is in good to very good condition (Curry et al. 1994).

The proposed action intersects with 11 land systems as documented in the Rangelands of Western Australia report (Tille 2006), as described in Table 4.

Table 4: Land systems intersected by the proposed action

Land Description System

Beringarra Major riverine plains with active lower floodplains flanking channelled watercourses; supports mostly halophytic shrublands and mixed Acacia shrublands and low woodlands with minor perennial grasses; severely degraded and eroded in many areas. Challenge Gently undulating gritty-surfaced plains, occasional granite hills, tors and low breakaways, with Acacia shrublands. Ero Tributary floodplains with shallow, erodible duplex soils on red-brown hardpan, more or less saline and supporting Acacia shrublands with halophytic and non-halophytic undershrubs; grazed preferentially and widely degraded and eroded. Kalli Elevated, gently undulating red sandplains edged by stripped surfaces on laterite and granite; tall Acacia shrublands and understorey of wanderrie grasses (and spinifex locally); replaced by more extensive areas of Bullimore land system. Millrose Level or very gently undulating stony plains on hardpan and granite with irregularly distributed sandy Wanderrie banks, supporting mostly scattered Mulga shrublands with minor Wanderrie grasses. Norie Granite hills with exfoliating domes and extensive tor fields, supporting acacia shrublands. Roderick Broad, saline riverine plains, with numerous grassy drainage foci and claypans adjacent to central alluvial plains and major channels; also non-saline marginal hardpan wash plains; mainly supports halophytic shrublands with minor perennials. Sherwood Breakaways, kaolinised footslopes and extensive gently sloping plains on granite supporting Mulga shrublands and minor halophytic shrublands. Tindalarra Near level hardpan wash plains, narrow drainage lines and moderately saline drainage floors; supporting tall mixed Acacia shrublands with Wanderrie grasses, also minor Saltbush/Bluebush low shrublands. Waguin Sandplains and stripped granite or laterite surfaces with low fringing breakaways and lower plains; supports bowgada and Mulga shrublands with Wanderrie grasses and minor mixed halophytes. Yanganoo Almost flat hardpan wash plains, with or without small Wanderrie banks and weak grooving; supporting Mulga shrublands and Wanderrie grasses on banks.

3.3 (d) Outstanding natural features

Some large shallow caves and overhangs on the edges of duricrust plateaus and breakaways were observed on Boolardy Station. Caves and overhangs may provide habitat for birds and small mammals and specialist habitat for bats and reptiles. Scattered granite outcrops, domes and breakaways were observed at a number of locations. Low hills of emergent granite and rock piles provide a water catchment and support relatively high diversity of flora and fauna. Domes of emergent granite are of high value for reptiles which seek shelter underneath rocks exfoliated from the surface. Water pools were also observed on the surface.

The proposed action will avoid these areas.

3.3 (e) Remnant native vegetation

Beard’s (1976) vegetation series map for the Murchison region shows six broad terrestrial vegetation types that occur within the Proposal area. According to the comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) reserve system, the six vegetation associations each have more than 98% of their original pre-European extent remaining. There are no EPBC listed Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) on Boolardy Station. This was confirmed by the EPBC Protected Matters Search report and the DPaW database search. Furthermore, no State-listed TECs or

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 25 of 41 PECs are known to occur on Boolardy Station. The vegetation of Boolardy station is comprised predominantly of Mulga (Acacia aneura complex species) low woodlands over mixed Eremophila and Senna species on flat terrain.

The landscape is dissected by the Murchison River and an unnamed major channel fringed with Eucalyptus victrix and occasional Melaleuca glomerata. Smaller drainage channels were characterised by chenopods and Allocasuarina campestris. Scattered granite outcrops, domes and breakaways were observed in the south and east arms of the Proposal area.

3.3 (f) Gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area)

The majority of the proposed action is located on flat or slightly sloping terrain. This is a prerequisite for the SKA1- Low array and likely a contributing factor to the selection of Boolardy Station as the SKA site. There are a few breakaways on Boolardy Station. These will be avoided by the proposed action.

