15 Quintin Street PO Box 924 Roma QLD 4455 Ph. 07 4622 2646 Fax 07 4622 1325 [email protected] ABN: 94 617 952 309

Ecological Consulting www.boobook.biz

Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey Report Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes (Warrego Highway near Goombi), Darling Downs District

Compiled by BOOBOOK for the Department of Transport and Main Roads

Revision Date Description Author Verifier Approved

A 20/5/2016 Draft issued to client for review R. Johnson, M. Klein C. Eddie C. Eddie

Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1. Scope of Works ...... 1 1.2. Survey Team ...... 1 2. Site Context ...... 1 2.1. Location ...... 1 2.2. Proposed Land Use Requiring Vegetation Clearance ...... 2 3. Methodology ...... 2 3.1. Desktop & Literature Review ...... 2 3.1.1. Protected High Risk Areas ...... 2 3.1.1. Wildlife Online and other Data Sources ...... 2 3.1.2. RE and TEC Assessment...... 2 3.2. Field Survey ...... 2 3.2.1. Flora Survey ...... 2 3.2.2. Incidental Fauna Surveys ...... 3 3.2.3. RE and TEC Assessment...... 3 3.2.4. Identifications ...... 3 3.2.5. Survey Limitations ...... 3 4. Results & Discussion ...... 4 4.1. Desktop & Literature Review ...... 4 4.1.1. Protected Plants High Risk Areas ...... 4 4.1.2. Wildlife Online and other Database Searches ...... 4 4.1.3. RE and TEC Assessment...... 4 4.2. Field Survey ...... 5 4.2.1. Flora Survey ...... 5 4.2.2. Incidental Fauna Survey ...... 5 4.2.3. RE and TEC Assessment...... 5 4.3. Summary of Potential Impacts on Conservation Values ...... 6 4.3.1. Flora ...... 6 4.3.2. Fauna ...... 6 4.3.3. RE and TEC...... 6 5. Conclusions & Recommendations ...... 6 5.1. Conclusions ...... 6 5.2. Recommendations ...... 6 6. References ...... 6 Appendix A. Site Location, Survey Plot Sites and Search Meanders...... 8 Appendix B. Curricula Vitae for Survey Personnel...... 10 Appendix C. Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map...... 13 Appendix D. Wildlife Online Search Results...... 15 Appendix E. State Regional Ecosystems mapping within the Site...... 24 Rev A i Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Appendix F. Ground-truthed Regional Ecosystems within the Site...... 26 Appendix G. Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) within the Site...... 28 Appendix H. Assessment Results for Quaternary Survey Sites...... 30 Appendix I. List of Plant Species recorded at the Site...... 33 Appendix J. Representative Images...... 36

List of Tables Table 1: Threatened fauna and flora potentially present at the Site...... 4

Conclusions drawn in this report are based on available information at the time of writing. Any additional information may alter such conclusions and the author reserves the right to do so if such information becomes available. This report has been made as at the date of the report and is not to be used after six (6) months and not if there are any material changes meanwhile. In either event it should be referred back for review. To the extent permitted by law BOOBOOK does not accept liability for any loss or damage which any person may suffer arising from any negligence or breach of contract on its part. This report was prepared for the benefit of the party to whom it is directed only and for the purpose identified within. BOOBOOK does not accept responsibility to any other person for the contents of the report.

Rev A ii Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes List of Abbreviations DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection DSITI Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation DSITIA Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts e.g. for example EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EVNT Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened ha Hectare (s) km Kilometre (s) m Metre (s) NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992 NC Mgt Reg Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 NC Reg Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 RE Regional Ecosystem (s) REDD Regional Ecosystem Description Database TEC Threatened Ecological Community TMR Department of Transport and Main Roads

Rev A iii Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes 1. Introduction

This report describes the results of a targeted fauna, flora and vegetation survey within a defined area of the Warrego Highway (the Highway) located between Miles and Chinchilla and hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’. The survey relates to Project 222-18C-9 (Overtaking Lanes, Darling Downs District). The results are based on an initial desktop assessment followed by field surveys to ground truth existing vegetation and confirm the ecological values of identified native vegetation located within a proposed disturbance area. 1.1. Scope of Works

