Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Ecological_Assessment_Report

Issue | 27 August 2020

This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party.

Job number 267007

Arup Pty Ltd ABN 18 000 966 165

Arup Level 4, 108 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 GPO Box 685 Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia www.arup.com

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Contents

Page

Executive summary 1

1 Introduction 3 1.1 Project overview 3 1.2 Project description 3 1.3 Purpose of the report 4 1.4 Limitations and assumptions 5

2 Policy context and legislative framework 6 2.1 Commonwealth 6 2.2 Territory 6

3 Methodology 9 3.1 Study area 9 3.2 Desktop studies 11 3.3 Terrestrial field surveys 11 3.4 Aquatic habitat assessments 17 3.5 Summary of surveys 18

4 Existing conditions 19 4.1 Site context 19 4.2 Recent fire 21 4.3 Vegetation and flora 21 4.4 Fauna 35 4.5 Aquatic habitat 54

5 Biodiversity impacts 61 5.1 Direct impacts 61 5.2 Indirect impacts 69 5.3 Summary of impacts 72

6 Biodiversity mitigation 75 6.1 Suggested management plans 75 6.2 ISCA – Ecology credits 76

7 Biodiversity residual risk 83

8 Significant impact assessment 87 8.1 Golden Sun Moth 87 8.2 Green and Golden Bell Frog 89 8.3 Murray Cod 91

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

9 Discussions and considerations 94 9.1 Recommendations 94

10 References 96

Tables

Table 1: Conditions during Golden Sun Moth surveys Table 2: Conditions during the Pink-Tailed Worm Lizard habitat assessment Table 3: Site-based vegetation communities Table 4: Significant flora species listed in the EPBC PMST search and Significant Species Database search. Table 5: Significant fauna species listed in the EPBC PMST search and Significant Species Database search. Table 6: Native plant species observed on eastern edge of stockpile paddock. Table 7. Golden Sun Moth records at project site Table 8: Birds recorded at QSTP settling ponds. Table 9: Aquatic habitat assessment locations and summary Table 10: Impacted vegetation communities on the site. Table 11: Potential biodiversity impacts during construction and operation Table 12: Biodiversity mitigation measures Table 13: Biodiversity residual risk Table 14: Assessment against Commonwealth Significant Impact Criteria for Golden Sun Moth Table 15: Assessment against Commonwealth Significant Impact Criteria for Green and Golden Bell Frog Table 16: Assessment against Commonwealth Significant Impact Criteria for Murray Cod

Figures

Figure 1: QSTP location and site features Figure 2: Survey tracks, meanders and transects Figure 3: Murrumbidgee and Lake George Catchments. The red box indicates the project sites location within the catchment area (OEH, 2006) Figure 4: ACT Vegetation communities (Source: ACTmapi) Figure 5: Site-based vegetation communities Figure 6: Golden Sun Moth habitat and survey location Figure 7: Aquatic habitat assessment sites and the effluent ponds. Figure 8: Vegetation clearing impacts Figure 9: Recommended potential areas for revegetation or rehabilitation Figure 10: Trees and mixed plantings observed during field surveys

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Appendices

Appendix A ACT Search Results

Appendix B Protected Matters Search Results

Appendix C Golden Sun Moth Technical Report

Appendix D Green and Golden Bell Frog Investigation

Appendix E ACT Government Fire Maps

Appendix F Flora List

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Executive summary

Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) (the proponent) is seeking to upgrade and operate a sewage treatment plant (STP) at 7 Mountain Road, Jerrabomberra, ACT (the site). The site is the location of the existing Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant (QSTP). The QSTP Upgrade Project (the project) will utilise a currently undeveloped portion of the site to build new infrastructure facilities that predominantly supersede the currently operational facilities. The site assessment completed by Arup in 2019/2020 determined the QSTP site is dominated by exotic flora species, with poor habitat availability for native fauna. Field assessments identified: • The presence of Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana, a critically endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and an endangered species under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act), with limited suitable habitat present in the southern stockpile paddock; • Small patches of native grasslands in the southern stockpile paddock that do not meet the key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds of the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act; • No suitable habitat for Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard Aprasia parapulchella due to modification of the site; • The Molonglo River is in low to moderate condition in along the project site given the extent of modification of the exotic dominate riparian vegetation of crack willow; • Likely presence of Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii within this reach of the Molonglo River; • The existing effluent ponds are of low to poor habitat quality; however, they provide a source of refugia for fauna species in the wider region; and • Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea are unlikely to occur due to the presence of the exotic Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki. In summary, the following are the key points for biodiversity impacts from the project: • Direct impact to the identified Golden Sun Moth has been mitigated through design of the project, and additional mitigation measures will be implemented to avoid potential indirect impacts; • The project is unlikely to result in an adverse impact on terrestrial biodiversity, and project elements such as weed removal at the Molonglo River and the proposed revegetation works at the current effluent pond sites will result in creation of higher quality habitat on site;

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

• Notwithstanding the above, some of the trees located within the finalised clearing footprint may meet the criteria for a regulated tree under the Tree Protection Act 2005 and removal of some of the larger mature trees on site may be considered a Key Threatening Processes under the NC Act. Approval will be required to remove regulated trees. This will require tree survey to confirm and a Tree Protection Plan would be recommended to minimise impacts; and • Aquatic biodiversity is not anticipated to be adversely impacted by the project. Discharge from the QSTP will contribute environmental flows to the Molonglo River, providing water for fish even during drought conditions. The key recommended mitigation measures to avoid and/or mitigate impacts to aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity include: • Revegetation works to reinstate native vegetation on site; • Rehabilitation works at the adjacent Molonglo River; • Tree survey for large mature trees on site and preparation of a Tree Protection Plan for the project; • Clearly visible delineation of vegetation clearing boundaries during the works; • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to be prepared and approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA); • Monitoring of discharge to the Molonglo River; • Dust suppression and noise/vibration measures to minimise disturbance to wildlife; • Supervision by a fauna spotter during vegetation clearing; • Implementation of a pest and weed management plan; and • An exclusion zone around identified suitable habitat for Golden Sun Moth and diversion of stormwater from the exclusion zone.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

1 Introduction

1.1 Project overview Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) (the Proponent) is seeking to upgrade and operate the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant (QSTP) at 7 Mountain Road, Jerrabomberra, ACT (the Site). The Project will utilise a currently undeveloped portion of the site to build new infrastructure facilities that would supersede the currently operational facilities. There are several drivers for this project including: • Capacity required for current and future population growth with the existing STP is estimated to have a design equivalent persons (EP) of 34,500 and is currently serving about 50,000 EP. The upgrade of the facility will cater for a future EP of 75,000 around 2023/24 to be operational; • Asset life of existing infrastructure, as there is little remaining useful life for some of the existing assets. Much of the existing equipment is obsolete and there are issues with maintenance of the existing plant; • Operability and reliability of the QSTP has a limited longevity. It is estimated that the existing facility has three to five years’ effective service life remaining before its condition or ability to meet load requirements presents a major risk to QPRC and the community; • A new STP to provide a level of service that conforms to industry best practice for the protection of public health and the environment and meet potential more stringent discharge criteria as may be imposed in the future; and • A STP design that meets regulator and stakeholder concerns and requirements, such as maintaining effluent quality and mitigating flood risks. The upgrade of the QSTP would ensure these drivers would be met. The project aims to have the Queanbeyan STP upgrade operational by 2024.

1.2 Project description The project involves planning, designing and constructing an upgrade to the existing QSTP facility. The upgrade facility will cater for a future EP of 75,000, including the following facilities and components: • Inlet screens; • Primary treatment; • Secondary biological treatment; • Tertiary treatment; • Disinfection (as may be required); • Sludge treatment; • All buildings;

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

• Access road; and • Stormwater storage. Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of the current facility and is indicative only.

1.3 Purpose of the report This report provides the results of a desktop review and field investigations to address the assessment requirements under the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007 (P&D Act) and the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The proposed activity requires an environment impact statement (EIS) under Schedule 4 of the ACT P&D Act. The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate provided a Scoping Document for the EIS to address. The Scoping Document requires the following: • Provide a description of the ecological values (including native vegetation, endangered ecological communities) and potential aquatic and terrestrial threatened species and their habitat on and adjacent to the site; • Undertake ecological surveys by a qualified ecologist for the Golden Sun Moth, Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and their habitats. Please note all surveys must be undertaken using standard survey techniques; • Provide maps showing the location of Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and Golden Sun Moth habitat in relation to the proposal; • Discuss the impacts of the development on the ecological values, and provide mitigation measures to reduce the impacts; • Provide an assessment of the potential impacts on aquatic habitat and species (including, but not limited to Murray Cod, Silver Perch and Macquarie Perch) and mitigation measures proposed to reduce the impacts. The Ecological Assessment Report includes a description of ecological values and likely impacts of the project, with a focus on natural temperate grasslands and adjacent habitats for threatened Golden Sun Moth, in accordance with the ACT Environmental Offsets Calculator Assessment Methodology (Environment and Planning 2015) and the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1: Matters of national environmental significance (DoE 2013). The assessment methodology covers: • Desktop review • Field surveys, including targeted surveys for; - Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana; - Hoary Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor - Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides - Monaro Golden Daisy Rutidosis leiolepis - Small Purple Pea Swainsona recta - Austral Toadflax Thesium austral

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

• Aquatic habitat assessments • Habitat presence and suitability assessments for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella, Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii, Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica, Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus • Habitat suitability of the effluent pond for the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea. • Identification, mapping and communication of biodiversity constraints. Including; - Assessment of significance for impacts to Golden Sun Moth, where confirmed for the site, and - Recommendations to protect site ecological value.