3.3 (g) Current state of the environment

Pastoralism occupies more than 96% of the Western Murchison bioregion. Degradation is prevalent throughout the region as a result of long-term grazing. The level of degradation is considered significant due to pastoral practices and the impacts of feral herbivores (Desmond et al. 2001). The Murchison River has been given a condition classification of 1 in the WA Biodiversity Audit (Desmond et al. 2001) indicating it is degraded and recovery is unlikely in the medium term.

The condition of the Murchison region was assessed by Curry et al. (1994) by surveying ‘condition sites’ throughout the region. Patterns of variation existed partially as natural variation but mostly as a consequence of changes related to cumulative impact by grazing animals and pastoral management. The loss of perennial vegetation has led to accelerated soil erosion. The most common forms of erosion are scalding and surface sheeting over 10-50% of the surface. Approximately 42% of vegetated areas are considered to be in poor to very poor condition, 37% was in fair condition and 21% was in good to very good condition (Curry et al., 1994). The general symptoms are (Curry et al., 1994):

- loss of perennial plant diversity and numbers per unit area - loss of palatable perennial diversity and density - general loss of vegetation structure, cover and subsequent denudation - increases and invasions by unpalatable species such as Prickly Acacia (Acacia victoriae) and needle bush (Hakea preissii) are common on disturbed or deflated soils - most widely degraded vegetation types are halophytic shrublands (Saltbush and Bluebush), hardpan Mulga shrubland and calcrete shrubby grasslands. The SKA project area survey showed that the majority of vegetation was in ‘Very Good’ condition (using the Keighery 1994 condition scale). A decline in condition was particularly evident near operational mills and bores. Livestock commonly congregate near these freshwater sources causing soil degradation resulting in the loss of all palatable flora species. Condition was affected mostly by the long-term presence of cattle and feral animals, resulting in the complete removal of understorey herbaceous and grass stratum. This has led to extensive erosion by:

- Sheeting: the progressive removal of thin layers of soil across extensive areas. Sheeting is difficult to detect with assurance and need to be inferred from other soil surface features such as downslope eroded materials or surface nature. Often confused with scalded surfaces but characteristically associated with gradational or uniform textured soils. - Rills: channels cut by flowing water. Rills are initiated by water flowing down sheep or cattle paths. Their presence is a sure sign that water flows rapidly off the landscape, often carrying both litter and soil with it. - Scalding: massive loss of A-horizon material in texture-contrast soils which exposes the A2 or B horizon which are typically hard when dry and have extremely low infiltration rates. Scalds have a productive potential of zero, and pond or shed water readily. They are often on flat landscapes.

3.3 (h) Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 26 of 41 The Boolardy Homestead group was listed in the WA Government Gazette (No. 99, 30 May 2000) as having heritage values. The homestead comprise a collection of Victorian Goergian buildings. It has cultural significance for the following reasons:

- place is unusual in that it is a large collection of largely intact pastoral buildings dating from the late 1870s - considerable aesthetic value in design scale and materials of individual elements and as a sizable collection for Victorian Georgian pastoral buildings - place is closely associated with early pastoral settlement of the Murchison Region - demonstrates considerable achievement in construction in a remote environment - associated with builder Alf Couch, well known for his unique curved corrugated iron roof constructions - closely connected with operations of local government - highly regarded in the Murchison Region as an important pastoral property.

Modifications and upgrades to the Boolardy Homestead group were assessed as part of the ASKAP 2009 EPBC Referral.

3.3 (i) Indigenous heritage values

An ILUA is currently in place for the establishment of the ASKAP telescope as well as ancillary works (National Native Title Tribunal File No. WI2009/002).

The Boolardy Homestead Group is listed as having heritage values as described in Section 3.3(h) above.

