Magnetic Island, Queensland Region EPBC Act Policy Statement 5.1 Disclaimer

Magnetic Island, Queensland Region EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 Disclaimer

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The contents of this document have been compiled using a range of source materials and is valid as at August 2010. The Australian Government is not liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the contents of the document. Contents

Introduction 2 How to interpret and apply these guidelines 3 Characteristics of Magnetic Island 4 Figure 1: Magnetic Island within the Great Barrier Reef 5

Matters of national environmental significance on Magnetic Island 6 Listed threatened species and ecological communities 7 Habitat distribution 7 Listed migratory species 7 Table 1: Listed threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species that may be found on or near Magnetic Island 8 Figure 2: Magnetic Island protected areas and habitat distribution 13 World heritage properties 14 National heritage place 15 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 15

Guidelines to determine the significance of impacts 16 Heritage 17 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts 17 Table 2: Examples of actions with the potential to have significant impacts on matters of national environmental significance and possible avoidance, reduction and mitigation measures 18 Table 3: Activities on Magnetic Island unlikely to have a significant impact 22

Further information 23

Appendix: World heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef and the contribution of Magnetic Island 24

1 Introduction

This policy statement provides Approval is required if the action has, information on matters of national will have, or is likely to have a significant environmental significance likely to impact on a matter of national environmental occur on Magnetic Island. significance. Matters of national environmental significance on Magnetic The matters of national environmental Island are discussed on page 6. significance are prescribed in the Australian Government’s national environment law— A ‘significant impact’ is an impact that is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity important, notable, or of consequence, Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and having regard to its context or intensity. those relevant to Magnetic Island include: Whether or not an action is likely to • listed threatened species and have a significant impact depends ecological communities upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the affected environment, and upon • migratory species protected under the intensity, duration, magnitude and international agreements geographic extent of the impacts. You • the Great Barrier Reef World should consider all of these factors when Heritage Area determining whether an action is likely to • the Great Barrier Reef National have a significant impact on matters of Heritage place, and national environmental significance. • the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This policy statement: This policy statement is designed to help • identifies key characteristics of any person proposing to start a new Magnetic Island development, activity or action on Magnetic • identifies matters of national environmental 1 Island decide whether the action will require significance on the island approval from the Australian Government • provides guidance on activities that may environment minister (the minister) under have a significant impact, and the EPBC Act. • identifies a range of actions that can be taken to avoid or reduce impacts.

1 This document applies to matters of national environmental significance within three nautical miles of Magnetic Island.

2 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland How to interpret and apply these guidelines

The measures outlined in this policy Are there any matters of national statement are not designed to be prescriptive, environmental significance located but rather to clarify the level and types of in the area of the proposed action? impact likely to be significant at a national See pages 6–15. level. This statement does not encompass all matters of national environmental Is there potential for impacts on matters significance on Magnetic Island and of national environmental significance? should be used as a guide only. See pages 16–22.

If you think that your action is likely to have Are there any proposed measures to avoid a significant impact on a matter of national or reduce impacts on matters of national environmental significance on Magnetic environmental significance? Island, or if you are unsure, you should See pages 17–22. submit a referral to the federal environment department (the department) for a decision by the minister. The minister will make a Are any impacts of the proposed action decision within 20 business days on on matters of national environmental whether approval is required under the significance likely to be significant EPBC Act. Substantial penalties apply impacts? See Table 2 for examples for taking an unapproved action that has, (pages 18–21). will have or is likely to have a significant impact without approval. Regardless of whether approval is required under the EPBC Act, separate To decide whether or not to refer an action environmental assessment and approval for a decision by the minister, you should may be required under the Great Barrier Reef consider the following questions: Marine Park Act 1975 and state and local government legislation.

You should consider the need to refer the action under the EPBC Act before any preliminary work such as clearing.

You should read this policy statement in conjunction with other relevant policy statements, in particular Significant impact guidelines 1.1—Matters of national environmental significance.

3 C haracteristics of Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island lies eight kilometres offshore from Townsville (Figure 1, page 5). It is located within the dry tropics region of north Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) and is part of the Townsville City local government area. The island is about 5184 ha in size, contains around 40 km of coastline and is the seventh largest and the fourth highest of the 600 Magnetic Island is surrounded by the Great continental islands in the GBRWHA. About Barrier Reef Marine Park (Figure 2, page 13), half of the island (2533 ha) and much of the with the exception of Horseshoe Bay, which elevated country is protected (under the is within the Queensland Great Barrier Reef Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992) Coast Marine Park. as the Magnetic Island National Park and there are also two small areas designated as Magnetic Island is experiencing significant Conservation Parks (Figure 2, page 13). development pressures. Much of this pressure is centred on the lowland The island’s scenery has a diverse array and coastal areas of the island. of terrestrial and marine ecological Key threats include: communities. This beauty and diversity is highly valued by both residents and tourists. • land clearing • habitat degradation and fragmentation The island is mostly covered by eucalypt • shipping and boating incidents including woodland and low woodlands of acacias and collisions with marine animals mixed deciduous species, with small pockets of vine thicket occurring in sheltered gullies • poor water quality (for example, elevated and on rock scree. Distinctive hoop pines nutrients and sediment concentrations and native kapok are also characteristic of from land-based erosion, dredging, Magnetic Island. The island supports several run-off and waste discharge) endemic species such as skipper butterflies • marine debris and litter and the Sadlier’s skink. • illegal fishing

A variety of marine environments occur • introduction of exotic plants and animals, around the island, including mangrove and forests, salt marshes, fringing coral reefs • increased human presence (for example, and seagrass communities; these provide disturbance of sea turtle and bird nesting important habitat for marine flora and fauna. sites through noise, direct harassment, Many listed species live in the waters around inappropriate lighting and increasing the island including sea snakes, turtles, vessel traffic). dugongs and dolphins.

