EPBC 2011/5965 2020 Report

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Rolleston Open Cut 2020 Report EPBC 2011/5965

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Project Milestones 3. Contact Details – 2020 Activities 4. 2020 Activities Undertaken 5. Feed Budget 6. EPBC 2011/5965 Compliance 7. EA EPML00370013 Table K1 Status Appendix A - Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman 2020 BioCondition Monitoring Report Appendix B - Wildhorse 2020 BioCondition Monitoring Report

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Rolleston Open Cut 2020 Report EPBC 2011/5965

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is for Rolleston Open Cut (ROC) to provide the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments with an update of compliance performance to Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 approval conditions – EPBC 2011/5965 and Schedule K of Environmental Authority EPML00370013 – issued July 2019. Submission of this report to the Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) specifically meets Condition 11 as listed in Table 6-1. The primary objective of EPBC 2011/5175 is to ensure ROC is being managed in a way that protects and maintains regional biodiversity and ecological health. This report provides an annual reconciliation of progress against each approval condition and Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP). To meet the State and Federal Offset requirements, various Biodiversity Offsets have been established and are being managed on properties referred to as Meteor Downs (Lot 9, 10 and 11 RP617702, Lot 12, RP616044, Lot 1 SP164068, Lot 2 RP616045, Lot 2 RP618664), Mount Kelman (Lot 5055 SP276918) and Wildhorse (Lot 3 SP100437). The Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman properties are owned and operated by Glencore. The Management Plans for these offsets were approved in October 2018. Certification by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (Qld) of the Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman offset voluntary declarations (VDEC’s) under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 were received in April 2019. The Wildhorse offset VDEC was recived in July 2019. In September 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) approved an administrative admendment to the Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman and Wildhorse BOMPs. The admended Plans are currently before the Department of Environment and Science for approval. The monthly rainfall for ROC has been below average for the past 12 months, except for slight above average rainfall in January and higher rainfall in February, refer to Figure 1-1. The February rainfall filled the Wildhorse wetland, which was dry throughout 2019.

180.0 Rainfall 2020 - Rolleston Open Cut 160.0 162.4 140.0 120.0 100.0 80.0 107.4

Rainfall (mm) 60.0 40.0 39.4 20.0 23.6 6.6 26.2 0.6 6.2 4.0 6.4 20.0 0.0 0.4 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Monthly Rainfall Monthly Long Term Average Rainfall (121 years 1889-2010) MTD

Figure 1-1 –2020 Rainfall for Rolleston Open Cut

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2. Project Milestones

May- •Referral of Proposed Actions Submitted to the Department of Environment 11

•Commonwealth Government approval granted Mar- 16 •Managment plans approved by the Qld Environment Depatment. Oct-17 •Action commenced and the Commonwealth Department of Environment notified

•Biodiversity Offset Managment Plans for Wildhorse & Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman submitted to the Dec-17 Commonwealth Department of Environment

•Offset Management plans - Wildhorse V.5 & Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman V.4 Approved by the Oct-18 Queensland & Commonwealth Envionmental Departments

•Fences and firebreaks installed for Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman Offsets. 2018

•Voluntary Decaration (Qld Vegetation Management Act 1999) was certified for the Meteor Downs/ Apr-19 Mount Kelman Offsets.

•Voluntary Decaration (Qld Vegetation Management Act 1999) was certified for the Wildhorse Offset. Jul-19

Figure 2-1 – EPBC 2011/5965 Project Milestones

3. Contact Details – 2020 Activities

Offset Contact Details

Meteor Downs/ Rolleston Open Cut Mount Kelman Ken Dixon, [email protected] Environment & & Wildhorse Community Manager

Meteor Downs/ Landline Consulting Mount Kelman Mike Gilbert, [email protected] conducted the Year 3 & Wildhorse monitoring

Meteor Downs/ Colinta Holdings Property Robert Graham, [email protected] Mount Kelman Manager

Graeme McDonald, [email protected] Wildhorse Property Owners Nick McDonald, [email protected]

Table 3-1 – Contact details

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Figure 3-1 - Map of Mining Leases 70307, 70415, 70416 & 70458, showing the areas of impact to date on MNES for EPBC 2011/5965 Stage 1.

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Figure 3-2 Map of Mining Leases 70307, 70415, 70416 & 70458, showing the areas of impact to date on MSES for EPML00370013 Schedule K (Stage 1).

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Figure 3-3 RCEP Stage 1 Offsets

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4. 2020 Activities Undertaken

Offset

 Cattle grazing feed budget completed in April (refer to section Meteor 5) Downs/ Completed  Year 3 monitoring completed in Mar-20 (refer to Appendix A) Mount Kelman  Chemical spraying of weeds  Quarterly Inspections

 Year 3 monitoring completed in Mar-19 (refer to Appendix B)  Mechanical control of Parkinsonia (refer to Figure 4-1) Completed  Routine inspections Wildhorse  Feral animal control May – June (74 Pigs and 2 cats)

Works not  The last 50m of new stock fences completed  Cattle grazing feed budget

Satellite imagery has confirmed the SEVT offset on Mount Kelman was not burnt in December-18.

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Figure 4-1 Parkinsonia Machinal Weed Control on the Wildhorse Offset

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5. Feed Budget

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Rolleston Open Cut 2020 Report EPBC 2011/5965

6. EPBC 2011/5965 Compliance

In accordance with Commonwealth Approval conditions (2011/5965), for the reporting period (2020), ROC has met the full requirements of the following Conditions:

Condition Status Rolleston Open Cut Comment 1 Project area Compliant Figure 3-1 illustrates the areas of Matters of National The Person taking the action must not clear outside of the project area shown in Appendix Environmental Significance for the RCEP Stage 1 area A. and the areas cleared on Mining Lease 70307, 70415, 70416, 70418 and 70458. 2 Disturbance limits Compliant a) Brigalow: To date none of the 12ha of Stage 1 To protect EPBC Act listed threatened species and communities within the project area, Brigalow vegetation community has been cleared. the maximum/ whole of project disturbance limits in table 1 apply to the project. The b) Natural Grasslands: To date none of the 67ha of the person taking the action must not exceed these maximum disturbance limits. Stage 1 Natural grasslands vegetation community has Table 1 Project stages and maximum disturbance limits for impacts on habitat for listed been cleared. threatened species and ecological communities c) Semi-Evergreen Vine Thickets: To date none of the 16ha of the Stage 1 SEVT vegetation community has Stage 1 Stage 2 Maximum been cleared. MNES impact impact disturbance d) Coolibah-black box woodlands: Clearing of CBBW area (ha) area (ha) (ha) commenced in November 2017. During this reporting Ecological communities period 0.3ha of the permitted 27ha of the Stage 1 Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and impact area was disturbed for mine development, 12 27 39 co-dominant) construction of the Sandy Creek Diversion and Natural grasslands of the Queensland Central Springwood Road realignment. Since the 67 683 750 Highlands and Northern Fitzroy Basin commencement of the RCEP 22.2ha of CBBW has been Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow disturbed. 16 34 50 e) King blue-grass: Clearing of the King blue-grass Belt and Nandewar bioregions habitat commenced in October 2017. During this reporting period 0.4ha of the permitted 112ha of the

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Coolibah-black box woodlands of the Darling Stage 1 impact area was disturbed for water Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt south 27 0 27 infrastructure and the construction of Springwood Road bioregions realignment. Since the commencement of the RCEP Habitat for listed species 5.6ha of King blue-grass habitat has been disturbed. King blue-grass (Dichanthium f) Black-Breasted Button Quail: To date none of the 112 925 1037 queenslandicum) 16ha of the Stage 1 BBBQ habitat has been cleared. Black – breasted button quail (Turnix g) Ornamental snake: Clearing of the Ornamental snake 16 34 50 melanogaster) habitat commenced in November 2017. During this reporting period 0.9ha of the permitted 70ha of the Ornamental snake (Denisonia maculate) 70 78 148 Stage 1 impact area was disturbed for mine Squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps 231 1287 1518 development, construction of the Sandy Creek scripta scripta) Diversion and Springwood Road realignment. Since the commencement of the RCEP 52.9ha of Ornamental snake habitat has been disturbed. h) Squatter pigeon: Clearing of the Squatter pigeon habitat commenced in October 2017. During this reporting period 0.5ha of the permitted 231ha for the Stage 1 impact area was disturbed for water infrastructure and the construction of Springwood Road realignment. Since the commencement of the RCEP 30.5ha of Squatter pigeon habitat has been disturbed. 3 Offsets Compliant The commencement of Stage 1 activities was the 1st of The person taking the action must, within six (6) months of the commencement of the October 2017, the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan stage 1 works as identified in table 1 and Appendix A, submit in writing a Biodiversity Offset for the Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman Offset was Management Plan (BOMP) for the stage 1 impact area for the Minister’s approval to submitted to the Department of Environment and compensate for any authorised impacts on protected matters. The approved stage 1 BOMP Engeny on 18th December 2017. must be implemented. 4 The person taking the action must, at least three (3) months prior to commencement of Compliant Not triggered – no works have commenced in the Stage the stage 2 works as identified in table 1 and Appendix A, submit in writing a BOMP for the 2 impact area. stage 2 impact area for the Minister’s approval to compensate for any authorised impacts on protected matters listed in table 1. The person taking the action must not commence clearance within the stage 2 impact area until the BOMP required by this condition has been approved. The approved stage 2 BOMP must be implement.