3.3 (j) Other important or unique values of the environment As outlined in Section 3.3(a), six Priority flora species were recorded on Boolardy Station including:

- Gunniopsis divisa (P3) - Ptilotus beardii (P3) - Frankenia confusa (P2) - Hemigenia tysonii (P3) - Verticordia jamiesonii (P3) - Sauropus sp. Woolgorong (M. Officer s.n. 10/8/94) (P1) - Eremophila simulans subsp. megacalyx (P3) known from the MRO (Alexander Holms & Associates, 2008)

Details for locations and population size for each of these species is detailed in AECOM (2014, Attachment B). Furthermore, several vegetation communities were considered locally significant as they provide refuge for these populations of Priority flora.

There are no other important or unique values of the environment that have not already been described and discussed in Section 3.1 and 3.3.

3.3 (k) Tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold)

The proposed action is located predominantly on Pastoral Lease no. 3114/406 (Crown lease 146/1966) and is held by CSIRO through Pastoral Lease 3114/406.

3.3 (l) Existing uses of area of proposed action

The current land use at Boolardy Station is pastoralism (cattle) and the MRO which is home to the already constructed ASKAP telescope to the northwest of the proposed action.

3.3 (m) Any proposed uses of area of proposed action

The proposed land use conforms with the proposed action detailed in this referral.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 27 of 41 4 Environmental outcomes

An ecological assessment was undertaken by AECOM (2014, Attachment B) to assess any likely impacts due to the proposed action. Two EPBC species were identified as likely to occur within the proposal area:

- Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii subsp. badia): Endangered - Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider Idiosoma nigrum: Vulnerable The Western Spiny-tailed Skink has a very distinctive habitat comprising large granite outcrops. These granite outcrops also support regionally significant fauna, flora, habitat-specialists and a high diversity of flora. The proposed action footprint will not include granite outcrops, domes, or breakaways as construction requires trenches, access tracks and potentially, concrete slabs. All Western Spiny-tailed Skink habitat will be avoided therefore impacts on this species are expected to be negligible.

Shield-back Trapdoor Spiders were located in the SKA1-Low south arm. The known location of this population can be easily avoided as it is situated in a proposed access track. The final project footprint will use spider habitat mapping as an indication of where potential populations occur and avoid these areas. The access tracks linking the antenna are such that they are easily shifted to avoid significant impacts on MNES. Vibrations are considered a potential threat and would be managed during construction of the SKA antennas by applying a 50m exclusion zone around the spider population as Boolardy Station. Additional management measures to manage impacts this species includes:

- Demarcating the clearing area to prevent clearing outside the approved area. - Conducting pre-clearance surveys - Demarcating and fencing of spider populations - Annual monitoring. The assessment has determined that there will be no significant impact on matters of MNES if the action is carried out in accordance with particular measures as described in Section 5 below, to avoid significant impacts to MNES.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 28 of 41 5 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts

The management of the proposed action will be based on the ASKAP management principles and plan, taking into account the effectiveness of current management practices with the aim to improve management outcomes. The final design has taken into account the principles of environmental management which will continue to be followed, namely:

- avoiding impacts where possible - minimising impacts - mitigating impacts - providing offsets for residual impacts. The proposed layout of the antenna, access tracks, and trenches have taken into consideration areas of both cultural and environmental sensitivity. The final design of the telescope has used the results of the ecological surveys to minimise the likelihood that impacts to the environmental values of the local area are avoided. The following performance objectives will be employed:

- no habitat occupied by species listed as Threatened at the national or state level will be affected - no cultural heritage sites will be directly affected - where possible, access tracks and other infrastructure will be located in already disturbed areas - water flow integrity will be maintained. The overall impact of the proposed action cannot be further avoided as the clearing has been minimised and designed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. Prior to construction detailed mitigation measures will be developed and implemented including:

- engineering appropriate drainage (culverts, sediment control banks) - weed and pest management - educating all members of staff and visitors of the biodiversity values of Boolardy Station. The impacts of the proposed action can be further managed by implementing management plans. A project specific significant species management plan has been prepared to manage and mitigate impacts on the Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider and the Wester Spiny-tailed Skink (Attachment D).

