bulk email and a handout in Appendix 1 Notices. We were agreeably surprised at the positive response. Many landholders were concerned about the impact of mining on their properties, and made us very welcome. We were given the use of showers and toilets etc. in some delightful campsites. Paola Cassini at Bimblebox even provided us with great meals. One offer of hospitality came directly from the ABC Breakfast Session, and another as a response to the first bulk email in Appendix 1 Survey personnel Sixteen volunteers from BirdLife Southern Queensland (14) and BirdLife Townsville (2) took part. No members from the BTR Recovery Team, BirdLife Capricornia or BirdLife North Queensland were available. The volunteers worked as two independent groups. See Appendix 2 The Team Survey area Initially it had been planned to do three 500m surveys and twelve 2HA Atlas plus Habitat surveys each morning, and optional incidental searches in the afternoons. It soon became apparent that organisation time and distances between sites permitted less surveys – in many cases the 2HA and Habitat surveys were omitted.

Survey Sites

See list in Appendix 3 Survey Sites. In the Galilee Basin, BTFs had been found in grassy, open woodlands and forests of Regional Ecosystem 10.5.5 - Eucalyptus melanophloia (Silver-leafed Ironbark) open woodland on sand plains. When it became apparent that many of the property managers of the ten properties with this RE were happy to give permission for surveys, it was decided to concentrate on these. It was found that the Stock Routes in the area were all unfenced, and largely unused, so little attention was given to them, and there was no time for the rail corridors, National Parks or Nature Refuges. The heavy rain and flooding in the week before meant several sites were inaccessible. Rain on the last Friday meant that repeat surveys of Bimblebox were truncated. The 16 volunteers were divided into 2 Groups, which met at Bimblebox for a briefing, but then travelled independently. Group 1 camped at Speculation, Doongmabulla, Lake Buchanan, and met Group 2 again at Degulla, and finally Bimblebox. Group 2 surveyed Bimblebox, then camped at Degulla, Bulliwallah and Mellaluka (properties in the flood plain of the Belyando River), and returned to Bimblebox via Degulla.

Surveying Methodology

Objective: To carry out bird surveys, using BirdLife Australia Atlas methods; these surveys to be permanently located for later repeat surveying. See Appendix 4 Survey Methodology. 2HA Search method. This involved searching a two-hectare area for 20 minutes by more than one observer. Bird species and numbers were be recorded. The site was usually an 80 metre radius circle. 500 Area Search method. Only bird species and not numbers are recorded at these sites. A 500 metre radius circle was used (an area of 80HA), unless the area was clearly defined by roads, fences, etc., where points may be less than 500 m from the centre. The standard survey procedure adopted was to search for birds for 1 hour and then use a stopping rule. Combined 2HA and 500m searches Along roads and stock routes three 2HA surveys were done in some 500m searches: one on the road, one around 400m to one side, and the third around 400m to the other side of the road line. Incidental searches Black-throated Finch surveys included systematic transects (along roads and tracks) through suitable habitat for sightings and the checking of flocks of other finch species. (The BTF is usually found within a few kilometres of water. It also forages in modified habitats such as grassy roadsides, rail corridors and beneath powerlines, where these

2 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc occur in proximity to intact woodlands.) Waterhole watches were not used (more useful in the dry season).

Acoustic Sensors

Five of these were supplied by Jason Wimmer (Queensland University of Technology) and were deployed on Bimblebox by Dave Stewart. These battery-operated recording devices continuously recorded for up to seven days.

Habitat Form Completed for most 2HA surveys.

Unusual Record Report Form

An Unusual Record Report Form was filled out each time a Black-throated Finch was sighted.

Whole Property Lists Lists of all the birds seen on each property visited for the whole time of the visit were compiled from the individual survey records plus any incidental observations. Since the radius was over 5Km, these were not reported to the Atlas

Data List were entered in Eremaea and the Atlas of Australian Birds. Surveys with Black-throated Finches were not reported to Eremaea, so that the exact Coordinates were not made public. Seven URRFs were sent to the Black-throated Finch Recovery Team and to the Atlas of Australian Birds. The sightings were accepted by the Recovery Team. Photos of birds and habitats are stored on a CD.