BOOBOOK Ecological Consulting (hereafter BOOBOOK) was commissioned by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) (the Client) to provide Environmental Services as described in the Technical Brief for Environmental and Cultural Heritage Services for Flora Fauna Vegetation Survey. Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes, Darling Downs District (TMR, no date). BOOBOOK was to prepare a survey and subsequent report on the presence, absence or likelihood of occurrence of the following ecological values and an assessment of the potential impacts on them arising from roadworks at the Site:  Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and/or Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed flora;  NC Act and/or EPBC Act listed fauna; and  EPBC Act listed Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC). As requested by the Client, surveys for Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened (EVNT) flora species protected under the NC Act were conducted in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants: Nature Conservation Act 1992 (DEHP 2014). This report focuses on the ‘clearing impact area’, which is defined under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 (NC Mgt Reg), as the area to be cleared to the extent that it is within a high risk area, as well as a buffer area of 100 m around the clearing. The clearing impact area at the Site comprised the entirety of the road reserve between Client-provided GPS locations on the Warrego Highway between ‘Road Through Distances’ 100.9 km to 104.3 km (approximate co- ordinates -26.6772°S, 150.4444°E to -26.6771°S, 150.4104°E). The Site extended approximately 3 km eastward from the intersection of the Highway and the Goombi -Fairymeadow Road. Appendix A shows the Site location. The main objective of the protected plants flora survey was to locate EVNT flora species present within the clearing impact areas on-site so that this report may potentially support an exemption notification or application for a protected plant clearing permit as necessary. 1.2. Survey Team

The field survey was undertaken by BOOBOOK staff member Richard Johnson (Senior Ecologist) on 18 May 2016. As required by the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014) a curriculum vitae for the survey staff is attached in Appendix B. 2. Site Context

2.1. Location

The Site is within the Western Downs Regional Council local government area. The Site included the entirety of the road reserve between two Client-designated locations which demarcated approximately 3 km of the road reserve as described above. The Site is entirely within the Subregion 31 Eastern Darling Downs of the Brigalow Belt Bioregion (Sattler and Williams 1999). The Site is located on a plain characterised by deep grey clay soils. This landscape is largely cleared for agricultural use (mainly grazing). Remnant vegetation at or adjacent to the Site was tall shrublands to open forest dominated by Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla). Vegetation was of remnant or advanced regrowth status though disturbance from previous and ongoing road, fence and telecommunications infrastructure construction was evident throughout the Site.

Rev A 1 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes 2.2. Proposed Land Use Requiring Vegetation Clearance

The clearing impact area was located within a gazetted road reserve incorporating the Warrego Highway. The proposed clearing is associated with road works to be carried out by the Client in developing overtaking lanes on the Warrego Highway. Work is planned to commence in June 2016 and continue for an as yet undefined period. 3. Methodology

3.1. Desktop & Literature Review

3.1.1. Protected Plants High Risk Areas

The Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (DEHP 2016a) shows high risk areas for the presence of protected plants and is used to determine flora survey and clearing permit requirements for particular locations. Activities within areas shown on the map as high risk are required to comply with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014). A Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (Appendix C) was obtained for the Site on 17 May 2016 (DEHP 2016a). 3.1.1. Wildlife Online and other Data Sources

The Wildlife Online database was searched for records of EVNT fauna and flora species, as listed under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (NC Reg), potentially occurring within the clearing impact area. A pre-field Wildlife Online search was conducted on 17 May 2016 using a 10 km buffer around the coordinates -26.6771°S and 150.4260oE which approximates the centre of the Site (DEHP 2016b). In addition to Wildlife Online, other database resources and literature were utilised to assess EVNT flora potentially occurring within the clearing impact areas. These included WetlandInfo species profiles (DEHP 2016c), HERBRECS data (DSITI 2016a) and Atlas of Living data (ALA 2016). Characteristics of each EVNT flora species, such as life form, growing season, flowering season and habitat preferences, were identified within database searches and/or literature. These characteristics were used to inform whether the field survey was undertaken when there is the highest possible chance of detecting the EVNT species in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014). 3.1.2. RE and TEC Assessment

