Section 11.5.2.2

New Runway Project

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11Flora and Vegetation

This section describes the impacts on flora and vegetation resulting from the construction and operation of the New Runway Project (NRP). Detail is also provided on the following areas: ••How has the assessment been undertaken? ••What is the existing condition of flora and vegetation within the NRP area? ••What is the impact of the NRP on flora and vegetation? ••What mitigation measures have been considered?

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11.1 Introduction 11.3 Policy Context and Legislative This section describes the impacts on flora and vegetation Framework resulting from the construction and operation of the New Biodiversity in Western Australia is protected, Runway Project (NRP). managed and assessed under international, national and state agreements, legislation and The NRP will impact flora and vegetation across the site as a policy. result of: ••clearing within the NRP area, As Perth Airport is located on Commonwealth ••realignment of drainage infrastructure, land, impacts on flora and vegetation must be ••infill of the southern section of Munday Swamp, and considered under the Environment Protection ••the construction, maintenance and operation of the runway. and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Perth Airport has undertaken a series of studies dating back to 1994 to understand flora and vegetation across the estate. In addition, the Commonwealth has listed These studies have been used to inform the work underpinning weeds of national significance that pose a risk the NRP assessment. To define the existing flora conditions, to EPBC Act listed species and communities. assess the potential impacts from the construction and operation Species considered to adversely affect the of the NRP, and propose mitigation measures, an assessment communities they invade are evaluated based of the impacts of the NRP on flora and vegetation has been on invasiveness, distribution and environmental undertaken. This includes a survey of flora within the NRP area to impacts. specifically identify Banksia Woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain Under Part 13 of the EPBC Act, a permit threatened ecological community (Banksia Woodlands TEC). to clear threatened species and ecological Additional information on construction of the new runway and communities must be obtained from DEE associated infrastructure can be found in Section 6. prior to clearing any matters of national environmental significance. This process will be completed in parallel to this Major 11.2 Key Findings Development Plan (MDP) public comment and approvals process. Key findings relating to flora and vegetation across the NRP area include: Perth Airport is not required to seek approvals, ••Over half of the NRP area is comprised of completely nor obtain offsets, under State and local degraded areas, degraded areas or areas completely legislation for impacts on flora and vegetation. devoid of vegetation replaced by infrastructure. Completely However, as required under the EPBC Act, degraded areas and degraded areas contain introduced State and local matters, such as listed species species including declared pests and weeds of national and communities, are considered and given significance; these areas are not of conservation significance. due regard to inform the significance of ••The quality of the vegetation to be cleared has been the environmental values being impacted. assessed as completely degraded (17 per cent), degraded Therefore, State legislation and associated (23.3 per cent), good (8.1 per cent), very good (27.4 per policy framework are described for context and cent) and excellent (8.5 per cent). No vegetation in the NRP to inform the overall environmental values on area is considered to be in pristine condition due to the the estate. presence of weed species, evidence of disturbance from feral In Western Australia, the Biodiversity animals and the presence of vehicle tracks. Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) recognises ••Two Commonwealth-listed threatened flora species, protected (declared rare) species (referred Conospermum undulatum and Macarthuria keigheryi, will be to here as threatened flora) which are under removed. identifiable threat of extinction and affords ••43.66 hectares of the Commonwealth-listed threatened them statutory protection. ecological community, Banksia Woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain, will be removed. The State Department of Biodiversity ••40 per cent of the vegetation within the NRP area is infested Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) with Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback). Weed and pest administers the BC Act and maintains a non- management measures, such as vehicle movement control, statutory list of priority flora species, which will be applied to mitigate the risk of dieback infection to other is updated each year. Priority species are still areas within the estate and into surrounding communities. required to be considered for conservation but cannot be listed under the BC Act until there is Perth Airport has committed to a suitable offset arrangement adequate understanding of their threat levels. with direct and indirect offset measures in consultation with Similarly, the State Minister for Environment the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and may also list ecological communities, which Energy (DEE) and the State Department of Biodiversity, are at risk of becoming threatened, as priority Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to address the loss of ecological communities (PECs). Commonwealth listed species.

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Also at the State level, the Biosecurity 11.4 Methodology 11.4.1.1 Desktop Assessment and Agriculture Management Act The desktop review included a 11.4.1 Flora and Vegetation 2007 (BAM Act) section 22 makes search of the DBCA databases (TFP Community Assessment provision for a plant taxon to be listed Database for Threatened and Priority as a declared pest organism in respect The flora and vegetation community Flora; WAHerb and FloraBase for of parts of, or the entire State. assessment has drawn from the information about specimens held by extensive desktop reviews and According to the BAM Act, a declared the WA Herbarium; and NatureMap), field surveys undertaken over pest is defined as a prohibited as well as a search of the EPBC Act recent years that have focused on organism or an organism for which Protected Matters database for the or encompassed the NRP area. a declaration under section 22(2) of estate. Table 11‑1 lists these assessments the Act is in force. section 30(3) of This information was supplemented and the scope of field surveys the BAM Act requires the owner or with an analysis of previous survey undertaken. occupier of land, or a person who is reports for the airport estate as well conducting an activity on the land, to as historical spatial data outlining take the prescribed control measures vegetation mapping and the to control the declared pest if it is location of conservation significant present on the land. flora and vegetation.

Assessment Author Title Field Survey Scope

Ecologia Environment Perth Airport Flora and Vegetation Survey Level 1 flora and vegetation survey and verification (2013) of vegetation mapping through ground truthing.

Targeted threatened and priority flora survey at selected sites across the study area.

Mattiske Consulting Targeted Level 2 Flora and Vegetation Level 2 flora and vegetation survey of remnant (2015) Survey of Perth Airport Remnant Vegetation vegetation to assess presence and significance of Areas – Assessment of Threatened and threatened and/or priority ecological communities. Priority Ecological Communities

Phoenix Terrestrial and Aquatic Fauna and Single phase targeted threatened and priority Environmental Vegetation Survey and Impact Assessment flora survey. Services (2016) for the New Runway Project Ground truthing to confirm previous vegetation community mapping.

Focused Vision Significant Flora and Community Single phase resurvey of Phoenix (2016) Threatened Consulting (2017) Assessment flora populations, selected fine scale transects of Mattiske (2015) and Ecologia (2013) survey habitat for threatened and priority flora species and for areas not previously assessed, fine scale transect searches of suitable habitat for threatened and priority species.

Verification of Phoenix (2016), Mattiske (2015) and Ecologia (2013) Banksia Woodlands surveys and for areas not previously assessed, Level 1 reconnaissance followed by intensive quadrat sampling within Banksia Woodlands.

Dieback Treatment Phytophthora Dieback Assessment of Transect survey through the observation of host Services (2017) Vegetation for the New Runway Project plant health and landscape vegetation change, with strategic soil and plant tissue sampling.

Strategen Commonwealth Conservation Significant Two phase quadrat sampling of Commonwealth Environmental (2018) Flora and Vegetation Survey listed threatened and priority flora species and Banksia Woodlands.

Table 11‑1 Flora and vegetation assessments undertaken for the New Runway Project Source: Perth Airport

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11.4.1.2 Field Assessments Where practicable, survey 11.4.1.3 Assumptions and The field surveys listed in Table methodology and reporting adhered Limitations 11‑1 included targeted searches for to relevant principles and guidelines, The limitations of the vegetation and threatened and priority species and including the following documents: flora surveys have been considered ecological communities, as well as ••Perth Airport Internal Guidelines: in accordance with the potential recording the presence of weeds Procedures for undertaking flora survey limitations listed in Guidance and ground-truthing the extent of and vegetation surveys, Statement 51 (EPA 2004b) and previously mapped vegetation types ••Environmental Protection Guidance Statement 56 (EPA and their condition. Authority (EPA) Position 2004a), as outlined in Table 11‑2. Statement No. 3: Terrestrial To inform the NRP flora and biological surveys as an element 11.4.2 Aquatic Flora vegetation assessment, a review of biodiversity protection (EPA Assessment and survey of the NRP area was 2002), Sampling of aquatic flora was undertaken in the spring of 2015 ••EPA Guidance Statement No. conducted in Munday Swamp in (Phoenix Environmental Sciences 51: Terrestrial flora surveys for 2015 (Phoenix 2016), utilising the 2016). Following the federal listing environmental impact assessment methodology of Strehlow et al. of Banksia Woodlands of the Swan in Western Australia (EPA 2004b), (2011). Samples were collected from Coastal Plain as a threatened ••Technical Guide – Flora three locations in Munday Swamp: ecological community (Banksia and Vegetation Surveys for two under the canopy of Melaleuca Woodlands TEC) in September 2016, Environmental Impact Assessment trees, the other in open water. a second desktop review and survey (EPA and DBCA 2015), was commissioned to identify areas ••Conservation Advice Physico-chemical parameters were of Banksia Woodlands TEC on the (incorporating listing advice) measured at each of these three estate (Focused Vision Consulting for the Banksia Woodlands sites. Where present, submerged 2017). of the Swan Coastal Plain macrophyte biomass and depth of Due to the Banksia Woodlands TEC ecological community (approved benthic microbial community were listing only occurring in September conservation advice) (Threatened estimated. Species Scientific Committee and 2016, it was not possible to conduct Macrophyte biomass was obtained DEE, 2016), and two sampling events during the 2016 by harvesting the macrophytes from ••Draft Conservation Advice spring survey as per the EPBC Act a known area measuring 25 by 25 (incorporating draft listing (s 266B) Approved Conservation centimetres and converting the dry advice) for the Tuart (Eucalyptus Advice (incorporating listing advice) weight for this area to grams dry Gomphocephala) Woodlands and for the Banksia Woodlands of weight per square metre (gDWm2). Forests of the Swan Coastal Plain the Swan Coastal Plain ecological To obtain dry weights, all sediment (Threatened Species Scientific community (Threatened Species and animal material was removed Committee and DEE, 2017). Scientific Committee 2016) from the macrophytes in the (Conservation Advice). The survey The location of all conservation laboratory, the macrophytes were identified where the Banksia significant flora within the NRP area oven-dried at 105°C for 24 hours, Woodlands TEC may be present on was mapped following the field placed in a desiccating jar for at the estate, and included an initial surveys. Assignment of population least 24 hours and then weighed. assessment of the likely floristic and subpopulation was undertaken The percentage cover of macrophytes, community types (FCTs) comprising according to the guidelines (Stack algae or benthic communities was the Banksia Woodlands. A survey 2010), where: estimated in the field. with two sampling events was ••plants more than 500 metres undertaken in spring 2017 to confirm from a known population were the location of Banksia Woodlands considered to be a new population, and the associated FCTs (Strategen ••plants within 55 metres of a known 2018). population were considered to be The 2017 survey included quadrat part of that population, and surveys of remnant vegetation ••within a recognised population, within the estate at spacings plants that occur on different between 100 and 150 metres, and land tenure parcels, or those that collection of opportunistic data. have considerable, recognisable Boundaries of vegetation types, and separation between them (e.g. specifically, Banksia Woodlands as plants occur on either side of a identified in previous surveys were river, or on close but distinct peaks checked during the survey. or outcroppings) were considered to be separate subpopulations.

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Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes

Availability of Not a constraint contextual information Several comprehensive and recent flora and vegetation assessment reports for the estate were available.

Access problems Not a constraint No access problems were encountered during the field surveys and the entire NRP area was traversed by foot.

Experience levels Not a constraint The surveys were undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced botanists.

Timing, weather, Not a constraint season The timing of the spring 2015 flora survey was considered adequate for the identification of annual and ephemeral species, including any threatened or priority flora species that may have been present. All conservation-significant flora identified during the field survey were in flower and/or fruit. Flora composition changes over time, with flora species having specific growing periods, especially annuals and ephemerals (some plants lasting for a markedly brief time, some only a day or two). Some areas in the NRP area were recovering from recent fires and therefore the results of future botanical surveys in this location may differ. One spring survey was undertaken to identify areas of Banksia Woodlands in the 2016 survey due to the timing of the listing (late September). Two further sampling events were undertaken in the spring of 2017 for Commonwealth listed conservation significant flora, vegetation and TECs.

Disturbances Slight constraint Just over half of the NRP area was recorded as degraded, completely degraded or infrastructure. Although areas of infrastructure were accessed, the positioning of infrastructure and machinery may have precluded sighting of some species of weeds. Hazardous piles of industrial waste in some of the completely degraded areas also hampered search efforts. However, it is considered highly unlikely that any species of conservation significance would occur in these areas, which have been completely cleared of native vegetation and subsequently covered with large piles of rubble. A fire which occurred in 2014 can be attributed to the large number ofMacarthuria keigheryi recorded during the 2015 survey.

Survey intensity Not a constraint With the exception of some of the completely degraded areas described above, all other areas were traversed by foot in meandering transects spaced approximately 25 metres apart or narrower when threatened species were encountered.

