environmental management MNES Ecological Assessment Report

Photo: Zone 1- Eucalyptus woodlands

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4.4.2 Zone 2 - Forestry Plantation Surveys of the broader Greater Springfield area, recorded a number of trial forestry plots, implemented by Australian Paper Mills who maintained forestry operations throughout the wider area. These plots included a variety of non- local Eucalyptus species.

A forestry plantation approximately seven (7) hectares in size containing (Sydney Blue Gum), (Flooded Gum) and Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) has been planted towards the northern portion of the site. The majority of this plantation is located within the mapped Endangered Regional Ecosystem community 12.8.24.

All of the are established specimens and in some cases over thirty (30) meters in height. Native woody species were recorded amongst the forestry plot that are typical of the current mapped Regional Ecosystem community however in the event of a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) application, this area would be removed from the remnant map as it does not meet the species composition of the mapped regional ecosystem communities.

Photo: Zone 2 – Forestry Plantation

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4.4.3 Zone 3 -Rocky Outcrops A number of rock outcrops were observed throughout the survey period providing some variation in the floristic composition, particularly within the ground and shrub layers. The majority of these outcrops are relatively small and contained little to no overhangs or any dens to support local fauna. These areas did however provide some potential habitat for the federal listed Plectranthus habrophyllus (Plectranthus), which is known to occur within rocky outcrop areas, as well as the State listed Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine). Extensive searches for these species were completed throughout the survey, however, only the common Plectranthus parviflorus (Plectranthus) was recorded.

Rock outcrops are relatively small and isolated and typical of the topography throughout the broader landscape.

Flora species typically recorded within the rock outcrop areas were generally consistent with adjacent vegetation and included Corymbia citriodora (Spotted Gum), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow Red Gum), Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood) and Eucalyptus acmenoides (White Mahogany). The sub canopy included species as well as excelsa (Soap ) and the occasional torulosa (Forest She Oak) and Petalostigma pubescens (Quinine Bush).

The ground and shrub layer contained a variety of species with species such as Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (Forest Grass Tree), Trema tomentosa (Poison Peach), Pomax umbellata (Pomax), Cheilanthes distans (Bristle Cloak Fern) recorded within each rock outcrop area.

Photo: Zone 3 – Rock Outcrops

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4.4.4 Zone 4 - Fire Impact Area Wild fire has impacted a large portion of the referral area with a significant area extending from the site’s eastern boundary encompassing residual evidence. The following observations were made throughout this portion of the site which has resulted in an altered woodland:  The understorey contains greater densities of Acacia species including Acacia leiocalyx (Early Flowering Black Wattle) and Acacia concurrens (Black Wattle). In some patches this regrowth is so thick, very few other flora species were recorded.  A significant number of dead stags were observed, however, very few retained any habitat values such as hollows to support local fauna.  A high number of canopy trees are experiencing dieback where the canopy is growing back towards the centre of the tree.  The majority of the non-shredding eucalypt trees such as Eucalyptus acmenoides (White Mahogany), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark) and Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow Leaf Ironbark) as well as Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood) retain soot high up into the canopy.  Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass) is the dominant grass within the ground layer where the impacts of fire are evident.

Photo: Zone 4 – Fire Impact Area

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4.4.5 Zone 5 -Lantana camara (Lantana) dominated understorey A relatively large polygon located towards the site’s north-west boundary contains a significant infestation of Lantana camara (Lantana). The majority of this infestation is observed with the mapped Endangered Regional Ecosystem 12.8.24 community as well as the planted forestry plot. The following observations were made throughout this polygon:  Although the survey tried to incorporate the majority of the infestation there were some patches within the polygon that forms dense, impenetrable thickets that appeared to be repressing native vegetation.  The infestation is most likely a result of the disturbance related to the forestry plot and clearing of vegetation for vehicle access. It also appears to have spread form the mapped waterway or drainage features and overland flow paths through to the higher order waterways outside of the referral area, where the infestations are very severe.

Photo: Zone 5 – Lantana dominated understory

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4.4.6 Plectranthus habrophyllus (Plectranthus) Plectranthus habrophyllus (Plectranthus) is restricted to South East Queensland near Ipswich and Ormeau and is known from six locations including Oxley Creek, Greenbank; Opposum Creek, Springfield, Woogaroo Creek, Goodna; three populations within White Rock Conservation Park incorporating Six Mile Creek Conservation Park; and near Ormeau, south of Beenleigh. Specific habitat characteristics have the growing on chert or sandstone outcrops in open woodlands often in shaded situations near vine forest. Searches for the species on-site therefore focussed on areas containing exposed sandstone rocks and were generally in association with targeted searches for Delma torquata (Collared Delma, refer Section 4.5.2 ).