4 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland F : igure 1 Magnetic Island within the Great Barrier Reef. ± ! km Townsville Magnetic Island GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park GreatBarrier Reef World HeritageArea and National Heritage place Legend ! ! Brisbane ! Sydney ! ! Canberra ! 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Hobart ! Cairns Townsville 250 Melbourne 0 Adelaide ! ! Darwin enby theCommonwealth for errors or omissions,and theCommonwealth does not acceptresponsibility in respect ofany es Information Network,Australian Government Departmentof the Environment,Water,Heritage and theArts ! ponsibilitytak Perth ironmental Resourc Data: The TOPO250KThe information inthis product Copyrightis (c) Commonwealth ofAustralia, GeoscienceAustralia, 2010. Cadastralinformation is Copyright (c) 2010Navigate informationor advicegiven inrelation to, or asa consequence of, anythingcontaining herein.The map has been collated from rangea of sources,with data atvarious June2010 - COPYRIGHTCommonwealth ofAustralia, 2010 PtyLtd, Australia PSMA Limited. Caveat: The information presentedin thismap has beenprovided by a range ofgroups andagencies. While every efforthas beenmade to ensureaccuracy and completeness, resolutions. Dataused are assumed tobe correct as receivedfrom the data suppliers. no guarantee is given, norres Producedby: Env Figure1 Magnetic- Island

5 M atters of national environmental significance on Magnetic Island

There are five matters of national These include: environmental significance relevant to • Ramsar wetlands, nuclear actions and the Magnetic Island. Specifically, the island is: Commonwealth marine area (which begins • home or habitat to listed threatened three nautical miles away from the shore). species and a threatened ecological Guidance for determining the significance community of actions impacting on these matters can • habitat to listed migratory species be found in Significant impact guidelines 1.1—Matters of national environmental • part of the Great Barrier Reef World significance. www.environment.gov.au/ Heritage Area epbc/publications/nes-guidelines.html • part of the Great Barrier Reef National • There is one small area of Commonwealth Heritage place, and land on Magnetic Island. Guidance for • surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef determining the significance of actions Marine Park. having an impact on this area is covered The remaining matters of national in the Significant impact guidelines environmental significance are less relevant 1.2—Actions on, or impacting upon, to Magnetic Island, and are not discussed Commonwealth land, and actions further in this policy statement. by Commonwealth agencies. www. environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/ commonwealth-guidelines.html

6 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland L isted threatened species More information about threatened species and ecological communities and ecological communities is available at: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ The threatened species and ecological threatened/index.html communities likely to occur on the Island are described in Table 1 (page 8)2. L isted migratory species Habitat distribution Twenty-four listed migratory species may occur on and around Magnetic Island. Figure 2 (page 13) shows the distribution of Of these, 11 species may occur in large the endangered semi-evergreen vine thickets numbers and could be significantly affected of the Brigalow Belt (north and south) and by activities on the island (see Table 1, page Nandewar Bioregions (SEVT) on Magnetic 8). Significant impacts on migratory birds will Island. Roughly 110 ha of SEVT habitat have occur if an action has an impact on important been mapped on the island. Of this, about habitat, introduces a harmful invasive species 30 ha are conserved in protected areas. or disrupts the lifecycle of an ecologically On Magnetic Island, patches of SEVT significant proportion of a population3. mainly occur in the lowland areas. Due to the geography of the island, each patch is unique More information about individual migratory and important for maintaining diversity. species, threatened species and threatened ecological communities listed under the The bare-rumped sheathtail bat has been EPBC Act can be found on the department’s recorded in Australia on islands in the species profile and threats database Northern Territory and Queensland, including (SPRAT) at: www.environment.gov.au/cgi- Magnetic Island. Mapping is based on bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl. the presence of vegetation ecosystems containing poplar gum, as this eucalypt is Further information about migratory species known to provide roosting and nesting habitat is available at: www.environment.gov.au/ for the bat. The mapping includes areas that epbc/protect/migratory.html have been partially cleared because remnant trees can provide habitat for this species. On Magnetic Island the mapped habitat area is 681 ha, of which about 148 ha is conserved in protected areas. Figure 2 (page 13) indicates areas where the bat may occur.

These distributions are indicative only. If little or no information exists, on-ground surveys should be done to determine the presence or absence of any matters of national environmental significance. Surveys for listed species should be carried out by a qualified person. Survey guidelines can be found at: www.environment.gov.au/erin/ documentation/biodata.html

2 Table 1 is not exhaustive and the department’s environmental reporting tool should be used in conjunction with relevant state tools. For a full list of species go to: www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html 3 Discussion of the meaning of ‘ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species’ can be found in Significant impact guidelines 1.1—Matters of national environmental significance.

7 T :Lable 1 isted threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species that may be found on or near Magnetic Island

C ommon name EPBC Act status Habitat Key threats (Scientific name) Green turtle • Vulnerable • Adult and sub-adult green • habitat loss or degradation (Chelonia mydas) • Migratory species turtles forage in shallow tidal • incidental catch in fishing nets and sub-tidal coral, rocky reef • marine debris habitats and inshore seagrass beds and feed on algae and • capture in ghost nets seagrass around Magnetic • boat strikes Island and in Cleveland Bay. • aquaculture activities • Nesting activity has been • disturbance to nesting recorded on beaches of females and hatchlings from Magnetic Island. coastal lighting • disturbance or damage to nesting turtles and hatchlings on beaches • unsustainable indigenous harvesting • pollution • predation of eggs by feral or domestic animals, and • poor water quality (increased turbidity, nutrient loading, influx of toxic contaminants and substrate disturbance). Flatback turtle • Vulnerable • Nesting activity has been • habitat loss or degradation (Natator depressus) • Migratory species recorded on beaches of • incidental catch in fishing nets Magnetic Island. • marine debris • capture in ghost nets • boat strikes • aquaculture activities • disturbance to nesting females and hatchlings from coastal lighting • disturbance or damage to nesting turtles and hatchlings on beaches • unsustainable indigenous harvesting • pollution • predation of eggs by feral or domestic animals, and • poor water quality (increased turbidity, nutrient loading, influx of toxic contaminants and substrate disturbance).

8 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland C ommon name EPBC Act status Habitat Key threats (Scientific name) Hawksbill turtle • Vulnerable • Once hawksbill turtles reach • habitat loss or degradation (Eretmochelys • Migratory species 30–40 cm curved carapace • incidental catch in fishing nets imbricata) length, they settle in shallow • marine debris benthic foraging habitats such as tropical tidal and sub-tidal • capture in ghost nets coral and rocky reef habitat. • boat strikes • Hawksbill turtles have been • aquaculture activities recorded foraging on fringing • disturbance to nesting and inshore reefs around females and hatchlings from Magnetic Island. coastal lighting • disturbance or damage to nesting turtles and hatchlings on beaches • unsustainable indigenous harvesting • pollution • predation of eggs by feral or domestic animals, and • poor water quality (increased turbidity, nutrient loading, influx of toxic contaminants and substrate disturbance). Loggerhead turtle • Endangered • Once loggerhead turtles reach • habitat loss or degradation (Caretta caretta) • Migratory species about 70 cm curved carapace • incidental catch in fishing nets length, they settle in shallow • marine debris benthic foraging habitats such as tropical tidal and sub-tidal • capture in ghost nets coral and rocky reef habitat • boat strikes and seagrass beds. • aquaculture activities • Loggerhead turtles exist • disturbance to nesting across waters of tropical females and hatchlings from northern Australia. coastal lighting • Loggerhead turtles have been • disturbance or damage to recorded captured on drum nesting turtles and hatchlings lines set around Magnetic on beaches Island. • unsustainable indigenous harvesting • pollution • predation of eggs by feral or domestic animals, and • poor water quality (increased turbidity, nutrient loading, influx of toxic contaminants and substrate disturbance).