1.4 Limitations and assumptions Surveys were times to capture Golden Sun Moth, and likely threatened protected flora and fauna. Green and Golden Bell frogs were investigated at the end on the recommended season however the timing coincided with a period of rain after an extended dry period. There had been suggestions that there was Green and Golden Bell Frog activity occurring elsewhere in the region. A few sections of the site were not accessible due to current usage (ie. active machinery), biological and physical hazards. However, the site was traversed as much as possible during the survey effort and sufficient coverage of the site was obtained to adequately asses the biodiversity values present.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

2 Policy context and legislative framework

2.1 Commonwealth

2.1.1 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to those actions which are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance (MNES). An EPBC Act referral is triggered by undertaking an action that will have or is likely to have a significant residual impact on MNES or other protected matters. MNES relevant to the project are nationally threatened species and ecological communities, including but not exclusive to Golden Sun Moth, Hoary Sunray, Button Wrinklewort, Monaro Golden Daisy, Small Purple Pea and Austral Toadflax

2.1.2 EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy Where a project is likely to have a significant residual impact on MNES, environmental offsets may be required to compensate for such losses. The EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy (EPBC Offsets Policy) outlines the Australian Government’s approach to the use of environmental offsets under the EPBC Act. It is intended to provide proponents, the community and stakeholders with greater certainty and guidance on how offsets are determined and when they may be considered under the EPBC Act. The ACT and the Commonwealth have a bilateral agreement in place relating to environmental assessment and approval.

2.2 Territory

2.2.1 Nature Conservation Act 2014 The Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act) and associated regulations support the protection and conservation of native species, ecological communities and biodiversity values within the Territory. Species and ecological communities listed as threatened within the Territory are identified in Chapter 4 of the NC Act. Native vegetation is also defined under Section 233 of the NC Act for lands within the Territory. On the QSTP site there are potential native grasslands across the site and possible habitat for listed species. According to the NC Act, an area of native vegetation is: A. Either: a) 10% or more of the area is covered with vegetation (whether dead or alive); b) No more than 60% of the ground layer vegetation cover is exotic annual (at any time of the year); and

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

c) More than 50% of the perennial ground layer vegetation cover is native vegetation; or d) Trees or shrubs indigenous to the area have a canopy cover of 10% or more in any stratum. The NC Act also identifies Key Threatening Processes, such as the Loss of Mature Native Trees and Lack of Recruitment. Actions to mitigate against the loss of mature native trees include: • Restrict, as far as possible, clearing of mature eucalypts over 50 cm diameter at breast height, mature native trees that contain nest hollows and native trees (other than eucalypts) that have reached approximately 67% of their maximum diameter. • Promote retention of standing dead trees wherever possible. • Encourage retention of non‐mature native trees across urban and rural landscapes to ensure a future supply of mature trees and avoid lag times.

2.2.2 Planning and Development Act 2007 The Planning and Development Act 2007 (PD Act) provides a framework for assessment and approval of land development within the Territory. Under the PD Act, a proponent may be required to obtain an environmental significance opinion from a relevant agency to demonstrate the development is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact. The proposed activity requires an environment impact statement (EIS) under Schedule 4 of the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007 (P&D Act). ACT Health (together with the NCA) regulates discharges to LBG. The Minister responsible for the ACT Public Health Act 1997 has the ability to declare the proposal impact applicable and therefore requiring an EIS to be undertaken. It is unlikely that this will occur given that an EIS is already required and that the proposal will improve the quality of the inputs into the Molonglo River and other receptors. Nevertheless, consultation with ACT Health is ongoing as part of the EIS preparation. The construction of a “sewage treatment facility” is not a prohibited activity in the zone (TSZ2: Services and NUZ4: River Corridor). The Development Application (DA) would likely be assessed under the Impact Track. A completed EIS is required to be submitted with a DA submitted under the Impact Track. This applies to the whole site zoned TSZ2: Services and NUZ4: River Corridor (small areas bordering the Molonglo River). The PD Act provides a framework for assessment and approval of land development within the Territory. Under the PD Act, a proponent may be required to obtain an environmental significance opinion from a relevant agency to demonstrate the development is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact. A development proposal is likely to require an environmental significance where: • Clearing more than 0.5 ha of native vegetation in a native vegetation area;

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

• Impacting upon species or ecological communities listed under the NC Act; or • Impacting upon a MNES, as listed the EPBC Act.

2.2.3 Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 The Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 (PP&A Act) and associated regulations support the identification and management of pest plants and animals in the Territory. Under the PP&A Act, there is a general obligation whereby all people are responsible for taking reasonable and practicable steps to prevent and minimise the spread of pest plants and animals. Pest plants and animals likely to be present within the study area include Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana, African Love Grass Eragrostis curvula and Wild Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. There are no notification requirements for these species however, measures to contain and minimise the spread of pest grasses are to be implemented.

2.2.4 Water Resources Act 1991 The Water Resources Act regulates the taking of surface water and groundwater. Surface water means water from sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds, the stormwater system or other overland flow. It also regulates works that will be carried out in a waterway. The concept design discusses decommissioning the maturation ponds. The removal of the ponds will also include bank reprofiling works that will be considered work within a water way and will likely require a license to carry out this work.

2.2.5 Tree Protection Act 2005 The Tree Protection Act 2005 (TP Act) allows for the protection of individual trees including regulated and registered trees on urban lands. Under the TP Act, a regulated tree is defined as a living tree (other than a registered tree or a palm tree) occurring on leased land this includes trees with; a) 12 metres or more high; or b) Has a trunk with a circumference of 1.5 metres or more, 1 metre above natural ground level; or c) Has two or more trunks and the total circumference of all the trunks, 1 metre above natural ground level, is 1.5 metres or more; or d) Has a canopy 12 metres or more wide. Registered trees are trees located within urban areas that have been identified as being exceptional for their natural or cultural heritage value, landscape or aesthetic value or scientific value. Requirements for the protection of regulated and registered trees are identified in Part 3 of the TP Act including guidance for tree protection zones, clearing, pruning and ground disturbance works. As discussed below, there are no registered trees on site however tree survey is required to confirm if regulated trees are present. Approval will be required to remove regulated trees.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

3 Methodology

3.1 Study area The current QSTP site is located on Jerrabomberra Rural Block No. 27, which also includes the council storage and nursey area near the central part of the site. The study area for the project includes five main areas of the site: • The Current STP Facility - Buildings and other facilities for the QSTP, mostly within the central part of the study area - Effluent ponds (1-3) in the northern part of the study area, with the Molonglo River running outside the northern boundary. • Council Facility - Council Storage, nursery, and mulch area in the central part of the study area • Stockpile Paddock - Biosolids extension paddock in the east side of the study area, outside the current layout area of the QSTP. • Jerrabomberra sewer main - Grasslands in the west side of the study area along the Jerrabomberra sewer main. • Access roads, - Mountain Rd and part of Nimrod Rd. The key elements of the project include a proposed new treatment facility, stormwater storage and additional asset upgrades to a number of connecting sewer lines such as a new Jerrabomberra sewer trunk main running from the west to the central parts of the study area. In addition, existing roads to the south are proposed to be upgraded. The study area and project elements above are shown in Figure 1, as well as the proposed location of stockpile areas.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

3.2 Desktop studies As part of the desktop review of the site, background database searches were conducted to identify known biodiversity values within the study area that may be a potential constraint to the proposal, or otherwise impact upon the planning and approval requirements. The desktop review was also conducted to determine gaps in available information prior to the field survey and ensure that key information could be gathered in the field where required. Note that some of the database searches below were re-conducted after the field surveys in November 2019 to capture more recent results. Database searches included: • ACTMapi Significant Species, Vegetation Communities and Registered Trees database mapping (as shown in the relevant figures of this report); • ACT Significant Species database (Appendix A) (13 February 2020); • ACT Wildlife Atlas Records Open Data Portal (13 February /2020); • EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST), applying a 1 km search area around the centre of the study area (Appendix B) (24 November 2019); and • Commonwealth Threatened Species Profiles for EPBC Act listed threatened flora and fauna on the Species Profile and Threats (SPRAT) database website. Additional recourses included: • Significant impact guidelines 1.1 (2013), Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Commonwealth of Australia • Target species Survey Guidelines (EPBC Act) Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. • Survey Of Vegetation And Habitat In Key Riparian Zones Of Tributaries Of The Murrumbidgee River In The ACT: Naas, Gudgenby, Paddys, Cotter and Molonglo Rivers (c The purpose of the review is to analyse gaps in available information prior to the field survey and ensure that key information can be gathered in the field where it is required.

3.3 Terrestrial field surveys The Golden Sun Moth flying season began early in November 2019. A targeted survey was completed on November 15, 16 and 20 2019 to confirm Golden Sun Moth presence and to assess and map habitat. Survey was completed by an experienced Golden Sun Moth specialist, Alison Rowell, and an Arup ecologist. During this fieldwork a waterbird survey was also completed. A general ecology field assessment was completed in November 27 - 28, 2019. The survey was completed by two Arup ecologists assessing the site for

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

vegetation cover and condition, potential habitat for Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and aquatic habitat assessments. In March 2020 an additional investigation was completed to further assess the effluent ponds for likelihood of Green and Golden Bell Frogs. Vegetation cover and natural features were ground truthed with a handheld GPS and photographs were taken.

