Tronox Management Pty Ltd Chandala Site Processing

Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant September 2012

Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

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a Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

© Landcare Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Western Botanical 19 McDonald Crescent, Bassendean WA 6054 T (08) 9270 0999 F (08) 6278 4988

Report No: WB782

Prepared by: David Leach

Approved for Issue: Geoff Cockerton

This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified on the cover page and no representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or electronic means without the express permission of the client for whom it was prepared or Western Botanical.

This report has been designed for double-sided printing.

a Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

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a Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Contents

1. Executive Summary 1

2. Introduction 2 2.1. Project Background 2 2.1.1. Project Description 2 2.1.2. Project Area 3 2.2. Physical Environment 6 2.2.1. Climate 6 2.2.2. Biogeographic Region 6

3. Methods 7 3.1. Desktop Survey 7 3.2. Flora Survey 7 3.2.1. Vegetation Mapping 7 3.2.2. Vegetation Condition 7 3.2.3. Species Inventory 7 3.3. Flora Specimen Identification 8 3.4. Limitations 8

4. Results 9 4.1. Desktop Survey 9 4.1.1. Threatened Ecological Communities 9 4.1.2. Threatened and Priority Flora 11 4.2. Field Survey 12 4.2.1. Vegetation Mapping 12 4.2.2. Vegetation Condition 33 4.2.3. Species Inventory 34 4.3. Significant Flora 34 4.3.1. graniticus subsp. leptophyllus 34 4.3.2. Eucalyptus caesia 36

5. Concluding Discussion 38 5.1. Significant Ecological Communities 38 5.2. Clearing Permit Criteria 38

6. References 41

7. List of Participants 42

i Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 Appendices Appendix 1. Native vegetation condition scale for quick assessment (Casson et al. 2009). 43 Appendix 2. Flora species inventory list of the Project Area 45

Tables Table 1. Summary of Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities within 10 km of the Project Area. 9 Table 2. Summary of DEC search results for Threatened and Priority flora within 7.5 km of the Project Area. 11 Table 3. Summary of introduced flora species found during field survey and their distribution within the Project Area. 33

Figures Figure 1. Location of Chandala Processing Plant in relation to Perth, . Produced with use of Google Maps (2012). 2 Figure 2. Map of the Project Area showing locations of the northern and southern polygons relative to the Chandala Processing Plant. 4 Figure 3. Climate summary (rainfall of past 12 months, mean rainfall, and mean maximum temperature). Source: Pearce RAAF Base, 10 km south of the Project Area (Bureau of Meteorology 2012). 6 Figure 4. Buffer zones for known Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities within 10 km of the Chandala Processing Plant (at centre mark). 10 Figure 5. Distribution map of Vegetation Associations within the Project Area 13 Figure 6. Distribution of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. letpophyllus, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012). 36 Figure 7. Distribution of Eucalyptus caesia, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012). 37

Plates Plate 1. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Planted Woodland’ (EPW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 15 Plate 2. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Plantings in Eucalyptus todtiana Open Woodland (EPEtOW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 16 Plate 3. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Plantings in Woodland’ (EPBW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 17 Plate 4. Example of ‘Melaleuca preissiana and Agonis flexuosa Planted Woodland’ (MpAfPW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 18 Plate 5. Examples of ‘Corymbia calophylla Woodland’ (CcW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 19 ii Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Plate 6. Example of ‘Eucalyptus rudis Woodland’ (ErW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 20 Plate 7. Example of ‘Eucalyptus todtiana Woodland’ (EtW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 21 Plate 8. Example of ‘Acacia saligna Low Woodland’ (AsLW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 22 Plate 9. Example of ‘Acacia saligna and Regelia ciliata Thicket’ (AsRcT) vegetation association within the Project Area. 23 Plate 10. Example of ‘Acacia saligna, , and Open Woodland’ (AsBaBm) vegetation association within the Project Area. 24 Plate 11. Examples of ‘Banksia menziesii, Banksia attenuata, Regelia ciliata Open Woodland’ (BmBaRcOW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 25 Plate 12. Examples of ‘Mixed Banksia, Eucalyptus rudis, and Melaleuca ryeae Open Woodland’ (BxErMrOW) vegetation association within the Project Area. 26 Plate 13. Example of ‘Xanthorrhoea preisii and Melaleuca ryeae Low Heath’ (XpMrLH) vegetation association within the Project Area. 27 Plate 14. Example of ‘Regelia ciliata Low Heath’ (RcLH) vegetation association within the Project Area. 28 Plate 15. Example of ‘Regelia ciliata Low Shrubland’ (RcLS) vegetation association within the Project Area. 29 Plate 16. Example of ‘ pauciflora Open Dwarf Shrubland’ (EpODS) vegetation association within the Project Area. 30 Plate 17. Example of ‘Pentameris airoides Mixed Herbland’ (PaMH) vegetation association within the Project Area. 31 Plate 18. Example of ‘Sparse Juncus pallidus Drainage Line’ (JpDL) vegetation association within the Project Area. 32 Plate 19. Photos of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012). 35 Plate 20. Photos of Eucalyptus caesia, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012). 37

iii

Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 1. Executive Summary

Tronox Management Pty Ltd (Tronox) operates the Chandala mineral sands processing plant in Muchea, approximately 49 km north-northeast of Perth, Western Australia. Expansion of the Chandala plant is being considered by Tronox to extend their processing capacity of mineral sands. Western Botanical was contracted by Tronox to perform a flora and vegetation survey to assist preparation of vegetation clearing permits for expansion of the processing plant.

Vegetation mapping, vegetation condition assessment, and a species inventory were completed for the 26.6 ha Project Area. Eighteen vegetation associations were recognised and mapped. Eighty-five flora species from 49 genera and 26 families were found, including 17 introduced or weed species.

Two Priority 4 species, Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus and Eucalyptus caesia, were found within the Project Area. However, all E. caesia were obvious plantings and are therefore not protected by the Priority 4 classification. One individual of C. graniticus subsp. leptophyllus was found and is likely (though unconfirmed) a planting. The removal of this plant, if necessary, would likely have a negligible impact on the status of the species.