9 C ommon name EPBC Act status Habitat Key threats (Scientific name) Olive ridley turtle • Endangered • Once olive ridley turtles • habitat loss or degradation (Lepidochelys • Migratory species complete the pelagic phase • incidental catch in fishing nets olivacea) they move to feed in inshore • marine debris and offshore habitats. • capture in ghost nets • Individuals have been recorded from waters • boat strikes east of Magnetic Island. • aquaculture activities • disturbance to nesting females and hatchlings from coastal lighting • disturbance or damage to nesting turtles and hatchlings on beaches • unsustainable indigenous harvesting • pollution • predation of eggs by feral or domestic animals, and • poor water quality (increased turbidity, nutrient loading, influx of toxic contaminants and substrate disturbance). Dugong • Migratory species • Seagrass (foraging). • habitat loss and degradation (Dugong dugon) • A dugong protection area is • incidental catch in fishing nets located adjacent to Magnetic • boat strike (dugongs are Island (see Figure 2, page 13). particularly at risk to boat strike because they are slow moving and forage in shallow waters) • acoustic pollution from in-water sources (such as boat traffic), and • chemical pollutants. Estuarine crocodile • Migratory species • Mangrove habitat and creeks • habitat loss and degradation (Crocodylus porosus) around Magnetic Island. • removal of ‘problem’ crocodiles, and • ingestion of marine debris. Australian snubfin • Migratory species • Near-shore waters. • habitat loss and degradation dolphin (Orcaella • incidental catch in fishing nets heinsohni, previously • overfishing of prey species known as O. brevirostris) • pollution • poisoning, and • human interaction threats arising from tourism and transport.

10 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland C ommon name EPBC Act status Habitat Key threats (Scientific name) Indo-pacific • Migratory species • Near-shore waters. • habitat loss and degradation humpback dolphin • incidental catch in fishing nets (Sousa chinensis) • overfishing of prey species • pollution and poisoning, and • human interaction threats arising from tourism and transport. Bare-rumped • Critically • Eucalypt forest/woodland • habitat loss and degradation sheathtail bat endangered containing poplar gum. (for example, from timber (Saccolaimus • Figure 2 (page 13) shows removal) saccolaimus habitat modelling for this • damage to roosting sites from nudicluniatus) species on Magnetic Island. termites and fire • competition for hollows, and • disease. Little tern • Migratory species • Sheltered coastal • habitat loss and degradation (Sterna albifrons) environments, for example: (for example, disturbance to lagoons, estuaries, river colonies from residential and mouths, bays, sandbanks and recreational development) ocean beaches. • disturbance to nesting sites (for example, from humans, dogs and rats) • pesticide residues in ingested fish, and • oil-fouling. Northern quoll • Endangered • Creek and riparian vegetation • changes in vegetation (Dasyurus hallucatus) as well as boulders and rocky structure outcrops. • inappropriate fire frequency • introduction of exotic herbivores leading to habitat change, and • poisoning by ingesting cane toads. Spectacled flying fox • Vulnerable • Associated primarily with • habitat loss (Pteropus rainforest and sometimes • tick paralysis conspicillatus) with mangroves. • disturbance of roosts/camps • man-made obstacles (power lines, fences), and • inappropriate netting practices. Striped-tailed delma • Vulnerable • Wet sclerophyll forest and • habitat loss and degradation (Delma labialis) open woodland near beaches. • urban and agricultural • The species is likely to be development broadly distributed across • frequent disturbance by the island. humans, and • predatory exotic species (such as cats).

11 C ommon name EPBC Act status Habitat Key threats (Scientific name) Water mouse • Vulnerable • Normally found in mangroves, • waste discharge (Xeromys myoides) but sometimes in adjacent • habitat loss coastal freshwater lagoons, • fragmentation and swamps and sedged lakes. degradation • coastal extractive industries • predators (cats and dogs) • changes to watertable • acid-sulphate pollution, and • construction of jetties or loading facilities. White bellied • Migratory species • Coastal habitats and around • loss of habitat due to land sea eagle terrestrial wetlands in tropical development, and (Haliaeetus and temperate regions of • disturbance of nesting pairs leucogaster) mainland Australia and its by human activity. offshore islands. Yakka skink • Vulnerable • Occur in a wide variety of • loss of habitat due to clearing (Egernia rugosa) vegetation types including • inappropriate roadside poplar box, ironbark, brigalow, management white cypress pine, mulga, • removal of wood debris bendee and lancewood and rocks woodlands and open forests. • ripping of rabbit warrens, and • predation by feral animals. Unnamed plant • Vulnerable • Dry rainforest and vine • habitat loss and degradation (shrub) (Croton thickets on various substrates (especially land clearance) magneticus) including granite, sandstone, • inappropriate fire regimes, limestone and basalt. and • high-frequency tourist visitation. Unnamed plant • Vulnerable • Open forest, woodland and • habitat loss and degradation. (Leucopogon heath on rocky slopes. cuspidatus) Unnamed plant • Vulnerable • Open eucalypt forest on dark • habitat loss and degradation (Marsdenia brevifolia) massive acid agglomerate (for example, land clearing, soils. quarrying and gravel removal), and • recreational motorbike riding. Semi-evergreen • Endangered • Coastal lowland areas in • habitat loss and degradation vine thickets of the ecological eastern Queensland and (especially continued clearing Brigalow Belt (north community northern New South Wales which results in a high level and south) and (associated with the Brigalow of fragmentation and lack of Nandewar Bioregions Belt Bioregion). connectivity between remnant (SEVT) • In 1999, about 17 per cent of patches) pre-clearing extent remained. • inappropriate fire regimes, • Figure 2 (page 13) indicates and habitat for this community on • invasion by introduced Magnetic Island. species.