State regional ecosystem (RE) mapping for the Site was obtained from DSITI (2016b). RE search results (as indicated by mapping) were cross-checked against TEC definition criteria (e.g. TSSC 2013) to predict potential TEC present within the Site. 3.2. Field Survey

Field surveys were undertaken using methodologies in accordance with: Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland Version 3.2 (Neldner et al. 2012); and Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014). Note that the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014) require the inclusion of a 100 m buffer around the proposed disturbance footprint to be surveyed. In this case no buffer was surveyed as this fell within adjacent privately owned lands subject to access constraints. Field data was collected using a Motion tablet and GPS devices. 3.2.1. Flora Survey

The timed meander survey was the chosen survey method for the threatened flora surveys within the disturbance footprint at the Site. The survey method followed the procedure outlined in the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014).

Rev A 2 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes The number and location of the timed meander surveys was determined by initial analysis of the habitat types present within the footprint. If a potential EVNT plant species was encountered during the timed meander survey, a more comprehensive plot- based assessment would be required in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (DEHP 2014) to quantify the potential impact to the EVNT plant species. Such assessments were to be made only subsequent to consultation with the Client. Such surveys would determine the species abundance (density), distribution (population extent) and habitat associations, as well as inform impact management measures. 3.2.2. Incidental Fauna Surveys

Any incidental records of threatened (EVNT) fauna obtained during vegetation assessments and traverses of the Site (on foot and driving) were to be documented including species name, location (with site co-ordinates or area of extent), habitat and number detected. 3.2.3. RE and TEC Assessment

Ground-truthing of the RE designation of existing native vegetation was undertaken using the quaternary level of data collection as described by Neldner et al. (2012). Assessments were undertaken within 50 m x 10 m plots (as appropriate to the narrowly linear configuration of vegetation present) for the purpose of typifying the vegetation community under assessment. Plots were chosen as representative areas of each vegetation type encountered (i.e. an assessment plot in each patch of vegetation was not required). Locations of quaternary assessment sites are mapped in Appendix A. Vegetation community polygons were verified in accordance with Queensland RE description and biodiversity status as per the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) (DEHP 2016d) and classified as remnant RE, regrowth vegetation consistent with RE or non-remnant vegetation. For each area of potential TEC an assessment of vegetation survey data was made against TEC threshold criteria (TSSC 2013). Vegetation community data was captured in the field and later entered into a spatial database. Representative photographs were taken via at each vegetation survey site and at other vegetation patches as supporting evidence of the identity of the subject vegetation community where full documentation was not required. Capture and delineation of RE and TEC boundaries was undertaken using a combination of mobile GIS devices, GPS and/or delineation from imagery. Plant names used within this document conform to those given in Bostock and Holland (2015). 3.2.4. Plant Identifications

If a suspected EVNT plant species could not be positively identified during field investigations, a specimen would collected and pressed for later identification with the assistance of resources such as field guides and botanical keys. In accordance with section 261S of the NC Mgt Reg, where a specimen could not be identified to species level, samples were to be submitted to the Queensland Herbarium for formal identification unless it was confidently concluded that the samples were not an EVNT species. Specimen collection and vouchering would be completed in accordance with Queensland Herbarium procedures (DSITIA 2013). 3.2.5. Survey Limitations

A number of factors are considered likely to influence survey results for particular species or species groups. These factors include timing (seasons) and duration of the survey period and preceding weather conditions. The field investigations described within this report were undertaken in late autumn (18 May 2016). Weather conditions at the time of the survey were fine with mild to warm days and mild to cool nights. Visual evidence at the Site indicated the area had been dry for a prolonged period. Notwithstanding conditions which may have prevailed during the growing season at this time of year many herbaceous plant species would have matured and senesced. Loss of characteristic identification features such as flowers and fruit is likely to have already occurred. As a result threatened plants such as the Red-soil Woolly Wrinklewort (Rutidosis lanata) and the grass Belson’s Panic (Homopholis belsonii) may be difficult to detect. Cooler and drier weather conditions at this time of year will negatively affect the activity and therefore detectability of some threatened fauna species, notably reptiles such as the Grey Snake (Hemiaspis damelii).