3.3.1 Terrestrial vegetation and flora surveys To assess the biodiversity values within the study area, a site walkover was conducted on 27-28 November 2019 by two Arup ecologists. The site walkover included assessments to classify terrestrial vegetation communities and targeted surveys for threatened flora species. The survey methodology was informed by the results of the desktop review of the study area, which included mapped native grasslands, potential for threatened ecological communities and potential for threatened flora species listed under the EPBC Act and/or the NC Act, generally consistent with the ACT Native Grassland Conservation Strategy and Action Plans (ACT Government, 2017). Specifically, the site surveys for terrestrial vegetation included the following components: • Assessment of the floristic values of the site including recording all plant species observed; • Rapid vegetation assessments across the study area (including the banks of the Molonglo River that run along the northern boundary of the study area) to identify and map all vegetation communities present (Figure 2); • In conjunction with the Golden Sun Moth habitat assessments, transects were 100 m long where the size and shape of the area permitted and where there was a sufficient area of habitat of similar quality. A measuring tape was laid out in the habitat and the endpoints of the transect were recorded. Reference photographs were taken of each transect from the start point; • A single dominant habitat feature was recorded at each metre or 50 cm mark along the tape with a total of 100 observations made per transect. Dominant habitat features recorded were categorised as either plant, cryptogam, bare ground, rock or dead plants/ litter. Where plants where encountered, these were classified as native, exotic, annual, perennial and / or larval food plant for Golden Sun Moth and identified to genus, or species level where possible. Other relevant site features were noted during the survey including soil type, grazing type and pressure, tussock height, site damage, pupal case locations, presence of trees and shrubs. Other native or invasive exotic species that were observed within 50 cm of the tape were also recorded; and Observations on the general site conditions and habitat features to assess the potential for listed threatened flora species or ecological communities to occur.

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Targeted threatened flora surveys were undertaken through random meanders (Figure 2) covering the areas mapped as native grassland communities, as well as searches while traversing the rest of the study area. The flowering and/or fruiting periods for potentially occurring flora species are known to occur during spring and summer (in particular perennial groundcovers like those of the Asteraceae plant family (Daisies) which would be more difficult to detect without flowers or fruit). The field surveys were undertaken in November, during the optimal time of the year to detect these species and identify any potential individuals of these species. However, the site surveys found generally low potential for threatened flora species to occur due to the dominance of exotic grassland/paddocks where native grassland habitat had been mapped.

3.3.2 Terrestrial fauna surveys Terrestrial fauna surveys included the following: • Targeted fauna surveys were carried out for the Golden Sun Moth; • Habitat suitability was assessed for potential Pink-Tailed Worm Lizard; • Investigation of the effluent ponds was completed to determine the potential for the Green and Golden Bell Frog to occur; and • Additional observations were collected for birds utilising the effluent ponds.

3.3.2.1 Golden Sun Moth Targeted surveys for Golden Sun Moth in accordance with the Significant impact guidelines for critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana) (Commonwealth of Australia 2009) were completed on 15, 16 and 20 November 2019. The areas of proposed works were traversed by two ecologists and the vegetation communities recorded and mapped. Where applicable, direct counts of adult males were undertaken, and searches within suitable vegetation for the presence of adult females and pupal cases was completed. Nearby reference sites were also surveyed to allow for a comparative assessment of moth activity. The following habitat attributes were assessed within areas of derived native grassland: • Physical attributes including site aspect, slope, shading; • Soil characteristics and the presence of bare ground / rocky areas; • Vegetation characteristics and the abundance of suitable host plants (i.e. Austrodanthonia spp., Austrostipa spp. Nessella neesiana); • Evidence of disturbance; • Connectivity to other suitable habitats. Areas of potential Golden Sun Moth habitat that were identified on 15 November were revisited on 16 and 20 November to take surveys of any flying males. These areas of potential habitat were located around the boundary of the stockpile

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paddock, so the whole paddock was surveyed an additional two times. On 16 and 20 November two ecologists walked through the stockpile paddock in parallel or meandering transects 10 – 40 m apart (Figure 2), as described in Section 3.3 of this report. As specified in the Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (DEWHA 2009), surveys were carried out in the middle of warm days after flying had become well-established for the 2019 season (Table 1). Data shared online by many local Golden Sun Moth surveyors confirmed that although relatively windy, the survey days were around the peak of the 2019 flying season for the species. The guidelines specify that once presence is established, surveys should focus on determining the relative distribution of the species on the site. Table 1: Conditions during Golden Sun Moth surveys

Date Time Temp. °C Wind Cloud Notes 15/11/19 1000-1430 18-24 Moderate 60-0%, Poor survey conditions but to High very high mid-season, Golden Sun and light Moth seen at two other sites on this date in Yarralumla ACT. 16/11/19 1100-1230 19-23 Light to <10%, No records from other moderate high and ACT/NSW sites (Saturday). light 20/11/19 1150-1250 23-26 None to 0% Good survey conditions, Light Golden Sun Moth seen at Yarralumla and Mitchell.

3.3.2.2 Pink-Tailed Worm-lizard The Conservator of Fauna and Flora advised in writing that the project site had potential to contain Pink-Tailed Worm Lizards and suitable habitat. Potential habitat was assessed during the November 27 and 28 ecological survey (Table 2). Habitat information was established using the guidance information of the Survey Guidelines For Australia’s Threatened Reptiles (DSEWPC, 2011). The site was traversed to assess habitat suitability for the Pink-Tailed Worm Lizard, mainly focusing on open grasslands undisturbed from the existing STP activities. Preferred habitat description includes: • A cover of predominately native grasses, particularly Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra; • Sparse or no tree cover; • Little or no leaf litter; and • Scattered small rocks lightly embedded in the soil surface or resting on soil on top of more deeply buried rocks.

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Table 2: Conditions during the Pink-Tailed Worm Lizard habitat assessment

Date Time Temp. °C Wind Cloud Notes

27/11/2019 1400-1600 1.6-27 Moderate <10%, Stockpile and southern to High high and paddock light

28/11/2019 1000-1200 5.6-30 Light to <10%, West Jerrabomberra sewer moderate high and trunk main light

3.3.2.3 Green and Golden Bell Frog likelihood investigation On 13 March 2020, a secondary investigation of the effluent ponds was completed to determine the potential for presence of Green and Golden Bell Frogs. The initial site investigation determined that there was potential habitat available at the ponds, however given the artificial construction of the ponds and the presence of Gambusia (a predator), additional investigation was required to inform the likelihood of this species to be present in this location. This assessment was carried out by Allison Rowell who has extensive ecological assessment experience within the ACT, and Dr. Will Osbourne who is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra. The survey was undertaken between 14:00 – 16:00, in fine weather conditions with a temperature of 24-25°C. The ponds and their fringing vegetation were observed from the adjacent tracks, assessing the likelihood of the presence of Green and Golden Bell Frogs. Habitat was assessed against Dr Will Osbourne’s extensive knowledge on the species and known habitats (Appendix D).

3.3.2.4 Incidental bird surveys During the ecological field surveys, observational data for migratory birds that maybe attracted to the effluent ponds was collected. The STP effluent ponds were surveyed for waterbirds on 15 and 20 November. Each survey event included two personnel: one main observer and one scribe, who would tally the list of identified species. Observations were undertaken morning, midday and mid-afternoon. The ponds are very exposed, and the birds were quite skittish, as a result multiple approaches were undertaken in order to be suitably indiscriminate for the observations. The following survey on 27 November made observation of habitat suitability for water birds (foraging and breeding habitat) and general utilisation.

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3.4 Aquatic habitat assessments Aquatic habitat assessments were completed on the 27 and 28 November. Three sites along the Molonglo River were assessed in general accordance with the Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) Physical Assessment Protocol (Parsons, M., et al., 2002) and related data sheets. The aquatic biodiversity assessment has incorporated a desktop-based assessment of freshwater environments adjacent to the site including the Molonglo River and associated tributaries. This assessment identified three freshwater fish as potentially occurring within the adjacent freshwater habitats of the Molonglo River, including Murray Cod, Macquarie Perch and Silver Perch. Fish surveys were not included in the current scope of fieldwork. The likely presence of these species has been determined through consideration of the quality of habitat at the site and review of available literature for each species. There is potential for three threatened fish species to occur within the site, being Murray Cod, Macquarie Perch and Silver Perch. The influence of the continual flows from discharge of the STP into the Molonglo River provide refuge habitat for these species. It is unlikely that these fish would be observed during a survey without extensive effort up and down stream of the site, and this could be further hampered by the condition of the river and the prevailing drought. The likelihood assessment has relied on information of the preferred habitat for threatened fish, through the Survey Of Vegetation And Habitat In Key Riparian Zones Of Tributaries Of The Murrumbidgee River In The ACT: Naas, Gudgenby, Paddys, Cotter and Molonglo Rivers (Peden et al 2011), and the relevant species action plans..