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5 The BOMP for each stage must: Compliant The Stage 1 BOMPs were approved by the department on 25th October 2018. The approved management plans a) Define the objectives and outcomes of the BOMP complied with conditions 5 a) – m). b) Comply with the principles of the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy c) Consider all relevant conservation advices, recovery plans and or threat abatement plans d) Provide a completed offsets assessment guide e) Provide maps of the proposed offset sites f) Define the baseline condition of the EPBC Act listed threatened species and communities within the stage 1 impact area or stage 2 impact area (depending on which stage the BOMP is for) prior to commencement g) Define the baseline condition of the proposed offset prior to submission of the BOMP h) Define the performance goals for offsets relevant to the project stage i) Identify the timing and frequency of monitoring to determine whether the offset strategy is meeting performance goals or whether the offset strategy needs to be adaptively managed j) Identify clear and concise indicators of whether performance goats are being achieved k) Identify appropriate corrective actions if the proposed performance goals are not achieved l) Clearly state the position of persons responsible for actions under the BOMP m) Outline timelines for review noting that any revisions to the BOMP must be approved by the Minister before implementation. 6 Prior to the commencement of stage 1, and prior to the submission of the stage 1 BOMP Compliant The Stage 1 BOMP’s have been approved, thus this (described in condition 3), the person taking the action must acquire and commence the condition no longer applies. management of at least 80% of the land for offsets proposed in the stage 1 BOMP. The quality of the environmental offsets must not fall below the baseline identified in the BOMP submitted in condition 3 unless the loss of condition can be attributed to an environmental event. The person taking the action must employ mitigations and adaptive management to

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minimise the impacts of environmental events upon offsets. This condition lapses if the Minister approves the stage 1 BOMP. 7 The person taking the action must register a legally binding conservation mechanism over Compliant The Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman and Wildhorse the offset areas approved by the Minister in the BOMP within 3 years of the offsets were secured under Voluntary Declarations commencement of the relevant stage (stage 1 and or stage 2) identified in table 1 and under the Queensland vegetation management act in shown in Appendix A. The legally binding conservation mechanism over the offset areas April-19 and July-19, within the 3-year timeframe. This must not be removed unless another legally binding conservation mechanism is in place. condition has not been triggered for stage 2. 8 General Compliant a) Records relating to compliance with the approval are For the protection of protected matters the person taking the action must: routinely maintained as part of Glencore’s internal environmental management system processes. a) Comply with Environmental Authority EPML00370013 (issued on 8 October b) The 2019/20 Receiving Environment Monitoring 2015 for the Rolleston Coal Mine project) under the Environmental Program Annual Report was published on the Rolleston Protection Act 1994 (Qld) where the conditions relate to monitoring, Open Cut webpage on 28th September 2020. managing, mitigating, avoiding, offsetting, recording, or reporting on c) The 2019/20 Annual Groundwater Report was impacts to protected matters. published on the Rolleston Open Cut webpage on the b) Publish on their website, the annual water monitoring report required 28th September 2020. under condition D23 of the Environmental Authority (detailed in condition d) Not triggered – there is been no changes to protected 8a) within one (1) month of submission to the Queensland Government. matters for Environmental Authority (EA) c) Publish on their website, an annual groundwater monitoring report within EPML00370013 during the reporting period. twelve (12) moths of commencement and then within every twelve (12) e) Not triggered – there have not been any non- compliance or potential non-compliance with this months for the life of the approval. The annual groundwater monitoring approval or EA EPML00370013, July 2019. report must outline the finding of the groundwater monitoring program which is required to be developed under condition E6 of the Environmental Authority (detailed in condition 8a). This must include the results of monitoring, a summary report and discussion of how the results compare to past results and relevant water quality standards. The reports required in conditions 8b and 8c of this approval must be retained on the person taking the action’s website for the duration of the approval. d) Advise the Department in writing of any proposed changes to Queensland Environmental Authority conditions for which condition 8a applies, within 10 days of formally proposing a change or becoming aware of the Queensland Government proposing a change.

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e) Notify the Department in writing of non-compliance or potential non- compliance with any condition of this approval for which condition 8a applies, within ten (10) business days of becoming aware of the non- compliance or potential non-compliance. 9 Within twenty (20) business days after the commencement of the action, the person taking Compliant The action commenced on the 1st October 2017, with the action must advise the Department in writing of the actual date commencement. notification made to the Department on 16th October 2017. 10 The person taking the action must maintain accurate records substantiating all activities Compliant Records relating to compliance with the approval are associated with or relevant to the conditions of approval, including measures taken to routinely maintained as part of Glencore’s internal implement the BOMP, reports or strategies required by this approval, and make them environmental management system processes. available upon request to the Department. Such records may be subject to audit by the Department or an independent auditor in accordance with section 458 of the EPBC Act, or used to verify compliance with the conditions of approval. Summaries of audits will be posted on the Department’s website. The results of audits may also be publicised through the general media. 11 Within three months of every twelve (12) month anniversary of the commencement of the Compliant This report is to comply with Condition 11, the report action, the person taking the action must publish a report on its website addressing was published onto the Rolleston Open Cut webpage compliance with each of the conditions of this approval, including implementation of any before the three month anniversary of the management plans as specified in the conditions for the life of the approval outlining how commencement of Action, i.e. it was published before they have been complaint with the conditions of this approval over the previous twelve (12) the 1st January, within three months of the 12 month moths, including the implementation of any management plans, strategies or programs as anniversary of commencing the action on 1st October. specified in conditions. Documentary evidence providing proof of the date of publication must be provided to the Department at the same time as the compliance report is published. 12 Upon the direction of the Minister, the person taking the action must ensure that an Compliant Not Triggered – Rolleston Open Cut has not been independent audit of compliance with the conditions of approval is conducted and a report directed to undertake an independent audit for this submitted to the Minister. The audit must not commence unless and until the Minister has approval. approved the independent auditor and audit criteria. The audit report must address the criteria to the satisfaction of the Minister. 13 If, at any time after five (5) years from the data of this approval, the person taking the action Compliant The action has commenced, thus this condition no has not substantially commenced the action without the written agreement of the longer applies. Minister.

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14 Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Minister, the person taking the action must Compliant The BOMP’s for the Stage 1 Offsets were approved on publish all management plans referred to in these conditions of approval on its website. the 25th October 2018 and the Management plans were Each management plan must be published on the website within one (1) month of being uploaded onto the Rolleston Open Cut website on the approved by the Minister and remain available on that website for the life of the approval. 27th November 2018. The DAWE approved an amendment to the BOMP’s on 22nd September 2020, the updated BOMP’s were uploaded onto the Rolleston Open Cut website on the 29th September 2020. Table 6-1 EPBC 2011/5965 Compliance

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7. EA EPML00370013 Table K1 Status Prescribed Environmental Impacted by RCEP Stage 1 Impact (ha) Matters Action Endangered Regional Ecosystem 5.5 - 11.4.9 Endangered Regional Ecosystem 3 - 11.3.21 Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.3.2 45 37.8 Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.3.3 58 - Of concern Regional Ecosystem 142.1 1.5 11.8.11 Wetland 11.3.27 23 23 RE 11.3.25 watercourse Buffer 77.7 44.4 RE 11.3.27 watercourse Buffer 6.6 6.6 RE 11.3.3 watercourse Buffer 7.6 6.7 RE 11.3.6 watercourse Buffer 10.5 - RE 11.4.9 watercourse Buffer 0.8 - RE 11.8.11 watercourse Buffer 9.6 - RE 11.8.5 watercourse Buffer 5.7 0.1 RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 watercourse Buffer 0.3 - Connectivity Area 78 78 Squatter Pigeon Habitat Black-breasted button-quail Refer to Table 3 Ornamental Snake Habitat King Blue Grass Habitat

Table 7-1 MSES impacted by Action

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Appendix A - Meteor Downs/ Mount Kelman 2020 BioCondition Monitoring Report

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Rolleston Open Cut Offset Monitoring

EPBC 2011/5965 Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

BioCondition Assessment, March 2020

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

SUMMARY

Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd (Glencore) is required to offset significant residual impacts on Matters of National and State Significance (MNES and MSES) associated with the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project These Offsets require monitoring annually to assess progress towards achieving the objectives as outlined in the BOMP

Monitoring and reporting was conducted in accordance with the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Meteor Park and Mount Kelman (BOMP) (Rolleston 2017). Methodology was consistent with the requirements stipulated in the BOMP and the conditions of approval (2011/5695 and EPML00370013). Baseline monitoring of the areas was undertaken in 2018 at 34 sites and that data will be used to assess progress towards achieving the objectives as outlined in the BOMP.

The monitoring sites cover seven MNES and fifteen MSES. Of the seven MNES offset areas assessed, the Natural Grasslands Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) was considered to be the most functional ecosystem, achieving three of the five completion criteria. Offsets for Semi- evergreen Vine Thickets, Black-breasted Quail, and Southern Squatter Pigeon had good functionality. The Brigalow TEC recorded average functionality, an increase since 2018, primarily due to the early stage of Brigalow regrowth. Offset areas for MSES addressed threatened ecosystems, watercourses, and wetlands. All MSES offset areas assessed exhibited moderate to good functionality: 17 sites had improved functionality; 5 decreased slightly; and 12 sites did not change between 2018 and 2020.

There were no major threats to function. Glencore staff have sprayed rubber vine with herbicide in 2020 and that operation will continue. Parthenium was observed at low density throughout the areas following the recent drought, and is expected to disappear as conditions improve. Mimosa (Vachellia farnesiana) was spot-sprayed in March 2020 across Meteor Downs. Cattle were removed from the Offset areas in January – April 2020 period to allow pastures to grow and seed following the dry conditions. Controlled grazing will allow the recovery of natural pasture species, preserve cover and competitive eradication of weedy species.

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Contents

Introduction ...... 1

Offset Monitoring Methods ...... 7

Results ...... 10 General monitoring ...... 10 Habitat Condition Monitoring ...... 12

Discussion ...... 23 Habitat Condition ...... 23 Threatened ecological communities (MNES) ...... 23 Threatened species (MNES) ...... 24 Risks or potential threats ...... 25 Evidence of progress towards objectives and completion criteria ...... 25

Recommendations ...... 28

Appendix 1. BioCondition Site Photographs ...... 30

Appendix 2. Photo Monitoring Points – Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman ...... 65

ii Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Introduction Rolleston Open Cut mine has established Offset areas on Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman stations in order to offset significant residual impacts on Matters of National Environmental significance (MNES) and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) associated with the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Stage 1 impact area (RCEP).

The Offset areas require ongoing monitoring and management for the duration of the management period to ensure that the management objectives and outcomes are achieved.