Group 1 Results Group 1 consisted of Ross (leader)and Cathy Smith, Margaret Cameron, Maggie Overend, Grahame and Donalda Rogers. These were entered by user BirdLife Southern Queensland in Eremaea and the Atlas (user 51029). Group 1 Surveys

Location Whole property - Number of 500m Number of 2HAAtlas Number of 2HA Species found Atlas surveys surveys habitat sheets Doongmabulla 79 3 4 4 Moonoomoo 83 3 3 3 Speculation 82 6 6 6 Yarrowmere 66 5 3 3 En route 2 1 TOTAL 19 17 16 Number of species found on different properties can not be compared, as there was not equal survey effort. * See also Group 2 surveys at Bimblebox and Degulla Black-throated Finches BTFs were found at 5 sites on 3 properties. Details in Appendix 5 Finding BTFs  Doongmabulla at the boundary with the Moray Downs, in EPC 1080 (Waratah Coal) and 1.5 Km from EPC 854 (Adani Mining Carmichael mine). The adjacent airstrip is used by Adani

3 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc  Yarrowmere beside Yarrowmere Road. 2 sites 250 m apart. 5.5 Km from EPC 926 (Vale Coal Exploration)  Moonoomoo at 2 sites 2 Km apart along the entrance track, in EPC1289 (Waratah Coal) Squatter Pigeons were often seen while we were driving round tracks and roads, and recorded on 12 surveys.

Group 2 Results Group 2 consisted of Eric Anderson (leader), Diana O'Connor, Sheena Gillman, David Stewart, Neil Humphris, Judy Leitch, Greg Neill, Tony Bayliss, Ian Leach and Janet Robino. The latter two are members of BirdLife Townsville. Greg Neill assumed leadership after the first week when Eric, Tony, Ian and Judy left. The properties visited are shown in the table below.

Group 2 surveyed in the eastern areas of the Galilee Basin. They spent a few days at Bimblebox and then moved north the properties named in the table below. For the Bimblebox surveys Group 1 surveyed five, and re-surveyed one, of the 80 ha sites and two of the 2ha sites. They also contributed to another 80 ha site. At Degulla some members from Groups 1 & 2 met up after surveying their sites and surveyed a new 80 ha site and re-surveyed four 80 ha sites.

At all properties the birds were recorded in two types of permanent sites based on the Birds Australia Area Search Methods, located by GPS. Both sites were circular around the central GPS location. 2 ha/20 minute sites – where bird species and numbers were counted in a 2 ha area in a 20 minute period. These sites were located inside the larger 80 ha sites. For all sites an Atlas Habitat Form: For 2-ha Search Areas was filled in. 500 m radius sites - where birds species but not numbers, were noted in a 500 m radius around a point (~ 80 ha) over a period of 60 to 90 minutes.

Birds were also recorded present for the property, ‘incidentally’, if they were found outside the recording areas and times described in a) and b) above and at any time while travelling to and from sites.

At Bimblebox the surveys were part of a long-term bird monitoring project that had been established in 2003 and previously re-recorded in 2005 and 2011. The 94 species recorded this time compare favourably to the numbers of 74, 61 and 93 found respectively in 2003, 2005 and 2011. New species have been found during each survey with the total numbers increasing from 74 to 82, 108 and to 122 following the recent visit. With input from other visitors the number of birds now recorded for Bimblebox is 149.

The Black-throated Finch was not seen during these eastern surveys except for one still to be confirmed sighting at Degulla. However from Degulla north the Squatter Pigeon was frequently found.

Group 2 Surveys * Includes one site that was surveyed twice ** Includes four sites that were surveyed twice

Location Whole property – Number of 500 m Number of 2 ha Number of 2 ha No. species found Atlas surveys Atlas surveys Habitat sheets Bimblebox 94 14 * 9 9 Bulliwallah 98 5 3 3 Degulla 124 12 ** 7 7 Mellaluka 103 5 4 En route 1 TOTAL 37 23 20

Acoustic Sensor Results Yet to be analysed.

4 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Safety Induction and Briefing A sign-on and risk assessment took place at 3 pm Sunday, 15 April at the Bimblebox camp. The preliminary assessment is in Appendix 6 Preliminary Risk Assessment. Fresh risk assessments were done at the beginning of each survey. Maps RACQ Map QDM5 Rockhampton Mackay Gladstone District Map gave a useful overview, but some unmaintained tracks shown as secondary roads required skilled driving. Topographic: 1:250 000: SF55-06 Buchanan; SF55-10 Galilee; SF55-06 Jericho. KMZ files showing proposed sites, BTF sightings, Stock Routes, and Cadastral boundaries were available for use in Google Earth. See sample in Appendix 7 Sample KMZ file Ecosystem maps of 10 Properties with RE10.5.5 were available. Costs Volunteers travelled at their own expense. A possible major grant did not eventuate, but $2,100 was made available from the BirdLife Southern Queensland Research Fund to provide a small fuel subsidy. Advisory A list of equipment required was issued to volunteers, and advice and rules about use of vehicles. See Appendix 8 Advisory. We were warned that feelings in Alpha and other centres both for and against mining could be very strong, and that it might be wise to adopt a low profile while there. However we did not experience any hostility during the survey. Roads and Vehicles

RACQ website: http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions was consulted because of the wet conditions. It does not have information about minor roads.