3.4.1 Habitat availability of the effluent ponds A site walkover and a rapid assessment was completed to determine if the effluent ponds provide habitat for use by native fauna. As the ponds lack natural features (as they are manmade structures) a generalised observational approach was taken. This included observations on: • Utilisation of the ponds by observed fauna; • Presence and condition of aquatic and fringing flora; and • Habitat suitability for aquatic related species that would support a food web. The main objective of this assessment was to confirm if the pond would provide habitat for a range of protected matters within the region, such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog.

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3.5 Summary of surveys

Date Survey type Report 15, 16 & 20 • Golden Sun Moth Golden Sun Moth Technical November 2019 • Waterbird survey Report (Appendix C) 27 – 28 • General ecology field assessment Ecological Assessment Report November 2019 including migratory birds • Terrestrial flora survey • Pink-tailed Worm-lizard • Aquatic habitat assessment 13 March 2020 • Green and Golden Bell Frog Green and Golden Bell Frog assessment Investigation (Appendix D)

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4 Existing conditions

4.1 Site context The QSTP site has been historically modified and utilised for wastewater treatment plant and grazing. There is known contamination on the site due to burial of solids and discarded screenings. Contamination likely includes stockpiles of biosolids, wet and dry sludges, screens and grit, onsite material burial, possibly asbestos, asbestos lined pipes, general waste disposal. In addition, the biosolids are likely to also contain metals (Arup, 2019). The site has been mostly cleared of native vegetation and replaced by a range of exotic plantings and encroaching exotic vegetation that have colonised the riparian corridor of the Molonglo River and the surrounding open grasslands. In addition to the historical land use, much of the site is continually under disturbance and modification due to treatment and storage of biosolids, and other council storage and depot activities (such as mulch storage and council nursery plantings).

4.1.1 Catchment The site is within the Molonglo River catchment which flows west into the Murrumbidgee River, eventually connecting to the Murray-Darling Basin. The QSTP is located upstream of Lake Burley Griffin, that splits the Canberra Central Business District (CBD) and Parliament through Canberra and is about 1 km downstream of the of the confluence with the Queanbeyan River (Figure 3). The Molonglo River has been impacted by invasive riparian species such as Crack Willow Salix fragilis that have led to the modification of river flows and reduced habitat availability, also the river is under pressure from continued development along the Molonglo and the Queanbeyan Rivers (Peden et al., 2011).

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Figure 3: Murrumbidgee and Lake George Catchments. The red box indicates the project sites location within the catchment area (OEH, 2006)

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4.2 Recent fire On 23 January 2020, the Pialligo Fire moved through the northern and eastern edge of the site. The fire moved from the north west and headed south toward the QSTP. An additional section of the QSTP was also under threat as part of the Beard Grass and Bush Fire on 25 January 2020. These fires have likely impacted the vegetation cover of the riparian zone and some of the open grassland and habitat to the northeast and the west including the open exotic grassland (ACT Government maps of the extent of the fire are provided in Appendix E). Subsequent ecological surveys have not been carried out since these fires occurred. However, for the purposes of this assessment it is assumed that the environmental values of the site have not changed.

4.3 Vegetation and flora

4.3.1 Mapped vegetation communities A review of the ACT Grassland Communities mapping on the ACTmapi Significant Species, Vegetation Communities and Registered Trees database showed most of the study area is mapped as ‘URB Urban and Developed Areas’ with the biosolids extension paddock and cleared areas in the west side mapped as ‘NG Native grassland’ (shown in Figure 4). The Molonglo River vegetation is mapped as ‘EXS Exotic Shrubland’. A review of the Vegetation Communities Mapping on this database also showed the biosolids extension paddock in the east side of the study area and cleared areas in the west side are mapped as ‘Native grasslands’, consistent with the ACT Grassland Communities mapping. These mapped grasslands are in the conservation category of ‘Other Grasslands – Category 2, 3 or exotic’ (Category 2 and 3 grasslands have moderate or lower ecological condition, respectively).

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

4.3.2 Site-based vegetation communities The site-based vegetation communities within the study area, as determined during the field surveys, are described in Table 3 and show in Figure 5. The field surveys determined that the areas mapped as native grassland in ACTmapi did not actually contain native vegetation communities; instead, these areas were dominated by exotic grasses, exotic forbs and woody weeds. These areas meet the definition of exotic grasslands under the ACT Native Grassland Conservation Strategy and Action Plans (ACT Government, 2017), where exotic grassland is defined as having more than 50% of the perennial foliage cover comprised of non-native species. This was generally consistent across the Jerrabomberra sewer trunk main area, the stockpile paddock and the verge along the access roads. There were some very small patches of native grassland recorded during the Golden Sun Moth survey in the eastern side of the study area, within the biosolids extension paddock though outside of placement of biosolids. These patches contained weeds and perennial vegetation and were only marginally dominated native Speargrass Austrostipa spp. and Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma spp. These patches have been mapped as native grassland in relation to Golden Sun Moth Habitat, however the cover of native species only just exceeds 50% and the total area is small and degraded. These patches are small (less than 0.1 ha combined) and are in isolated occurrences generally aligning with the sightings of Golden Sun Moth and the cusp of the high bank along the Molonglo River (Figure 5). Combined, the patches make up less than 10% of the area of open grasslands within the south of the site, and as such these small patches are not considered a separate vegetation community. Further details about these patches are contained in Section 3.1 of the Golden Sun Moth survey report (Appendix C) and further discussion of these patches as Golden Sun Moth habitat is provided in Section 4.4.1 of this report. A list of all flora species observed at the site is included in Appendix F. This includes a number of Declared weeds and Weeds of National Significance (WONS). The likelihood of the site supporting any listed threatened flora species or listed threatened ecological communities (TECs) is discussed in the sections below.

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Table 3: Site-based vegetation communities

Vegetation community Description Exotic Grassland The dominant vegetation community consisted of highly disturbed exotic grassland in the biosolids extension paddock and the west side of the site, including the indicative alignment for the proposed Jerrabomberra sewer trunk main. The groundcover layer of these areas was observed to support predominantly introduced grasses, notably African Lovegrass Eragrostis curvula, Bearded Oats Avena barbata and Canary Grass Phalaris aquatica. Targeted surveys for Golden Sun Moth habitat found very small patches of grassland near the eastern boundary of the study area that were only marginally native dominated. The sum of these separate, scattered patches was less than 0.1 ha. Other weed varieties observed in this exotic grassland community included Paterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum, Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium, Catsear Hypochaeris radicata. This community was also characterised by either no shrub cover or sparse exotic shrubs including African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum, Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa and Blackberry Rubus anglocandicans. To the south west of the project area, African Boxthorn starts to dominate as a shrub layer, however the this weed is found sporadically across the site.

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Vegetation community Description There were some scattered, isolated trees in the paddock/exotic grassland areas, as well as in rows along fence lines. These native trees appeared to be either planted or retained during previous clearing including Blakely's Red Gum Eucalyptus blakelyi, Brittle Gum Eucalyptus mannifera and Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora. Mistletoe was observed on one of the larger Eucalyptus trees situated inside the fence line near Mountain Road. The understorey around these trees was exotic dominate, consistent with the adjoining exotic grasslands.

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Vegetation community Description Effluent Ponds The riparian edges of the effluent ponds formed a mixed community of native and exotic plants, including Bulrush Typha spp., various reeds and sedges. There was also some exotic Crack Willow Salix fragilis and extensive exotic Canna Lilly Canna indica along the pond edges, which seemed likely to have been planted on site in the past. There was very little aquatic vegetation present within the bed sediments of the ponds. Where emergent aquatic plants were present, they were generally within 1m of the edge of the pond and sparse in cover.

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Vegetation community Description Exotic-dominated riparian corridor The riparian corridor of the Molonglo River along the northern boundary of the site was dominated by Crack Willow trees with some dense areas of exotic Silver Birch Betula pendula trees. Where the edge of the water was accessible in the northeast part of the site, a dense groundcover of exotic Stickyweed Galium aparine was observed.

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Vegetation community Description Grove of Casuarina Trees A stand of River She-oak Casuarina cunninghamiana surrounded by other trees and shrubs, mostly mixed plantings, was present in the central part of the study area. It appeared likely to be planted originally and allowed to develop into the current Casuarina grove. Pine Plantation There was also a fenced area of exotic Radiata Pine Pinus radiata which appeared to be the remnants of a pine plantation. Some scattered Radiata Pine trees were also present around the study area, in particular within the mixed planting areas described below, in the central part of the study area.

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Vegetation community Description Mixed Plantings The rest of site consisted of planted areas of shrubs and trees, mainly in the central section of the site, across the treatment plant and effluent ponds as well as in the council storage and nursey area. Planted shrubs and trees were often arranged as screens between different parts of the study area. They often included: • Exotic London Planetree Platanus × acerifolia; • Black Cypress Pine Callitris endlicheris; • Bottlebrush Callistemon spp or more likely landscaping cultivars; and • Rows of River She-Oak providing screens or small groupings of River She-Oak mixed with other species.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

4.3.3 Threatened ecological communities The EPBC PMST search results (Appendix B) indicated that two TECs protected under the EPBC Act had potential to occur in the study area, including: • White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC, listed as Critically Endangered; and • Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands, listed as Critically Endangered. For an area to be included as White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC, a patch must have a predominantly native understorey of 12 or more native species and greater than 0.1 ha. Very small patches of weedy but diverse native grassland were found on the eastern edge of the paddock, however the combined size was less than 0.1 ha. There are a few Eucalypt species across the site that could be found in this TEC, however they are highly scattered and have an exotic understorey. It was determined that the White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC was not present on the site. No Natural Temperate Grassland threatened ecological community was found in the proposed disturbance footprint in the stockpile paddock. The field surveys determined that the study area does not support any TECs.