This monitoring report has been prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman (BOMP) (Rolleston 2017). The baseline assessment was undertaken in 2018 (Kleinfelder 2018) and that report is referred to here. The methodology undertaken is consistent with that found in the BOMP for the Offset areas (Rolleston 2017) and conditions of approval (2011/5695 and EPML00370013).

Monitoring is designed to measure changes in condition of the Offset area habitat and vegetation communities for MNES and MSES; and achieving specific management objectives and completion criteria set out in the BOMP. The data gathered during the 2020 assessment is compared with baseline data measured in 2018. Monitoring activities and the timetable are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Monitoring activities

Monitoring activity Time interval

General offset area monitoring Annually

Habitat condition assessment Year 1, then every 2 years for the first 10 years. Then every five years thereafter up to 20 years. Photo monitoring

Targeted fauna and flora surveys

Weed monitoring Pest animal monitoring Biomass monitoring Before and after grazing.

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Offset Site Details and Management

Meteor Downs (Lot 9, 10 and 11 RP 617702, Lot 12 RP616044, Lot 1 SP164068, Lot 2 RP616045 and Lot 2 RP618664) is located 3 km northwest of the RCEP and approximately 25 km from Rolleston. Mount Kelman (Lot 5055 SP276918) is located 4.5 km west of the RCEP, approximately 30 km west of Rolleston (Maps 1 and 2). The total area of offsets in the 2011 approval on Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman is 930 ha.

The properties containing the Offset areas are zoned Rural under the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 and are primarily used for agricultural purposes, including grazing and fodder, and grain cultivation. A variety of vegetation communities are present within Meteor Downs, including woodland, open grassy woodland, open forest, riparian woodland and grassland vegetation. Large areas of non-remnant vegetation are also present. Mount Kelman station supports large areas of open forest and woodlands on undulating to steep terrain.

The Offset areas were control-grazed in 2019 and spelled from grazing for the wet season months January to March inclusive. Grazing can be reinstated in May 2020.

Rubber vine was sprayed on the northern face of Mount Kelman and in a small patch in Aldebaran Creek in January 2020.

2 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Map 1. BioCondition monitoring sites at Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman in 2020.

3 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Map 2. BioCondition monitoring sites at Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman in 2020.

4 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 2. Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman offset monitoring locations, Regional Ecosystem (GDA94)

11.8.11

Monitoring Regional Easting Northing pigeon

Site Ecosystem

RE 11.3.27 RE a. RE 11.8.5 a. quatter Brigalow TEC Brigalow TEC NG SEVT Grass King Blue Quail BB Button Snake Ornamental S 11.4.9 RE End. 11.3.21 RE End. RE 11.3.2 OC. RE 11.3.3 OC. RE 11.8.11 OC. W. RE 11.3.25 Wa. RE 11.3.27 Wa. RE 11.3.3 Wa. RE 11.3.6 Wa. RE 11.3.21 Wa. RE 11.4.9 Wa. RE 11.8.11 Wa. RE 11.8.5 Wa. W area Connectivity

1 11.3.21 636590 7303077 x x x

2 11.3.2 633899 7301005 x

3 11.3.2 636196 7302830 x x

4 11.3.2 637904 7304029 x

5 11.3.2 639318 7305628 x x

6 11.3.4 641231 7306967 x x

7 11.3.4 639234 7305957 x x

8 11.3.4 638360 7304399 x x

9 11.3.4 632139 7301222 x x

10 11.8.11 641034 7305922 x x

11 11.8.11 632895 7302491 x x

12 11.8.11 632014 7302690 x x

13 11.8.11 633548 7297797 x

14 11.8.27 640993 7306435 x x x

15 11.8.27 638596 7306540 x x

16 11.4.9 630559 7295807 x x x x

17 11.8.5 632588 7299377 x

18 11.8.5 632391 7299514 x

19 11.8.5 632559 7299764 x

20 11.3.6 631915 7296014 x

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Monitoring Regional 11.3.27 Easting Northing Site Ecosystem

a. RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 a. RE Brigalow TEC Brigalow NG TEC SEVT Grass Blue King Quail Button BB Snake Ornamental S. pigeon End. 11.4.9 RE End. 11.3.21 RE 11.3.2 OC. RE 11.3.3 OC. RE 11.8.11 OC. RE W. 11.3.27 RE Wa. 11.3.25 RE Wa. RE Wa. 11.3.3 RE Wa. 11.3.6 RE Wa. 11.3.21 RE Wa. 11.4.9 RE Wa. 11.8.11 RE Wa. 11.8.5 RE W area Connectivity

21 11.3.6 636897 7303201 x

22 11.3.28 630551 7295429 x x

23 11.2.35 626888 7301107 x

24 11.3.25 638415 7306784 x

25 11.3.25 640395 7306361 x

26 11.3.25 641833 7306220 x

27 11.8.11 640231 7305681 x

28 11.8.11 625992 7297493 x x x

29 11.5.16 630718 7293996 x

30 11.8.6 625776 7297756 x x

31 11.8.3 629800 7297564 x x

32 11.8.11 632552 7302086 x

33 11.3.4 635480 7302937 x

34 11.3.4 640181 7308369 x

6 BioCondition Assessment 2020 – Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Offset Monitoring Methods

Thirty-four monitoring locations were assessed with some representing habitat for more than one MNES or MSES value where relevant value overlapped. Locations are marked by permanent steel pickets at the start picket and midway picket (GPS in GDA94 Zone 55 projection).

General condition assessment, habitat condition assessment, photo and biomass monitoring were undertaken at these locations (Table 2). Weed monitoring was undertaken on foot at random transects of 200 m located in the vicinity of sites 11, 13, 19 and 20 in the Offset areas. Weed occurrence was recorded.

General condition Inspections were undertaken throughout the offset areas to assess:  Condition of fencing;  Incidence of erosion within the offset area, particularly around permanent and ephemeral water bodies and courses;  Damage/degradation resulting from pest animal activity within the Offset area;  Signs of land degradation and over-grazing;  Incidental fauna observations and any additional risks to offset values; and  Exclusion of livestock during spelling seasons.

Fuel loads and fire breaks were assessed as part of biomass monitoring.

Habitat Condition Habitat condition monitoring was undertaken according to the Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality (2020). The key indicators used to determine habitat quality on the offset sites include:  Site condition - general condition assessment of vegetation compared to the respective benchmark;  Site context - analysis of the site in relation to the surrounding environment; and  Species habitat index - the ability of the site to support the relevant species.

Each of the key indicators attributes were assessed and scored against the BioCondition Benchmarks for Regional Ecosystem Assessment (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2016) to determine a Habitat Quality Score (site condition + site context + species habitat index = habitat quality score). In the instance where a monitoring location considered both flora and fauna offset matters (e.g. Brigalow TEC and Ornamental Snake), the habitat quality score considered only the

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

relevant attributes when calculating the final score for that matter. The attributes assessed and the highest possible scores are detailed in Table 3.

For grassland communities such as Regional Ecosystem 11.8.11 the tree and shrub indicators are omitted from the scoring, as they are only a minor component of the vegetation communities.

Table 3. Key indicator attributes and the highest possible score

Site Condition Site Context Species Habitat Recruitment of woody 5 Size of patch 10 Threats to species 15 perennial species

Quality and availability Trees—species 5 Connectedness 5 10 richness of food and foraging habitat Quality and availability Shrubs—species 5 Context 5 10 richness of shelter Distance to permanent Grasses—species 5 watering point (intact 20 Species mobility capacity 10 richness only) Role of site location to Forbs—species 5 Ecological corridors 6 5 richness overall population Tree canopy height 5 Subtotal 26 Subtotal 50 Tree canopy cover 5 Shrub canopy cover 5 Native perennial grass 5 cover Organic litter 5 Large trees 15 Coarse woody debris 5 Non-native plant cover 10 Subtotal (grassland) 35 Subtotal 80 (woodland/forest)

Two Regional Ecosystems (11.8.6 and 11.5.6) had no available benchmarks with which to assess and score site condition attributes. Available benchmarks (11.8.3 and 11.9.5) were used as surrogates as they were similar in terms of species composition and vegetation structure; landform (where possible) and proximity to the region (Table 4).

8 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 4. Regional ecosystems used where no RE benchmark was available

Existing Regional Ecosystem Benchmark Ecosystem

11.8.6 11.8.3 11.5.16 11.9.5

Photo-Monitoring Photo-monitoring was undertaken at each location to provide a visual record of habitat trends over time. Photos were taken at the centre picket for each monitoring location, from a height of 1.5 m, in north, south, east and west directions. Cover was also photographed. Photos are displayed in Appendix 2.

Biomass assessment Photo standards available on the Future Beef website (https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledge- centre/dry-season-pasture-budget-a-guide-for-stocking-rates/) were used to assess ground cover and ecosystem biomass and to help to estimate the carrying capacity of the Offset areas for future grazing.

This information can then be used to calculate a feed budget and stocking rates to determine whether grazing can be undertaken within the offset without negating the ecological objectives of the offset.

Weed and Pest survey

Weeds were assessed in the general area surrounding each monitoring transect. Observations were also made for evidence of pest animals such as wild pigs.

All relevant weeds and pests of significance were recorded, including weeds of national significance (WoNS), and any environmental weed with the potential to cause degradation to the offset area or exacerbate the threat of bushfire. Density attribution (where relevant) was recorded using the Spatial Pest Attributes Standard Queensland (V7 2012).

Field program

The monitoring program was conducted in the last week of March 2020. Rainfall recorded at the Rolleston mine for the April 2019 to March 2020 period was 470 mm, which is below long term average for the area (Figure 5). Much of the rain (45%) fell during January and February 2020 period.

9 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

200 Rolleston mine monthly total 180 Rolleston mine average 2011 to 2020 160 140 120 100 80 ne rainfall nerainfall (mm)

Mi 60 40 20 0

Figure 5. Rolleston mine monthly total rainfall and Rolleston mine longer term median rainfall.

Results

General monitoring

Fencing Fences in the Meteor Downs Offset are in reasonable condition and the external fences in the Mount Kelman Offset area are in good condition.

