Referral of proposed action What is a referral? The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) provides for the protection of the environment, especially matters of national environmental significance (NES). Under the EPBC Act, a person must not take an action that has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on any of the matters of NES without approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister or the Minister’s delegate. (Further references to ‘the Minister’ in this form include references to the Commonwealth Environment Minister or the Minister’s delegate.) To obtain approval from the Minister, a proposed action must be referred. The purpose of a referral is to enable the Minister to decide whether your proposed action will need assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. Your referral will be the principal basis for the Minister’s decision as to whether approval is necessary and, if so, the type of assessment that will be undertaken. These decisions are made within 20 business days, provided sufficient information is provided in the referral.
Who can make a referral? Referrals may be made by or on behalf of a person proposing to take an action, the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency, a state or territory government, or agency, provided that the relevant government or agency has administrative responsibilities relating to the action.
When do I need to make a referral? A referral must be made by the person proposing to take an action if the person thinks that the action for actions that has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the following matters protected by Part 3 of the EPBC Act: · World Heritage properties (sections 12 and 15A); · National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C); · wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B); · listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A); · listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A); · protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A); · Commonwealth marine environment (sections 23 and 24A); · Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B and 24C); · a water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development (sections 24D and 24E); · the environment, if the action involves Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A), including: o actions taken outside Commonwealth land that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment of Commonwealth land; o actions taken on Commonwealth land that may have a significant impact on the environment generally; · the environment, if the action is taken by the Commonwealth (section 28); and · Commonwealth Heritage places outside the Australian jurisdiction (sections 27B and 27C). You may still make a referral if you believe your action is not going to have a significant impact, or if you are unsure. This will provide a greater level of certainty that Commonwealth assessment requirements have been met. To help you decide whether or not your proposed action requires approval (and therefore, if you should make a referral), the following guidance is available from the Department’s website: · Submitting a referral under the EPBC Act – A fact sheet for a person proposing to take an action http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/factsheet-environment-assessment-process
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 1 of 16 · the Policy Statement titled Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/significant-impact-guidelines-11-matters-national- environmental-significance Additional sectoral guidelines are also available. · the Policy Statement titled Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/significant- impact-guidelines-12-actions-or-impacting-upon-commonwealth-land-and-actions · the Policy Statement titled Significant Impact Guidelines: Coal seam gas and large coal mining developments— Impacts on water resources http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/significant-impact-guidelines-13-coal- seam-gas-and-large-coal-mining-developments-impacts · the interactive map tool (enter a location to obtain a report on what matters of NES may occur in that location) http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html Can I refer part of a larger action? In certain circumstances, the Minister may not accept a referral for an action that is a component of a larger action and may request the person proposing to take the action to refer the larger action for consideration under the EPBC Act (Section 74A, EPBC Act). If you wish to make a referral for a staged or component referral contact the Referrals Gateway (1800 803 772). Do I need a permit? Some activities may also require a permit under other sections of the EPBC Act or another law of the Commonwealth. Information is available on the Department’s web site. Is your action in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? If your action is in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park it may require permission under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (GBRMP Act). If a permission is required, referral of the action under the EPBC Act is deemed to be an application under the GBRMP Act (see section 37AB of the GBRMP Act). This referral will be forwarded to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Authority) for the Authority to commence its permit processes as required under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 (GBRMP Regulations). If a permission is not required under the GBRMP Act, no approval under the EPBC Act is required (see section 43 of the EPBC Act). The Authority can provide advice on relevant permission requirements applying to activities in the Marine Park. The Authority is responsible for assessing applications for permissions under the GBRMP Act, GBRMP Regulations and Zoning Plan. Where assessment and approval is also required under the EPBC Act, a single integrated assessment for the purposes of both Acts will apply in most cases. Further information on environmental approval requirements applying to actions in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is available from http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/ or by contacting GBRMPA's Environmental Assessment and Management Section on (07) 4750 0700. The Authority may require a permit application assessment fee to be paid in relation to the assessment of applications for permissions required under the GBRMP Act, even if the permission is made as a referral under the EPBC Act. Further information on this is available from the Authority: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2-68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379 Townsville QLD 4810 AUSTRALIA Phone: + 61 7 4750 0700 Fax: + 61 7 4772 6093 www.gbrmpa.gov.au
What information do I need to provide? Please complete all parts of this form to assist the Department to process your referral efficiently. If a section of the referral document is not applicable to your proposal, please enter N/A. You can complete your referral by entering your information into this Word file. Instructions Instructions are provided in blue text throughout the form.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 2 of 16 Attachments/supporting information The referral form should contain sufficient information to provide an adequate basis for a decision on the likely impacts of the proposed action. You should also provide supporting documentation, such as environmental reports or surveys, as attachments. Coloured maps, figures or photographs to help explain the proposed action and its location should also be submitted with your referral. Aerial photographs, in particular, can provide a useful perspective and context. Figures should be good quality as they may be scanned and viewed electronically as black and white documents. Maps should be of a scale that clearly shows the location of the proposed action and any environmental aspects of interest. Please ensure any attachments are below five megabytes (5mb) as they will be published on the Department’s website for public comment. To minimise file size, enclose maps and figures as separate files if necessary. If unsure, contact the Referrals Gateway (email address below) for advice. Attachments larger than five megabytes (5mb) may delay processing of your referral. Note: The Minister may decide not to publish information that the Minister is satisfied is commercial- in-confidence. If you believe that your referral contains information that is commercial-in-confidence, you must clearly identify such information and the reason for its confidentiality at the time of making the referral. The Minister cannot be satisfied that particular information included in a referral is commercial-in-confidence unless a person demonstrates to the Minister that: · release of the information would cause competitive detriment to the person; and · the information is not in the public domain; and · the information is not required to be disclosed under another law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and · the information is not readily discoverable. How do I pay for my referral? From 1 October 2014, the Australian Government commenced cost recovery arrangements for environmental assessments and some strategic assessments under the EPBC Act. If an action is referred on or after 1 October 2014, then cost recovery will apply to both the referral and any assessment activities undertaken. Further information regarding cost recovery can be found on the Department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/cost-recovery-cris If you are an individual or a small business, you may be exempt from paying the referral fee. See Part 9 of this form for further details. You may apply for all or part of a fee to be waived. See Part 9 of this form for further details.
Payment of the referral fee can be made using one of the following methods: · EFT Payments can be made to:
BSB: 092-009 Bank Account No. 115859 Amount: $7352 Account Name: Department of the Environment. Bank: Reserve Bank of Australia Bank Address: 20-22 London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Description: The reference number provided (see note below)
· Cheque - Payable to “Department of the Environment”. Include the reference number provided (see note below), and if posted, address:
The Referrals Gateway Environment Assessment Branch Department of the Environment
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 3 of 16 GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601
· Credit Card
Please contact the Collector of Public Money (CPM) directly (call (02) 6274 2930 or 6274 20260 and provide the reference number (see note below).
Note: an invoice will be raised and forwarded to you upon submission of your referral which will include the EPBC reference number for your referral.
How do I submit a referral? Referrals may be submitted by mail or email. Mail to: Referrals Gateway Environment Assessment Branch Department of Environment GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601
· If submitting via mail, please also provide electronic copies of documentation (on CD/DVD or by email)..
Email to: [email protected] · Clearly mark the email as a ‘Referral under the EPBC Act’. · Attach the referral in a suitable electronic document format (e.g. Microsoft Word and, if possible, PDF). · If submitting via email, please also mail a hardcopy of the referral including copies of any attachments or supporting reports.
What happens next? Following receipt of a valid referral (containing all required information) you will be advised of the next steps in the process, and the referral and attachments will be published on the Department’s web site for public comment. Any person may give the Minister comments on the referral within 10 business days of publication on the Department’s website. The Department will write to you within 20 business days to advise you of the outcome of your referral and whether or not assessment and approval under the EPBC Act is required. There are a number of possible decisions regarding your referral: The proposed action is NOT LIKELY to have a significant impact and does NOT NEED approval No further consideration is required under the environmental assessment provisions of the EPBC Act and the action can proceed (subject to any other Commonwealth, state or local government requirements). The proposed action is NOT LIKELY to have a significant impact IF undertaken in a particular manner The action can proceed if undertaken in a particular manner (subject to any other Commonwealth, state or local government requirements). The particular manner in which you must carry out the action will be identified as part of the final decision. You must report your compliance with the particular manner to the Department. The proposed action is LIKELY to have a significant impact and does NEED approval If the action is likely to have a significant impact a decision will be made that it is a controlled action. The particular matters upon which the action may have a significant impact (such as World Heritage values or threatened species) are known as the controlling provisions. The controlled action is subject to a public assessment process before a final decision can be made about whether to approve it. The assessment approach will usually be decided at the same time as the controlled action decision. (Further information about the levels of assessment and basis for deciding the approach are available on the Department’s web site.)
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 4 of 16 The proposed action would have UNACCEPTABLE impacts and CANNOT proceed The Minister may decide, on the basis of the information in the referral, that a referred action would have clearly unacceptable impacts on a protected matter and cannot proceed.
For more information · call the Department of the Environment Community Information Unit on 1800 803 772 or · visit the web site http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc All the information you need to make a referral, including documents referenced in this form, can be accessed from the above web site.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 5 of 16 Referral of proposed action
Proposed ACT Second Electrical Supply Project action title:
1 Summary of proposed action NOTE: In addition to completing the fields below, you must also attach a map of the area affected by the action that includes the following features (if relevant): the location of the action; the approximate boundary of the areas and habitat mentioned in items 3.1 and 3.2; and to the extent practicable and relevant, the tenure of the project area of the proposed action (e.g. freehold, leasehold etc.). It is the Department’s preference that maps are provided in A4 size and that the geographic information system (GIS) vector (shapefile) dataset associated with the maps is also provided.
1.1 Short description Use 2 or 3 sentences to uniquely identify the proposed action and its location. It is important clearly describe the scope of the action accurately because this description lays the basis for the assessment and approval decision-making processes. For the purposes of the EPBC Act, an action includes: · a project; and · a development; and · an undertaking; and · an activity or series of activities; and · an alteration of any of the above. An action does not include: · a decision by a government body to grant a governmental authorisation for another person to take an action; and · grant funding from a government body, where, a government body is the Commonwealth, a Commonwealth agency, a State or self-governing Territory; an agency of a State or a self-governing Territory or an authority established by a law applying in a Territory that is not a self-governing Territory. The description should refer, as appropriate, to relevant maps. You should obtain your own advice on whether the action you propose to refer constitutes an ‘action’ for the purposes of the EPBC Act.
TransGrid and ActewAGL are proposing to construct a new substation, near Stockdill Drive, and associated transmission line works (proposed action) connecting electrical infrastructure and Canberra Substation, Parkwood Road Holt, to create a geographically separate electricity supply for the ACT. The purpose of the works is to meet the requirements of the Electricity Transmission Supply Code (July 2016) and in doing so provide an overall greater level of electrical supply reliability for the ACT. A preliminary footprint has been prepared based on the current design for the proposed action. The footprint outlines the area which is likely to be impacted by the development and operation of the proposed action. This footprint is shown in attached Figure 1. The footprint would be used as a basis for future environment assessment of the proposed action. It is noted that the proposed action is still subject to detailed design and as such a conservative area has been identified for the footprint.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 6 of 16 1.2 Latitude and longitude Latitude Longitude Latitude and longitude details location point degrees minutes seconds degrees minutes are used to accurately map the seconds boundary of the proposed action. If these coordinates are inaccurate or insufficient it may delay the processing of your referral. Points are provided in table below.
Location Latitude (dec degrees) Longitude (dec degrees) Project Study Area - Easement -35.221626 148.999904 Project Study Area - Easement -35.221685 148.999912 Project Study Area - Easement -35.221744 148.999916 Project Study Area - Easement -35.221803 148.999915 Project Study Area - Easement -35.22183 148.999913 Project Study Area - Easement -35.223262 149.000146 Project Study Area - Easement -35.223313 149.000155 Project Study Area - Easement -35.226692 149.000753 Project Study Area - Easement -35.226746 149.000762 Project Study Area - Easement -35.229962 149.001334 Project Study Area - Easement -35.230009 149.001343 Project Study Area - Easement -35.23001 149.001344 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232929 149.001892 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232935 149.001894 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232992 149.001907 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232993 149.001907 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232996 149.001907 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232997 149.001907 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233013 149.00191 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233014 149.001911 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233031 149.001914 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233032 149.001914 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233034 149.001914 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233035 149.001915 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233094 149.001923 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233101 149.001924 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233105 149.001924 Project Study Area - Easement -35.233107 149.001925 Project Study Area - Easement -35.235226 149.002312 Project Study Area - Easement -35.235269 149.00232 Project Study Area - Easement -35.2381 149.002874 Project Study Area - Easement -35.238101 149.002874 Project Study Area - Easement -35.238139 149.002882 Project Study Area - Easement -35.240407 149.003329 Project Study Area - Easement -35.240441 149.003336 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242512 149.003769
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 7 of 16 Location Latitude (dec degrees) Longitude (dec degrees) Project Study Area - Easement -35.242515 149.00377 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242571 149.003792 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242628 149.00381 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242686 149.003823 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242745 149.003831 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242804 149.003835 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242862 149.003834 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242912 149.00383 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242915 149.00383 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242973 149.003824 Project Study Area - Easement -35.245971 149.006168 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246274 148.99946 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246384 148.995231 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246428 148.994597 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246431 148.994567 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246433 148.994527 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246438 148.994446 Project Study Area - Easement -35.246699 148.99218 Project Study Area - Easement -35.248196 148.989672 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250301 148.985978 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250297 148.985547 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250292 148.985546 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250273 148.98485 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250179 148.983 Project Study Area - Easement -35.250091 148.978574 Project Study Area - Easement -35.248271 148.978569 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244711 148.981191 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244572 148.98208 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244413 148.982246 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244299 148.982402 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244189 148.982605 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.244076 148.982866 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.242156 148.983422 Project Study Area - Near Substation -35.243836 148.983652 Project Study Area - Easement -35.243659 148.984166 Project Study Area - Easement -35.243526 148.984664 Project Study Area - Easement -35.243465 148.984967 Project Study Area - Easement -35.243479 148.985233 Project Study Area - Easement -35.24351 148.985386 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242155 148.988265 Project Study Area - Easement -35.243652 148.989499 Project Study Area - Easement -35.244576 148.987536 Project Study Area - Easement -35.244877 148.988235 Project Study Area - Easement -35.244523 148.994274 Project Study Area - Easement -35.244517 148.994374
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 8 of 16 Location Latitude (dec degrees) Longitude (dec degrees) Project Study Area - Easement -35.244238 148.998476 Project Study Area - Easement -35.242445 149.001353 Project Study Area - Easement -35.24201 149.00127 Project Study Area - Easement -35.240753 149.001025 Project Study Area - Easement -35.240717 149.001018 Project Study Area - Easement -35.240716 149.001018 Project Study Area - Easement -35.238444 149.000572 Project Study Area - Easement -35.238441 149.000571 Project Study Area - Easement -35.238513 149.000419 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232875 148.99936 Project Study Area - Easement -35.232734 148.999435 Project Study Area - Easement -35.230377 148.999041 Project Study Area - Easement -35.224117 148.997932 Project Study Area - Easement -35.223344 148.992037 Project Study Area - Easement -35.223204 148.990972 Project Study Area - Easement -35.222328 148.991123 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220474 148.991441 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220457 148.991444 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220378 148.991464 Project Study Area - Easement -35.2203 148.991492 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220225 148.991529 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220153 148.991574 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220131 148.991592 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220104 148.991189 Project Study Area - Easement -35.224527 148.988266 Project Study Area - Easement -35.224991 148.988471 Project Study Area - Easement -35.229896 148.985428 Project Study Area - Easement -35.228699 148.984784 Project Study Area - Easement -35.220691 148.980357 Project Study Area - Easement -35.22018 148.982762 Project Study Area - Easement -35.218925 148.982333 Project Study Area - Easement -35.218142 148.987206 Project Study Area - Easement -35.218115 148.987912 Project Study Area - Easement -35.218763 148.987736 Project Study Area - Easement -35.219221 148.992285 Project Study Area - Easement -35.216083 148.994678 Project Study Area - Easement -35.216883 149.000762 Point identifying area not to be included -35.219649 148.990559 in Project Study Area Point identifying area not to be included -35.219221 148.987327 in Project Study Area Point identifying area not to be included -35.220186 148.986293 in Project Study Area Point identifying area not to be included -35.223747 148.987921 in Project Study Area Point identifying area not to be included -35.22376 148.987927 in Project Study Area
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 9 of 16 The Protected Matters Search Tool may provide assistance in determining the coordinates of the project area of the proposed action.
If the area is less than 5 hectares, provide the location as a single pair of latitude and longitude references. If the area is greater than 5 hectares, provide bounding location points.
There should be no more than 50 sets of bounding location coordinate points per proposed area.
Bounding location coordinate points should be provided sequentially in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
If the proposed action is linear (e.g. a road or pipeline), provide coordinates for each turning point.
Also attach the associated GIS-compliant file that delineates the proposed referral area. If the area is less than 5 hectares, please provide the location as a point layer. If greater than 5 hectares, please provide a polygon layer. If the proposed action is linear (e.g. a road or pipeline) please provide a polyline layer (refer to GIS data supply guidelines at Attachment A).
Do not use AMG coordinates. 1.3 Locality and property description Provide a brief physical description of the property on which the proposed action will take place and the location of the proposed action (e.g. proximity to major towns, or for off-shore actions, shortest distance to mainland).
The proposed action is located on the western edge of Canberra, immediately to the west of the suburbs of Holt and MacGregor, approximately 6.5 km west of Belconnen town centre and 14 kilometres north-west of the centre of Canberra. Parts of the proposed action occur within the West Belconnen Strategic Assessment area. The location of TransGrid’s existing Canberra substation provides connections between substations at Yass, Upper Tumut and Queanbeyan to the north and the Williamsdale substation to the south.
1.4 Size of the development The development footprint is 48.6 hectares. footprint or work area (hectares) 1.5 Street address of the site The site occurs to the south of Parkwood Drive, extending up to 900 metres to the south of Stockdill Drive. Refer to item 1.6 for further lot description details.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 10 of 16 1.6 Lot description
The existing Canberra substation, to which the proposed transmission line would connect, is located at the northern end of the study area, on southern side of Parkwood Road, on Registered Rural Block No1559, Belconnen. The proposed substation would be approximately three kilometres to the south on Registered Rural Block No. 1601, Belconnen. The proposed transmission line and project works would also cross or impact on 11 separate blocks of land. Table 1 presents the administrative details, current land use and land custodianship of the parcels of land which would be potentially impacted by the proposed action. Table 1 Site details
Block Rural Block Land custodianship Land use Component affecting number name land
1462 Belconnen TAMS-Vacant (Other) – NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Transmission line Municipal – Unleased Buffer Areas
1469 Belconnen TAMS-Vacant (Other) – NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Transmission line Municipal – Unleased Buffer Areas
1582 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ1: Broadacre Transmission line Lease – Not Public Land
1586 Belconnen Leased Territory Land – NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Optical ground wire Government Lease – Not Buffer Areas Public Land
1559 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ1: Broadacre Transmission line and Lease – Not Public Land substation connection
1600 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ3 – Hills Ridges and Transmission line Lease – Not Public Land Buffers
1601 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Switching station and Lease – Public Land Buffer Areas transmission line Leased Territory Land Private Lease – Not Public Land
1605 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ1: Broadacre; Transmission line Lease – Not Public Land NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Buffer Areas; NUZ4: River Corridor
1606 Belconnen Leased Territory Land Private NUZ1: Broadacre; Transmission line Lease – Not Public Land NUZ3: Hills Ridges and Buffer Areas
Block 15 Holt Leased Territory Land Private PRZ2: Restricted access Transmission line Section 99 Lease – Not Public Land recreation zone
Block 16 Holt Leased Territory Land Private RZ1: Suburban Transmission line Section 99 Lease – Not Public Land
1.7 Local Government Area and Council contact (if known) ACT Jonathan Teasdale [email protected] (02) 6207 0316
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 11 of 16 1.8 Time frame Table 2 identifies key indicative dates for the proposed action, including environmental assessment process, construction and operation. Table 2 Indicative timeframe for the proposed action
Activity Indicative timing
Application for the Request for Scoping Document to be lodged with ACT November 2016 Government (pending outcome of this Referral).
Scoping Document issued by EPD December 2016
Prepare Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) November 2016 to July 2017
EIS publically notified July 2017 to August 2017
Finalise EIS and EIS completion determination by the ACT Environment and August 2017 to January 2018 Planning Directorate
ACT Development Application process (proposed concurrent application September 2016 to January 2018 process)
Commencement of site works * October 2018
Completion of works * 2020 * Subject to planning approval
1.9 Alternatives to proposed No action Were any feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action (including not taking the action) X Yes, please also complete section 2.2 considered which are not proposed?