Rev A 3 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Direct counts of flora have the potential to under- or over-estimate populations due to factors such as cryptic individuals (e.g. seedlings in long grass) and dense clusters of individuals. We assigned a nominal potential error of +/-10% to count data. Plot- or quadrat-based counts in cases where plants form dense populations may also be subject to error in population estimates. However, during this survey no requirement arose for these count techniques. 4. Results & Discussion

4.1. Desktop & Literature Review

4.1.1. Protected Plants High Risk Areas

The Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (DEHP 2016a) current at the time of the survey confirmed that the Site was not within any identified High Risk Areas (Appendix C). 4.1.2. Wildlife Online and other Database Searches

The Wildlife Online search results identified several EVNT flora and fauna species known to occur within the clearing impact areas at the Site. Refer to Appendix D for the data associated with Wildlife Online search results (DEHP 2016b). On the basis of known range and habitat associations derived from published sources (e.g. ALA 2016) and BOOBOOK unpublished data, we predicted the potential presence of additional threatened taxa. Fauna and flora potentially present within the Site are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Threatened fauna and flora potentially present at the Site.

No. of Records within 10km/ Other Status Status Family Scientific Name Common Name Justification (NC Act) (EPBC Act)

Fauna Calyptorhynchus Glossy Black- V - 1 Cacatuidae lathami lathami cockatoo (eastern) Painted Grantiella picta V V 3 Meliphagidae Honeyeater Psephotus Paradise Parrot PE EX 1 Psittacidae pulcherrimus Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V V 3 South-eastern Nyctophilus corbeni V V Within species known range Vespertilionidae Long-eared Bat Within species known range and Elapidae Furina dunmalli Dunmall’s Snake V V habitat type Elapidae Hemiaspis damelii Grey Snake E - 2 (1 specimen record) Scincidae Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink V V 1 Dulacca Woodland Within species known range and Adclarkia dulacca V - Camaenidae Snail habitat type Flora Red-soil Woolly Rutidosis lanata V - 1 (1 specimen record) Asteraceae Wrinklewort Within species known range and Poaceae Homopholis belsonii Belson’s Panic E V habitat type *V = Vulnerable; PE = Presumed extinct; EX = Extinct; E = Endangered

4.1.3. RE and TEC Assessment

Appendix E shows mapped RE (DSITI 2016) for the Site. RE 11.4.3 is mapped as present throughout the Site other than the Highway itself.

Rev A 4 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

4.2. Field Survey

4.2.1. Flora Survey

It was found that due to the narrowly linear configuration of vegetation and uniform habitat (RE) throughout the Site, a single meander thoroughly surveyed each patch of habitat. Appendix A shows track files for the three timed meanders at the Site. These traversed a number of narrow linear strips of vegetation located on both sides of the Highway. No EVNT listed flora species were encountered during the timed meander surveys. Field inspection indicated that suitable habitat for the grass Homopholis belsonii was present at the Site, though soil disturbance and a predominance of non-native grasses were likely to impact on the species (TSSC 2008).

4.2.2. Incidental Fauna Survey

No EVNT listed fauna were detected during the survey. It is considered that two fauna species potentially present are likely to be present at the Site. The Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta) is a spring-summer breeding visitor to southern inland Queensland where it is strongly associated with the presence of abundant mistletoes in and Acacia communities, including roadside remnant vegetation (Watson 2012, TSSC 2015). Several species of mistletoe were detected in high abundance in Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) and other host species at the Site and it is likely that the species is a seasonal visitor to the Site. Heavy cracking clay soils with gilgai micro-relief were present in part of the Site and aerial photograph interpretation shows that this soil type is widespread in areas adjacent to the Site. This is favoured habitat for the Grey Snake (Hemiaspis damelii) (Hobson 2012) and it is likely that the species is present in at least part of the Site. 4.2.3. RE and TEC Assessment

