EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A field survey of the Wallaby Prospect was performed over two site visits during Spring and following summer rains; 3-4 September 1998 and 24-25 February 1999. This survey documented flora found over the area, and described ten distinct vegetation map-units associated with the mining leases. Vegetation types encountered were described and categorised, and the botanical significance of the vegetation in the local and the regional contexts was assessed. The ten map-units described were: Main Exploration Area

A1 Halophytic Dwarf Scrub D B Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D C Open Low Scrub A on Sandy Dunes Bordering Lake Carey D1 Mulga Low Woodland A E Melaleuca uncinata Low Woodland B Proposed Haul Road Route

A2 Halosarcia Dwarf Scrub D around Salt Pans F Maireana pyramidata Dwarf Scrub C G Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub D2 Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands D3 Mulga Low Woodland A along Drainage Lines

A total of 125 species of flowering plants from 50 genera and 24 families was identified over the Wallaby survey area. Those families showing highest species richness were Chenopodiaceae (37 spp.), Myoporaceae (15 spp.), Poaceae (10 spp.), Asteraceae (10 spp.), Mimosaceae (9 spp.) and Caesalpiniaceae (7 spp.). These six families accounted for 88 of the total 125 species recorded.

All ten map-units described are well distributed regionally, and all but Map-unit G (Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub) are well distributed locally. Recent biological surveys around Lake Carey however have confirmed a wider distribution for this community than initially realised. Traverses made around the northern and north-eastern margins show an extension to the populations recorded along the proposed Wallaby haul road.

One of the species identified from the survey area, Acacia kalgoorliensis, is listed as "Priority 3 flora" under the Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice (1994) and Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia (Atkins 1996). A second species, Halosarcia "Angel Fish Island" sp., is presently restricted to the margins of Lake Carey, based on current collection details. It has however, been collected from a number of populations and appears to readily colonise disturbed surfaces. It may be given conservation status in the near future following further taxonomic review of the genus. TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i

1. Preamble 1

2. INTRODUCTION 1 Regional Setting 1 Climate 2

3. Vegetation and Flora 2 Background 2 Objectives and Methods 3 Results 3 Flora 3 Vegetation 4 Main Exploration Area 4 A1 Halophytic Dwarf Scrub D 4 B Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D 6 C Open Low Scrub A on Sandy Dunes Bordering Lake Carey 7 D1 Mulga Low Woodland A 7 E Melaleuca uncinata Low Woodland B 9 Proposed Haul Road Route 10 A2 Halosarcia Dwarf Scrub D around Salt Pans 10 F Maireana pyramidata Dwarf Scrub C 11 G Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub 11 D2 Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands 12 D3 Mulga Low Woodland A along Drainage Lines 13 Local and Regional Distribution of Map-units 15 Threatened Flora 16 Potential Impacts 17

4. bibliography 24

LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1: Mixed Halosarcia spp. Dwarf Scrub D. 5 TABLE 2: Halophytic Complex forming Dwarf Scrub D. 5 TABLE 3: Frankenia sp. and Lawrencia sp. Open Dwarf Scrub D. 6 TABLE 4: Species common to Map unit B - Atriplex vesicaria Low6Heath D. 6 TABLE 5: Species common to Map unit C - Open Low Scrub A on Sandy Dunes Bordering Lake Carey. 7 TABLE 6: Species common to Map unit D1 - Mulga Low Woodland A. 8 TABLE 7: Species common to Map unit E - Melaleuca uncinata Low Woodland B. 9 TABLE 8: Species common to Map unit A2 - Halosarcia Dwarf Scrub D around Salt Pans. 10 TABLE 9: Species common to Map unit F - Maireana pyramidata Dwarf Scrub C. 11 TABLE 10: Species common to Map unit G - Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub. 12 TABLE 11: Species common to Map unit D2 - Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands. 13 TABLE 12: Species common to Map unit D3 - Mulga Low Woodland A along Drainage Lines. 14

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1: Plan of the Wallaby deposit showing the open cut and proposed haul road route (see insert). 26 FIGURE 2: Vegetation types of the Wallaby Project represented as ten map-units (see insert). 27

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Vegetation classification used for the Jubilee Flora Survey (from Muir 1977). A1:1 APPENDIX 2: Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora (see Atkins 1996). A2:1 APPENDIX 3: Flora of the Wallaby Project Area. A3:1

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE 1: Halosarcia spp. (samphire) occurred as scattered individuals around the immediate margin of Lake Carey, a zone subject to periodic inundation. 18 PLATE 2: Plant species diversity increased along the low foredune crest, approximately 10 m from the lake edge. Halosarcia remained the dominant genus. 18 PLATE 3: Gypsiferous soils inland of the lake shoreline gave rise to the formation of an open low shrubland dominated by Frankenia species. 19 PLATE 4: Atriplex vesicaria (bladder saltbush) Low Heath D was the dominant vegetation unit present over the lake flats. 19 PLATE 5: The low vegetation cover typical over the lake flats was interrupted by small pockets of pale coarse sand, which supported a taller vegetation cover. 20 PLATE 6: Approximately 500 m from the lake edge Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D grades into Mulga Low Woodland A, which occurs in red aeolian quartz sand. 20 PLATE 7: Melaleuca uncinata (broombush) is prevalent around the edge of Ti Tree Dam. This species is well adapted to tolerate periodic inundation. 21 PLATE 8: Salt pans were common around the Wallaby lease. A number of the larger salt pans did not support vegetation in the central catchment (background), however Halosarcia spp. were common around the fringes of these systems. 21 PLATE 9: Maireana pyramidata (foreground) formed a dominant vegetation unit along the haul road. 22 PLATE 10: Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub was widespread along the haul road route, occurring on shallow soils over hardpan, commonly with a stony ironstone surface. 22 PLATE 11: The Priority 3 species Acacia kalgoorliensis occurred to a height of 4 m. 23 PLATE 12: The mid-shrub Eremophila forrestii and grass Eragrostis eriopoda were both common to Map-unit D2 - Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands. 23 1. Preamble

Placer (Granny Smith) Pty Ltd holds Mining and Exploration leases in the north-eastern gold fields area of Western Australia, approximately 20 km south of Laverton on rangeland that is used for grazing sheep (Mt Weld Station) (Figure 1). Placer (Granny Smith) Pty Ltd currently operates one open cut pit (Sunrise) however plans to develop a number of new resources in the coming years.