Overall vegetation condition within the Project Area was ‘Degraded’ due to past grazing, weed invasion, and rehabilitative plantings that have removed and/or replaced a majority of mid and ground strata flora. Originally, the Threatened Ecological Community ‘Banksia attenuata woodland over species rich dense shrublands’ was likely present within two associations (a total of 3.59 ha) of the Project Area. Subsequent to past disturbance, these areas no longer possess ‘species rich dense shrublands’ and therefore no longer match the TEC definition. Similarly, the modified remains of the mid and ground strata do not match the description of the Priority Ecological Community (PEC) ‘ Banksia attenuata Ð Banksia menziesii woodlands (community type 23b)’. Consequently, the associations either do not match the PEC, or represent it poorly and in terms of the upper strata only.

A summary of the survey findings against the clearing principles of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 is additionally presented.

1 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 2. Introduction

2.1. Project Background

2.1.1. Project Description

Tronox Management Pty Ltd (Tronox) operates the Chandala mineral sands processing plant in Muchea, approximately 49 km north-northeast of Perth, Western Australia (Figure 1). Chandala currently processes approximately 450,000 tonnes of ilmenite, 80,000 tonnes of rutile, and 20,000 tonnes of leucoxene per year (Tronox Management Pty Ltd 2012). Expansion of the Chandala plant is being considered by Tronox to extend their processing capacity of mineral sands. Western Botanical was contracted by Tronox to perform a flora and vegetation survey to assist preparation of vegetation clearing permits for expansion of the processing plant.

Figure 1. Location of Chandala Processing Plant in relation to Perth, Western Australia. Produced with use of Google Maps (2012).

2 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

2.1.2. Project Area

The Project Area consists of two polygons immediately to the north and south of the current processing plant (Figure 2).

The southern polygon covers approximately 5.6 ha and consists of the northern section of tenement G7000168 and the western section of tenement G7000167. This southern polygon is being considered for the location of the Chandala processing plant expansion. The vegetation here is predominantly Banksia woodland degraded due to historic grazing.

The northern polygon covers approximately 21 ha and is located to the north of the existing Chandala processing plant. Parts of the northern polygon are being considered as a source of fill (as performed previously during construction of the Chandala processing plant) to assist the Chandala plant expansion within the southern polygon. The vegetation here forms a mosaic of degraded remnant Eucalypt and Banksia woodlands mixed with historic rehabilitative plantings, with shallow lakes forming in the voids.

3 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Figure 2. Map of the Project Area showing locations of the northern and southern polygons relative to the Chandala Processing Plant.

4 401000mE 402000mE

6512000mN 403000mE

0 40 80m

Scale 1:4,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Project Area Tenement Boundary

G 70/165 G 70/166

BRAND HIGHWAY G 70/88

G 70/89 6511000mN

G 70/90 G 70/167

G 70/168

LOCALITY

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Chandala Processing Plant

Kalgoorlie Project Area Perth CHANDALA

6510000mN Author: D. Leach Date: November 2012 Author: D. Leach ~ Drawn: CAD Resources Tel 9246 3242 URL www.cadresources.com.au Nov 2012 A3 Rev: A Ref g2093L 001.dgn Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

2.2. Physical Environment

2.2.1. Climate

Climate for the area is warm Mediterranean, characterised by mild to cool wet winters and warm to hot dry summers. Figure 3 presents a summary of climate data recorded at Pearce RAAF base, 10 km south of the Project Area (Bureau of Meteorology 2012). Rainfall for July and August were significantly below the historic mean rainfall.

160 40

140 35

120 30 C) O 100 25

80 20

60 15 Rainfall (mm)

40 10 Temperature (

20 5

0 0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Recent Rainfall Mean Rainfall Mean Max Temp

Figure 3. Climate summary (rainfall of past 12 months, mean rainfall, and mean maximum temperature). Source: Pearce RAAF Base, 10 km south of the Project Area (Bureau of Meteorology 2012). 2.2.2. Biogeographic Region

The Study Area is located in the Swan Coastal Plain (SWA1) subregion of the Swan Coastal Plain Interim Bioregion Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) bioregion, as described in Mitchell et al. (2002). Though within the Swan Coastal Plain SWA1 subregion, the Study Area is close to the western border of the Dandaragan Plateau SWA2 subregion and may therefore share some of its characteristics.

The Swan Coastal Plain SWA1 subregion is characterised by low lying coastal plains mainly covered with woodlands (Mitchel et al. 2002). It is dominated by Banksia or Tuart on sandy soils, Casuarina obesa on outwash plains, and paperbark in swampy areas. In the east the plain rises to duricrusted Mesozoic sediments dominated by Jarrah woodland (Mitchel et al. 2002).

The nearby Dandaragan SWA2 subregion is characterised by Banksia low woodland, Jarrah- Marri woodland, Marri woodland, and by scrub-heaths on laterite pavement and on gravelly sandplains (Desmond 2001).

6 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 3. Methods

3.1. Desktop Survey

A request was made to the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for searches of threatened and priority ecological communities, and threatened (Declared Rare) and priority flora information. The coordinate provided to DEC to perform the searches were 115 57’ 51” E, 31 31’ 58” S. Searches for Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities were conducted at a 10 km radius. Searches for Threatened and Priority flora were conducted at a 7.5 km radius.

DEC search results were used to increase awareness of significant flora and communities that may be encountered during vegetation mapping and species inventory activities, and to assist identification of collected specimens.

3.2. Flora Survey

3.2.1. Vegetation Mapping

Mapping of vegetation within the Study Area was undertaken to identify vegetation associations at structural and floral association level (Level V of the National Vegetation Information System (ESCAVI 2003)). Two botanists traversed the whole of the Survey Area using aerial images to ensure all potential changes in vegetation were investigated, and to verify contiguous vegetation on aerial images. Preliminary vegetation associations were identified, described, and photographed in the field. Associations where then later verified or modified following close inspection of aerial images and completion of specimen identification. Coordinates were recorded for unrecognised, unique, or potential significant flora.