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13 W orld heritage properties What is ‘exceptional natural beauty’? World heritage properties are places with World heritage listing of the Great Barrier natural or cultural heritage values that are Reef recognised values that contribute to recognised to have outstanding universal the exceptional natural beauty of the area value. The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage including ‘a rich variety of landscapes and Area (GBRWHA), which includes Magnetic seascapes, including rugged mountains Island, is listed as a world heritage property. with dense and diverse vegetation and The values of the GBRWHA incorporate adjacent fringing reefs’. Magnetic Island EPBC Act-listed threatened species and exhibits many of these values (see ecological communities. The reef covers an Appendix). area of more than 348 000 km2 and spans4 more than 2000 km. Where is it? Exceptional natural beauty is located The GBRWHA was inscribed on the World where it is able to be viewed from the Heritage List in 1981 for its outstanding air, surrounding waters, the mainland, universal value, meeting four of the 10 lowlands and beaches or from high points selection criteria. These criteria were revised on the island. Many areas on the island in 2005: display the exceptional natural beauty • Criterion (vii): to contain superlative natural of the Great Barrier Reef, but in areas phenomena or areas of exceptional natural containing existing development these beauty and aesthetic importance. values have been somewhat diminished. • Criterion (viii): to be outstanding examples Nevertheless, some actions taken in representing major stages of earth’s these areas of existing development history, including the record of life, can still have a significant impact on the significant on-going geological processes appreciation of ‘exceptional natural beauty’ in the development of landforms, or on or around the rest of the island. significant geomorphic or physiographic features. Many natural heritage values of • Criterion (ix): to be outstanding examples the GBRWHA are present on representing significant on-going Magnetic Island, including: ecological and biological processes • a diversity of environmental assets such in the evolution and development of as forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine and mangroves ecosystems and communities of plants • habitat for a number of rare, threatened and animals. and endemic species (for example, • Criterion (x): to contain the most important aggregations of over-wintering butterflies) and significant natural habitats for in- • island expression of continental flora, and situ conservation of biological diversity, • exceptional natural beauty. including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

4 The boundaries of the GBRWHA are described in schedule 1, page 9 of the World Heritage nomination request found on the website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/2070/mp_009_full.pdf

14 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland N ational heritage place What is the environment in relation to The National Heritage List contains places the marine park? or groups of places with outstanding Environment is defined in the heritage value to Australia, whether natural, EPBC Act as: indigenous, historic or a combination of (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts these. As no assessment of the Great including people and communities Barrier Reef World Heritage Area against (b) natural and physical resources the National Heritage List criteria has been undertaken by the Australian Heritage (c) qualities and characteristics of Council, it has been included in the National locations, place and areas Heritage List for those world heritage values (d) heritage values of places that the World Heritage Committee has (e) the social, economic and cultural identified the property as having. aspects of a thing mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c). A more extensive description of the world heritage and national heritage values of Actions and activities within the marine park the Great Barrier Reef, particularly those must be done in accordance with marine found on Magnetic Island, are described park regulations, GBRMPA zoning, plans in Appendix. of management, approvals, and permits, as described in the Great Barrier Reef Marine G reat Barrier Reef Park Act 1975. Marine Park Recent changes have been made to The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the streamline the application processes for marine park) was established under the environmental assessment under the EPBC Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. Act and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The marine park includes the marine Act 1975. For further information go to: portion of the GBRWHA to the mean low- www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/ tide mark, and includes both state and better-protection-for-gbrmp.html Commonwealth waters. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the marine park. The marine park boundary surrounding Magnetic Island is shown in Figure 2 (page 13).

If an action is taken within or near the marine park and has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment of the marine park, then it will require assessment under the EPBC Act.

15 G uidelines to determine the significance of impacts

If your proposed action has an impact a number of parts, the impact from each on any matters of national environmental part and the cumulative impact of these significance you will need to determine need to be considered. Impacts can occur whether these impacts are, will be or are at any stage of the action, including site likely to be significant, and whether referral preparation, construction, ongoing operation, to the department is needed under the EPBC decommissioning and any related actions. Act. It is essential to consider: Impacts can be onsite or offsite, direct • the characteristics of the surrounding or indirect. environment (any matters of national Examples of indirect and environmental significance or otherwise off-site impacts. unique attributes of the environment) • Downstream impacts, such as • the nature of the impacts on natural impacts on wetlands or ocean reefs environments and unique attributes from sediment washed or discharged (for example, permanent or temporary, into drainage lines, or disturbance offsite and indirect, large or small scale) of fauna by offsite noise or lighting • the degree to which the impacts of the or visual presence of infrastructure action are understood, and (for example, lighting affecting turtle • avoidance, reduction or mitigation nesting). measures. • Upstream impacts, such as those associated with the production of You should think about your action in its energy or the extraction of raw broadest scope when considering its impacts. materials that are used to carry All potential adverse impacts on matters of out the action. national environmental significance must be considered, regardless of whether these are • Facilitated impacts that result from within the control of the person proposing further actions that are made possible to take the action. If your action consists of or facilitated by the action, such as more boat traffic in an area resulting from the construction of a new marina.

16 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland Heritage Measures should be incorporated into the design of the action at its conceptual and In relation to the heritage listings of the Great planning stages to: Barrier Reef, the EPBC Act is triggered if a • identify and avoid impacts on matters of significant impact is likely on a part, element national environmental significance as far or feature of the heritage area that embodies, as possible manifests, shows or contributes to the natural • reduce the level of the impact to below heritage values recognised as contributing to significant by following relevant Australian, its world or national heritage listing. An action state and local government best-practice does not need to have an impact upon the guidelines and standards whole of the GBRWHA, nor all of the values, or even a whole value, to be considered to • monitor the performance of the mitigation have a significant impact. measures, and • incorporate findings from the monitoring into Further guidance on determining the an adaptive management plan to address significance of an impact on world or national unforseen impacts. heritage values can be obtained from the Significant impact guidelines 1.1—Matters You should only conclude that a referral is of national environmental significance. not required if the effectiveness of mitigation These guidelines include a method to measures is well established (for example, assess the likely significance of actions through demonstrated application, standards, on heritage values. studies or surveys) and there is a high degree of certainty about the avoidance of Measures to avoid impacts or the extent to which impacts will be reduced. Where such assurance cannot be or reduce impacts demonstrated, the action should be referred. It is important to consider the environmental Examples of measures to avoid or reduce impacts of the action early in the planning significant impacts relevant to Magnetic Island of the proposal. Careful planning of the are outlined in Table 2 (page 18). In addition, action can avoid, or reduce, the likelihood of Table 3 (page 22) outlines actions unlikely to a significant impact on matters of national have a significant impact. environmental significance. Where possible If you would like to discuss significance or and practicable it is best to avoid impacts. an EPBC Act compliance issue with the If impacts cannot be avoided then they department, or have reason to believe that the should be minimised or mitigated as much as EPBC Act has been or is likely to be breached, possible. New developments (or substantial you can contact the department by: alterations to existing developments) planned • email: [email protected] and implemented to avoid significant impacts on matters of national environmental • telephone: 02 6274 1372 or 1800 110 395 significance do not require a referral or (free call). approval by the department. State, local When reporting information on a breach, you government or GBRMPA approval may still can remain anonymous. be necessary.