1.10 Alternative time frames, X No locations or activities Does the proposed action Yes, you must also complete Section 2.3. For each alternative, include alternative time frames, location, time frame, or activity identified, you must also locations or activities? complete details in Sections 1.2-1.9, 2.4-2.7 and 3 and 5 (where relevant). 1.11 Commonwealth, State or No Territory assessment Is the action subject to other a X Yes, please also complete section 2.5 Commonwealth, State or Territory environmental impact assessment? 1.12 Component of larger action X No Is the proposed action a component of a larger action? Yes, please also complete section 2.7
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 12 of 16 1.13 Related actions/proposals X No Is the proposed action related to other actions or proposals in the Yes, provide details: region? 1.14 Australian Government X No funding Has the person proposing to Yes, please also complete section 2.8 take the action received any Australian Government grant funding to undertake the proposed action? 1.15 Great Barrier Reef Marine X No Park Is the proposed action inside the Yes, please also complete section 3.1 (h), 3.2 (e) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 13 of 16 2 Detailed description of proposed action NOTE: You must complete each of the sections below. Please ensure that the description is complete and includes all components and activities associated with the action. If relevant, each of the matters below need to be addressed in respect of each alternative location, time frame, or activity that is identified as part of the description. If certain related components are not intended to be included within the scope of the referral, this should be clearly explained in section 2.7.
2.1 Description of proposed action Please provide a detailed description outlining all activities and aspects of the proposed action and reference figures and/or attachments, as appropriate.
TransGrid and ActewAGL are proposing to construct a new substation, near Stockdill Drive, and associated transmission line works connecting electrical infrastructure and Canberra Substation, Parkwood Road Holt, to create a geographically separate electricity supply for the ACT. This section provides an overview of the proposed component of works for both TransGrid and ActewAGL. TransGrid works The TransGrid component of the proposed action includes the establishment of a 330/132kV substation and associated transmission line works proximate to Stockdill Drive in the ACT. The new 330kV transmission lines and substation are proposed to improve the reliability of the link between TransGrid’s existing Canberra, Williamsdale and Upper Tumut substations to provide continuity of power supply to the ACT in the event of a failure. The key features of TransGrid’s proposed components are summarised below. à Construction and operation of the 330/132kV Stockdill Drive substation, which includes: § 330kV switchyard accommodating three 330kV transmission lines § A 330/132kV transformer accommodating 132kV feeders § Substation communications systems § Substation protection systems § Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems § Substation surveillance systems § Alternating current (AC) auxiliary supply systems § Transmission line works to connect the proposed substation to TransGrid’s existing 330kV transmission lines and the proposed 330kV transmission line (refer below). à Construction and operation of a 330kV transmission line between the proposed Stockdill Drive substation and the existing Canberra 330/132kV substation. A section of the proposed line would follow an alignment to the south of Stockdill Drive from the substation, while the remaining section would be located within the existing ActewAGL transmission line easement. The infrastructure to be constructed within this existing easement would be sufficient to allow for a double circuit arrangement for TransGrid transmission lines in the future, should this be required. The transmission line will be strung on one circuit as a double circuit is currently not required to meet the needs of the Electricity Transmission Supply Code. à Diversion of approximately 850 metres of existing TransGrid transmission lines to the west of the Canberra 330kV substation (refer to Figure 1). The redundant portion of these transmission lines beyond the diversion point would be decommissioned and removed including existing transmission lines, transmission line towers, conductors and associated foundations and other wiring. à Removal of decommissioned sections of transmission lines on the southern side of the existing Canberra substation as a result of the installation of new transmission line section at this location. à Decommissioning and removal of existing transformers #2 and #3 from Canberra substation.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 14 of 16 à Line rearrangements, bypasses and connection of the new transmission line to the existing Canberra substation. The bypass would include the potential for approximately 12 two-pole H-frame structures (concrete or wooden) to accommodate the realigned transmission lines. à Installation of optical ground wire (OPGW) for the new sections of proposed transmission line. à Vegetation clearing and earthworks for the above works, suitable for a 330kV transmission line easement of up to approximately 60 metres. à Establishment of access tracks to all new infrastructure, including the proposed substation and additional transmission line structures. à Relocation or adjustment / protection of affected services including electricity, water supply mains, sewer, stormwater and telecommunications. The exact requirements would be confirmed as the environmental assessment and ongoing design progresses. ActewAGL works The ActewAGL component of the proposed action would include the connection between the existing ActewAGL transmission line easement and the proposed 330/132kV Stockdill Drive substation (as described above). The key features of ActewAGL’s proposed component of the proposed action is summarised below: à Construction and operation of a 132kV transmission line between the proposed Stockdill Drive substation and the existing ActewAGL transmission line easement to the east of the substation. This component would follow a predominantly parallel alignment to the south of the TransGrid component of the proposed action, south of Stockdill Drive. The infrastructure to be constructed within the ActewAGL easement would include approximately 15 double-circuit concrete pole structures between the ActewAGL transmission line easement and the proposed 330/132kV Stockdill Drive substation. à Vegetation clearing and earthworks for the above works, suitable for a 132kV transmission line easement of up to approximately 30 metres for the majority of the transmission line, expanding to approximately 50 metres where the transmission line would connect to the proposed Stockdill Drive substation. The overall combined easement width for the section accommodating both TransGrid and ActewAGL transmission lines would be approximately 90 metres. à Establishment of access tracks as required to the proposed pole structures.
Construction Construction activities would be undertaken within the identified study area. As detailed design progresses, a refined project impact area would be identified which all construction works would occur within. Construction works would typically include the following for both the TransGrid and ActewAGL components of work (where this is relevant to the respective components of work): à early works (critical upfront activities with long lead times), which may include (but not be limited to): § property and easement acquisition § establishment of construction site(s), access tracks and service relocations § vegetation clearance à civil and building works associated with the substation would generally include (but not be limited to): § earthworks and slab construction at the substation site § electrical fit out with substation equipment § installation of security fencing § testing and commissioning of the new substation equipment.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 15 of 16 à civil works associated with the proposed transmission line would generally include (but not be limited to): § establishment of construction pads § foundation work for the new transmission line towers § erection of the new transmission line towers § stringing of the conductors and overhead earth wires and OPGW à Dismantling, removing and disposing of the redundant transmission structures, including poles, conductors and fittings. à Demobilisation and rehabilitation of temporary construction areas.
2.2 Feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action If you have identified that alternatives to taking the action were considered, but are not proposed (in section 1.9), please complete this section. Please provide a detailed description outlining any feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action (including not taking the action) that were considered but are not proposed. (Please note that these do not include any proposed alternative locations, time frames, or activities that form part of the proposed action which are to be discussed below at section 2.3). As part of the initial stages, the ACT Government Economic Development Directorate and TransGrid undertook an options study to assess options for the siting of the substation and alignment for the proposed transmission lines. As part of the first phase, a number of high-level options were identified as part of this process. These options were subject to a multi–criteria assessment considering a range of factors including: à Security of supply à Impact on urban development potential à Environmental and heritage values à Cost efficiency à Land use planning, amenity and co-location à Technical requirements. Through a rigorous site selection process and collaborative working group with various ACT Government agencies, a site for the proposed substation was identified and was approved by ACT Government Economic Development Directorate for further investigation and development approval. The selected site for the proposed substation was identified as being Stockdill Drive. Following identification of the preferred site for the substation, TransGrid subsequently prepared a feasibility assessment and alignment options assessment, working with multiple ACT agencies to secure a preferred option for the overall arrangement of the substation and considered a series of potential alignments for the proposed transmission line which would connect the new Stockdill Drive substation with the existing Canberra substation. Three main alignments were identified as part of this options assessment, including two alignments which generally followed Stockdill Drive, and one southern alignment. These alignments are shown on Figure 2. Following completion of the assessment, the southern option (as shown in Figure 1) was identified as the preferred alignment for the TransGrid transmission line alignment. With respect to the ActewAGL transmission line alignment, it was considered that locating this alignment as close as possible to the preferred alignment for the TransGrid transmission line would result in minimising additional impacts. As such, limited alignment options for this component of the works were considered.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 16 of 16 2.3 Alternative locations, time frames or activities that form part of the referred action If you have identified that the proposed action includes alternative time frames, locations or activities (in section 1.10), please complete this section. Please describe any alternatives related to the physical location of the action, time frames within which the action is to be taken and alternative methods or activities for undertaking the action. For each alternative location, time frame or activity identified, please also complete (where relevant) the details in sections 1.2-1.9, 2.4, 2.7, 3 and 5. Please note, if the action that you propose to take is determined to be a controlled action, any alternative locations, time frames or activities that are identified here may be subject to environmental assessment and a decision on whether to approve the alternative.
Not applicable
2.4 Context, including any relevant planning framework and state/local government requirements Please explain the context in which the action is proposed, including any relevant planning framework at the state and/or local government level (e.g. within scope of a management plan, planning initiative or policy framework) and social and economic context including as population size, economic opportunities and employment information. Describe any applicable Commonwealth or state legislation or policies (other than those related to other environmental impact assessment which are to be discussed below at section 2.5).
Under the requirements of the Electricity Transmission Supply Code (July 2016), TransGrid and ActewAGL are required to provide and maintain a second electrical power supply to the ACT through geographically separated connection points. The proposed action is therefore intended to meet this requirement to maintain a reliable supply of electricity to the ACT network. There is no other relevant planning framework and state/local government requirements associated with the proposed action.
2.5 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation If you have identified that the proposed action will be, is being or has been subject to a Commonwealth, State or Territory environmental impact statement (in section 1.11), please complete this section. Please describe any environmental assessment of the relevant impacts of the proposed action that has been, is being, or will be carried out under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation. Specify the type and scope of the assessment (for example, whether the assessment relates to part or the whole of the proposed action, or the proposed action, as a component of a larger action), the relevant legislation and the current status of any assessments or approvals. Where possible, provide contact details for the relevant assessment contact officer. Further, please describe or summarise any public consultation undertaken, or to be undertaken, during the assessment. Attach copies of relevant assessment documentation and outcomes of public consultations (if available).
Approval under the (ACT) Planning & Development Act 2007 (P&D Act) would be required for the proposed action. Under section 123 of the P&D Act, a development application is considered an impact track development proposal if: à The relevant development table of the Territory Plan states that the impact track applies à It is of a kind mentioned in Schedule 4 of the P&D Act à The Minister makes a declaration under section 124 of the P&D Act in relation to the proposal à It is considered one under relevant legislation, such as the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Part 4.2 of Schedule 4 of the ACT P&D Act provides that the following activity requires an EIS be prepared as part of the development application process: ‘electricity transmission line construction, including additions or realignment works, outside an existing easement or exceeding 500m in length, that are intended to carry underground or above-ground transmission lines with a voltage of 132kV or more’. As the proposed action is for construction of an ‘electricity transmission line greater than 500 metres in length with a voltage of 132kV or higher’, the proposed action will require an EIS to be prepared as part of an impact track development application.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 17 of 16 An application for scoping document would be prepared to provide Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) with sufficient information on the existing environment and potential impacts to inform the EIS Scoping Document requirements. The EIS will then detail the anticipated effects of the proposed action on the environment. Following completion of the EIS, a Development Application (DA) would able to be approved by EPD.
Commonwealth EPBC Act matters As discussed in this referral application, there is potential for the proposed action to have an impact on matters of NES, being a listed threatened species or ecological community. As such, this referral has been made to consider whether the proposed action would be considered to be a controlled action.
2.6 Public consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders) Your referral must include a description of any public consultation that has been, or is being, undertaken. Where Indigenous stakeholders are likely to be affected by your proposed action, your referral should describe any consultations undertaken with Indigenous stakeholders. Identify the relevant stakeholders and the status of consultations at the time of the referral. Where appropriate include copies of documents recording the outcomes of any consultations.
Consultation is being led by the ACT Government Economic Development Directorate with input from TransGrid and ActewAGL. The consultation process aims to inform stakeholders by raising awareness of the need and the benefits of the proposed action. Communication with relevant stakeholders including various ACT Government agencies, and affected property owners to date has included participation in meetings, design workshops, specific topic meetings and on an as-needed basis via email, telephone and newsletters. A preliminary cultural heritage desktop impact assessment has been undertaken and further heritage investigations and consultations would be undertaken as part of the EIS and would detail the potential impacts on any non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal heritage items. Consultation with relevant ACT Registered Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs) would also be undertaken as part of the preparation of the EIS. Public consultation will be undertaken as part of the preparation of the EIS.
2.7 A staged development or component of a larger action If you have identified that the proposed action is a component of a larger action (in section 1.12), please complete this section. Please provide information about the larger action and details of any interdependency between the stages/components and the larger action. You may also provide justification as to why you believe it is reasonable for the referred action to be considered separately from the larger action (e.g. the referred action is ‘stand-alone’ and viable in its own right, there are separate responsibilities for component actions or approvals have been split in a similar way at the state or local government levels).
Not applicable – the proposed action is not part of a staged development or component of a larger action.
2.8 Related actions If you have identified that the proposed action has related actions (in section 1.13), please complete this section. Please provide information about the related actions including, as appropriate: · the nature, scope and location of the related action; · the nature and scope of the assessment under the relevant legislation; · a statement confirming how the action relates to the Proposed Action; · the key documents produced as part of the assessment, by whom and when (using active statements), and the extent to which the assessment of the action is relevant to the assessment of the impacts of the Proposed Action on the matters protected by the Controlling Provisions of the EPBC Act and the related findings of this Report. Please cross reference to the analysis of the impacts of the Proposed Action below; · public consultation during the assessment including the extent (i.e. duration and means) and results; and · if available, the conclusion of the assessment and final decision following assessment, i.e. approval, approval subject to conditions or refusal.
Not applicable – there are no additional related actions with respect to the proposed action.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 18 of 16 3 Description of environment & likely impacts Note: If you have identified alternatives in relation to location, time frames or activities as part of the proposed action at section 1.10 and 2.3, please complete this section in relation to each of the alternatives identified.
3.1 Matters of national environmental significance Describe the affected area and the likely impacts of the proposed action on the relevant matters protected by the EPBC Act. Refer to relevant maps as appropriate. The interactive map tool can help determine whether matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by the EPBC Act are likely to occur in your area of interest.
For each matter protected by the EPBC Act, provide a description of the matter including, as appropriate: · a brief description of the matter (for example, for threatened species, the population size, habitat, breeding, diet and life cycle etc); · the status, extent and condition of the matter within the affected area and also more broadly in the region; and · the key threats and threatening processes and beneficial actions and processes for the Protected Matter(s) excluding those from the proposed action, for example, under relevant approved conservation advices, recovery plans or threat abatement plans, management plans or other strategic plans, management principles or obligations under International Conventions.
· Having identified the relevant matters protected under the EPBC Act, identify the impacts the proposed action will or is likely to have on these matters (e.g. light, noise, biodiversity loss, water quality etc). For each type of impact, provide a concise description of the likely nature, scope and consequences of the impact on the Protected Matter(s). In doing so, consider factors such as, as appropriate: whether the impact is a direct or indirect impact - note that, even if your proposed action will not be taken in a World Heritage area, Ramsar wetland, Commonwealth marine area, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park or on Commonwealth land, it could still impact upon these areas (for example, through downstream impacts) by its indirect impacts; · the timing and duration of the likely impact, for example, one-off, re-occurring or ongoing, short term or long term; · the extent of the impact, for example, uncertain or certain, permanent/irreversible or temporary/ reversible, and localised or broad-scale; · the likely consequence of the impact on the Protected Matter(s), including both adverse and beneficial impacts and any related social and economic impacts; · the likelihood of the impact affecting the Protected Matter(s); and · whether there are any measures available to prevent and avoid, or mitigate and repair the consequences of, the impact.
Your assessment of likely impacts should refer to the following resources (available from the Department’s web site): · specific values of individual World Heritage properties and National Heritage places and the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands; · profiles of relevant species/communities (where available), that will assist in the identification of whether there is likely to be a significant impact on them if the proposal proceeds; · Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance; and · Associated sectoral and species policy statements available on the web site, as relevant.
Your assessment of likely impacts should also consider whether a bioregional plan is relevant to your proposed action. The Minister has prepared four marine bioregional plans (MBP) in accordance with section 176 of the EPBC Act. It is likely that the MBPs will be more commonly relevant where listed threatened species, listed migratory species or a Commonwealth marine area is considered.
3.1 (a) World Heritage Properties Description
No world heritage properties occur within 10 km of the proposed action. The nearest world heritage property is the Greater Blue Mountains, approximately 150 km to the north east.
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on the World Heritage values of any World Heritage property.
The proposed action will not affect the Greater Blue Mountains world heritage area.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 19 of 16 3.1 (b) National Heritage Places Description
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified one National Heritage Place within the locality (10km) of the proposed action: à Australia Alps National Parks and Reserves (including Brindabella National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Bimberi Nature Reserve, Namadgi National Park, Scabby Range Nature Reserve, Kosciuszko National Park and Alpine National Park).
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on the National Heritage values of any National Heritage place.
Brindabella National Park, which forms the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves, occurs approximately 9 km to the west of the proposed action. The proposed action will not impact the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves.
3.1 (c) Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands)
Description
No wetlands of international significance occur within the study area. The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified one wetland of international significance within vicinity of the proposed action: à the Banrock Station wetland complex Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Riverland.
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on the ecological character of any Ramsar wetlands.
This wetland is located downstream and over 800 km from the proposed action. The proposed action is unlikely to impact on this Wetland of International Significance due to the distance from the site and lack of impacts on the Murrumbidgee River.
3.1 (d) Listed threatened species and ecological communities
It is noted that the proposed action is still subject to detailed design and as such the following assessment of potential impacts has been determined on a conservative assumption of impacts and clearing requirements. During detailed design, clearing requirements (in particular for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard habitat and hollow bearing trees) will be minimised and avoided as far as practicable. Assessment methods
Address any impacts on the members of any listened threatened species (except a conservation dependent species) or any threatened ecological community, or their habitat.
A desktop study was supplemented by undertaking field verification and threatened species surveys over five days (20-22 October 2015 and 26-27 July 2016).
Survey methods included: à detailed quantitative quadrats using methodology outlined by ACT Environmental Offsets Policy (2015) à random meander surveys as described by Cropper (1993) to target areas where potential threatened flora species could occur and map vegetation boundaries.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 20 of 16 à opportunistic fauna surveys à fauna habitat assessments à threatened fauna species searches § targeted searches for reptiles in October 2015 § nocturnal spotlighting and play call-back in October 2015 § bird surveys including Swift Parrot surveys in July 2016. The surveys sought to verify and refine the presence/absence of ecological constraints, focusing in particular on threatened ecological communities as well as habitat capable of supporting threatened biota. Identified vegetation communities are shown on Figure 3. Threatened ecological communities
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified two Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) listed under the EPBC Act as potentially occurring. Desktop review of vegetation mapping and field verification surveys confirmed the presence of one of these TECs as occurring within the study area (Table 3). Impacts on this TEC was avoided through early identification of this constraint and design to avoid impacts.
Table 3 Threatened Ecological Communities within study area
Threatened Ecological Community EPBC status Present within study area?
Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Endangered No Tablelands of NSW and the ACT
White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Critically While this community was recorded within the study Woodland and Derived Native Grassland Endangered area, the proposed action has been designed to avoid impacts. No vegetation disturbance or removal to occur
Threatened flora and fauna species The following databases were used to investigate the study area and locality; à EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool à BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife (Office for Environment & Heritage 2016) à ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website on Threatened Species (2015) à ACTMapi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site on threatened species and communities (ACT Government - Environment and Planning 2015) à ACT Fisheries Act 2000, list of protected fish species. The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified fifteen threatened fauna species, and ten threatened flora species, as recorded or predicted to occur within the locality (10 km) (Appendix A). On completion of the field verification surveys, listed threatened species were given a likelihood of occurrence rating based on their known habitat preferences as outlined in Table 4.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 21 of 16 Table 4: Likelihood of occurrence of threatened species
Likelihood Description
Low Species considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence include species not recorded during the field surveys that fit one or more of the following criteria: à Have not been recorded previously in the study area and surrounds and for which the study area is beyond the current distribution range. à Rely on specific habitat types or resources that are not present in the study area. à Are considered locally extinct.
Likelihood Description
Moderate Species considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence include species not recorded during the field surveys that fit one or more of the following criteria: à Have infrequently been recorded previously in the study area and surrounds. à Use habitat types or resources that are present in the study area, although generally in a poor or modified condition. à Are unlikely to maintain sedentary populations, however, may seasonally use resources within the study area opportunistically during variable seasons or migration.
High Species considered to have a high likelihood of occurrence include species not recorded that fit one or more of the following criteria: à Have frequently been recorded previously in the study area and surrounds. à Use habitat types or resources that are present in the study area that are abundant and/or in good condition within the study area. à Are known or likely to maintain resident populations surrounding the study area. à Are known or likely to visit the site during regular seasonal movements or migration.
Recorded à Any threat-listed species recorded during field surveys associated with the proposed action.
The likelihood of occurrence assessment identified five threatened fauna species and two threatened flora species listed under the EPBC Act as having a moderate or higher likelihood of occurring within the study area (refer to Table 5). The full database search and likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided in Appendix B and C.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 22 of 16 Table 5 EPBC listed threatened species considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurring within the study area
Scientific name Common name EPBC Act Status1
Mammals
Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll E
Birds
Anthochaera Phrygia Regent Honeyeater CE
Lathamus discolour Swift Parrot V
Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V
Reptiles
Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm Lizard V- Recorded within broader study area
Plants
Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor Hoary Sunray E
Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris V
V = Vulnerable, E=Endangered, CE=Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 23 of 16 Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on the members of any listened threatened species (except a conservation dependent species) or any threatened ecological community, or their habitat.