The recent discovery of the Wallaby prospect is anticipated to lead to the early development of this resource. It is proposed that a new open cut pit is developed along with the construction of an associated haul road. It can be anticipated the new haul road will extend approximately 6.85 km to the east where it will join up with the proposed "Hill Side Well" haul road (Figure 1).

This report is based on two field surveys conducted in the area between 3-4 September 1998 and 24-25 February 1999. The initial survey occurred during the month of maximum flowering potential. The second survey occurred following a summer rainfall event, capturing a number of grasses not recorded during the initial survey. The objectives of the survey were to document the flora found on the mining leases associated with open cut and haul road disturbances, to describe and categorise the vegetation types encountered, and to assess the botanical significance of the vegetation in the local and the regional contexts.

2. INTRODUCTION

Regional Setting

The Project area lies in the Austin Botanical District of the Eremaean Botanical Province. Previous surveys have documented the broad land systems and vegetation units present in the area, however detailed assessment of local associations is lacking.

Beard (1974) described vegetation of the area as "mulga and saltbush succulent steppe", grading into "mulga low woodland" along the proposed haul road route to the east.

Pringle, Van Vreeswyk and Gilligan (1994) provide resource condition statements for the north eastern goldfields (Menzies, Edjudina, Leonora, Laverton, Sir Samuel and Duketon 1: 250 000 scale map sheets), with reference to pastoral impacts. Over these areas pastoralism covers approximately 83 percent of their survey area. The most frequently observed impacts were loss in perennial species richness and loss in perennial plant density. Major alterations in vegetation and consequent erosion were observed within the chenopod shrublands, as a result of historical overgrazing. Rangeland encompassing the "Wallaby" area has recently been destocked.

The most recent Range Condition Report conducted on the Mt Weld pastoral lease, found 71 percent of the rangeland was in fair to good condition and only 8 percent was in very poor condition (Pringle 1994).

Climate

The region experiences hot, dry summers and cool winters. In the temperate zones of Australia, Beard (1990) gives an arid classification to areas with an average annual rainfall of less than 250 mm. Laverton (townsite) records an average annual rainfall of 221 mm, with highest monthly averages recorded between January-June (WA Regional Office of the Bureau of Meteorology 1998). Winter rains are associated with southern depressions, and are generally more reliable. Summer rain comes from sporadic and localised thunderstorms (or occasionally remnant tropical cyclones) which give sudden heavy falls. The summer rains are usually of higher intensity and shorter duration than the autumn rains, contributing to an often erratic annual range.

Average maximum temperatures for Laverton townsite range from 35.8°C in January, down to 17.8°C during July. Average minimum temperature extremes occur during the same months, ranging from 20.5°C in January to 5.2°C in July (Pringle et al. 1994).

3. Vegetation and Flora

Background

Beard (1974) mapped the vegetation of the Laverton area at 1: 1 000 000 scale. From this survey the predominant vegetation cover over the current project area is "mulga and saltbush succulent steppe", grading into "mulga low woodland" along the proposed haul road route to the east (Beard 1975).

Pringle et al. (1994) detail vegetation of the north-eastern Goldfields, mapping land systems at a scale of 1: 250 000. They describe the land system around the main study site as "Carnegie - salt lakes with fringing alluvial plains and dunes of kopi or sand". The proposed route for the haul road passes through three other land systems;

Sunrise plains with stony mantles and sparse parallel often incised drainage tracts adjacent to greenstone hills,

Monitor alluvial fans and wash plains receiving distributary flow from adjacent greenstone systems, and

Brooking ridges on banded ironstone.

Objectives and Methods

This report is based on two field surveys conducted between 3-4 September 1998 and 24-25 February 1999. The objectives of the survey were to document the flora found on mining leases associated with the Wallaby Project, to describe and categorise the vegetation communities encountered, and to assess the botanical significance of vegetation in both local and regional contexts.

Prior to the field survey, use was made of aerial photography at a scale of 1: 11 000 in selecting areas for traverses, and giving preliminary vegetation classification.

The vegetation survey comprised four days effort to ground truth map signatures, traverse areas, collect voucher specimens, and to assess vegetation classifications. During the field survey a classification was developed as a basis for mapping. The resultant map represents ten major vegetation associations which have subsequently been described.

Vegetation types for the project area have been described as 'map-units' rather than as 'communities' or 'associations' which have specific ecological connotations. The vegetation map-units provide realistic information about the environment. They follow the height, life form and density classes of Muir (1977, see Appendix 1). This is largely a structural classification suitable for broader scale mapping, but taking all ecologically significant strata into account.

Voucher specimens were taken for all species to verify identification that could not be confidently substantiated in the field. Specimens were mounted and placed into the MRG herbarium for future reference, and duplicate specimens have been sent to site. Nomenclature follows Green (1985 & 1987) and the Western Australian Herbarium.

Results

Flora

A total of 125 plant species was recorded, representing 50 genera and 24 families. Plant families best represented by numbers of species are the Chenopodiaceae (37 spp.), Myoporaceae (15 spp.), Poaceae (10 spp.), Asteraceae (10 spp.), Mimosaceae (9 spp.) and Caesalpiniaceae (7 spp.). These six families accounted for 88 of the total 125 species recorded. A species list is given in Appendix 3.

One of the species identified from the survey area, Acacia kalgoorliensis, is of special interest in the context of conservation value (see Appendix 2). This species is listed as "Priority 3 Flora" under the Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice (1994) and Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia (Atkins 1996). A second species, Halosarcia "Angel Fish Island" sp., is restricted to the margins of Lake Carey, based on current collection details. It may be given conservation status in the near future following further taxonomic review of the genus.

Vegetation

The vegetation types in the area have been represented as ten map-units, five of these occurring within the current exploration site and five others appearing along the haul road route. The map-units are distinct from one another, distinguished by overall physiognomy, floristic elements and soil features, but specifically following the height, life form and density classes of Muir (1977).

The ten Vegetation Map-units distinguished in the survey area are described below.

Main Exploration Area

A1 Halophytic Dwarf Scrub D

Along the margin of Lake Carey a variety of vegetation complexes show subtle changes with increasing distance from the lake edge. These are described below.