4.3.4 Threatened flora A review of the ACTmapi Significant Species, Vegetation Communities and Registered Trees database did not identify any records of ‘threatened plants’ or ‘rare and other important plants’ as occurring in or adjacent to the study area. The review of this database also showed that there are no ACT Registered Trees of mapped Environmental Offsets areas within or adjacent to the site. The nearest records of threatened flora species on ACTmapi are located more than 500 m from the site, being Hoary Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor and Button Wrinklewort. The field surveys were undertaken during the time of the year suitable for detecting and identifying these species. A search of the PMST search results identified nine threatened flora species as potentially occurring within 1 km of the study area (Appendix B). Search results from the ACT Significant Species database also identified six additional threatened flora species that have the potential to occur within the study area (Appendix A). During the field survey, no threatened flora species were observed within the site. Due to the previous clearing and development of the majority of the study area, the dominance of exotic flora species throughout the site, as well frequent disturbance from activities related to the waste treatment plant, it was determined that there is low potential for any protected flora species to occur on site.

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Significant flora species listed in the EPBC PMST search and Significant Species Database search. Table 4 provides the likelihoods of occurrence for the threatened flora species with potential to be present as indicated in the EPBC PMST results and the results of the Significant Species database search. Table 4: Significant flora species listed in the EPBC PMST search and Significant Species Database search.

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 of occurrence3 Low-lying, often Unlikely. winter-wet areas in Low or no Dodonaea Trailing Hop- woodland, low open suitable - V procumbens bush forests, healthland habitat. Not and grasslands, on detected on sands and clays. site. Alluvial soils in, Unlikely. poorly-drained flats Low or no and hollows adjacent suitable to swamps, creeks habitat. Not and small rivers. detected on Found in open site. Eucalyptus Black Gum V V woodland with a aggregata grassy understory dominated by River Tussock Poa labillardierei or Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis. Eucalypt woodland Unlikely. with a grassy ground Low or no cover, low open suitable Lepidium Basalt Pepper- - E Casuarina woodland habitat. Not hyssopifolium cress with a grassy ground detected on cover and tussock site. grassland. Unlikely. Wide variety of Low or no Leucochrysum grassland, woodland suitable albicans var. Hoary Sunray - E and forest habitats, habitat. Not tricolor generally on detected on relatively heavy soils. site.

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Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 of occurrence3 The ACT sites are Unlikely. only on the eastern Low or no banks of the rivers, suitable with an aspect habitat. Not ranging from north- detected on westerly through site. Pomaderris Pale westerly to southerly. V V pallida Pomaderris Grows in near- monospecific stands in shrubland, surrounded by Eucalyptus or Callitris woodland, or in open forest. Relatively fertile soils Unlikely. in grassy woodland Low or no or natural grassland. suitable Prasophyllum Tarengo Leek E E In the ACT, the habitat. Not petilum Orchid species is known only detected on from the Hall site. Cemetery. Primarily occurs in Unlikely. the ecotone between Low or no the treeless Kangaroo suitable Grass, Tussock Grass habitat. Not and Spear Grass detected on dominated grasslands site. Rutidosis Button E E and the open grassy leptorrhynchoides Wrinklewort Yellow Box - Blakely’s Red Gum woodlands. Also often extends well into the treeless grasslands. Unlikely. Predominantly in Low or no grassy woodlands, Small Purple- suitable Swainsona recta E E but sometimes pea habitat. Not extends into grassy detected on open-forest. site. Semi-parasitic on Unlikely. roots of a range of Low or no grass species notably suitable Austral Kangaroo Grass. habitat. Not Thesium australe V V Toadflax Occurs in shrubland, detected on grassland or site. woodland, often on damp sites.

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Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 of occurrence3 Only found in the Unlikely. ACT and is known at Low or no only ten sites. Grows suitable in sandy soil amongst habitat. Not Murrumbidgee rock outcrops on detected on Bossiaea grayi E - Bossiaea river banks and site. adjacent slopes close to rivers, usually at the top of the riparian zone. Transitional Unlikely. vegetation zones Low or no between open grassy suitable woodland (dominated habitat. Not by Eucalyptus detected on Arachnorchis Canberra CE CE blakelyi, E. site. actensis Spider Orchid melliodora, and E. pauciflora) and dry sclerophyll forest (dominated by E. rossii) Occurs in natural Unlikely. temperate grassland Low or no in the north-west suitable corner of Belconnen habitat. Not Naval Transmission detected on Station in the suburb site. Lepidium Ginninderra E V of Lawson in the ginninderrense Peppercress ACT. 1000 individuals have also been planted in a translocation program in Crace and Dunlop at the ACT. Endemic to NSW. Unlikely. Montane grassland, Low or no subalpine grassland suitable dominated by Poa habitat. Not spp., temperate detected on Calotis Mauve Burr- - V grassland, Eucalyptus site. glandulosa daisy pauciflora woodland, and dry sclerophyll forest at high altitude in the Australian Alps.

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Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 of occurrence3 Known from 21 Unlikely. locations in Low or no Kosciuszko National suitable Park. Few other habitat. Not populations on the detected on Monaro Tableland, site. near Cooma, at Adaminaby and at Monaro Rutidosis leiolepis - V Dry Plain. Golden Daisy Populations outside the national park are found at lower altitudes of 860–1010 m, on the temperate montane grasslands of the Monaro Tablelands. Known from the Unlikely. flood terraces on the Low or no eastern bank of the suitable Murrumbidgee River habitat. Not south of Canberra. detected on Muehlenbeckia Tuggeranong E E Propagated plants site. tuggeranong Lignum have been planted in five suitable areas along the eastern river bank within Pine Island Reserve. 1 Nature Conservation Act 2014 threatened status 2 Environment Protection of Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 threatened status 3 Likelihood occurrence available records of sightings confirmed through Atlas of living Australia

4.4 Fauna The ACT Wildlife Atlas Records Open Data Portal (accessed 13 February 2019) did not identify any threatened wildlife records at or near to the study area. The only record in the study area was for sighting of Platypus Ornithorynchus anatinus at one of the effluent ponds from 1 January 2010. This species is not listed as threatened under the EPBC Act or NC Act. The Platypus may have been visiting the ponds as a potential foraging location given it is an aquatic environment, however the effluent ponds do not provide suitable breeding habitat for Platypus. A search of the EPBC Act PMST results identified twenty threatened fauna as potentially occurring within 1 km of the study area, including nine birds, two fish, two frogs, one insect, four mammals and two reptiles (Appendix B). Search results from the ACT Significant Species database also identified eight additional threatened fauna (Appendix A).

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Similarly to threatened flora, the previous disturbance of the site suggest that there is low potential for threatened terrestrial fauna species to occur at the site. In addition, the Conservator of Fauna and Flora identified the following species as potentially occurring within the site: • Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica; • Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus; and • Pink-tailed Work-lizard Aprasia parapulchella. Table 5 provides the likelihoods of occurrence for the threatened flora species with potential to be present as indicated in the EPBC PMST results and the results of the Significant Species database search. Three species have been identified as possibly occurring, including: • Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii; • Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea; and • Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana. In addition, the Conservator of Fauna and Flora identified the following species as potentially occurring within the site: • Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica; • Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus; and • Pink-tailed Work-lizard Aprasia parapulchella. Table 5: Significant fauna species listed in the EPBC PMST search and Significant Species Database search.

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 Birds Mostly inhabits inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range, in areas of low to moderate relief with Unlikely. No moist, fertile soils. It is suitable Anthochaera Regent most commonly CE CE habitat. Not phrygia Honeyeater associated with box- detected on ironbark eucalypt site. woodland and dry sclerophyll forest, but also inhabits riparian vegetation such as sheoak.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 Occurs along the coast Unlikely. No and is also frequently suitable recorded in the Murray habitat. Not Darling Basin, notably detected on Botaurus Australasian E E in floodplain wetlands site. poiciloptilus Bittern of the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, Macquarie and Gwydir Rivers. Mainly intertidal Unlikely. No mudflats in sheltered suitable coastal areas, such as habitat. Not estuaries, bays, inlets detected on and lagoons, and also site. around non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons near the coast, and ponds in saltworks Calidris Curlew - CE and sewage farms. ferruginea Sandpiper They are also recorded inland, though less often, including around ephemeral and permanent lakes, dams, waterholes and bore drains, usually with bare edges of mud or sand. Inhabits mistletoes in Unlikely. eucalypt forests / Low suitable woodlands, riparian habitat – woodlands of black might be box and river red gum, transitory Painted box-ironbark-yellow visitor to Grantiella picta V V Honeyeater gum woodlands, forage in acacia-dominated trees on site. woodlands, paperbarks, Not detected casuarinas, callitris, on site. and trees on farmland or gardens. Occur over most types Unlikely. No of habitat, they are suitable recorded most often habitat. Not White- above wooded areas, detected on Hirundapus throated - V including open forest site. caudacutus Needletail and rainforest, and may also fly below the canopy between trees or in clearings. Swift Parrots breed in Unlikely. No suitable Lathamus tree-hollows in old- Swift Parrot CE CE habitat. Not discolor growth or other forest with suitable hollows, detected on in relatively close site.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 proximity to the main food source, flowering Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus. During the non- Unlikely. No breeding season in suitable Australia, the eastern habitat. Not curlew is most detected on commonly associated site. with sheltered coasts, Numenius Eastern - CE especially estuaries, madagascariensis Curlew bays, harbours, inlets and coastal lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or sandflats, often with beds of seagrass. Forests and woodlands Unlikely. No dominated by to low eucalypts, especially suitable River Red Gums habitat. Not (Eucalyptus detected on camaldulensis) and box site. Some eucalypts such as species Polytelis Superb Yellow Box listed V V swainsonii Parrot (Eucalyptus present on melliodora) or Grey site but Box (E. microcarpa). highly The species also scattered. seasonally occurs in box-pine (Callitris) and Boree (Acacia pendula) woodlands. Shallow terrestrial Unlikely. freshwater Low or no (occasionally brackish) suitable wetlands, including habitat. temporary and Might be permanent lakes, transitory swamps and claypans. visitor to the They also use effluent inundated or ponds. Not Australian waterlogged grassland detected on Rostratula Painted E E or saltmarsh, dams, rice site. australis Snipe crops, sewage farms and bore drains. Typical sites include those with rank emergent tussocks of grass, sedges, rushes or reeds, or samphire; often with scattered clumps of Matted Lignum Muehlenbeckia axillaris. or Canegrass