17 T :Eable 2 xamples of actions with the potential to have significant impacts on matters of national environmental significance and possible avoidance, reduction and mitigation measures

Mattersf o national Examples of actions that may Examples of avoidance, environmental have significant impacts reduction or mitigation significance measures5 • Semi-evergreen vine • Activities such as clearing that reduce • Protect and avoid SEVT through thickets of the Brigalow the extent, connectivity, quality, adequate buffers. Belt (north and south) and integrity, species composition and • No reduction of the area or Nandewar Bioregions ability of SEVT to recover. quality of SEVT. (SEVT)—listed ecological • Removal of canopy trees. • Protect canopy trees. community • Activities resulting in changes to • Minimise development in areas light levels, moisture or edge effects with potential for SEVT regrowth. affecting SEVT. • No fragmentation or reduction in • Activities adversely affecting habitat width, quality or number of links critical to the survival of SEVT. between SEVT patches. • Activities introducing disease that • Avoid unnecessary access, cause SEVT to decline. fragmentation and disturbance to • Activities interfering with the remnant SEVT patches to minimise recovery of SEVT. weed invasion. • Activities resulting in invasive • Screen all off-island landscape species, which are harmful to material for pests and weeds to avoid SEVT becoming established. the introduction of invasive species harmful to SEVT. • Manage activities to avoid introduction of invasive grasses and shrubs. • Minimise mechanical disturbance and access within SEVT habitat and adjoining buffers. • Maintain natural drainage lines and hydrological regimes.

5 Using more than one mitigation measure will often achieve the best result. These examples should not be taken as exhaustive or conclusive. They are provided as a guide only.

18 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland Mattersf o national Examples of actions that may Examples of avoidance, environmental have significant impacts reduction or mitigation significance measures5 • Listed threatened species • Changes to the connectivity, extent • Restrict development to existing and ecological communities and numbers of threatened species cleared areas. and communities through actions that: • No development within or near (no -- lead to a long-term decrease in the closer than 100 m) any threatened size of a population species population (including -- reduce the area of occupancy breeding, roosting or foraging areas). of the species • No removal of any habitat links -- fragment an existing population into or corridors. two or more populations • Put in place risk management -- adversely affect habitat critical to strategies for invasive species. the survival of a species • Avoid breeding, nesting, feeding -- disrupt the breeding cycle of a and roosting sites. population -- modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline -- result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in their habitat -- introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or -- interfere with the recovery of the species. • Listed migratory species • Substantial disturbance to migratory • All boat and vehicle traffic to avoid species from: breeding areas/times, migratory -- vessel strikes routes and foraging areas. -- change to lighting regimes • Boat speeds to be limited in seagrass feeding areas in dugong protected -- change to acoustic regimes areas. -- change to fire regimes • Provide public information and -- introduction of weeds or feral interpretive sites for sensitive species terrestrial and marine habitats. -- altering nutrient cycles, or • Pedestrian traffic to be controlled -- altering hydrological cycles. through formed pathways. • Destruction or isolation of an area • Vehicle traffic to be controlled through of important habitat for a migratory formed access roads and trails. species. • Development maintains pre- • Establishment of invasive species development fire regimes. harmful to the migratory species • Developments to minimise external in an area of important habitat. lighting that disrupts wildlife • Serious disruption to the lifecycle movements (such as turtle nesting). (breeding, feeding, migration or • Screen all off-island landscape resting behaviour) of an ecologically material for pests and weeds. significant proportion of the population • Introduced animals (including cats and of a migratory species. dogs) to be controlled. • Time potentially disruptive activities to periods when migratory species are not present.

19 Mattersf o national Examples of actions that may Examples of avoidance, environmental have significant impacts reduction or mitigation significance measures5 • Great Barrier Reef Marine • Actions that have a significant impact • Plan the action to avoid, or reduce, Park on the world heritage values of the the likelihood of a significant impact • Great Barrier Reef World Great Barrier Reef. These values on the values in Appendix through Heritage Area are listed in Appendix. Also see the site selection and consideration of discussion of exceptional natural scale, design and implementation • Great Barrier Reef National beauty on page 14. to best integrate structures into the Heritage place natural landscape. • Changes to visual amenity that • Developments are consistent with notably diminish aesthetic value. existing neighbourhood scale, See Appendix for a list of values. bulk and form. • New developments do not notably alter the island’s natural visual profile (preferably below surrounding canopy height). • All development to have a minimum landscape space ratio of 0.25. • All development to use colours, textures, shapes and form consistent with the island’s natural visual character. • All development to be screened from key viewpoints. • Water pollution (including temperature • Comply with the ANZECC Code of pollution) likely to result in long- practice for antifouling and in-water term degradation of the marine hull cleaning and maintenance (1997). environment including through GBRMPA must provide permission to uncontrolled hull cleaning, herbicide discharge waste. runoff or the release of persistent • No uncontrolled release of pollutants organic chemicals and heavy metals. into the terrestrial and marine environments (for example, through regular mobilisation or drift of fertilisers, herbicides, chemicals or other pollutants). • Pollution of aquatic environments by • No discharge of untreated waste. discharge of sewage and wastewater • Management of waste streams to likely to result in long-term degradation avoid significant impacts on terrestrial of the marine environment. and marine ecosystems. • Boat sewage to be discharged to onshore facilities connected to waste transfer or treatment plants. • Septic systems to comply with best practice standards.

20 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland Mattersf o national Examples of actions that may Examples of avoidance, environmental have significant impacts reduction or mitigation significance measures5 • Great Barrier Reef Marine • New tourism developments, including • Minimise occurrences of exposed Park resorts, marinas and floating hotels. soils especially during the wet season. • Great Barrier Reef World • Major expansion or significant • Avoid disturbance to riparian zones Heritage Area upgrades of existing infrastructure. and buffer vegetation. If this cannot be • Great Barrier Reef National • Construction of a major pontoon, avoided, ensure protection of exposed Heritage place jetty, port developments or soils using mulch, sheeting and aquaculture facilities. revegetation. • New coastal roads and subdivisions • Avoid development on steep slopes with potential runoff affecting the (greater than 20 per cent). marine park. • Comply with best-practice • Coastal infill or spoil dumping. construction standards where development on steep slopes is • Activities that may result in a unavoidable. known or potential pest species becoming established in the marine • Implement mitigation measures environment. in Table C of EPBC Act policy statement 2.2—Offshore aquaculture. • A building located in a non-urban Aquaculture activities must have a environment or where the proposal permit from GBRMPA. would obstruct or detract from viewing the world or national heritage values • Use endemic plants for landscaping of the area (see Appendix). and planting. • Irreversible loss or clearing of habitat • Use best-practice management of areas supporting nationally listed potential acid sulphate soils/known threatened species or listed acid sulphate soils for subsurface migratory species. excavation. • Clearing of a listed ecological • No uncontrolled sediment release community, such as SEVT. from development sites. • New industry with significant marine • No groundwater or surface water discharges. extraction that may have an impact on ecosystems. • Pollution of aquatic environment by sediments or changed drainage • No net loss of aquifer recharge areas. regimes likely to result in increased • Control offsite runoff to pre- turbidity, smothering or altering of development volumes, flows and natural ecological processes. water quality.