The broad structural classification of these halophytic communities is Dwarf Scrub D, with the low shrub cover generally less than 0.5 in height. The low shrublands are dominated by the Chenopodiaceae genera Atriplex, Maireana and Halosarcia, however other taxa including Frankenia, Cratystylis and Gunniopsis are also important components. The change in species composition with distance from the lake edge is related to the gentle increase in elevation, change in soil type, and susceptibility to inundation following major rainfall events.

A low rise from the floor of Lake Carey marks the transitional zone between the non-vegetated sediment of the lake bed and vegetated complexes situated inland on higher ground. This periodically inundated zone extends up to 10 m from the lake edge on a gently sloping gradient. The clayey, highly saline, and often gypsiferous medium shows evidence of salt crusting. Soils in these lower reaches of the catchment are prone to waterlogging.

A narrow band of Halosarcia (samphire) was present between 3 - 5 m from the edge of Lake Carey (Plate 1). The lower and upper sides of this vegetated band support only scattered individuals, and are generally bare. This samphire flat was dominated by two species, Halosarcia halocnemoides and H. peltata, with both occurring down to the lake margin. Another six Halosarcia species were recorded within Map-unit A including H. "Angel Fish Island" sp., H. calyptrata, H. halocnemoides ssp. caudata, H. indica ssp. bidens, H. pergranulata, H. pruinosa and H. undulata (Table 1).

Other low subshrubs and herbs occurring sparsely within this vegetation type were Atriplex nana, Maireana amoena, Frankenia pauciflora, and Senecio lautus.

TABLE 1: Mixed Halosarcia spp. Dwarf Scrub D.

Low Shrubs

Halosarcia halocnemoides Halosarcia pruinosa Halosarcia peltata Halosarcia undulata Halosarcia "Angel Fish Island" sp. Atriplex nana Halosarcia calyptrata Maireana amoena Halosarcia halocnemoides ssp. caudata Frankenia pauciflora Halosarcia indica ssp. bidens Senecio lautus Halosarcia pergranulata

A narrow strip (3 m wide) along the crest of the low foredune, approximately 10 m from the lake edge, supported a variation of the previous community (Table 2, Plate 2). With the exception of H. undulata, Halosarcia species were less prevalent on the higher ground. With this zone less prone to inundation, the richness of plant taxa present was higher, including Frankenia, Atriplex, Maireana, Lawrencia, Scaevola and Sclerolaena. Ephemeral daisies noted were Kippistia suaedifolia and Senecio lautus.

TABLE 2: Halophytic Complex forming Dwarf Scrub D.

Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Halosarcia undulata Scaevola collaris Frankenia spp. Lawrencia squamata Maireana amoena Sclerolaena fimbriolata Atriplex nana Kippistia suaedifolia Senecio lautus

Soils inland of the lake edge became less clayey and more sandy in texture. Up to 50 m wide and running parallel to the lake shoreline, this zone consisted of an open low shrubland (to approximately 0.3 m in height) dominated by Frankenia pauciflora, F. setosa, F. cinerea and Lawrencia squamata (Plate 3). Both genera are tolerant of the extreme salinities, possessing the ability to exclude salt through leaf pores.

Other subshrubs and herbaceous species occurring at lesser densities included Atriplex spongiosa, Scaevola collaris, Swainsona rostellata, Kippistia suaedifolia and Senecio lautus (Table 3). TABLE 3: Frankenia sp. and Lawrencia sp. Open Dwarf Scrub D.

Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Frankenia pauciflora Swainsona rostellata Frankenia setosa Atriplex spongiosa Frankenia cinerea Scaevola collaris Lawrencia squamata Sclerolaena fimbriolata Atriplex vesicarius Kippistia suaedifolia Senecio lautus

B Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D

This map-unit extended inland for up to 300 m on gently sloping ground (Plate 4). It comprised a moderately close vegetation cover dominated by Atriplex vesicaria (bladder saltbush) up to a height of 0.4 m. Atriplex vesicaria plants occurred on raised pockets of coarser sand, which kept plants above the potential zone of inundation and enhanced leaching of salts from beneath individuals. Cratystylis subspinescens (sage) forms an open mid shrub stratum which becomes better represented with increasing distance from the lake edge.

Various other low shrubs were recorded in association with A. vesicaria, including Frankenia fecunda, Lawrencia helmsii, Maireana tomentosa, Gunniopsis quadrifida and Solanum orbiculatum (Table 4). The ground cover comprised very low shrubs of Atriplex nana, Maireana amoena, Roycea divaricata and Solanum lasiophyllum, and ephemerals and grasses including Calandrinia polyandra, Vittadinia australascica var. oricola, Sclerolaena eurotioides, Enneapogon caerulescens and Eragrostis dielsii

TABLE 4: Species common to Map unit B - Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D.

Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Atriplex vesicaria Swainsona rostellata Frankenia spp. Sclerolaena eurotioides Lawrencia helmsii Sclerolaena fimbriolata Atriplex nana Calandrinia polyandra Gunniopsis quadrifida Solanum lasiophyllum Maireana tomentosa Enneapogon caerulescens Maireana amoena Eragrostis dielsii Solanum orbiculatum Podolepis capillaris Roycea divaricata Vittadinia australascica var. oricola C Open Low Scrub A on Sandy Dunes Bordering Lake Carey

This map-unit occurred on slightly elevated areas of pale coarse sands scattered within Map-unit D (Plate 5). Hakea preissii was common over these low sandy rises, occurring with an open cover of various sized shrubs which included Eremophila miniata, Senna artemisioides ssp. artemisioides, S. charlesiana, Maireana pyramidata, Cratystylis subspinescens, Scaevola tomentosa and Rhagodia drummondii. There were occasional taller shrubs/trees of Pittosporum phylliraeoides and Eremophila longifolia in excess of 2 m in height (Table 5).

TABLE 5: Species common to Map unit C - Open Low Scrub A on Sandy Dunes Bordering Lake Carey.

Trees / Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Ground Cover

Pittosporum phylliraeoides Senna artemisioides Zygophyllum aurantiacum Hakea preissii Senna charlesiana Eremophila miniata Maireana pyramidata Eremophila longifolia Cratystylis subspinescens Rhagodia drummondii Scaevola tomentosa

D1 Mulga Low Woodland A

Atriplex vesicaria Low Heath D grades into Mulga Low Woodland A approximately 500 m from the lake edge. The upperstorey transition is well defined by the presence of mulga trees to 8 m tall, however change in the understorey is marked by a more gradual increase in the height of low and mid strata shrubs. Much of this map-unit occurs over low dunes of red aeolian sand, which occur in narrow bands parallel to the margin of Lake Carey (Plate 6).