Targeted meandering transect flora surveys over four (4) days in April and December 2016 were conducted throughout each identified potential habitat area (Plan 2) as well as general searches throughout most of the application site in this and previous survey periods. This species was not recorded on-site on any occasion. Another member of the same genus, Plectranthus parviflorus (Plectranthus) was found in scattered patches along the exposed rock outcrop. To ensure correct identification of the species, a sample was taken from the site and confirmed by Botanists from Queensland Herbarium as Plectranthus parviflorus. Plectranthus parviflorus is considered a common native species and is not protected under Commonwealth or State legislation.

4.4.7 Notelaea ipsviciensis (Cooneana Olive) Notelaea ipsviciensis (Cooneana Olive) is known from three closely clustered sub-populations in the Ipswich area, specifically Murphy’s Gully, another site adjacent to the Cunningham Highway and Bergin’s Hill. Each known location where this species has been recorded is surrounded by housing and industrial and/or mining properties. The species is readily discernible from other and the closely related Notelaea lloydii (Lloyd’s Olive), with which it shares habitat characteristics, and is known to survive as an understorey plant in degraded, eucalypt dominated dry sclerophyll vegetation communities. Substrate soils that support this species are sandstone based and generally of low fertility.

Targeted meandering transect flora surveys over four (4) days in April and December 2016 targeting this species were conducted the application site. Cooneana Olive was not recorded on any occasion on-site.

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4.5. Fauna Assessment

A fauna assessment was conducted in conjunction with the detailed vegetation assessment over the application site. The purpose of the survey was to identify habitat opportunities, observations of species presence and activity and undertake targeted searches for actual usage by threatened and significant fauna species.

An assessment of habitat preferences for all threatened species identified as potential to occur within the referral area resulted in specific targeted surveys for the following species.  Chalinolobus dwyeri (Large-eared Pied Bat)  Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern Quoll)  Dasyurus maculatus maculates (Spotted-tailed Quoll)  Delma torquate (Collared Delma)  Lathamus discolour (Swift Parrot)  Petrogale penicillata (Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby)  Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala)  Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying Fox)

A list of all fauna species observed across these properties is provided in Table 3.

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Table 3 : Fauna List Species Common Name

BIRDS

Alectura lathami Australian Brush-turkey

Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle

Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella

Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo

Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal

Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth

Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher

Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater

Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy Wren

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Minor

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie

Corvus orru Torresian Crow

Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Dove

Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote

AMPHIBIANS

Bufo marinus Cane Toad

REPTILES

Diporiphora australis Tommy Round-head

Pogona barbata Common Bearded Dragon

Varanus varius Lace Monitor

Cryptoblepharus virgatus Wall Skink

Lampropholis delicata Grass Skink

Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake

Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens Small-eyed Snake

Dendrelaphis punctulatus Common Tree Snake

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Species Common Name

Morelia spilota variegata Carpet Python

MAMMALS

Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum

Macropus parryi Whiptail Wallaby

Macropus giganteus Grey Kangaroo

Canis familiaris Dog

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying Fox

Sus scofa Pig

Photo: Squirrel Glider observed adjacent to the sites western boundary within Ironbark.

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Photos: Carpet python and small-eyed snake observed at night and Tommy Round head captured on leaf litter.

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4.5.1 Koala specific surveys Koala specific surveys were carried out by two ecologists from SHG on 7 th and 8 th September 2016. The objective of these surveys was to apply methods specified in the EPBC Act referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala , specifically the Spot Assessment Technique (SAT) and direct visual inspections.

The SAT method is an assessment of Koala activity involving a search for any Koalas and signs of Koala usage. The SAT involves identifying a non-juvenile tree of any species within the site that is either observed to have a Koala or scats or is known to be a food tree or otherwise important for Koalas, and recording any evidence of Koala usage of that tree including presence, identifiable scratches or scats. The nearest non-juvenile tree is then identified and the same data recorded. The next closest non-juvenile tree to the first tree is then assessed and so on until 30 trees have been recorded. The number of trees showing evidence of Koalas is expressed as a percentage of the total number of trees sampled to indicate the frequency of Koala usage. Assessment of each tree involves a systematic search for Koala scats beneath the tree within 1 m radius of the trunk. After approximately 2 minutes of searching for scats, the base of the trunk is observed for scratches and the crown for Koala.