21 T :Aable 3 ctivities on Magnetic Island unlikely to have a significant impact6

• Building a house in an existing subdivision, in keeping with subdivision scale, bulk and form. • Repairing, maintaining or making alterations to commercial and domestic buildings and properties. • Repairing and maintaining existing public infrastructure for power, roads, telecommunication, water and sewage, unless there is a substantial expansion or modification of these utilities. • Maintaining existing national park and tourist facilities such as visitor centres, roadside facilities, walking tracks and signage. • Managing roadside vegetation done regularly by local government (for example, spraying, removal of individual trees for safety, mowing, slashing, under-scrubbing). • Building and other activities that do not have an impact on remnant or undisturbed native vegetation and are not likely to result in uncontrolled sediment releases to drainage lines.

6 These examples are provided as a guide only and should not be taken as exhaustive or conclusive.

22 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland F urther information

Other EPBC Act policy statements are The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority available to help you determine whether website (www.gbrmpa.gov.au) can provide your project is likely to have a significant information on: impact on a matter of national environmental • commercial jet ski operations around significance. EPBC Act policy statements Magnetic Island can be obtained from the department’s • zoning community information unit on 1800 803 772 • marine park management or can be downloaded from: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/guidelines- • water quality and coastal development, policies.html and • dugong protection areas. The referral form can be found at: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessments/ Note that the department does not hold all referral-form.html of the information that may be required to assess the impacts of your action. State and Information on threatened species and territory government agencies also have ecological communities including ecology, information that may be useful, including status, threat abatement plans and recovery geographic information. plans can be found at: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ threatened

Information about Australia’s heritage properties and places can be found at: www.environment.gov.au/heritage

The environmental reporting tool can provide maps and information about matters of national environmental significance on Magnetic Island and can be found at: www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert

23 Ap p endix W orld heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef and the contribution of Magnetic Island

G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) world V alue How value is expressed heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island? C riteria vii — Contains unique, rare and superlative natural phenomena, formations and features and areas of exceptional natural beauty8 The vast extent of the reef and island systems Y The GBR is the largest coral reef in the world, produces an unparalleled aerial vista. covering an area of more than 348 000 km2 and spanning a length greater than 2000 km. The ‘unparalleled aerial vista’ of the GBR is such that it is the only living thing on Earth that can be seen with the naked eye from space. The ‘unparalleled aerial vista’ includes natural landforms and habitats, and excludes man- made structures and disturbance. Due to its size (5184 ha), Magnetic Island contributes a certain extent to this value. Magnetic Island is highly accessible, and provides a snapshot of the ‘unparalleled aerial vista’ of the GBR to a large proportion of visitors and residents. Therefore views of Magnetic Island (from the mainland, air and sea) are important in this context. Islands ranging from towering forested Y Magnetic Island is one of a small number continental islands complete with freshwater of towering and forested continental islands streams, to small coral cays with rainforest and complete with freshwater streams within unvegetated sand cays. the GBRWHA. Coastal and adjacent islands with mangrove Y Magnetic Island provides an example of systems of exceptional beauty. mangrove systems of exceptional beauty within the GBRWHA.

7 These criteria are from the original listing of the GBR. Thus they are slightly different from those on page 14. 8 See the discussion of exceptional natural beauty on page 14.

24 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island? C riteria vii — Contains unique, rare and superlative natural phenomena, formations and features and areas of exceptional natural beauty8 (continued) The rich variety of landscapes and seascapes Y Magnetic Island contributes to the rich including rugged mountains with dense and variety of landscapes and seascapes located diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs. throughout the GBRWHA. Magnetic Island is a large, prominent island with rugged mountains, dense and diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs. The abundance and diversity of shape, Y Although relatively small, Magnetic Island size and colour of marine fauna and flora contributes considerably to this value of the in the coral reefs. GBRWHA. The fringing coral reefs in the waters around Magnetic Island provide habitats that support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. For example, these reefs contain more than 100 species of corals (equal to more than 25 per cent of all coral species recorded in the entire GBR), and one of the most extensive stands of orange velvet fingers coral in the GBR. Spectacular breeding colonies of seabirds and Y Magnetic Island supports great aggregations great aggregations of over-wintering butterflies. of over-wintering butterflies. The aggregations can remain on Magnetic Island between the early and late dry season. Most of the species that aggregate in numbers on Magnetic Island are from the family Nymphalidae. This includes the blue tiger butterfly (Tirumala hamatta), the relatively rare purple beak butterfly (Libythea geoffroy nicevillei), and one of the skipper butterflies(Hesperilla malindeva dagoomga) which is one of only two subspecies endemic to the GBRWHA and so far, has only been recorded on Magnetic Island. Migrating whales, dolphins, dugong, whale Y The near-shore waters around Magnetic Island sharks, sea turtles, seabirds and concentrations provide important seagrass beds and coral reef of large fish. habitat that support large numbers of dugongs, green turtles and two species of dolphins in the GBRWHA.

25 G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C riterion viii — As an outstanding example representing a major stage in the earth’s evolutionary history 2904 coral reefs covering about 20 055 km2. Y Magnetic Island’s coastline is about 40 km in length and contains a variety of conditions that support a diversity of coral reefs. More than 100 species of hard corals have been recorded from the fringing reefs around Magnetic Island. This represents more than one-quarter of the total number of coral species recorded throughout the GBR. 300 coral cays and 600 continental islands. Y Magnetic Island is one of 600 continental islands within the GBRWHA. It is the seventh largest (5184 ha) and the fourth highest (495 m) continental island within the GBRWHA. Reef morphologies reflecting historical and Y Magnetic Island contains fringing reef systems. ongoing geomorphic and oceanographic Due to the nature of coral reefs, they are likely processes. to reflect historical and ongoing geomorphic and oceanographic processes. Processes of geological evolution linking Y As a large continental island containing a islands, cays, reefs and changing sea levels, diversity of near-shore ecosystems, Magnetic together with sand barriers, deltaic and Island forms part of the processes of geological associated sand dunes. evolution linking islands, cays, reefs and changing sea levels, together with sand barriers, deltaic and associated sand dunes. Record of sea level changes and the complete Y Magnetic Island contains a relatively small history of the reef’s evolution are recorded in the number of reef systems within the GBRWHA, reef structure. which contribute to this value. Record of climate history, environmental Y The coral reefs around the island include one conditions and processes extending back over of the most extensive stands of Montipora several hundred years within old massive corals. digitata recorded in the GBR, and diverse coral communities containing several massive coral colonies that are hundreds of years old. Formations such as serpentine rocks of South N Magnetic Island does not contain formations Percy Island, intact and active dune systems, such as serpentine rocks of South Percy island, undisturbed tidal sediments and ‘blue holes’. intact and active dune systems, undisturbed tidal sediments and ‘blue holes’. Record of sea level changes reflected in Y Magnetic Island supports a rich assemblage distribution of continental island flora and fauna. of terrestrial flora and fauna and has been identified as having the 5th highest floral diversity of the islands within the GBR. It also supports some endemic fauna such as the skipper butterfly(Hesperilla malindeva dagoomba), and may also support a number of endemic flora and lizards (for example,Menetia sadlieri). Today, a shallow sea separates the island from the mainland. However, before the sea level rose about 7500 years ago, Magnetic Island was connected to the mainland between Cape Pallarenda and Kissing Point.