3.2.2. Vegetation Condition

Overall vegetation condition was assessed through use of the DEC’s ‘Vegetation Condition Short Scale for Quick Assessment’ (Casson et al. 2009) (Appendix 1). Generally, vegetation condition status was assessed within each vegetation association determined during the vegetation mapping field survey.

3.2.3. Species Inventory

Specimens of all species encountered during vegetation mapping fieldworks were collected and coordinates recorded. Collected specimens were used to verify field identification of flora, to assist identification of species unknown to the botanists, and to create an overall species inventory of the Study Area.

7 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 3.3. Flora Specimen Identification

Floral specimens were primarily identified using the resources of the Western Botanical reference herbarium and library. A proportion of specimens required verification at the Western Australian Herbarium by Western Botanical botanists. One specimen (Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus, Pritority 4) was referred to Michael Hislop at the WA Herbarium for confirmation of identification.

3.4. Limitations

• The field survey was conducted in early September within the start of the flowering season of most flora. As such, it is possible that late flowering annuals or geophytes may not have been detected during the field survey.

• The study area contains a complex mosaic of a) degraded remnant vegetation, b) rehabilitation plantings, and c) degraded remnant vegetation with rehabilitation plantings. Boundaries amongst the mosaic of remnant, rehabilitated, and remnant-rehabilitated vegetation were occasionally poorly defined or had broad overlap. As a result, the boundaries of some vegetation association are estimates only.

8 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 4. Results

4.1. Desktop Survey

4.1.1. Threatened Ecological Communities

Table 1 summarises known Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and Priority Ecological Communities (PECs) within 10 km of the Project Area, as obtained from searches of the Department of Environment and Conservation’s ‘Threatened Ecological Communities database’. Search results find that the Project Area does not lie within buffer zones of any known TECs or PECs (Figure 4). Though outside TEC and PEC buffer zones, it is still possible that unreported TECs and PECs might exist within the Project Area.

Table 1. Summary of Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities within 10 km of the Project Area.

Ecological Community Status Communities of Tumulus Springs (Organic Mound Springs Swan Critically Endangered Coastal Plain)

Perth to Gingin Ironstone Association Critically Endangered

Banksia attenuata woodland over species rich dense shrublands Endangered

Shrublands and woodlands on Muchea Limestone Endangered

Banksia woodland of the Gingin area restricted to soils dominated by Priority 2 yellow to orange sands

Wooded wetlands which support colonial waterbird nesting areas Priority 2

Southern Eucalyptus gomphocephala‐Agonis flexuosa woodlands Priority 3

Swan Coastal Plain Banksia attenuata ‐ Banksia menziesii woodlands Priority 3

9 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Figure 4. Buffer zones for known Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities within 10 km of the Chandala Processing Plant (at centre mark).

10 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

4.1.2. Threatened and Priority Flora

Search results from the Department of Environment and Conservation’s ‘Threatened and Priority Flora Database (TPFL)’ and ‘WA Herbarium database (WAHerb)’ are summarised below in Table 2.

Table 2. Summary of DEC search results for Threatened and Priority flora within 7.5 km of the Project Area.

Significant Flora Species Status Acacia anomala T Acacia cummingiana 3 Acacia drummondii subsp. affinis 3 cygnorum subsp. chamaephyton 3 Caustis gigas 2 Chamaescilla gibsonii 3 Chamelaucium sp. Gingin (N.G. Marchant 6) T Cyathochaeta teretifolia 3 Darwinia foetida T Drosera sewelliae 1 althoferorum subsp. fragilis T 2 subsp. curviloba T Grevillea curviloba subsp. incurva T 1 Hibbertia glomerata subsp. ginginensis 1 Hypocalymma sylvestre 1 Hypolaena robusta 4 Lasiopetalum lineare 3 Leucopogon squarrosus subsp. trigynus 2 Oxymyrrhine coronata 4 rudis 3 Schoenus griffinianus 3 Stylidium cymiferum 3 Stylidium longitubum 3 Stylidium squamellosum 2 grandis 4 Tetraria sp. Chandala (G.J. Keighery 17055) 2 Thelymitra stellata T Trichocline sp. Treeton (B.J. Keighery & N. Gibson 564) 2 Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi 4 Verticordia rutilastra 3 Verticordia serrata var. linearis 3

11 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 4.2. Field Survey

4.2.1. Vegetation Mapping

The vegetation mapping survey found 18 vegetation associations within the Project Area. Two associations are purely rehabilitation plantings and two others are a mix of remnant vegetation with plantings. A vegetation distribution map is presented in Figure 5. Associations were determined on a structural and floristic basis were possible. Each vegetation association and its condition are described below.

12 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Figure 5. Distribution map of Vegetation Associations within the Project Area

13 Date: November 2012 Figure 5 Distribution of Vegetation Associations Chandala Processing Plant Author: D. Leach CcWCcW 402000mE JpDLJpDL JpDLJpDL RcLHRcLH AsRcTAsRcT CcWCcW BmBaRcOWBmBaRcOW XpMrLHXpMrLH EPWEPW BmBaRcOWBmBaRcOW AsBaBmOWAsBaBmOW EPBWEPBW BxErMrOWBxErMrOW EPBWEPBW MpAfPWMpAfPW EPBWEPBW RcLHRcLH EPWEPW ErWErW EPEtOWEPEtOW ErWErW CcWCcW EpODSEpODS CcWCcW 401500mE EPWEPW EPWEPW JpDLJpDL 6510500mN6510500mN CcWCcW EtWEtW JpDLJpDL RcLSRcLS Open Woodland Open Woodland Open Woodland PaMHPaMH Open Woodland Planted Woodland Low Heath Regelia ciliata Melaleuca ryeae , AsLWAsLW Banksia menziesii Thicket , Woodland , and Agonis flexuosa Melaleuca ryeae JpDLJpDL Drainage Line Banksia Eucalyptus todtiana ErWErW and Woodland and Mixed Herbland Woodland Open Dwarf Shrubland Regelia ciliata Banksia attenuata , Woodland Eucalyptus rudis Banksia attenuata and , Low Heath Low Shrubland 401000mE , Planted Woodland Plantings in Plantings in Juncus pallidus Banksia Sparse Acacia saligna Low Woodland Mixed Eremaea pauciflora Pentameris airoides Corymbia calophylla Eucalyptus rudis Eucalyptus todtiana Acacia saligna Acacia saligna Banksia menziesii Xanthorrhoea preisii Regelia ciliata Regelia ciliata Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Melaleuca preissiana 6511500mN6511500mN 80m XpMrLH RcLH RcLS EpODS PaMH JpDL EtW AsLW AsRcT AsBaBmOW BmBaRcOW BxErMrOW EPBW MpAfPW Remnant Vegetation Associations CcW ErW Planted Vegetation Associations EPW EPEtOW 40 Scale 1:4,000 LEGEND MGA94 (Zone 50) MGA94 (Zone 0