Completeness Slight constraint The entire survey area was searched thoroughly by foot; however, vegetation in some sections was particularly dense and it is possible that some plants of interest may have been missed. All prior records of conservation significant flora within the NRP area were thoroughly searched and the presence or absence of the species was recorded. In addition, new populations of several target species were identified from the intensive transect searches. Quadrat surveys were not conducted during the 2015 survey. Subsequently identification of patches of vegetation representative of TECs and priority ecological communities was limited to identifying vegetation in very good to excellent condition previously considered (Mattiske 2015) to have floristic elements representative of TECs as well as priority ecological communities. Quadrat surveys were conducted, with two sampling events, in Spring 2017 to assess Commonwealth listed conservation significant flora, vegetation and TECs across the estate.

Determination Not a constraint for general vegetation and flora Determinations regarding taxonomy and conservation status of flora and fauna were made on the basis of current classifications. Not a constraint for Banksia Woodlands Two surveys were undertaken in spring 2017, in accordance with the approved Conservation Advice, to enable FCT identification.

Table 11‑2 Limitations and constraints associated with New Runway Project field surveys Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016; Focused Vision, 2017; Strategen, 2018

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11.4.3 Dieback Assessment Dieback Information Database a minimum of 100 metres (between Management System and the DBCA tape lines after operational buffers To understand factors affecting managed Vegetation Health Service have been applied) need to be vegetation quality and to assist database prior to the commencement demarcated in the field and in soil management during of mapping on the estate. managed. Due to the small amount construction of the NRP, a dieback of mapped uninfested vegetation in (Phytophthora cinnamomi disease) The sample results were used as the NRP area, this standard has been assessment was undertaken. This reference points to indicate the reduced as follows: work was conducted in accordance Phytophthora expression in the ••all uninfested areas that were with guidelines set out by the different vegetation communities observed but found to be less Phytophthora Dieback Interpreters encountered during the assessment than 0.2 of a hectare in area Manual for Lands Managed by the and, from this observable impact, have not been mapped due to Department of Parks and Wildlife infested areas could be separated the high possibility of incipient Forest and Ecosystems Management from uninfested areas. Table 11‑3 disease (Phytophthora that may be (DPaW, now part of the DBCA). describes categories applied to the present in the soil which has not vegetation assessed. Presence of Phytophthora disease developed in the form of indicator was determined through the The DBCA guidelines for species deaths), and observation of host plant health Phytophthora mapping prior to ••all uninfested areas larger than and landscape vegetation change, soil moving operations state that 0.2 of a hectare have been supported by strategic soil and plant only areas with an area of greater mapped and are displayed on the tissue sampling. Historic sample than three hectares and an axis of Phytophthora occurrence map. results were sourced through the

Phytophthora Occurrence Vegetation Condition Category Typically Present May Be Present

Naturally vegetated areas Infested Dead and dying reliable Healthy reliable indicator species indicator species Keighery disturbance rating of three or less Indicator species deaths that Phytophthora occurrence categorisation is have been killed by other agents possible Uninfested Healthy reliable Indicator species deaths that Small unvegetated areas can exist and indicator species have been killed by other agents may be included in the assessment area considering total environment context Uninterpretable Healthy reliable Occasional reliable indicators, indicator species but too few for Phytophthora dieback interpretation

Not yet Usually reliable indicator Negative sample results for all resolved species in an environment the Phytophthora species not favourable to disease development

Vegetation structure temporarily altered Temporarily Indicator species Occasional reliable Indicator uninterpretable masked by disturbance, Species, but disturbance Phytophthora occurrence assessment will be typically from; fire, prevents accurate placement possible when vegetation structure recovers harvesting, temporary of Phytophthora occurrence Recovery times will be variable depending flooding, poisoning boundaries severity and type of disturbance

Road disturbance area Disease risk Unformed track Shoulders and batter with road (DRR) with shoulders of regenerated vegetation interpretable vegetation Incipient infestation

Vegetation structure severely altered Excluded Pasture, pits, easements, Sporadic reliable indicator infrastructure, large species Keighery disturbance rating five or greater roads (sealed and Phytophthora occurrence assessment is not unsealed) permanent possible flooding, plantations Can be identified and selected by desktop and parkland tree assessment (aerial photo) stands Small vegetation areas can exist and may be excluded from the assessment area considering total environment context

Table 11‑3 Occurrence category definitions for Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback) disease Source: DPaW, 2015

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11.5 Existing Condition 11.5.1 Vegetation Communities Over half of the NRP area is comprised of completely degraded areas, degraded areas or areas completely devoid of vegetation replaced by infrastructure. Completely degraded areas and degraded areas harbour large populations of introduced species including declared pests and weeds of national significance; these areas are not of conservation significance.

11.5.1.1 Vegetation Types Table 11‑4 shows the seven vegetation types that were defined within the NRP area. These are mapped in Figure 11‑1.

Vegetation Type Photo

H1 - Low Forest to Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii and Eucalyptus todtiana over Hibbertia hypericoides, Alexgeorgea nitens and Mesomelaena pseudostygia

Table 11‑4 Vegetation types recorded in the New Runway Project area Source: Perth Airport

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Vegetation Type Photo

I1 - Low Forest to Low Woodland of Eucalyptus marginata, Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii with occasional Allocasuarina fraseriana over Acacia pulchella, Patersonia occidentalis and Dasypogon bromeliifolius

I2 - Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata and Allocasuarina fraseriana over Jacksonia sternbergiana, Bossiaea eriocarpa and Adenanthos cygnorum over low herbs

J1 - Woodland of Corymbia calophylla, Melaleuca preissiana and Banksia spp. over Xanthorrhoea preissii, Hypocalymma angustifolium and Jacksonia sternbergiana over low herbs and shrubs

Table 11‑4 Vegetation types recorded in the New Runway Project area (Continued)

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Vegetation Type Photo

K1 - Woodland of Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, Eucalyptus rudis, Melaleuca preissiana with occasional Banksia ilicifolia over Lyginia barbata, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Hypocalymma angustifolium, Dasypogon bromeliifolius, Pericalymma ellipticum var. ellipticum and Astartea scoparia

K2 - Closed Heath of Hakea varia, Hypocalymma angustifolium and Melaleuca lateritia over Meeboldina cana and Hypolaena exsulca with occasional Melaleuca rhaphiophylla

Table 11‑4 Vegetation types recorded in the New Runway Project area (Continued)

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Vegetation Type Photo

K3 - Closed Heath of Pericalymma ellipticum with occasional emergent Melaleuca preissiana over Hakea varia, Hypolaena exsulca, Lyginia barbata, Melaleuca seriata, Phlebocarya ciliata, Stirlingia latifolia and Verticordia densiflora var. densiflora

Table 11‑4 Vegetation types recorded in the New Runway Project area (Continued)

The seven vegetation types collectively represent approximately 129 hectares (approximately 44 per cent) of the NRP area. As shown in Table 11‑5, vegetation types, H1, J1 and K1 are the most prevalent in the NRP area, while vegetation types I2 and K3 had limited representation.

Vegetation Community Category

Area Per cent of Category (hectares) NRP Area

H1 - Low Forest to Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii and Eucalyptus todtiana over Hibbertia hypericoides, Alexgeorgea nitens and 32.54 11 Mesomelaena pseudostygia

I1 - Low Forest to Low Woodland of Eucalyptus marginata, Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii with occasional Allocasuarina fraseriana over Acacia pulchella, 7.11 2 Patersonia occidentalis and Dasypogon bromeliifolius

I2 - Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata and Allocasuarina fraseriana over Jacksonia 1.04 0 sternbergiana, Bossiaea eriocarpa and Adenanthos cygnorum over low herbs

J1 - Woodland of Corymbia calophylla, Melaleuca preissiana and Banksia spp. over Xanthorrhoea preissii, Hypocalymma angustifolium and Jacksonia sternbergiana over low 42.41 14 herbs and shrubs

K1 - Woodland of Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, Eucalyptus rudis, Melaleuca preissiana with occasional Banksia ilicifolia over Lyginia barbata, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Hypocalymma 28.87 10 angustifolium, Dasypogon bromeliifolius, Pericalymma ellipticum var. ellipticum and Astartea scoparia

K2 - Closed Heath of Hakea varia, Hypocalymma angustifolium and Melaleuca lateritia 14.22 5 over Meeboldina cana and Hypolaena exsulca with occasional Melaleuca rhaphiophylla

K3 - Closed Heath of Pericalymma ellipticum with occasional emergent Melaleuca preissiana over Hakea varia, Hypolaena exsulca, Lyginia barbata, Melaleuca seriata, 3.18 1 Phlebocarya ciliata, Stirlingia latifolia and Verticordia densiflora var. densiflora

Sub total 129 44

Cleared or current infrastructure, no or degraded vegetation 164 56

Total 293 100

Table 11‑5 Description and area of each vegetation community in the New Runway Project area Source: Mattiske Consulting (2015); Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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H1 K1

K2 CROSS RUNWAY 06/24

06 H1 I1 RV

MAIN RUNWAY 03L/21R Vegetation Type

IF H1 H1 (degraded) I1 I1 (degraded) H1 I2 I2 (degraded) J1 J1 03L H1 J1 (degraded) K1

J1 K1 (degraded)

H1 H1 K2 K1 J1 K2(degraded) H1 J1 K3 H1 K3 J1 K3 (degraded) J1 H1 K1 H1 Completely Degraded J1 K1 Infrastructure K1 K1 (d) K1 K1 K1 H1 Revegetation Open Water K2 NRP Area J1 J1 K1 Airport Boundary Terminal 1 K1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 K2 J1

J1 Terminal 4 J1

H1 0 500 J1 K2 METRES I1

Figure 11‑1 Vegetation community types recorded in the New Runway Project area Source: Mattiske Consulting (2015); Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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11.5.1.2 Vegetation Condition 11.5.2 Threatened Ecological ecological community. The Draft The condition of vegetation Communities National Recovery Plan for the TEC across the NRP area ranges from (Commonwealth of Australia 2017) 11.5.2.1 Commonwealth Listed also lists the three occurrences of completely degraded to excellent, Ecological Communities as shown in Table 11‑6 and Figure the TEC at Perth Airport. A review of database entries for 11‑2. No vegetation in the NRP area The results of the DPaW assessment Commonwealth listed ecological was considered to be in pristine were reviewed by Mattiske (2015) communities identified two previous condition due to the presence and Strategen (2018). entries within or adjacent to the NRP of weed species, evidence of area, as shown in Table 11‑7. disturbance from feral animals, and In 2014, Mattiske undertook a targeted Level 2 flora and vegetation the presence of vehicle tracks across Each TEC consists of several FCTs survey to assess the presence and the entire NRP area. However, the representative of a finer definition significance of threatened and/ majority of the remnant vegetation of vegetative communities that or priority ecological communities. in the NRP area was considered comprise the ecological community. Detailed soil investigations were to be in very good to excellent Each of the FCTs is defined in also undertaken to determine the condition. approved conservation advice for presence of surficial clay pans/layers. the TEC and is afforded the same 11.5.1.3 Munday Swamp Mattiske (2015) determined that Commonwealth listing status as there was nil to negligible floristic The NRP area contains portions of the TEC. The FCT may also have a correlation between SCP07 and the Munday Swamp, part of a series of separate State listing, as described areas mapped within the estate by wetlands of national significance, the in Section 11.5.2.2. Perth Airport Woodland Swamps, DPaW. Further, contrary to the site Clay Pans of the Swan Coastal Plain as listed under the Commonwealth descriptions contained in Gibson et Directory of Important Wetlands The Clay Pans of the Swan Coastal al (1994) and the Threatened Species in Australia (Department of the Plain (SCP) TEC was originally Scientific Committee (2012), heavy Environment 2010). mapped on the estate by DPaW, clay soils were not evident within which attributed three areas these areas and despite significant The vegetation within Munday representative of the State-listed FCT rainfall during the survey period, Swamp transitions from: SCP07 – Herb rich saline shrublands no inundation was evident. The ••groundwater dependent terrestrial in claypans, one of the four FCTs assessment inferred that rather than species that interact with the rise that comprise the threatened SCP07, the dominant associations and fall of groundwater, ••dampland (seasonally saturated) and sumpland (seasonally Vegetation Condition Category Area (hectares) Per cent inundated) wetland vegetation that interact with groundwater in Pristine 0 0 the summer and both surface and Excellent 24.75 8.45 groundwater in the winter, and ••lake aquatic species that Very Good 80.40 27.44 permanently interact with Good 23.92 8.16 groundwater. Degraded (D) 69.18 23.27 The vegetation surrounding Munday Swamp is representative of Completely Degraded (CD) 49.76 16.98 vegetative community, K1, consisting Infrastructure (IF) 36.43 12.43 of a closed canopy of Melaleuca rhaphiophylla. Open Water (OW) 4.30 1.47

Revegetation (RV) 5.26 1.80

Total 293 100

Table 11‑6 Proportion of New Runway Project area by vegetation condition rating Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

Ecological Community EPBC Act Status Presence

Clay Pans of the Critically Not present within Swan Coastal Plain endangered the NRP area

Banksia Woodlands of the Confirmed within Endangered Swan Coastal Plain the NRP area

Table 11‑7 Recorded Commonwealth listed ecological communities within or adjacent to the New Runway Project area Source: Strategen, 2018

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CROSS RUNWAY 06/24

MAIN RUNWAY 03L/21R

03L

Vegetation Condition Excellent Very Good Good Revegetation Degraded Completely Degraded Infrastructure Open Water NRP Area Airport Boundary Terminal 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 Terminal 4