The proposed action would require clearing for construction and operation resulting in loss of habitat, new edge effects, fragmentation and loss of connectivity. The main impact relating to threatened species and communities would be the direct loss of habitat. This would involve the loss of up to 48.6 hectares of vegetation of which only 3.1 ha is remnant native vegetation. A summary of the vegetation recorded within the study area is provided in Table 6. Table 6 Vegetation communities recorded within the study area
Plant Community Vegetation code NC Act (ACT) EPBC Act Clearing (ha) (ACT PCT)
Eucalyptus melliodora – E. blakelyi Tableland ACT16 E CE 0 Grassy Woodland (EPBC) White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub ACT25 - - 1.6 Forest
Tableland Shrubland, Kunzea ericoides ACT12 (2) - - 1.5
Exotic Grasslands with scattered trees NA - - 33.9 (7.9 ha in proposed substation site and 26 ha along easement)
Exotic plantings NA - - 5.7
Native planting NA - - 5.9
Total remnant native vegetation to be removed 3.1
Total threatened ecological communities (TECs) to be removed 0
Total EPBC threatened ecological communities (TECs) to be removed 0
Known and potential habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard has been mapped in the locality by Osborne and Wong (2013) and has been recorded in numerous locations throughout. Field investigations undertaken in spring 2015 recorded two Pink-tailed Worm Lizards within parts of the study area. Although no individuals were recorded within the impact area, approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat (including 2.4 ha of high potential and 2.7 ha of moderate potential) would be potentially impacted by the proposed action.
A summary of impacts as a result of the proposed action on EPBC listed species and their habitats are summarised in Table 7. Pink-tailed Worm Lizard habitat is shown on Figure 4. Table 7 Impacts on threatened species
Scientific name Common name EPBC Act Status1 Habitat potentially impacted by the proposed action
Mammals
Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll E 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 24 of 16 Scientific name Common name EPBC Act Status1 Habitat potentially impacted by the proposed action
Birds
Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CE 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot V 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Reptiles
Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm V- Recorded 5.7 hectares of potential habitat Lizard
Plants
Leucochrysum Hoary Sunray E 33.9 hectares of potential habitat (including 7.9 ha at the albicans var. tricolor proposed substation site and 26 ha of marginal habitat along the easement)
Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris V 1.5 hectares of potential habitat (Tablelands scrubland, Kunzea ericoides)
Overall significance assessments concluded that the proposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on threatened ecological communities, species of plant or species of animal (see Appendix D).
3.1 (e) Listed migratory species Description The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified 14 Commonwealth listed migratory and marine migratory species. Of the identified species, seven were considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurring within the referral area: à Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis) à Great Egret (Ardea alba) à Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis) à Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) à Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) à Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) à Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii)
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 25 of 16 Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on the members of any listed migratory species, or their habitat.
While migratory bird species may use the study area and have records in the locality, the study area is not considered to be of sufficient extent or quality to be critical for these species. The study area would not be considered ‘important habitat’ for migratory birds as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Principal Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment 2013), in that the study area does not contain: à habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species à habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range à habitat within an area where the species is declining. As such, it is considered unlikely that the proposed action would significantly affect migratory species.
3.1 (f) Commonwealth marine area (If the action is in the Commonwealth marine area, please complete 3.2(c) instead. This section is for actions taken outside the Commonwealth marine area that may have impacts on that area.) Description
The proposed action is not within a Commonwealth marine area and is over 200 km from the marine area.
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on any part of the environment in the Commonwealth marine area.
The proposed action is over 200 km from the marine area and would not affect the Commonwealth marine area.
3.1 (g) Commonwealth land (If the action is on Commonwealth land, please complete 3.2(d) instead. This section is for actions taken outside Commonwealth land that may have impacts on that land). Description If the action will affect Commonwealth land also describe the more general environment. The Policy Statement titled Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies provides further details on the type of information needed. If applicable, identify any potential impacts from actions taken outside the Australian jurisdiction on the environment in a Commonwealth Heritage Place overseas.
Five Commonwealth lands parcels are located within the locality (10 km) of the proposed action, however, the proposed action is not located on Commonwealth land.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 26 of 16 Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on any part of the environment in the Commonwealth land. Your assessment of impacts should refer to the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies and specifically address impacts on: · ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; · natural and physical resources; · the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas; · the heritage values of places; and · the social, economic and cultural aspects of the above things.
The proposed action is not located on Commonwealth land and as such there would not be any impacts (either direct or indirect) on such an area.
3.1 (h) The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Description
The proposed action is not located within or nearby the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (over 1,400 km away).
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on any part of the environment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Note: If your action occurs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park you may also require permission under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (GBRMP Act). If so, section 37AB of the GBRMP Act provides that your referral under the EPBC Act is deemed to be an application under the GBRMP Act and Regulations for necessary permissions and a single integrated process will generally apply. Further information is available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au
The proposed action would not impact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which is over 1,400 km away.
3.1 (i) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development or large coal mining development Description If the action is a coal seam gas development or large coal mining development that has, or is likely to have, a significant impact on water resources, the draft Policy Statement Significant Impact Guidelines: Coal seam gas and large coal mining developments—Impacts on water resources provides further details on the type of information needed.
The proposed action is not a coal seam gas development or coal mining development.
Nature and extent of likely impact Address any impacts on water resources. Your assessment of impacts should refer to the draft Significant Impact Guidelines: Coal seam gas and large coal mining developments—Impacts on water resources.
Not applicable
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 27 of 16 3.2 Nuclear actions, actions taken by the Commonwealth (or Commonwealth agency), actions taken in a Commonwealth marine area, actions taken on Commonwealth land, or actions taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park You must describe the nature and extent of likely impacts (both direct & indirect) on the whole environment if the proposed action: · is a nuclear action; · will be taken by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; · will be taken in a Commonwealth marine area; · will be taken on Commonwealth land; or · will be taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Your assessment of impacts should refer to the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies and specifically address impacts on: · ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; · natural and physical resources; · the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas; · the heritage values of places; and · the social, economic and cultural aspects of the above things.
3.2 (a) Is the proposed action a nuclear action? X No Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment
3.2 (b) Is the proposed action to be taken by the X No Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment
3.2 (c) Is the proposed action to be taken in a X No Commonwealth marine area? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(f))
3.2 (d) Is the proposed action to be taken on X No Commonwealth land? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(g))
3.2 (e) Is the proposed action to be taken in the X No Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(h))
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 28 of 16 3.3 Description of the project area and affected area for the proposed action Provide a description of the project area and the affected area, including information about the following features (where relevant to the project area and/or affected area, and to the extent not otherwise addressed above). If at Section 2.3 you identified any alternative locations, time frames or activities for your proposed action, please also complete each of the details below (where relevant) for each alternative identified.
3.3 (a) Flora and fauna
Generally, the fauna habitats across the study area fall into two categories: disturbed habitats and remnant patches of native woodlands. The study area contains a mixture of exotic and native plants, and provides habitat for a wide variety of native and introduced species.
In addition to the Matters of NES, threatened species listed under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (identified by ACTmapi) that have a moderate to high potential occurrence within and/or known in the locality include: à Regent Honeyeater à Swift Parrot à Glossy Black-cockatoo à Hooded Robin à Brown Treecreeper à Superb Parrot à Varied Sittella à Perunga Grasshopper à Painted Honeyeater à Spotted-tail Quoll à Little Eagle à Pink-tailed Worm Lizard. à White-winged Triller
No additional threatened flora listed under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 are likely to occur within the study area. The proposed action would not require crossing of any major waterways which would need to be considered for potential impacts on threatened and protected aquatic species habitat.
3.3 (b) Hydrology, including water flows Two major waterways are located within the vicinity of the proposed action consisting of: à Ginninderra Creek, a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River, runs east-west approximately 1.5 kilometres to the north at the closest point à Molonglo River, runs east-west approximately 855 metres to the south at the closest point. Surface water impacts would potentially be associated with increases in non-permeable surfaces (primarily associated with the proposed substation), which would increase surface water run-off. The impacts of the proposed action are anticipated to be manageable through the application of standard environmental management measures. Flooding is unlikely to pose a significant constraint. The topography of the terrain in the area is generally hilly, with a local relief of between approximately 560 metres and 620 metres above sea level (equivalent to approximately 200 metres above the Murrumbidgee River). The Murrumbidgee River runs through a gorge and does not overflow out onto a floodplain in this region. Construction and operational hydrology impacts associated with the proposed action are anticipated to be manageable through design measures and the application of standard environmental management measures. Hydrology impacts are not considered to be a key issue for the proposed action.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 29 of 16 3.3 (c) Soil and Vegetation characteristics The soils within the ACT are generally regarded as being of poor quality and have low nutrient value. The proposed action and its locality generally show similar soil types to the majority of the ACT and is not high quality. Sloping land is generally covered by rocks which are interspersed with soil (Edge Land Planning, 2014). The main impacts on soils would be excavation works for the construction of the substation site and foundation works for the proposed transmission line structures. Soil disturbance activities such as excavation works may lead to erosion and sediment transfer offsite, which may result in potential sedimentation of surrounding land and drainage lines. Where possible, spoil generated would be used on site to provide the required levels. Some excavated material may also be suitable for reuse for elements such as access tracks. This would be determined during future stages of the proposed action.
3.3 (d) Outstanding natural features
Murrumbigdee River Corridor & Woodstock Nature Reserve The proposed action falls within the catchment of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and is adjacent to Woodstock Nature Reserve, however, the proposed action would not affect these natural features. The Murrumbidgee River Corridor which includes Woodstock Nature Reserve forms a catchment which is a significant part of the Murray-Darling Basin, supplying water for people, agriculture and wildlife along its length. More than 600 different plant species occur along the river corridor and its adjacent habitats. The corridor also provides habitat for over 200 bird species and a range of mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians.
3.3 (e) Remnant native vegetation The majority of the vegetation has been previously cleared and/or extensively modified as a result of: à Historic and current agricultural grazing and cropping à Residential uses The desktop assessment and field verification of vegetation within the project study area identified the following vegetation communities occurring within study area, as outlined in Table 6 above. The total amount of vegetation impacted as a result of clearing for the proposed action is approximately 48.6 ha, of which 3.1 ha is remnant native vegetation. This includes: à Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest (1.6 ha) à Tableland Shrubland (1.5 ha) à Exotic Grasslands with scattered trees (33.9 ha) à Exotic plantings (5.7 ha) à Native planting (5.9 ha) No threatened ecological communities are proposed to be removed by the proposed action.
3.3 (f) Gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area)
Not applicable.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 2 of 16 3.3 (g) Current state of the environment
Include information about the extent of erosion, whether the area is infested with weeds or feral animals and whether the area is covered by native vegetation or crops.
Historically, the majority of vegetation within the study area has been cleared for agricultural purposes with the exception of some isolated remnant vegetation patches, roadside vegetation, isolated paddock trees and vegetation located along rivers and their tributaries. The majority of the study area is agricultural land with much of the groundcover vegetation severely disturbed from past and ongoing cropping and grazing. Weed species are established and known throughout the study area, including Weeds of National Significance (Australian Weeds Committee 2015). The PMST identified 16 weed species that are known or likely to occur within the study area. Introduced species of animal are also known within study area. The PMST identified 21 invasive species that are known or likely to occur within the study area including Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit and Pig.
3.3 (h) Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values The preliminary heritage assessment undertaken identified: à No Aboriginal sites are listed by the ACT Heritage Unit as occurring à No historical heritage items are listed by the ACT Heritage Unit as occurring à Belconnen Farm, located approximately 1 kilometre to the north-west of the proposed action, Belconnen Farm is listed on the ACT Heritage Register à The Lower Molonglo River Corridor, located approximately 1.5 kilometres to the southwest of the study area, is listed on the Register of the National Estate (noting the Register of the National Estate is not a statutory listing). Overall, the heritage assessment concluded that there would be a low likelihood of historical sites to remain undetected (Navin Officer, 2016).
3.3 (i) Indigenous heritage values The Indigenous heritage assessment identified the following: à No Aboriginal sites are listed by the ACT Heritage Unit as occurring within the study area à One Aboriginal site, RD9 – a scarred tree, which is not yet listed by the ACT Heritage Unit, occurs within 20 metres of the proposed action. The site was identified as part of the West Belconnen Development Project (Biosis, 2015) à Three Aboriginal sites, CLSN2, CLSN3 and CLSN5, are listed by the ACT Heritage Unit as occurring within 300 metres of the proposed action à Three Aboriginal sites, RC1, RC3 and RC4, and one area of potential archaeological deposit, PAD6, which are not yet listed by the ACT Heritage Unit occur within 300 metres of the proposed action (Biosis, 2015). There is some possibility for Aboriginal sites and artefacts to remain undetected, as there has not been a systematic archaeological survey, and the study area includes landscapes identified in the predictive model as archaeologically sensitive. A heritage impact assessment would be undertaken as part of the EIS and would detail the potential impacts of the proposed action on any non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal heritage items. Consultation with relevant ACT Registered Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs) would also be undertaken as part of the preparation of the EIS.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 3 of 16 3.3 (j) Other important or unique values of the environment
Describe any other key features of the environment affected by, or in proximity to the proposed action (for example, any national parks, conservation reserves, wetlands of national significance etc).
None
3.3 (k) Tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold)
The proposed Stockdill substation site (inclusive of access to the site and asset protection zones) and the required new easements for the transmission lines would be acquired by the ACT Government. Upon acquisition, the land would be transferred to TransGrid, as lessee, by ‘direct transfer’.
In addition, a section of an ActewAGL easement would also be utilised by TransGrid, as part of the proposed action. The easement terms for this section of the corridor easement would be negotiated between ActewAGL and TransGrid. Where an easement or a variation to the easement is required, the ACT Government would undertake the necessary negotiations, and the easement would be transferred to TransGrid.
3.3 (l) Existing uses of area of proposed action
The study area generally consists of predominantly rural land uses. Land within the wider area is predominantly used for grazing and is interspersed with areas of woodland mainly in the steeper sections along the Murrumbidgee River. Other land uses within the study area are typically rural residential, agricultural (including a winery), and recreational land uses (refer below). Further to the north and east of the study area are the residential suburbs of MacGregor and Holt. Some sections of the transmission line would cross some portions identified for public and private recreational uses which include walking and cycle paths and the Magpies Belconnen Golf Club. The remainder of the area however is anticipated to receive a low level of recreational use. Apart from some temporary disturbance during construction, no significant impacts on these recreational uses are anticipated.
3.3 (m) Any proposed uses of area of proposed action
The Land Development Agency and Riverview Group are currently progressing a strategic assessment for urban development to support a residential population of around 25,000 for the West Belconnen area, which portions of the proposed action would traverse. Approval has recently been granted for the change in land use under the Territory Plan for the land to the north of Stockdill Drive (currently referred to as Block 1633, Belconnen – formerly Block 1605, Belconnen). This block has been identified, under the Territory Plan, as being a Future Urban Area. The proposed transmission line works (including the new line and dismantling of some existing lines) within the Future Urban Land would result in an overall consolidation of transmission lines at this location, in particular to the west of the current Canberra Substation. The proposed works for this section of transmission line are unlikely to significantly affect the value of any existing properties either positively or negatively due to the presence of existing transmission lines within the immediate area, but may however have implications for future properties in the proposed West Belconnen development area. The presence of electrical infrastructure within the proposed West Belconnen development area may also reduce the amount of total land available for development in the area, due to the need to maintain easements for the proposed transmission lines.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 4 of 16 4 Environmental outcomes
Provide descriptions of the proposed environmental outcomes that will be achieved for the matters protected by the EPBC Act that are likely to be affected by the proposed action. Include details of the baseline data upon which the outcomes are based, and the confidence about the likely achievement of the proposed outcomes. Where outcomes cannot be identified or committed to, provide explanatory details including any commitments to identify outcomes through an assessment process.
If a proposed action is determined to be a controlled action, the Department may request further details to enable application of the Outcomes-based Conditions Policy 2016 (http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/outcomes-based-conditions- policy-guidance), including information about the environmental outcomes to be achieved by proposed avoidance, mitigation, management or offset measures, details of baseline data, milestones, performance criteria, and monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the achievement of outcomes. If this information is available at the time of referral it should be included in the description of the proposed measures.
General commitments to achieving environmental outcomes, particularly relating to beneficial impacts of the proposed action, CANNOT be taken into account in making the decision about whether the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act. However, those commitments may be relevant at the later assessment and approval stages, including the appropriate level of assessment, and conditions of approval, if your proposal proceeds to these stages.
The proposed substation and transmission lines would be located on predominantly open grassed land with scattered areas of wooded vegetation and other forms of habitat. As a result, it is unlikely that all ecological impacts could be fully avoided. As part of the subsequent development phases, options would be considered to minimise the overall impact of the proposed action, in particular on habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard.
This would include opportunities to modify the siting of the location of the substation and associated elements including the access road, as well as other elements such as the specific locations for transmission line tower structures. It is intended that the detailed siting of these elements would allow for reductions to potential impacts associated with the proposed action. 5 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts
Note: If you have identified alternatives in relation to location, time frames or activities as part of the proposed action at sections 1.10 and 2.3 please complete this section in relation to each of the alternatives identified.
Provide a description of measures that will be implemented to avoid, reduce, manage or offset any relevant impacts of the action. Include, if appropriate, any relevant reports or technical advice relating to the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measures.
For each proposed measure, specify: · a concise description of the nature, scope, work plan and consequence of the measure for the relevant impact and any statutory or policy basis for the measure; · in doing so, include analysis and findings on whether each measure is likely to achieve the environmental outcomes for the matters protected by the EPBC Act which are likely to be affected by the proposed action, including noting: o the likely effectiveness of the measure in avoiding or mitigating the relevant impact on the matters protected by the EPBC Act; o the level of commitment by the person proposing to take the action to achieve the proposed environmental outcomes and implement the proposed mitigation measures. For example, identify if the measures are preliminary suggestions only that have not been fully researched, or are dependent on a third party’s agreement (e.g. council or landowner); o any likely residual impacts (being, impacts likely to occur having implemented mitigation and/or avoidance measures) and, if such impacts will or are likely to occur, the measure available to compensate or offset these residual impacts. Please consider the Department’s EPBC Act, the EPBC Environmental Offsets Policy (October 2012) (and How to use the Offsets Assessment Guide) and the draft Policy Statement on EPBC Act Advanced Environmental Offsets; o the likely consequences for the matters protected by the EPBC Act should the measure not be effective; and o any other likely consequences of the measure including both adverse and beneficial, such as efficiency, cost and cost- effectiveness and public acceptability (noting however, beneficial consequences of the measure will not be considered in deciding whether or not the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on the matters protected by the EPBC Act).
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 5 of 16 Examples of relevant measures to avoid or reduce impacts may include the timing of works, avoidance of important habitat, specific design measures, or adoption of specific work practices.
Note, the Minister may decide that a proposed action is not likely to have significant impacts on a protected matter, as long as the action is taken in a particular manner (section 77A of the EPBC Act). The particular manner of taking the action may avoid or reduce certain impacts, in such a way that those impacts will not be ‘significant’. More detail is provided on the Department’s web site.
For the Minister to make such a decision (under section 77A), the proposed measures to avoid or reduce impacts must: · clearly form part of the referred action (e.g. be identified in the referral and fall within the responsibility of the person proposing to take the action); · be must be clear, unambiguous, and provide certainty in relation to reducing or avoiding impacts on the matters protected; and · must be realistic and practical in terms of reporting, auditing and enforcement.
The general principle to minimise impacts to biodiversity, should in order of consideration, endeavour to: à avoid impacts on habitat, through the planning process à minimise impacts on habitat, through the planning process à mitigate impacts on habitat, though the use of a range of mitigation measures. The avoidance of impacts and minimisation of impacts, where feasible was undertaken through the planning process. This included: à avoidance of impacts to Box Gum Woodland à minimising impacts on Pink-tailed Worm Lizard habitat at the substation site. Detailed mitigation measures would be developed during the EIS process and detailed design phase and would include measures such as: à Refining design to minimise as far as practicable vegetation and habitat clearing requirements. à Micrositing of towers to minimise impacts on vegetation and habitats, particularly habitat for Pink- tailed Worm Lizard and hollow-bearing paddock trees. à Providing an ecologist spotter/ catcher onsite during habitat removal/disturbance of hollow bearing trees and, if identified as necessary following the completion of targeted surveys, areas of Pink Tailed Worm Lizard habitat. à Minimising the likelihood of spread of invasive species and pathogens, including into areas of potential habitat for threatened species, by: § clearly identifying areas of habitat on Site maps within the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and inducting workers on environmental sensitivities. § Undertaking vehicle check procedures, including wash/brush down if required, s to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery § targeting areas of potential new outbreaks for weed control including soil stockpiles, roadsides and any other disturbed areas § cleaning of vehicle tyres, undersides and radiator grills before leaving a property (as appropriate), cleaning of footwear and minimising soil movement between locations § monitoring programs for noxious and problematic weeds and pests on site and in and adjacent to the project area to ensure the requirements of Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are met § controlling noxious and problematic weeds should they be found § certifying any imported fill at the source location as pathogen and weed free § working from clean area towards weedy area to reduce the spread of weeds into areas that are currently weed free (as appropriate).