Acacia aneura (mulga) is the dominant upperstorey species, with its density and height generally increasing with distance from the lake edge. Associated tall shrubs include Pittosporum phylliraeoides, Eremophila miniata, Hakea preissii, Santalum acuminatum and S. spicatum. These species show scattered distributions throughout the map-unit, often occurring in small groups but rarely dense enough to form a middle stratum.

Beneath the woodland canopy is an open layer of mid sized shrubs above a denser cover of low ground cover shrubs. Maireana pyramidata was the dominant mid-shrub occurring with Senna charlesiana and occasionally Eremophila glabra ssp. tomentosa. Maireana pyramidata becomes more dominant further inland of Lake Carey where it is joined by Atriplex amnicola, which occurs in localised populations at lower lying points in the landscape.

Chenopods dominate the ground cover, Atriplex vesicaria again prominent. Others species include Atriplex bunburyana, Chenopodium gaudichaudianum, Enchylaena tomentosa, Maireana atkinsiana, M. appressa, M. georgei and M. triptera. Frankenia pauciflora was also evident along with other succulents including Gunniopsis quadrifida and Zygophyllum aurantiacum (Table 6).

At ground level a number of ephemerals and grasses present include Helipterum charsleyae, Brachycome sp., Ptilotus aervoides, Swainsona rostellata, Aristida contorta, Enneapogon caerulescens and Eragrostis eriopoda. Aristida contorta is the most widespread ground cover over this map-unit, with Eragrostis eriopoda forming small clumps on the tops of a number of the low dunes.

In disturbed exploration areas where drilling had occurred, mature plants of the exotic weed species Rumex vesicarius were established to 0.8 m tall. In the February survey there was evidence of prolific seed set below the dead stems. Management of this deep rooted and persistent weed species is required in the short term to prevent further contamination of disturbed sites.

TABLE 6: Species common to Map unit D1 - Mulga Low Woodland A.

Tall Shrubs/Trees Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Acacia aneura Maireana pyramidata Atriplex vesicaria Aristida contorta Pittosporum phylliraeoides Senna charlesiana Chenopodium Brachycome sp. gaudichaudianum Eremophila miniata Eremophila glabra ssp. Zygophyllum Enneapogon tomentosa aurantiacum caerulescens Hakea preissii Enchylaena tomentosa Helipterum charsleyae Santalum acuminatum Gunniopsis quadrifida Ptilotus aervoides Santalum spicatum Maireana appressa Swainsona rostellata Maireana atkinsiana Maireana georgei Maireana triptera E Melaleuca uncinata Low Woodland B

This map-unit occurs around a significant water body (Ti Tree Dam) inland of Lake Carey, into which drainage is locally concentrated.

Ti Tree Dam is a relatively large "fresh" water catchment supporting a stand of Melaleuca uncinata (broombush) to 8 m tall (Plate 7). M. uncinata is well adapted to tolerate periodic inundation. It occurs alone on the waterline in dense stands, with other species occurring higher on the banks. Below established trees of M. uncinata are numerous seedlings to 0.3 m tall.

Acacia aneura, A. ligulata, A. tetragonophylla and Pittosporum phylliraeoides form an open upperstorey on elevated sandy banks immediately inland of the M. uncinata. A dense mid stratum layer is formed by Atriplex amnicola, A. bunburyana, Maireana pyramidata, Rhagodia drummondii and Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii (Table 7). An open low shrub layer is formed by Solanum lasiophyllum, S. orbiculatum and Frankenia pauciflora. Calandrinia polyandra, Senecio gregorii and Stipa elegantissima were prevalent ground cover species.

TABLE 7: Species common to Map unit E - Melaleuca uncinata Low Woodland B.

Trees/Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Melaleuca uncinata Atriplex amnicola Solanum lasiophyllum Calandrinia polyandra Acacia aneura Atriplex bunburyana Solanum orbiculatum Senecio gregorii Pittosporum phylliraeoides Maireana pyramidata Frankenia pauciflora Acacia ligulata Rhagodia drummondii Acacia tetragonophylla Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii Proposed Haul Road Route

A2 Halosarcia Dwarf Scrub D around Salt Pans

This map-unit occurs inland of Lake Carey situated in low lying areas which act as concentrated drainage foci. They are typically surrounded by Mulga Low Woodland A.

The floor of the salt pans are of similar texture to Lake Carey, however the absence of surface salt precipitate in the smaller systems suggests they are of lower salinity. Two of the larger salt pans encountered do not support vegetation in their lower central regions, as they are subject to frequent inundation (Plate 8). The elevated perimeter of these systems however, are vegetated with a cover of low salt tolerant shrubs similar to that found around the immediate fringe of Lake Carey. The smaller salt pans support a vegetation cover over their entire surface, and generally show greater species richness.

Around the larger salt pans Halosarcia halocnemoides is the dominant vegetation species, occurring to approximately 0.5 m tall. Other species present in lower numbers include H. indica ssp. bidens, H. pergranulata, Frankenia fecunda, Atriplex nana, Atriplex vesicaria, Maireana tomentosa and Gunniopsis quadrifida (Table 8).

The smaller salt pans show regional variation in species composition. This is largely dependent on the composition of the surrounding vegetation communities. Halosarcia halocnemoides occurred consistently at the lowest points within the salt pans, in association with a number of less prominent samphire species. Atriplex amnicola (river saltbush) formed dense stands around the perimeter of these systems.

TABLE 8: Species common to Map unit A2 - Halosarcia Dwarf Scrub D around Salt Pans.

Mid / Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Halosarcia halocnemoides Atriplex bunburyana Brachycome sp. Halosarcia indica ssp. bidens Atriplex vesicaria Podolepis capillaris Halosarcia pergranulata Atriplex codonocarpa Senecio lautus Frankenia (fine leaf) Maireana tomentosa Sclerolaena cuneata Frankenia fecunda Maireana amoena Eragrostis dielsii Atriplex nana Gunniopsis quadrifida Stipa elegantissima Atriplex amnicola Cratystylis subspinescens Enneapogon caerulescens

F Maireana pyramidata Dwarf Scrub C

This map-unit occurs on gently sloping alluvial plains which carry sheet flow down to lower lying Lake Carey situated to the south. The alluvial plains are littered with an ironstone sheeting, washed down from ironstone ridges to the north .