26 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C x riterion i — As an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and human interaction with the natural environment Biologically the GBR supports the most diverse Y Magnetic Island contains a variety of near- ecosystem known to man. Its enormous shore environments including coral reefs. diversity is thought to reflect the maturity of an These reef systems form a small, inter- ecosystem, which has evolved over millions connected part of the larger GBR system, of years on the northeast Continental Shelf of which is valued for its heterogeneity and Australia. The World heritage values include: interconnectivity. • The heterogeneity and interconnectivity of the reef assemblage. • Size and morphological diversity (elevation Y Continental islands such as Magnetic Island ranging from the sea bed to 1142 m at contribute greatly to the total morphological Mt Bowen and a large cross-shelf extent diversity of the GBRWHA. encompass the fullest possible representation of marine environmental processes). • Ongoing processes of accretion and erosion Y Ongoing processes within the GBRWHA that of coral reefs, sand banks and coral cays, are present on Magnetic Island are those erosion and deposition processes along associated with accretion and erosion of coral the coastline, river deltas/estuaries and reefs, and erosion and deposition processes continental islands. along continental islands. When compared with the total GBRWHA, Magnetic Island contains a small amount of coral. However, since it is one of the largest and tallest continental islands within the GBRWHA, Magnetic Island represents a high proportion of erosion and deposition processes that occur on continental islands within the GBRWHA. • Extensive Halimeda beds representing active N Magnetic Island’s near-shore waters (for calcification and sediment accretion for more example, Cockle Bay) contain old coral than 10 000 years. colonies and some Halimeda beds. However, the age of these Halimeda beds is unknown. • Evidence of the dispersion and evolution of Y Magnetic Island forms a small part of the hard corals and associated flora and fauna GBRWHA that contributes to this value. from the ‘Indo-West Pacific centre of diversity’ Magnetic Island contains some hard corals and along the north-south extent of the reef. associated flora and fauna. • Inter-connections with the Wet Tropics via the Y Magnetic Island forms a small part of the coastal interface and Lord Howe Island via the GBRWHA that contributes to this value. East Australia current. • Indigenous temperate species derived from Y Magnetic Island forms a small part of the tropical species. GBRWHA that contributes to this value. • Living coral colonies (including some of the Y The coral reefs around the island include one world’s oldest). of the most extensive stands of orange velvet fingers recorded in the GBR, and diverse coral communities containing several massive coral colonies that are hundreds of years old. • Inshore coral communities of southern reefs N Magnetic Island lies roughly within the middle portion of the length of the GBR.

27 G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C x riterion i — As an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and human interaction with the natural environment • Five floristic regions identified for continental Y Magnetic Island is one of two substantial islands and two for coral cays. continental islands that lie within the GBR Tropics region of far north Queensland (the second being Gloucester Island) floristic region. Both islands are also significantly different in ecological character. • The diversity of flora and fauna, including: Y Magnetic Island contributes to the overall • Macroalgae (estimated 400–500 species). biodiversity of the GBRWHA from both its terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In summary, • Porifera (estimated 1500 species, some it contains: endemic, mostly undescribed). • A diverse range of habitats and landscapes, • Cnidaria: Corals—part of the global centre including granite boulder fields, rocky shores, of coral diversity and including: eucalypt woodlands, rainforest, freshwater -- hexacorals (70 genera and 350 species, waterways and wetlands, sand dunes and including 10 endemic species). sandy beaches, salt marshes, mangroves, -- octocorals (80 genera, number of species fringing reefs and seagrass beds. not yet estimated). • A variety of marine ecosystems, including: • Tunicata: Ascidians (at least 330 species). -D- iverse marine habitats (for example, • Bryozoa (an estimated 300–500 species, seagrass, coral, algae and mangroves) many undescribed). which support diverse fauna. • Crustacea (at least 1330 species from -D- iverse reef communities: the species three subclasses). assemblages in the coral reefs around • Worms: Magnetic Island vary depending on their location around the island, and are -P- olychaetes (estimated 500 species). influenced by the prevalent conditions (for -P- latyhelminthes—include free-living example, leeward side more protected, Tubelleria (number of species not yet shallow and turbid; windward side more estimated), polyclad Tubelleria (up to exposed, clearer and deeper). More than 300 species) and parasitic helminthes 100 species of hard corals have been (estimated thousands of species, most recorded from the Magnetic Island fringing undescribed). reefs, which represent more than one- • Phytoplankton (a diverse group existing in quarter of the total known GBRWHA two broad communities). coral fauna. • Mollusca (between 5000–8000 species). -O- f the six species of marine turtle present in Australia and/or in the GBR (either during • Echinodermata (estimated 800 extant breeding, nesting, feeding or periods of species, including many rare taxa and type migration), five of these occur in the waters specimens). surrounding Magnetic Island. Both green • fishes (between 1200–2000 species from and flatback turtles have been recorded 130 families, with high species diversity and nesting on the beaches of the island. heterogeneity - includes the whale shark -A- n important foraging habitat for marine Rhynchodon typus). species—in particular the dugong, turtles • seabirds (between 1.4 and 1.7 million and two species of dolphin. seabirds breeding on islands). • marine reptiles (including six sea turtle species, 17 sea snake species, and one species of crocodile). • marine mammals (including one species of dugong (Dugong dugon), and 26 species of whales and dolphins).