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 or sometimes tea-tree (Melaleuca). Climacteris Brown Eucalypt woodlands Unlikely. No picumnus Treecreeper (including Box-Gum suitable Woodland) and dry habitat. Not open forest of the detected on inland slopes and site. plains inland of the Great Dividing Range; V - mainly inhabits woodlands dominated by stringybarks or other rough-barked eucalypts, usually with an open grassy understorey. Calyptorhynchus Glossy Open forest and Unlikely. No lathami Black woodlands of the coast suitable Cockatoo and the Great Dividing habitat. Not Range where stands of detected on sheoak occur. Black site. V - Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis and Forest Sheoak Allocasuarina torulosa are important foods. Melanodryas Hooded Prefers lightly wooded Unlikely. cucullata Robin country, usually open Low or no eucalypt woodland, suitable acacia scrub and habitat. Not mallee, often in or near detected on clearings or open areas. site. Requires structurally V - diverse habitats featuring mature eucalypts, saplings, some small shrubs and a ground layer of moderately tall native grasses. Hieraaetus Little Eagle Open eucalypt forest, Unlikely. morphnoides woodland or open Low or no woodland. Sheoak or suitable Acacia woodlands and habitat. Not riparian woodlands of detected on V - interior NSW are also site. used. Nests in tall living trees within a remnant patch, where pairs build a large stick nest in winter.

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 Daphoenositta Varied Inhabits eucalypt Unlikely. chrysoptera Sittella forests and woodlands, Low or no especially those suitable containing rough- habitat. Not V - barked species and detected on mature smooth-barked site. gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia woodland. Lalage sueurii White- Found in open Unlikely. winged woodlands and forest, Low or no Triller tree-lined waterways in suitable semi-arid regions and habitat. Not E - the nearby scrub. This detected on is mainly lightly site. timbered country with an open shrub layer and grassy ground-cover. Fish Utilises a diverse range Possible, of habitats from clear Low rocky streams, such as availability those found in the of suitable Maccullochella Murray Cod - V upper western slopes of habitat. But peelii NSW (including the likely point ACT), to slow-flowing, of refuge turbid lowland rivers during and billabongs. drought Riverine, schooling Unlikely. species. It prefers clear Low or no water and deep, rocky suitable holes with lots of habitat, very Macquaria Macquarie cover. As well as limited E E australasica Perch aquatic vegetation, range within additional cover may river system. comprise of large boulders, debris and overhanging banks. Generally the species is Unlikely. found over a broad area Low or no of the Murray–Darling suitable Basin and is often habitat, very found in similar limited habitats to Murray Cod range within (Maccullochella peelii) river system. Bidyanus Silver perch V V and Golden Perch bidyanus** (Macquaria ambigua), i.e. lowland, turbid rivers. There are some reports that suggest that B. bidyanus prefers faster, open water, but the general scarcity of information on the

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 habitat preferences of the species makes generalisation difficult. Frogs In NSW, the species Possible. commonly occupies Low suitable disturbed habitats, and habitat. breeds largely in Effluent ephemeral ponds. pond would Inhabits marshes, dams provide and stream-sides, habitat, and particularly those refuge containing Bullrushes during Green and or Spikerushes drought Litoria aurea Golden Bell V V Eleocharis spp.. conditions. Frog Optimum habitat However includes water-bodies after that are unshaded, free additional of predatory fish such investigation as Plague Minnow presence is Gambusia holbrooki, considered have a grassy area unlikely nearby and diurnal sheltering sites available. Permanent ponds, Unlikely. swamps, lagoons, farm Low or no dams and the still suitable backwaters of rivers habitat. Not usually with tall reeds detected on present. Also found in site. ponds or slow moving Yellow- streams with Litoria castanea spotted Tree CE CE overhanging grassy Frog banks in the absence of reed beds. Found to overwinter in the hollow centres of rotting logs and in the earth surrounding the roots of uprooted trees. Insects Native temperate Present. grassland and open Golden Sun grassy woodlands Moth was dominated by wallaby identified in grass. More recent native grass Golden Sun studies show a broader patches on Synemon plana E CE Moth tolerance for other the eastern species compositions, edge of the including degraded stockpile grasslands dominated paddock and by exotic Chilean in an exotic Needlegrass. dominated

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 grass patch to the south. Mammals The species requires a Unlikely. No combination of suitable sandstone habitat. Not cliff/escarpment to detected on provide roosting habitat site. Chalinolobus Large-eared that is adjacent to - V dwyeri Pied Bat higher fertility sites, particularly box gum woodlands or river/rainforest corridors which are used for foraging. Habitat requirements Unlikely. No include suitable den suitable sites such as hollow habitat. Not Dasyurus logs, tree hollows, rock detected on Spot-tailed maculatus V E outcrops or caves. site. Quoll maculatus Preference for mature wet forest habitat, especially in areas with rainfall 600 mm/year. Unlikely. No suitable habitat other than isolated scattered Range of temperate, Eucalyptus sub-tropical and trees that tropical forest, may be food Phascolarctos Koala V V woodland and semi- trees or cinereus arid communities stepping dominated by stones for Eucalyptus species. dispersal by transitory individuals (unlikely). Not detected on site. Nyctophilus Eastern Scattered distribution Unlikely. No corbeni Long-eared mostly within the suitable Bat Murray-Darling Basin, habitat. Not but with some records detected on outside of this area. It site. is more common in - V box, ironbark and cypress pine woodland on the western slopes and plains. Its stronghold seems to be the Pilliga Scrub. It roosts in tree hollows,

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 crevices and under loose bark. Requires foraging Unlikely. No resources and roosting suitable sites. It is a canopy- habitat. Not feeding frugivore and detected on nectarivore, which site. Pteropus Grey-headed utilises vegetation V V poliocephalus Flying-fox communities including rainforests, open forests, closed and open woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and Banksia woodlands. Reptiles Primary and secondary Unlikely. grassland, grassy Low to no woodland and suitable woodland habitat. Not communities, and the detected on species usually inhabits site. sloping sites that Aprasia Pink-tailed contain rocky outcrops V V parapulchella Worm-lizard or scattered, partially buried rocks. These rocky habitats tend to be well-drained mid- slope or ridge-top sites with loosely embedded rocks on soil substrate with ant galleries. Potential habitat for the Unlikely. No Striped Legless Lizard suitable includes all areas habitat and which have, or once the study had, native grasslands area has had or grassy woodlands major (including derived disturbance Striped grasslands) across the including Delma impar Legless V V historical range of the ploughing, Lizard species, provided that pasture area retains suitable improvemen tussock structure, the t and soil is of appropriate biosolids type and structure, and dumping. the site has not had Not detected major disturbance such on site. as ploughing. Well-drained sites Unlikely. No Grassland dominated by Tall suitable Tympanocryptis Earless E E Speargrass and shorter habitat and pinguicolla Dragon wallaby grasses, with the study patches of tussocks and area has had open spaces between major

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

Species Name Common NC EPBC Habitat Likelihood Name Act1 Act2 to occur3 them. In the ACT these disturbance sites are frost-hollow including grasslands that usually ploughing, have had little or no pasture ploughing or pasture improvemen improvement. The t and lizards use arthropod biosolids burrows, particularly dumping. Wolf Spider and Raspy Not detected Cricket burrows. on site. 1 Nature Conservation Act 2014 threatened status 2 Environment Protection of Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 threatened status 3 Likelihood occurrence available records of sightings confirmed through Atlas of living Australia ** Species not recorded in the PMST Search but identified through Conservator of Fauna and Flora feedback