The existing MRO site has a site management document “HSE and Site Information for Contractors” (2013) that sets out environmental management requirements for anyone entering the site. Management protocols have been established for: - Chemicals – Storage, Management and Spill Response - Dust Generating Work – Erosion and Sediment control - Environmentally Sensitive Areas – Flora - Vegetation – Clearing and Revegetation - Groundwater - Waste management and Recycling - Weed Control – Earthmoving Vehicle Inspections. In order to minimise erosion and maintenance CSIRO prepared access tracks with the objective of maintaining existing ground levels and minimising windrows so channelling and erosion due to stormwater flows did not occur (Pers. Comm. Antony Schinckel, 2016). This methodology also minimises the requirement for regular maintenance of the access tracks and the potential for any additional disturbance during this process. In terms of water use, the existing geo-exchange cooling uses rainwater collected from the roof and this has proved to be sufficient to maintain operation of the facility.

It is anticipated that the WA Vegetation Clearing Permit will provide a set of conditions that will assist in managing the clearing of native vegetation on Boolardy Station.

A summary of management measures is provided in Table 5.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 29 of 41 Table 5: Summary of Management Measures for MNES

Management measure Purpose Timing

Demarcate clearing area. To prevent clearing outside the approved Prior to ground disturbing disturbance boundary or any disturbance of activities. adjacent fauna habitat. Demarcate granite boulders and outcrops To prevent disturbance to Western Spiny-tailed Prior to ground disturbing for protection. Skink habitat. activities. Fauna exit ramps shall be installed at both To allow trapped fauna to safely exit trenches. During construction. ends of trenches at intervals not exceeding 100m. Trenches will be inspected each morning To allow for relocation of trapped fauna. Ongoing during ground prior to commencement of construction disturbing activities and activities. construction. Ensure that any open pipework is capped To prevent the ingress of fauna species. Ongoing during ground at the end of each working day. disturbing activities and construction. Ensure all vehicles and equipment are To prevent the introduction and spread of Ongoing during ground clean on entry. weeds. disturbing activities and construction. Specific management of Idiosoma nigrum Conduct pre-clearing inspections for To identify locations and extent of Spider Prior to ground disturbing Trapdoor Spiders. populations in the vicinity of the proposed activities. action. Demarcate Spider populations/trapdoors To prevent disturbance on Spider habitat. Prior to ground disturbing with a 50m buffer. activities. Fence Spider populations including 50m To prevent disturbance on Spider habitat from Prior to ground disturbing buffer. construction and feral animal grazing. activities. Annual monitoring. To assess the indirect impacts on spider Ongoing. population.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 30 of 41 6 Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts 6.1 Do you THINK your proposed action is a controlled action?

X No, complete section 5.2 Yes, complete section 5.3

6.2 Proposed action IS NOT a controlled action.

The proposed action proposes to clear 608 ha of native vegetation, the majority of the proposed footprint is located within degraded vegetation that is homogenous in the Murchison region. The final design will take into account locations of significant environmental features and ensure that the infrastructure avoids these areas. The implementation of a management plan will further reduce the potential for impacts. As such, the proposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance, or other environmentally sensitive areas.

6.3 Proposed action IS a controlled action

N/A Matters likely to be significantly impacted World Heritage values (sections 12 and 15A) National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C) Wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B) Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A) Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A) Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A) Commonwealth marine environment (sections 23 and 24A) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B and 24C) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development (sections 24D and 24E) Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A) Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions (section 28) Commonwealth Heritage places overseas (sections 27B and 27C)

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 31 of 41 7 Environmental record of the person proposing to take the action Yes No 7.1 Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible X environmental management?

Provide details

CSIRO has a diverse portfolio of properties around Australia and is responsible for the maintenance as well as new works on those sites. CSIRO has undertaken works under the jurisdiction of the EPBC Act as well as consulting with local authorities. CSIRO has an Environmental Management plan and implements its responsibilities in all areas of its business.