Ten (10) SAT surveys were carried out at the site with the locations shown on Plan 2. Table 4, below, includes a summary of the results of the Koala habitat assessments as per the Australian Koala Foundation guidelines (refer Appendix F for full survey results).

A summary of the SAT results are provided in Table 4 . No Koalas were sighted during field surveys. Evidence of Koala usage in the form of scats was absent for almost all of the site, however some use was observed with Medium usage recorded only at site 8 and low use at SAT site 6 and site 9. These estimates are taken from the Australian Koala Foundation Koala activity level classification table (Phillips & Callaghan 2011) using the East Coast (med- high) Activity Category, which is applicable in habitats dominated by residual, transferral or alluvial type landscapes considered med-high nutrient soils with good water holding capacity (Steve Phillips, personal communication). Chromosols and Dermosols are mapped across the application area and suit this landscape description ( Section 3 and Figure 8 ).

Table 4: Summary of SAT Surveys SAT (Spot Assessment Technique) Evidence of Koala Use (%) Koala Use (High / Medium / Low) Assessment No. 1 0% No Use 2 0% No Use 3 0% No Use 4 0% No Use 5 0% No Use 6 16.70% Low 7 0% No Use 8 23.30% Medium 9 6.70% Low 10 0% No Use

SAT site 8 is located amongst the plantation area, which is currently mapped as containing Endangered Regional Ecosystem 12.8.24, whereas sites 6 and 9 are generally in areas dominated by Corymbia citriodora (Spotted Gum)

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with Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark) and Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood) also recorded. The remaining seven (7) SAT surveys did not contain any evidence of koala use.

Habitat assessments conducted by SHG as part of target surveys, concluded that while koalas are considered likely to occur on site, their occurrence is considered limited to transient individuals using the site as part of a broader home range.

4.5.2 Delma torquata (Collared Delma) Delma torquata (Collared Delma) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The species is considered a cryptic reptile, known mainly from eucalypt-dominated woodlands to open forest on alluvium of river and creek flats, undulating landscapes on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, and sandstone ridges. Delma torquata normally inhabits eucalypt-dominated woodlands and open forests within areas mapped as Land Zone 3, 9 and 10. Recognised habitat characteristics associated with vegetation types for the region west of Brisbane consists of a mid-storey of Alphitonia excelsa (Soap Tree), Acacia species, Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box), Hovea longifolia (Hovea) and Lantana camara (Lantana). A search of Wildlife Online for species records does not include Delma torquata as being observed within a five (5) kilometre radius of the site.

The majority of the subject site is mapped within land zone 9 and land zone 10, with the northern portion of the site containing elements of land zone 8. Land zone 9 is described as undulating country on fine-grained sedimentary rocks, generally with little or no deformation. Land zone 10 refers to sandstone ridges with medium to coarse- grained sedimentary rocks forming plateaus, benches and scarps. Site assessment confirmed the presence of both land zones, however, in the South East Queensland bioregion, they cannot be separated and are referred to as land zone 9-10.

The presence of rocks, logs, bark and other coarse woody debris, and mats of leaf litter are essential habitat characteristics for this species. As such, targeted investigations for Collared Delma focused on areas that suited these specific characteristics and within other rocky outcrops and surrounds in land zone 9-10 areas (refer Figure 4). Although considered marginal habitat, these exposed sandstone rocky areas containing a range of rock sizes as well as fallen logs, leaf and bark litter and coarse woody debris were specifically examined.

Targeted surveys were conducted over two 2) days and restricted to within four (4) hours of dawn as per EPBC Act guidelines. Searches included rock turning and raking of areas containing mats of leaf litter as well as general searches for the species throughout the survey period (refer Photos below). Pitfall trapping was not conducted as it is considered less likely than active searches to detect the species and problematic in terms of potential harm to non-target species.

No evidence of Delma torquata (Collared Delma) was observed on-site during targeted or opportunistic surveys. Due largely to a history of land clearing, past agricultural uses, including forestry practices, and the introduction of pastoral grasses and other weed species, it is considered that Delma torquata does not occur on this site.

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