The entirety of the Site was located within mapped (DSITI 2016) remnant vegetation currently mapped as RE 11.4.3. The presence of woody vegetation corresponding to this RE was confirmed. However, within the Site the vegetation was confined to narrow (2-10 m width) discontinuous linear strips with cleared intervening spaces of varying length. On the southern side of the Highway this vegetation was connected to retained shadelines on an adjacent grazing property. On the northern side of the Highway the RE was confined to a very narrow strip of advanced regrowth (tall shrubland to open forest) between the Highway and a railway immediately adjacent to the north. The habitat types encountered and their corresponding RE are as follows: Advanced regrowth of Acacia harpophylla tall shrubland to open forest with a sparse lower shrub layer on clay plains (RE 11.4.3); Remnant Acacia harpophylla open forest with a sparse lower shrub layer on clay plains (RE 11.4.3); Ground-truthed RE present within the Site is mapped in Appendix F. Note that while some of the vegetation present is attributable to RE 11.4.3 on floristic and structural features, its configuration would not allow mapping at the 1:100,000 scale used for vegetation mapping in inland Queensland as the width of the linear strips is far less than the minimum 75 m mappable at this scale (Neldner et al. 2012). Other areas described as advanced regrowth do not currently meet structural thresholds for the RE (DEHP 2016d) and would not be mapped in State mapping as remnant (as defined by the Vegetation Management Act 1999 – Queensland Government 2016). As a result current mapping (DSITI2016) over-estimates the extent of remnant RE 11.4.3 present at the Site. The structural and floristic characteristics of these communities were surveyed (quaternary assessment) at two representative sites, Q1-WA and Q2-WA. Results of these assessments are shown in Appendix H. A list of plant species encountered within each RE/TEC during the survey is shown at Appendix I. Representative images of vegetation are shown in Appendix J. The RE 11.4.3 is a component RE of the Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) TEC (TSSC 2013). For each area of potential TEC an assessment of the vegetation was made against TEC threshold criteria (TSSC 2013). Most patches of potential TEC were excluded on the basis that they were less than 0.5 ha in extent (Appendix G). One strip on the northern side of the Highway (western end) exceeds the area threshold. However, this strip is not considered to meet condition criteria in that it is very narrow (averaging <3 m width) with non-native grasses dominant at its edges (Figure 3) and very common evidence of soil and vegetation disturbance, both previous and current (Figures 5, 6), throughout the length of the strip. The location of the strip, essentially sandwiched between Rev A 5 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes the Highway and an access track following a fenced boundary of the railway reserve, would suggest that disturbance is likely to continue and opportunities to mitigate this are constrained. Only one area is considered to meet the condition criteria, this being a strip on the south-eastern end of the Site and extending eastward beyond the Site boundary (Figure 1). 4.3. Summary of Potential Impacts on Conservation Values

4.3.1. Flora

No EVNT flora species were detected during the survey. It is considered that potential habitat for the grass Homopholis belsonii is present on the Site. Much of this is impacted by previous disturbance to soil and vegetation due to road works and fence construction with associated ingress of non-native grasses, especially Green Panic. The most likely area of occurrence is in remnant RE 11.4.3 located in the south-east of the Site. Disturbance to this area should be avoided. 4.3.2. Fauna

NO EVNT fauna species were detected during the survey. Potential habitat for the Painted Honeyeater and the Grey Snake was present at the Site. The Painted Honeyeater feeds on mistletoe fruits (Watson 2012), a resource widely distributed and seasonally abundant at the Site where several mistletoe species (Appendix I) are present. Any removal of Brigalow (the most important host plant at the Site) is likely to impact on this resource. It is however an abundant resource in regrowth and remnant Brigalow vegetation communities in the wider area (R. Johnson, pers. comm.). The Grey Snake shelters in cracking clay soils and forages for frogs in seasonally inundated areas (Hobson 2012). Gilgai soils supporting seasonal wetlands are present south of the Highway and this habitat extends into the south-east of the Site. Disturbance to this area should be avoided. 4.3.3. RE and TEC

Ground-truthing showed RE 11.4.3 and TEC to be confined to one patch at the south-east of the Site and extending eastward beyond the Site. Within the Site it occupied an area of approximately 1.4 ha. Disturbance to this area should be avoided. 5. Conclusions & Recommendations