0 500

METRES

Figure 11‑2 Vegetation condition recorded in the New Runway Project area Source: Mattiske Consulting (2015); Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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were SCP04 – Melaleuca preissiana Banksia Woodlands of the Figure 11-4 shows the patches of damplands and SCP05 – Mixed Swan Coastal Plain Banksia Woodlands TEC located Shrub damplands, neither of which Surveys conducted within the NRP within and immediately surrounding are State or Commonwealth listed area indicate the presence of the the NRP area, including the patch ecological communities. Commonwealth-listed Banksia condition. The Mattiske (2015) assessment Woodlands TEC. An initial survey The Conservation Advice specifies was reconsidered in the 2017 survey. was undertaken in September 2016 minimum patch sizes based on This study considered a survey (Focused Vision Consulting 2017), vegetation condition as follows: quadrat representative of the FCT followed by assessment consisting ••Pristine - no minimum patch size, SCP07. Strategen (2018) recorded of two sampling events in the ••Excellent – 0.5 hectares, no inundation of the mapped TEC spring of 2017 (Strategen 2018), in ••Very Good – one hectare, and area, while many other areas of the line with the approved Conservation ••Good – two hectares. estate showed standing surface Advice sampling requirements Based on the condition and size water. Vegetation within the quadrat (Threatened Species Scientific of the patches mapped within the showed no association with any Committee 2016). The description NRP area, the patches subject to reference quadrats assigned to FCT of the presence of Banksia protection under the EPBC Act SCP07 – Herb rich saline shrublands Woodlands TEC in this section is are summarised in Table 11‑9. Two in claypans, but rather the analysis based on the Strategen survey patches were considered degraded of the vegetation within this quadrat (2018) as this is the most recent and/or isolated and removed from resulted in it being assigned as FCT mapping assessed in accordance consideration towards the total area SCP05 – Mixed Shrub damplands. with the Conservation Advice. of Banksia Woodlands TEC. DBCA mapping of likely TEC areas In the 2017 survey, the Banksia includes a buffer of about 250 Woodlands TEC was found to be metres from the actual boundary present at 20 of the 26 quadrats of the TEC. As shown in Figure 11‑3, across the estate, with reference to the SCP05 is the only FCT (as assessed key diagnostic characteristics of the on FCT analysis, broad vegetation TEC of location, soils and landform, mapping and aerial photography) structure and composition, as mapped within the DBCA buffered described in Table 11‑8. The 20 survey boundary for FCT SCP07. quadrats consisted of 26 patches of 21R Banksia Woodlands, of which twelve are present within the NRP area.

CROSS RUNWAY 06/24

06 SCP07 DBCA Buffered Boundary

FCT SCP05

NRP Area

Airport Boundary

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

0 500

METRES

Figure 11‑3 Comparison of mapped floristic community

MAIN RUNWAY 03L/21R types within the DBCA Clay Pans boundary Source: Strategen, 2018

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As shown in Table 11‑9, excluding impacts, such as weed invasion, the recommended buffer distance of degraded and/or isolated patches Conservation Advice (Threatened those remaining patches therefore that do not meet the size or Species Scientific Committee increasing the risk of edge effects condition requirements, the total 2016) incorporates the need for and further degradation. This is area of Banksia Woodlands TEC buffers around areas of the TEC. discussed further in Section 11.6.3.2. within the NRP area that is eligible The Conservation Advice suggests To inform the assessment of for protection under the EPBC Act that suitable buffers are a minimum significance, the Conservation is 43.66 hectares. This compares to of 20 metres, but optimally up to Advice requests additional a total of approximately 131 hectares 50 metres. information contextual information. of Banksia Woodlands TEC within As shown in Figure 11‑4 and Figure Table 11‑10 provides this information the estate (Strategen 2018). 11‑5, patches 1, 2, 5 and 9 extend for the Banksia Woodlands TEC To protect the integrity of the outside the NRP area, and clearing within the NRP area. Banksia Woodlands TEC from edge for the NRP would occur within the

Key Diagnostic Banksia Woodlands Characteristics Information Key Diagnostic Questions Response Location Bioregion Is the proposal site within the Swan Yes and physical Coastal Plain IBRA bioregion (including The NRP area is located within the environments Dandaragan plateau), or adjacent areas IBRA Region and Swan Coastal Plain 2 within the Jarrah Forest IBRA bioregion? Subregion Soils and Soil type Is the soil type consistent with where the Yes landform Banksia Woodlands TEC may occur? The site consists of Bassendean Sands and Pinjarra Soils Location in Is the topography/physical environment Yes the landscape, consistent with where the Banksia Ground conditions within the NRP area topography Woodlands TEC may occur? are generally flat, with minimal observed undulation, and sandy topsoils Structure Tree Is the structure consistent with Yes composition, the characteristics set out in the Vegetation types in the area are either understory conservation advice? Low Forest to Low Woodlands over scrub, composition, Woodlands or Closed Heath (see Table diversity, 11‑4) species Composition Dominant Is the composition consistent with Yes tree species, the characteristics set out in the See description of vegetation emergent conservation advice? composition for vegetation types tree layer, consistent with the Banksia Woodlands understory TEC described in Table 11‑4 Table 11‑8 Key diagnostic characteristics of the Banksia Woodlands threatened ecological community Source: Focused Vision Consulting 2017; Strategen 2018

Banksia Woodlands

Patch Size Minimum Patch Patch Eligibility as per Patch Total Patch Size in NRP Area Size Aaccording to the TEC (based on patch Number (hectares) (hectares) Patch Condition Guidelines (hectare) size and condition) 1 7.84 2.01 Very Good, Good One hectare Yes and Degraded 2 5.40 5.18 Very Good One hectare Yes 3 2.17 2.17 Good Two hectares Yes 4 3.03 2.93 Good Two hectares Yes 5 6.43 5.93 Very Good One hectare Yes 6 1.25 1.25 Very good One hectare Yes 7 3.49 3.49 Very Good One hectare Yes 8 3.75 3.75 Good Two hectares Yes 9 6.03 2.20 Very Good One hectare Yes 10 14.94 14.73 Very Good (western) to One hectare Yes degraded (eastern) Total area of Banksia 43.66 Woodlands TEC in the NRP area Table 11‑9 Threatened ecological community eligibility for Banksia Woodlands patches within the New Runway Project area Source: Strategen 2018 Note: Due to rounding, numbers presented in this table do not add up precisely to the total provided.

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Figure 11‑4 Location and patch numbers of Banksia Woodlands within the New Runway Project area Source: Strategen, 2018

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Figure 11‑5 Remaining Banksia Woodlands patches (with buffers) adjacent to the New Runway Project area Source: Focused Vision 2016, Strategen 2018

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Banksia Woodlands

Key diagnostic characteristics Information Key diagnostic questions Response

Patch Condition Condition What is the patch condition There are twelve patches of the Banksia Woodlands TEC in the NRP area (of which two are thresholds using the condition categories degraded/isolated). The condition ranges from very good to degraded. Figure 11‑4 shows the outlined in the consultation distribution of the patches and their condition rating. Based on the condition thresholds outlined advice? in the Conservation Advice, there are ten eligible patches of the Banksia Woodlands TEC within the NRP area.

Patch size Patch size in Is the patch size large enough The patches identified to occur in the NRP area have been determined based on the hectares to meet criteria in the Conservation Advice for condition and patch sizes. Table 11‑9 summarises the patch sizes within consultation advice? the NRP area.

Surrounding What is the size and vegetation The ten eligible patches of Banksia Woodlands TEC within the NRP area are either part of a buffer type in the surrounding buffer? bigger patch or have been classified as an independent patch. Figure 11‑4 shows which patches and what is the connectivity to are part of a bigger patch and which are independent patches. Table 11‑9 outlines the total sizes the surrounding vegetation? of the patches within the NRP area.

Location Regional Quantity/quality of vegetation Most of the area surrounding the NRP area is developed or under development. The NRP and physical distribution and community in, and in the area is bound by roads, airport infrastructure and Munday Swamp. The quality of vegetation environments quality region around, the site of the communities in and around the NRP area varies from completely degraded to excellent proposed action condition. External to the estate there are a number of reserves that contain vegetation which resembles the TEC. These reserves include: •• Bush Forever site 481 (two kilometres north east, 31.5 hectares) •• Bush Forever site 123 (1.5 kilometres east of the estate, 15.1 hectares) •• Bush Forever site 319 (0.5 kilometres east of the estate, 58.1 hectares) •• Bush Forever site 311 (one kilometre north of the estate, 21.4 hectares). Representations of the TEC in these areas are expected to be equal or of a higher quality than those within the proposed area given the management actions and restricted access in place over the reserves.

Other condition Presence/absence If present, how much dieback Most of the NRP area is infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback disease) as shown in considerations and spread of exists and is the proposed Figure 11‑15. Given the area will be cleared, a Dieback Management Plan will form part of the Phytophthora action likely to spread dieback Construction Environmental Management Plan. cinnamomi further or increase its impact? If (dieback) not present, can its introduction be avoided?

Presence/absence Does the patch contain weeds? Weeds were recorded in all the quadrats established during the survey. There were 13 weed weeds Which species are present, in species identified in quadrats established within the NRP area and their densities varied from what densities, and how can being present to accounting for 20 per cent of cover within the quadrat. they be managed?

Any other notable What disturbance is present The area surrounding the site is either developed (roads) or swamp. Within the site, there disturbance to which may degrade the quality are highly disturbed areas, developed areas and bare patches infested with weeds. Other the site where of the community? For any/ disturbances recorded in the NRP area include digging by rabbits and the presence of dieback. relevant (i.e. each form of disturbance, fragmentation, what is the degree of the introduction of disturbance? Is there evidence edge effects, fire of recruitment of key native regimes, bare plant species following patches, erosion, disturbance? feral animals)

Patch isolation Is the patch connected to other The site contains ten eligible patches or parts of patches of Banksia Woodlands TEC that extend areas of Banksia Woodland beyond the boundaries of the NRP area. The site also contains other non-TEC vegetation as or is it isolated? What are shown in Figure 11‑1. the characteristics of those connected areas?

Presence of other Does the site (or surrounds) The site contains habitat for black cockatoos as discussed in Section 12. biodiversity contain other biodiversity values values? The site contains ten eligible patches or parts of patches of Banksia Woodlands TEC that are connected to other vegetation, as shown in Figure 11‑4.

The NRP area also contains 199 Conospermum undulatum individuals and 848 Macarthuria keigheryi individuals, as discussed in 11.5.3.

Table 11‑10 Key diagnostic characteristics and other information of the Banksia Woodlands threatened ecological community Source: Focused Vision Consulting, 2017; Strategen, 2018

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Banksia Woodlands

Key diagnostic characteristics Information Key diagnostic questions Response Sub-community and Broad scale Provide the closest The site sits within the Bassendean – 1018 vegetation association. vegetation unit structural unit corresponding Beard (Beard vegetation vegetation association(s) associations) Broad scale Provide the closest The site sits within the Southern River complex vegetation association. structural unit corresponding Vegetation (Vegetation Complex(s) complexes) Floristic Provide the closest Results of the 2017 survey undertaken to verify the presence of Banksia Woodlands on the community types resemblance of floristic estate identified the patches presented the closest resemblance to FCTs 20a, 21c and 23a. The community type(s). identified patch of FCT 20a is in the north of the estate, outside the NRP area. Western Is this ecological community FCT 21c is listed in Western Australia as a Priority 3 Priority ecological community. FCT 20a is Australian listed in WA? listed in Western Australia as an endangered threatened ecological community. The identified ecological patch of FCT 20a is in the north of the estate, outside the NRP area. community listing Surveying Timing of the Ideally surveys should be An initial spring survey was conducted in October 2016 (Focused Vision Consulting 2017). In surveying undertaken in spring with two spring 2017, two sampling events were undertaken by Strategen (2018) to capture early and sampling periods to capture later flowering species. The first sampling event occurred between 27 to 29 September 2017 and early and late flowering 3 and 6 October 2017. A second sampling event occurred between 14 and 23 November 2017. species. When was sampling undertaken at the proposed site? If vegetation community has not been identified, is there any specific reason? Table 11‑10 Key diagnostic characteristics and other information of the Banksia Woodlands threatened ecological community (Continued)

Potential future listings The Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) Woodlands and Forests of the Swan Coastal Plain ecological community was placed on the 2016 Finalised Priority Assessment List under the EPBC Act. In October 2017, a draft conservation and listing advice was released by the DEE, and a decision is due in 2018 as to whether the ecological community will be a listed TEC under the EPBC Act. The Tuart ecological community is a State-listed Priority 3 ecological community.

In this context, vegetation within the estate was assessed against the Draft Conservation Advice for the Tuart woodlands and forests of the Swan Coastal Plain (Threatened Species Scientific Committee and DEE, 2017). This assessment is provided in Table 11‑11 and indicates the potential TEC is not present on the estate due to the absence of a dominant canopy of Tuart.