Maireana pyramidata (sago bush) is the dominant species occurring to a height of approximately 1 m (Plate 9), and associated with high numbers of Atriplex bunburyana (silver saltbush), Scaevola tomentosa, Cratystylis subspinescens and Atriplex stipitata (kidney saltbush) to a similar height (Table 9).

Frankenia sp. (fine leaf), F. fecunda and Maireana triptera were prominent lower shrubs up to 0.5 m tall, with Aristida contorta occurring at ground level.

TABLE 9: Species common to Map unit F - Maireana pyramidata Dwarf Scrub C.

Trees/Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Acacia kalgoorliensis Maireana pyramidata Maireana triptera Aristida contorta Eremophila falcata Scaevola tomentosa Frankenia fine leaf Sclerolaena cuneata Eremophila scoparia Atriplex bunburyana Frankenia fecunda Brachycome sp. Atriplex vesicaria Maireana glomerifolia Atriplex stipitata Atriplex codonocarpa Cratystylis subspinescens Solanum lasiophyllum Senna glutinosa ??? Senna cardiosperma ?

G Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub

This map-unit was widespread along the haul road route, occurring generally on shallow soils over hardpan, with a stony ironstone surface.

The upperstorey canopy was generally open. Acacia kalgoorliensis occurred up to a height of 4 m with other tall shrubs including Acacia ramulosa, Senna artemisioides ssp. filifolia, Grevillea sarissa, Eremophila falcata, Eremophila scoparia, Hakea preissii and the cosmopolitan Acacia aneura (Table 10, Plates 10 and 11).

The middle stratum comprised a suite of shrubs to 2 m tall, however none were dominant when considered alone. These included Acacia tetragonophylla, Eremophila margarethae, E. georgei, Daviesia benthamii, Maireana pyramidata, Senna artemisioides ssp. glaucifolia, Rhagodia eremaea, Atriplex bunburyana, A. stipitata, Maireana georgei, M. triptera, Ptilotus obovatus and Solanum lasiophyllum. The stony ground cover supported an open cover of Aristida contorta.

In localised areas the soil became sandier and supported Eragrostis eriopoda in the place of Aristida contorta. The understorey in these areas was more open in comparison to the stony plains, and composition was similar to that recorded in Map-unit G.

On a number of depositional plains along the haul road route a surface covering of quartz became mixed with the ironstone. Both the upper and understorey in these areas was more open, with Acacia kalgoorliensis found in association with A. kempeana and A. ramulosa.

Senna artemisioides ssp. glaucifolia and Senna sp. (Austin) were prominent in the middle stratum, occurring with Senna artemisioides ssp. artemisioides, Scaevola spinescens and Eremophila granitica. Dominant lower shrubs were Frankenia sp. (fine leaf), Maireana appressa, Scaevola tomentosa, Maireana triptera and Ptilotus obovatus. TABLE 10: Species common to Map unit G - Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub.

Trees/Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Acacia aneura Senna filifolia Ptilotus obovatus Aristida contorta Acacia kalgoorliensis Eremophila margarethae Maireana triptera Eragrostis eriopoda Acacia tetragonophylla Eremophila georgei Atriplex stipitata Acacia ramulosa Rhagodia eremaea Eremophila georgei Senna filifolia Senna glaucifolia Atriplex codonocarpa Grevillea sarissa Daviesia benthamii Maireana villosa Eremophila falcata Maireana pyramidata Maireana georgei Eremophila scoparia Atriplex bunburyana Enchylaena tomentosa Hakea preissii Scaevola tomentosa Solanum lasiophyllum

D2 Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands

This map-unit occurs over low dunes of well drained red aeolian sand, which are well distributed throughout the study area.

The vegetation is characterised by the presence of the mid-shrub Eremophila forrestii, which is restricted to this map-unit, and a dense ground cover of Eragrostis eriopoda (woolly butt grass, see Plate 12). The wanderrie grass stratum recorded had been favoured by summer rains which occurred during the month prior to the late February survey.

Acacia aneura forms Low Woodland A with occasional tall shrubs which include Grevillea sarrisa and Santalum spicatum. The lower strata exhibit relatively high species diversity, with no particular species dominant. Mid and low shrubs recorded included Senna filifolia, M. pyramidata, Rhagodia drummondii, A. vesicaria, G. quadrifida and A. stipitata (Table 11).

The ground cover was characterised by the presence of the wanderrie grass Eragrostis eriopoda (woolly butt grass), which formed Low Grass. However a number of other grasses (Monochather paradoxus, Austrostipa tuckeri, Eragrostis desertorum ) also dominated locally in places, with Aristida contorta prominent within the exploration area. Scattered hummocks of Triodia scariosa were recorded within this map-unit along the haul road route.

TABLE 11: Species common to Map unit D2 - Mulga Low Woodland A above Low Grass on Deep Aeolian Sands.

Trees / Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs Ground Cover

Acacia aneura Eremophila forrestii Atriplex vesicaria Eragrostis eriopoda Grevillea sarrisa Senna filifolia Gunniopsis quadrifida Monochather paradoxus Santalum spicatum Atriplex bunburyana Atriplex stipitata Austrostipa tuckeri, Acacia ramulosa Enchylaena tomentosa Atriplex nummularia Eragrostis desertorum Rhagodia drummondii Maireana triptera Aristida contorta Atriplex tetragonophylla Ptilotus obovatus Swainsona formosa Cratystylis subspinescens Senna chatelainiana Maireana pyramidata Solanum orbiculatum Daviesia benthamii Solanum nummularium Solanum lasiophyllum Salsola kali Chenopodium gaudichaudianum

D3 Mulga Low Woodland A along Drainage Lines

A number of narrow drainage lines with deep incised channels were encountered along the haul road route. Surface flow following major rainfall events is in a southerly direction, where water empties into Lake Carey. Soils along the banks of the drainage lines were deeper than the surrounding plains, and supported a denser and more diverse suite of vegetation species.