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 6 of 16 § implementing erosion and sediment controls § stockpiling spoil in a manner so as to avoid the possibility of sediments entering waterways or migrating off-site à Undertaking additional targeted surveys in late spring/ early summer. Any records of threatened species would be loaded into TransGrid’s GIS database to ensure impacts are avoided during ongoing maintenance and operational activities.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 7 of 16 6 Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts Identify whether or not you believe the action is a controlled action (i.e. whether you think that significant impacts on the matters protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act are likely) and the reasons why.
6.1 Do you THINK your proposed action is a controlled action?
X No, complete section 6.2 Yes, complete section 6.3
6.2 Proposed action IS NOT a controlled action. Specify the key reasons why you think the proposed action is NOT LIKELY to have significant impacts on a matter protected under the EPBC Act by reference to each relevant matter protected by the EPBC Act.
Early identification of ecological constraints has allowed minimisation of impacts during the design process, including avoidance of impacts on Box Gum Woodland. Mitigation measures would further minimise impacts. The proposed action is not likely to modify, destroy or isolate an area of important habitat in light of: à Historical disturbance of the study area, including agricultural developments, existing developments, access tracks and existing road corridors. à Areas of native vegetation to be removed occur as isolated patches spread out across the locality and impacts would be largely limited to a 90 m wide linear corridor. à Small area of remnant vegetation to be impacted (3.1 ha) à Similar habitat to remain within the broader locality to be retained within the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. As such, impacts of the proposed action on threatened and migratory species are not considered to be significant (see Appendix D for detailed assessment). 6.3 Proposed action IS a controlled action Type ‘x’ in the box for the matter(s) protected under the EPBC Act that you think are likely to be significantly impacted. (The ‘sections’ identified below are the relevant sections of the EPBC Act.)
Matters likely to be significantly impacted World Heritage values (sections 12 and 15A) National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C) Wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B) Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A) Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A) Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A) Commonwealth marine environment (sections 23 and 24A) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B and 24C) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development (sections 24D and 24E) Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A) Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions (section 28) Commonwealth Heritage places overseas (sections 27B and 27C)
Specify the key reasons why you think the proposed action is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the matters identified above by reference to each matter protected by the EBPC Act identified in section 3 above.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 8 of 16 7 Environmental record of the person proposing to take the action
Yes No 7.1 Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible environmental management? ü
Provide details TransGrid has a consistent record of proactively seeking environmental approvals where required and ensuring that any commitments or conditions placed on activities as a result of these approval processes are adhered to.
ActewAGL has constructed and maintains a network comprising 159 km of overhead 132 kV transmission lines, 2,368 km of overhead distribution lines, and 2,898 km of underground distribution cables in the ACT, as well as 13 zone substations and thousands of distribution substations and pillars. The infrastructure has all been installed with due consideration of environmental issues pertaining to flora, fauna, cultural and indigenous heritage. Environmental impact assessments are carried out for new infrastructure projects and approvals gained before construction works commence. Environmental management is a key component of maintenance activities and is embedded into ActewAGL’s operating and maintenance procedures.
7.2 Provide details of any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural ü resources against: (a) the person proposing to take the action, or (b) if a permit has been applied for in relation to the action - the person making the application.
If yes, provide details In 2001 TransGrid was subject to proceedings under State Environmental laws for clearing vegetation in the vicinity of transmission lines. TransGrid subsequently invested $5 million toward site rehabilitation. Since the 2001 incident, TransGrid has not been subject to any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
ActewAGL has not been subject to any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources against it.
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 9 of 16 7.3 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of the corporation’s environmental policy and planning framework and if and how the ü framework applies to the action.
TransGrid’s Environmental Policy can be found here: www.transgrid.com.au/being-responsible/environment/Pages/default.aspx
TransGrid has an Environmental Assessment Framework that sits under the Environmental Management System which is certified to ISO14001. This framework details the requirements for activities requiring formal assessment and the level of environmental risk assessments for all other activities that do not require formal planning assessments.
TransGrid is committed to conducting its activities and services in a manner that prevents pollution and complies with relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice. TransGrid implores all employees and contractors to stop and consider the potential impact to the environment from their activities.
ActewAGL’s Work Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Policy (PO4601) can be found here: www.actewagl.com.au/About-us/Publications.aspx
The policyies and planning frameworks will guide the preparation of the EIS and the subsequent construction and operation environmental management documentation. 7.4 Has the party taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act? ü
Provide name of proposal and EPBC reference number (if known)
TransGrid
2010/5326 TransGrid/Energy generation and supply (non-renewable)/Lismore to Dumaresq, near Bonshaw/NSW/330 kV Transmission Line, 205km in Length
2009/4805 TransGrid/Energy Generation and Supply (non-renewable)/Block 1653, Williamsdale, Tuggeranong/Australian Capital Territory/New Electricity Substation and Access Road
2009/4741 TransGrid/Energy generation and supply (non-renewable)/Parkes Substation to Manildra Substation/NSW/Construction of Single Circuit 132 kV Transmission Line between existing substations
2008/4619 Transgrid/Energy generation and supply (non-renewable)/Block 1653, Williamsdale, Tuggeranong/ACT/New Electricity Substation and Access Road
2007/3929 TransGrid/Telecommunications/Singleton Military Area, 3.5 km east of Broke/New South Wales/Singleton Military Area Vegetation Maintenance, Liddel-Killingworth Transmission
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 10 of 16 2002/863 TransGrid/Energy Generation and Supply (non-renewable)/Tuggerah Substation to Ourimbah State Forest/New South Wales/330kV Transmission Line
2002/794 TransGrid/Energy generation and supply/Warabrook to Kooragang Island/NSW/TransGrid 132kV Power Transmission Line
2002/677 TransGrid/Energy generation and supply/Eastern Creek/NSW/TransGrid Sydney West 330kV Substation Augmentation
2002/649 TransGrid/Energy generation and supply/Singleton Military Area/NSW/Vegetation Maintenance, Liddell-Killingworth 330 kV Power Line Easement, Singleton
2002/616 Country Energy/Energy generation and supply/Molong/NSW/66kV transmission line to link the Molong-Cumnock and the TransGrid Molong-Manildra 132kV transmission lines
2001/527 Transgrid/Energy and Infrastructure (incl. Pipelines)/Molong to Manildra/NSW/132kV transmission line
2001/380 TransGrid/Energy and Infrastructure (incl. Pipelines)/Buronga (NSW) to Monash (SA)/NSW/Electricity Transmission Line
ActewAGL
2008/4621 ActewAGL 132 kV transmission line Williamsdale to Theodore
2009/5253 ActewAGL East Lake Infrastructure Relocation & Upgrade Project
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 11 of 16 8 Information sources and attachments (For the information provided above) 8.1 References · List the references used in preparing the referral. · Highlight documents that are available to the public, including web references if relevant.
à ACT Government, July 2016. Electricity Transmission Supply Code à ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website, 2015. à ACT Government - Environment and Planning, 2015. ACTMapi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site on threatened species and communities à Australian Weeds Committee, 2015. Weeds of National Significance à Biosis, 2015. West Belconnen Development Project: ACT Land Cultural Heritage Assessment. Report prepared for Riverview Projects (ACT) Pty Ltd. à Department of the Environment, 2013. EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Principal Significant Impact Guidelines à Department of Environment and Energy, 2015. ACT Environmental Offsets Policy à EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool, searched on 2 September 2016 à Navin Officer Heritage Consultants (NOHC) 2016. ACT Second Electrical Supply Project Desktop Cultural Heritage Assessment. à Office for Environment & Heritage, 2016. BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife
8.2 Reliability and date of information For information in section 3 and the map required by section 1, specify: · source of the information; · how recent the information is; · how the reliability of the information was tested; and · any uncertainties in the information.
8.3 Attachments Indicate the documents you have attached. All attachments must be less than three megabytes (3mb) so they can be published on the Department’s website. Attachments larger than three megabytes (3mb) may delay the processing of your referral. ü attached Title of attachment(s) You must attach figures, maps or aerial photographs Figures 1-4 attached showing the locality of the proposed action ü (section 1) GIS file delineating the boundary of the referral area (section 1) figures, maps or aerial photographs ü Figures 1-4 attached showing the location of the proposed action in respect to any matters of national environmental significance or important features of the environments (section 3)
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 12 of 16 If relevant, attach copies of any state or local government approvals and consent conditions (section 2.5) copies of any completed assessments to meet state or local government approvals and outcomes of public consultations, if available (section 2.6) copies of any flora and fauna investigations and surveys (section 3) technical reports relevant to the ü Appendix B & C provide assessment of impacts on protected the likelihood matters that support the arguments and assessments for conclusions in the referral (section 3) threatened plants conclusions in the referral (section 3 and 4) species and animals, repsectively.
Appendix D provides the EPBC Act Significance Assessment report(s) on any public consultations undertaken, including with Indigenous stakeholders (section 3)
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 13 of 16
Trust Deed
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 20 of 16
Appendix A Protected Matters Search Tool
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 21 of 16 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.
Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.
Report created: 02/09/16 11:34:59
Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements
This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010
Coordinates Buffer: 10.0Km Summary
Matters of National Environmental Significance
This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.
World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: 1 Wetlands of International Importance: 4 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 3 Listed Threatened Species: 31 Listed Migratory Species: 8
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act
This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.
The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage
A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.
Commonwealth Land: 5 Commonwealth Heritage Places: 5 Listed Marine Species: 14 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: 1 Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Commonwealth Reserves Marine: None
Extra Information
This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.
State and Territory Reserves: 14 Regional Forest Agreements: 1 Invasive Species: 37 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None Details
Matters of National Environmental Significance National Heritage Properties [ Resource Information ] Name State Status Natural Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves NSW Listed place
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) [ Resource Information ] Name Proximity Banrock station wetland complex 700 - 800km upstream Hattah-kulkyne lakes 500 - 600km upstream Riverland 700 - 800km upstream The coorong, and lakes alexandrina and albert wetland 800 - 900km upstream
Listed Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. Name Status Type of Presence Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Endangered Community may occur within area Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Highlands within area White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Woodland and Derived Native Grassland within area Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater [470] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot [738] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Fish Maccullochella macquariensis Trout Cod [26171] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod [66633] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch [66632] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Frogs Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog [1870] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog [1844] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Litoria castanea Yellow-spotted Tree Frog, Yellow-spotted Bell Frog Endangered Species or species habitat [1848] likely to occur within area
Insects Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth [25234] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Mammals Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Endangered Species or species habitat (southeastern mainland population) [75184] known to occur within area
Petauroides volans Greater Glider [254] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable Species or species habitat South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) likely to occur within area [85104] Pseudomys fumeus Konoom, Smoky Mouse [88] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Plants Eucalyptus aggregata Black Gum [20890] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Lepidium ginninderrense Ginninderra Peppercress [78474] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Lepidium hyssopifolium Basalt Pepper-cress, Peppercress, Rubble Pepper- Endangered Species or species habitat cress, Pepperweed [16542] may occur within area
Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor Hoary Sunray, Grassland Paper-daisy [56204] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345) Omeo Stork's-bill [84065] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris [13684] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Prasophyllum petilum Tarengo Leek Orchid [55144] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Prasophyllum sp. Wybong (C.Phelps ORG 5269) a leek-orchid [81964] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Pterostylis oreophila Blue-tongued Orchid, Kiandra Greenhood [22903] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Swainsona recta Small Purple-pea, Mountain Swainson-pea [7580] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Thesium australe Austral Toadflax, Toadflax [15202] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Reptiles Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Pink-tailed Legless Lizard Vulnerable Species or species habitat [1665] known to occur within area
Delma impar Striped Legless Lizard [1649] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Tympanocryptis pinguicolla Grassland Earless Dragon [66727] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Migratory Terrestrial Species Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Migratory Wetlands Species Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat known to occur within area Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation Defence - ADC / JSSC - WESTON Defence - BELCONNEN RADIO STATION ; BELCONNEN COMMUNICATIONS STATION Defence - HEWLETT PACKARD BUILDING - FERNHILL PARK
Commonwealth Heritage Places [ Resource Information ] Name State Status Natural Synemon Plana Moth Habitat ACT Listed place Historic Cameron Offices (Wings 3, 4 and 5, and Bridge) ACT Listed place Mount Stromlo Observatory Precinct ACT Listed place Royal Australian Naval Transmitting Station ACT Listed place Yarralumla and Surrounds ACT Listed place
Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur Name Threatened Type of Presence within area Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Critical Habitats [ Resource Information ] Name Type of Presence Lepidium ginninderrense (Ginninderra Peppercress) - Northwest corner Listed Critical Habitat Belconnen Naval Transmission Station, ACT
Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Aranda Bushland ACT Black Mountain ACT Brindabella NSW Bruce Ridge ACT Bullen Range ACT Dunlop Grassland ACT Gossan Hill ACT Kama ACT Lower Molonglo River Corridor ACT Mt Painter ACT Stony Creek ACT Swamp Creek ACT The Pinnacle ACT Woodstock ACT
Regional Forest Agreements [ Resource Information ] Note that all areas with completed RFAs have been included. Name State Southern RFA New South Wales
Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.
Name Status Type of Presence Birds Acridotheres tristis Common Myna, Indian Myna [387] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Alauda arvensis Skylark [656] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard [974] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch [403] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch [404] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove [780] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Turdus merula Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird [596] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Feral deer Feral deer species in Australia [85733] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat, Norway Rat [83] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Plants Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed [11620] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Species or species habitat Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] likely to occur within area
Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera Boneseed [16905] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Cytisus scoparius Broom, English Broom, Scotch Broom, Common Species or species habitat Broom, Scottish Broom, Spanish Broom [5934] likely to occur within area
Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom, Species or species habitat Common Broom, French Broom, Soft Broom [20126] likely to occur within area
Genista sp. X Genista monspessulana Broom [67538] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn, Boxthorn [19235] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle grass [67699] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock, Yass River Tussock, Yass Tussock, Species or species habitat Nassella Tussock (NZ) [18884] likely to occur within area
Opuntia spp. Prickly Pears [82753] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Species or species habitat Pine [20780] may occur within area
Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sagittaria platyphylla Delta Arrowhead, Arrowhead, Slender Arrowhead Species or species habitat [68483] likely to occur within area
Salix spp. except S.babylonica, S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Species or species habitat Sterile Pussy Willow [68497] likely to occur within area
Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Madagascar Species or species habitat Groundsel [2624] likely to occur within area
Ulex europaeus Gorse, Furze [7693] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report. This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.
Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.
For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.
For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.
Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database: - threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.
Coordinates
-35.249033 148.977594,-35.246477 149.008695,-35.217279 148.999708,-35.217361 148.99173,-35.217361 148.99173,-35.217361 148.99173 Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Parks and Wildlife Commission NT, Northern Territory Government -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Other groups and individuals
The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.
Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.
© Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia +61 2 6274 1111
Appendix B Threatened species of plant
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 22 of 16 Appendix B Likelihood assessment of threatened plant species known or considered likely to occur within the Project study area. Family Name Species Name Common EPBC NC Act Habitat Data Source3 Likelihood of Name Act Status2 occurrence4 Status1 Asteraceae Leucochrysum Hoary Sunray E The species occurs in a wide range of communities and habitats occurring within ACTMapi, EPBC Moderate. albicans var. grasslands, grassy areas in woodlands and dry open forests and modified Protected Matters Species has been tricolor landscapes on a variety of soils types. This subspecies is restricted to the central Search recorded within proximity and southern tablelands and the central western slopes (Royal Botanic Gardens (5 km) from the Project 2007). study area and suitable habitat is considered likely to occur. Asteraceae Rutidosis Button E E Occurs in Box-Gum Woodland, secondary grassland derived from Box-Gum ACT Threatened Low. Species is leptorhynchoides Wrinklewort Woodland or in Natural Temperate Grassland; and often in the ecotone between Species List, susceptible to grazing the two communities. Flowers in Summer. ACTMapi and is restricted to a small number of Grows on soils that are usually shallow, stony red-brown clay loams; tends to populations on roadsides, occupy areas where there is relatively less competition from herbaceous species rail reserves and other (either due to the shallow nature of the soils, or at some sites due to the un-grazed or very lightly competitive effect of woodland trees). Exhibits an ability to colonise disturbed grazed sites. areas (eg. vehicle tracks, bulldozer scrapings and areas of soil erosion). Normally flowers between December to March; plants do not usually flower until their second year. Has regenerative buds at the surface of the soil but not below, so plants do not have the ability to resprout from underground structures; the stems usually die back in late summer or autumn and new basal leaves are evident by early winter. Thought to be insect pollinated, although the specific vectors are not known. Observed flourishing at a site a few years after the area was burnt by a wildfire. Apparently susceptible to grazing, being retained in only a small number of populations on roadsides, rail reserves and other un-grazed or very lightly grazed sites (Royal Botanic Gardens 2014) (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009). Brassicaceae Lepidium Ginninderra V E Grows in natural temperate grassland on the floodplain of Ginninderra Creek, ACT Threatened Low. ginninderrense Peppercress especially in locations where grass tussocks and other plant growth are short and Species List, Study area provides open, thus there is little competition for space and light. The soil type over most of ACTMapi, EPBC marginal habitat. Species the site is a shallow red earth, with patches of colluvium on the footslopes and the Protected Matters is known from only three population occurs at an altitude of c.580 metres. Search locations which are not in Species records are restricted to the Australian Capital Territory where it occurs: the vicinity of the study area. According to the on Commonwealth land in Lawson - north-west corner of Belconnen Naval ACT Action Plan for the Transmission Station species (Action Plan no. at a site in Mitchell 25), “It is unlikely that the species exists anywhere in a translocation site in the suburbs of Crace and Dunlop (1000 plants else in the ACT, given the translocated) number of similar sites historically in Reid (1952). already surveyed.”