Tuart Woodlands and Forests

Key diagnostic characteristics Information Key diagnostic questions Response Location Bioregion Is the proposal site within the Swan Coastal Plain IBRA bioregion Yes and physical (including Dandaragan plateau), or adjacent areas within the Jarrah The NRP area is located within the IBRA Region and Swan environments Forest IBRA bioregion? Coastal Plain 2 Sub region Soils and landform Soil type Does the proposal occur on: Yes •• Spearwood and Quindalup dunes systems, The site consists of Bassendean Sands •• Bassendean and Pinjarra Plain, •• Below the Darling and Winchar escarpments, or •• Banks of rivers and wetlands? Structure Tree composition, Is the structure consistent with the characteristics set out in the Yes understory conservation advice? Vegetation within the survey area occurs as a woodland composition, diversity, species Composition Dominant tree The dominant canopy is Tuart (Eucalyptus Gomphocephala), being the No species, emergent most abundant trees in the species canopy? Tuarts are not present within the estate tree layer, understory Table 11‑11 Key diagnostic characteristics of the Tuart Woodlands and Forests ecological community Source: Strategen 2018

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11.5.2.2 State Listed Ecological Communities The Banksia Woodlands TEC encompasses numerous FCTs. Some of these FCTs are State listed threatened or priority ecological communities as defined in Table 11‑12.

FCT Floristic Community Type Name WA TEC/PEC EPBC Act TEC

Supergroup 3 – Uplands centred on Bassendean Dunes and Dandaragan Plateau

20a Banksia attenuata woodlands over species rich dense Endangered - shrublands

20b Eastern Banksia attenuata and/or Eucalyptus marginata Endangered - woodlands

20c Eastern shrublands and woodlands Critically Endangered Endangered (associated with a separate listing of the Shrublands and Woodlands of the eastern Swan Coastal Plain).

21a Central Banksia attenuata – Eucalyptus marginata woodlands - -

21b Southern Banksia attenuata woodlands P3 -

21c Low lying Banksia attenuata woodlands or shrublands P3 -

22 Banksia ilicifolia woodlands P2 -

23a Central Banksia attenuata – Banksia menziesii woodlands - -

23b Northern Banksia attenuata – Banksia menziesii woodlands P3 -

23c North-eastern Banksia attenuata – Banksia menziesii - - woodlands

S9 Banksia attenuata woodlands over dense low shrublands - -

Supergroup 4 – Uplands centred on Spearwood and Quindalup Dunes

24 Northern Spearwood shrublands and woodlands P3 -

25 Southern Eucalyptus gomphocephala – Agonis flexuosa P3 - woodlands

28 Spearwood Banksia attenuata or Banksia attenuata – - - Eucalyptus woodlands

Whicher Scarp FCTs (Keighery et al. 2008)

A1 Central Whicher Scarp Mountain Marri Woodland WHSFCT_A1 P1 -

A2 North Whicher Scarp Jarrah and Woody Pear woodland - - WHSFCT_A2

A3 North Whicher Scarp banksia and Woody Pear woodland - - WHSFCT_A3

A4 Whicher Scarp Banksia grandis, Jarrah and Marri woodland - - WHSFCT_A4

B1 Swan Coastal Plain / North Whicher Scarp Banksia attenuata - - woodland WHSFCT_B1

B2 West Whicher Scarp Banksia attenuata woodland WHSFCT_B2 - -

C2 Whicher Scarp Jarrah woodland on deep coloured sands - - WHSFCT_C2

Table 11‑12 Floristic community types corresponding to the Banksia Woodlands threatened ecological community Source: Focused Vision Consulting, 2017; Strategen, 2018

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To determine the FCTs of the vegetation patches within the NRP area, vegetation data was compared with the FCT definitions in Gibson et al (1994). Hierarchical agglomerative clustering was undertaken to classify vegetation data into community types, which involved calculating the similarities between plots within the dataset and fusing the plots into groups according to their similarity.

The area of each FCT for each patch of remnant Banksia Woodlands TEC within the NRP are provided in Table 11‑13 and represented in Figure 11‑6. The predominant FCT is 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Banksia menziesii woodlands with occurrence of 21c Low lying Banksia attenuata woodlands or shrublands woodlands within two of the patches. As per Table 11‑12, FCT 21c is a Priority 3 ecological community under State legislation.

FCT 20a, Banksia attenuata woodlands over species rich dense shrublands, was identified outside of the NRP area at the northern extent of the estate.

Patch Banksia Woodlands Patch condition Patch size within Area of patch adjacent Number floristic community type within the NRP area the NRP area to the NRP area

1 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good and Good 2.01 5.83 Banksia menziesii woodlands / 21c Low lying Banksia attenuata woodlands or shrublands

2 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good 5.18 0.22 Banksia menziesii woodlands

3 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Good 2.17 0 Banksia menziesii woodlands / 21c Low lying Banksia attenuata woodlands or shrublands

4 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Good 2.93 0.1 Banksia menziesii woodlands

5 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good 5.93 0.5 Banksia menziesii woodlands

6 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very good 1.25 0 Banksia menziesii woodlands

7 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good 3.49 0 Banksia menziesii woodlands

8 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Good 3.75 0 Banksia menziesii woodlands

9 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good 2.20 3.83 Banksia menziesii woodlands

10 23a Central Banksia attenuata – Very Good (western) 14.73 0.21 Banksia menziesii woodlands to degraded (eastern)

Table 11‑13 Banksia Woodlands floristic community types within the New Runway Project area Source: Strategen, 2018

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Figure 11‑6 Banksia Woodlands floristic community types within the New Runway Project area Source: Strategen, 2018

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11.5.3 Threatened Flora EPBC Act WA Species Conservation Conservation The desktop assessment of relevant Taxon Status Status Reference Commonwealth and State databases Conospermum Vulnerable Vulnerable Ecologia (2013) and review of the reports prepared undulatum Phoenix (2016) over the past five years identified Focused Vision (2017) two Commonwealth and State listed Strategen (2018) threatened flora and two Priority 3 Macarthuria keigheryi Endangered Endangered Ecologia (2013) flora and one Priority 4 flora within Phoenix (2016) the NRP area, as shown in Table 11‑14. Focused Vision (2017) State Priority 3 listed species Byblis Strategen (2018) gigantea has previously been Platysace ramosissima P3 Phoenix (2016) recorded to the immediate west of the south-western boundary of the Schoenus benthamii P3 Phoenix (2016) NRP area. As it is outside of the NRP Verticordia lindleyi P4 Mattiske (2015) area and has not been recorded subsp. Lindleyi Phoenix (2016) since 2008, it has not been included Table 11‑14 Threatened and priority flora recorded within the New Runway in Table 11‑14. Stylidium striatum and Project area Ornduffia submerse (both Priority 4 Source: Perth Airport flora) (P4, DPaW) were previously The location of the above species within the NRP area are shown in recorded in the project area (2004 Figure 11‑7 to Figure 11‑14. and 2008 respectively), but not in recent surveys over the last five years and therefore are also not included in Table 11‑14.

11.5.3.1 Commonwealth number of individuals of C. undulatum main population in the NRP area Listed Species is 11,400, of which 231 occur at Perth for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 surveys Conospermum undulatum Airport (Woodman 2018). is shown in Figure 11‑7. The 2017 survey noted that individuals within Conospermum undulatum (C. The known populations are all within this main sub-population were in a undulatum) is an erect shrub up to heavily fragmented landscapes healthy condition with a range of two metres with wavy leaves that in the Perth metropolitan area different sizes, indicating historical taper to the base. It has woolly (Swan Coastal Plain and some recruitment (Strategen 2018). flowers with long white hairs and is in Jarrah forests), over a range typically multi stemmed. It is listed of approximately 21 kilometres In addition to the main sub-population, as Vulnerable by the Commonwealth extending from Belmont towards the 2017 survey identified two other and State. Roleystone (Woodman 2018). populations within the estate, one population within the NRP area to The Recovery Plan for the species Within the NRP area, there have the south of the main population, (DEC 2009) identifies that in 2008 been three assessments over recent consisting of one individual, and the it was known from 25 historical years that have surveyed for the other to the north and outside of the populations between the Swan presence of C. undulatum. The NRP area, consisting of 12 individuals. and Canning Rivers of which 20 number of individuals and sub- The single individual recorded contained extant plants, with two populations identified for each from the south-eastern area was known populations located at Perth survey is provided in Table 11‑15. in a healthy condition, however, no Airport at that time. Within the NRP area, there is recruitment was evident. Current (2018) DBCA database one main sub-population of C. The location of the three sub- records acknowledge a total of 32 undulatum where the majority populations identified during the 2017 populations of C. undulatum, of of individuals are located. assessment is shown in Figure 11‑8. which 28 are extant. The total known A comparison of the extent of the

Conospermum undulatum Number of individuals Number of sub-populations Assessment Survey Period within NRP area within NRP area

Phoenix Environmental Services (2016) Late Spring 2015 220 1

Focused Vision Consulting (2017) Spring 2016 115 1

Strategen Environmental (2018) Spring 2017 199 2

Table 11‑15 Conospermum undulatum recorded within the New Runway Project area Source: Perth Airport

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Site Conospermum undulatum

2015

2016

Conospermum undulatum 2017

Figure 11‑7 Comparison of Conospermum undulatum populations recorded in 2015, 2016 and 2017 Source: Perth Airport

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Figure 11‑8 Conospermum undulatum within the estate, 2017 Source: Strategen, 2018

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The total number of C. undulatum individuals per sub During the 2015 survey a total of 2,374 Macarthuria population within the estate and within the NRP area keigheryi plants were recorded in the NRP area, all in the is provided in Table 11‑16. This shows that of the 231 vicinity of previously recorded populations. Searches in individuals present across the estate, 199 are within the the vicinity of one previous recorded area failed to locate NRP area and will be removed. any plants. Three populations were identified, with the largest southern population further separated into three Conospermum subpopulations. Populations and subpopulations were undulatum Individuals within Individuals within recorded in vegetation types H1, I1, J1, K1 and K2. Sub-population the airport estate the NRP area Many of these plants appeared to be regenerating from 1 218 198 periods of dormancy or stress (likely a relatively recent 2 12 - fire in the area, or from senescence (dying off) typical of 3 1 1 short-lived plant species), and observed to be surrounded by dry, dead branches, as shown in Figure 11‑9. Total 231 199

Table 11‑16 Conospermum undulatum subpopulations within the estate and New Runway Project area Source: Strategen, 2018 Macarthuria keigheryi Macarthuria keigheryi is small shrub that grows to 0.4 metres tall by 0.6 metres wide, with hairy, bright yellow to green stems, with leaves present mainly at the base of the stems. It is listed as Endangered under Figure 11‑9 Macarthuria keigheryi individual resprouting Source: Focused Vision Consulting, 2017 Commonwealth and State legislation. The number of Macarthuria keigheryi was lower in 2016 The Recovery Plan for the species identified that in 2009 than recorded in 2015, with 1,316 plants recorded in 2016 there were six recorded populations of Macarthuria as shown in Figure 11‑10. The north-west population keigheryi with an estimated 10,070 plants located over in this area was found to be more widespread and a range of 160 kilometres (DEC 2009a). Five of these recorded a greater number of individuals during 2016. six recorded populations occured within a five kilometre The 2017 survey results identified 1,348 individuals from radius of each other on the Swan Coastal Plan. four sub-populations across the estate, as shown in Current (2018) DBCA records show a total of nine extant Figure 11‑11 and Table 11‑18. Subpopulation 4 consisted populations and 19 subpopulations of Macarthuria of one individual that appeared to be healthy and of keigheryi, containing an estimated 41,762 individuals. a mature age. The remaining three subpopulations These records come from four broad regional locations consisted of plants of varying ages and health. There over a range of approximately 167 kilometres: Cooljarloo was a degree of senescence, however this was spread – Falcon in the north; unallocated Crown Land near across all sub-populations with no obvious cause Lake Guraga; the Moore River National Park - Whitfield present (Strategen 2018). Springs Road; and in the Perth metropolitan area Of the 1,348 individuals present across the estate, 848 (Kewdale – Forrestfield Area). The Perth metropolitan individuals are within the NRP area, with sub-population area has the smallest populations, with 1,368 known 1 (465 individuals) and 4 (1 individual) outside of the NRP individuals (Woodman, 2018). area. The majority of individuals in sub-population 2 and 3 are within the NRP area and will be removed. The results of the three most recent surveys for the presence of Macarthuria keigheryi within the NRP area Macarthuria are provided in Table 11‑17. keigheryi Individuals within Individuals within Sub-population the estate the NRP area Number Number of of sub- 1 465 0 Macarthuria individuals populations 2 830 823 keigheryi Survey within within Assessment Period NRP area NRP area 3 52 25 4 1 0 Phoenix Environmental Late 2,374 3 Services (2016) Spring Total 1,348 848 2015 Table 11‑18 Summary of Macarthuria keigheryi subpopulations within the estate and New Runway Project area Focused Vision Spring 1,316 4 Source: Strategen, 2018 Consulting (2017) 2016 When assessing the distribution of the Conospermum Strategen Spring 848 4 undulatum and Macarthuria keigheryi species, it must Environmental (2018) 2017 be considered that both are disturbance opportunists Table 11‑17 Macarthuria keigheryi within the New Runway and previous populations may persist as rootstock or Project area seeds awaiting disturbance (e.g. by fire) and were not Source: Perth Airport detectable during surveys.