Since we were travelling in remote outback where mistakes can have severe consequences; for safety, only high clearance 4WD vehicles were allowed off public roads. Some equipment was mandatory for every participant and every vehicle:  Personal (carried on the person when leaving vehicle): GPS with spare batteries, waypoint of vehicle, magnetic compass, map, elasticised bandages, water (and hand-held UHF desirable).  Vehicle: tools and spares, tyre inflation device, spare tyre and tyre repair tools, tow rope (winch desirable). For work off public roads: vehicle-mounted UHF radio (hand-held not suitable).

Reference Material A large body of reference material was proved to surveyors via files in Dropbox.

Conclusion The expedition has added considerably to the data on birds in the area. It will help inform future biodiversity assessments. However, we have just scratched the surface. There is an urgent need for more surveys to fill the many gaps before it is too late.

Grahame Rogers Survey Organiser BirdLife Southern Queensland [email protected]

5 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 1 Notices

Email (Jan 2012):

Hi

BirdLife Australia (formerly Birds Australia) is offering free bird surveys in the Galilee Basin in late April 2012. There will be between 10 -15 people camping and surveying on properties.

They will be available to do surveys on properties in the area designated for mining and rail lines, even for those that cannot offer camping facilities.

The survey results will be recorded in the Atlas of Australian Birds, a recognised authority used in Environmental Impact Studies

If you are interested please contact me. Grahame Rogers | Deputy Convenor Birds Australia Southern Queensland [email protected] 07 4698 1727 44 Emu Creek Road, Crows Nest, Qld 4355

Second email in April (also used as a printed Handout)

A group of 16 volunteers from BirdLife Australia (http://www.birdlife.org.au/) will be in the coal mining claims section of the Galilee Basin from 15 April to 29 April to survey the birds that are present.

We are concerned that there is little information on birds in this area in the BirdLife Atlas of Australian Birds (http://www.birdata.com.au). This is one of the sources of information that is used in assessing Environmental Impact Statements under the Commonwealth EPBC Act.

We would be very pleased if you would grant us permission to survey on your property. We would check with you first before we did any surveys, and would take care not to interfere with your operations. The data we obtain will be submitted to the Atlas, and we will provide you with a copy.

Our methodology includes  intensive 20 minute 2 hectares surveys, where we attempt to list and count all the birds in an area  habitat descriptions of the 2HA area  one hour 500 metre surveys, where we attempt to list all the species within 500m of a central point  incidental surveys where we note the location of a particular species.

The areas we are interested in include those that will be affected by mining or the planned rail corridors. In particular we want to visit sites where the Black-throated Finch has bee seen in the past , and the habitats that it seems to prefer (Regional Ecosystem 10.5.5). We are also interested in any effect on the Stock Route Network.

6 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 2 The Team

Team1 Grp2 Name Vehicle Rego Seats3 Contact note A 2 Humphris,Neil Landcruiser 000IPP 2 [email protected]

A 2 Leitch, Judy [email protected]

B 2 Leatch, Ian Pajero GOZ01 4 [email protected]

B 2 Robino, Janet [email protected]

C 1 Smith, Ross Pajero 631 GFC 4 [email protected] I/C Group 1

C 1 Smith, Cathy Safety Officer Group 1 C 1 Cameron, Margaret [email protected] Subaru 833 JXP between camps

C 1 Overend, Maggie [email protected] Arriving with Margaret

D 1 Rogers, Grahame Pajero 423 LMZ 2 [email protected] D 1 Rogers, Donalda E 2 Anderson, Eric Prado 428 HUB 3? [email protected] Depart 23rd. I/C Bimblebox surveys, Group 2 E 2 O'Connor, Diana F 2 Stewart, David Hilux 277 LKL 3 [email protected] Arrive 17th I/C Acoustic sensors