Erosion Kleinfelder (2018) noted one erosional area in the south-western section of the Offset area. A creek draining from the adjoining State Forest has eroded the bank where it enters the Offset area. The riparian vegetation has thickened during the last wet season to help stabilize the creek bank, though it will take some time for eroded sections of the creek bank to fully revegetate. No other notable erosion was recorded. The Aldebaran and Canopus Creeks are well vegetated after recent rains and there is no erosion.

Fuel load Fuel loads across the offset areas were not considered to be of high risk. Cattle will be permitted to graze the Offset areas from April 2020 and this will reduce overall fire risk. Grass species across open plains are generally of

10 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

native composition and are not of a height or mass to significantly increase the risk of bushfire. All infrastructure and residential sites in proximity to the Offset areas have adequately managed asset protection zones. Tracks, serving as fire breaks, are well managed and provide reasonable access to the area. Damage/Degradation No general damage or degradation was recorded across the Offset areas.

Exclusion of Cattle There are no areas within the offset sites where the exclusion of livestock was considered to be immediately necessary.

Photo-Monitoring Photo-monitoring images for the 34 monitoring locations in the Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman Offset area are shown in Appendix 1. Six new photomonitoring sites were established to assess the progress of small Offset polygons not covered by the 34 sites mentioned above; photo-monitoring reports for the six new sites are given in Appendix 2.

Biomass Biomass monitoring found moderate yields across Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman Offset area. The biomass was calculated at approximately 2483 kg/ha across grassland and woodland areas and 3800 kg/ha along woodland watercourses. The higher biomass evident in the riparian areas reflects higher soil fertility and better moisture availability and the presence of Green panic (Megathyrsus maximus). The risk of biomass exacerbating bush fire is considered moderate across all areas.

Weeds and Pests Three weeds of significance classified as restricted matter and WoNS were recorded (Table 5). There was no evidence of pest animals.

Table 5. Weed and pest observations in the Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman Offset 2020

Observation Location Density Restricted WoNS Matter Cryptostegia grandiflora Aldebaran Creek Scattered -low Class 3 yes (Rubber Vine) Mount Kelman

Grassy plains and Scattered Parthenium hysterophorus woodlands. (Parthenium) Class 3 yes Riparian areas of Aldebaran Creek. Moderate Opuntia stricta, O. tomentosa (Prickly pear/Velvet pear) Meteor Downs Isolated Class 3 yes Offset area

11 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Weeds were identified at four random 200m long transects near monitoring sites 11, 13, 19 and 20: for site 11 there was a low scattered occurrence of parthenium; Sites 13 was weed-free; Site 19 had parthenium and some Thornapple (Datura ferox) and Site 20 had scattered parthenium and occasional prickly pear. Natural control of these weeds by competition from native grasses is considered appropriate by controlled, conservative grazing management.

Habitat Condition Monitoring Habitat condition monitoring was completed at 34 monitoring locations across the Offset areas. A habitat quality score was calculated for each site and the site data collated to obtain 2020 monitoring scores, which are shown in Table 6. Scores were further collated according to average condition (Tables 7 and 8).

12 Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6. BioCondition Scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Assessment Site 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Regional Regional Ecosystem bluegrass King / / RE11.3.21 Watercourse RE 11.3.21 RE 11.3.2 Squatter / RE Pigeon 11.3.2 RE 11.3.2 RE 11.3.2 / Connectivity area RE11.3.3 / Watercourse RE11.3.3 RE11.3.3 / Watercourse RE11.3.4 Ecological Condition Indicator Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Site Condition 1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) - 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Native plant species richness (No.)

- Trees - 5 5 5 5 5 3

- Shrubs 3 5 5 5 3 0 5

- Grasses 5 5 5 5 5 3 3

- Forbs 3 0 3 3 3 0 3 3. Tree canopy height (m) - 3 3 5 5 5 5 4. Tree canopy cover (%) - 5 2 5 5 3 3 5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 0 0 5 5 0 3 3 6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 5 5 5 5 5 3 1

7. Organic litter (%) 0 5 3 5 5 5 3

8. Large trees (No./ha - 10 5 10 5 15 10 9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) - 5 0 2 0 5 2 10. Non-native plant cover (%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 0

Site Context

Size of patch 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Connectedness 5 5 5 5 5 5 2

Context 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Species Habitat

Threats to species - - 10 - - - -

Quality & avail of food and foraging habitat - - 7 - - - - Quality & availability of shelter - - 5 - - - -

Species mobility - - 10 - - - -

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 capacity

Role of site location to overall population - - 3 - - - - Total Habitat Quality Score (measured) 44 82 108 89 74 81 61 BioCondition Score (% of maximum) 58 85 74 92 77 76 57 Total Habitat Quality Score (0-10) 2020 6 9 7 9 8 8 6

2018 6 8 7 7 7 8 5

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6 (cont.). BioCondition Scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Assessment Site 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Regional Regional Ecosystem Squatter Squatter / RE Pigeon 11.3.3 Squatter / RE Pigeon 11.3.3 Natural Grasslands / RE11.8.11 / RE11.8.11 Watercours e RE11.8.11 / RE11.8.11 Watercours e RE11.8.11 RE11.8.11 Squatter / pigeon / RE11.3.27 Watercours e 11.3.27

Ecological Condition Indicator Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Site Condition

1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) 5 5 - - - - 5 2. Native plant species richness (No.):

- Trees 5 5 - - - - 5

- Shrubs 3 3 - - - - 5

- Grasses 3 0 5 5 5 3 5

- Forbs 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

3. Tree canopy height (m) 5 5 - - - - 5

4. Tree canopy cover (%) 5 5 - - - - 5

5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 0 3 - - - - 0 6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 1 5 3 3 3 1 0

7. Organic litter (%) 5 5 3 0 3 3 3

8. Large trees (No./ha 15 15 - - - - 15 9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) 5 2 - - - - 2 10. Non-native plant cover (%) 3 5 10 5 10 5 10

Site Context

Size of patch 10 10 10 0 0 0 10

Connectedness 4 4 5 0 0 4 5

Context 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Species Habitat

Threats to species 13 7 - - - - 6

Quality & avail of food and foraging habitat 4 7 - - - - 8 Quality & availability of shelter 7 7 - - - - 5

Species mobility capacity 10 9 - - - - 10

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Role of site location to overall population 4 3 - - - - 3 Total Habitat Quality Score (measured) 108 106 43 20 28 22 109 BioCondition Score (% of maximum) 69 68 76 35 49 39 72 Total Habitat Quality Score (0-10) 2020 7 7 8 4 5 4 7

2018 7 7 7 4 4 5 8

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6 (cont.). BioCondition Scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman Assessment Site 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Regional Regional Ecosystem / RE11.3.27 Watercourse 11.3.27 Brigalow Ornamental Snake / Watercourse / RE11.4.9 Connectivity area Watercourse RE11.8.5 Watercourse RE11.8.5 Watercourse / RE11.8.5 RE11.8.11 Watercourse RE11.3.6 Watercourse RE11.3.6

Ecological Condition Indicator Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Site Condition

1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2. Native plant species richness (No.):

- Trees 5 3 5 5 5 5 5

- Shrubs 5 3 5 3 3 5 3

- Grasses 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

- Forbs 5 3 3 3 3 5 3

3. Tree canopy height (m) 5 3 5 5 5 3 3

4. Tree canopy cover (%) 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 5 5 0 5 0 0 0 6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 5 0 1 3 3 5 5

7. Organic litter (%) 5 5 5 5 3 5 5

8. Large trees(No./ha) 15 0 15 15 10 10 10

9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) 2 0 2 5 0 5 2

10. Non-native plant cover (%) 10 3 3 5 5 10 10

Site Context

Size of patch 10 0 10 10 10 10 10

Connectedness 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Context 4 5 5 5 5 5 4

Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Species Habitat

Threats to species - 7 - - - - -

Quality & avail of food and foraging habitat - 5 - - - - -

Quality & availability of shelter - 2 - - - - -

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Species mobility capacity - 6 - - - - - Role of site location to overall population - 2 - - - - - Total Habitat Quality Score (measured) 96 71 79 88 71 88 79 BioCondition Score (% of maximum) 91 45 74 83 67 83 75 Total Habitat Quality Score (0- 10) 2020 9 5 7 8 7 8 8

2018 8 4 7 7 6 7 7

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6 (cont.). BioCondition Scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Assessment Site 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Regional Regional Ecosystem Squatter / pigeon Watercourse RE11.3.25 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 Natural Grasslands RE11.8.11 Natural Grasslands RE11.8.11 / Brigalow Ornamental / Snake Connectivity area RE11.5.16

Ecological Condition Indicator Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Site Condition

1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) 5 5 5 5 - - 5 2. Native plant species richness (No.):

- Trees 5 3 5 5 - - 3

- Shrubs 5 5 5 5 - - 5

- Grasses 5 5 3 3 5 5 3

- Forbs 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

3. Tree canopy height (m) 3 3 5 5 - - 3

4. Tree canopy cover (%) 5 5 3 5 - - 5

5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 3 0 0 0 - - 3 6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 3 5 1 5 5 5 0

7. Organic litter (%) 5 5 5 3 5 5 5

8. Large trees(No./ha) 5 10 15 10 - - 0 9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) 0 5 5 2 - - 2 10. Non-native plant cover (%) 5 3 3 0 10 10 3

Site Context

Size of patch 0 10 10 10 10 10 0

Connectedness 2 5 5 2 5 5 2

Context 5 4 4 4 4 4 5

Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

Species Habitat

Threats to species 7 - - - - - 7

Quality & avail of food and foraging habitat 7 - - - - - 3 Quality & availability of shelter 5 - - - - - 3

Species mobility capacity 8 - - - - - 4

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Role of site location to overall population 3 - - - - - 4 Total Habitat Quality Score (measured) 89 75 73 61 47 47 73 BioCondition Score (% of maximum) 57 71 69 58 83 83 46 Total Habitat Quality Score (0-10) 2020 6 7 7 6 8 8 5