Total abundance of plants in a population varies annually. The population at Lawson consists of approximately 2000 individual plants, with variation of 875 - 1328 observed in any given year. Flowers in late spring. Family Name Species Name Common EPBC NC Act Habitat Data Source3 Likelihood of Name Act Status2 occurrence4 Status1 Brassicaceae Lepidium E In NSW, there is a population consisting of 6 plants near Bathurst, a population EPBC Protected Low. hyssopifolium near Bungendore and Crookwell both on the Southern Tablelands. The species Matters Search Although suitable habitat was also recorded near Armidale in 1945 and 1958 however it is not known may occur within the whether it remains in these areas. A specimen collected in the Cooma area about Project study area the 100 years ago may also be Aromatic Peppercress. The species occurs in a variety species has not been of habitats including woodland with a grassy understorey and grassland recorded within the (Department of Environment and Conservation 2005). locality. Fabaceae Bossiaea grayi Murrumbidgee E Species is found only with the ACT and known from ten locations along the ACT Threatened Low. (Faboideae) bossiaea Murrumbidgee, Paddy’s and Cotter rivers. The species grows in sandy soil Species List, Although the species has amongst boulders on river banks and adjacent slopes close to rivers (Environment ACTMapi been recorded within 2 and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015). km of the Project study area it is considered unlikely that suitable habitat will occur within the Project study area. Fabaceae Swainsona recta Small Purple E E Found in grassland and open woodland, often on stony hillsides (Royal Botanic ACT Threatened Low likelihood of (Faboideae) Pea Gardens 2004). Before European settlement it occurred in the grassy understorey Species List, occurrence because: of woodlands and open-forests dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum Eucalyptus ACTMapi, EPBC blakelyi, Yellow Box E. melliodora, Candlebark Gum E. rubida and Long-leaf Box Protected Matters it has not previously E. goniocalyx. Grows in association with understorey dominants that include Search been recorded in the Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis, poa tussocks Poa spp. and spear-grasses study area including Austrostipa spp. Plants die back in summer, surviving as a rootstocks until they within the West shoot again in autumn (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008). Belconnen strategic assessment area Flowers September to December. surveys for this assessment in 2015 were undertaken in October, the peak flowering period for the species the majority of the study area is subject to stock grazing, has low species diversity and is subject to weed invasion. key areas of potential habitat (Box Gum Woodland) will not be impacted. Gentianaceae Gentiana E E The species grows in Namadgi National Park (ACT) as an inter-tussock herb or ACT Threatened Low. baeuerlenii grassland and sedgeland in moist areas on the lower slope of broad valleys. Also Species List No species records within recorded in damp places in short turf in NSW near Bombala; very rare, possibly the locality and suitable extinct (NSW Scientifc Committee 2010) (Harden 1992). habitat is not considered likely to occur within the Project study area
Family Name Species Name Common EPBC NC Act Habitat Data Source3 Likelihood of Name Act Status2 occurrence4 Status1 Geraniaceae Pelargonium sp. Omeo Stork's- E Known to occur in New South Wales and Victoria in habitat usually located just EPBC Protected Low. Striatellum (G. W. bill above the high water level of irregularly inundated or ephemeral lakes and in the Matters Search No species records within Carr 10345), syn. transition zone between surrounding grasslands or pasture and the paludal and the locality and suitable Pelargonium sp., aquatic communities. During dry periods, the species is known to colonise exposed habitat is not considered Pelargonium sp. 1 lake beds (NSW Scientifc Committee 2010). likely to occur within the Project study area
Orchidaceae Arachnorchis E Endemic to the Australian Capital Territory found as two populations on the ACT Threatened Low. actensis western lower slopes of Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura in the Canberra Nature Species List Although marginal habitat Reserve. Has been previously recorded from Aranda and Campbell however may occur within the considered to be extinct from those areas. Species grows in shallow gravelly clay Project study area the loam soils of volcanic origin amongst grass, forbs and low shrubs and often species has not been amongst rock. Can also grow in transitional vegetation zones between open grassy recorded within the woodland (dominated by E. melliodora, E. blakelyi and E. pauciflora) and dry locality. sclerophyll forest (dominated by E. rossii) (Department of the Environment 2015a). Orchidaceae Corunastylis Brindabella E This species is restricted to the Brindabella Range containing a population less ACT Threatened Low. ectopa Midge Orchid than 100 individuals. It grows at altitudes of 980m on steep north facing slopes with Species List Species not recorded sparse cover in tall E. radiata forest extending to a road side verge (Department of within the locality and the Environment 2015b). suitable habitat is not considered likely to occur within the Project study area. Family Name Species Name Common EPBC NC Act Habitat Data Source3 Likelihood of Name Act Status2 occurrence4 Status1 Orchidaceae Prasophyllum Tarengo Leek CE E Prasophyllum sp. Wybong is now included under Prasophyllum petilum. ACT Threatened Low petilum Orchid Species List, it has not previously Prasophyllum petilum is known from two sites in the NSW Southern Tablelands; at EPBC Protected been recorded in the (Synonym Boorowa and Captains Flat and also at Hall in the Australian Capital Territory Matters Search study area including Prasophyllum sp. where it: within the West Wybong (C. Phelps grows in open sites within Natural Temperate Grassland at the Boorowa site. Belconnen strategic ORG 5269)) assessment area grows in grassy woodland in association with Poa labillardieri (River Tussock), Eucalyptus aggregata (Black Gum) and Leptospermum spp. (tea-trees) at Captains surveys for this Flat assessment in 2015 were undertaken in within the grassy groundlayer of Box-Gum Woodland at Hall. October, during the is apparently highly susceptible to grazing, being retained only at a little-grazed flowering period for travelling stock reserve (Boorowa) and in cemeteries (Captains Flat and Hall) the species (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008). the majority of the study area is subject The populations previously recognised as Prasophyllum sp. Wybong to stock grazing, has low species diversity were known from seven locations in open eucalypt woodland and grassland in and is subject to NSW weed invasion. had an area of occupancy estimated to be 1.5 km2 with an estimated key areas of population size based on surveys in 2006 of 460 mature individuals. potential habitat occurs within the Sydney Basin, New England Tablelands, Brigalow Belt South (Box Gum and NSW South Western Slopes IBRA Bioregions and the Border Rivers-Gwydir, Woodland) will not Namoi, Hunter-Central Rivers and Central West Natural Resource Management be impacted. Regions. distribution overlaps with the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland EPBC Act-listed threatened ecological community (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2011). The species is only found in high quality grassland and grassy woodland remnants not subject to continuous grazing pressure.
Flowers October to November. Orchidaceae Pterostylis Blue-tongued E In NSW, P. oreophila occurs in sub-alpine regions, in muddy ground along EPBC Protected Low. oreophila Greenhood watercourses or in peat soils or mounds of sphagnum moss. It is more commonly Matters search No suitable habitat is found shaded under Leptospermum grandifolium thickets however may also occur considered likely to occur in more exposed habitats (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007). within the Project study area. Family Name Species Name Common EPBC NC Act Habitat Data Source3 Likelihood of Name Act Status2 occurrence4 Status1 Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia E E Known from a few sites on flood terraces along the eastern bank of the ACT Threatened Low. tuggeranong Murrumbidgee River South of Canberra. Grows on terraces probe to occasional Species List Although the Project flooding and on adjacent gentle slopes at an altitude of 550 m growing on coarse- study area occurs on the textured alluvium, mainly quarzitic sand and gravel (Department of the eastern side of the Environment 2015c). Murrumbidgee River and may cross flood terraces the species has not been recorded within proximity to the Project study area. The Project study area has also been subjected to numerous flora and fauna assessments over the past 5 -10 years and the species has never been recorded during this time. Rhamnaceae Pomaderris pallida Pale V Pale Pomaderris has been recorded from near Kydra Trig, north-west of ACTMapi, EPBC Moderate. Pomaderris Nimmitabel, Tinderry Nature Reserve, and the Queanbeyan River. A record from Protected Matters Numerous records (>10) Byadbo in Kosciuszko National Park has not been relocated. The main distribution Search of this species are is along the Murrumbidgee in the ACT. It was recorded recently in eastern Victoria. located in proximity (1 This species usually grows in shrub communities surrounded by Brittle Gum km) from the Project (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Red Stringybark (E. macrorhynca) or Callitris spp. study area and suitable Woodland (Royal Botanic Gardens 2009). habitat is considered likely to occur. Santalaceae Thesium australe Austral V Grows in grassland or woodland often in damp sites. It is a semi-parasitic herb EPBC Protected Low. Toadflax and hosts are likely to be Themeda australis and Poa spp. (Department of Matters Search Preferred habitat not Environment and Climate Change 2008; Harden 1992). present
Note: 1: V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. 2: E = Endangered under the NC Act. 3: EPBC Protected Matters search = Department of Environment’s EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool ACTMapi = ACT Government (Environment and Planning ACTMapi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site on threatened species and communities within the Project study area ACT Threatened Species List = ACT Government (Environment and Planning) ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website on Threatened Species 4. Refer to Section 2.1.1, Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 of the main report. References
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008, Threatened species, populations and ecological communities, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, 2008,
Appendix C Threatened species of animal
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 23 of 16 Appendix C Likelihood assessment of threatened plant species known or considered likely to occur within the Project study area.
Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Amphibians Litoria Booroolong Frog E Confined to mountain streams of the Great Dividing Range (Cogger 2000). EPBC Protected Low. booroolongensis Usually found on or under boulders and debris in and beside the rocky beds of Matters Search Tool Species has not been mountain streams; breeds in summer (Anstis 2002). recorded within the locality and habitat is considered unlikely to occur within the study area. Species is considered more likely to utilise habitat within the Murrumbidgee River to the west. Litoria castanea Yellow-spotted Tree E This species was rediscovered in 2011 in the Southern Highlands. It has two EPBC Protected Low. Frog separate highland ranges, on the New England Tableland and on the southern Matters Search Tool Species has not been highlands from Lake George to Bombala. There are unconfirmed reports from recently recorded within the near Bathurst and Orange. It requires large permanent ponds or slow flowing locality and does not occur streams with plenty of emergent vegetation such as bulrushes. Adults are in proximity to either of the active during spring and summer and bask on sunny days. rediscovered populations Move and forage at night on grassy banks or float on the water's surface. (i.e. New England Table Males call at night from the open water and breeding generally occurs during Lands and at Bombala). or following rain. Eggs are laid amongst aquatic vegetation. Shelter during autumn and winter under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation (Department of Environment and Conservation 2007). Pseudophryne Northern Corroboree V E Found from Mt Bimberi to north of Mt Corree, in the Brindabella Ranges. Also ACT Threatened Low. pengilleyi Frog found from the Snowy Mountains Highway to Wee Jasper in the Fiery Range, Species List Species has not been as well as Tumut pine plantations. Habitat varies from summer to winter. In recorded within the locality summer, breeding occurs in low lying pools in sphagnum, wet heath, wet and habitat for the species herbfields and wet tussock grasslands. However, in winter, this species moves is considered unlikely to away from pools into surrounding leaf litter, logs and dense groundcover occur within the study area. (Department of Environment and Climate Change, 2007). Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater EM E Occurs mostly in box-ironbark forests and woodland and prefers wet, fertile ACT Threatened Moderate. (syn. Xanthomyza sites such as along creek flats, broad river valleys and foothills. Riparian Species List, EPBC Species has been recorded phrygia) forests with Casuarina cunninghamiana and Amyema cambagei are important Protected Matters within the broader locality for feeding and breeding. Spotted Gum and Swamp Mahogany forests are also Search Tool and habitat for the species important feeding areas in coastal areas. Important food trees include is considered likely to occur Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Mugga Ironbark), E. albens (White Box), E. melliodora within the study area. (Yellow Box) and E. leucoxylon (Yellow Gum) (Garnett & Crowley 2000). Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M Breeds in the northern hemisphere, wintering south to Australia. It is almost EPBC Protected Low. exclusively aerial, flying from less than 1 m to at least 300 m above ground. It Matters Search Tool Species is likely to utilise mostly occurs over inland plains but sometimes above foothills or in coastal the air space above the areas over cliffs, beaches, islands and well out to sea. It also occurs over study area however unlikely towns and cities. It mostly occurs over dry and/or open habitats, including to use the terrestrial habitat riparian woodland and tea-tree swamps, low scrub, heathland or saltmarsh, within the study area. grassland, spinifex sandplains, farmland and sand-dunes. It sometimes occurs above forests. It probably roosts aerially, but has occasionally been observed to land (Higgins 1999). Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Ardea (Bulbulcus) Cattle Egret M Occurs in tropical and temperate grasslands, wooded lands and terrestrial EPBC Protected Moderate. ibis wetlands and very rarely in arid and semi-arid regions. High numbers may Matters Search Tool Suitable habitat for the occur in moist, poorly drained pastures with high grass; it avoids low grass species is considered likely pastures but has been recorded on earthen dam walls and ploughed fields. It is to occur within the study commonly associated with the habitats of farm animals, particularly cattle, but area. also pigs, sheep, horses and deer. It is known to follow earth-moving machinery and has been located at rubbish tips. It uses predominately shallow, open and fresh wetlands including meadows and swamps with low emergent vegetation and abundant aquatic flora (Marchant & Higgins 1990; Morton et al. 1989). Ardea (Casmerodius) Eastern Great Egret M Great Egrets occur throughout most of the world. They are common throughout EPBC Protected Moderate. modesta Australia, with the exception of the most arid areas. Great Egrets prefer Matters Search Tool Species has been recorded shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered within the broader locality area, including damp grasslands. Great Egrets can be seen alone or in small and marginal habitat is flocks, often with other egret species, and roost at night in groups. In Australia, considered likely to be the breeding season of the Great Egret is normally October to December in the within the study area. south and March to May in the north. This species breeds in colonies, and often in association with cormorants, ibises and other egrets. (Australian Museum 2003). Calyptorhynchus Glossy Black- V Occurs in eucalypt woodland and forest with Casuarina/Allocasuarina spp. ACT Threatened Moderate. lathami Cockatoo Characteristically inhabits forests on sites with low soil nutrient status, Species List Suitable habitat is reflecting the distribution of key Allocasuarina species. The drier forest types considered likely to occur with intact and less rugged landscapes are preferred by the species. Nests in within the study area and tree hollows (Garnett & Crowley 2000; NSW National Parks and Wildlife the species has been Service 1999a). previously recorded within the locality. Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper V Found in eucalypt woodlands and dry open forest of the inland slopes and ACT Threatened Moderate. victoriae (eastern subspecies) plains inland of the Great Dividing Range; mainly in habits woodlands Species List Suitable habitat is dominated by stringybarks or other rough-barked eucalypts. Nesting occurs in considered likely to occur tree hollows (Department of Environment and Conservation 2005a). and other similar foraging woodland species have been recorded within proximity to the study area. Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V The Varied Sittella inhabits most of mainland Australia except the treeless ACT Threatened Moderate. chrysoptera deserts and open grasslands. It inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, Species List Suitable habitat is especially rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead considered likely to occur branches, mallee and Acacia woodland. The Varied Sittella feeds on and other similar foraging arthropods gleaned from crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead woodland species have branches, standing dead trees, and from small branches and twigs in the tree been recorded within canopy. It builds a cup-shaped nest of plant fibres and cobwebs in an upright proximity to the study area. tree fork high in the living tree canopy, and often re-uses the same fork or tree in successive years (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2010). Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe M Occurs in freshwater or brackish wetlands generally near protective vegetation EPBC Protected Moderate. cover. This species feeds on small invertebrates, seeds and vegetation. It Matters Search Tool Habitat for this species is migrates to the northern hemisphere to breed (Garnett & Crowley 2000). considered likely to occur within the study area in the form of freshwater waterbodies. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V Lives in dry forests and woodlands. Primary food is the mistletoes in the genus ACT Threatened Moderate. Amyema, though it will take some nectar and insects. Its breeding distribution Species List Species has been recorded is dictated by presence of mistletoes which are largely restricted to older trees. within the broader locality Less likely to be found in in strips of remnant box-ironbark woodlands, such as and habitat is considered occur along roadsides and in windbreaks, than in wider blocks (Garnett & likely to occur within the Crowley 2000). study area (flowering mistletoes in Eucalypt species). Haliaeetus White-bellied Sea- M Occurs in coastal areas including islands, estuaries, inlets, large rivers, inland EPBC Protected Low. leucogaster Eagle lakes and reservoirs. Builds a huge nest of sticks in tall trees near water, on Matters Search Tool Although the species has the ground on islands or on remote coastal cliffs (Pizzey & Knight 2007). been recorded within proximity and may utilise the air space above the study area however is unlikely to utilise the terrestrial habitat within the study area. Species is more likely to utilise aquatic habitat along the Murrumbidgee River. Hieraaetus Little Eagle V The Little Eagle is distributed throughout the Australian mainland occupying ACT Threatened High. morphnoides habitats rich in prey within open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. Species List Species has been recorded Sheoak or acacia woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also within the locality and used. For nest sites it requires a tall living tree within a remnant patch, where habitat is considered likely pairs build a large stick nest in winter and lay in early spring. Prey includes to occur within the study birds, reptiles and mammals, with the occasional large insect and carrion. Most area of its former native mammalian prey species in inland NSW are extinct and rabbits now form a major part of the diet (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Hirundapus White-throated M Occurs in airspace over forests, woodlands, farmlands, plains, lakes, coasts EPBC Protected Low. caudacutus Needletail and towns. Breeds in the northern hemisphere and migrates to Australia in Matters search Although the species has October-April (Pizzey & Knight 2007). been recorded within proximity and may utilise the air space above the study area however is unlikely to utilise the terrestrial habitat within the study area. Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller V In Canberra the species is found in and around grassy woodlands of Yellow ACT Threatened Moderate. Box-Red Gum, Apple Box, Candlebark or Snowgum Woodlands. Found most Species List Previously recorded within commonly from Hall, Mulligans Flat, Goorooyarroo, the Pinnacle, Campbell the locality, suitable habitat Park and the Gigerline–Tharwa area. Critical habitat features for the species is considered likely to occur includes large living and dead trees for perching and foraging. Foragain areas and other similar foraging include grass and fallen timber which supports insects on which it feeds woodland species have (Environment ACT 2005). been recorded within proximity to the study area. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E V Breeding occurs in Tasmania, majority migrates to mainland Australia in ACT Threatened Moderate. autumn, over-wintering, particularly in Victoria and central and eastern NSW, Species List, EPBC Foraging habitat is but also south-eastern Queensland as far north as Duaringa. Until recently it Protected Matters considered likely to occur was believed that in New South Wales, swift parrots forage mostly in the Search Tool during winter months when western slopes region along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range but Eucalypts species are in are patchily distributed along the north and south coasts including the Sydney blossom. Within the broader region, but new evidence indicates that the forests on the coastal plains from locality the species has southern to northern NSW are also extremely important. In mainland Australia been recorded on an is semi-nomadic, foraging in flowering eucalypts in eucalypt associations, intermittent basis (2-3 year particularly box-ironbark forests and woodlands. Preference for sites with cycle) of utilising similar highly fertile soils where large trees have high nectar production, including habitat. along drainage lines and isolated rural or urban remnants, and for sites with flowering Acacia pycnantha, is indicated. Sites used vary from year to year. (Garnett & Crowley 2000),(Swift Parrot Recovery Team 2001). Melanodryas Hooded Robin (South- V Found in south-eastern Australia, generally east of the Great Dividing Range. ACT Threatened Moderate. cucullata cucullata Eastern) Found in eucalypt woodland and mallee and acacia shrubland. This is one of a Species List No recent records within suite of species that has declined in woodland areas in south-eastern Australia close proximity however (Garnett & Crowley 2000; Traill & Duncan 2000). The species appears unable species has been recorded to survive in remnants smaller than 100-200ha (NSW Scientifc Committee within the broader locality 2001) and habitat is considered likely to occur within the study area. Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M Usually occur in open or lightly timbered areas, often near water. Breed in EPBC Protected Moderate. open areas with friable, often sandy soil, good visibility, convenient perches Matters Search Tool Species has been and often near wetlands. Nests in embankments including creeks, rivers and previously recorded within sand dunes. Insectivorous, most foraging is aerial, in clearings (Higgins 1999). the locality and habitat for the species is considered likely to occur within or surrounding the study area. May occur on site intermittingly during migratory movements. Monarcha Black-faced Monarch M Occurs in rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, coastal scrubs, damp gullies in EPBC Protected Moderate. melanopsis rainforest, eucalypt forest and in more open woodland when migrating (Pizzey Matters Search Tool Species is rare to the ACT & Knight 2007). (eastern most distribution) however might utilise the site on an intermittent basis as a rare winter migrant. Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Occurs in heavily vegetated gullies, in forests and taller woodlands. During EPBC Protected Moderate. migration it is found in coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves, trees in open Matters Search Tool Unlikely to establish country and gardens (Pizzey & Knight 2007). breeding territories but may use the site during winter dispersal. Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey M Generally a coastal species, occurring in estuaries, bays, inlets, islands and EPBC Protected Low. (syn. P. haliaetus) surrounding waters, coral atolls, reefs, lagoons, rock cliffs and stacks. Matters Search Tool Suitable habitat for the Sometimes ascends larger rivers to far inland. Builds nests high in tree, on species is considered pylon or on ground on islands. Feeds on fish (Pizzey & Knight 2007). unlikely to occur within the study area. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V V Mainly found in the Riverina where they nest in loose colonies in riparian ACT Threatened High. woodland on River Red Gum. On the inland slopes, Superb Parrots both Species List, Species has been forage and feed within box woodland, mostly nesting in dead trees (Garnett & ACTMapi, EPBC previously recorded within Crowley 2000). Protected Matters or immediately adjacent the Search Tool study area (Kevin Mills & Associates 2009b) and available habitat is considered likely to occur. Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail M Occurs in a range of habitats including the undergrowth of rainforests/wetter EPBC Protected Moderate. eucalypt forests/gullies, monsoon forests paperbarks, sub-inland and coastal Matters Search Tool Species has been scrubs, mangroves, watercourses, parks and gardens. When migrating they previously been recorded may also be recorded on farms, streets and buildings. Migrates to SE within the broader locality Australia in October-April to breed, mostly in or on the coastal side of the Great and may occur on site Dividing Range (Pizzey & Knight 2007). intermittently during migratory movements. Rostratula australis Australian Painted VM Inhabits shallow, vegetated, temporary or infrequently filled wetlands, including EPBC Protected Low. (syn. R. Snipe (Painted Snipe) where there are trees such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum), E. Matters Search Tool Species has not been benghalensis) populnea (Poplar Box) or shrubs such as Muehlenbeckia florulenta (Lignum) or recorded within the locality Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Samphire). Feeds at the water's edge and on and suitable habitat is not mudlflats on seeds and invertebrates, including insects, worms, molluscs and considered likely to occur crustaceans. Males incubate eggs in a shallow scrape nest (Garnett & Crowley within the study area. 2000). Fish Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch E The most abundant remaining natural population occurs in the central Murray ACT Threatened Low. River downstream of Yarrawonga Weir as well as several of its anabranches Species List, EPBC Species has not been and tributaries. The central Murray population is considered secure and self- Protected Matters recorded within the locality sustaining. There have also been reports of self-sustaining populations in other Search Tool and suitable habitat is rivers, including the MacIntyre and Macquarie Rivers in northern NSW and the considered unlikely to occur Warrego River in Queensland, mostly from recreational anglers. Little is within the study area. currently known about the status of these populations (Department of Trade and Investment Regional Infrastructure and Services 2011). Maccullochella Trout Cod E E Trout Cod occur in the cooler upper reaches of the Murray river, specifically ACT Threatened Low. macquariensis between Yarrawonga Weir and Strathmerton. Piles of large woody debris Species List, Species has been recorded known as 'snags', that occur in relatively deep, flowing water, are favoured ACTMapi, EPBC along the Murrumbidgee habitats for Trout Cod (Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Protected Matters River and therefore may 2007). Search Tool occur in its tributaries. The creek lines that feed into the Murrumbidgee within the study area appear to be ephemeral and highly degraded and unlikely to contain the species. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod V E The Murray Cod occurs in lower reaches of the Murray-Darling Basin, where ACTMapi, EPBC Low. the water temperature is warm. The diverse range of habitats frequented by Protected Matters Species has been recorded the Murray Cod includes slow moving rivers, murky billabongs and clear, rocky Search Tool along the Murrumbidgee rivers (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2011). River and therefore may occur in its tributaries. The creek lines that feed into the Murrumbidgee within the study area appear to be ephemeral and highly degraded and unlikely to contain the species. Euastacus armatus Murray River Crayfish V The species occurs naturally throughout the Murray – Darling Basin within ACTMapi, ACT Low. warm water habitats. These habitats range from clear, rocky streams to slow Threatened Species No suitable habitat is flowing turbid rivers and billabongs. The upper reaches of the catchment List considered likely to occur (Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers) is considered too cold for the species within the study area. (Department of the Environment 2014). Gadopsis bispinous Two-spined Blackfish V This species occurs within inland drainage lines throughout south-eastern ACT Threatened Low. Australia. In these areas the species is restricted to clear upland or montane Species List Species has not been streams with abundant cover such as rocks and stick debris (ACT Government recorded within the locality 1999). and suitable habitat is considered unlikely to occur within the study area. Macquaria Macquarie Perch E The natural range of Macquarie Perch included the upper and middle reaches ACT Threatened Low. australasica of the Murray-Darling basin as well as the Shoalhaven and Hawkesbury Species List, Species has been recorded Rivers. However, this species has recently been sighted in only a few localities ACTMapi, EPBC within Lake Burrinjunk and within these river systems. Preferred habitat is deep holes covered with rocks, Protected Matters therefore may occur in its and spawning occurs above shallow running water. Macquarie Perch is a Search Tool tributaries such as schooling species (Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Murrumbidgee River. The 2007). creek lines that feed into the Murrumbidgee within the study area appear to be ephemeral and highly degraded and unlikely to contain the species. Invertebrates Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth CE E Golden Sun Moth occurs between Queanbeyan, Gunning, Young and Tumut, ACT Threatened Low. and in nearby areas of Victoria and the ACT. This species occurs where Species List, EPBC Species has been recorded wallaby grasses Austrodanthonia spp. dominate the understory, such as Protected Matters within the locality, however, grassy Box-Gum Woodlands or Natural Temperate Grasslands, as larvae feed Search Tool marginal habitat occurs with exclusively on the roots of wallaby grass. Bare ground separating low tussocks majority of grasslands which of wallaby grass are key microhabitat features for the Golden Sun Moth, as area dominated by exotic courting behaviour occurs here (Department of the Environment and Water flora species. In addition Resources, 2007). previous studies within the area have failed to identify the occurrence of the species. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Perunga ochracra Perunga Grasshopper V The Perunga Grasshoppers known to favour habitats that consist of natural ACT Threatened Moderate. temperate grassland that is dominated by Wallaby grass, Kangaroo and Spear Species List Species has been recorded grasses with forb food plants. The species uses the inter-tussock spaces to within the broader locality escape predators. It is also known to occur within woodland areas with a and suitable habitat is grassy understorey including the endangered Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy considered likely to occur Woodland community (Environment ACT 2006). within the study area. Maratus harrisi Kicking Peacock NL New species found in 2008. Only a few individuals have been recorded at ACTMapi Moderate. Spider Booroomba rocks in Namadgi National Park. Species was found in amongst Newly discovered regionally leaf litter (Vuver 2008). The ACT Government has considered this species a significant species (by the regionally significant species as it has only been recorded once. ACT Government as it has been mapped on the ACTMAPi site). There is not information known regarding this species and therefore it has been assumed that suitable habitat may be present on site. Mammals Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-Tailed Quoll E V Occurs from the Bundaberg area in south-east Queensland, south through ACT Threatened Moderate. maculatus (Southern NSW to western Victoria and Tasmania. In NSW, it occurs on both sides of the Species List, Species has been Subspecies) Great Dividing Range and north-east NSW represents a national stronghold ACTMapi, EPBC previously recorded within (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999d). Occurs in wide range of Protected Matters or immediately adjacent the forest types, although appears to prefer moist sclerophyll and rainforest forest Search Tool study area. Vegetation types, and riparian habitat. Most common in large unfragmented patches of within the study area is forest. It has also been recorded from dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland considered likely to provide and coastal heathland, and despite its occurrence in riparian areas, it also marginal foraging habitat for ranges over dry ridges. Nests in rock caves and hollow logs or trees. Feeds on the species. Species is a variety of prey including birds, terrestrial and arboreal mammals, small more likely to utilise non macropods, reptiles and arthropods (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service fragmented vegetation to 1999c, 1999d). the west however may use vegetation in the study area on an intermittent basis. Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock- V E Occurs in inland and sub-coastal south eastern Australia where it inhabits rock ACT Threatened Low. wallaby slopes. It has a preference for rocks which receive sunlight for a considerable Species List Species not previously part of the day. Windblown caves, rock cracks or tumbled boulders are used recorded within the locality for shelter. Occur in small groups or "colonies" each usually separated by and suitable habitat is not hundreds of metres (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2003a). considered likely to occur within the study area. Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Phascolarctos Koala (NSW, ACT & V Found in sclerophyll forest. Throughout New South Wales, Koalas have been EPBC Protected Low. cinereus QLD - excluding SE observed to feed on the leaves of approximately 70 species of eucalypt and 30 Matters Search Tool Marginal habitat and QLD) non-eucalypt species. However, in any one area, Koalas will feed almost previous records >20 years. exclusively on a small number of preferred species. The preferred tree species Unlikely to utilise habitat vary widely on a regional and local basis. Some preferred species in NSW within the locality and within include Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis, Grey Gum E. punctata, the study area. Monkey Gum E. cypellocarpa and Ribbon Gum E. viminalis. In coastal areas, Tallowwood E. microcorys and Swamp Mahogany E. robusta are important food species, while in inland areas White Box E. albens, Bimble Box E. populnea and River Red Gum E. camaldulensis are favoured (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999b, 2003b). Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Population and population in the Pittwater LGA listed as Endangered under the NSW TSC Act. Pseudomys fumeus Smoky Mouse E E The Smoky Mouse occurs in a variety of vegetation communities, ranging from ACT Threatened Low. coastal heath to dry ridgeline forest, sub-alpine heath and, occasionally, wetter Species List Species has not been gullies (Department of Environment and Conservation 2005b). Except for the recorded within the locality wetter sites, a consistent feature of Smoky Mouse habitats is the diversity of and suitable habitat for the heath and bush-pea species present, combined with potential shelter sites in species is considered the form of woody debris or rocks. The vegetation at capture sites varies widely unlikely to occur within the in age post-fire (Department of Environment and Conservation 2005b). study area. Pteropus Grey-headed Flying- V Occurs in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and EPBC Protected Low. poliocephalus fox woodlands, heaths and swamps. Urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops also Matters Search Tool Although marginal habitat provide habitat for this species. Feeds on the flowers and nectar of eucalypts may occur within the study and native fruits including lily pillies. It roosts in the branches of large trees in area the species has not forests or mangroves (Churchill 2008; NSW National Parks and Wildlife been recorded within the Service 2001) broader locality. Reptiles Aprasia Pink-tailed Worm V V This lizard is known from four sites in eastern Australia: near Canberra in the ACT Threatened High. parapulchella Lizard (syn. Pink- ACT, Tarcutta and Bathurst in NSW, and near Bendigo in Vic. In general, Species List, Species has been tailed Legless Lizard) lizards occur in open grassland habitats that have a substantial cover of small ACTMapi, EPBC previously recorded within rocks (Osbourne & Jones 1995). Lizards also show a preference for sunny Protected Matters or immediately adjacent the aspects, avoiding S facing slopes. Some specimens have been collected from Search Tool study area (Kevin Mills & grassland sites that appear not to support any native grasses and several Associates 2009a, 2009b) animals have been found on the edge of Callitris enlicheri woodland and and available habitat is Eucalyptus macrorhyncha woodland (Barrer 1992). A burrowing species, it is considered likely to occur. usually found under rocks on well-drained soil and in ant nests, occasionally with several individuals found under the same rock (Swan et al. 2004). Scientific name Common Name EPBC NC Act Habitat Data source3 Likelihood of occurrence4 Act Status2 Status1 Delma impar Striped Legless Lizard V V Until recently, D. impar was thought to inhabit only native tussock grasslands. ACT Threatened Low. In recent years, surveys have revealed D. impar in many sites dominated by Species List, Species has been recorded exotic grasses such as Phalaris aquatica, Nasella trichotoma and Hypocharis ACTMapi, EPBC within the broader locality. radicata (Corrigan et al. 1996; Coulson 1990; Kukolic et al. 1994; O’Shea Protected Matters However, past studies have 1996; Rauhala 1996). They have also been found in several secondary/derived Search Tool failed to identify suitable grassland sites. A relatively dense and continuous structure, rather than the habitat or occurrence. floristic composition of grasslands, may be important in influencing the Within the area no suitable persistence of D. impar. The key to their survival in rural areas may be the habitat (natural temperate availability of shelter during disturbance events (such as heavy grazing or grasslands with native perhaps even ploughing), from which they may be able to recolonise disturbed tussocks) was identified. sites after the cessation of the disturbance (Dorrough 2005). This shelter may take the form of plant species which are relatively unpalatable to stock, such as Serrated Tussock or Juncus sp., road easements, less disturbed neighbouring land or even soil cracks and arthropod burrows in the short-term (Smith & Robertson 1999). Tympanocryptis Grassland Earless E E Restricted to a small number of Natural Temperate Grassland sites dominated ACT Threatened Low. pinguicolla Dragon by wallaby grasses (Notodanthonia spp.), spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.), Species List, Species has been recorded Poa Tussock (Poa sieberiana), Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra), and ACTMapi within the broader locality. occasionally Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). Introduced pasture grasses However, past studies have occur at many of the sites supporting this species, which has also been failed to identify suitable captured in secondary grassland. Within its habitat, apparently prefers areas habitat or occurrence. with a more open structure, characterised by small patches of bare ground Within the area no suitable between the grasses and herbs. In addition to tussocks, partially embedded habitat (natural temperate surface rocks, and spider and insect holes are used for shelter. These are grasslands with native important micro-habitat elements within the grassland habitat. Rocks and tussocks) was identified. arthropod holes provide important thermal refuges during temperature extremes. It feeds on small invertebrates, including ants and spiders. Tends to be inactive beneath rocks or in arthropod burrows during the winter months. Lays up to five eggs in shallow nests or burrows, (sometimes those dug by spiders or other arthropods), between late spring and late summer. Young hatch in late summer and autumn (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007).
Note: 1: V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. 2: E = Endangered under the NC Act.NL= Not listed under the NC Act, this is a newly discovered regionally significant species (included as a significant species on the ACTMAPi site). 3: EPBC Protected Matters search = Department of Environment’s EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool ACTMapi = ACT Government (Environment and Planning ACTMapi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site on threatened species and communities within the Project study area ACT Threatened Species List = ACT Government (Environment and Planning) ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website on Threatened Species 4. Locality= within 10km of the proposed action References
ACT Government 1999, Two-spined Blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus): A vulnerable species. Action Plan No. 11, Canberra, Anstis, M 2002, Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia: a Guide with Keys, vol. 1, 1 vols., New Holland Publishers, Sydney. Australian Museum 2003, Great Egret factsheet, Australian Museum, Barrer, P 1992, A survey of Aprasia parapulchella along parts of the lower Molonglo River corridor, ACT Parks & Con. Wildlife Research Unit, Canberra, Churchill, S 2008, Australian Bats, 2nd edn, Allen & Unwin, Sydney. Cogger, HG 2000, Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Reed Books, Sydney. Corrigan, A, Nelson, LS, Shorthouse, D & Smith, WJ 1996, Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) population during the summer of 1995-96, Internal Report 96/4, Wildlife Research Unit, ACT Parks and Conservation Service. Coulson, G 1990, Conservation biology of the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar): an initial investigation, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 106, Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007, Threatened species, populations and ecological communities, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, 2006,
Appendix D EPBC Act Significance Assessment
001 Referral of proposed action v August 2016 Page 24 of 16
Appendix D – Significance Assessment
Table 1 Impacts on threatened species
SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC ACT HABITAT POTENTIALLY IMPACTED BY NAME NAME STATUS1 PROPOSED ACTION
Mammals
Dasyurus Spotted-tailed E 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus maculatus Quoll macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Birds
Anthochaera Regent CE 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus phrygia Honeyeater macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot V 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V 1.6 hectares of potential habitat (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Tableland Grass / Shrub Forest)
Reptiles
Aprasia Pink-tailed Worm V- RECORDED 5.7 hectares of potential habitat parapulchella Lizard
Plants
Leucochrysum Hoary Sunray E 33.9 hectares of potential habitat (including 7.9 ha albicans var. at the proposed substation site and 26 ha of tricolor marginal habitat along the easement)
Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris V 1.5 hectares of potential habitat (Tablelands scrubland, Kunzea ericoides)
1. LEUCOCHRYSUM ALBICANS VAR. TRICOLOR 1.1 Description
STATUS Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
The species occurs in a wide range of communities and habitats occurring within grasslands, grassy areas in woodlands and dry open forests and modified landscapes on a variety of soils types. This subspecies is restricted to the central and southern tablelands and the central western slopes.
The species occurs from Goulburn to Albury and Bega in NSW, the ACT, Tasmania and in eastern and south western Victoria. In NSW and the ACT, the species occurs at relatively high elevations in woodland and open forest communities. In NSW and ACT, this species occurs on a variety of soil types including clays, clay loams, stony and gravely soil (Sinclair 2010) where it grow in grasslands, grassy areas in woodlands and dry open forests, and modified habitats, typically with:
a canopy of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora), Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos), Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) or Snow Gum; shrub layer of Beyeria viscosa, Pultenaea spp., Acacia rubida, Acacia genistifolia, Cassinia longifolia, Allocasuarina spp. and Kunzea parvifolia groundcover of Themeda triandra and Austrodanthonia spp
Population estimates suggest that there are 400,000-1,000,000 plants remaining in several hundred wild subpopulations. This includes more than 100,000 plants in ACT in 17 known populations, of which 15 (88%) are in government ownership.
The species:
flowers November to January. (Royal Botanic Gardens 2007) is an obligate out-breeder that is entirely dependant on the transfer of pollen between individuals for successful reproduction is pollinated by many different insects, including bees and flies (Berechree 2003) produces many small, short-lived seeds that are wind dispersed and can probably disperse over many kilometres will germinate fairly rapidly under a wide range of conditions, and can remain viable in the soil for at least a few months, although probably not for long periods (Gilfedder & Kirkpatrick 1994c, 1994d, 1994e) germinates and establishment of seeds is dependent on the presence of bare ground, or inter-tussock spaces, free from heavy competition (particularly from grasses such as Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra) (Sinclair 2010) appears to require disturbance in some cases for successful establishment (Sinclair 2010) live for 5–7 years (Sinclair 2010).
THREATS This species is threatened by:
Habitat destruction and clearing . disturbance has caused the decline (and probably local extinction) of many populations (Sinclair 2010) . high risk from road and utilities construction and maintenance (Sinclair 2010) . private land are at risk, especially where land use might change such as from grazing to cropping (Sinclair 2010). Weed invasion . does not tolerate heavy competition . currently threatened by Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), clover (Trifolium spp.), Toowoomba Canary-grass (Phalaris aquatica), Brown-top Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum), Cocksfoot (Dactylus glomerata) and Onion-grass (Romulea rosea) (Sinclair 2010) Poor reservation status Lack of appropriate biomass reduction . requires bare ground to persist . can persist and spread in lightly grazed agricultural land (Gilfedder & Kirkpatrick 1994d, 1994e), where bare soil is constantly exposed . lack of disturbance can lead to exclusion by grass/weed species . regular mowing/slashing of roadsides can encourage grass growth and reduce bare ground over time (Sinclair 2010). Inappropriate fire regimes Grazing Small population size.
SPECIFIC IMPACTS
The action will include clearing of 7.9 ha of marginal habitat in the proposed Stockdill substation site (which provides the most likely habitat) and 26 ha along the transmission line easement. The area of potential habitat will be surveyed in detail to minimise potential impacts. It is considered likely that micrositing of transmission structures would be able to avoid impacts. Any records of the species would be loaded into TransGrid’s GIS database to ensure impacts are avoided during ongoing maintenance and operational activities at the site.
1.2 EPBC Act significance assessment Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013).
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON AN ENDAGNERED SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF A POPULATION No individuals have been recorded and the study area provides only marginal habitat. 33.9 ha of marginal habitat would be cleared. This is not considered to be a significant area and given the numerous records in the vicinity this is unlikely to lead to the long term decrease in a population. Targeted surveys will be undertaken and it is considered likely that micrositing of transmission structures would be able to avoid impacts.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF THE SPECIES
Population estimates suggest that there are 400,000-1,000,000 plants remaining in several hundred wild subpopulations. This includes more than 100,000 plants in the ACT in 17 known populations, of which 15 (88%) are in government ownership.
The species is not known to occur within the study area. However the proposed action would remove 7.9 ha of marginal habitat in the proposed substation site (which provides the most likely area of habitat) and approximately 26 ha along the easement. It is considered likely that micrositing of transmission towers would be able to avoid impacts. Any records of the species would be loaded into TransGrid’s GIS database to ensure impacts are avoided during ongoing maintenance and operational activities at the site.
The extent of removal of marginal habitat is not considered to be a significant area given the relatively high population numbers and extent of populations on government managed land in the ACT. FRAGMENT AN EXISTING POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS The species is not known to occur within the study area. The movement of insect pollinators is unlikely to be significantly affected by the proposed action and seed propagules are dispersed over many kilometres by the wind. As such, even if present within the study area, genetic isolation and fragmentation of populations is unlikely to occur as a result of the action.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
To date, no critical habitat has been listed for the species. The potential habitat within the study area is considered to be marginal habitat, due to ongoing grazing and the extent and density of weeds. The species has relatively high population numbers in the ACT, the majority of which occur on government managed land and are relatively secure. Habitat within the study area is not considered to be critical to the survival of the species.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF A POPULATION
The action is unlikely to significantly affect movement of pollinators (insects including bees and flies) or dispersal of seed which are dispersed by wind probably over many kilometres.
Germination of the species is dependent on the presence of bare ground and the species appears to require disturbance in some cases for successful establishment. The construction works and associated clearing and soil disturbance, may create conditions suitable for the establishment and germination of the species.
The action is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the breeding cycle of a population.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE
Population estimates suggest that there are 400,000-1,000,000 plants remaining in several hundred wild subpopulations. This includes more than 100,000 plants in the ACT in 17 known populations, of which 15 (88%) are in government ownership. The removal of 33.9 ha of marginal habitat is unlikely to result in the decline of the species given the relatively high population numbers and extent of populations on government managed land in the ACT.
RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES’ HABITAT
Mitigation measures have been included to minimise the likelihood of spread of invasive species. Measures include:
clearly identifying areas of habitat on Site maps within the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and inducting workers on environmental sensitivities. Undertaking vehicle check procedures, including wash/brush down if required, s to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery targeting areas of potential new outbreaks for weed control including soil stockpiles, roadsides and any other disturbed areas cleaning of vehicle tyres, undersides and radiator grills before leaving a property (as appropriate), cleaning of footwear and minimising soil movement between locations monitoring programs for noxious and problematic weeds and pests on site and in and adjacent to the proposed action to ensure the requirements of Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are met controlling noxious and problematic weeds should they be found certifying any imported fill at the source location as pathogen and weed free working from clean area towards weedy area to reduce the spread of weeds into areas that are currently weed free (as appropriate). implementing erosion and sediment controls stockpiling spoil in a manner so as to avoid the possibility of sediments entering waterways or migrating off-site
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
This species is not known to be under threat from disease. Despite this, mitigation measures have been included to minimise the likelihood of spread of pathogens into area of potential habitat. Measures to minimise spread of pathogens are outlined above.
INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES. A recovery plan has not been prepared for this species. The clearing of 33.9 ha of marginal habitat is considered unlikely to substantially interfere with the recovery of the species given the size and protection levels of known populations in the ACT and NSW.
CONCLUSION
Population estimates suggest that there are 400,000-1,000,000 plants remaining in several hundred wild subpopulations. This includes more than 100,000 plants in the ACT in 17 known populations, of which 15 (88%) are in government ownership. The removal of 33.9 ha of marginal habitat is unlikely to result in the decline of the species given the relatively high population numbers and extent of population on government managed land in the ACT.
2. POMADERRIS PALLIDA 2.1 Description
STATUS Pomaderris pallida is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY Pomaderris pallida is a compact, rounded perennial shrub, growing to 1.5 m high. It flowers from mid September to early December.
It has been recorded from near Kydra Trig, north-west of Nimmitabel, Tinderry Nature Reserve, and the Queanbeyan River. A record from Byadbo in Kosciuszko National Park has not been re-identified. The main distribution is along the Murrumbidgee in the ACT but was recently recorded in eastern Victoria.
This species usually grows in shrub communities surrounded by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha) or Callitris spp. Woodland (Royal Botanic Gardens 2009).