F 2 Gillman, Sheena G 2 Neill, Greg Patrol 979HWX 1-3 [email protected]

H 2 Bayliss, Tony Landcruiser 394 RQG 1-2 [email protected] Arrive 16th Note1: the Teams (A- H) are the people who have currently arranged to travel together on the surveys. These teams may change from day to day. 2. Grp (Group). For most surveys we will travel as 2 independent groups

3. Seats. Total seats available for field surveys.

7 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 3 Survey Sites

Site Reason Property Owner CoordinatesPermissio Camp Albro RE10.5.5 Albro GRobertson(mgr) 22°42'15.90"S,146°34'9.64"E n Beenboona RE10.5.5 BeenboonaJohn Lund/ Robert and Wendy 21°51'36.52"S,146°41'55.72"E F19/5/11 BTFseenBimblebox Camp Bimblebox RE10.5.5 Bimblebox Paola Cassini 23°26'30.00"S, 146°24'4.00"E F 11/2011 BTF seen Bimblebox? Yes F 27/12/81 BTF seen Bulliwallah Dale Appleton 21°34'48.00"S, 146°34'48.00"E Yes Bygana RE10.5.5 Bygana Lyrana Pty Ltd 22°11'59.00"S, 146°32'45.00"E F 1/1/70 BTF seen Clare Alan and Lorna Parker Degulla Lagoon RE10.5.5 Degulla Joanne Salmond 22°47'57.44"S, 146°31'1.58"E Yes Camp F 2/9/87 BTF seen Doongmabulla Yes Camp Doongmabulla RE10.5.5 Doongmabulla Bob & Raye O'Sullivan 22° 4'12.98"S, 146°14'39.09"E Hazelmere habitat Hazelmere Jenny Bambling 22° 29' 1"S, 145° 43' 1"E No F 4/3/81 BTF seen Hyde Park Hyde Park RE10.5.5 Hyde Park Jason & Judy Howard 21°40'50.22"S, 146°27'13.65"E F30/9/78 BTFseen Laglan 22°30'0.00"S,146°30'0.00"E No Laglan RE10.5.5 Laglan Charles,GraceLund 22°29'43.12"S,146°40'4.23"E F11/12/99 BTF seen Lake Dunn/Fortuna F:Margaret,Ashley,Nina House Lennox RE10.5.5 Lennox BarryandKimberleyJohnson 22°55'24.99"S,146°9'13.50"E F27/5/87 BTFseen LouLouPark Tony&TajJones Yes Melaleuca RE10.5.5 Mellaluka Bruce,SamanthaCobb -22°19'4.26",+146°28'3.00" Yes Camp F8/81 BTFseenMoonoomoo Yes F5/8/98 BTFseen Moonoomoo F25/9/99 BTFseen Moonoomoo Moonoomoo RE10.5.5 Moonoomoo Matt&NicoleStevenson 21°51'1"S, 146°3'1"E MorayDowns RE10.5.5 MorayDowns Adani/GraemeActon(lease) 21°57'2.64"S,146°37'55.74"E Speculation RE10.5.5 Speculation BruceCurrie 23°1'1"S,146°11'1"E Yes Camp Surbiton Alpha Coal Surbiton Elsie Dillon 23° 8'49.81"S, 146°37'5.35"E F5/5/2001 BTFseen Ulcanbah Robert&LindaHollingsworth(mgr) F5/5/2001 BTFseen Carmichael HaroldandWendyHerrod Wendouree AlphaCoal Wendouree DougandSharonCarruthers 23°10'21"S,146°29'42"E Yes Yarrowmere RE10.5.5 Yarrowmere Kevin&DaphneHerrod 21°27'1"S,145°52'1"E Yes Camp F30/4/98 BTFseen Yarrowmere F2/5/2001 BTFseen Yarrowmere

F dd/mm/yy = date Black-throated Finches reported

8 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 4 Survey Methodology Standard methods used for the Atlas of Australian Birds www.birdlife.org.au/projects/atlas-and-birdata/become-an-atlasser