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Figure 11‑10 Location of Macarthuria keigheryi populations recorded in 2015 and 2016 Source: Focused Vision Consulting, 2017

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11.5.3.2 State Listed Species Schoenus benthamii The presence of State listed species within the NRP area Schoenus benthamii is a tufted perennial, grass-like or was assessed in 2016. This study identified the presence herb that grow to 0.15 metres to 0.45 metres. of three State listed priority species, which are shown in There are 19 records in WA Herbarium database (DPaW Table 11‑19. The listing as a priority species denotes further 2016), of which three occur in reserves (Kodjinup Nature survey is required to determine their status and potential Reserve, Holmes Street Bushland - Bush Forever Site 125, listing as conservation significant under the BC Act. and Kenwick Nature Reserve).

State Number Of Within the NRP area, in excess of 1,300 plants were Priority Populations Number Of recorded in 2015 in a single population comprised of Flora Conservation (Sub- Individuals five subpopulations, as illustrated in Figure 11‑13. There Species Status Populations) Recorded was no prior record of the species at this location. Platysace The number of plants recorded is only indicative P3 1 3 ramosissima with estimates of plant numbers applied to the larger subpopulations, rather than actual counts. The Schoenus P3 1 (5) 1,304 benthamii population occurred in vegetation types J1 and K2.

Verticordia Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi lindleyi Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi is an erect shrub P4 2 (13) 412 subsp. growing to 0.75 metres and producing pink flowers. lindleyi The species is generally recorded growing in sand or Table 11‑19 State priority flora recorded in the New sandy/clay winter wet depressions. Runway Project area There were 80 records in the WA Herbarium database Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences 2016 (DPaW 2016), including five from the estate and 12 in Platysace ramosissima reserves (Boonanarring Nature Reserve (2 records), Platysace ramosissima is a perennial herb, growing up Fynes Nature Reserve, Whiteman Park (2), Barraca to 0.3 metres high and producing white-cream flowers Reserve, Moore River Nature Reserve (2), Moore River from October to November. National Park (3), and Kings Park. Four records for the There are 14 records of this species in the WA Herbarium estate were from the NRP area. database (DPaW 2016) including two for the estate and A total of 412 plants of Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi three in reserves (Bartletts Well Nature Reserve, Boonanarrin were recorded in two populations in the 2015 survey: one Brook Reserve, and Drummond Nature Reserve). Neither widespread across the southern section of the NRP area of the estate records is within the NRP area. that was further separated into 13 subpopulations, and During the 2015 survey at the estate, three Platysace one population in the northern section of the NRP area, ramosissima plants were recorded at a single population as shown in Figure 11‑14. The populations were recorded in vegetation community K3, with their presence with in vegetation types H1, J1, K1, K2 and K3. the NRP area shown in Figure 11‑12. There was no prior record of the species at this location.

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K2 K2 CD CD K1 K2 K2 J1 K1 CD K2 J1 (d) J1 (d) K2 K2 K2 K1 CD K2 I1 (degraded) J1 K2 K2 J1 CD K2 CD K1 K1 J1 (d) K1 K2

K2 K2 K1 K1 CD J1 K1 CD K2 K2 K2 K2 K2 K1 H1 K2 H1 K1 H1 K2 I2 H1 K2 H1 H1 K2 K2 K2 J1 H1 K2 J1 J1 K1

J1 K1 J1 (d) J1

J1 J1 CD H1 J1 H1 J1 K3 (d) J1 J1 J1 K1 J1 H1 J1 J1 (d) J1 H1

K3 K3 K3 J1 K3 K1 J1 J1 K3 J1 (degraded) K3 (d) J1 K3 H1 K3 K1 (d) K1 K3 J1 (d) J1 CD K3 (d) K3 K1 (d) J1 I1 (d)

H1 (d) K1 K3 K1

H1 H1 K3 (d) Vegetation Type J1 K3 CD Platysace ramosissima P3 K3 H1 H1 (degraded) I1 I1 I1 (d) I1 (degraded) K1 J1 K1 (degraded) I1 (d) J1 (degraded) K1 J1 H1 K1 (degraded) K2 K2 (degraded) K1 K3 K3 (degraded) H1 J1 Completely Degraded Infrastructure K1 K1 K3 Open Water NRP Area K1 Airport Boundary K1 K1 H1 H1

0 100 Figure 11‑12 Location of Platysace ramosissima METRES in the New Runway Project area Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016 K3 (degraded)

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K2 K2 CD CD K1 K2 K2 J1 K1 CD K2 J1 (d) J1 (d) K2 K2 K2 K1 CD K2 I1 (degraded) J1 K2 K2 J1 CD K2 CD K1 K1 J1 (d) K1 K2

K2 K2 K1 K1 CD J1 K1 CD K2 K2 K2 K2 K2 K1 H1 K2 H1 K1 H1 K2 I2 H1 K2 H1 H1 K2 K2 K2 J1 H1 K2 J1 J1 K1

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K1 K1 H1 H1 K3 (degraded) Completely Degraded NRP Area

11 Flora and Vegetation Airport Boundary

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J1 CD H1 H1 METRES J1 CD J1 (d) K2 J1 J1 H1 J1 CD H1 J1 (d) H1 CD K2 K2 CD CD CD CD J1 (d) CD CD K2 CD K2 CD CD CD K2 J1 J1 K2 (d) J1 K2 J1 H1 CD K2 (d) J1 CD CD J1 I1 J1 I1 H1 J1 K2 K2 I1 H1 J1 K2 K2 (d) I1 (d)

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Vegetation Type Schoenus benthamii K2

H1 K2 H1 (degraded) P3 K2 (d) I1 K2

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K2 J1 J1 (d) K1 (d) K2 (degraded) K3 K3 (degraded) J1 K2 Completely Degraded K2 J1 Infrastructure CD K2 H1 I1 H1 Open Water J1 CD NRP Area K1 (d) Airport Boundary H1

0 100 Figure 11‑13 Location of Schoenus benthamii METRES in the New Runway Project area Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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H1 (d) H1 H1 OW

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H1 K2 H1 (d) H1 H1 IF K2 K1 J1 J1 (d) J1 K1 CD K1 H1 J1 J1 K3 (d) K1 J1 (d) CD J1 I1 (d) J1 K3 K3 (d) H1 J1 (d) K1 (d) CD K3 K1 K1 (d) J1 H1 (d)

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K1 Vegetation Type J1 H1 J1 (d) Verticordia lindleyi K2 H1 H1 CD H1 (degraded) J1 CD I1 I1 J1 IF K2 K2 (d) I1 (d) I1 (degraded) J1 J1 I1 (d) CD J1 (degraded) J1 K2 (d) I1 J1 K1 K1 (degraded) K2 J1 (d) H1 K2 J1 K2 (degraded) K2 K1 (d) K3 I1 K3 (degraded) K2 J1 H1 CD Completely Degraded K2 (d) I1 (d) Infrastructure Open Water NRP Area Airport Boundary 0 300

METRES Figure 11‑14 Location of Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi in the New Runway Project area Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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11.5.4 Local and Regional Significance Previous studies found macrophytes at Munday Swamp to have declined from four species with a biomass of The conservation values of the vegetation types within 28 gDWm2 in 2008, to two species with a biomass of Perth Airport relate to two factors: 6.4 gDWm2 in 2011. Current results show an increase ••the position of the estate on the interface between in richness from two to three species but a further the Bassendean Dune System and the Pinjarra Plain. decrease in the average biomass to 5.3 gDWm2. Several unusual vegetation types occur along this boundary as plants typical of the heavier soils of the The cause of the fluctuations in species richness and foothills mix with those of the Swan Coastal Plain decline in aquatic flora biomass cannot be definitively sands, and deduced from the data obtained to date. Possible causes ••the large amount of clearing which has already include inter-annual and seasonal changes, differences occurred on the eastern Swan Coastal Plain, in sampling sites, deterioration in ecosystem health or a particularly for agriculture. This has increased the combination of all of these factors. importance of the relatively small amount of native Strehlow et al. (2011) raised concerns about the potential vegetation which remains. invasion of aquatic weeds arising from a man-made With the exception of the I2 community, all of the lake adjacent to Munday Swamp. The results of the 2015 vegetation types shown previously in Figure 11‑1 may be survey indicate that this has not occurred to date as all considered locally significant as they represent habitat aquatic species recorded are native. for conservation significant flora. The threatened flora Conospermum undulatum was recorded in the H1 and 11.5.6 Dieback K1 vegetation types and Macarthuria keigheryi was Fieldwork was undertaken in April and May of 2017 recorded in the H1, I1, J1, K1 and K2 vegetation types. with weather conditions ideal for soil and plant tissue State-listed priority flora were recorded in vegetation sampling and daytime temperatures ranging between o o types I1, J1, K1 and K2 and, as such, these vegetation 22 C and 29 C. The wetter than average summer period types may be considered locally significant. Review of saw Perth receive approximately 190 millimetres of previous spatial data and studies identified records for rainfall in February 2017, creating optimum conditions the EPBC Act listed threatened flora in community types for sporulation of Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback). H1, I1, J1, K1 and K2 and as such, these vegetation types This in turn leads to greater expression in the form of may be considered locally significant. indicator-species deaths and increased recoveries of Phytophthora in soil and plant-tissue baiting. The areas of the vegetation recorded to be in excellent condition may be considered locally significant as they Prior to the commencement of fieldwork, a desktop represent patches of comparatively high native species analysis of historic sample information for the NRP diversity in otherwise degraded vegetation. area was conducted through the Vegetation Health Service database and Dieback Information Database All vegetation of the NRP area has regional significance Management System. A total of three previous positive as it is representative of vulnerable vegetation units (less sample recoveries were identified within the NRP area, than 30 per cent pre-European extent remaining). with a further seven in nearby bushland (DTS 2017). Both historic and current samples are displayed in Figure 11.5.5 Aquatic Flora 11‑15. Presence of dieback in relation to the Banksia In the 2015 survey, macrophytes were retrieved from Woodlands patches is shown in Figure 11‑16. two of the three aquatic samples with no macrophytes The uninfested areas are displayed on the Phytophthora (Phoenix 2016) present in the third sample at shown occurrence map shown in Figure 11‑15 and represent in Table 11-20. Three species were recorded from the areas that may be managed hygienically in a soil- samples and identified as follows: moving operation. ••Elatine gratioloides – both shallow sites (Bio01 and Bio02), 11.5.6.1 Disease Expression and Impact ••Ottelia ovalifolia – open-water site (Bio03), and The dominant Phytophthora dieback interpretation ••Lepilaena australis – open-water site (Bio03). category of ‘excluded’ makes up 51 per cent of the All of these species have been recorded previously at mapped NRP area (see Figure 11‑15 and Table 11‑21). the estate. Dry weights were obtained for two samples, Category allocation was based on standards dictated resulting in an average biomass of 5.3 gDWm2. in the DBCA Phytophthora Dieback Interpreters Manual and fell within the five or six rating using the Keighery Site Macrophyte Biomass vegetation disturbance scale described previously in Bio01 2.4 gDWm2 Table 11‑3. These excluded areas range from complete removal of all vegetation, to significant reduction in Bio02 0 gDWm2 biodiversity and obvious historic site disturbance often Bio03 13.6 dDWm2 associated with recreational off-road activities such as four-wheel driving. Table 11‑20 Aquatic sample locations and aquatic flora biomass Source: Phoenix Environmental Sciences, 2016

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7 Sample Sites Phytophthora 11 Phytophthora Occurrence Uninfested Infested Uninterpretable Excluded NRP Area 9 Airport Boundary 2 Terminal 1 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 7 Terminal 4 4 8 3 0 500 5 METRES 6

Figure 11‑15 Dieback sample locations and occurrence within the New Runway Project area Source: Dieback Treatment Services, 2017

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1 19 18

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4 12 5 3 Banksia Woodlands Patch ID 7 Sample Sites Phytophthora 7 11 6 Phytophthora Occurrence Uninfested Infested 10 Uninterpretable Excluded 8 9 NRP Area 9 Airport Boundary 2 Terminal 1 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 10 7 Terminal 4 4 8 3 0 500 5 METRES 6

Figure 11‑16 Dieback prevalence within Banksia Woodlands in the New Runway Project area Source: Dieback Treatment Services, 2017; Strategen, 2018