Acacia aneura occurred to a height of 8 m with tall shrubs of Eremophila longifolia, E. alternifolia, E. oldfieldii, Santalum spicatum, A. craspedocarpa, A. acuminata and A. tetragonophylla. Senna filifolia occurred as a tall and mid sized shrub, with lower shrubs of M. pyramidata, M. triptera and Ptilotus obovatus (Table 12).

A number of less prominent shrubs were restricted to the drainage lines, including the climbing Ptilotus divaricatus, Swainsona perlongan and Eremophila georgei.

TABLE 12: Species common to Map unit D3 - Mulga Low Woodland A along Drainage Lines.

Trees/Tall Shrubs Mid Shrubs Low Shrubs

Acacia aneura Senna filifolia Ptilotus obovatus Eremophila longifolia Senna artemisioides Eremophila granitica Eremophila alternifolia Senna (Austin) sp. Eremophila maculata Eremophila oldfieldii Ptilotus divaricatus Eremophila georgei Santalum spicatum Maireana pyramidata Atriplex codonocarpa Acacia craspedocarpa Maireana triptera Maireana villosa Acacia acuminata Scaevola spinescens Maireana georgei Acacia tetragonophylla Atriplex bunburyana Enchylaena tomentosa Swainsona perlongan Local and Regional Distribution of Map-units

The Wallaby Prospect borders a Salt Lake Feature, as described by Keighery et al. (1992). Vegetation associated with salt lake features generally consists of halophytic communities dominated by members of the Chenopodiaceae family.

A total of ten distinct vegetation map-units were identified within the Wallaby study area. Five of these were found in the immediate vicinity of Lake Carey, while the additional map-units occurred further inland. The map-units recorded can be divided into two main groups;

• halophytic communities (Dwarf Scrub C/D, Low Heath D) occurring on heavier saline clay soils along the margin of Lake Carey, or inland around concentrated drainage foci, and

• various tree and shrubland communities (Open Low Scrub A, Open Scrub, Low Woodland A/B) generally occurring inland of Lake Carey proper.

The ten map-units are well represented on a regional scale, and nine of the map-units (with the exception of Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub) are well documented locally.

Acacia kalgoorliensis Open Scrub (Map-unit G) was not described by Pringle (1994) in a previous survey of the north-eastern Goldfields region, however it was recorded at three assessment sites on depositional and hardpan plains. Acacia kalgoorliensis was also recorded in a recent flora survey of leases associated with the "Red October Gold Project" on the south western margin of Lake Carey (EPA 1999).

Traverses along the northern and north eastern shores of Lake Carey confirmed populations of Acacia kalgoorliensis are more widespread locally than first anticipated. It is likely more extensive survey of the lake shores will further increase the distribution of this map-unit locally. Threatened Flora

All native flora are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. A number of plant species are assigned an additional level of conservation significance based on a limited number of known populations and the perceived threats to these locations. Species of the highest conservation significance are designated Declared Rare Flora, while species which are believed to warrant a lesser level of protection are assigned to one of four Priority flora categories (Appendix 2).

Three plant species collected from the Wallaby study area are of special interest, however only one of these is currently assigned special conservation status. This is a Priority 3 taxa, Acacia kalgoorliensis, recorded to the immediate east of current exploration activities and showing a widespread distribution along the proposed haul road route. There are several collections of this species lodged with the Western Australian Herbarium, mainly from the Goldfields region. The species distribution stretches from Paynes Find east across to Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie. A recent flora survey of the "Red October Prospect", located on the south west margin of Lake Carey, also recorded A. kalgoorliensis; further extending its distribution. As a Priority 3 species, Acacia kalgoorliensis is "known from several populations, and not believed to be under immediate threat."

An additional species, Halosarcia "Angel Fish Island" sp., is restricted to within 5 m of the shoreline of Lake Carey, adjacent the current exploration area. Plants were of scattered distribution with individuals approximately 20 m apart. This species has only previously been recorded on the south east margin of Lake Carey, with collections being made from around "Sunrise Dam Gold Mine". An extended survey at this location showed the species to occur along the edge of Lake Carey, on gypsyferous dunes, and on alluvial plains. Young plants were also observed to be establishing in high numbers in disturbed areas including causeways and waste dumps (Beavis 1996). The taxonomic status of many Halosarcia species currently remains in question, with further research required to distinguish new species.

A third species has temporarily been identified from sterile samples (present during the survey period) as Scaevola tomentosa. This collection represents a large range extension for S. tomentosa which is widespread in coastal parts of south west Western Australia, but has only previously been recorded as far inland as Cue. The flowering period for this species occurs from July; additional collections will be made at this time to confirm the identification. The species was well distributed over saline alluvial flats. Potential Impacts

The major impact of the project will be the clearing of vegetation associated with mining activities, which will include the open cut and associated infrastructure, and the haul road. Disturbance to existing vegetation will be minimised at all times, particularly to Map-unit G which supports the Priority 3 species Acacia kalgoorliensis.

The construction of a haul road has potential to alter natural drainage patterns. A number of the vegetation communities are situated on drainage lines or depositional plains, hence surface water management will be important. Floodways are planned at low points along the haul road route. This will facilitate the surface water movement into Lake Carey following major rainfall events.

One introduced species was recorded in the vegetation survey, Rumex vesicarius. This plant was restricted to disturbed areas around drill holes, where seed has likely been carried in on drill rigs. Prolific seed was noted in the soil store during the February site visit. A management plan is required immediately to prevent the spread of this persistent weed species, which creates difficulties with revegetation at neighbouring mine sites.

4. bibliography

Atkins, K.J. (1996) Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Beard, J.S. (1974) Great Victoria Desert. Vegetation survey of Western Australia, 1 : 1 000 000 Series, Sheet 3 and explanatory notes. University of Western Australia Press, Perth, Australia.

Beard, J.S. (1990) Plant Life of Western Australia. Kangaroo Press Pty Ltd, Kenthurst, NSW, Australia.

Beard, J.S. (1975) Pilbara. Explanatory Notes to Sheet 5 1: 100 000 00 Series, Vegetation Survey of Western Australia. Explanatory Notes to Sheet 5. The Vegetation of the Pilbara Region. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands, Perth, Australia.

Beard, J.S. (1976) Murchison. Explanatory Notes to Sheet 6 1: 100 000 00 Series, Vegetation Survey of Western Australia. Explanatory Notes to Sheet 6. The Vegetation of the Murchison Region. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands, Perth, Australia.