2HA Search method. This involves searching a two-hectare area for 20 minutes preferably by more than one observer. Bird species and numbers will be recorded. At springs/bores, the site will be centred on the spring/bore. Away from spring/bore, the site is centred on the track (unless noted otherwise) and an Atlas Habitat Form filled in. An 80 metre circle centred on the GPS location is the simplest method, but in a fenced area it may be more convenient to uses a 100 x 200m, or 50 x 400m rectangle. The shape used should be noted in the comments at the end of the Atlas Record. Birds heard only can be recorded if you are absolutely certain of the ID (beware mimics). For rare birds, a photograph will help! Do not record birds outside the area. We will have a minimum of 2 observers for each survey. 500 Area Search method. Only bird species and not numbers are recorded at these sites. Location of the sites is similar to 1 above. A 500 metre radius circle is used, unless the area is clearly defined by roads, fences, etc., where points may be less than 500m from the centre. The standard survey procedure adopted is to search for birds for 1 hour and use a stopping rule: if no new bird species are found in the last 15 minutes then the survey ceases when the hour is reached. If a new bird species is found in the last 15 minutes then continue searching for another 15 minutes from when the new species is found. Again if a new species is found continue for another 15 minutes. However, the survey time at any site is not to exceed 2 hours. Combined 2-ha and 500m searches Spend 20 minutes Atlassing in a 2-hectare area, while at the same time also recording the birds that occur outside that area; after your 20 minutes is up, you can continue birding within the 500-metre radius, within or outside of the 2- hectare area. You could conduct multiple 2-hectare Searches in conjunction with a 500-metre Area Search. The only thing you will need to remember is to make a note in your birdlist of which species were seen within the 2- hectare area. When you submit your results, all you have to do is fill out a separate Atlas Record Form for the 2-hectare survey (species and numbers) and then, on another Atlas Record Form, again record the species you recorded in the 2- hectare survey (without numbers) and then add any extra species you saw outside the area (but within the 500-metre survey area) or in extra time. It is important to remember that if you are only recording a few of those annoying extra birds that did not quite make it into the 2 hectares or the 20 minute period, this should be submitted as an Incidental record, while a comprehensive search within the 500-metre area will constitute a 500-metre Area Search. (from Atlas News14-Dec10). Along road and stock routes, where permission is obtained, do at least three 2HA surveys in the 500m search. One in the centre, one centred 400m to the eastern/northern side, and the third centre 400m on the western/southern side of the road line.

9 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 5 Finding Black-throated Finches Poephila cincta cincta — Black-throated Finch (southern)

Habitat: The Black-throated Finch (southern) occurs mainly in grassy, open woodlands and forests, typically dominated by Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Melaleuca, and occasionally in tussock grasslands or other habitats (for example freshwater wetlands), often along or near watercourses, or in the vicinity of water. Almost all recent records of the finch from south of the tropics have been in riparian habitat. The subspecies is thought to require a mosaic of different habitats in which it can find seed during the wet season. (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=64447, 1/6/2012) The Recovery team advised that the BTFs at Moray Downs were found on regional ecosystem (RE) 10.5.5 (See page 14). While this was based on a limited number of surveys and as such other habitats cannot be discounted, it is a good starting point for the on ground surveys. Thirteen sites in our survey area has this RE. (Beenboona, Bimblebox, Bygana, Degulla, Doongmabulla, Hyde Park, Laglan, Lennox, Mellaluka, Moonoomoo, Moray Downs, Speculation, Yarrowmere) In the Galilee Basin survey, we visited seven of these (Bimblebox, Degulla, Mellaluka, Speculation, and three where we knew that BTFs had been reported: Doongmabulla, Moonoomoo, Yarrowmere. We found BTFs again on the last three.

Sightings Coordinates of the sightings are available for legitimate research. The first birds were found on Doongmabulla, in a site on the Eastern boundary chosen for a 500m survey around 3 km from the nearest area shown as RE 10.5.5. (Access to the 10.5.5 areas was difficult because of boggy tracks.) The site is in Exploration Permit Coal (EPC) 1080 (Waratah Coal) and 1.5 km from EPC 854 (Adani Mining Carmichael mine). The adjacent airstrip is used byAdani Sighting 1 (D1a URRF). 9:05 am, 20/4/2012. Two birds flew for about 5 m in a straight line from a patch of grass and perched briefly on a tree branch at eye level. They were silent. It was near a fence in an area of open forest with seeding native grasses and a bit of buffel, and about half exposed reddish sandy loam with brown and reddish pebbles on top. Margaret Cameron Sighting 2 (D1b URRF). 10:20 am, 20/4/2012. Same location as Sighting 1. One adult BTF flew across the fence from a wide cleared firebreak on Moray Downs and perched 2.5 m up a small tree. Remained there quietly for around 15 minutes. Observed by Grahame Rogers, Ross and Cathy Smith, Margaret Cameron, and Donalda Rogers.