6511000mN6511000mN

001.dgn g2093V Ref CAD ~ A Rev: ~ A3 ~ 2012 Nov ~ www.cadresources.com.au URL ~ 3242 9246 Tel ~ Resources CAD Drawn: ~ Leach D. Author: Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

4.2.1.1 Planted Vegetation Associations

Eucalyptus Planted Woodland (EPW)

Variable mix of planted Eucalypt (*E. botryoides, E. camaldulensis subsp. obtusa, E. caesia, E. maculata, E. macrandra, E. urna, and E. gomphocephala) open woodland to woodland over variable mix of *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula, *Ursinia anthemoides, *Zantedeschia aethiopica grassland/herbland. Total area of 6.08 ha. Examples in Plate 1.

This association includes the planted E. urna low open forest adjacent to the small lake near the eastern boundary of the north polygon.

Vegetation Condition: Very Degraded. Entirely cleared pasture lands dominated by ground stratum weeds with rehabilitative Eucalypt plantings. An anthropogenic vegetation association with almost no original flora remaining.

Plate 1. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Planted Woodland’ (EPW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

15 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Eucalyptus Plantings in Eucalyptus todtiana Open Woodland (EPEtOW)

Planted Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. obtusa amongst scattered remnant Eucalyptus todtiana Open Woodland over Xanthrohoea priesii sparse shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora grassland. Total area of 0.41 ha. Example in Plate 2.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. A dispersed remnant stand of Eucalyptus todtiana woodland now dominated by planted E. camaldulensis subsp. obtusa and numerous single specimens of planted mid stratum species. Ground stratum dominated by weeds.

Plate 2. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Plantings in Eucalyptus todtiana Open Woodland (EPEtOW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

16 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Eucalyptus Plantings in Banksia Woodland (EPBW)

Variably distributed mixed Eucalypt plantings (E. botryoides, E. conferruminata, E. camaldulensis subsp. obtusa), Banksia attentuata, B. menziesii Woodland over occasional Xanthorhoea priesii over *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula, (with *Briza maxima and *Ehrharta calycina along northern strip of southern polygon) grassland/herbland. Total area of 1.36 ha. Example in Plate 3.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded to Very Degraded. An anthropogenic vegetation association dominated by mixed Eucalypt plantings within degraded remnant Banksia woodland. Ground stratum composed of weeds.

Plate 3. Example of ‘Eucalyptus Plantings in Banksia Woodland’ (EPBW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

17 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Melaleuca preissiana and Agonis flexuosa Planted Woodland (MpAfPW)

Lakeside planting of Melaleuca preissiana and Agonis flexuosa woodland over occasional Melaleuca aff. quinquenervia, Callistemon phoeniceus, Juncus kraussii, over *Ehrharta longiflora, and *Cotula coronopifolia grassland (above water line). Total area of 0.82 ha. Example in Plate 4.

Vegetation Condition: Very Degraded. An anthropogenic vegetation association bordering artificial lakes. However, appears to robustly protect lake banks.

Plate 4. Example of ‘Melaleuca preissiana and Agonis flexuosa Planted Woodland’ (MpAfPW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

18 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

4.2.1.2 Remnant Vegetation Associations

Corymbia calophylla Woodland (CcW)

Corymbia calophylla open woodland to woodland over Xanthorrhoea preisii and Acacia saligna (senescent) scatterred low shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora dense grassland with occasional Podotheca gnaphalioides and *Zantedeschia aethiopica. Area of 3.58 ha. Examples in Plate 5.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Remnant woodland highly impacted by past grazing. Upper stratum intact with sparse degraded mid stratum and weed-dominated ground stratum.

Plate 5. Examples of ‘Corymbia calophylla Woodland’ (CcW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

19 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Eucalyptus rudis Woodland (ErW)

Eucalyptus rudis subsp. rudis open woodland to woodland over very occasional Xanthorrhoea preissii and Hypocalymma angustifolia over *Ehrharta longiflora grassland with occasional *Arctotheca calendula and *Zantedeschia aethiopica. Total area of 2.82 ha. Example in Plate 6.

On the two largest islands of the northern polygon, additional scattered plants of Melaleuca priessiana, Juncas krausii, *Eragrostis curvula, and Typha domingensis are also found at the lake edge.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded to Good. Remnant woodland highly impacted by past grazing, upper stratum intact with sparse degraded mid stratum and a weed-dominated ground stratum.

Plate 6. Example of ‘Eucalyptus rudis Woodland’ (ErW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

20 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Eucalyptus todtiana Woodland (EtW)

Eucalyptus todtiana woodland over Regelia ciliata scattered low shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora, *Hypochaeris glabra, *Zantedeschia aethiopica grassland/herbland. Total area of 0.13 ha. Example in Plate 7.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Loss of mid stratum with ground stratum composed of weeds.

Plate 7. Example of ‘Eucalyptus todtiana Woodland’ (EtW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

21 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Acacia saligna Low Woodland (AsLW)

Senescing Acacia saligna low woodland to open woodland over *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula, *Zantedeschia aethiopica, *Romulea rosea var. australis grassland/herbland. Total area of 0.75 ha. Example in Plate 8.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded to Very Degraded. Acacia saligna is senescing (~60% dead), no mid stratum remains, ground stratum composed of weeds.