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

If yes, provide details

7.3 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of the NA corporation’s environmental policy and planning framework and if and how the framework applies to the action.

7.4 Has the party taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, Y or been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 32 of 41 Provide name of proposal and EPBC reference number (if known)

 2014/7142: CSIRO/Commonwealth/CSIRO Black Mountain Campus/ACT/CSIRO Black Mountain Masterplan Phase 1&2 new & improved facilities.  2012/6633: CSIRO/Science and Research/Tidbinbilla/Australian Capital Territory/Construction of Two Additional Antennas at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.  2011/5895: CSIRO/Commonwealth/Silo Road, Black Mountain /Australian Capital Territory/Archival recording & demolition of two Commonwealth Heritage Listed buildings.  2010/5560: CSIRO/Commonwealth/17 (Lot 15) Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, Perth/WA/Construction of Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre.  2009/4895: CSIRO/Science and research/Tidbinbilla/ACT/Construction of Two Antennae at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, Tidbinbilla, ACT  2009/4891 CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility/Science and research/Northern section of Boolardy Station, Pindar-Berringarra Rd/WA/Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope & infrastructure.  2006/2948: CSIRO/Sale or lease of Commonwealth property/90 Heath Road (NT Portion 9191) Alice Springs/NT/Subdivision of land into three portions and potential sale of two portions  2006/2755: CSIRO/Urban and commercial redevelopment/Berrimah/NT/Subdivision of Two Sites (1712 and 1713) into four Portions  2005/2285: CSIRO/Urban and commercial redevelopment/Waterford, Perth/WA/extensions to minerals laboratory  2005/2143: CSIRO/Science, research and investigations/Black Mountain/ACT/Construct Bioscience Lab and assoc works  2003/1141: CSIRO Corporate Property/Urban and commercial new development/West Lindfield/NSW/Residential subdivision and stormwater management facilities  2002/837: CSIRO Corporate Property/Waste management/Prospect/NSW/Site remediation and waste disposal.  2002/608: CSIRO Corporate Property/Waste management/CSIRO Bradfield Park Laboratories, West Lindfield/NSW/Remediation of contaminated asbestos site.  2001/504: CSIRO Australia/Buildings/Armidale/NSW/CSIRO Chiswick site extension.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 33 of 41 8 Information sources and attachments 8.1 References

Anonymous (2010). Idiosoma nigrum. [Online]. Form to nominate a Western Australian species for listing as threatened, change of category or delisting. Available from: http://www.smcl.com.au/pdf/TA%2015_B%20Weld%20Range%20I_%20nigrum%20DEC%20Nominati on%202010.pdf.

Australian Government, 2013. Approved Conservation Advice for Idiosoma nigrum (Shield-Back Spider). Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Avon Catchment Council, 2007. Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum) Conservation Plan. Avon Catchment Council, Perth, WA.

Curry PJ, Payne AL, Leighton KA, Hennig P, Blood DA. 1994. An Inventory and Condition Survey of the Murchison River Catchment, Western Australia. Technical Bulletin No. 84. Department of Agriculture, South Perth, WA.

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), 2012. Western Spiny-tailed Skink Egernia stokesii Recovery Plan. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, WA.

Department of the Environment, 2014. Species Profiles and Threats Database. Accessed March 2015: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl.

Desmond A, Cowan M, Chant A, 2001, ‘Murchison 2 (MUR2 – Western Murchison subregion)’ in CALM 2002. Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia.

Pizzey G, & Knight F, 2007. The Field Guider to Birds of Australia. Ed. P. Menkhorst. HarperCollinsPublishers Australia Pty Ltd.

Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. 2004. Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 2 – Passerines (Blue- winged Pitta to Goldfinch). W.A. Museum, Perth.