East across the fence to Moray Downs Black-throated Finch West towards airstrip Sighting 3 (D1c URRF). 10:20 am, 20/4/2012. 15 m north along the fence of sighting 2. Two adults and one (possibly ) immature. Observed for 10 minutes by Ross and Cathy Smith. In all 3 sightings the birds did not call, and moved west. The site 5.5 km from EPC 926 (Vale Coal Exploration)

10 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Sighting 4 (Y3a URRF). 11.45 am 22/4/12. 200 m SE Yarrowmere Road. One BTF flew up from the ground into a tree, perching for a couple of minutes on a horizontal branch about 3m above the ground. Seen by Grahame and Donalda Rogers.

Looking NE from site Y3a Looking NW from site Looking SE from site Looking SW from site

Margaret Cameron had seen a group of BTFs nearby a few minutes before. They are on the thin branch in the middle of the picture on the right, about a third of the way up right on an elbow-like angle. This site is interesting as it was the only place where BTF were seen right inside the trees.

Sighting 5 (Y3b URRF). 12:15 pm 22/4/2012. Yarrowmere Road. Seven BTFs perched in Silver-leafed Ironbark tree at the road verge, and moving from tree to tree. Then 12 birds seen feeding beside the road and approaching a small puddle in the table drain for a drink. Then flew up into tree above at a height of over 8 m. Seen by Ross and Cathy Smith, Margaret Cameron, Maggie Overend, Grahame and Donalda Rogers

Sighting 6 (M1w URRF). 7.55 am 23/4/2012. 300 m SW track in to Moonoomoo HS. BTFs reported near here in 1988 and 1999. Landholder reports seeing BTFs often. Ten BTFs flew up from from a fairly dense and tall area of native grasses to perch in Silver-leafed Ironbarks. Observed cleaning beaks on branches. Seen by Ross and Cathy Smith while doing a 2 hectare Atlas survey.

11 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Sighting 7 (M3 URRF). 11.45 am 23/4/2012. Dam on track into Moonoomoo SE of boundary fence. Birds seen 330 m from the dam at the edge of the clearing. A large number of cattle were coming and going across the clearing. Ten BTFs were feeding on the ground in company of 3 Plumhead, 12 Zebra and 6 Double-barred Finches on bare patches surrounded by 15cm-tall grasses in open woodland. They moved rapidly from bush to bush until they landed again to feed. Seen by Ross and Cathy Smith, Margaret Cameron, Maggie Overend, Grahame and Donalda Rogers. The Moonoomoo sites are in EPC1289 (Waratah Coal)

Black-throated Finch perching Black-throated Finch feeding

Grasses

Habitat to the North Habitat to the East

Habitat to the South (note cattle) Habitat to the West Grasses Grasses. From our collection of not very good photos, the following grasses were thought to be present at this site: Digitaria brownii. Digitaria ciliaris (Summer Grass), Aristida calycina, Bothriochloa pertusa, Dichantheum sericeum/ (?).

12 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc How to find them 1. Habitat We stopped at likely habitat (see above) and found BTF where grass not excessively dense and not mainly buffel, with lots of bare patches of soil. From Margaret Cameron: One thing that has struck me looking back, and compared to say the Doublebars (here as well as there) and the Plummies here, is how often we saw the BTFs above head height. For example the ones we saw at the Moonoomoo dam - (I think it was - where you took the pictures of the grass seeds) we actually found because we knew they were there after Maggie saw them flying back from the dam really high and stopping on the way on top of the highest sticking up branches whereas the Doublebars tended to stop a bit lower down. i think that as well as listening i have tended to look for them feeding in the grass etc and next time I will spend more time looking up as once they have been disturbed that's where they are more likely to be. And they tend to sit still up there, saying nothing, for quite a long time - my doublebars in my garden even when worried can't sit still up there for more than a minute if as long as that. I tend to look for movement and so could miss BTFs. (And maybe did!) From Ross Smith I agree with Margaret about looking up in trees to find them and to stress that most times they were seen in Silver-leaf Ironbarks. Where they sat very quietly and motionless for most of the time we observed them.

