Trieste 3D Seismic Survey: Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna Survey and Black-Cockatoo Habitat Survey November 2017 Study area Prepared for: Lattice Energy Services Pty Limited Prepared by: Western Wildlife 8 Ridgeway Pl Mahogany Creek WA 6072 Ph: 0427 510 934 November 2017 Triest 3D Seismic Survey: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2017 Executive Summary Introduction Lattice Energy Pty Limited (Lattice) is proposing to undertake an onshore three-dimensional (3D) seismic survey in Exploration Permit 320 in the North Perth Basin, Western Australia. The proposed survey is named the Trieste 3D Seismic Survey, and has the purpose of aiding in the identification of conventional gas reserves through mapping geological formations. On behalf of Lattice, Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd commissioned Western Wildlife to carry out a Level 1 vertebrate fauna survey of key areas of native vegetation within the seismic survey project area. The objectives of the Level 1 vertebrate fauna survey were to: • Identify the fauna habitats present in the study areas. • List the vertebrate fauna that were recorded in the study area and/or have the potential to occur in the study areas. • Identify species of conservation significance, or habitats of particular importance for fauna, that may occur in the study areas. • Identify the potential impacts the proposed seismic survey may have on fauna, particularly on fauna of conservation significance. This report details the findings of the fauna survey conducted in November 2017. Methods The fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives (EPA 2016a), Environmental Factor Guidelines – Terrestrial Fauna (EPA 2016b), Technical Guide – Terrestrial Fauna Surveys (EPA 2016c), Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA & DEC 2010) and EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for three threatened black cockatoos: Carnaby’s Cockatoo, Baudin’s Cockatoo and Forest Red- tailed Black-Cockatoo (DSEWPaC 2012). The field survey was carried out by one zoologist between the 6th and 7th November 2017. The field study included: • Identification of broad fauna habitats. • Opportunistic records of fauna. • Targeted search for evidence of any conservation significant species, particularly foraging, breeding or roosting habitat for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). Species of conservation significance were classified as: Conservation Significance 1 (CS1) if listed under The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or The Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act); Conservation Significance 2 (CS2) if listed as a Priority species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; or Conservation Significance 3 (CS3) if a locally significant species. Western Wildlife i Triest 3D Seismic Survey: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2017 Results and Discussion The landforms underlying the study area grade from low laterite hills, some with minor breakaways, to gravelly sands and deeper white sands in the lower lying portion. The vegetation is a diverse low to mid shrubland, with emergent patches of Banksia shrubland (Banksia attenuata, Banksia hookeriana, Banksia scabrella and/or Banksia sphaerocarpa), Woody Pear (Xylomelum angustifolium) and open low Eucalyptus todtiana woodland on the deeper sands. There is a minor creek vegetated with a woodland of Wandoo (Eucalyptus accedens) over shrubland. The habitats present are generally in excellent condition. The study area has the potential to support up to ten frog, 64 reptile, 119 bird and 25 mammal (18 native mammal) species. During the site visit three reptiles, 38 birds and five mammals were recorded opportunistically. A total of 15 fauna species of conservation significance have the potential to occur in the study area, nine vertebrate species and six invertebrates. The seven species of CS1 that may occur are the: • Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) - EPBC Act (Vulnerable), WC Act (Schedule 3) • Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) – EPBC Act (Migratory), WC Act (Schedule 5) • Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) – EPBC Act (Migratory), WC Act (Schedule 5) • Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – WC Act (Schedule 7) • Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) – EPBC Act (Endangered), WC Act (Schedule 2) • Chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), WC Act (Schedule 3) • Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), WC Act (Schedule 3) Of these, the Rainbow Bee-eater was recorded in the study area and is likely to be a regular breeding visitor, but as its population is large and stable this species is unlikely to be significantly impacted by the seismic survey. The Malleefowl and Chuditch have a low likelihood of occurring, as they are not generally known to occur in the region, though a few dispersing individuals may occur. The study area lacks habitats suitable for the Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider, so this species is also unlikely to be present. The Peregrine Falcon may forage over the project area, but only potentially breeds on the larger laterite breakaways. The Fork-tailed Swift is likely to overfly the study area on occasion, but unlikely to be affected by changes to study area habitats. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is likely to occur as a seasonal foraging visitor to the study area. The study area contains patches of Banksia shrubland that is potential foraging habitat, though no evidence of foraging was noted during the site visit. A small area of Wandoo woodland in a minor creek is potential breeding habitat. The eight species of CS2 that may occur are the: • Woma (Aspidites ramsayi) – Priority 1 • Black-striped Snake (Neelaps calonotos) – Priority 3 • Western Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma) – Priority 4 • A katydid (Hemisaga vepreculae) – Priority 3 • A katydid (Phasmodes jeeba) – Priority 2 • Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa) – Priority 4 • Woolybush Bee (Hylaeus globulifera) – Priority 3 • An earwig fly (Austromerope poultoni) – Priority 2 Western Wildlife ii Triest 3D Seismic Survey: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2017 Of these, the Woma is likely to be locally extinct and, so these species have a very low likelihood of occurring. The Black-striped Snake is known from sandy habitats in the region and is likely to be present, and the Western Brush Wallaby and two katydid species are moderately likely to occur in the shrublands of the study area. The Woolybush Bee may occur where Woolybush (Adenanthos cygnorum) is present, particularly in the southern private property. The Graceful Sun-moth has a low likelihood of occurrence, as the larval food-plants appear to be absent, or at least very uncommon. The earwig fly is only known from one nearby record, with most records of this species from the Jarrah forest. No species of Conservation Significance 3 were identified for the study area. The Trieste 3D Seismic Survey is proposed to be completed within a 5 – 7 week period between May and October 2018. When considering potential impacts on fauna, the Trieste 3D Seismic Survey is divided into two key activities: • Mulching of tracks to access the source and receiver lines for the seismic survey. • During the data collection several personnel and vehicles will be operating in the study area. Operations will be during daytime hours only. Based on these activities, the most likely potential impacts on fauna and fauna habitats are: • Direct mortality of fauna during mulching of tracks or through vehicle strike. • Loss of fauna habitat (about 100.82 ha), and increased habitat fragmentation in the medium-term through mulching of tracks. • Habitat degradation in the vicinity of access tracks through the introduction of dieback or weeds, by increased access by feral fauna or by trampling or crushing of adjacent vegetation. • Temporary disturbance to fauna in the vicinity of works, through noise, light or vibration. • Increased risk of fire. • Increased risk of third party access, exacerbating other impacts by preventing the rehabilitation of tracks. Recommendations have been provided with the aim of minimising or mitigating impacts of the seismic survey, in order to avoid significant impacts to fauna or fauna habitats. • Avoid mulching tracks during late winter and spring when birds have eggs and unfledged young in the nest. • Avoid mulching tracks in very cool weather when practicable, as warmer weather allows for more reptiles to disperse from the area being mulched. • Develop and implement procedure to deal with injured wildlife. • Induction training to include awareness of fauna that may occur on roads and reporting requirements with regards to incidents. • Low speed limits for all vehicles in vegetated areas. • Minimise disturbance footprint during the planning phase and ensure that mulching only occurs in the approved areas. • Avoid clearing any potential Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo breeding habitat (Wandoo woodland) and divert seismic lines around large stands of Banksia attenuata (foraging habitat) where practicable. • Develop and implement a weed management plan and Dieback management plan. The plans should include strategies to: o Reduce the risk of weed or Dieback introductions to the study area. o Manage any existing weeds or areas of Dieback to avoid their spread. Western Wildlife iii Triest 3D Seismic Survey: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2017 o Control any weed or Dieback outbreaks. o Monitor for weeds or Dieback after track closures. • Ensure that all food waste