5.1. Conclusions

A survey of the ecological values of roadside vegetation was conducted within the proposed disturbance footprint within a section of road reserve traversed by the Warrego Highway. No NC Act listed EVNT flora or fauna species were detected. It was considered that two fauna species are likely to use the Site, these being the Painted Honeyeater and the Grey Snake. The presence of the RE 11.4.3 was confirmed within the Site but occupying a lesser extent than indicated by State vegetation mapping. Part of this vegetation was considered to meet criteria for classification as Brigalow TEC. 5.2. Recommendations

It is recommended that: The findings of this report should be considered during clearing for road construction purposes so that disturbance to remnant and advanced regrowth of RE 11.4.3 is avoided where practicable; Where clearing of vegetation cannot be avoided it should be confined to the vegetation to the northern side of the Highway, avoiding the vegetation to the southern side, particularly that mapped as remnant RE/TEC. 6. References

ALA (2016). Atlas of Living Australia: Explore Your Area. http://biocache.ala.org.au/explore/your-area

Bostock, P.D. and Holland, A.E. (eds.) (2015). Census of the Queensland Flora 2015. Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/census-of-the-queensland-flora-2015 Rev A 6 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes DEHP (2014). Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants. Nature Conservation Act 1992. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants- animals/documents/flora-survey-guidelines.pdf

DEHP (2016a). Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected- plants/map-request.php

DEHP (2016b). Request a species list (Wildlife Online search). Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/report-request/species-list/

DEHP (2016c). WetlandInfo: Plants, animals, soils, water and more. Species information. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. http://wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/

DEHP (2016d). Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD).Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants- animals/plants/ecosystems/descriptions/

DSITI (2016a). HERBRECS Queensland Herbarium specimen database. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/

DSITI (2016b). Copy of the Remnant Regional Ecosystem Map Version 9. Online RE Map. The Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, Brisbane. https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/map-request/re-broad-veg- group/

DSITIA (2013). Collection and preserving plant specimens, a manual. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/herbarium/collecting-manual.pdf

Hobson, R. (2012) Grey Snake. Pp. 245-246 in: Curtis, L. and Dennis, A. (eds). Queensland’s Threatened Animals. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B. A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H.A. (2012) Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland. Version 3.2. Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Queensland Government (2016). Vegetation Management Act 1999. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManA99.pdf Sattler, P. and Williams, R. (1999). The Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Chapter 11: Brigalow Belt. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, Brisbane. TMR (no date). Technical Brief for Environmental and Cultural Heritage Services for Flora Fauna Vegetation Survey. Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking lanes, Darling Downs District. Document No. P105/0611. Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government. TSSC (2008). Approved Conservation Advice for Homopholis belsonii. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Department of Environment, Canberra. Accessed 20/5/2016. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/2406-conservation-advice.pdf TSSC (2013). Approved Conservation Advice for the Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) ecological community. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Department of Environment, Canberra. Accessed 18/11/2015.http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/028-conservation- advice.pdf TSSC (2015). Approved Conservation Advice for Grantiella picta (Painted Honeyeater). Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Department of Environment, Canberra. Accessed 20/5/2016. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/470-conservation-advice.pdf Watson, D. (2012) Painted Honeyeater. Pp. 322-323 in: Curtis, L. and Dennis, A. (eds). Queensland’s Threatened Animals. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Rev A 7 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Appendix A. Site Location, Survey Plot Sites and Search Meanders.

Rev A 8 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 9 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Appendix B. Curricula Vitae for Survey Personnel.

Rev A 10 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes RICHARD JOHNSON Senior Ecologist

CAREER SUMMARY 2012 – Present Senior Ecologist, BOOBOOK 2001 – 2012 Nature Refuge Officer, Qld. Parks & Wildlife Service (Roma) 2008-2009 Senior Ranger, Threatened Species Unit, Environmental Protection Agency, Roma 1996 - 2001 Conservation Officer, Qld. Parks & Wildlife Service (Toowoomba, Moggill, Roma)

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Applied Science – Natural Systems & Wildlife Management, University of Queensland (Gatton Campus)

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS Hons. 1, Graham Saunders Memorial Award, University Medal

OTHER RELEVANT TRAINING Regional Ecosystem Framework: Identification and Classification