Beavis, C. (1996) Environmental Rehabilitation Study: reviewing saline land rehabilitation techniques, and the identification of potential plant species for revegetation at Sunrise Gold Mine. Report for Sunrise Gold Mine.

Blackall, W.E. and Grieve, B.J. (1975) How to Know Western Australian Wildflowers. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands, Perth, Australia.

Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. and Leigh, J.H. (1992) Plants of Western New South Wales. Reprinted Inkata Press, New South Wales, Australia.

Curry, P.J., Payne, A.L., Leighton, K.A., Henning, P. and Blood, D.A. (1994) An inventory and condition surrey of the Murchison River catchment and surrounds, Western Australia (K.M.W. Howes, ed). Technical Bulletin No. 84, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, ISBN 0 7309 5998 8.

Davies, S.J.J.F. (1970) A List of Plants and Animals Found at Mileura, Western Australia Lat. 26° 22' S, Long. 1117° 20'E. Technical Memorandum No .3 June 1970 CSIRO, Canberra.

Environmental Protection Authority (1999) Red October Gold Project 80 km south of Laverton. Consultative Environmental Review, EPA Assessment No. 1245. Report for Sons of Gwalia Ltd.

Green, J.W. (1985) Census of the Vascular Plants of Western Australia. (2nd edition) Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Green, J.W. (1987) Census of the Vascular Plants of Western Australia. Supplement No. 7. Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Jessop, J. (1981) Flora of Central Australia. Reed Books, Australia. Mitchell, A.A. and Wilcox, D.G. (1994) Plants of the Arid Shrublands of Western Australia. University of Western Australia Press, Perth, Australia.

Muir, B.G. (1977) Biological Survey of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Records Western Australian Museum, Supplement No. 3.

Pringle, H.J.R., Van Vreeswyk A.M.E. and Gilligan, S.A. (1994) An inventory and condition surrey of rangelands in the north-eastern Goldfields, Western Australia (K.M.W. Howes, ed). Technical Bulletin No. 87, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, ISBN 0 7309 5997 X.

Pringle, H.J.R. (1994) Pastoral resources and their management in the north-eastern Goldfields, Western Australia. Natural Resources Assessment Group, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Speck, N.H. (1963) General Report on Lands of The Wiluna-Meekatharra Area, Western Australia, 1958. Land Research Series No.7. CSIRO. Melbourne, Australia.

WA Regional Office of the Bureau of Meteorology (1998)

Wilcox, D.G. and McKinnon, E.A. (1972) A Report on The Condition of The Gascoyne Catchment. W. A. Dept. of Agriculture.

Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice 1994

APPENDIX 2: Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora (see Atkins 1996).

R: Declared Rare Flora - Extant Taxa (Threatened Flora, Endangered + Vulnerable) Taxa which have been adequately searched for, and are deemed to be in the wild either rare, in danger of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and have been gazetted as such, following approval by the Minister for the Environment, after recommendation by the State's Endangered Flora Consultative Committee.

X: Declared Rare Flora - Presumed Extinct Taxa Taxa which have not been collected, or otherwise verified, over the past 50 years despite thorough searching, or of which all known wild populations have been destroyed more recently, and have been gazetted as such, following approval by the Minister for the Environment, after recommendation by the State's Endangered Flora Consultative Committee.

1: Priority One - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations which are under threat, either due to small population size, or being on lands under immediate threat, e.g. road verges, urban areas, farm land, active mineral leases, etc., or the plants are under threat, e.g. from disease, grazing by feral animals etc. May include taxa with threatened populations on protected lands. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as 'rare flora', but are in urgent need for further survey.

2: Priority Two - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations, at least some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered). Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as 'rare flora', but are in urgent need for further survey.

3: Priority Three - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from several populations, at least some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered). Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as 'rare flora', but are in urgent need for further survey.

4: Priority Four - Rare Taxa Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed and which, whilst being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors. These taxa require monitoring every 5-10 years. APPENDIX 3: Flora of the Wallaby Project Area. All specimens were collected 3rd-4th September 1998 or 24-25 February 1999 and are housed in the Mine Rehabilitation Group Herbarium at Curtin University of Technology. Botanical names after Green (1985 and 1987), common names from a variety of sources.

FAMILY Common Name Species (Botanical Terminology) AIZOACEAE Gunniopsis quadrifida (F. Muell.) Pax in Engl. sweet samphire AMARANTHACEAE Ptilotus aervoides (F. Muell.) F. Muell. mat mulla mulla Ptilotus divaricatus (Gaudich.) F. Muell. climbing mulla mulla Ptilotus exaltatus Nees in Lehm. pink mulla mulla Ptilotus obovatus (Gaudich.) F. Muell. cotton bush Ptilotus polystachyus (Gaudich.) F. Muell. green mulla mulla ASTERACEAE Brachycome ciliaris (Labill.) Less. variable daisy Brachycome ciliocarpa W. Fitzg. showy daisy Cephalipterum drummondii A. Gray pom-pom head Cratystylis subspinescens (F. Muell. & Tate) Moore sage Helipterum charsleyae (Hemsley) Wilson copper heads Kippistia suaedifolia F. Muell. yellow buttons Podolepis capillaris (Steetz) Diels in Diels) invisible grass Senecio gregorii F. Muell. Senecio lautus G. Forster ex Willd. groundsel Vittadinia australascica var. oricola (Turcz.) N. Burb. CAESALPINIACEAE Senna artemisioides ssp. artemisioides Gaudich. in DC. silver cassia Senna artemisioides ssp. filifolia Gaudich. in DC. desert cassia Senna artemisioides ssp. glaucifolia Gaudich. in DC. white leaf cassia Senna sp. Austin (A. Strid 20210) - Austin cassia Senna cardiosperma ssp. stowardii F. Muell. small leaf cassia Senna charlesiana D. E. Symon Senna helmsii D. E. Symon crinkled leaf cassia CHENOPODIACEAE Atriplex amnicola P. Wilson river saltbush Atriplex bunburyana F. Muell. silver saltbush Atriplex codonocarpa P. Wilson flat-topped saltbush Atriplex nana Parr-Smith salt lake saltbush Atriplex nummularia Lindley in Mitch. oldman saltbush Atriplex semilunaris Aellen annual saltbush Atriplex stipitata Benth. kidney saltbush APPENDIX 3: (cont'd)