2. Find mixed flocks Independently in late April, Eric Vanderduys and April Reside drove down Yarrowmere Road, the Pentland-Aramac Road, and Doongmabulla Road to Carmichael Station. Eric's Report. Notes on Black-throated finches seen. All apart from two individuals were part of mixed flocks. Minimum species membership of the mixed flocks was BTF, Little Woodswallows, Rufous Songlarks and Whitewinged Trillers. Other common member species were other finches (e.g. Zebra, Plum-head, Double-bar, Pictorella), Red-backed Fairy-wrens, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin. This type of mixed flock is consistent with “types” identified in recent mixed flock paper (Vanderduys et al 2012, see Just Accepted tab at http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96.htm). All instances where BTF was detected (apart from the two individuals), the mixed flock was detected first; mixed flocks are highly visible from the road, usually first noticed because of LW and /or RS rising from the ground at the approach of vehicle. Once stopped, the BTFs were usually initially detected by listening for their occasional calls as they weren’t necessarily visually obvious among the chaos of the mixed flocks. Galilee Survey Group 1 found them as a single Finch species in 4 out of 5 surveys. We found Brown Tree-creepers at the same sites as BTFs, presumably because they prefer similar habitat. 3. Listen for the calls The call of the southern sub-species has not been recorded. In November 2011. several observers heard calls similar to the northern sub-species Poephila cincta atropygialis (on the BOCA CD) just north of the boundary fence of Bimblebox. Their record was not accepted by the Recovery team. Group 1 rarely heard BTFs calling. There was a “bleating” call thought to be more musical than the northern ones on the CD. 4. Use Camera Traps A technique worth investigating.

13 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Regional ecosystem details for 10.5.5

Vegetation Management Act class (November 2009): Least concern Biodiversity status No concern at present Subregion 2, 4, 3 Estimated extent In December 2006, remnant extent was > 10,000 ha and >30% of the pre-clearing area remained. Extent in reserves Low Short description Eucalyptus melanophloia open woodland on sand plains Structure category Very sparse Description: Mostly Eucalyptus melanophloia open-woodland with open-grassland understorey of Aristida spp. and/or Triodia spp. Occasionally present are small areas of Acacia sericophylla or Archidendropsis basaltica or rarely grassland. Occurs on loamy red and yellow earths on undulating sandplains. (BVG1M: 17b) Major vegetation communities include: 10.5.5a: Eucalyptus melanophloia open-woodland. Eucalyptus melanophloia dominates the very sparse canopy (8-19m tall). Corymbia plena and C. dallachiana are occasionally codominants in the canopy. Petalostigma pubescens and Acacia spp. occasionally occur as dominants or as scattered tress in the very sparse to mid-dense low tree layer. Carissa lanceolata, Sydrax oleifolius and Maytenus cunninghamii frequently occur in the very sparse to sparse shrub layer (0.5-4m tall). Triodia pungens is often dominant in the very sparse to mid-dense ground layer. Aristida spp., Bothriochloa ewartiana, Eriachne mucronata, Eragrostis lacunaria and Heteropogon contortus occasionally occur as dominant or codominant graminoids. Other commonly occurring graminoids include Enneapogon polyphyllus, Chrysopogon fallax and Themeda triandra. Evolvulus alsinoides, Dipteracanthus australasicus and Rostellularia adscendens are occasionally occurring forbs. Occurs on sandplain. (BVG1M: 17b) 10.5.5b: Acacia coriacea low open-woodland. Acacia sericophylla dominates the very sparse canopy(4-7m tall). Triodia pungens, Amphipogon caricinus and Aristida holathera are dominant or codominant graminoids in the very sparse to sparse ground layer. Occurs on sandplain. (BVG1M: 27a) 10.5.5c: Callitris glaucophylla open-woodland. Callitris glaucophylla dominates the very sparse canopy (8-14m tall) and very sparse to sparse subcanopy (3-6m tall). Corymbia plena occurs as emergent tree (14-18m tall). Petalostigma pubescens and Olearia subspicata are usually present as scattered shrubs (0.5-1.5m tall). Triodia pungens dominates the very sparse ground layer. Eriachne aristidea, Aristida holathera and Calandrinia balonensis are usually present. Occurs on sandplain. (BVG1M: 20a) Supplementary description Gunn et al. (1967), Le, Mo, Rn, Ti; Lorimer (1998), Ms6, Ms7; Thompson and Turpin (in prep), A2a, E15A, M4, G12a; Turner et al. (1978), B1, E3, E4; Turner et al. (1993), E1, E2, E3, E5, R1 Protected areas Cudmore NP, Cudmore RR, [White Mountains NP] Comments Mainly subregion 3. Threatening processes include clearing for pasture development.