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS Environmental and Other Management Roles Currently senior ecologist for BOOBOOK which specialises in fauna and flora survey and related terrestrial ecological matters for the gas industry and other clients in southern inland Queensland: the role chiefly involves the planning, delivery and reporting of ecology projects Ecological assessment of 20-30 Nature Refuge proposals across the State, these varying in area to greater than 250,000ha Team leader, Habitat Case Studies Project, which used 12 case study properties in western Queensland to demonstrate integration of nature conservation into production use of farming and grazing enterprises Project manager and site supervisor for design and construction of facilities for northern hairy-nosed wombat translocation project, Yarran Downs Expert input to EPA Biodiversity Planning Assessments for Brigalow Belt, Mulga Lands and other bioregions of Queensland Supervision of professional teams of up to 8 persons and volunteer work groups of up to 12 persons Regulatory Approvals Provided comment and advice on conditions of Environmental Authorities and scope and techniques for biological surveys for gas industry activities in the Surat Basin Negotiation of conditions of conservation management agreements – a statutory instrument - for 20-30 nature refuges Threatened Species Searches Surveys for significant flora scheduled under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Nature Conservation Act 1992 with a focus on Brigalow Belt species 2012 - present: Australia Pacific LNG (Chinchilla-Kogan, Miles Gas fields) Ecology and Pre-clearance Assessments of coal seam gas infrastructure, including threatened flora searches 2012 - present: GLNG (Roma-Fairview-Denison-Arcadia gas fields) Ecology and Pre-clearance Assessments of coal seam gas infrastructure, including threatened flora searches General Field Surveys Field survey and reporting for ecological assessments, fauna surveys and pre-clearance ecological scouting on behalf of a diversity of clients in the gas and road infrastructure industries

Rev A 11 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Field ecologist, SEQ State Forest fauna surveys for the Regional Forests Agreement Field ecologist, fauna inventory surveys of Southwood, Wondul Range, Carnarvon, Culgoa Floodplain, Erringibba, Cooloola, Bladensburg and Simpson Desert National Parks Fauna and flora surveys conducted on private lands throughout western Queensland (Brigalow Belt, Mulga Lands, Channel Country, Mitchell Grass Downs, bioregions) as part of the Habitat Case Studies Project Provided advice on methodology for platypus surveys, Hutton Creek (Santos) Environmental Research Author of peer-reviewed journal articles relating to fauna of Queensland Contributing author to published works on vegetation management and fauna conservation in the Brigalow Belt Specialist knowledge of Brigalow Belt and eastern Mulga Lands fauna and flora, particularly rare and threatened species Team member, Brigalow Belt Reptile Recovery Project Panel member, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Back on Track II Reptile expert panel

Rev A 12 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Appendix C. Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map.

Rev A 13 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 14 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes Appendix D. Wildlife Online Search Results.

Rev A 15 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 16 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 17 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 18 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 19 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 20 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 21 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 22 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 23 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Appendix E. State Regional Ecosystems mapping within the Site.

Rev A 24 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Rev A 25

Appendix F. Ground-truthed Regional Ecosystems within the Site.

Rev A 26

Rev A 27

Appendix G. Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) within the Site.

Rev A 28

Rev A 29

Appendix H. Assessment Results for Quaternary Survey Sites.

Rev A 30

Rev A 31

Rev A 32 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Appendix I. List of Plant Species recorded at the Site.

Key: * indicates non-native plant species; NCA = Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld); EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth); LC = least concern; SLC = Special Least Concern plant. Family Scientific Name Common Name NC Act EPBC Act Status Status

Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet LC - Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern SLC - Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides New Zealand Spinach LC - Amaranthaceae Nyssanthes erecta Barbed-wire Weed LC - Apocynaceae Parsonsia eucalyptophylla Gargaloo LC - Apocynaceae Sarcostemma australe Caustic Vine LC - Asteraceae Aster subulatus* Wild Aster - - Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler’s Pegs - - Cactaceae Cereus uruguayanus* Apple Cactus - - Cactaceae Opuntia stricta* Common Pest Pear - - Cactaceae Opuntia tomentosa* Velvety Tree Pear - - Caesalpiniaceae Senna artemisioides subsp. zygophylla Butter Bush LC - Caesalpiniaceae Senna coronilloides Golden Cassia LC - Capparaceae Apophyllum anomalum Warrior Bush LC - Casuarinaceae Casuarina cristata Belah LC - Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush LC - Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed LC - Chenopodiaceae Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush LC - Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla Cotton Bush LC - Chenopodiaceae Rhagodia spinescens Thorny Saltbush LC -