Keighery, 1994

Morcombe M, 2003. Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing Pty Ltd, Archerfield QLD.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee. 2013. Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Idiosoma nigrum (shield- back trapdoor spider). Accessed Sept 2014: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66798

Tille, P. 2006, Soil Landscapes of Western Australia’s Rangelands and Arid Interior. Department of Agriculture and Food, State of Western Australia.

Western Australian Herbarium, 1998. Florabase, the Western Australian Flora. Accessed March 2015: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 34 of 41 8.2 Reliability and date of information

The information presented in this referral is based on publicly available information, standard databases, and data provided by government agencies. Ecological surveys have been conducted by technical specialists suitable for that field. Limitations discussed in the field survey reports are presented in Table 6.

Table 6: Limitations identified in field surveys Limitation Constraint Impact to survey Proportion of Minor The flora and vegetation assessment was conducted during Spring, 2014 and recorded flora/fauna identified, 181 species. Due to lack of significant rain in the time leading up to the survey there is recorded and/or the potential that not all ephemeral species were captured. Holm (2008) recorded 128 collected (based on species from a smaller survey area (MRO) and noted that 316 species had been sampling, timing and recorded on or nearby Boolardy Station. intensity) Fauna in the Midwest region typically respond to significant rain events with an increase in feeding and breeding activity. Leading up to the main survey, isolated patchy rain did fall in some areas which increased fauna activity, particularly reptiles.

Completion (is further Minor The baseline flora and vegetation assessment identified a number of Priority flora that work needed) may require comprehensive pre-clearance targeted surveys. Further short range endemic fauna surveys to confirm the presence of a threatened Trapdoor Spider, Idiosoma nigrum may be required.

Timing, weather, Minor The field assessments were conducted in late August to September. Timing is season, cycle considered to rely on rainfall events. With the exception of January, 2014 has received below average rainfall in several consecutive months leading up to the field survey. Because of this it is likely that not all ephemeral species were captured during the field survey. There are no Threatened or Priority ephemeral species that occur in the vicinity of the project area therefore this limitation is considered minor. Isolated patchy rainfall, while not significant, did have a positive short term effect on faunal activity in the region.

Disturbances (e.g. Moderate Cattle have been present on Boolardy Station since 1883. The presence of cattle (and fire flood, accidental feral goats) and a decline in average rainfall, has resulted in a decline in perennial human intervention) vegetation. This has led to accelerated soil erosion. The area has patchy perennial which affected results vegetation with deflated or no topsoil and exposed inert hardpan remaining as the land of the survey surface (Curry et al., 1994).

Remoteness and/or Minor Sample point locations were limited to areas where access was possible to the project access problems area (or close to). This limited sampling in some areas of the project area arms. The homogenous nature of the vegetation in the region allowed extrapolation of existing sample sites. Potential conservation significant fauna habitat was prioritised for sampling. Extrapolation was used to classify some areas of non-significant habitat due to poor access. This was not considered a significant constraint due to the homogenous nature of the habitats. Source: AECOM (2014, Attachment A)

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 35 of 41 8.3 Attachments

 attached Title of attachment(s) You must attach figures, maps or aerial photographs See list below showing the locality of the proposed action  (section 1)

GIS file delineating the boundary of the  referral area (section 1) figures, maps or aerial photographs Figure 1 showing the location of the proposed action Figure 2 in respect to any matters of national  Figure 3 environmental significance or important In document features of the environments (section 3) If relevant, attach copies of any state or local government approvals and consent conditions (section NA 2.5) copies of any completed assessments to EPA assessment in meet state or local government approvals preparation and outcomes of public consultations, if available (section 2.6) copies of any flora and fauna investigations See list below and surveys (section 3)  technical reports relevant to the See list below assessment of impacts on protected  matters that support the arguments and conclusions in the referral (section 3) conclusions in the referral (section 3 and 4) report(s) on any public consultations Aboriginal Survey undertaken, including with Indigenous report confidential stakeholders (section 3)

Attachments

Attachment A: Proposed Action Coordinates Attachment B: Ecological Report (2014) Attachment C: Reconnaissance survey for the Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum) (2015) Attachment D: Significant Species Management Plan Attachment E: EPBC protected Matters Search

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 36 of 41 9 Contacts, signatures and declarations

Proposed Square Kilometre Array 1-Low Frequency Aperture Array

action title: 9.1 Person proposing to take action This is the individual, government agency or company that will be principally responsible for, or who will carry out, the proposed action. It may be a trustee (either being an individual or a body corporate) acting on behalf of the trust for which they have responsibility (but not the trust).