2018 5 6 7 7 8 8 4

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6 (cont.). BioCondition Scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Assessment Site 29 30 31 32 33 34 - -

Regional Regional Ecosystem Ornamental snake RE11.5.16 / BlackSEVT breasted quail button RE11.8.6 / BlackSEVT breasted quail button RE11.8.6 King bluegrass RE11.8.11 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 Watercourse RE 11.3.25

Site Condition

1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) 5 5 5 - 5 5

2. Native plant species richness (No.): -

- Trees 3 3 0 - 5 5

- Shrubs 5 3 3 - 5 5

- Grasses 5 5 5 5 0 5

- Forbs 3 3 3 3 3 3

3. Tree canopy height (m) 5 5 5 - 5 3

4. Tree canopy cover (%) 5 5 - 5 5

5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 5 5 5 - 0 0

6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 1 0 3 3 0 5

7. Organic litter (%) 5 5 3 3 5 5

8. Large trees(No./ha) 0 5 0 - 10 15

9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) 5 2 5 - 5 2

10. Non-native plant cover (%) 3 5 3 10 0 3

Site Context

Size of patch 10 10 10 0 10 10

Connectedness 5 5 5 2 5 5

Context 5 4 5 4 4 4

Ecological corridors 0 6 0 0 0 0

Species Habitat

Threats to species 7 7 8 - - - Quality & avail of food and foraging hab. 6 7 5 - - -

Quality & availability of shelter 7 6 7 - - -

Species mobility capacity 7 8 7 - - - Role of site location to overall population 3 4 3 - - -

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site 29 30 31 32 33 34

Total Habitat Quality Score (measured) 99 107 89 30 67 80

BioCondition Score (% of maximum) 63 68 57 53 63 75

Total Habitat Quality Score (0-10) 2020 6 7 6 5 6 8

2018 7 7 7 6 6 6

Table 7. Summary of habitat condition monitoring scores for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman Offset in 2018 and 2020.

Offset Matter 2018 Baseline 2020

Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)

Brigalow TEC 4 5 Natural Grasslands TEC 8 8 SEVT 7 7 King Blue-grass 6 6 Black-breasted Button Quail 7 7 Ornamental Snake 5 5 Squatter Pigeon 7 7

Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES)

Endangered RE 11.3.21 6 6 Of Concern RE 11.3.2 7 8 Of Concern RE 11.3.3 7 7 Of Concern RE 11.8.11 5 5 Wetland RE 11.3.27 8 8 Watercourse RE 11.3.25 6 7 Watercourse RE 11.3.27 8 8 Watercourse RE 11.3.3 6 7 Watercourse RE 11.3.6 7 8 Watercourse RE 11.3.21 6 6 Watercourse RE 11.4.9 4 5 Watercourse RE 11.8.11 4 5 Watercourse RE 11.8.5 7 8 Watercourse RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 6 7 Connectivity Area 5 6

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 8. Average Habitat Quality Score for each Regional Ecosystem (RE)

RE 11.3.2 11.3.3 11.3.6 11.3.21 11.3.25 11.3.27 11.4.9 11.5.16 11.8.5 11.8.6 11.8.11

2020 8 7 8 6 7 8 5 6 7 7 6

2018 7 7 7 6 6 8 4 6 7 7 6

Discussion

Habitat Condition

Functionality of each Offset area is discussed in relation to the condition scores ranging from score 1 (low functionality) to score 10 (high functionality) with score 5 being considered as of moderate function.

Threatened ecological communities (MNES)

The Brigalow TEC provided a moderate condition (5) score across two sites. Site condition attributes reflect the status of regrowth. Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow) regeneration is abundant, and native diversity is considered above average for the age of the regrowth.

The Natural Grasslands TEC can be considered functional (score of 8). Grass and forb diversity was average, native perennial grass cover was good and non-native plant cover was low at the three sites. Parthenium is present, though non-threatening. High biomass and cover of native grasses, legumes and forbs inhibits spread of the species.

The SEVT TEC is functional (score 7) at two sites which are regenerating well with adequate diversity in the shrub and canopy layers and good diversity of grasses and forbs. Both sites score poorly for canopy height.

The King Bluegrass TEC is a moderately functional offset with a healthy diversity of native grasses and minimal to no occurrence of non-native species. Organic litter is slightly reduced at each location but is not considered low. King bluegrass was not found at the locations though it would be difficult to identify the distinctive seed head as seeding often occurs in the November – January period. Natural

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

regeneration and spread of the species is relied on in the Offset area. Threatened species (MNES) Two locations were assessed with respect to the Black-breasted Button Quail. Both locations had moderate to good functionality (score 7), providing good shelter and mobility. The habitat type (SEVT) is functional and will to support populations of the quail if they exist. Organic litter and coarse woody debris (completion criteria) are likely to increase over time.

Three locations were assessed as a part of the Ornamental Snake Offset: two sites have low habitat condition (score 5 in 2020) while the third (Site 29 – score 6) is providing a more mature and complex system and is in moderate to good condition. This location has appropriate levels of woody debris providing sufficient shelter, good mobility, and suitability for foraging and prey species. Targeted frog survey is recommended in future monitoring events (starting 2022) to assess against this completion criteria.

The Squatter Pigeon Offset areas included monitoring over five locations of grassy woodland in proximity to a water source. All locations are considered of moderate to good health, provided good habitat for foraging, a diversity of suitable food sources, and good mobility. Threats were considered low to moderate with the main threat likely to be from predation by feral cat, though no evidence of feral cat was observed.

Regional ecosystems, wetlands, watercourses and connectivity (MNES)

Endangered and Of Concern ecosystem Offsets are in all moderate to good condition. The Offset areas for the matters RE 11.3.2 and RE 11.3.3 are exhibiting good habitat quality and good context. In particular RE 11.3.3 Offsets show good native species diversity, but the Offsets are being impacted by green panic on creek banks. The non-native species does impact on Habitat score but does improve groundcover %. RE 11.8.11 is the lowest performing ecosystem Offset (score 5) due particularly to the low level of connectiveness and patch size.

The Wetland Offset (RE 11.3.27) is a functional Offset with a score of 8 across two monitoring locations. The Offset has good recruitment and shows high levels of native species diversity across all attributes along with good canopy height and cover. Non-native cover is <5% at both locations.

Watercourse Offset areas are also in moderate to good condition, these areas provide high scores in patch size, connectivity, and context. General recruitment and tree diversity is good. Shrubs, grasses and forb diversity is reduced, likely a result of non-native species such as green panic. The control of green panic along watercourses would contribute to meeting management objectives outlined in the

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

BOMP, though control is impracticable, if not impossible. Green panic does, however, provide high levels of groundcover and stability along riparian areas. RE 11.8.11 watercourses are impacted through their low scores for landscape context.

Risks or potential threats Pests and weeds Rubber vine at Meteor Downs was observed at one location along Aldebaran Creek. The small infestation was sprayed in January 2020. The rubber vine on Mount Kelman was also spot-sprayed in January 2020 but is difficult to access.

Parthenium was present throughout the grassy plains and woodlands of the offset areas and has been more obvious following the recent dry years. The density of the weed is low and will decrease in density in years of near-average rainfall and more controlled grazing.

Leucaena was recorded in two areas along Aldebaran Creek in 2018 (Kleinfelder 2018). It can be managed, though not killed, by grazing. Density is not high so the leguminous shrub poses a low risk to the condition of the Offset areas. The option exists to spot-spray the plants as part of an overall control strategy.

Green panic is impacting offset areas within the lower reaches of the Aldebaran Creek and Canopus Creek. Green panic is a fast growing grass that thrives on well drained soils and is confined to riparian areas in the drier climate found in the region. The perennial grass readily regenerates from seed, and is often dominant along fertile creek banks where it is sought out by cattle and native herbivores. It is well established in these areas and forms a stable perennial vegetation cover that cannot be controlled practically by methods such as herbicide spraying or grazing management. It is therefore better to accept it as a species naturalized in the area.

Agave sp. is present in the area directly downstream of the Meteor Downs homestead and was flowering at the time. It should be treated with herbicide to reduce the potential for spread downstream. Opuntia stricta and O. tomentosa are also present in isolated patches, however, they are being controlled by the Cactoblastis moth and are not currently considered as threat.

Evidence of progress towards objectives and completion criteria The completion criteria for each Offset matter and scores achieved in 2018 and 2020 are given in Table 9. Using 2018 monitoring results as the baseline, no corrective actions were triggered.

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 9. Completion criteria for the Meteor Downs Mount Kelman Offset and scores for 2018 and 2020

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Criteria achieved / 2018 2020 Offset matter Completion criteria comment Baseline Score Score 1. Achieve a site condition of 47/80 (Guide to -

Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes 1-13)

Brigalow TEC corresponding to an offset calculator score of 6 4 5 2. Offset area can be mapped as remnant vegetation - under the VM Act 1. Achieve a site condition of 24/30 (Guide to 1 Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes 1-13)

corresponding to an offset calculator score of 8 2. At least four native perennial grass indicator species Natural Grasslands 2 3. Total projected foliage cover of shrubs less than 30% 8 8 TEC 3 4. At least 200 native grass tussocks, and 4 5. Perennial, non-woody, introduced species less than 5% of the total projected perennial plant cover (TSSC 2008) 5

1. Achieve a site condition of 56/80 (Guide to 1 Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes 1-13) corresponding to an offset calculator score of 7 SEVT TEC 7 7 2. 100% recruitment of woody perennial species and non- Non-native plant native plant cover decreased by 30% cover at each location is <5%. 1. Achieve a site condition of 21/30 (Guide to - Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes 1-13)

King Bluegrass corresponding to an offset calculator score of 8 6 6 2. Site supports a population of king bluegrass from at - least four sites (100 m apart) across the offset area 1. Achieve a site condition of 48/80 (Guide to 1 Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes Black-breasted 1-13) corresponding to an offset calculator score

Button Quail 7 7 of 6 2. Achieve site condition attribute scores of 5/5 for - attributes 10 (organic litter cover) and 12 (coarse woody debris) 1. Achieve a site condition of 48/80 (Guide to 1

Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes

1-13) corresponding to an offset calculator score

of 6 Ornamental Snake 2. Evidence that habitat is able to support targeted - 5 6 frog prey species, including one or more of the Targeted following or otherwise identified: amphibian • spotted grass frog (Limnodynastes surveys need to tasmaniensis)

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Criteria achieved / 2018 2020 Offset matter Completion criteria comment Baseline Score Score • green-striped burrowing frog (Cyclorana be undertaken in albogutlata) 2020. • knife-footed frog (Cyclorana cutiripes) • short-footed frog (Cyclorana brevipes)

1. Achieve a site condition of 56/80 (Guide to 1 Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality attributes

1-13) corresponding to an offset calculator score Southern Squatter of 7 Pigeon 7 7 2. Maintenance of a ground layer cover (native, 2 perennial tussock grasses or a mix of perennial Average cover tussock grasses and low shrubs or forbs) <33% 22% (DEE 2017c)

Table 9 (cont.). Completion criteria for the Meteor Downs Mount Kelman Offset and scores for 2018 and 2020

Matters of State Environmental Significance

Criteria achieved / 2018 2020 Offset matter Completion criteria comment Baseline Score Score

Endangered RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 8 within 20 years - 6 6 11.3.21 Of Concern RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 7 8 11.3.2 Of Concern RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 9 within 20 years - 7 7 11.3.3 Of Concern RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 5 5 11.8.11

Wetland RE 11.3.27 Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 8 8

Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 6 7 11.3.25 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 9 within 20 years - 8 8 11.3.27 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 6 7 11.3.3 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 8 within 20 years  7 8 11.3.6

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Matters of State Environmental Significance

Criteria achieved / 2018 2020 Offset matter Completion criteria comment Baseline Score Score

Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 8 within 20 years - 6 6 11.3.21 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 4 5 11.4.9 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 4 5 11.8.11 Watercourse RE Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years - 7 8 11.8.5 Watercourse RE 6 7 11.8.5/11.8.11 Achieve a habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years -

Connectivity Offset can be mapped as remnant vegetation under - 5 6 the VMA

Recommendations Recommendations for ongoing actions relating to weeds, grazing fences and frog monitoring are given in Table 8.

Table 8. Action Plan for Meteor Downs – Mount Kelman Offset 2020 Regional Item Actions recommended Priority/Timing Follow-up Ecosystem

Spray agave in creek area below Meteor Weeds All areas Downs homestead; rubbervine on Mount May-December Annual Kelman.

Review stocking rate required throughout the Grazing year; All areas March/April Annual regime In low feed conditions remove stock

Boundary All areas Maintain access tracks and firebreaks May - December Annual fence

Ornamental Frog surveys at Sites 16, 28 and 29 during Frog survey March/April Biennial snake BioCondition assessment.

Meteor Downs-Mount Kelman BioCondition Monitoring 2020

References

BioCondition Benchmarks for Regional Ecosystem Assessment (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2016), Queensland Government, 5 October 2016

Queensland government (2020). Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality. Version 1.3 February 2020.

Kleinfelder (2018). Rolleston Open Cut Vegetation Monitoring – 2018. Schedule E - EPBC 2011/5965 Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman. Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. September 2018.

Rolleston (2017). Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman. Rolleston Open Cut, Glencore, 15 August 2017.

Appendix 1. BioCondition Site Photographs

Appendix 2. Photo Monitoring Points – Meteor Downs and Mount Kelman

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Projection/Zone GDA94 55J Recorder M Gilbert Date 26/03/2020 Easting 630077

Site type Site number 7295236 Photopoint MDMK PP01 Northing

Vegetation Description: Ornamental snake / Brigalow TEC / Connectivity

RE 11.5.16 Canopy/dominant species Acacia harpophylla, Eucalyptus populnea

Ground cover Paspalidium distans, Eragrostis setifolia, Heteropogon contortus, Eriochloa pseudoarcrotricha, Tragus australianus, Cleistochloa subjuncea, Solanum ellipticum, Cucumis melo, Carissa ovata, (70% live, 10% litter, 20% bare, yield 1200 kg/ha)

Weeds Verbesina encelioides, Parthenium hysterophorus, Achyrantes aspera

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5435 N 2 Landscape

2 5436 S 2 Landscape

3 5437 E 2 Landscape

4 5438 W 2 Landscape

5 5439 Cover

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Projection/Zone GDA94 55J Recorder M Gilbert Date 26/03/2019 Easting 630226 Site type Site number Northing Photopoint MDMK PP02 7294846

Vegetation Description: Ornamental snake / Brigalow TEC

RE 11.5.16 regrowth

Canopy/dominant species Acacia harpophylla (3-4 m high) Ground cover Pennisetum ciliare, Sesbania cannabina, Echinochloa colona, Portulaca oleracea.

(90% live, 5% litter, 5% bare, yield 3100 kg/ha) Parthenium hysterophorus Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5440 N 1pm Landscape

2 5441 S 1pm Landscape

3 5442 E 1pm Landscape

4 5443 W 1pm Landscape

5 5444 Cover

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Recorder Date Projection/Zone GDA94 55J M Gilbert 26/03/2020 Easting 630735 Site type Site number Northing Photopoint MDMK PP03 7294869

Vegetation Description: Ornamental snake / 11.4.9 regrowth

RE 11.4.9 regrowth Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus melanophloia, Hakea lorea, Corymbia leichhardtii Ground cover Pennisetum ciliare, Heteropogon contortus, Aristida sp., Indigofera sp., Grewia latifolia, Rhyncosia minima.

(80% live, 10% litter, 10% bare, 2200 kg/ha). Weeds Parthenium hysterophorus

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5445 N 10:15 Landscape

2 5446 S Landscape

3 5447 E Landscape

4 5448 W Landscape

5 5449 Cover

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Projection/Zone GDA94 55J Recorder M Gilbert Date 25/03/2019 Easting 629052 Site type Site number Northing Photopoint MDMK PP04 7299093

Vegetation Description: Watercourse RE 11.3.25 / Squatter pigeon

RE 11.3.25

Canopy/dominant species Melaleuca bracteata

Ground cover Megathyrsus maximus , Urochloa mosambicensis (100% live, yield 4800 kg/ha)

Weeds Parthenium hysterophorus

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5404 N 12:00pm Landscape

2 5405 S Landscape

3 5406 E Landscape

4 5407 W Landscape

5 5408 Cover

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Recorder Date Projection/Zone GDA94 55J M Gilbert 25/03/2020 Easting 625698 Site type Site number Northing Photopoint MDMK PP05 7298808

Vegetation Description: Watercourse RE 11.3.25 (Grazed)

RE 11.3.25

Canopy/dominant species Corymbia tessellaris, Lysiphyllum hookeri, Acacia salicina Ground cover Pennisetum ciliare, Megathyrsus maximus, Urochloa mosambicensis (90% live, 10% bare, yield 2800kg/ha) Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5409 N 8:50 Landscape.

2 5410 S 8:50 Landscape

3 5411 E 8:50 Landscape

4 5412 W 8:50 Landscape

5 5413 Cover

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field-capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period.

Recorder Date Projection/Zone GDA94 55J M Gilbert 27/03/2020 Easting 633716 Site type Site number Northing Photopoint MDMK PP06 7296259

Vegetation Description: Watercourse RE 11.3.6 / Squatter pigeon

RE 11.3.6 Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus melanophloia, Acacia salicina, Vachellia bidwillii, Psydrax attenuata Ground cover Heteropogon contortus, Eriochloa crebra, Panicum simile, Digitaria brownii, Aristida personata, Aristida leptopoda, Bothriochloa bladhii, Themeda triandra, Rhyncosia minima.

(40% bare, 50% live, 10% litter, yield 2100 kg/ha) Weeds Vachellia farnesiana

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully)

1 5475 N 3:30 Landscape

2 5476 S Landscape

3 5477 E Landscape

4 5478 W Landscape

5 5479 Cover

Rolleston Open Cut 2020 Report EPBC 2011/5965

Appendix B - Wildhorse 2020 BioCondition Monitoring Report

Number: ROLOC-1743501962-47 Status: [Document Effective: [Effective Date] Status (Office)] Page 19 of 20 Owner: [Owner (Office)] Version: [Document Review: [Planned Version (Office)] Review Date]

Uncontrolled unless viewed on the intranet

Rolleston Open Cut Offset Monitoring

EPBC 2011/5965 Wildhorse (Wetland, Ornamental Snake and Coolibah threatened ecological community). Offset area 225 ha

BioCondition Assessment, March 2020

Wildhorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

SUMMARY

Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd (Glencore) has undertaken vegetation monitoring in accordance with the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse (BOMP) (Rolleston 2017), to offset significant residual impacts on Matters of National and State Significance (MNES and MSES) associated with the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project.

Monitoring and reporting methodology was consistent with the requirements stipulated in the BOMP and the conditions of approval (2011/5695 and EPML00370013). Data from baseline monitoring in 2018 has been used to assess progress towards achieving the objectives as outlined in the BOMP.

The monitoring locations assessed three Offset matters: wetland (RE 11.3.27); Eucalyptus Coolabah Threatened Ecological Community (TEC); and Denisonia maculata (ornamental snake) habitat. The wetland (RE 11.3.27) was found to be a functional ecosystem with positive levels of native diversity, regeneration, and attributes associated with canopy health. The Eucalyptus coolabah TEC and Denisonia maculata (ornamental snake) habitat is currently being impacted by stock resulting in reduced biodiversity and regeneration. No change was recorded in the habitat score between 2018 and 2020. Despite a reduced grazing regime whereby cattle were excluded from the offset area during the 2019/20 wet season, no change was recorded in the habitat score between 2018 and 2020. This may be attributable to the very dry conditions throughout 2018 and 2019. The two months prior to monitoring were the first months to achieve average rainfall since implementing the BOMP. Continued close management of the grazing regime is expected, over time, to benefit the Offset matters.

Threatening processes across all offset areas are generally in the form of weed incursion and grazing regimes. Remedial recommendations have been provided within the report.

Wildhorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Contents

Introduction ...... 3

Offset Monitoring Methods ...... 6

Results ...... 9 General ...... 9 Habitat Condition Monitoring ...... 10 Wetland RE 11.3.27 ...... 13 Coolibah TEC/Ornamental Snake RE 11.3.3 ...... 13 Risks or potential threats ...... 14 Weeds and Pests ...... 14 Progress towards management objectives and completion criteria ...... 15

Recommendations ...... 16 Appendix 1. Photo Monitoring Points – Whitehorse ...... 18

ii Wildhorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Introduction Rolleston Open Cut mine has established Offset areas on Wildhorse station in order to offset significant residual impacts on Matters of National Environmental significance (MNES) and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) associated with the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Stage 1 (RCEP).

The Offset areas require ongoing monitoring and management for the duration of the management period to ensure management objectives and outcomes are achieved. Monitoring is designed to measure the success of the Offset areas in terms of improving the condition of habitat and vegetation communities for MNES and MSES; and achieving specific management objectives and completion criteria set out in the BOMP. The data gathered during the 2020 assessment is compared with baseline data measured in 2018. Monitoring activities and the timetable are shown in Table 1.

This monitoring report has been prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse station (BOMP) (Glencore 2017). The baseline assessment was undertaken in 2018 (Kleinfelder 2018) and that report is referred to here. The methodology undertaken is consistent with that found in the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP) for the Offset areas (Rolleston 2017) and conditions of approval (2011/5695 and EPML00370013).

Offset Site Details and Management

Wildhorse station (Lot3 SP100437) is located 25 km south east of the RCEP, 25 km south of Rolleston (Map 1). The property is zoned rural under the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 and the property runs cattle including across the offsets for wetland, Ornamental Snake and Coolibah threatened ecological community (TEC) (Rolleston 2017). The offset area is 225 ha.

Following heavy grazing during 2018 and early 2019 during a very dry period, the Offset area was spelled between April 2019 and the time of the assessment in March 2020. Grazing is planned to be reinstated in May 2020.

Table 1. Monitoring activities Monitoring activity Time interval

General offset area monitoring Annually Habitat condition assessment

Photo monitoring Year 1, then every 2 years for the first 10 years.

Targeted fauna and flora surveys Then every five years thereafter up to 20 years. Weed & pest animal monitoring

Biomass monitoring Before and after grazing.

3 Wildhorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Map 1. BioCondition Offset area at Wildhorse station in 2020.

4 Wildhorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Map 2. BioCondition monitoring sites at Wildhorse station in 2020

5 Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Offset Monitoring Methods General monitoring of the Offset area is undertaken annually, and habitat condition assessment and photo-monitoring undertaken every two years for the first 10 years. Fauna and flora surveys and weed monitoring are undertaken every 2 years for the first 10 years, then every five years thereafter up to 20 years.

Seven monitoring sites were established in 2018 for long-term monitoring. However, just five of those sites (1, 2, 5, 6 and 7) could be accessed owing to the wet conditions in the wetland in 2020 (Map 2). Locations are marked by permanent steel pickets at the start picket and midway picket (GPS in GDA94 Zone 55 projection).

Table 2. Whitehorse Offset monitoring locations (GDA94)

Monitoring Ornamental Wetland RE Easting Northing Coolibah TEC Site RE 11.3.3 Snake 11.3.27 1 653326 7271185 x 2 653265 7271413 x x 3 653707 7271938 x x 4 653924 7271902 x 5 654906 7271101 x 6 655100 7270959 x x 7 654519 7271936 x

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

 Exclusion of livestock during spelling seasons.

Fuel loads and fire breaks were assessed as part of biomass monitoring.

Habitat Condition Habitat condition monitoring was undertaken according to the Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality (2020). The key indicators used to determine habitat quality on the offset sites included:  Site condition - general condition assessment of vegetation compared to the respective benchmark;  Site context - analysis of the site in relation to the surrounding environment; and  Species habitat index - the ability of the site to support the relevant species.

Each key indicator attribute was assessed and scored against the BioCondition Benchmarks for Regional Ecosystem Assessment (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2016) to determine a Habitat Quality Score (site condition + site context + species habitat index = habitat quality score). In the instance where a monitoring location considered both flora and fauna offset matters (e.g. Coolibah TEC and Ornamental Snake), the habitat quality score considered only the relevant attributes when calculating the final score for that matter. The attributes assessed and the highest possible scores are detailed in Table 3. For the wetland community (Regional Ecosystem 11.3.27) the shrub cover and species habitat are omitted from the scoring, as they are only a minor component of the vegetation communities.

Photo Monitoring Photo monitoring was undertaken at each location to provide a visual record of habitat trends over time. Photos were taken at the centre picket for each monitoring location, from a height of 1.5 m, in north, south, east and west directions as well as groundcover. Photos are displayed in Appendix 1.

Biomass Assessment Photo standards available on the Future Beef website (https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledge- centre/dry-season-pasture-budget-a-guide-for-stocking-rates/) were used to assess ground cover and ecosystem biomass.

This information can then be used to calculate a feed budget and stocking rates to determine the level of grazing can be undertaken within the offset without negating the ecological objectives of the

7 Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

offset.

Table 3. Key indicator attributes and the highest possible score

Site Condition Site Context Species Habitat Recruitment of woody Size of patch Threats to species perennial species 5 10 15

Trees - species richness 5 Quality and availability of Connectedness 5 food and foraging habitat 10 Quality and availability of Shrubs - species richness Context 5 5 shelter 10 Distance to permanent Grasses - species richness 5 watering point (intact) 20 Species mobility capacity 10 Role of site location to Forbs - species richness Ecological corridors 5 6 overall population 5 Tree canopy height 5 Subtotal 46 Subtotal 50 Tree canopy cover 5 Shrub canopy cover 5 Native perennial grass 5 cover Organic litter 5 Large trees 15 Coarse woody debris 5 Non-native plant cover 10 Subtotal (grassland) 35 Subtotal (woodland/forest) 80

Weed and Pest survey

Weeds were assessed in the general area surrounding each monitoring transect. Observations were also made on evidence of pest animals such as wild pigs.

Field program

The monitoring program was conducted in the last week of March 2020. Rainfall recorded at the Rolleston mine for the April 2019 to March 2020 period was 597 mm, which is below average for the area (Figure 5). Much of the rainfall fell during the January to March 2020 period.

8 Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

200 Rolleston mine monthly total 180 Rolleston mine average 2011 to 2020 160 140 120 100

ly rainfall rainfall (mm)ly 80 60 Month 40 20 0

Figure 5. Monthly rainfall recorded at the Rolleston mine.

Results

General

Fencing The eastern and southeast fences for the Wildhorse Offset have been replaced. No issues were identified with the boundary fences. Erosion There is no erosion in the area. Fuel load The wetland area was inundated at the time of assessment. When the water level decreases during the winter, fuel loads across the offset areas are not considered high risk. Cattle will be permitted to graze the Offset areas from April/May 2020 and this will reduce overall fire risk. All infrastructure and residential sites in proximity to the Offset areas have adequately managed asset protection zones. Tracks, serving as firebreaks, are well managed and provide reasonable access to the area. Damage/Degradation No general damage or degradation was recorded across the Offset areas.

Exclusion of Cattle Cattle were not grazing the Offset area at the time of assessment.

9 Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Photo Monitoring Photo monitoring images for the sites in the Wildhorse Offset area are shown in Appendix 1. Biomass Monitoring showed moderate biomass yields across the Wildhorse Offset area. Average biomass (five sites) in the Offset was 2640 kg/ha. The risk of biomass exacerbating bushfire is considered low. Weeds and Pests Five significant weeds and pests were recorded during monitoring within the Offset area (Table 4). Natural control of these weeds by competition from native grasses is considered appropriate by controlled, conservative grazing management.

Table 4. Significant weed and pest observations in the Wildhorse offset 2020

Observation Location Density Restricted WoNS Matter

Tiger Pear (Opuntia aurantiaca) Central western area Low Class 3 

Outside of the Parthenium (Parthenium Scattered Class 3  hysterophorus) inundated area Isolated South-eastern corner Class 3  Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta) individuals

Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) Site 4 Low - -

Weeds were assessed at two random 200m long transects in inundated areas near monitoring sites 6 and 7 and weed species were no found.

Habitat Condition Monitoring Habitat condition monitoring was completed at 5 of the 7 monitoring locations across the Offset area, as sites 3 and 4 were inaccessible in deep water. A habitat quality score was calculated for each site and the site data collated to obtain 2020 monitoring scores, which are shown in Table 5. Average scores were further collated for each regional ecosystem (Tables 6).

10 Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 5. BioCondition Scores for Whitehorse Offset area

Assessment Site No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Coolibah, Coolibah, Coolibah, Wetland Ornamental Ornamental Snake Wetland Wetland Ornamental Wetland Regional Ecosystem RE11.3.27 Snake RE 11.3.3 RE 11.3.3 RE11.3.27 RE11.3.27 Snake RE 11.3.3 RE11.3.27

Ecological Condition Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Site Condition

1. Recruitment woody perennial species (%) 5 5 Submerged Submerged 5 5 5 2. Native plant species richness (No.)

- Trees 5 2.5 5 2.5 5

- Shrubs 2.5 0 5 0 5

- Grasses 5 0 5 2.5 5

- Forbs 5 2.5 2.5 0 2.5

3. Tree canopy height (m) 5 5 5 3 5

4. Tree canopy cover % 5 5 5 5 5

5. Shrub canopy cover (%) 0 0 6. Native perennial grass cover (%) 5 0 5 1 3

7. Organic litter (%) 5 5 5 5 5

8. Large trees/ha 10 15 10 15 15

9. Coarse woody debris (m/ha) 2 5 5 2 2

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Assessment Site No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

10. Non-native plant cover (%) 10 10 10 10 10

Site Context

Size of patch 10 10 10 10 10

Connectedness 4 4 4 4 4

Context 4 4 4 4 4

Ecological corridors 0 0 0 0 0

Species Habitat Threats to species 7 7 Quality & avail of food and foraging habitat 5 7

Quality & availability of shelter 4 8

Species mobility capacity 6 5 Role of site location to overall population 3 3 Total habitat quality score (measured) 83 98 85.5 99 85.5 Total habitat quality score (maximum) 101 156 101 156 101

Total Habitat Quality Score (0-10) 2020 8 6 - - 8 6 8

2018 8 6 6 8 7 6 8

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Table 6. Summary of habitat condition monitoring scores for Whitehorse Offset areas in 2018 and 2020.