Rev A 33 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Family Scientific Name Common Name NC Act EPBC Act Status Status

Chenopodiaceae Salsola australis Roly-poly LC - Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvanised Burr LC - Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena tetracuspis Brigalow Burr LC - Crassulaceae Bryophyllum x houghtonii* Hybrid Mother-of-millions - - Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis Slender Flat-sedge, Whisker Grass LC - Fabaceae Sesbania cannabina Sesbania Pea LC - Hemerocallidaceae Dianella sp. A Flax Lily - - Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Common Rush LC - Loranthaceae Amyema congener Variable Mistletoe LC - Loranthaceae Amyema maidenii Pale-leaved Mistletoe LC - Loranthaceae Amyema miquelii Bronze Mistletoe LC - Loranthaceae Amyema quandang Grey Mistletoe LC - oxycarpum Hill Hibiscus LC - Malvaceae hackettiana High Sida LC - Mimosaceae Acacia harpophylla Brigalow LC - Myoporaceae debilis Winter Apple LC - Myoporaceae Eremophila deserti Ellangowan Poison Bush LC - Myoporaceae acuminatum Boobialla LC - Myrtaceae Eucalyptus woollsiana Molly Box LC - Pittosporaceae Pittosporum angustifolium Weeping Pittosporum LC - Poaceae Ancistrachne uncinulata Hooky Grass LC - Poaceae Aristida sp. (infertile) A Wiregrass LC - Poaceae Chloris divaricata Slender Chloris LC - Poaceae Chloris gayana* Rhodes Grass - - Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris -

Rev A 34 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Family Scientific Name Common Name NC Act EPBC Act Status Status

Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed-wire Grass LC - Poaceae Dinebra decipiens A grass LC - Poaceae Eragrostis curvula* African Lovegrass - - Poaceae Eragrostis parviflora A Lovegrass LC - Poaceae Eragrostis trichophora* Hairy-flower Lovegrass - - Poaceae Eragrostis sp. A Lovegrass - - Poaceae Megathyrsus maximus* Green Panic - - Poaceae Paspalidium caespitosum Brigalow Grass LC - Poaceae Walwhalleya subxerophila Gilgai Grass LC - Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea* Pigweed - - Rubiaceae Psydrax oleifolia Myrtle Tree LC - Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga LC - Santalaceae Santalum lanceolatum Sandalwood LC - Sapindaceae Atalaya hemiglauca Whitewood LC - Solanaceae Solanum nigrum* Black-berry Nightshade - - Solanaceae Solanum parvifolium Small-leaved Nightshade LC - Thymelaeaceae Pimelea microcephala Shrubby Rice-flower LC - Verbenaceae Glandularia aristigera* Mayne’s Pest - - Viscaceae Viscum bancroftii Brigalow Jointed Mistletoe LC -

Rev A 35 Flora/Fauna/Vegetation Survey – Project 222-18C-9 Overtaking Lanes

Appendix J. Representative Images.

Figures 1, 2: Remnant RE 11.4.3 in the vicinity of survey site Q2-WA: -26.6772°S, 150.4429°E (left). This vegetation qualifies as TEC. Note that many mature Brigalow trees are dead. A mid-dense layer of recruit stems is present as a lower shrub layer (right).

Figures 3, 4: Advanced regrowth of RE 11.4.3 in the vicinity of survey site Q1-WA: -26.6773°S, 150.422°E (left). Structurally similar vegetation present on the northern side of the highway is in very narrow strips subject to incursion by exotic grasses, especially Green Panic (right).

Figures 5, 6: Disturbance to soil and vegetation was common, especially on the northern side of the highway. Old earthworks were evident in piled earth (left), while more recent clearing to access the fence along the rail reserve was present (right).

Rev A 36