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Disease expression was generally average to subtle in Dieback Interpretation Area Per cent of Category (hectares) NRP Area the sites that have been receiving regular applications of phosphite treatment, compared to newly mapped, Uninfested 7.46 3 untreated areas and sites used as control plots (small pockets of uninfested sites intentionally untreated Demarcated Uninfested 8.82 3 as a source of reference to phosphite treatment effectiveness). Infested 116.30 40 Within the NRP area, three per cent was found to Uninterpretable 11.32 4 be uninfested with Phytophthora across 12 separate Excluded 149.10 51 mapped polygons, ranging in size from 0.3 of a hectare to 5.1 hectares in area. Of the 12 mapped Total 293 100 areas, eight areas had been previously identified Table 11‑21 Dieback assessment category distribution during the phosphite application program and related within the New Runway Project area Phytophthora mapping which has been performed on Source: Dieback Treatment Services, 2017 the estate since November 2008. Five of the 12 areas Forty per cent of the NRP area was found to be are larger than one hectare in size and as such have had infested with Phytophthora, with most sites displaying operational buffers demarcated (shown as ‘demarcated obvious disease expression. All infested sites have uninfested’ on Figure 11‑15). Two new spot infestations been supported with positive soil and plant-tissue of Phytophthora have been identified in previously samples and no other species of Phytophthora were mapped polygons of uninfested vegetation, both of isolated. All infested sites are associated with low-lying which are located on the southwestern boundary of the moisture-gaining sites within the NRP area, indicating NRP area. All uninfested areas have been scrutinised that the pathogen has been present on the site for for discrete spot infestations through standard transect many decades. The most likely source of introduction survey techniques with no more than 50 metres would have been through uncontrolled access by off- between each transect line walked. road vehicles prior to fencing. Once the Phytophthora pathogen was introduced, interconnected moisture- An additional four per cent of the NRP area has been gaining sites would have become rapidly infested, assessed as ‘uninterpretable’ and is comprised of three followed by slower upslope movement through root to separate areas of riparian vegetation communities root contact. Observed disease impact was moderate that have insufficient quantities of reliable indicator to high along all mapped disease edges, with obvious species to determine Phytophthora presence. It is loss of vegetation structure, biodiversity and biomass therefore highly likely and logical that these areas within a short distance from the active disease edge are in fact infested with Phytophthora, as they are all moving into the infested vegetation. located in low-lying sites and positioned downslope of proven infested sites; however, for the purpose of At most sample sites, the following supportive evidence operational activities they should be managed as a was observed: separate category to avoid the potential of introducing ••chronology of deaths (age range among indicator Phytophthora into them and also to minimise the species deaths), risk of moving potential infested material out into ••edge effect (a clear line of separation between dead uninfested areas. and dying Phytophthora indicator species and healthy vegetation), ••vector (an obvious source of Phytophthora introduction usually a track or drainage feature), ••multiple species being affected (more than one indicator species observed dead or dying in each site), and ••topographical relationship with infested areas (all low-lying areas observed to be infested with disease movement moving upslope through root to root spread).

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11.6 Impact Assessment In addition to understanding the existing flora and vegetation values within the NRP area, an assessment of the potential impacts to these values and the significance of the impacts was undertaken in accordance with the impact assessment framework outlined in Section 8. The significance criteria have been adapted to reflect discipline-specific considerations but the risk characterisation and impact assessment process is consistent with the stages outlined in the impact assessment framework.

11.6.1 Significance Criteria Table 11‑22 summarises Perth Airport’s criteria for determining the significance of potential impacts to flora and vegetation resulting from the NRP.

Magnitude Description Specialist Criteria

Major Adverse Permanent, irreversible or long-term reduction in extent of TEC listed under the EPBC Act. Significant impact4 on a critically endangered or endangered flora species (EPBC Act and/or BC Act). Long-term effects, spread of dieback to uninfested areas, including susceptible matters of national environmental significance (i.e. Banksia Woodlands TEC).

High Adverse Permanent, irreversible or long-term reduction in extent of TEC listed under the BC Act. Significant impact (Guideline 1.14) on a vulnerable flora species (EPBC Act and/or BC Act). Significant impact (Guideline 1.25) on vegetation communities and/or listed threatened species (EPBC Act or BC Act). Long-term effects, spread of dieback to areas of State significance.

Moderate Permanent, irreversible or long term loss of habitat for flora species and or communities listed under the Adverse EPBC Act or BC Act that is unlikely to have a significant impact (Guideline 1.14 and 1.25). Indirect impact that results in medium to long-term impacts on listed threatened species and or communities (EPBC Act or BC Act) that is unlikely to have a significant impact (Guideline 1.14 and 1.25). Permanent, irreversible or long-term loss of habitat for, or indirect impact that results in long term impacts on priority flora species and or communities listed by DBCA, or on regionally significant vegetation. Moderate short-term effects locally, but not affecting ecosystem function.

Minor Adverse Permanent, irreversible or long-term loss of habitat for, or indirect impact that results in long term impacts on locally significant vegetation. Permanent, irreversible or long-term loss of habitat for non-conservation significant native flora species and vegetation communities. Direct or indirect short-term or temporary impacts on native flora species and vegetation communities. Minor, short-term effects locally, but not affecting ecosystem function with treatment possible.

Negligible Minimal change to the baseline flora and/or vegetation values. Indirect impacts to flora and vegetation which are beneath levels of detection. Effectively no spread of dieback.

Beneficial The NRP results in/creates conditions that allow: ••an improvement in the condition of native vegetation communities within the NRP area, in particular threatened or priority ecological communities and regionally, or locally significant vegetation, ••an increase in the abundance and extent of threatened and/or priority flora, ••an increase in the abundance of vegetation as habitat for fauna (e.g. habitat trees for black cockatoos), ••a permanent decrease in the abundance of introduced species including declared pests and weeds of national significance, or ••reduction in areas mapped as dieback infected.

1 Duration as defined in Section 8. 2 Definition of scale of clearing needs to take into account the remnant vegetation status of the bioregion that the project occurs in. The NRP is located within the Swan Coastal Plain bioregion which is classified as a Group 2 region by the EPA (EPA 2004b) “bioregions of the South-West Botanical Province that are extensively cleared for agriculture”. EPA GS 51 (EPA 2004b) defines for scale of impact in bioregion group 1, i.e. area of clearing/loss of native vegetation or habitat expected to result from proposal: greater than ten hectares constitutes a high scale of impact; one to ten hectares constitutes a moderate scale of impact; and less than one hectares constitutes a low scale of impact. For the NRP assessment, large-scale could therefore be defined as greater than ten hectares, medium-scale as one to ten hectares and small-scale as less than one hectares. 3 Sensitive as defined in Department of the Environment (2013). 4 Significant impact as defined in Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment 2013). 5 Significant impact as defined in Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 (DSEWPaC 2013). Table 11‑22 Perth Airport’s significance criteria for flora and vegetation

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11.6.2 Significance Assessment 11.6.3 Impact Assessment and Risk Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Characterisation Environmental Significance (DEE 2013) were used in This section describes potential impact of the NRP assessing the potential impacts on matters of national on flora and vegetation. It includes primary impacting environmental significance, specifically the Banksia processes and risk level derived from significance Woodlands TEC and Conospermum undulatum and and likelihood. The assessment of impacts has been Macarthuria keigheryi. completed in accordance with the method described in Section 8, and the criteria developed for flora and Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 – Actions on, or vegetation in Table 11‑22. Impacting Upon, Commonwealth Land, and actions by Commonwealth Agencies (DSEWPaC 2013) were used Potential impacts have been identified as: to assess the potential impacts of environmental values ••clearing and site preparation, on Commonwealth land. ••habitat fragmentation, ••invasion of weed, disease and/or pest species, With over half of the NRP area completely degraded, ••plant-pollinator associations, degraded or completely devoid of vegetation and ••increase in the occurrence of bushfire during replaced by infrastructure, these areas are not of construction and operation, conservation significance. Rather, completely degraded ••increase in the occurrence of dieback, and areas and degraded areas harbour large populations of ••change in hydrological regime. introduced species including declared pests and weeds of national significance. The potential impacts of the NRP have been determined with the assumption that standard mitigation measures, Each of the vegetation types in the NRP area are such as implementation of management plans, will be in considered locally significant because they have limited place during the construction and operational phases of distribution in the NRP area or they represent habitat for the NRP. Where relevant, additional mitigation measures conservation significant flora. have been identified. All remnant native vegetation within the NRP area has regional significance, being representative of vegetation 11.6.3.1 Clearing and Site Preparation units considered vulnerable (defined as being less than The intention is that all vegetation within the NRP area 30 per cent of pre-European extent remaining) and is approved for removal, following which Perth Airport the majority of remnants were considered to be in very will then seek to avoid and minimise the impact of good to excellent condition. The K1 and K2 vegetation clearance within the NRP area as the detailed project types may be considered regionally significant because design develops. they provide habitat for EPBC Act listed threatened Vegetation clearing will have a high to major adverse flora species. impact on the Banksia Woodlands TEC and populations The main impact to floristic values during construction of both Conospermum undulatum and Macarthuria will be the loss of flora species and vegetation keigheryi. Any disturbance to these will require a Part 13 communities from the clearing of vegetation in the NRP permit issued in accordance with the EPBC Act. area. There will be minimal to no impacts on the flora Banksia Woodlands Threatened Ecological Community values of adjoining vegetated areas during the operational phase of the new runway; however, factors relating to Development of the NRP will involve the clearing of land management during the operational phase may approximately 43.66 hectares of Banksia Woodlands impact on the persistence of species, in particular, as both TEC, which would be a significant impact under the Conospermum undulatum and Macarthuria keigheryi are EPBC Act as described in Table 11‑23, and constitutes opportunists benefiting from disturbances such as fire a major adverse impact (with reference to the project and are prone to predation by rabbits. specific criteria in Table 11‑22). For the FCTs that comprise the Banksia Woodlands TEC, none had additional State listing.

According to the Conservation Advice for the TEC, the area of Banksia Woodlands remaining on the Swan Coastal Plain is believed to be around 336,000 – 337,000 hectares. The total area of 43.66 hectares to be cleared for the NRP represents 0.013 per cent of the remaining Banksia Woodlands TEC. Therefore, it is highly unlikely the clearing will adversely affect either the survival or recovery in nature of the Banksia Woodlands TEC or its conservation status.

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Likelihood Description of proposed action on Banksia (known, likely, EPBC Significant Impact Criteria Woodlands in relation to significant impact criteria possible, unlikely)

Reduce the extent of an ecological community A total of 43.66 hectares of Banksia Woodlands Known TEC of varying quality will be removed as part of the NRP.

Fragment or increase fragmentation of an The entire NRP area will be cleared including Known ecological community, for example by clearing Banksia Woodlands TEC and other vegetation. vegetation for roads or transmission lines This clearing is likely to increase fragmentation and edge effects on surrounding Banksia Woodlands TECs and other vegetation communities.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of The ten eligible patches of Banksia Woodlands Unlikely an ecological community TEC to be cleared represent a very small fraction of the remaining TEC and their removal is unlikely to be critical to the survival of the TEC as a whole.

Modify or destroy abiotic (non-living) factors The area will be cleared and vegetation and Known (such as water, nutrients, or soil) necessary for topsoil will be removed, with appropriate fill being an ecological community’s survival, including imported to achieve the necessary clearances to reduction of groundwater levels, or substantial the 1 in 100 year flood levels. alteration of surface water drainage patterns To accommodate this development, there will be alteration of existing surface water drainage patterns and changes to groundwater levels.

Cause a substantial change in the species All species will be removed. A total of 43.66 Known composition of an occurrence of an ecological hectares of Banksia Woodlands TEC of varying community, including causing a decline or loss quality will be removed as part of the project. This of functionally important species, for example may affect the species composition of remnant through regular burning or flora or fauna TEC patches. harvesting

Cause a substantial reduction in the quality A combination of entire and partial eligible Known or integrity of an occurrence of an ecological patches of Banksia Woodlands TEC will be community, including, but not limited to: removed as part of the project. Clearing of the ••assisting invasive species, that are harmful to NRP area will result in a reduction in the quality the listed ecological community, to become or integrity of the patches which will be affected established, or by partial clearing. The clearing is also likely to ••causing regular mobilisation of fertilisers, encourage the spread of invasive species. herbicides or other chemicals or pollutants into the ecological community which kill or inhibit the growth of species in the ecological community

Interfere with the recovery of an ecological Removal of the Banksia Woodlands will not assist Known community in the recovery of the TEC.

Table 11‑23 Assessment of impacts to the Banksia Woodlands threatened ecological community against Significant Impact Guideline criteria Source: Focused Vision Consulting, 2017; Strategen, 2018

Perth Airport will continue to work with the DEE and known extent of the species or contain high numbers the DBCA to further quantify and refine strategies to of plants, be a key source population for dispersal mitigate impacts to the Banksia Woodlands TEC, including (connecting adjacent populations), necessary for the development of a suitable offset proposal (see Section 11.7.3). maintenance of genetic diversity, or near the limit of the species range. Conospermum undulatum Within the NRP area there are two sub-populations of The NRP will result in a permanent loss of all plants in a Conospermum undulatum with a total of 199 plants. single extant population. This constitutes a significant impact based on the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 The Recovery Plan (DEC 2009) for this species (Department of the Environment 2013) criterion 1, as the describes all extant known wild populations of the impact leads to a long-term decrease in the size of an Conospermum undulatum as ‘important populations’ important vulnerable population. as they are considered critical to the survival of the species. An important population is a population that is As described in Section 11.5.3, there are currently 11,400 necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. C. undulatum individuals recorded by DBCA, and It may be identified as important in the species recovery the 199 plants to be removed for the NRP represents plan, represent a significant proportion of the total 1.75 per cent of the known population (Woodman 2018).