28 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C x riterion i — As an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and human interaction with the natural environment • terrestrial fauna, including: Y A variety of terrestrial ecosystems, including: -- invertebrates (pseudoscorpions, mites, ticks, • One of the most diverse floral assemblages spiders, centipedes, isopods, phalangids, within the GBRWHA, with more than 600 flora millipedes, collembolans and 109 families species identified on the island. of insects from 20 orders, and large over- • One of only two substantial continental wintering aggregations of butterflies) islands within the region identified as the -- vertebrates (including seabirds (see above), dry tropics region. reptiles: crocodiles and turtles, nine snakes • Endemic fauna, including: and 31 lizards, mammals). -- invertebrates—large aggregations of over-wintering butterflies -- diverse bird fauna (resident and migrant): 180 bird species have been recorded on or around Magnetic Island, including seabirds, waders, resident and migratory species, those that use the inter-tidal zone and those that frequent the freshwater wetlands, and -- diverse reptile fauna: at least 15 species of small lizards. • The integrity of the interconnections Y Magnetic Island forms a small part of the between reef and island networks in terms of GBRWHA, but it may play an important role in dispersion, recruitment, and the subsequent dispersion, recruitment, and the subsequent gene flow of many taxa. gene flow of many taxa, due to its large size and diverse terrestrial and marine habitats. • Processes of dispersal, colonisation and Y Magnetic Island is the largest continental island establishment of plant communities within the within the dry tropics region of the GBRWHA. context of island biogeography (for example, Studies have found that the diversity of flora dispersal of seeds by air, sea and vectors species on islands increase linearly with such as birds are examples of dispersion, island size up to about 5000 ha. So it is likely colonisation and succession). that Magnetic Island represents the largest, most diverse assemblage of flora in the dry topics region of the reef, and contributes to the processes of dispersal, colonisation and establishment of flora communities within the GBRWHA as a whole. • The isolation of certain island populations Y Magnetic Island is one island within the (for example, recent speciation evident in two GBRWHA which provides evidence of isolation subspecies of the butterflyTirumala hamata of certain island populations. Magnetic Island and the evolution of distinct races of the bird supports endemic fauna such as the skipper Zosterops spp). butterfly Hesperilla( malindeva dagoomba), and may also support a number of endemic flora and lizards (for example,Menetia sadlieri). It is also one of the few known locations of a relatively rare species of butterfly Libythea geoffroy nicevillei. The blue tiger butterfly occurs on Magnetic Island, but it is unknown whether or not those occurring on Magnetic Island are subspecies.

29 G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C x riterion i — As an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and human interaction with the natural environment • Remnant vegetation types (hoop pines) and Y Remnant hoop pines are present on Magnetic relic species (sponges) on islands. Island. They are also present on many of the other islands in the GBR, such as Lizard, Brampton, South Molle, Hayman, South Long and Whitsunday Island.

• Evidence of morphological and genetic Y Magnetic Island contains mangrove and changes in mangrove and seagrass flora seagrass habitat which may help illustrating across regional scales. morphological and genetic changes.

• Feeding and/or breeding grounds for Y Seagrass beds and coral reefs around international migratory seabirds, cetaceans Magnetic Island form important foraging habitat and sea turtles. for two species of dolphin and the green turtle. Some migratory birds occur on Magnetic Island in significant numbers (see Table 1 page 8). • Human interaction with the natural Y The close proximity of Magnetic Island to the environment. mainland coastline, particularly to the large north Queensland regional centre of Townsville, means that Magnetic Island is particularly important as a site for people to experience and appreciate the values of the GBRWHA. Magnetic Island has also been a monitoring site for seagrass since 1971.

30 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland G reat Barrier Reef (GBR) V alue How value is expressed world heritage values7 present on on Magnetic Island Magnetic Island?

C riterion x — Provides habitats where populations of rare and endangered species of plants and animals still survive Habitats for species of conservation significance Y Magnetic Island supports flora and fauna within the 77 broad-scale bioregional species, ecological communities, coral reefs, associations that have been identified for seagrass beds and mangroves. It has some the property and which include: threatened and migratory species of flora and • More than 2900 coral reefs fauna as well as an ecological community of (covering 20 055 km2) that are structurally conservation significance that are listed under and ecologically complex the EPBC Act. • Large numbers of islands, including: Y Magnetic Island is one of the 600 continental -- 600 continental islands supporting 2195 islands within the GBRWHA. At 5184 ha, it is plant species in five distinct floristic regions the seventh largest island within the GBRWHA and is also the fourth highest island, at 495 m -- 300 coral cays and sand cays above sea level. It is the largest continental -- seabird and sea turtle rookeries, including island within the dry tropics region of the breeding populations of green sea turtles GBRWHA, and supports a high diversity of and Hawksbill turtles flora species. The near-shore waters around -- coral cays with 300–350 plant species in Magnetic Island provide important seagrass two distinct floristic regions beds and coral reef habitat that support large numbers of dugongs, green turtles and two species of dolphins in the GBRWHA. • Seagrass beds (more than 5000 km2) Y The near-shore waters around Magnetic Island comprising 15 species, two endemic provide important seagrass beds that support large numbers of dugong and turtles in the GBRWHA. • 37 species of mangrove trees Y Magnetic Island contains a relatively small (more than 2070 km2). number of mangrove systems within the total GBRWHA. However, these mangrove systems are likely to be unique as the development of mangrove forests on continental islands of the GBR can be highly variable, even on the same island. Key factors influencing mangrove forest development on continental islands includes topography, substrate, shelter and the volume and persistence of freshwater runoff. • Halimeda banks in the northern region and the N The near-shore waters around Magnetic Island unique deep water bed in the central region. support some Halimeda species, though not in extensive numbers. • Large areas of ecologically complex N The near-shore waters surrounding Magnetic inter-reef and lagoonal benthos. Island include fringing reefs only. • Species of plants and animals of Y Magnetic Island provides habitat that supports conservation significance. species of flora and fauna of conservation significance that are listed under the EPBC Act as threatened or migratory species. It also provides habitat that supports ecological communities, one of which is endangered under the EPBC Act.

31 P Choto redits FRONT COVER IMAGES (left to right) 1 Red firefish, Magnetic Island. Copyright – L. Zell, GBRMPA. 2 Acropora sp., Magnetic Island. Copyright - D. Wachenfeld, GBRMPA. 3 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 4 Copyright SEWPAC 5 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch

BACK COVER IMAGES (left to right, top to bottom) 1 Montipora sp., Magnetic Island. Copyright – W. Gladstone, GBRMPA. 2 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 3 Acropora coral, Magnetic Island. Copyright - D. Wachenfeld, GBRMPA. 4 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 5 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 6 Goniopora djiboutiensis, Magnetic Island. Copyright – M. Bain, GBRMPA.

WITHIN THE POLICY STATEMENT (page number) 2 Copyright SEWPAC 3 Acropora coral, Magnetic Island. Copyright - D. Wachenfeld, GBRMPA. 4 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 6 Copyright SEWPAC 7 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 15 Montipora sp. growing alongside Porites bombie, Magnetic Island. Copyright – W. Gladstone, GBRMPA. 16 Red firefish, Magnetic Island. Copyright – L. Zell, GBRMPA. 18 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 22 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 23 Goniopora djiboutiensis, Magnetic Island. Copyright – M. Bain, GBRMPA. 24 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch 30 Magnetic Island. Copyright - Rosie Lohrisch

32 | EPBC Act policy statement 5.1 - Magnetic Island, Queensland BIO97.0510.