Plate 8. Example of ‘Acacia saligna Low Woodland’ (AsLW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

22 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Acacia saligna and Regelia ciliata Thicket (AsRcT)

Acacia saligna thicket over Regelia ciliata, Hypochalymma angustifolia low heath over variable mix of Drosera glanduligera, *Moraea flaccida, *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula sparse grassland/herbland. Total area of 0.06 ha. Example in Plate 9.

Vegetation Condition: Good. Upper stratum and mid stratum intact though floristically simple, moderate weed density in ground stratum.

Plate 9. Example of ‘Acacia saligna and Regelia ciliata Thicket’ (AsRcT) vegetation association within the Project Area.

23 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Acacia saligna, Banksia attenuata, and Banksia menziesii Open Woodland (AsBaBmOW)

Acacia saligna (with scatterred Banksia attenuata and B. menziesii) open woodland over Juncus pallidus scattered sedgeland over *Ehrharta longiflora (and occasional *Eragrostis curvula) grassland. Total area of 0.25 ha. Example in Plate 10.

Vegetation Condition: Very Degraded to Degraded. Post-earthworks disturbance vegetation lining the artificial drainage ditch of the south boundary of the southern polygon.

Plate 10. Example of ‘Acacia saligna, Banksia attenuata, and Banksia menziesii Open Woodland’ (AsBaBm) vegetation association within the Project Area.

24 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Banksia menziesii, Banksia attenuata, Regelia ciliata Open Woodland (BmBaRcOW)

Banksia menziesii, Banksia attenuata open woodland over Xanthorrhoea preissii, Regelia ciliata scattered shrubland over Hibbertia vaginata, Dasypogon bromeliifolius scattered dwarf shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora, Podotheca Gnaphalioides, *Hypochaeris glabra, *Ursinia anthemoides, and scattered *Zantedeschia aethiopica grassland/herbland. Total area of 1.76 ha. Examples in Plate 11.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Upper stratum structure intact, but mid stratum largely removed and floristically simple due to past grazing. Ground stratum dominated by weeds.

Plate 11. Examples of ‘Banksia menziesii, Banksia attenuata, Regelia ciliata Open Woodland’ (BmBaRcOW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

25 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Mixed Banksia, Eucalyptus rudis, and Melaleuca ryeae Open Woodland (BxErMrOW)

Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii, , (and scattered Eucalyptus rudis subsp. rudis) open woodland over Xanthorrhoea preisii, Acacia saligna, Macrozamia fraseri scattered shrubland over Melaleuca ryeae and Dasypogon bromeliifolius scattered dwarf shrubland over variable mixed *Ehrharta longiflora, Podotheca gnaphalioides, *Arctotheca calendula, and *Hypochaeris glabra grassland/herbland. Total area of 1.83 ha. Examples in Plate 12.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Upper stratum structure reasonably intact, but mid stratum largely removed and floristically simple due to past grazing. Ground stratum dominated by weeds. Dead and dying and E. rudis subsp. rudis suggest possibility of Dieback (Phytophthora) widespread within this association.

Plate 12. Examples of ‘Mixed Banksia, Eucalyptus rudis, and Melaleuca ryeae Open Woodland’ (BxErMrOW) vegetation association within the Project Area.

26 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Xanthorrhoea preisii and Melaleuca ryeae Low Heath (XpMrLH)

Xanthorrhoea preisii and Calitris pyramidalis open low shrubland over Melaleuca ryeae low heath to shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora and *Arctotheca calendula grassland with occasional *Zanthedeschia aethiopica. Total area of 0.21 ha. Example in Plate 13.

Vegetation Condition: Good. Moderate disturbance to mid stratum probably due to past grazing with a weed dominated ground stratum.

Plate 13. Example of ‘Xanthorrhoea preisii and Melaleuca ryeae Low Heath’ (XpMrLH) vegetation association within the Project Area.

27 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Regelia ciliata Low Heath (RcLH)

Melaleuca preissiana, Acacia saligna, Callitris pyramidalis scattered shrubland over Regelia ciliata low heath over variable mix of Drosera glanduligera, *Moraea flaccida, *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula. Total area of 0.70 ha. Example in Plate 14.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded to Good. Structure reasonably intact but with ground stratum dominated by weeds. Rabbit warrens abundant.

Plate 14. Example of ‘Regelia ciliata Low Heath’ (RcLH) vegetation association within the Project Area.

28 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Regelia ciliata Low Shrubland (RcLS)

Regelia ciliata (variably senescent) with occasional Kunzea glabrescens low open shrubland to shrubland over *Ehrharta longiflora, *Arctotheca calendula, *Hypochaeris glabra, *Zantedeschia aethiopica grassland/herbland. Total area of 1.19 ha. Example in Plate 15.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Shrubland composition simple with ground stratum completely dominated by weeds.

Plate 15. Example of ‘Regelia ciliata Low Shrubland’ (RcLS) vegetation association within the Project Area.

29 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Eremaea pauciflora Open Dwarf Shrubland (EpODS)

Very scattered woodland of Banksia attenuata, B. menziesii, and planted Eucalyptus sp. over Acacia saligna (standing and fallen dead) and Macrozamia fraseri scattered shrubland over Eremaea pauciflora var. pauciflora open dwarf shrubland over Podotheca gnaphalioides, *Ehrharta longiflora, *Ursinia anthemoides, *Arctotheca calendula herbland. Total area of 0.51 ha. Example in Plate 16.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Appears to have been mechanically disturbed in the past, followed by limited plantings of Eucalyptus sp. (supportive stakes present) and natural regeneration. Ground stratum dominated by weeds.

Plate 16. Example of ‘Eremaea pauciflora Open Dwarf Shrubland’ (EpODS) vegetation association within the Project Area.

30 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Pentameris airoides Mixed Herbland (PaMH)

Mixed, seasonally wet, open herbland composed of *Pentameris airoides subsp. airoides, Podotheca gnaphalioides, *Ursinia anthemoides, Crassula colorata var. colorata, *Hypochaeris glabra, and Drosera glanduligera. Total area of 0.69 ha. Example in Plate 17.