If the proposed action will be taken under a contract or other arrangement, this is:  the person for whose benefit the action will be taken; or  the person who procured the contract or other arrangement and who will have principal control and responsibility for the taking of the proposed action.

If the proposed action requires a permit under the GBRMP Act1, this is the person requiring the grant of a GBRMP permission.

The Minister may also request relevant additional information from this person.

If further assessment and approval for the action is required, any approval which may be granted will be issued to the person proposing to take the action. This person will be responsible for complying with any conditions attached to the approval.

Joe Colbert Name and Title: CSIRO Business and Infrastructure Services Organisation Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Trust deed □ attached; OR X not applicable

ACN / ABN: 41 687 119 230

Postal address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601 Level 6, 10 Binara St, Canberra ACT 2601

Telephone: (02) 6276 6600

Email: [email protected]

1 If your referred action, or a component of it, is to be taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park the Minister is required to provide a copy of your referral to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) (see section 73A, EPBC Act). For information about how the GBRMPA may use your information, see http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/privacy/privacy_notice_for_permits.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 37 of 41

COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU QUALIFY FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE FEE(S) THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PAYABLE

I qualify for exemption □ an individual; OR from fees under section

520(4C)(e)(v) of the EPBC Act because I am: □ a small business entity (within the meaning given by section 328-110 (other than subsection 328-119(4)) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997); OR

□ not applicable.

If you are small business entity you must provide the Date/Income Year that you became a small business entity:

Note: You must advise the Department within 10 business days if you cease to be a small business entity. Failure to notify the Secretary of this is an offence punishable on conviction by a fine (regulation 5.23B(3) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth)).

COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR A WAIVER Note: Applications for a waiver must be supported by information in writing setting out the grounds on which the applicant considers that a waiver should be made and the reasons why it should be made. The Minister may, at his or her discretion, waive all or part of a fee that would otherwise be payable in the following circumstances:  the action’s primary objective is to protect the environment, or protect and conserve heritage, in a way that is consistent with the objects of the EPBC Act;  it is in the public interest to do so; or  there are other exceptional circumstances justifying the waiver. The Minister will consider the application within 20 business days.

I would like to apply for a □ not applicable. waiver of full or partial fees under regulation 5.21A of the EPBC Regulations. Under regulation 5.21A(5), you must include information about the applicant (if not you) the grounds on which the waiver is sought and the reasons why it should be made:

Declaration: I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information I have given on, or attached to this form is complete, current and correct. I understand that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. I declare that I am not taking the action on behalf of or for the benefit of any other person or entity.

Signature: Date:

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 38 of 41

REFERRAL CHECKLIST NOTE: This checklist is to help ensure that all the relevant referral information has been provided. It is not a part of the referral form and does not need to be sent to the Department.

HAVE YOU:  Completed all required sections of the referral form?  Included accurate coordinates (to allow the location of the proposed action to be mapped)?  Provided a map showing the location and approximate boundaries of the project area for the proposed action?  Provided a map/plan showing the location of the action in relation to any matters of NES?  Provided a digital file (preferably ArcGIS shapefile, refer to guidelines at Attachment A) delineating the boundaries of the referral area?  Provided complete contact details and signed the form?  Provided copies of any documents referenced in the referral form?  Ensured that all attachments are less than three megabytes (3mb)?  Sent the referral to the Department (electronic and hard copy preferred)

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 40 of 41 Attachment A

Geographic Information System (GIS) data supply guidelines

If the area is less than 5 hectares, provide the location as a point layer. If the area greater than 5 hectares, please provide as a polygon layer. If the proposed action is linear (eg. a road or pipeline) please provide a polyline layer.

