Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Title of Proposal - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 1 - Summary of your proposed action

Provide a summary of your proposed action, including any consultations undertaken.

1.1 Project Industry Type

Transport - Land

1.2 Provide a detailed description of the proposed action, including all proposed activities.

Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads) is proposing to upgrade a section of Marble Bar Road at Coongan Gorge from 318.4 to 323.5 Straight Line Kilometre (SLK). The purpose of the proposed works is to improve safety on this section of Marble Bar Road, connecting Port Hedland to Marble Bar.

The proposed project works will include: - Realignment and reconstruction of approximately 5 km of Marble Bar Road between 318.4-323.5 SLK. Road formation width will vary significantly due to varying batter slope distances (at the narrowest road formation will be 10 metres (m) wide, and in isolated areas road formation will be up to 170 m wide) - Associated works including significant road batter construction, minor floodways, culverts and off road drainage - Development and use of a side track to divert traffic during stages of construction - Extraction of basecourse material from M030 material pit if excess cut material is not suitable for road base. M030 material pit is located on the Marble Bar road at 356 SLK,

The Project is being referred to the Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) as it may result in the loss of known and potential habitat for the following Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) including: • Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) – Endangered under the EPBC Act • Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) - Vulnerable under the EPBC Act

The project area (the maximum area of disturbance) is 43.64 ha, which includes 33.64 ha for the Coongan Gorge realignment and potentially a further 10 ha area for the M030 material pit, including previously cleared areas and the clearing area for the proposed road upgrades.

The Project is to be developed in an area that is 166.45 hectares (ha) in size and includes: • Coongan Gorge realignment footprint covering 33.64 ha. This includes 31.55 ha of native vegetation and fauna habitat, 2.09 ha of highly disturbed areas (excluding the 5.63 ha of the existing Marble Bar Road and associated shoulder). Approximately 4.45 ha of the 33.64 ha of native vegetation clearing is temporary clearing associated with the construction of a side track. • M030 proposed material pit footprint covering 132.81 ha. Main Roads intend to limit Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment disturbance to an isolated 10 ha within the material pit footprint, although at this stage the location of this disturbance is not defined. The material pit includes 113.72 ha of native vegetation and fauna habitat, and 19.08 ha of highly disturbed areas. Main Roads intend to use the material pit for construction, only if the excess cut material from the realigned section of Marble Bar road cannot be made into suitable basecourse quality material.

It should be noted that the project is only in the concept design phase. Minor changes in the design may occur in the detailed design process. The clearing footprint for the road construction project has been buffered by an additional 10 m to the planned clearing extent which will account for any variations between the concept design and final design that is constructed.

1.3 What is the extent and location of your proposed action? Use the polygon tool on the map below to mark the location of your proposed action.

Area Point Latitude Longitude

Marble Bar Road 1 -20.91418235028 119.78788666864 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 2 -20.915048245783 119.79169755068 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 3 -20.915048245783 119.79169755068 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 4 -20.915048245783 119.79169755068 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 5 -20.91552929967 119.7952337761 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 6 -20.915336877321 119.79612641473 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 7 -20.915368946914 119.79777436369 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 8 -20.916619675261 119.79921631952 Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Area Point Latitude Longitude Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 9 -20.916683813891 119.79983430021 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 10 -20.916940373031 119.80055527747 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 11 -20.917838324116 119.8013105891 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 12 -20.919153166987 119.803233196 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 13 -20.921397999027 119.8099966532 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 14 -20.921205589105 119.81082062834 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 15 -20.921911100729 119.81301789449 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 16 -20.922873158017 119.81559281514 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 17 -20.923225907873 119.81734376066 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 18 -20.923642797443 119.81974701994 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 19 -20.924444503015 119.82297425435 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Area Point Latitude Longitude Vicinity Marble Bar Road 20 -20.926112035886 119.82445054324 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 21 -20.924252097005 119.81682877653 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 22 -20.923193842407 119.8121595876 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 23 -20.923290048569 119.81020264633 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 24 -20.922071444039 119.80982499183 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 25 -20.920115241978 119.80350785263 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 26 -20.91992283041 119.80316452988 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 27 -20.920468003218 119.80179123886 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 28 -20.91918523821 119.79973130365 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 29 -20.917966600306 119.79856400576 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 30 -20.916844162794 119.79774003194 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 31 -20.915048245783 119.78774933967 Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Area Point Latitude Longitude Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity Marble Bar Road 32 -20.91418235028 119.78788666864 Coongan Gorge Realignment Project Vicinity