Vegetation Condition: Degraded. Herbland dominated by weed species.

Plate 17. Example of ‘Pentameris airoides Mixed Herbland’ (PaMH) vegetation association within the Project Area.

31 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Sparse Juncus pallidus Drainage Line (JpDL)

Wet depressions often with anthropogenic drainage lines. Occasional remnant Melaleuca preissiana over sparse Juncus pallidus sedgeland over *Arctotheca calendula (30%), *Moraea flaccida (20%), and *Zantedeschia aethiopica herbland. Total area of 0.75 ha. Examples in Plate 18.

Vegetation Condition: Very Degraded. Dominated by ground layer weed species with no remnant vegetation beside occasional Melaleuca preissiana and sparse Juncus pallidus.

Plate 18. Example of ‘Sparse Juncus pallidus Drainage Line’ (JpDL) vegetation association within the Project Area.

32 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

4.2.2. Vegetation Condition

Overall vegetation condition within the Project Area is classed as Degraded on the DEC’s ‘Vegetation Condition Short Scale for Quick Assessment’ (Casson et al. 2009) (Appendix 1). Vegetation condition has been assessed for each vegetation association identified by the field survey, as covered within section 4.2.1. The predominant cause of vegetation degradation appears to be past grazing activity that has significantly altered mid and ground strata vegetation condition. The majority of understorey vegetation has been removed from remnant areas due to past grazing and clearing. Remaining areas with remnant understorey possess low species richness compared to relatively undisturbed vegetation of the region.

Groundstorey weed invasion is widespread throughout both remnant and rehab-planting areas of the Project Area. Weed species account for approximately a 75% coverage (variable by location and vegetation) of the soil surface at the time of the field survey. The most widespread and abundant weeds throughout the Project area are Ehrharta longifolia, Arctotheca calendula, Ursinia anthemoides, and Cotula coronopifolia. A total of 17 introduced (weed) species were found within the Project Area (summarised in Table 3).

Table 3. Summary of introduced flora species found during field survey and their distribution within the Project Area.

Species Distribution Acacia iteaphylla One plant at 50J 0401413E 6511233N. Arctotheca calendula Widespread throughout, higher abundance in open areas. Briza maxima Common along north fenceline of southern polygon. Conyza parva Locally common along roadside on western boundary of northern polygon and in ‘Sparse Juncus pallidus Drainage Line’ (JpDL) vegetation association within east section of North Polygon. Cotula coronopifolia Common throughout within moderately wet areas. Crassula natans var. minus Locally abundant within artificial drainage lines. Ehrharta calycina Common along north fenceline of southern polygon. Ehrharta longiflora Widespread throughout. Eragrostis curvula Scattered along lake banks and artificial drainage lines. Eucalyptus botryoides Present as part of eucalypt woodland rehab plantings. Hypochaeris glabra Common throughout. Moraea flaccida Common within wet depressions/areas. Pentameris airoides subsp. Common throughout ‘Pentameris airoides Mixed Herbland’ airoides (PaMH) vegetation association Romulea rosea var. australis Common within wet depressions/areas. Rumex crispus A few plants on the north‐south running artificial drainage line in the southern polygon. Solanum nigrum Rare within remnant Eucalypt woodlands. Spergula arvensis Locally common on roadside on western boundary of northern polygon. Trifolium cernuum Locally abundant within artificial drainage lines. Ursinia anthemoides Widespread throughout. Zantedeschia aethiopica Scattered within remnant and planted Eucalypt woodlands. (Declared Plant)

33 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

One weed found during the field survey, Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lily), is a declared plant (conditions P1 and P4) within Western Australia (Government of Western Australia 2011). Tronox has a control program for this weed, which has had significant success at Chandala (J. Owen, 2012, pers. comm. 4 September). None of the weeds encountered during the field survey are Weeds of National Significance (as per Australian Weeds Committee 2012).

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) warrens are somewhat common within the project area, particularly where understorey vegetation was dense and cover readily available. Rabbit droppings were rarely observed, but their presence was likely masked by thick weed coverage of the groundstorey.

Though not assessed by Western Botanical, Dieback (Phytophthora) appears to be present within a majority of the western half of the Project Area’s southern polygon.

4.2.3. Species Inventory

The field survey found a total of 85 flora species within the Project Area, from 49 genera and 26 families. No Threatened species and two Priority species were found within the Project Area. Seventeen introduced (weed) flora species were found (see section 0). A full species list of flora found within the Project Area during the field survey is presented in Appendix 2.

Four of the 85 flora species were not identifiable to species level due to a) a lack of available flowering/fruiting specimen material, and/or b) introduced planting species not represented within Western Australian Herbarium and Western Australian botanical/taxonomic keys. None of these four species resemble any Threatened or Priority flora found within the region.

4.3. Significant Flora

Despite a thorough field investigation (3 days) within the 26.6 ha Project Area, no Threatened flora species were found. Two Priority flora species, Eucalyptus caesia P4 (planted) and Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus P4 (probably planted) were found. The low presence of significant flora is likely due to the considerable degradation of vegetation within the Project Area due to past grazing activity and weed invasion.

4.3.1. Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus

Priority 4 species, Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus is an erect, multi-stemmed , 1-2 m high, producing red flowers from June to August (Plate 19). It is known to occur on clay over granite, lateritic soils on hillsides. Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus is restricted to the Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest IBRA regions; predominantly south of Perth and north of Collie (Figure 6). Specimen records on Florabase (Western Australian Herbarium 2012) note some collections from planted specimens within rehabilitation efforts.

One plant of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus was found within the Project Area at 50 J 0401646E 6511294S, within the EtOWwP vegetation association. This location represents a

34 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 significant range extension of approximately 50 km north of its typical distribution. The location of the plant is unusual, being on grey sand rather than red-brown clay/sand as is typical for this species. Planted specimens of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. letpophyllus are known (R. Barrett, Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority, 2012, pers. comm. 12 October) and due to this specimen’s location it is probably a planting (M. Hislop, Western Australian Herbarium, 2012, pers. comm. 29 October).