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Within the scope of this assessment, the loss of 11.6.3.2 Habitat Fragmentation Conospermum undulatum constitutes a high adverse Habitat fragmentation is the process in which a large, impact with reference to the project specific criteria in continuous area of habitat is reduced in area and divided Table 11‑22. into two or more fragments. The habitat fragments tend Macarthuria keigheryi to be smaller and separated from each other by a highly modified or degraded landscape, generally unsuitable Macarthuria keigheryi is only recorded in the southern areas for many of the species originally living there. Highly of the estate, with a total of 848 plants recorded within the adaptive generalists often ingress into the disturbed NRP area in 2017. This represents 2.0 per cent of the total habitats, which further decreases population levels of 41,762 individuals known to occur throughout the range of other species remaining in the fragments. the species and 98.5 per cent of the individuals within the Perth metropolitan area (Woodman, 2018). One of the particular characteristics of habitat fragmentation is the increased ratio of habitat boundary All extant known wild populations of the species Macarthuria length to interior area, which increases outside influences keigheryi are important populations (DEC 2009a). on the core of the remaining habitats. This edge effect The NRP will result in the loss of the two small northern has the potential to impact on the range of flora species, populations of Macarthuria keigheryi . The large southern especially upon the species with specific micro-habitat subpopulation will be impacted by the construction requirements that are less tolerant to disturbance. For of the emergency access road, approach lighting and example, it may result in changes to micro-climate (i.e. its fencing, and the drainage realignment. Given the increased sun exposure), enhance the vulnerability of proximity of this population to the edge of the NRP area habitat fragments to invasive and pest species (see Sec and the Tonkin Highway there is the potential to avoid 11.6.3.3), allow higher levels of pollutants to enter the or minimise the impact on this population during the habitat (i.e. dust, fertilizer), and/or may increase the detailed project design. incidence of fire (Sec 11.6.3.6). In contrast, disturbance opportunists may benefit from the increased ecological The loss of plants represents a significant impact disruptions and this effect, in combination with an based on Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 and 1.2 increased number of microhabitats at habitat edges (Department of the Environment 2013; DSEWPaC 2013). (ecotones), may locally increase biodiversity. This is because it results in the loss of two important populations, leads to a long-term decrease in a third As an urban environment, the landscape in which population, and results in the clearing of habitat critical the NRP is situated is already highly fragmented, in for survival of an endangered species. Within the scope particular by industrial and residential land use. The NRP of this assessment, the loss of flora ofMacarthuria will further contribute to this fragmentation. The native keigheryi constitutes a major adverse impact with vegetation in the north-west and the south of the NRP reference to the project specific criteria in Table 11‑22. area consists predominantly of low forest to woodland and heath of variable density, all of which are considered Perth Airport will continue to work with the DEE and the susceptible to edge effects. DBCA to further quantify and refine strategies to mitigate impacts to Macarthuria keighery, including development For example, the construction of the southern emergency of a suitable offset proposal (see section 11.7.3). Research access road, approach lighting and its fencing, and the in initiatives such as translocation practices, seeding drainage realignment will result in the fragmentation and identification of alternate suitable locations will be of the southern population of Macarthuria keigheryi. important considerations for the offset proposal. Vegetative growth and expansion by root under the emergency road will not be possible. State Listed Flora There are three State priority listed flora that will be The installation of runway approach lighting to the north cleared for the NRP. The number of individuals that are will require the removal of plants and regular pruning of present in the NRP area and will be cleared are: trees within a clearance zone that extends to Munday ••three Platysace ramosissima (Priority 3), Swamp. Design standards require a clearance zone, ••1,304 Schoenus benthamii (Priority 3), and where 60 meters either side of each pole is kept free ••412 Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi (Priority 4). from obstacles that are higher than the light masts (to avoid shielding the lights from pilots). While the majority The loss of State listed flora constitues a moderate of the approach lighting will be installed in completely adverse impact. Perth Airport will avoid and mitigate degraded grassland, small sections will intersect a patch impacts to the State priority listed flora by: of rehabilitated vegetation to the south east and also the ••identifying any opportunities to avoid and minimise eastern edge of Munday Swamp where large Melaleuca the impact of clearance within the NRP area as the rhaphiophylla trees are found. The height of the lighting detailed project design develops, varies from 0.1 metres (closest to the runway) to 4.6 ••limiting clearing to the NRP area, and metres above existing ground level. Approximately four ••outlining measures in the Construction Environment hectares of vegetation will either be removed or pruned Management Plan (CEMP) to ensure that the below the height of the approach lighting. On average remaining species are not adversely impacted during the current height of the trees in the areas to be cleared construction activities.

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or pruned is 14 metres, with trees between seven to Proliferation of weed and pest species has the potential ten metres height located on the edges of the wetland. to occur during all phases of the NRP, especially during Many of the trees to be pruned will need to be reduced the construction phase. The effects of proliferation to three metres tall or less, and up to five metres tall of weed and pest species may not be noticeable in the deeper part of the wetland edge. The clearing immediately or in the short term as visible signs may and pruning is therefore likely to have localised minor take several months or seasons to impact on vegetation to severe impacts on the trees within the area of the adjoining the NRP area. clearance zone, resulting in reduced vegetation cover These potential impacts of proliferation of introduced and fragmentation of remaining communities. species are likely to be long term and may potentially An increase in the levels and distance of sunlight affect the quality and integrity of the remnant vegetation infiltration along exposed edges of vegetation and habitat of conservation-significant flora species. communities is expected to change the microclimate Implementation of a weed and pest management plan will within adjacent vegetation, and may change the reduce risk of weed or pest invasion by the NRP. Impact species composition as a result. Exact changes are significance is therefore considered moderate adverse. difficult to predict but may include an increase in opportunistic flora species. 11.6.3.4 Increase in the Occurrence of Dieback In addition to negative impact by introduced plants, Dust from construction activities may adversely Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback) is a fungal disease affect adjacent vegetation by reducing the plant’s that poses a major threat to native Western Australian photosynthetic potential, and subsequently affect the flora, in particular in the temperate south-west of the growth and survival of the plant. State. There are over 1,000 species of plants to be Clearing and development for the NRP will include affected by dieback, however it is not clear which of clearing of Banksia Woodlands TEC resulting in the conservation significant species in the NRP area are remaining patches of the TEC adjacent to the NRP susceptible. Dieback spreads naturally by moving within area being smaller in size and more likely to be subject open water and movement of water within soil. People to edge effects. The clearing within the NRP area will spread the disease primarily by transport of infected extend within the 20 metre and/or 50 metre buffers that soils and roots. Appropriate dieback hygiene is essential are recommended in the Conservation Advice for the to suppress the spread of dieback into uninfected areas. Banksia Woodlands TEC (Threatened Species Scientific Given most of the NRP area is to be cleared, impacts Committee 2016). associated with construction and operation of the new The potential fragmentation impacts resulting from runway may arise from site hygiene practices, clearing the NRP are considered to be permanent in terms of activities and the movement of soil during earthworks. the exposure of edges along the boundary of the NRP The greatest risk of Phytophthora dieback impact will area, short term for construction-related impacts (e.g. be infection of adjacent areas not proposed to be generation of dust and impacts on adjacent vegetation), cleared during the construction process and operational and have a minor to moderate adverse level of impact activities associated with the new runway. significance. Once the new runway is constructed, there will be little 11.6.3.3 Invasion of Weed and Pest Species risk associated with Phytophthora dieback, as vegetation and topsoil will be removed from the area and clean Introduced flora may pose threats to biodiversity and fill imported. It is therefore important to manage the natural values by: potential impact of Phytophthora dieback both inside ••successfully out-competing native species for available the NRP area and vegetation that may be adversely nutrients, water, space and sunlight, affected outside of the NRP area if material is to be ••reducing the natural diversity by smothering native relocated. plants or preventing them from growing back after clearing, fire or other disturbance, The construction and operational processes that may ••replacing the native plants that animals use for shelter, result in dieback impacts include: food and nesting, and ••movement of vehicles from infested areas to ••altering fire regimes, often making fires hotter and uninfested areas, more destructive. ••movement and stockpiling of soil during construction, ••movement of dieback infestation through drainage Numerous introduced plant species were recorded in during construction or operation, the NRP area during field surveys, including six declared ••movement of dieback during translocation of plants, pest species and three weeds of national significance. and Without appropriate management strategies, the ••new dieback infestations from importation of fill. NRP has the potential to disperse weeds into areas of remnant vegetation where weed species are currently The potential impacts arising from dieback have been limited or occurring in low densities. assessed as moderate to high adverse.

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11.6.3.5 Impact on Plant-Pollinator Associations 11.6.3.7 Change in Hydrological Regime It is estimated that 15 per cent of the approximately Flora and vegetation are susceptible to changes in 8,000 plant species recorded in the south-west of water levels, water quality and associated impacts to Western Australia are pollinated by birds and mammals. their habitats. Some 4,000 records of bird, mammal and insect visiting The NRP may potentially impact on adjoining the flowers of native plants have been documented. groundwater and/or surface water fed vegetation, in It is hypothesised that Eucalyptus and Banksia species particular that of Munday Swamp, as a result of the have evolved features that facilitate pollination by birds infilling of the southernmost section of the swamp, of trees located far apart, thereby increasing their seeds’ changes to surface water flows, localised groundwater genetic diversity. Other iconic plant species such as drawdown or acidification of groundwater both during kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos and Macropidia species) construction and operation. are also bird pollinated (Groom & Lamont 2015). Section 10 describes the hydrologic changes and Populations of pollinators may be susceptible to predicted impacts to groundwater levels and surface habitat degradation and fragmentation associated water flows as a result of the NRP. Historically, surface with vegetation clearing, which may in turn impact flows from Poison Gully entered Munday Swamp. on the pollination relationships. Potential impacts Development within the airport estate and the include, but are not limited to, disruption to the contributing upstream catchment altered the original food web, impairments to reproductive ability (both flow to the current bypass arrangement. The drainage pollinator and flora), a reduction in genetic variation of realignment proposed for the NRP will restore the direct a local flora community, and starvation due to lack of discharge of surface water through Munday Swamp. available food source. Changes in seasonal low groundwater levels are Given the capacity for pollination of many species over inconsequential across most of the wetland. Depending large distances, and the restricted and localised area of on the frequency of surface water inputs during summer, proposed clearing, it is considered that direct impacts some small permanent pools in the northern sections to flora and vegetation from disruption of plant- of the swamp with very shallow summer water levels pollinator associations are likely to be beneath levels of may transition from a permanent pool to a seasonal detection and with subsequent negligible impact from sumpland (seasonally inundated). Some plant species the NRP. along the margins of the wetland and some dampland (seasonally saturated) species may be affected if the 11.6.3.6 Increase in the Occurrence of Bushfire slight lowering of the summer water table is at the During Construction and Operation threshold of their rooting depth. While these changes are There is the potential for unplanned bushfires to occur possible, they are local, will not affect any conservation in adjoining vegetated areas during the construction significant species, and are considered to cause a minor and operation of the new runway. This could be caused adverse impact to the wetland vegetation. by the presence of potential ignition sources such The sumplands within the wetlands are dominated by as plant/equipment, hot works and the presence of the paperbark, Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, and occasional combustible materials on site such as flammable liquids other small wetland trees and shrubs such as Melaleuca and gases. Unplanned bushfires may release smoke lateritia. The root systems of these species extend more and dust, and can significantly reduce the regional air than one metre with significant lateral root networks and quality and impact the local community. However, fire will not be affected by the predicted changes in water represents an integral part of Australia’s landscape and levels. Australia’s biota, in particular arid and semiarid regions, are generally well-adapted to recurring bushfires. For Modelling of flood velocity as a result of the changes example, flowering of grass trees Xanthorrhoea( spp.) in the drainage alignment and wetland outlet indicates present in the NRP area is triggered by bush fire and that the flow velocities through Munday Swamp are well both EPBC Act-listed flora species,Macarthuria keigheryi below the critical range (0.3 metres per second) set for and Conospermum undulatum, benefit from disturbance the highest risk erodible soils (unvegetated Bassendean by fire. sands). As such, flow velocities are considered unlikely to pose an erosion impact to vegetation. The potential impacts of a bushfire resulting from the construction or operational activities of the NRP are Inundation events are also considered immaterial to difficult to quantify and may be negative or positive. It is the wetland species present since these species are generally viewed that fires of moderate frequency and adapted to flood events and the expected changes intensity may have more beneficial than negative effects are within the tolerance limits of most species. The on native vegetation, and in particular the conservation expected flood durations are within the tolerance of significant species that are disturbance opportunists. the wetland and its associated flora and there are no If negative, effects are likely short term and therefore significant risks to the vegetation. considered minor adverse or negligible.