4.4.1 Golden Sun Moth

4.4.1.1 Golden Sun Moth habitat assessment No native vegetation communities or potential Golden Sun Moth habitat were identified in the Jerrabomberra trunk line paddock. The vegetation in this location was dense and exotic-dominated, with tall dry exotic grasses, mainly African Lovegrass, exotic forbs, African Boxthorn and other woody weeds. Scattered Golden Sun Moth larval food plants were recorded (Chilean Needlegrass Nassella neesiana, Tall Speargrass Austrostipa bigeniculata and Wallaby Grasses Rytidosperma species) but these were rare, and the vegetation structure was unsuitable for Golden Sun Moth. The verges of Mountain Road were also disturbed and exotic dominated. While there was scattered Spear and Wallaby Grasses under a row of pine trees, these were not considered to provide Golden Sun Moth habitat due to their location under trees. The central part of the stockpile paddock was covered by dumped biosolids (Figure 6) and most of the rest of the paddock appeared to have been ploughed or otherwise disturbed. Vegetation was dominated by exotic species, including Canary Grass and a variety of exotic perennial and annual grasses and forbs. A narrow (one metre) strip of Chilean Needlegrass was identified growing on hard soil over a pipeline trench, however this was not considered to provide Golden Sun Moth habitat. Very small patches of grassland on the eastern boundary of the stockpile paddock appeared to have escaped ploughing and pasture improvement, and although weedy, the perennial vegetation was marginally dominated by native species with several species of native grasses and forbs (Table 6). These patches are small and are in isolated occurrences generally on the cusp of the high bank along the Molonglo River. Combined, the patches make up less than 10% of the area of

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Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Ecological Assessment Report

open grasslands within the south of the site. Scattered native grasses under Brittle Gum planted on the western boundary of the paddock were not considered to provide Golden Sun Moth habitat due to their location under trees. A patch of grassland in the paddock south of the stockpile paddock was dominated by Chilean Needlegrass with occasional native grasses (Figure 6). Table 6: Native plant species observed on eastern edge of stockpile paddock.

Grasses Other native species Austrostipa bigeniculata Acaena ovina Austrostipa scabra Asperula conferta Bothriochloa macra Carex inversa Enneapogon nigricans Chrysocephalum apiculatum Rytidosperma auriculatum Convolvulus angustissimus Rytidosperma carphoides Goodenia pinnatifida Themeda triandra Kunzea ericoides Lomandra bracteata Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriacea Lomandra multiflora Pimelea curviflora var. sericea Rumex brownii Rumex dumosus Vittadinia muelleri Wahlenbergia communis

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4.4.1.2 Golden Sun Moth survey Golden Sun Moths were observed adjacent to the stockpile paddock on the western verge of Nimrod Road on 15 November 2020, near an area of known Golden Sun Moth habitat in horse paddocks west of the road (ACTmapi 2019). On 16 and 20 November 2020, Golden Sun Moth were observed on the eastern boundary of the stockpile paddock and in the paddock to the south (Figure 6). No Golden Sun Moth were seen in the central exotic dominated part of the stockpile paddock and sightings were concentrated around patches of native Spear and Wallaby Grasses and exotic Chilean Needlegrass (see Figure 6). The highest density of Golden Sun Moth was in the Chilean Needlegrass patch south of the stockpile paddock (Figure 6). A total of five males were observed on the eastern edge of the stockpile paddock, and 30 males were seen in the paddock to the south. One female was seen in the latter area but was being carried away by a Robber Fly (Asilidae, common predators of Golden Sun Moth) so the location of its emergence is unknown. Table 7. Golden Sun Moth records at project site

Date Golden Sun Moth observations Notes 15/11/19 2 males outside site in horse paddock Poor survey conditions but mid- west of Nimrod Road, south of stockpile season and Golden Sun Moth seen at paddock. two other sites in Yarralumla ACT on this date. 16/11/19 4 males on eastern edge of stockpile No records from other ACT/NSW paddock, 16 males and one female south sites (Saturday). of stockpile paddock and outside works area. 20/11/19 1 male on eastern edge of stockpile Good survey conditions, GOLDEN paddock, 14 south of stockpile area. SUN MOTH also seen at Yarralumla and Mitchell on this date. TOTAL 35 males, one female, all outside works area.

Overall, there was little habitat available to support Golden Sun Moth across the study area. Given the presence of some Golden Sun Moth it is likely that the scattered individuals suggest a small corridor that connects the larger known mapped area of Golden Sun Moth in the adjacent property to the west. The presence and counts within the stockpile paddocks were low, even though the conditions were suitable for flying, and they were recovered in large numbers in other sites. Although the number are unlikely to support a sustained population on the QSTP property, any loss of Golden Sun Moth habitat seen as significant and should be subject to a referral under the EPBC Act. It is recommended that an Exclusion Zone is established prior to construction so that the proposed works remain clear of the known locations of Golden Sun Moth. Given the staged approach of the QSTP upgrade, an additional survey prior to disturbance will be required confirm the extent of the Golden Sun Moth presence and habitat. If the construction

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footprint extends into the Golden Sun Moth habitat, a referral will be required under the EPBC Act. The full report is appended in the Golden Sun Moth Technical Report (Appendix C).

4.4.2 Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Upon consultation with the Conservator of Fauna and Flora, Pink-tailed Worm- lizard was identified as possible to be within the region. As such, surveys were carried out to identify if habitat was present. The survey effort focussed two main regions of the site; the Jerrabomberra sewer trunk main area and the proposed build zone and surrounds as these areas had the highest potential for Pink-tailed Worm-lizard. The vegetation in these areas consisted of exotic flora species, dominated by Bearded Oat Grass. There were limited sections of the site that contained any form of rock, though some rock was located along the east of the site boundary, near the downslope of the high bank of the river (see Photograph 1 below). However, rocks were widely scattered and included larger rocks that could not be moved, and that were more than half buried. Although the locality is suitable for Pink-tailed Worm-lizard (i.e. well-draining slope) there was an overall lack of suitable rocky substrate that would provide cover for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard (Photograph 1).

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Photograph 1: Small patch of embedded rocks along the edge of the upper bank of the Molonglo River.

4.4.3 Water bird observations Seventeen native bird species (fourteen of which were dependent on the water body or fringing vegetation) were observed on and around the effluent ponds adjacent to the Molonglo River (Table 8). A pile of sticks was evidence of (attempted) nest on one of three instrument rafts (Photograph 2). Nesting is unlikely to be successful in these locations due to disturbance by multiple species using the rafts as refuges.

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Table 8: Birds recorded at QSTP settling ponds.

Bird species Common Name Present Number Listed 15/11/19 20/11/19 status Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck 2M, 2F 3M, 2F Vulnerable in NSW Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 4 - Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck √ 1 - Anas gracilis Grey Teal √ 66 - Aythya australis White-eyed Duck √ 80 - Malacorhynchus Pink-eared Duck √ 8 - membranaceus Tachybaptus Hoary-headed Grebe √ 16 - poliocephalus Tachybaptus Australasian Little √ 4 - novaehollandiae Grebe Phalacrocorax carbo Great Black Cormorant 1 - Phalacrocorax Little Pied Cormorant √ 4 - melanoleucos Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite √ EPBC marine Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk 1 EPBC (imm.) marine Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen 2 - Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen √ 1 - Fulica atra Eurasian Coot √ 52 - Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren 4 - Acrocephalus Clamorous Reed- √ 16 EPBC stentoreus Warbler marine Turdus merula Blackbird 2 -

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Photograph 2: Cormorants, ducks and nesting material on equipment raft at QSTP settling ponds. Although not listed threatened in the ACT, of note was the sighting of five Blue- billed Ducks, a diving species listed as Vulnerable in NSW under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. The nearest sightings of this species in the last ten years have been at the Fyshwick Sewage Ponds and Jerrabomberra Wetlands Reserve, 5 km downstream of the QSTP ponds (reported on the ebird.org/Australia website). These records and others within 30 km of QSTP have been of one to three birds only and the most recent were in 2015. The eBird website shows 38 surveys at the QSTP settling ponds in the last ten years, with no records of Blue-billed Ducks in this period. In the last five years there have been occasional sightings of uncommon species such as Musk Duck and Great Crested Grebe at QSTP, and one record of Freckled Ducks (listed as Vulnerable in NSW). The surveys for this project found more water-dependent species in higher numbers than in most other recent surveys by others, perhaps an indication that the ponds are being used as a refuge by birds from surrounding areas due to the ongoing drought. All surveys show most species are associated with deep water and fringing vegetation rather than those dependent on shallow water or exposed mud flats. The adjacent Molonglo River is a natural corridor for waterbird movements. The QSTP ponds are smaller than the downstream Fyshwick Sewage ponds but are more natural, with some native fringing vegetation. Numbers of all water- dependent species at QSTP (apart from Blue-billed Duck) were low compared to the Fyshwick Sewage ponds and the adjacent Jerrabomberra Wetlands which are surveyed quarterly and often contain hundreds of some common wetland species.

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A few EPBC Marine listed species were observed during this survey; Whistling Kite, Brown Goshawk and Clamorous Reed-Warbler. The Molonglo River is a natural corridor to larger wetlands and more substantial areas of water. The habitat availability at the ponds is limited and it is likely that these species were drawn to the ponds due to the drought conditions.