The Priority 4 classification of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus is given for the plant in its natural habitat. If a planting, the Priority classification would not apply to the found specimen. The removal of this plant, if necessary, would likely have a negligible impact on the status of the species.

Plate 19. Photos of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012).

35 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Figure 6. Distribution of Calothamnus graniticus subsp. letpophyllus, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012).

4.3.2. Eucalyptus caesia

Priority 4 species, Eucalyptus caesia is a mallee tree, 1.8-14 m high, producing pink-red flowers from May to September (Plate 20). It is known to occur on loam soils and on granite outcrops. Eucalyptus caesia is restricted to the Avan Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, and Mallee IBRA regions. It is not known to naturally occur in the Swan Coastal Plain IBRA region where the Project Area is located (Figure 7).

Plants of Eucalyptus caesia within the Project Area only occurred within areas of past rehabilitation plantings. They were typically found within obvious rows of Eucalypt plantings within the ExPW and ExPBxW vegetation associations.

The Priority 4 classification of Eucalyptus caesia is given for the plant in its natural habitat, and does not apply to the cultivated specimens found within the Project Area.

36 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Plate 20. Photos of Eucalyptus caesia, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012).

Figure 7. Distribution of Eucalyptus caesia, Priority 4. Source: Western Australian Herbarium (2012).

37 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 5. Concluding Discussion

5.1. Significant Ecological Communities

Results of the Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) database searches found that the Project Area is outside all buffer zones of known TECs and PECs (Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities). Of note, vegetation associations determined within the Project Area initially resemble structural descriptions of known TECs/PECs. However, due to degradation caused by past grazing, weed invasion, and rehabilitative plantings the vegetation has been significantly modified away from TEC/PEC descriptions.

Prior to disturbances, vegetation associations BmBaRcOW and BErMrOW would likely have matched the TEC ‘Banksia attenuata woodland over species rich dense shrublands’. However, past disturbances within the Project Area have largely removed or replaced the mid and ground strata. Consequently, the BmBaRcOW and BErMrOW associations do not possess ‘species rich dense shrublands’ and no longer match the TEC definition.

Similarly, due to past disturbances associations BmBaRcOW and BErMrOW match the Priority 3 PEC ‘Swan Coastal Plain Banksia attenuata Ð Banksia menziesii woodlands (community type 23b)’ by their upper strata only. The species within the modified remains of the mid and ground strata do not match the PEC description of Gibson et al. (1994). Consequently, the BmBaRcOW and BErMrOW associations either do not match the PEC, or represent it poorly and in terms of the upper strata only.

It is the conclusion of this report that vegetation associations found within the Project Area do not resemble any known TECs, and either do not resemble, or poorly resemble, any known PECs.

5.2. Clearing Permit Criteria

To assist clearing impact assessment a summary of the vegetation survey findings against the clearing principles of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, is provided below.

Principle (a) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it comprises a high level of biological diversity.

No vegetation within the Project Area possessed a high level of biological diversity. Past land use (grazing) and widespread introduced flora has removed and/or replaced a large proportion of remnant vegetation within mid and ground strata.

The proposal is not at variance with this principle.

Principle (b) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it comprised the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia.

38 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Fauna habitat was not assessed as part of the flora and vegetation survey.

Principle (c) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it includes, or is necessary for the continued existence of rare flora.

No Threatened flora species were found within the Project Area.

One individual of the Priority 4 species (Calothamnus graniticus subsp. leptophyllus) was found within the Project Area. Though not confirmed, it is probable that this individual has been planted in the revegetation program previously conducted in the area. The removal of this plant (if necessary) would have a negligible impact on the status of the species.

Several specimens of the Priority 4 species Eucalyptus caesia were found within the Project Area. All were planted as part of past rehabilitation works and are therefore not protected.

The proposal is not at variance with this principle.

Principle (d) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it comprises the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of a threatened ecological community (TEC).

Results of the Department of Environment & Conservation database searches found that the Project Area is outside all buffer zones of known TECs within the local region.

Due to the degraded condition of ‘Banksia menziesii, Banksia attenuata, Regelia ciliata Open Woodland’ (BmBaRcOW) and ‘Mixed Banksia, Eucalyptus rudis, and Melaleuca ryeae Open Woodland’ (BErMrOW) vegetation associations within the Project Area, they do not match the description of the ‘Banksia attenuata woodland over species rich dense shrublands’ TEC.

The proposal is not at variance with this principle.

Principle (e) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it is significant as a remnant of native vegetation in an area that has been extensively cleared.

Due to the degraded nature of vegetation within the Project Area, specifically, the loss of the majority of mid and ground stratum due to clearing and grazing, it is unlikely that remnant vegetation is of significant value to conservation.

The proposal is not considered to be at variance with this principle.

Principle (f) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if it is growing in, or in association with, an environment associated with a watercourse or wetland.

Vegetation within the Project Area is not associated with any watercourse. Wetlands in the northern polygon are comprised of artificial lakes. The vegetation along lake banks and on the islands is comprised of former rehabilitation plantings. This vegetation is not naturally occurring

39 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 though includes many locally and regionally native species as well as Australian native flora not native to the region.

Dependent on interpretation of principle (f) and the constructed nature of the wetlands present, the proposal may not be at variance with this principle.

Principle (g) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to cause appreciable land degradation.

Due to the small scale (26.6 ha) of the Project Area, vegetation clearing would be unlikely to cause appreciable land degradation.

The proposal is not at variance with this principle.

Principle (h) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to have an impact on the environmental values of any adjacent or nearby conservation area.

No conservation areas are adjacent to the Project Area. Yari Nature Reserve lies ~13 km northwest of the Project Area and is supported by a large area of crown land native vegetation to its south. Leda Nature Reserve and Avon Valley National Park lie ~16 km to the east-southeast of the Project Area. Given the extent of clearing between the Project Area and these conservation areas, and the small area of the Project Area (26.6 ha) an impact to environmental values of conservation areas is highly unlikely.

The proposal is not at variance with this principle.

Principle (i) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to cause deterioration in the quality of surface or underground water.