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The introduction of fill in the southern most section of 11.7 Mitigation Munday Swamp is likely to cause localised changes to The risk assessment into potential impacts to flora and groundwater flows, the extent and nature of which will vegetation across the NRP area identified some impacting depend on the type of fill material and the extent to which processes that resulted in risks rated as medium and high this may act as a barrier to throughflow. Hydrological despite the application of standard mitigation. assessments have shown that impacts associated with a reduction in overall capacity of the wetland to store 11.7.1 Standard Mitigation and infiltrate surface water runoff are minimal. The fill material is likely to initially alter the natural peaty clay acidic 11.7.1.1 Design groundwater chemistry to an alkaline sandy hydrochemistry. Standard minimisation measures will include: This in turn may alter the type and composition of aquatic ••minimisation of vegetation clearing for this project to biota in the short term. The type of fill will be carefully within NRP area, considered during the design stage to minimise any ••construction plans to include; hydrochemistry impacts. Overall, the infill of Munday Swamp ––delineation of clearing extents, will have a minor adverse impact on vegetation. ––identification of exclusion zones, as required, and ––signposting or fencing of exclusion zones where Prolonged inundation can have some positive and required, and negative effects on the weeds within the wetland. ••ensure that all approvals conditions have been Positive impacts would be a reduction of weeds within addressed and adequate measures are included in the the wetland basin. Negative effects would be the relevant management plans to address these conditions. proliferation of weeds alongside wetland margins.

The potential increase in the risk of weeds and pollution 11.7.1.2 Construction entering Munday Swamp and increased metals, nutrients, The following standard mitigation measures will be hydrocarbons and other pollutants in the water affecting incorporated into the Construction Environmental vegetation growth has been identified as a medium Management Plan (CEMP) and implemented during the risk. Any disturbance of the pollutants captured in construction phase of the NRP. the upstream treatment train can be minimised in the ••minimise impacts to conservation significant flora, detailed design phase by use of high-level overflow including: structures or similar engineered elements. Management ––accurately delineate vegetation-clearing extents, of contamination and nutrient transport that may affect ––accurately identify exclusion zones of conservation vegetation growth will be monitored and managed in significant plants if required, and provide signage line with Perth Airport’s Environment Strategy. Weed and/or fencing for protection, management within Munday Swamp area will continue ––accurately identify conservation-significant to be undertaken as required. plants that will be translocated and procedure for translocation (including location for translocation), The concept for the design of the main drains on the ––include checks of exclusion-zone signage and/or estate is to construct them as open channels and vegetate fencing as part of site inspection processes, and them out to create ‘living streams’. The aim is to provide a ––supervision of vegetation clearing near conservation- healthy ecosystem for microbes to perform bioremediation significant species by environmental representative. and biotransformation of environmental pollutants such ••weed and pest hygiene and management measures, as hydrocarbons (e.g. oil), nutrients, and various metals. including: The study area contains significant levels of Potential ––weed and pest hygiene requirements (cleaning and Acid Sulphate Soils (PASS). These become Acid inspection of vehicles and machinery), Sulphate Soils (ASS) when the underlying soil layers are ––maintain track free of declared weed species and exposed to the atmosphere, in particular where deep avoid accidental contamination, excavations are required for the NRP. Groundwater ––only import weed and pest-free material, in particular drawdown may contribute to additional low-level acidity soil free of dieback, derived from ASS. Groundwater drawdown is also likely ––implement weed control measures throughout the to result in some lateral movement of groundwater construction footprint during the construction phase, and in turn existing acidity and soluble metals could ––undertake corrective action to control spread of potentially flow into the constructed drain and receiving weeds in the construction area, and waters. The largest impact would occur when the water ––check adjacent vegetation for weed encroachment table is first drawn down (i.e. during construction). There and implement weed control. is also the potential that drawdown in groundwater ••acid sulfate soil-management measures during ground would cause PASS material to oxidise and turn to ASS, disturbance activities, resulting in acid leaching into the groundwater, which in ••spill and emergency response measures, e.g. for turn can impact on the level of soluble metals. chemical spill such as fuel, ••dewatering management measures for drainage Standard mitigation for ASS would include the realignment and groundwater dewatering, development and implementation of an ASS Management ••air-quality management measures to include dust Plan to manage potential acidification during construction. suppression strategies, and The impact level has been assessed as minor adverse.

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••staff training that includes training on environmental 11.7.2.2 Flora Habitat Fragmentation values of the area and environmental management Standard mitigation will be implemented during protocols. construction to minimise edge effects where possible (including dust control and delineation of clearing 11.7.1.3 Operation boundaries). No additional mitigation measures have The following standard minimisation measures will be been identified as feasible to reduce the significance of implemented during the operational phase of the NRP: this impact. Clearing limits for the NRP cannot be further ••weed and pest management, reduced due to aviation and safety requirements. ••spill and emergency management, and ••vehicle movement management. 11.7.2.3 Increase in the Occurrence of Dieback Dieback will be taken into account when locating soil 11.7.2 Additional Mitigation stockpiles (i.e. locating infested soil downslope of To further reduce impacts considered to present uninfested areas, if possible). medium to very high risks to the environment, additional mitigation measures are proposed. 11.7.3 Application of Offsets The following medium and high risks require additional An environmental offsets proposal, aligned with the mitigation: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation ••vegetation clearing resulting in loss of habitat for Act 1999 Environmental Offsets Policy (October 2012) species of conservation significance, (the offsets policy) and focused to address the impact ••vegetation clearing resulting in loss of EPBC Act listed specifically to the EPBC Act listedMacarthuria keigheryi, flora and ecological communities, Conospermum undulatum and Banksia Woodlands TEC, ••flora habitat fragmentation resulting in increased edge will be implemented. These offsets include: effects, and ••acquisition of offsite land offsets consistent with the ••spread of dieback. Commonwealth Environmental Offsets Policy (2012). This will be determined by: 11.7.2.1 Clearing and Site Preparation ––assessing the extent and value of environmental The following additional mitigation measures will be values in the affected area and identifying suitable implemented for conservation-significant flora species alternate areas with matching values, Macarthuria keigheryi and Conospermum undulatum: ––purchasing and transferring land, at no cost, to DBCA ••as part of the CEMP, a Conservation-Significant Flora for protection and management in perpetuity as part and Vegetation Management Plan will be prepared of the Western Australian Conservation Estate, and implemented, will include further management ••undertaking research in initiatives which provide a measures for conservation significant flora, for benefit to the impacted species including, but not example: limited to, genetic research, translocation practices, ––identify opportunities to collect genetic materials seeding and identification of alternate suitable such as seeds and cuttings from conservation- locations, and significant plants for off estate propagation (subject ••funding State Government initiatives which seek to approval from the Department of Infrastructure, to identify, protect and improve remnant listed Regional Development and Cities), populations. ––management of rootstock and seedbank (soil) Perth Airport’s Environmental Offset Strategy, which according to State and Commonwealth guidelines outlines the approach and values which will be proposed (CALM 1995; Valee et al. 2004) and species recovery for consideration, is further described in Section 17. plans, in cases where plants occur within the NRP area for propagation off the estate, ––rehabilitation of sites that were subject to temporary disturbance during construction (including management of seed provenance, weed control, watering for establishment), where possible, ––management of threats to populations of plants due to predation (rabbits, kangaroos), weed infestation or other introduced pests (e.g. dieback), ––fire management, as both EPBC Act listed species are disturbance opportunists that appear to proliferate after fire, and ––implementation of a suitable offsets proposal with direct and indirect offsets measures in consultation with DEE and DBCA.

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11.8 Summary of Impact A summary of the impacts on flora and vegetation and an impact risk assessment, including residual impact assessment, is provided in Table 11‑24.

Initial Assessment Residual Assessment

Impacting Impact Project Standard Significance/ Initial Additional Residual Process Detail Phase Mitigation Consequence Likelihood Risk Mitigation Significance Likelihood Risk

Vegetation Loss of EPBC- Construction Restrict clearing Major Adverse Almost Very Offsets in Moderate Almost High clearance listed Banksia footprint to NRP area, Certain High accordance Certain Woodlands TEC demarcate vegetation with EPBC clearing extent and environmental exclusion zones offsets policy. Exclusion of predators, weed control. Phytophthora management. Fire management. Conservation significant flora and vegetation management plan.

Loss of habitat Construction Restrict clearing High Adverse Almost High Offsets in High Almost High for species of footprint to NRP area, to Major Certain accordance Adverse Certain conservation demarcate vegetation Adverse with EPBC significance clearing extent and environmental (Commonwealth) exclusion zones offsets policy. (Conospermum Collection of undulatum, plants, rootstock Macarthuria and seedbank. keigheryi) Exclusion of predators, weed control. Phytophthora management. Fire management. Conservation significant flora and vegetation management plan.

Removal of Construction Restrict clearing Moderate Almost High Exclusion of Moderate Likely Medium regionally footprint to NRP area, Adverse (all Certain predators, weed significant demarcate vegetation Priority listed control. vegetation and clearing extent and species) Phytophthora loss of habitat exclusion zones management. for species of Fire conservation management. significance (State) Conservation significant flora and vegetation management plan.

Table 11‑24 Summary of impacts, risks and mitigation measures - flora and vegetation Source: Perth Airport

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Initial Assessment Residual Assessment

Impacting Impact Project Standard Significance/ Initial Additional Residual Process Detail Phase Mitigation Consequence Likelihood Risk Mitigation Significance Likelihood Risk

Flora habitat Change of Construction Restrict clearing Minor Likely Medium No additional Minor Likely Medium fragmentation microclimate (i.e. and footprint to NRP area Adverse mitigation and edge effect more light and Operation Restrict tree trimming measures higher climate in to approach lighting identified remaining habitat) clearance zone

Increase in Construction Air quality Moderate Unlikely Low No additional pollutants (dust) and management Adverse mitigation affecting plants Operation (i.e. dust suppression measures photosynthesis during construction) identified during construction and operation

Invasion of weeds Introduction of Construction Implementation of Moderate Unlikely Low Active weed Minor Unlikely Low and/or pest weeds or pest and a weed and pest Adverse management Adverse species that outcompete Operation management and post- or devastate hygiene plan development conservation to rehabilitate significant species degraded areas

Movement or New infestations Construction Dieback Management Moderate to Possible Medium Location of Moderate Unlikely Low introduction of of dieback and Plan to be prepared High Adverse stockpiles Adverse dieback disease in previously Operation to include vehicle considered uninfested areas movement and wash- due to movement down management of vehicles, soil or procedures, stockpile water management, active treatment if required during construction, dieback assessments and hygiene management. Imported soil to be dieback free.

Plant-pollinator Impairment of Construction Restrict clearing Negligible Unlikely Very No additional associations reproductive ability and footprint to NRP area, Low mitigation and reduction in operation demarcate vegetation measures genetic variation clearing extent and identified of both pollinator exclusion zones and flora

Bushfire regime Changes to Construction Management plans Minor Possible Low No additional bushfire regime and to include measures Adverse mitigation impacting Operation for fire management measures vegetation during construction. identified Existing fire management and suppression around the estate

Table 11‑24 Summary of impacts, risks and mitigation measures - flora and vegetation (Continued)

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Initial Assessment Residual Assessment

Impacting Impact Project Standard Significance/ Initial Additional Residual Process Detail Phase Mitigation Consequence Likelihood Risk Mitigation Significance Likelihood Risk

Hydrology and Localised Construction Implement Minor Possible Low No additional groundwater drawdown may Dewatering Adverse mitigation impacts impact on Munday Management Plan measures Swamp with acceptable identified trigger values.

Localised Construction Implement Minor Unlikely Low No additional groundwater level Dewatering Adverse mitigation increase due to Management Plan measures vegetation clearing with acceptable identified trigger values.

Infill of the Construction Type of fill carefully Minor Possible Low Testing of fill Minor Unlikely Low southernmost considered during the Adverse chemistry Adverse portion of Munday design stage. undertaken prior Swamp Implementation of a to construction CEMP including: staged development planning and installation of water quality control measures prior to construction, regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality control and treatment measures, and regular monitoring of surface water.

Table 11‑24 Summary of impacts, risks and mitigation measures - flora and vegetation (Continued)

11.9 Conclusion An assessment of the flora and vegetation values within Standard mitigation measures and additional mitigation the NRP area identified the presence of Commonwealth measures for high and medium risks and impacts were listed Conospermum undulatum and Macarthuria considered to reduce the impacts of the NRP. The residual keigheryi flora species and the Banksia Woodlands TEC risks of the local impacts to Conospermum undulatum, for consideration under the EPBC Act. Macarthuria keigheryi and the Banksia Woodlands TEC were not able to be reduced due to the significance of the Impacting processes associated with the NRP include: loss of these species when assessed in accordance with ••clearing and site preparation, the DEE Significance Guidelines 1.1 and 1.2, recovery plans ••habitat fragmentation, for the listed flora species, and the approved Conservation ••invasion of weed and/or pest species, Advice for the Banksia Woodlands TEC. ••plant-pollinator associations, ••increase in the occurrence of bushfire during To address the loss of these Commonwealth listed species construction and operation, and due to the NRP, a suitable offset arrangement with direct ••increase in the occurrence of dieback. and indirect offset measures will be implemented in consultation with the DEE and the DBCA.

New Runway Project | Volume B: Environment, Heritage and Traffic Assessment 153 Perth Airport Pty Ltd Level 2, 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth, WA 6105 PO Box 6, Cloverdale, WA 6985 Tel: +61 8 9478 8888 Fax: +61 8 9478 8889 www.perthairport.com.au