It is known from 15 locations throughout the species’ range (as of 2008). In the ACT, it is found:
at numerous small sites along the plateau edge and very steep upper slopes and cliffs of river valleys (Briggs & Leigh 1985; Garnett & Hyndes 1992) at 480-600 m above sea level. only on the eastern banks of the rivers, with an aspect ranging from north-westerly through westerly to southerly. The soils are shallow, pale brown sandy loams over granite rock and large, exposed granite boulders may be present. growing in near-monospecific stands in shrubland, surrounded by Eucalyptus or Callitris woodland, or in open forest (Briggs & Leigh 1985; Harden 1990). The shrubland is commonly dominated by Bursaria spinosa (Blackthorn/Boxthorn), Grevillea juniperina (Juniper Grevillea), Acacia rubida (Red-stemmed Wattle) and Kunzea ericoides (Burgan) (Briggs & Leigh 1985).
THREATS Recognised threats to this species include:
rural residential development competition from weeds (particularly the Blackberry – Rubus sp., Pinus radiata) grazing by feral goats (Capra hircus) inappropriate fire regimes.
SPECIFIC IMPACTS
This species has not been recorded within the study area. Although this species is not cryptic, due to the density of vegetation in the area of potential habitat, targeted surveys will be undertaken. Potential habitat is be restricted to the Kunzea ericoides shrubland and surrounding Eucalypt woodland in the south of the study area to the south of Stockdill Drive. This area is considered to be marginal habitat, as all records in the ACT are along the plateau edge and very steep upper slopes and cliffs of river valleys. Potential habitat has been identified based on vegetation type and slope and aspect, however, is not in the river valley. The area of potential habitat will be surveyed in detail to minimise potential impacts. It is considered likely that, if located within this area, micrositing would be able to avoid impacts. Any records of the species would be loaded into TransGrid’s GIS database to ensure impacts are avoided during ongoing maintenance and operational activities at the site.
2.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
Pomaderris pallida is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013). IS THIS PART OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION?
Under the Act, important populations are:
likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity at or near the limit of the species range.
A population, if present within the site, would be considered an important population as it is near the north western limit of the species range.
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A VULNERABLE SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION OF A SPECIES A population, if present within the site, would be considered an important population. No individuals have been recorded and the study area provides only marginal habitat. 1.5 ha of marginal habitat would be cleared. This is not considered to be a significant area and given the numerous records in the vicinity this is unlikely to lead to the long term decrease in a population. Targeted surveys will be undertaken and it is considered likely that, if located within this area, micrositing would be able to avoid impacts.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION A population, if present within the site, would be considered an important population. No individuals have been recorded and the study area provides only marginal habitat. 1.5 ha of marginal habitat would be cleared. This is not considered to be a significant area given the extent of habitat along the Murrumbidgee River where there are numerous records of this species.
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS A population, if present within the site, would be considered an important population. Although no individuals have been recorded, potential habitat occurs within the Tablelands scrubland Kunzea ericoides community. The action would include clearing at the edge of a patch of this community and would not fragment potential habitat.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
To date, no critical habitat has been listed for the species. The potential habitat within the study area is considered to be marginal habitat, as all records for the species in the ACT are along the plateau edge and very steep upper slopes and cliffs of river valleys. The potential habitat within the study area is in the river valley and is unlikely to be critical to the survival of the species.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION A population, if present within the site, would be considered an important population. Although no individuals have been recorded, potential habitat occurs within the Tablelands scrubland Kunzea ericoides community. The action would include clearing at the edge of a patch of this community and would not fragment potential habitat and would therefore be unlikely to disrupt pollination.
Although 1.5 ha of potential habitat is within the proposed action footprint, the area of potential habitat will be surveyed in detail to minimise potential impacts. It is considered likely that, if the species is located within this area, micrositing would be able to avoid impacts.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE Although 1.5 ha of potential habitat is within the proposed action footprint, there are numerous records of the species in the Murrumbidgee River corridor and the study area is considered to provide only marginal habitat. As a precaution, the area of potential habitat will be surveyed in detail to minimise potential impacts. It is considered likely that, if the species is located within this area, micrositing would be able to avoid impacts. The species is unlikely to decline as a result of the action. RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE VULNERABLE SPECIES’ HABITAT
Mitigation measures have been included to minimise the likelihood of spread of invasive species. Measures include:
clearly identifying areas of habitat on Site maps within the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and inducting workers on environmental sensitivities. Undertaking vehicle check procedures, including wash/brush down if required, s to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery targeting areas of potential new outbreaks for weed control including soil stockpiles, roadsides and any other disturbed areas cleaning of vehicle tyres, undersides and radiator grills before leaving a property (as appropriate), cleaning of footwear and minimising soil movement between locations monitoring programs for noxious and problematic weeds and pests on site and in and adjacent to the proposed action to ensure the requirements of Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are met controlling noxious and problematic weeds should they be found certifying any imported fill at the source location as pathogen and weed free working from clean area towards weedy area to reduce the spread of weeds into areas that are currently weed free (as appropriate). implementing erosion and sediment controls stockpiling spoil in a manner so as to avoid the possibility of sediments entering waterways or migrating off-site.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
THIS SPECIES IS NOT KNOWN TO BE UNDER THREAT FROM DISEASE. DESPITE THIS, MITIGATION MEASURES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED TO MINIMISE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SPREAD OF PATHOGENS INTO AREA OF POTENTIAL HABITAT. MEASURES TO MINIMISE SPREAD OF PATHOGENS ARE OUTLINED ABOVE. INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES. A recovery plan has not been prepared for this species. The action will not increase a recognised threat for the species and the clearing of 1.5 ha of marginal habitat is considered unlikely to substantially interfere with the recovery of the species.
CONCLUSION This species has not been recorded within the study area. Potential habitat is restricted to the Kunzea ericoides shrubland and surrounding Eucalypt woodland in the south of the study area to the south of Stockdill Drive. This area is considered to be marginal habitat, as all records in the ACT are along the plateau edge and very steep upper slopes and cliffs of river valleys. Potential habitat has been identified based on vegetation type and slope and aspect, however, is not in the river valley. The area of potential habitat will be surveyed in detail to minimise potential impacts. It is considered likely that, if the species is located within this area, micrositing would be able to avoid impacts.
The action is unlikely to significantly impact on this species.
3. PINK-TAILED WORM LIZARD 3.1 Description
3.1.1.1 STATUS
The Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella) is listed as Vulnerable under both the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Pink- tailed Worm Lizard has a patchy distribution, and occurs on the central and southern tablelands of NSW and western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Known habitat in ACT include areas around Queanbeyan and regions along the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River corridors. The species is also found in areas around Bendigo in Victoria (Department of the Environment 2016b; Office of Environment and Heritage 2014a).
In the ACT, the species is reasonably common including within nature reserves (Osborne & Coghlan 2004). Within the ACT and Queanbeyan region, extensive areas of habitat have been mapped (ACT Government - Environment and Planning 2015) including 1122 ha in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor in the vicinity of the study area (to the east of the river, south of Stockdill Drive and northwest of Coppins Crossing Road, which are likely to provide hostile barriers to the movement of this species).
The population in the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor, that includes the study area, has been identified as an area of national significance to the conservation of the species. This river corridor is particularly important, because it provides extensive corridors of habitat that allow for potential dispersal and therefore gene flow between localised populations(Osborne & Wong 2013).
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
The lizard inhabits well drained sloping open woodland areas with scattered rocky outcrops and predominantly native grasses, with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis), Red-leg Grass (Bothriochloa macra) and Lomandra filiformis being key indicators of suitable habitat in the ACT (Department of the Environment 2016b). Individuals are found beneath small embedded rocks and beneath the soil in ant burrows. The lizard’s main food source is ants, ant larvae and pupae (Department of the Environment 2016b).
The lizard is diurnal and is seen active and basking above ground during the day and also seen rapidly traversing tracks during warmer months. Peak activity and movement occurs in late spring and early summer during warm conditions (25ºC) (Wong 2011). However, overly hot and dry conditions aren’t favourable and likely to result in individuals seeking refuge underground. Currently, spatial movements for the species is not well understood (Wong 2011). However, mapping for the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor by Osborne & Wong (2013) illustrate potential habitat connectivity within the corridor.
THREATS
The following threats have been identified (Department of the Environment 2016b; Office of Environment and Heritage 2014a):
habitat loss and fragmentation habitat degradation through rock removal habitat degradation through pasture improvement including slashing, ploughing and sowing of non- native species habitat degradation through invasion of habitat by weeds or escaped pasture species habitat degradation through invasion of habitat by weeds or escaped pasture species lack of knowledge of how habitat management practices influence site occupancy and species persistence. predation by feral or domestic cats and foxes changed fire regimes that result in changes to vegetation structure and composition. SPECIFIC IMPACTS
Two Pink-tailed Worm Lizards were recorded within parts of the study area during field surveys undertaken in spring 2015. These areas will not be impacted by the proposed action.
Although no individuals were recorded within the impact area, approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat will be impacted by the proposed action including:
2 ha for the substation site . 1.4 ha of high potential habitat . 0.6 ha of moderate potential habitat 3.7 ha for the easement . 1 ha of high potential . 2.1 ha of moderate potential . 0.6 ha of low potential.
This is based on the assumptions that:
all the habitat within the fence line around the proposed Stockdill substation (covering 7.06 ha and including 1.2 ha of high potential habitat and 0.6 ha of moderate potential habitat) would be cleared the access track would be cleared (including 0.2 ha of high potential habitat) but that no additional clearing is required beyond the extent of the mapped track.
The likelihood of occurrence of the lizard increases with increasing cover of Kangaroo Grass while the likelihood of occurrence decreases with increase in cover of speargrasses (Ausrostipa scabra ssp. falcata, A. bigeniculata), weeds (indicators of disturbance) and River Tussock (Poa labillardieri)(Jones 1992, 1999). Vegetation within the site was dominated by spear grasses and weeds and thus the likelihood of occurrence is lower.
3.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
Pink-tailed Worm Lizard is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013).
IS THIS PART OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION?
Under the Act, important populations are:
likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity at or near the limit of the species range.
The population in the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor, that includes the study area, would be considered to form part of an important population. This area is likely to act as a source population for breeding and dispersal. This corridor has previously been identified as an area of national significance to the conservation for the species (Osborne & Wong 2013).
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A VULNERABLE SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION OF A SPECIES
No individuals were recorded within the proposed action area however, approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat will be affected by the proposed action. In the context of available potential habitat within the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor and the size and scale of direct impacts to potential habitat in the study area this proposed action will impact approximately 0.6% of the habitat within the Murrumbidgee River Corridor in the vicinity of the study area (to the east of the river, south of Stockdill Drive and northwest of Copping Crossing Road, which are likely to provide hostile barriers to the movement of this species). Given the extensive areas of habitat within the region and relatively small proportion being impacted, it is unlikely that the proposed action will lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor population.
While some potential habitat would be removed, mitigation measures involving the presence of an ecologist/fauna spotter catcher onsite during habitat removal/disturbance, if identified as necessary following the completion of targeted surveys, would reduce the mortality of individuals that may occur within the impact area of the proposed action.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION
Approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat would be directly affected by the proposed action. Of this approximately 2.4 ha is high potential habitat and 2.7 ha is moderate habitat and 0.6 ha is low potential habitat. Overall the proposed action will reduce the area of occupancy by 5.7 ha, equivalent to approximately 0.6% of the habitat within the Murrumbidgee River Corridor in the vicinity of the study area (to the east of the river, south of Stockdill Drive and northwest of Copping Crossing Road, which are likely to provide hostile barriers to the movement of this species).
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS
Mapping for the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor by Osborne & Wong (2013) illustrate potential habitat connectivity within the river corridor including identifying an important movement corridor across the substation site in a north- south direction. However, little is known about movement of the species and Stockdill Drive is likely to be a hostile barrier for movement.
The population in the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo Valley is already fragmented from the north by the road barrier of Stockdill Drive. The proposed action would have direct impacts at the proposed Stockdill substation site. However due to the size and position of the substation on the edge of potential habitat areas, it is unlikely that the proposed action would further fragment the existing population into two or more populations.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
Critical habitats are areas of land that are crucial to the survival of particular threatened species, populations and ecological communities. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for this species (Department of the Environment 2016d).
Habitat critical to the survival of a species may also include areas that are not listed on the Register of Critical Habitat if they are necessary:
for activities such as foraging, breeding or dispersal for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) to maintain genetic diversity and long term evolutionary development, or for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community.
Based on this criteria, habitat within the study area and surrounding lands, including the nature reserves of Woodstock in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, are considered to be of national conservation significance to the species (Osbourne & Jones 1995) and thus could be considered critical habitat.
It is identified that the proposed action would affect approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat. This impact is limited to the peripheral edges of larger habitat patches and would result in the direct removal of less than 0.6% of available habitat in the corridor.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION
The proposed action would remove approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat, this would involve disturbance and removal of habitat features (e.g. rock outcrops) which are important to the life cycle of individuals. However, the design has limited its impacts to the periphery of mapped potential habitat where possible, in order to minimise the effects of disturbance to large portions of potential habitat. In the context of potential habitat within the corridor (1122 ha) the proposed action will impact approximately 5.7 ha or 0.6% of potential habitat. It is therefore unlikely that the proposed action would disrupt the breeding cycle of the population as individuals would still be able to utilise breeding habitat found extensively in the river corridor.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE The proposed action would result in the disturbance and removal of approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat. Detailed design has limited its direct impacts to habitat to the periphery of mapped potential habitat, in order to minimise, as far as possible the extent of removal and disturbance to habitat. As a result, only 5.7 ha of habitat will be impacted in contrast to the 1122 ha of available habitat within the corridor. This equates to a total impact of less than 0.6% of potential habitat available for the species in the river corridor. Given this, it is unlikely that the modification and removal of 5.7 ha of potential habitat would likely cause the species to decline.
RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE VULNERABLE SPECIES’ HABITAT
It is not likely that further invasive species that are harmful to the species would become established due to the proposed action. Mitigation measures will ensure ongoing vegetation and weed management of habitat will limit habitat alteration as a result of the proposed action.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
No. There are no known diseases that are likely to increase in the area as a result of the proposed action.
INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
Recovery actions have been prepared for this species under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Act 1999 (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015). Of the conservation actions identified under the Conservation Advice, the proposed action is contrary to one being:
Habitat loss, disturbance and modifications. In addition, a recovery plan for this species has been produced for the ACT Government The proposed action is not likely to affect any of the 18 recovery strategies identified in the recovery plan (Osbourne & Jones 1995).
Whilst the proposed action is wholly located within the ACT, management actions under the NSW Saving Our Species (SOS) program have identified critical actions for the species that would be applicable to the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor population (Office of Environment and Heritage 2016a). Of the seven identified actions under SOS, the proposed action is contrary to one action being:
retain imbedded and surface rock in suitable habitat throughout the species range; protect rocky habitat through management agreements and incentives. Although the proposed action will require the disturbance and removal of potential habitat of which contains imbedded surface rock, detailed design has as far as possible reduce the extend of disturbance and impact to potential habitat to the periphery of mapped habitat. In addition, only approximately 5.7 ha of potential habitat will be impacted in comparison to 1122 ha of available habitat within the river corridor. In addition mitigation measures involving the presence of an ecologist/fauna spotter catcher onsite during habitat removal/disturbance, if identified as necessary following the completion of targeted surveys, would reduce the mortality of individuals that may occur. Therefore it is unlikely that the proposed action would significant interfere with the recovery of the species.
CONCLUSION
Although not recorded, the proposed action will result in the removal and disturbance of approximately 2 ha of potential habitat within the proposed Stockdill substation site. The population in the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor, that includes the study area, has been identified as an area of national significance to the conservation of the species and the study area has been identified as a movement corridor for the species (Osborne & Wong 2013). However, within context of the local available habitat in the river corridor (1122 ha) the removal and disturbance of 5.7 ha, is a small proportion (0.6%) of the local habitat and is unlikely to significantly affect the species. Overall, the potential impact from the proposed action on Pink-tailed Worm Lizard is not considered significant with regard to its context and intensity.
4. REGENT HONEYEATER 4.1 Description
4.1.1.1 STATUS
The Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act and Endangered under the NC Act.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
The Regent Honeyeater is a generalist forager, which mainly feeds on the nectar from a wide range of eucalypts and mistletoes. Key eucalypt species include Mugga Ironbark, Yellow Box, Blakely's Red Gum, White Box and Swamp Mahogany. Nectar and fruit from the mistletoes Amyema miquelii, A. pendula and A. cambagei are also eaten during the breeding season (Oliver 2000). When nectar is scarce, lerp and honeydew comprise a large proportion of the diet. Insects make up about 15 % of the total diet and are important components of the diet of nestlings (Higgins et al. 2001). A shrubby understorey is an important source of insects and nesting material (Oliver et al. 1998).
Colour-banding of Regent Honeyeater has shown that the species can undertake large-scale nomadic movements in the order of hundreds of kilometres (Higgins et al. 2001). However, the exact nature of these movements is still poorly understood. It is likely that movements are dependent on spatial and temporal flowering and other resource patterns. To successfully manage the recovery of this species a full understanding of the habitats used in the non-breeding season is critical (Department of Environment and Conservation 2006).
There are three known key breeding areas, two of them in NSW — Capertee Valley and Bundarra-Barraba regions (Geering & French 1998). However, several successful breeding attempts have been recorded in recent years in the region (i.e. Cessnock LGA) (Alan Richardson, pers comm. 2010). The species breeds from May to March, but with peak breeding activity from September to November (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change 2009) in Box-Ironbark and other temperate woodlands and riparian gallery forest dominated by River She-oak. Regent Honeyeaters usually nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall, mature eucalypts and She-oaks (Oliver 2000). An open cup-shaped nest is constructed of bark, grass, twigs and wool (Oliver et al. 1998).
THREATS The following threats have been identified (Department of the Environment 2016a): the clearance and fragmentation of high-quality habitat for agricultural purposes increased dieback and tree decline in agricultural and pastoral areas grazing by livestock and rabbits, which prevents native vegetation from regenerating silvicultural practices that promote dense regrowth of immature trees via the removal of large spreading trees from box-ironbark woodlands the removal of ironbark trees for fence posts, firewood and timber supplies.
SPECIFIC IMPACTS
No individuals were recorded within the impact area, however, approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat that is potentially utilised by the species will be impacted by the proposed action. 4.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
The Regent Honeyeater is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013).
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A CIRTICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF A POPULATION OF A SPECIES
Approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat for the Regent Honeyeater would be affected by the proposed action. While this has the potential to be used by the species, it is not likely to be of high importance due to its relatively small area and the availability of equal or greater quality habitat within the locality and wider region. Any identified population of Regent Honeyeater in the area would not be restricted to habitat within the study area. Due to the species’ large home range and nomadic nature, similar foraging habitat can be accessed in the locality. Therefore, the proposed action is not considered likely to significantly contribute to a long-term decline in the size of a population of these species.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF THE SPECIES
The proposed action is likely to affect approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat for these species. Although the proposed action will result in the loss of potential foraging habitat, the incremental loss of a small, linear area of potential habitat (approximately 1.6 ha), likely only represents a small component of similar locally occurring resources accessible to the species. Nevertheless, the removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat has the potential to incrementally reduce the area of occupancy for the Regent Honeyeater during seasons when individuals of this species may be reliant on local resources.
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS
Habitat connectivity is not likely to be affected by the proposed action. The majority of the study area occurs on previously disturbed land (primary production land). Approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat is likely to be affected by the proposed action with vegetation removal largely limited to a linear disturbance corridor. Furthermore, given that the species is highly mobile and nomadic, the proposed action would not create a significant barrier to movement. It is not considered likely that habitat would become further isolated or fragmented significantly beyond current conditions.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
No critical habitat has been listed for the Regent Honeyeater to date.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF A POPULATION
The Regent Honeyeater is known to breed in two main areas in NSW, being the Bundarra-Barraba area and Capertee Valley (Geering & French 1998). Within the ACT region the species is known to utilise and preference Yellow Box- Red Gum Grassy Woodland from Mount Ainslie and Majura to Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and further on to Sutton and Lake George areas (Environment ACT 2005a). This species is highly mobile and is known to disperse widely (Higgins et al. 2001). The relatively small area of potential habitat likely to be affected represents a small component of locally occurring resources that would be accessible to this species. Therefore, the removal of about 1.6 ha of potential habitat is not likely to disrupt the breeding cycle of a population of Regent Honeyeater.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE
The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for this species. The removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat is considered to be an incremental loss of suitable habitat locally and as such has the potential to decrease the availability of potential foraging habitat for the Regent Honeyeater during seasons when individuals of this species may be reliant on local resources. RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE SPECIES’ HABITAT
It is not likely that invasive species (such as introduced predators) that are potentially harmful to the Regent Honeyeater would become further established as a result of the proposed action.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
No. It is not likely that disease would be increased by the proposed action.
INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
For the Regent Honeyeater, the National Recovery Plan for the Regent Honeyeater (Department of the Environment 2016c) identifies the following objectives to the recovery of the species:
Reverse the long-term population trend of decline and increase the numbers of Regent Honeyeaters to a level where there is viable, wild breeding population, even in poor breeding years; and to Enhance the condition of habitat across the Regent Honeyeater range to maximise survival and reproductive success, and provide refugia during periods of extreme environmental fluctuation. The strategies to achieve the plans’ objectives are: Improve the extent and quality of Regent Honeyeater habitat Bolster the wild population with captive bred birds until the wild population becomes self-sustaining Increase understanding of the size, structure trajectory, and viability of the wild population Maintain and increase community awareness, understanding and involvement in the recovery program.
Based on the potential ecological impacts of the proposed action on this species, as discussed above, it is likely that the proposed action would be in conflict with the first strategy above to a small extent, by not improving the extent and quality of habitat for the Regent Honeyeater.
CONCLUSION
The extent of native vegetation clearing and habitat removal associated with the proposed action is considered small in terms of available habitat for the species within the study area and greater locality. However, the irregular distribution of blossom resources, which is a key driver of nomadism of these species, may in some seasonal contexts promote the importance of those within the locality. Although it is considered unlikely that the loss of potential foraging habitat will cause the local extinction of the Regent Honeyeater, the proposed action will incrementally remove habitat that may be utilised by the species under some intermittent seasonal contexts. While there is an abundance of such foraging habitat locally, the significance of onsite blossom resources during periods when Regent Honeyeaters occur locally, would depend upon local blossom distribution. The proposed action therefore, is considered to represent an incremental loss of available local habitat (1.6 ha), although it is considered unlikely to have a significant impact upon the species.
5. SWIFT PARROT 5.1 Description
5.1.1.1 STATUS
The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act and Vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act).
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY Breeding occurs in Tasmania, majority migrates to mainland Australia in autumn, over-wintering, particularly in Victoria and central and eastern NSW, but also south-eastern Queensland as far north as Duaringa. Until recently it was believed that in New South Wales, swift parrots forage mostly in the western slopes region along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range but are patchily distributed along the north and south coasts including the Sydney region, but new evidence indicates that the forests on the coastal plains from southern to northern NSW are also extremely important. In mainland Australia is semi-nomadic, foraging in flowering eucalypts in eucalypt associations, particularly box-ironbark forests and woodlands. Preference for sites with highly fertile soils where large trees have high nectar production, including along drainage lines and isolated rural or urban remnants, and for sites with flowering Acacia pycnantha, is indicated. Sites used vary from year to year (Garnett & Crowley 2000; Swift Parrot Recovery Team 2001).
THREATS The following threats have been identified (Department of the Environment 2016f; Office of Environment and Heritage 2016b)
Habitat loss and degradation. Changes in spatial and temporal distribution of habitat due to climate change. Reduction in food resources due to drought. Competition for food resources. Collision mortality. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). Fragmentation of woodland habitat. Infestation by invasive weeds. Inappropriate fire regimes. Aggressive exclusion from forest and woodland habitat by over abundant Noisy Miners. Predation by cats Illegal capture and trade of wild birds for aviculture
SPECIFIC IMPACTS No individuals were recorded within the impact area, however, approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat that is potentially utilised by the species will be impacted by the proposed action. 5.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
Swift Parrot is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013).
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A CIRTICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF A POPULATION OF A SPECIES Approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot would be affected by the proposed action. While this habitat has the potential to be used by the species, it is not likely to be of high importance due to its relatively small area and the availability of equal or greater quality habitat within the locality and wider region. Any identified population of Swift Parrot in the area would not be restricted to habitat within the study area. Due to the species’ large home range and nomadic nature, similar foraging habitat can be accessed in the locality. Therefore, the proposed action is not considered likely to significantly contribute to a long-term decline in the size of a population of these species.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF THE SPECIES
The proposed action is likely to affect approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat for this species. Although the proposed action will result in the loss of potential foraging habitat, the incremental loss of a small, linear area of potential habitat (approximately 1.6 ha), likely only represents a small component of similar locally occurring resources accessible to these species. Nevertheless, the removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat is considered to be a small incremental loss of suitable habitat locally and as such has the potential to incrementally reduce the area of occupancy for the Swift Parrot during seasons when individuals of this species may be reliant on local resources.
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS
Habitat connectivity is not likely to be significantly affected by the proposed action. The majority of the proposed action area occurs on previously disturbed land (primary production land). Approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat is likely to be affected by the proposed action with vegetation removal largely limited to a linear disturbance corridor. As the proposed action is linear in nature and largely avoids significant vegetation, the proposed action would not further fragment or isolate any previously undisturbed patches of habitat. Furthermore, given that the species is highly mobile and nomadic, the proposed action would not create a significant barrier to the species. It is not considered likely that habitat would become further isolated or fragmented significantly beyond current conditions.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
No critical habitat has been listed for the Swift Parrot to date.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF A POPULATION
Swift Parrots breed in Tasmania during spring and summer, migrating to south-eastern Australia during autumn and winter (Department of Environment and Conservation 2006). While Swift Parrots are dependent on flowering resources across a wide range of habitats (woodlands and forests) within their NSW wintering grounds, the removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potentially suitable foraging habitat is not likely to disrupt their movements to Tasmanian breeding grounds. As such the proposed action is not likely to affect their breeding cycle.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE
The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for this species. The removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat is considered to be an incremental loss of suitable habitat locally and as such has the potential to decrease the availability of potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot during seasons when individuals of this species may be reliant on local resources.
RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE SPECIES’ HABITAT
It is not likely that invasive species (such as introduced predators) that are potentially harmful to the Swift Parrot would become further established as a result of the proposed action.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
No. It is not likely that disease would be increased by the proposed action.
INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
For the Swift Parrot, the National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot (Saunders 2011) identifies the following objectives to the recovery of the species:
To prevent further decline of the Swift Parrot population To achieve a demonstrable sustained improvement in the quality and quantity of Swift Parrot habitat to increase carrying capacity. The strategies to achieve the plans’ objectives are to: Identify the extent and quality of habitat Manage and protect Swift Parrot habitat at the landscape scale Monitor and manage the impact of collisions, competition and disease Monitor population and habitat Increase community involvement in, and awareness of, the recovery program Coordinate, review and report on recovery process.
Based on the potential ecological impacts of the proposed action on the Swift Parrot, as discussed above, the proposed action would be in conflict with the second strategy above to a small extent, by not protecting foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot.
CONCLUSION
The extent of native vegetation clearing and habitat removal associated with the proposed action is considered small in terms of available habitat for the species within the study area and greater locality. However, the irregular distribution of blossom resources, which is a key driver of nomadism of these species, may in some seasonal contexts promote the importance of those within the locality. Although it is considered unlikely that the loss of potential foraging habitat will cause the local extinction of the Swift Parrot, the proposed action will incrementally remove habitat that may be utilised by these species under some intermittent seasonal contexts. While there is an abundance of such foraging habitat locally, the significance of onsite blossom resources during periods when Swift Parrots occur locally, would depend upon local blossom distribution. The proposed action therefore, is considered to represent an incremental loss of available local habitat (over 5000 ha), although it is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on this species.
6. SUPERB PARROT 6.1 Description
6.1.1.1 STATUS
The Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and Vulnerable under the NC Act.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY The Superb Parrot occurs in south-eastern Australia where it occurs on inland slopes of the Great Divide and its adjacent plains. It mainly utilises eucalypt forests and woodland especially areas along river systems which consist of River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa )(Department of the Environment 2016e). Areas within the ACT region individuals inhabit Yellow-box-Red Gum Grassy Woodlands with Blakey’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) being an important source for nesting hollows (Environment ACT 2005b). More specifically the area of Hall in northern parts of ACT forms southern distribution of breeding habitat. Individuals arrive within the ACT during August to breed and depart in January (Environment ACT 2005b).
The Superb Parrot feeds on a variety of foods found within eucalypt woodlands but mainly feeds on the ground on grasses and herbs such as Ringed Wallaby-grass (Danthonia caespitose) and agricultural cereal crops, such as, wheat, oats and canola (Department of the Environment 2016e). When foraging in the canopy, the species will target blossoming and fruiting eucalypts, fruiting mistletoe and also lerps (Department of the Environment 2016e; Webster 1988).
THREATS The following threats have been identified (Environment ACT 2005b; Office of Environment and Heritage 2014c): Loss of living and dead hollow bearing trees Loss of breeding and foraging habitat Poor regeneration of nesting trees and food resources Loss of habitat from private native forestry activities Feeding on grain spills and subsequently being struck by vehicles Loss of hollows to feral bees and native and exotic hollow-nesting birds Illegal trapping which can also result in the destruction of hollows Illegal shooting of birds in orchards Lack of knowledge of population trends in the Superb Parrot Lack of knowledge of key flight paths and corridors of the Superb Parrot Loss of habitat trees from fire damage during hazard reduction and stubble burns Lack of knowledge of breeding ecology and success of the Superb Parrot Competition with Noisy Miners for breeding and foraging habitat and resources.
SPECIFIC IMPACTS No individuals were recorded within the impact area, however, approximately 1.6 ha of potential breeding and foraging habitat that is potentially utilised by the species will be impacted by the proposed action. 6.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
Superb Parrot is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013). IS THIS PART OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION?
Under the Act, important populations are:
likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity at or near the limit of the species range. The population in the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor, that includes the study area, would be considered to form part of an important population. This area is likely to act as a source population for breeding and dispersal. The habitat along the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor where the presence of Blakely’s Red Gum occur have been identified as the southern edge of one of two main areas for breeding (Baker-Gabb 2011; Environment ACT 2005b).
AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A VULNERABLE SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION OF A SPECIES No individuals were recorded within the study area however, approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat will be affected by the proposed action. In the context of available potential habitat within the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor and the size and scale of direct impacts to potential habitat in the study area this proposed action will impact a very small proportion of the habitat within the Murrumbidgee River Corridor in the vicinity of the study area (over 5000 ha). Given the extensive areas of habitat within the region and relatively small proportion being impacted, it is unlikely that the proposed action will lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the population.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION The proposed action would impact approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for this species. Due to the proposed action being small in extent and predominately located in previously disturbed land, the proposed action would disturb a relatively small area of potential habitat (1.6 ha). This extent of disturbance is small in comparison to locally occurring resources that would be accessible to the species (over 5000 ha in Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor).
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS
While majority of the study area occurs in cleared land, proposed vegetation removal will be limited to potential foraging habitat. Approximately 1.6 ha of potential foraging habitat is likely to be affected by the proposed action with vegetation removal largely limited to a linear disturbance corridor. As the proposed action is linear in nature and largely avoids significant vegetation, the proposed action would not further fragment or isolate any previously undisturbed patches of habitat. Furthermore, given that these species are highly mobile and nomadic, the proposed action would not present a significant barrier to these species. It is not considered likely that habitat would become further isolated or fragmented significantly beyond current conditions.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
Critical habitats are areas of land that are crucial to the survival of particular threatened species, populations and ecological communities. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for this species (Department of the Environment 2016d).
Habitat critical to the survival of a species may also include areas that are not listed on the Register of Critical Habitat if they are necessary:
for activities such as foraging, breeding or dispersal for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) to maintain genetic diversity and long term evolutionary development, or for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community. The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat. Majority of potential habitat to be impact consists of foraging habitat, with majority of breeding habitat (i.e. remnant eucalypts with hollows) being avoided from direct impacts. As this species is highly mobile, it is likely that the abundance of higher quality resources in the locality would be used by locally occurring Superb Parrots.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION
The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat. Majority of this disturbance consists of potential foraging habitat, with minimal disturbance to remnant hollow-bearing eucalypts, which have been largely avoided. Some isolated paddock trees may require removal along the easement that may provide potential breeding habitat (remnant Blakey’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) or Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) occur). The relatively small number of potential breeding sites (in the form of isolated paddock trees) to be impacted by the proposed action represents a relatively small component of available habitat (over 5000 ha) within the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor. Therefore the proposed action would be considered unlikely to disrupt the breeding cycle of Superb Parrot in the region.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE
The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for this species. The removal of approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat is considered to be an incremental loss of suitable habitat locally and as such has the potential to decrease the availability of potential foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot during seasons when individuals of this species may be reliant on local resources. However, the relatively small area of potential habitat to be impacted by the proposed action represents a small component of available occurring habitat within the Murrumbidgee/Molonglo River Corridor. Therefore, the impact of approximately 1.6 ha is unlikely to decrease the availability of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline.
RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE VULNERABLE SPECIES’ HABITAT
It is not likely that invasive species that are potentially harmful to the Superb Parrot would become further established as a result of the proposed action.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE It is not likely that diseases that are potentially harmful to the Superb Parrot would become further established or introduced as a result of the proposed action.
INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
For the Superb Parrot, the National Recovery Plan for the Superb Parrot (Baker-Gabb 2011) identifies the following objectives to the recovery of the species:
Determine population trends in the Superb Parrot Increase the level of knowledge of the Superb Parrot’s ecological requirements Develop and implement threat abatement strategies Increase community involvement in and awareness of the Superb Parrot recovery program. A total of 39 actions were proposed under National Recovery Plan for the Superb Parrot (2011) to achieve the plans’ objectives, of these and based on the potential ecological impacts of the proposed action on the Superb Parrot, the proposed action would be in conflict with the third objective and its actions above to a small extent, by not protecting breeding season foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot.
Due to the small area of potential habitat likely to be affected by the proposed action (1.6 ha) and the abundance of similar, and likely better quality habitat in the locality and greater region (over 5000 ha), the proposed action is not likely to interfere with the recovery of the species.
CONCLUSION Although the Superb Parrot was not recorded in the study area, there is potential habitat (both foraging and breeding). The proposed action would impact approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat, however, due to the small extent of impact and the available habitat within the region (over 5000 ha) the proposed action is not likely to significantly impact the Superb Parrot.
7. SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL 7.1 Description
7.1.1.1 STATUS
The Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and Vulnerable under the NC Act.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
Spotted-tailed Quoll occur in a range of habitat types, including rainforest, open forest, woodland, coastal heath and inland riparian forest, from the sub-alpine zone to the coastline (Belcher 2003). Preferred habitat for Spotted-tailed Quoll includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests where they nest in hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, burrows, small caves, rock crevices, boulder-fields and rocky-cliff faces and will feed in nearby cleared areas (Edgar & Belcher 1998).
The range of the Spotted-tailed Quoll has contracted considerably since European settlement. It is now found in eastern NSW, eastern Victoria, south-east and north-eastern Queensland, and Tasmania. Only in Tasmania is it still considered relatively common (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999).
Spotted-tailed Quoll is mostly nocturnal although it will hunt during the day. On cold winter days they often bask in the sun. It spends most of the time on the ground, although also an excellent climber and may raid possum and glider dens and prey on roosting birds. This species consumes a variety of prey, including gliders, possums, small wallabies, rats, birds, reptiles, bandicoots, rabbits and insects. It also eats carrion and takes domestic fowl (Edgar & Belcher 1998).
The average Spotted-tailed Quoll litter size is five with both sexes becoming mature at about one year of age (Kortner et al. 2004). Individual animals use hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock crevices, boulder fields and rocky-cliff faces as den sites. Dens are shared by family groups and are aggressively defended by both males and females. Females occupy large home ranges up to about 750 hectares and males up to 3500 hectares and they usually traverse their ranges along densely vegetated creeklines. This species has been recorded moving more than two kilometres overnight (Claridge et al. 2005).
Spotted-tailed Quoll use ‘latrine sites’, often on flat rocks among boulder fields and rocky cliff-faces; these may be visited by a number of individuals. Latrine sites can be recognised by the accumulation of the sometimes characteristic ‘twisty-shaped’ faeces deposited by animals (Triggs 1996).
THREATS
Specific threats to Spotted-tailed Quoll identified (Office of Environment and Heritage 2014b):
Loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat. Competition with introduced predators such as cats and foxes. Deliberate poisoning, shooting and trapping, primarily in response to chicken predation. Roadkill.
SPECIFIC IMPACTS Although no individuals were recorded within the impact area, approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat will be impacted by the proposed action. 7.2 EPBC Act significance assessment
Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013). AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON AN ENDANGERED SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL:
LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF A POPULATION OF A SPECIES
Approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for the Spotted-tailed Quoll would be affected by the proposed action. While habitat in the study area has the potential to be used by this species, it is not considered to be of high importance due to the relatively small areas of habitat (1.6 ha) to be disturbed and given their large home range (350–3,500 ha). This relatively small area of potential habitat only represents a small component of locally occurring resources that would be accessible to this species. Any identified population of Spotted-tailed Quoll in the area would not be restricted to habitat contained within the study area, as this species has a large home range. It is therefore unlikely that the proposed action will result in a long-term decline in the size of the population.
REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF THE SPECIES
It is estimated that approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat would be affected by the proposed action. Due to the small disturbance area and location in previously majority pastured/agricultural land, the proposed action would disturb relative small areas of marginal quality habitat (1.6 ha). The relatively small areas of potential habitat represent a small component of locally occurring resources (over 5000 ha) that would be accessible to this species, as this species has a large home range (350–3,500 ha) and is mobile. Therefore, the removal of 1.6 ha of potential habitat is not likely to reduce the area of occupancy for the Spotted-tailed Quoll.
FRAGMENT AN EXISTING POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS
Habitat connectivity is not likely to be affected by the proposed action. The majority of the study area occurs with a previously disturbed landscape (exotic grasslands) associated with the existing agricultural practices, with small areas of already fragmented patches of native vegetation occurring in the study area. Approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat is likely to be affected by the proposed action. The proposed action would not further fragment or isolate the existing population into two or more.
ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES
No critical habitat has been listed for the Spotted-tailed Quoll to date. The relatively small area of potential habitat likely to be affected represents a small component of locally occurring resources (1.6 ha) that would be accessible to this species. Therefore, the removal of about 1.6 ha of potential habitat would not be considered critical to the survival of this species.
DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF A POPULATION
It is estimated that approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat would be affected by the proposed action. The study area does not contain den sites for this species in the form of rock crevices, small rock caves and large fallen timber. The proposed action would not remove or impact upon any den or sheltering habitat for this species. Therefore, the removal of about 1.6 ha of potential habitat is not likely to disrupt the breeding cycle of a population.
MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE
The proposed action would remove approximately 1.6 ha of potential habitat for this species. The study area is located within an already highly disturbed and fragmented landscape dominated by exotic grasslands from agricultural practices, it unlikely that the potential habitat to be impacted (1.6 ha) plays an important role for the species. In addition, this species is known to have a large home range in which to hunt its prey species and the study area would represent a small portion of this range. The relatively small area of potential habitat likely to be affected represents a small component of locally occurring resources (1.6 ha) that would be accessible to this highly mobile species. Therefore, the proposed action is unlikely to cause the Spotted- tailed Quoll to decline. RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A ENDANGERED SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE ENDANGERED SPECIES’ HABITAT
It is not likely that invasive species (such as introduced predators) that are potentially harmful to the Spotted- tailed Quoll would become further established as a result of the proposed action.
INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE
No. It is not likely that disease would be increased by the action.
INTERFERE WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
A recovery plan has been prepared for the Spotted-tailed Quoll (Department of Environment 2016). The plan identifies the following objectives to the recovery of the species:
Determine the distribution and status of Spotted-tailed Quoll populations throughout the range, and identify key threats and implement threat abatement management practices. Investigate key aspects of the biology and ecology of the Spotted-tailed Quoll to acquire targeted information to aid recovery. Reduce the rate of habitat loss and fragmentation on private land. Evaluate and manage the risk posed by silvicultural practices. Determine and manage the threat posed by introduced predators (foxes, cats, wild dogs) and of predator control practices on Spotted-tailed Quoll populations. Determine and manage the impact of fire regimes on Spotted-tailed Quoll populations. Reduce deliberate killings of Spotted-tailed Quolls. Reduce the frequency of Spotted-tailed Quoll road mortality. Assess the threat Cane Toads pose to Spotted-tailed Quolls and develop threat abatement actions if necessary. Determine the likely impact of climate change on Spotted-tailed Quoll populations. Increase community awareness of the Spotted-tailed Quoll and involvement in the Recovery Program. Based on the potential ecological impacts of the proposed action on the species, as discussed above, the proposed action would be in conflict with the third objective above to a small extent, by reducing habitat for the species. However, due to the small extent of habitat (1.6 ha) likely to be affected by the proposed action and the available habitat in the region (1.6 ha) it is unlikely that the proposed action would significantly interfere with the recovery of the species.
CONCLUSION
The study area is located within an already highly disturbed and fragmented landscape dominated by exotic grasslands from agricultural practices, with a relatively small amount (1.6 ha) of potential habitat to be affected. Within the region an abundance of similar and potentially more significant habitat (1.6 ha) occurs and would be available. While the proposed action would add incrementally to the loss of potential habitat for this species, given that the proposed action is within an already highly disturbed and fragmented landscape, it is not likely to further fragment or isolate potential habitat for these species. The action proposed is unlikely to lead to a significant impact on the Spotted-tailed Quoll or its habitat.
8. REFERENCES
ACT Government - Environment and Planning 2015, ACTMAPi Significant Plants, Animals and Registered Trees, viewed 21 July 2015,