14 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 6 Preliminary Risk Assesment

Control of Risk. General risks applying to the Surveys (detailed assessments will be done by the leader during the sign-on at 3 pm Sunday 15 April, and at each evening briefing.) No preliminary reconnaissance has been carried out, so conditions are not well known. Ask the locals.

Road Conditions. On visits to the area some years ago, we encountered very little bitumen, some rough gravel roads, severe bulldust, and roads which rapidly became untrafficable if wet. Currently many of the roads are wet and flood damaged. Check with the locals for road closures, and the RACQ website: http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions (may not have information about minor roads).

Beware kangaroos, emus, eagles on road kill. Beware stock on unfenced roads Do NOT swerve to avoid animals (danger of overturning).

Terrain and Track Conditions. Station tracks may require skilled driving and navigation. Some are washed out, rough. Avoid camping under trees where branches may fall. Respect private property. No permission – no go. Assume electric fences are live.

Risks to the Public. Do not block roads when you park. Expect station and mines exploration traffic. Leave gates as you find them. Do not disrupt station activities.

Animals. Beware scrub ticks. Prepare by putting insect repellent around your neck, waist and ankles before going out. Examine clothes and skin each evening. Douse embedded ticks with insect repellent, leave to die for a few hours then pull out with tweezers. If you leave the head behind, it will itch for a bit longer than if you get the whole tick. Expect bush flies, mosquitoes and sandflies. Lyclear Scabies treatment has been recommended. Expect bushflies, mosquitoes, sandflies.

Plants Be careful of your eyes in thick scrub. Avoid spreading weeds such as Parthenium.

Location Have a map with you. Mark a waypoint when you leave your vehicle, or the road.. Have a GPS with waypoints set, and a UHF on the set frequency. If more than 1 Km from a public road, at least two vehicles must go together.

Follow convoy procedures ( the one essential rule is to ensure that the vehicle BEHIND you turns off the track when you do.). Do a radio check before departure.

Do not leave camp on your own unless you leave a note on the notice board. Do not leave a group without telling the leader. Stick to agreed meeting times – always check how long until the group reassembles, and return on time.

Vehicle condition/ driver skills/ breakdown The nearest mechanic is in Alpha or Clermont.

Emergency Supplies Fuel is available at Alpha, Clermont, Belyando Crossing, but can run out. Carry a day’s supply of water and food.

Personal Protective Equipment. Sturdy footwear, sunsmart/bush clothing, pressure bandage for snake bite., GPS, compass, UHF. (Channel 15 unless otherwise advised.) Personal medicines and first-aid, tweezers.

15 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 7 Sample KMZ file

Shows all Black-throated Finch sites from the Galilee Survey, and one of the four sites along Doongmabulla Road where Eric Vanderduys and April Reside found BTFs.

16 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc Appendix 8 Advisory

Equipment required: Personal Protective Equipment: Sturdy footwear and sunsmart/bush protective clothes (leggings recommended); pressure bandage (for snakebite); Binoculars; GPS set to WGS84 and deg min sec (borrow one if you do not own one and practice using it, including entering and projecting waypoints); magnetic compass (Magnetic North is approx 8° East of True North); camera (mobile phone camera as a minimum!); backpack and water container. 2B pencil and eraser for Atlas forms. Spare batteries for camera, GPS etc. Camping gear. Be prepared to be completely independent. Some camp sites will have shelter, and power for charging camera batteries, etc., but not refrigerators. Camper trailers should be OK. Nearest food, fuel, public phone: Alpha (Lake Buchanan is ~300 Km away). Clermont (~150 Km east of Degulla) Limited supplies at Belyando Crossing (~150 Km from Lake Buchanan). Diesel and limited petrol at Doongmabulla in 20 litre lots, and emergency fuel may be available at other properties, but do not rely on it. Drinking water available from homesteads, but you may prefer to treat it. Always carry 24 hour supply for emergency. Optional: hand-held UHF ; telescope; sound-recording gear; cigar-lighter USB connector (for charging phones etc.); quiet 240volt generator ( to be used only in daylight hours). Vehicle: Public roads are gravel – accessible to conventional vehicles when dry. Only 4WD vehicles equipped with UHF travelling in pairs will be permitted off the public roads. Car pooling will be arranged. Next G mobile coverage is very limited - along Capricorn Hwy and some of the Gregory Development Road. See http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/ Telstra blue tick phone and modem work at Bimblebox.

17 of 17 5.4 Galilee Basin Survey 2012 Report.doc