GIS data needs to be provided to the Department in the following manner:  Point, Line or Polygon data types: ESRI file geodatabase feature class (preferred) or as an ESRI shapefile (.shp) zipped and attached with appropriate title  Raster data types: Raw satellite imagery should be supplied in the vendor specific format.  Projection as GDA94 coordinate system.

Processed products should be provided as follows:  For data, uncompressed or lossless compressed formats is required - GeoTIFF or Imagine IMG is the first preference, then JPEG2000 lossless and other simple binary+header formats (ERS, ENVI or BIL).  For natural/false/pseudo colour RGB imagery: o If the imagery is already mosaiced and is ready for display then lossy compression is suitable (JPEG2000 lossy/ECW/MrSID). Prefer 10% compression, up to 20% is acceptable. o If the imagery requires any sort of processing prior to display (i.e. mosaicing/colour balancing/etc) then an uncompressed or lossless compressed format is required.

Metadata or ‘information about data’ will be produced for all spatial data and will be compliant with ANZLIC Metadata Profile. (http://www.anzlic.org.au/policies_guidelines#guidelines).

The Department’s preferred method is using ANZMet Lite, however the Department’s Service Provider may use any compliant system to generate metadata.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 41 of 41 Attachment B

Privacy and Confidentiality Notice

The Department is required under section 74(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to publish the information (including personal information of the author and/or third parties) provided in this referral on the internet. The information published may include your personal information. Information including your personal information included in this referral will be used for the purposes of administering the EPBC Act. The information may be provided to various Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies for the purposes of administering the Act or other Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation. For example, if the proposed action (or a component of it) is to be taken in the GBRMP, the Minister is required to provide a copy of your referral to GBRMPA (see section 73A, EPBC Act). For information about how the GBRMPA may use your information, see http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/privacy/privacy_notice_for_permits. The Department will collect, use, store and disclose the personal information contained in this referral in a manner consistent with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Department’s privacy policy. The Department’s privacy policy contains details about how respondents may access and make corrections to personal information that the Department holds about the respondent, how respondents may make a complaint about a breach of an Australian Privacy Principle, and how the Department will deal with that complaint. A copy of the Department’s privacy policy is available at: http://environment.gov.au/privacy-policy. The Department is not obliged to publish information that the Minister is satisfied in commercial-in-confidence. If you believe that this referral contains information that is commercial-in-confidence, you must clearly identify such information and the reason for its confidentiality at the time of making the referral. The Minister cannot be satisfied that particular information included in a referral is commercial-in-confidence unless you demonstrate to the Minister (by providing reasons in writing) that:

- release of the information would cause competitive detriment to the person; and

- the information is not in the public domain; and - the information is not required to be disclosed under another law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and

- the information is not readily discoverable. The Department is subject to certain legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Australian Government including disclosures to the Parliament and its Committees. While the Department will treat all referral information provided in this referral sensitively, any information contained in or relating to a referral, including information identified by a person as commercial-in-confidence, may be disclosed by the Department:

- to its employees and advisers in order to evaluate or assess a referral; - to the Parliamentary Secretary; - within the Department or other agencies where this serves the legitimate interest of the Australian Government;

- in response to a request by a House or Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia; - where information is authorised or permitted by law to be disclosed; and - where the information is in the public domain other than by the Department’s disclosure of that information.

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 42 of 41

ATTACHMENTS

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 1 of 41

Attachment A: SKA Array Coordinates

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 1 of 41

Attachment B: Ecological Report

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 1 of 41

Attachment C: Reconnaissance survey for the Shield- backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum)

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 2 of 41

Attachment D: Significant Species Management Plan

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 1 of 41

Attachment E: EPBC Protected Matters Search

001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 2 of 41