FAMILY Common Name Species (Botanical Terminology) CHENOPODIACEAE Atriplex vesicaria Heward ex Benth. bladder saltbush Chenopodium gaudichaudianum (Moq.) P. Wilson scrambling saltbush Enchylaena tomentosa R. Br. ruby saltbush Halosarcia "Angel Fish Island" sp. - fat samphire Halosarcia calyptrata P. Wilson prostrate samphire Halosarcia halocnemoides ssp. (Nees.) P. Wilson samphire caudata Halosarcia halocnemoides (Nees.) P. Wilson red samphire Halosarcia indica ssp. bidens (Willd.) P. Wilson salt pan samphire Halosarcia peltata P. Wilson samphire Halosarcia pergranulata (J. Black) P. Wilson samphire Halosarcia pruinosa (Paulsen) P. Wilson samphire Halosarcia undulata P. Wilson samphire Maireana amoena (Diels.) P. Wilson brittle bluebush Maireana appressa (J. Black) P. Wilson bluebush Maireana atkinsiana (W. Fitzg.) P. Wilson five-pin bluebush Maireana georgei (Diels) P. Wilson George's bluebush Maireana glomerifolia (F. Muell. &Tate) P. Wilson ball-leaf bluebush Maireana pyramidata (Benth.) P. Wilson sago bluebush Maireana tomentosa Moq. felty bluebush Maireana triptera (Benth.) P. Wilson three-winged bluebush Rhagodia drummondii Moq. in DC lake-fringe rhagodia Rhagodia eremaea P. Wilson tall rhagodia Roycea divaricata P. Wilson Salsola kali L. roly poly Sclerolaena cuneata P. Wilson yellow bindii Sclerolaena densiflora (W. Fitzg.) A.J. Scott hairy bindii Sclerolaena diacantha (Nees) Benth grey bindii Sclerolaena eriacantha F. Muell. silky bindii Sclerolaena eurotioides (F. Muell.) A. J. Scott fluffy bindii Sclerolaena fimbriolata (F. Muell.) A. J. Scott salt-lake bindii EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia drummondii Boiss. caustic weed FRANKENIACEAE Frankenia cinerea A. DC Frankenia fecunda Summerh. Frankenia pauciflora DC. Frankenia setosa W. Fitzg. Frankenia sp. fine leaf - APPENDIX 3: (cont'd)

FAMILY Common Name Species (Botanical Terminology) GERANIACEAE Erodium crinitum Carolin crowsfoot GOODENIACEAE Scaevola spinescens R. Br. currant bush Scaevola tomentosa Gaudich. in Freyc. ragged-leaf fan flower LORANTHACEAE Amyema maidenii (Blakely) Barlow MALVACEAE Abutilon sp. - Lawrencia helmsii (F.Muell.&Tate)N.Lander dunna dunna Lawrencia squamata Nees ex Miq. grey fan flower Sida calyxhymenia Gay ex DC. tall sida MIMOSACEAE Acacia acuminata ssp. acuminata Benth. jam Acacia aneura var. aneura F. Muell. ex Benth. mulga Acacia aneura var. latifolia F. Muell. ex Benth. mulga Acacia craspedocarpa F. Muell. hop mulga Acacia kalgoorliensis - Acacia kempeana F. Muell. wanderrie wattle Acacia ligulata Cunn. ex Benth. umbrella wattle Acacia ramulosa W. Fitzg. horse mulga Acacia tetragonophylla F. Muell. curara (dead finish) MYOPORACEAE Eremophila alternifolia R. Br. Eremophila falcata Chinn. Eremophila forrestii F. Muell. Wilcox bush (felt bush) Eremophila georgei Diels in Diels & Pritzel fine-toothed poverty Eremophila glabra ssp. tomentosa (R. Br.) Ostenf. tar bush Eremophila granitica S. Moore thin-leaved poverty Eremophila longifolia (R. Br.) F. Muell. berrigan Eremophila maculata ssp. brevifolia (Ker Gawler) F. Muell. emu bush Eremophila margarethae S. Moore sandbank poverty Eremophila miniata C. Gardner kopi poverty bush Eremophila oldfieldii ssp. augustifolia F. Muell. pixie bush Eremophila oppositifolia ssp. augustifolia R. Br. Eremophila pantonii F. Muell. Eremophila scoparia (R. Br.) F. Muell. broom bush Eremophila youngii ssp. youngii F. Muell. APPENDIX 3: (cont'd)

FAMILY Common Name Species (Botanical Terminology) MYRTACEAE Melaleuca uncinata R. Br. in W. Aiton paper bark PAPILIONACEAE Daviesia benthamii Meissner in Lehm. Swainsona formosa - desert pea Swainsona perlongan - Swainsona rostellata A. Lee purple salt pea PITTOSPORACEAE Pittosporum phylliraeoides DC. weeping pittosporum POACEAE Aristida contorta F. Muell. kerosine/wind grass Austrostipa tuckeri F. Muell. speargrass Dactyloctenium radulans (R.Br.) P. Beauv. Enneapogon caerulescens (Gaudich.) N. Burb. limestone grass Eragrostis desertorum Domin. Eragrostis dielsii Pilger ex Diels & Pritzel Murchison red grass Eragrostis eriopoda Benth. woolly butt Monochather paradoxus Steudel broad-leaved wanderrie Stipa elegantissima Labill. silver speargrass Triodia scariosa N. Burb. spinifex POLYGONACEAE Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii (Meissner) F. Muell. lignum Rumex vesicarius L. ruby dock PORTULACACEAE Calandrinia polyandra Benth. parakeelya PROTEACEAE Grevillea sarissa S. Moore – Hakea preissii Meissner in Lehm. needlebush SANTALACEAE Santalum acuminatum (R. Br.) A. DC. in DC. quandong Santalum spicatum (R. Br.) A. DC. sandalwood SOLANACEAE Solanum coactiliferum J. Black Solanum lasiophyllum Dunal ex Poiret in Lam. flannel bush Solanum orbiculatum Dunal ex Poiret in Lam. wild tomato ZYGOPHYLLACEAE Zygophyllum aurantiacum (Lindley) F. Muell. shrubby twinleaf