4.4.4 Habitat investigation for Green and Golden Bell Frog An additional survey was completed by a species specialist on the 13 March 2020 to investigate if the effluent ponds would be considered suitable habitat for Green and Golden Bell Frogs. Green and Golden Bell Frogs have previously been recorded at the Fyshwick sewerage treatment ponds, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Molonglo River near the Queanbeyan in the mid to late 1970s. These sites are within 5 km of QSTP. However, the species has not been identified in any of these locations since 1985 (Rowell, 2020). Historically, Green and Golden Bell Frogs occur over a very wide range of habitat types but generally prefer emergent vegetation. Tall reeds like Eleocharis sphacelata are preferred but any thick riparian or emergent vegetation can be used. The species will also sit on the edge of water bodies in patches of grass, Juncus and Carex (W. Osborne, pers. comm. in Rowell, 2020). The species had disappeared from the entire ACT and most of the Southern tablelands by the mid-1980s (Osborne et al 1996). There have been many searches for the species in the area and with the exception of the Captains Flat population, none have been found. The Captains Flat population is unusual as it occurs in an area with many ideal wetlands, but the wetlands the frog breeds successfully in are highly polluted with heavy metals from tailings dams waste at the Captains Flat gold mine. It is thought that the effect of the chytrid pathogen has been reduced because chytrid fungi can be killed or rendered less virulent by some of these heavy metals (Osborne et al. 2008; W. Osborne, F. Krikowa and W. Maher unpublished data, as referenced in in Rowell and Osborne, 2020). A more obvious reason why Green and Golden Bell Frogs would not be present at the QSTP is the presence of large populations of Eastern Gambusia which is known to prey on the eggs and tadpoles of Green and Golden Bell Frogs; for this reason the Eastern Gambusia is listed as a threatening process for this species. It is very unlikely that Green and Golden Bell Frogs have persisted in the QSTP ponds, especially as the species no longer occurs at the downstream Jerrabomberra Wetlands which contain potential habitat in better condition. It is therefore considered that further survey for the species at QSTP in spring 2020 is not necessary. Although it is unlikely Green and Golden Bell Frogs are present at the ponds, the ponds are providing habitat for other species, such as Striped Marsh Frogs Limnodynastes peronii which were heard calling near the ponds, and Yellow- bellied water-skink Eulamprus heatwolei which was observed on a concrete wall above the water.

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4.4.5 Other fauna observations During the survey, incidental observations of other fauna species were noted. There was evidence of rabbits utilising the open paddock particularly in the stockpile paddock area of the site. Wombat scats were also recorded near the northern edge of the second effluent pond near the riparian zone. In March, Striped Marsh Frogs were heard calling near the ponds and a Yellow- bellied water-skink was observed on a concrete wall above the water. Across the site there are a number of isolated eucalypt trees, including Blakely's Red Gum, Brittle Gum and Yellow Box (Photograph 3), all with exotic dominated understory were scattered across the site. Most trees were located on the outer margins of the site. There are either individual paddock trees and or along a row of planted stands. Although they are not necessarily a community, as such, they do provide some habitat for a range of bird species, as a number of the larger trees did contain hollows. If any of the large trees will likely be cleared a fauna spotter catcher will be require reducing risk of injuring any animals that may be utilising these trees.

Photograph 3: Large paddock tree (Eucalyptus melliodora, Yellow Box) located in the Jerrabomberra sewer trunk main paddock.

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4.5 Aquatic habitat

4.5.1 Molonglo River The section of the Molonglo River within the study area is dominated by encroaching Crack Willow at the river and within the high bank areas of London Planetree, Silver Birch trees and thickets of black berries. There were very limited locations where the water was accessible, given the topography and extensive vegetation cover (Figure 7). The land use to the on the left bank (facing upstream, towards the north of the site) is dominated by grazing. Most of the property on this side of the river has been mostly cleared with scattered paddock trees and some vegetation surrounding gully lines (Photograph 4). There is little evidence of erosion along this stretch of the Molonglo River, with the exception small sections of very steep banks that have been likely impacted by flood events. Generally, this stretch has low condition as the embedded root and branches of the willows has reduced the variation of habitat present and modifies the water flows in this section (Table 9).

Photograph 4: View looking out back to the north over the first effluent pond in the treatment cycle across the river of the left bank.

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As the QSTP is continually operating, it provides sustained level of water in the Molonglo River. This artificial water source provides a refuge for a number of aquatic species. Therefore, although the condition of the aquatic environments is low the value of the habitat present is of higher value within the wider region due to the presence of unseasonably high water flows. The last rainfall prior to the survey was on 4 November 2020, when the region experienced approximately 12 mm of rain (Canberra Airport 60801). October had low rainfall of 25mm. As such the water, although flowing very slowly, was likely below normal base flow and was quite turbid. The Molonglo River does have controlled environmental flows from the a Googong Reservoir upstream on the Queanbeyan River, in addition to the discharge of the QSTP. The sustained water level likely provides points of refuge for a number of aquatic species. This section of the Molonglo River directly connects to Lake Burley Griffin and as such there are number of areas of deep water that would support larger species such as Murray Cod and Macquarie Perch. Table 9 provides a summary of the aquatic habitat within the site.

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Table 9: Aquatic habitat assessment locations and summary

Location Upstream Downstream Description Site 1 The site was located at the discharge point of the QSTP. The upstream left bank is mostly cleared for about 40m of rock rubble. As such there is little vegetation on this section. However, adjoining and across the river is continuously and densely vegetated banks dominated by willow from 10 to 20 m wide, encroaching into the channel. Some large woody debris was present towards the right back. Banks were relatively steep with a convex bank profile. There was evidence of fish activity in the water on the edge of the mixing zone of the discharge. Overall this section is modified, likely deep and

dominated by exotic species.

Site 2 This site was located near a bend of the Molonglo River, in the north east corner of the site. This site was difficult to access as the densely vegetated banks were mostly inaccessible where most of the bank edges quickly fell away. Within this site there was a step in the bank where willow have grown with numerous branches and roots encroaching into the water channel. The riparian vegetation was about 20 m wide in along this reach The far bank was difficult to observe but from various distant observation point the majority of the river bank on the left bank (looking upstream) is quite steep with the occasional step in the slope.

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Location Upstream Downstream Description Site 3 Site 3 was located about 320 m downstream from the Oaks Estate Road. Access to the location was difficult. The bank in this section drops away over a meter down. The lower bank is dominated by willows encroaching into the channel. The riparian corridor was narrower around 10 m wide, but exotic dominated. There was also some large woody debris submerged within the channel.

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4.5.2 Review of aquatic fauna Macquarie Perch is an endangered species under the NC Act and the EPBC Act. Macquarie Perch are typically found in the cooler, upper reaches of the Murray- Darling river system in Victoria, NSW and the ACT. The Molonglo River contains translocated individuals upstream of the Molonglo Gorge in Kowen Forest (DTMS, 2018). Given the extensive drought conditions it is possible these fish may have moved further downstream where there are sustained flows. However, they would still be unlikely present given the low numbers within the wider region, and the level of disturbance at the project site. Murray Cod are likely to be located within this reach of the Molonglo River. Their natural distribution extends between NSW, Queensland and the ACT and they are endemic to the Murray-Darling basin. This species was once widespread throughout the Molonglo River but has declined due to habitat degradation and poor connectivity through various weirs within the greater region that have interfered with the movement of these species. Restocking efforts have been undertaken throughout the region in Lake Burley Griffin, stocking efforts in Googong Reservoir and the Queanbeyan River by NSW DPI and Queanbeyan– Palerang Council (EPSDD, 2017). As such Murray Cod are likely present within the Molonglo River. Silver Perch were not identified in the PMST results however this species was mentioned in the feedback received from the Conservator of Fauna and Flora. The SPRAT profile information on the species suggests Silver Perch is endemic to the Murray-Darling system (including all states and sub-basins), has a limited distribution that has been impacted by changes in habitat connectivity and flow rates within the Murray-Darling system. Silver Perch are known in the Murrumbidgee catchment area as they have been stocked in the Googong reservoir by NSW DPI. Species have occasionally been recorded in the Molonglo River, are assumed to be displaced fish from the Googong reservoir. It is assumed this species is unlikely to occur within the project area with the potential exception of a few vagrants from stocked locations, given the poor connectivity of the waterways.

4.5.3 Effluent ponds There are three gravity-fed effluent ponds on the site. Each pond had evidence of established vegetation consisting mostly of exotic species along the outer margins of the water. Where emergent aquatic plants are present, they are generally within one metre of the edge and are sparse in cover. Vegetation cover consisted of a mix of native and exotic species including Typha sp., various reeds and sedges. There are some Crack Willow and extensive exotic Canna Lilies along the edges. Clarity of the ponds increase down-gradient of the water flow and water was quite clear by pond 3. The beds within the ponds were bare of aquatic vegetation until the outer margins where the water became shallower some emergent species were present. The ponds act as settlement ponds and therefore the substrate appeared smooth and soft, lacking texture that would better support a range of

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macroinvertebrates. The water quality of the pond would also inhibit the growth of some aquatic vegetation and limit the usability by aquatic fauna (some native fish species and invertebrates). As such it is likely that the ponds are in habited by a few poor-water-quality tolerant macroinvertebrates limiting food availability within the ponds. A Redfin Perch (Class 1 noxious fish in NSW in December 2010) was observed twice in the discharge effluent pond, likely the same fish. Small bodied fish were observed in the second effluent pond (likely Gambusia). Although the Redfin Perch and the Gambusia are not native species their presence indicates that the ponds are habitable for more tolerant and robust species. Although the ponds generally lack foraging habitat, a number of waterbirds were observed among the ponds mostly in the lower end of pond 2 and throughout pond 3. Pond 1 was often without water birds present, but that is likely due to poorer water quality. Willows were growing in the outer margins of the ponds and a number of birds were startled from within these trees. It is possible that the willows could be providing roosting and or nesting habitat.

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