Hydrology was not assessed as part of the flora and vegetation survey.

Principle (j) Ð Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to cause, or exacerbate, the incidence of flooding.

Hydrology was not specifically assessed as part of the flora and vegetation survey.

A feeder stream to Chandala Brook lies to the immediate east and southeast of the southern polygon. Regular, mild, and natural seasonal flooding of this feeder stream is evident by vegetation along its course and by interpretation of riparian vegetation in aerial photography. Vegetation clearing within the Project Area is unlikely to affect the incidence of flooding. However, if the southern polygon is to be developed, modification of the existing artificial drainage channel within the polygon may be required to maintain existing controls of flood incidence.

40 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 6. References

Australian Weeds Committee (2012). Weeds of National Significance. Retrieved from http:/www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/

Bureau of Meteorology (2012). Climate Data Online. Retrieved from http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/

Casson N, Downes S, Harris A (2009). Native Vegetation Condition Assessment and Monitoring Manual for Western Australia. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth.

Department of Environment and Conservation (1999). Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia, Como, Perth.

Desmond A (2001). Swan Coastal Plain 1 (SWA1 Ð Dandaragan Plateau subregion). In JE Mary & NL Mckenzie (Ed.), A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographic Subregions in 2002 (pp. 595-605). Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

ESCAVI (Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information) 2003. National Vegetation Informaiton System, Version 6.0. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra.

Gison, B, Keighery B, Keigheryi G, Burbidge A, Lyons M (1994). A Floristic Survey of the southern Swan Coastal Plain. Department of Conservation and Land Management and Conservation Council of Western Australia, Western Australia.

Google Maps (2012). Map of Perth and surrounding areas. Retrieved from http://maps.google.com.au/maps

Government of Western Australia (1986). Environmental Protection Act 1986. Retrieved from http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/wa/consol_act/epa1986295/

Government of Western Australia (2011). Declared plants in Western Australia. Retrieved from http:// www.agric.wa.gov.au/PC_93088.html

Mitchell D, Williams K, Desmond A (2002). Swan Coastal Plain 2 (SWA2 Ð Swan Coastal Plain subregion). In JE Mary & NL Mckenzie (Ed.), A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographic Subregions in 2002 (pp. 606-623). Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

41 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012 7. List of Participants

Project Manager David Leach

Botanists Amy Douglas

Sophie Fox

Manon Hannart

Reviewer Geoff Cockerton

42 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Appendix 1. Native vegetation condition scale for quick assessment (Casson et al. 2009).

43 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

44 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Appendix 2. Flora species inventory list of the Project Area

Notes: * Denotes a weed species e Denotes eastern state species

45 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Family Genus Species Weed Status Notes Amaranthaceae Ptilotus polystachyus Anarthriaceae Lyginia imberbis Araceae Zantedeschia aethiopica * Asparagaceae Thysanotus manglesianus Asteraceae Conyza parva * Asteraceae Cotula coronopifolia * Asteraceae Hypochaeris glabra * Asteraceae Podotheca gnaphalioides Asteraceae Ursinia anthemoides * Caryophyllaceae Spergula arvensis * Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina sp. One only. Likely planted. Crassulaceae Crassula colorata var. colorata Crassulaceae Crassula natans var. minus * Cupressaceae Callitris pyramidalis Cyperaceae Ficnia nodosa Likely plantings Dasypogonaceae Dasypogon bromeliifolius Dilleniaceae Hibbertia vaginata Droseraceae Drosera glanduligera Fabaceae Acacia huegelii Fabaceae Acacia iteaphylla * Fabaceae Acacia pulchella var. glaberrima Fabaceae Acacia saligna Fabaceae Acacia sessilispica Fabaceae Aotus procumbens Fabaceae Jacksonia floribunda Fabaceae Jacksonia sternbergiana Fabaceae Trifolium cernuum * Fabaceae Trifolium sp. Iridaceae Moraea flaccida * Iridaceae Romulea rosea var. australis * Juncaceae Juncus kraussii Juncaceae Juncus pallidus Loranthaceae Nuytsia floribunda Agonis flexuosa Myrtaceae Astartea scoparia Myrtaceae Callistemon phoeniceus Myrtaceae Calothamnus graniticus subsp. P4 Likely a planting leptophyllus (unconfirmed) Myrtaceae Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. quadrifidus Myrtaceae Calothamnus sanguineus Myrtaceae Corymbia calophylla Myrtaceae Corymbia ficifolia Myrtaceae Eremaea pauciflora var. pauciflora Myrtaceae Eucalyptus botryoides * Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus caesia P4 Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. obtusa Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus citriodora e Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus conferruminata Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus gomphocephala Myrtaceae Eucalyptus leucoxylon e Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus macrandra Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus maculata e Plantings

46 Clearing Permit Vegetation Survey of Chandala Processing Plant, October, 2012

Family Genus Species Weed Status Notes Myrtaceae Eucalyptus patens Suspected plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus robusta e Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus rudis subsp. rudis Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sp. Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sp. Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus todtiana Myrtaceae Eucalyptus urna Plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus utilis Plantings Myrtaceae Hypocalymma angustifolium Myrtaceae Kunzea baxteri Myrtaceae Kunzea glabrescens Myrtaceae Melaleuca aff. quinquenervia e Plantings Myrtaceae Melaleuca cuticularis Myrtaceae Melaleuca megacephala Plantings Myrtaceae Melaleuca osullivanii Plantings Myrtaceae Melaleuca preissiana Both remnant and plantings Myrtaceae Melaleuca rhaphiophylla Myrtaceae Melaleuca ryeae Myrtaceae Regelia ciliata Orchidaceae Caladenia flava subsp. flava Poaceae Briza maxima * Poaceae Ehrharta calycina * Poaceae Ehrharta longiflora * Poaceae Eragrostis curvula * Poaceae Pentameris airoides subsp. * airoides Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia adpressa Polygonaceae Rumex crispus * Banksia attenuata Proteaceae Banksia ilicifolia Proteaceae Banksia menziesii Restionaceae Harperia lateriflora Solanaceae Solanum nigrum * Typhaceae Typha domingensis Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea preissii

47