Offset Matter 2018 Baseline 2020

Wetland RE11.3.27 8 8 Coolibah, Ornamental Snake RE 11.3.3 6 6

Discussion

Habitat Condition Functionality of each Offset area is discussed in relation to the condition scores ranging from score 1 (low functionality) to score 10 (high functionality) with score 5 being considered as of moderate function.

Wetland RE 11.3.27 The average score of the three sites is 8 representing a functional ecosystem. The wetland is generally in a healthy state with good canopy cover, canopy recruitment, and canopy height, which achieve the ecosystem benchmark values. Non-native plant cover is present but generally low with healthy populations of Eleocharis sp. and Leersia hexandra in the understorey. Healthy Eucalyptus tereticornis form the canopy. Coarse wood debris is low compared to the benchmark.

Coolibah TEC/Ornamental Snake RE 11.3.3 The Coolibah TEC (RE 11.3.3) is impacted in quality across varying attributes at different sites. Only one attribute (large trees) met or exceeded the benchmark for the ecosystem. The RE exhibits low diversity, which will impact the progress of the offset and impede its ability to reach the performance criteria. There was regeneration of Coolibah, the canopy species, but no shrubs. Overall the two accessible sites scored an average of 6 which was recorded in 2018 and is classed as a moderately functional ecosystem.

Frog monitoring was undertaken over two days with the only species positively identified being the green striped frog population found in the inundated area near Site 5. This species is regarded as a food source for the ornamental snake. The striped burrowing frog (Ranoidea alboguttata) is a species

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

of burrowing frog in the family Pelodryadidae. It occurs throughout much of Australia, from northern New South Wales, through eastern and northern Queensland and into eastern Northern Territory. It has a conservation status of least concern. It is recommended that frog surveys be undertaken during future monitoring programs.

Risks or potential threats

Cattle and horses grazing the Offset area have impacted the habitat of the area in the past. The exclusion of grazing during the April 2019 to March 2020 period has improved the state of the area and conservative grazing management is required in future to improve habitat score. Heavy grazing in the Offset area reduces foraging habitat and the ability of the snake to hunt undetected. Ideally grazing should be minimized from the area for a period of 5 years to allow recovery of the Coolibah TEC.

Weeds and Pests

Due to Wildhorse being an organic property, no distribution of herbicide has been considered for the control of weeds. It is understood that the threat being posed by Tiger Pear is actively being managed by the landholder. Further action on top of the current management practices are not considered necessary at this time. Future monitoring and reporting should address the threat to ensure appropriate actions being taken are sufficient.

Parkinsonia plants were observed in 2018 and recommended for control. Plants were removed in April 2019. The area will be monitored during the ongoing habitat condition and photo monitoring program at the site.

Para grass is an introduced plant that grows well in areas subject to periodic inundation. Whilst it has the potential to spread it needs specific conditions to do so. The fact that the para grass has been in the small area where It was originally planted suggests that the likelihood of spread is limited. The wetland experiences extended periods where it is completely dry and this is very unfavourable for the grass. Given the organic status on Wildhorse, cultivation may be the only practical means of controlling the plant.

Paspalum distichum is a perennial grass that is tolerant of periodic inundation and was found in the wetland area.

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Cane toad is a threat to the ornamental snake (Agnew 2010) as it preys on other frogs that are the preferred food of the snake. Toads will be monitored as part of the biennial assessment at the site.

Feral pigs are in the general area and several paths were observed in the wetland, though there was no clear damage to vegetation or soil. The owner of Wildhorse takes an active interest in controlling pigs in the area.

Progress towards management objectives and completion criteria

Performance in terms of completion criteria for each Offset matter is shown in Table 7. The 2018 assessment was a baseline assessment. There were several achievements recorded in 2020 including tree canopy cover as well as the identification of the presence of the green-striped burrowing frog.

Table 7. Completion criteria for the Wildhorse offset 2018 and 2020 Offset Completion criteria Performance 2018 Performance 2020 matter 1. Achieve a habitat quality score of 7/10 in accordance with the Score 6 Score 6 Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality and the offsets

assessment guide by increasing the condition score for ecological indicators:  2.5 (native tree richness) increase to 5  -  - Coolibah TEC  2.5 (native grass richness) increase to 5  -  -   -  - RE 11.3.3 2.5 (native forbs richness) increase to 5  -  5  5 (tree canopy cover) increase to 5  -  -  1 (native perennial grass cover) increase to 3  15  15  15 (large eucalypt trees) increase to minimum of 10

1. Achieve a habitat quality score of 7/10 in accordance with the Score 6 Score 6 Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality and the offsets

assessment guide Ornamental 2. Evidence that habitat is able to support targeted frog prey species, 2. Frogs not 2. Frog survey found snake including one or more of the following or otherwise identified: identified. Cyclorana  spotted grass frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) alboguttata.

 green-striped burrowing frog (Cyclorana alboguttata)  knife-footed frog (Cyclorana cutiripes)  short-footed frog (Cyclorana brevipes)

Wetland 1. Achieve habitat quality score of 10 within 20 years. Score 8 Score 8 RE 11.3.27

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

Recommendations

An action plan has been developed to complement recommended actions identified as a result of the 2020 monitoring. The plan will assist to highlight priority and define the timeframes for follow up management where required (Table 8).

Table 8. Action Plan for Wildhorse Offset 2020

Item Regional Ecosystem Actions recommended Priority/Timing Follow-up

Para Grass Wetland RE11.3.27 Monitor March/April Annual

Wetland RE11.3.27 Cane Toad Monitor March/April Annual Ornamental snake

Wetland RE11.3.27 Grazing Review stocking rate required Coolibah TEC regime throughout the year; Ornamental snake In low feed and low water conditions March/April Annual remove stock altogether;

Boundary Wetland RE11.3.27 Complete the section of the new fence fence Coolibah TEC March/April Annual Ornamental snake

Frog surveys be conducted during Frog survey Ornamental snake March/April Annual regular BioCondition assessment.

Whitehorse BioCondition Monitoring 2020

References

BioCondition Benchmarks for Regional Ecosystem Assessment (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2016), Queensland Government, 5 October 2016

Queensland government (2020). Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality. Version 1.3 February 2020.

Kleinfelder (2018). Rolleston Open Cut Vegetation Monitoring – 2018. Schedule E - EPBC 2011/5965 Wildhorse. Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. September 2018.

Glencore (2017). Rolleston Open Cut Biodiversity Offset Management Plan for Wildhorse. Rolleston Open Cut Glencore. 15 August 2017.

Appendix 1. Photo Monitoring Points – Wildhorse

Photo Monitoring Form Photo monitoring point field capture form to be used in annual photo monitoring events throughout the management period. Projection/Zone GDA94 55J Recorder M Gilbert Date 30/03/2020 Easting 653326

Photopoint WH PP01 Northing Site type Site number 7271185

Vegetation Description: Wetland RE 11.3.27 Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus tereticornis Ground cover Eleocharis sphacelata, E. palens, Leersia hexandra (0% bare, 5% litter, 95% live, yield 3200kg/ha) Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully) 1 5670 N 2pm Landscape 2 5671 S 2pm Landscape 3 5672 E 2pm Landscape 4 5673 W 2pm Landscape 5 5674 Cover 5 5675 General

2020

PP01 Cover

Photopoint WH PP02 Northing Site type Site number 7271413

Vegetation Description: RE 11.3.3 Coolibah TEC/ Ornamental snake Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus coolabah Ground cover Eleocharis sphacelata, Eriochloa crebra, Fimbristylis sp. (10% bare, 10% litter, 80% live, yield 3400kg/ha) Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully) 1 5677 2pm General 2 5678 N 2pm Landscape 3 5679 S 2pm Landscape 4 5680 E 2pm Landscape 5 5681 W 2pm Landscape 6 5682 Cover

2020

PP02 Cover

Photopoint WH PP05 Northing Site type Site number 7271101

Vegetation Description: Wetland RE 11.3.27 Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus tereticornis Eleocharis sphacelata, E. palens, Leersia hexandra Ground cover (10% bare, 10% litter, 80% live, yield 2700kg/ha)

Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully) 5669 2pm Start picket 1 5667 N 2pm Landscape 2 5666 S 2pm Landscape 3 5665 E 2pm Landscape 4 5664 W 2pm Landscape 5 5668 Cover

2020

PP05 Cover

Photopoint WH PP06 Northing Site type Site number 7270959

Vegetation Description: RE 11.3.3 Coolibah/Ornamental snake Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus coolabah Eriochloa crebra, E. pseudoacrotricha, Aristida sp., Neptunia gracilis Ground cover (20% bare, 20% litter, 60% live, yield 1600kg/ha)

Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully) 5656 2pm Start picket 1 5659 N 2pm Landscape 2 5660 S 2pm Landscape 3 5661 E 2pm Landscape 4 5662 W 2pm Landscape 5 5663 Cover

2020

PP06 Cover

Photopoint WH PP07 Northing Site type Site number 7271936

Vegetation Description: Wetland RE 11.3.27 Canopy/dominant species Eucalyptus tereticornis Ground cover Cynodon dactylon, Arundinella nepalensis, Eleocharis sphacelata, Leersia hexandra (0% bare, 20% litter, 80% live, yield 2300kg/ha) Weeds

Image Image number Bearing of photo Time File Name Description (e.g. Image of head of erosion gully) 5688 2pm Start picket 1 5683 N 2pm Landscape 2 5684 S 2pm Landscape 3 5685 E 2pm Landscape 4 5686 W 2pm Landscape 5 5687 Cover

2020

PP07 Cover