M030 Material Pit 356 1 -20.824246255404 119.50366475767 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 2 -20.838172465777 119.51211049952 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 3 -20.838172465777 119.51211049952 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 4 -20.84260035221 119.51265981802 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 5 -20.842407836414 119.51025655874 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 6 -20.843306228298 119.50840261273 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 7 -20.846578914416 119.50716665395 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 8 -20.846450577236 119.50654867195 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 9 -20.841252746261 119.50744130797 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 10 -20.839455922823 119.50407674917 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 11 -20.843113723197 119.50263478941 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 12 -20.841509439168 119.50167348989 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 13 -20.837851599806 119.50311544441 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 14 -20.834642902476 119.50304678091 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 15 -20.834771259516 119.5023601354 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 16 -20.832332599033 119.50208547615 SLK Investigation Area M030 Material Pit 356 17 -20.824246255404 119.50366475767 SLK Investigation Area

Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

1.5 Provide a brief physical description of the property on which the proposed action will take place and the location of the proposed action (e.g. proximity to major towns, or for off-shore actions, shortest distance to mainland).

The Coongan Gorge Realignment Project is located on Marble Bar Road from 318.4 to 323.5 SLK, approximately 30 kilometres (km) north of Marble Bar. The M030 Material Pit 356 SLK is located on Marble Bar Road at 356 SLK, approximately 70 km north of the Marble Bar townsite.

1.6 What is the size of the development footprint or work area?

Up to 43.64 hectares.

1.7 Is the proposed action a street address or lot?

Lot

1.7.2 Describe the lot number and title.Coongan Gorge Realignment - (PIN 11833503 Lot 306), M030 Material Pit 356 SLK (PIN 1019796 Lot 108)

1.8 Primary Jurisdiction.

Western Australia

1.9 Has the person proposing to take the action received any Australian Government grant funding to undertake this project?

No

1.10 Is the proposed action subject to local government planning approval?

No

1.11 Provide an estimated start and estimated end date for the proposed action.

Start date 07/2017

End date 07/2020

1.12 Provide details of the context, planning framework and State and/or Local government requirements.

The activities associated with the realignment will comply with the legislative requirements established under the Commonwealth regulatory framework. In particular, this project is subject to, and will be undertaken in accordance with, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It should also be noted that no activities conducted during the project will occur on Commonwealth land or heritage places. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

The MRWA Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan considers key legislation governing the protection and management of Western Australia’s environment and heritage (Table 1). The key approvals requirements for the project derive from the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the EPBC Act.

Key environmental and heritage legislation relevant to the project

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) - Matters of MNES, including threatened flora and fauna

Native Title Act 1993

Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AH Act) - archaeological and ethnographic sites

Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) - weeds and feral animals

Contaminated Sites Act 2003

Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) - environmental impact assessment and management

Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997

Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004

Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 - European heritage protection

Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 (RIWI Act) - access to and use of water resources; protection and management of river flows and drainage

Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 - protection of soil and prevent/management of soil erosion

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) - protection of native wildlife

1.13 Describe any public consultation that has been, is being or will be undertaken, including with Indigenous stakeholders.

As part of the final development stages and the preconstruction stage, further public consultation will be undertaken, as well as providing notices to residents and major stakeholders.

Stakeholder consultation will also be undertaken in line with MRWA State-wide Clearing Permit CPS 818/12

Consultation has already been undertaken with the local Indigenous Stakeholders, report Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment attached.

1.14 Describe any environmental impact assessments that have been or will be carried out under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation including relevant impacts of the project.

The action has not previously been referred to the Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) for a decision on whether approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is required.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) was completed for the Project. The EIA determined the Project is unlikely to require referral to the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). This is due to the low significance of its impacts to the surrounding environment except for impacts to native vegetation, fauna habitats and fauna species of conservation significance. The potential impacts from the loss of native vegetation clearing and loss of fauna habitat for the Project may be effectively assessed through the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 and bilateral assessment process between the State of Western Australia and the Commonwealth.

1.15 Is this action part of a staged development (or a component of a larger project)?

No

1.16 Is the proposed action related to other actions or proposals in the region?

No Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 2 - Matters of National Environmental Significance

Describe the affected area and the likely impacts of the proposal, emphasising the relevant matters protected by the EPBC Act. Refer to relevant maps as appropriate. The interactive map tool can help determine whether matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by the EPBC Act are likely to occur in your area of interest. Consideration of likely impacts should include both direct and indirect impacts.

Your assessment of likely impacts should consider whether a bioregional plan is relevant to your proposal. The following resources can assist you in your assessment of likely impacts:

• Profiles of relevant species/communities (where available), that will assist in the identification of whether there is likely to be a significant impact on them if the proposal proceeds;

• Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance;

• Significant Impact Guideline 1.2 – Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land and Actions by Commonwealth Agencies.

2.1 Is the proposed action likely to impact on the values of any World Heritage properties?

No

2.2 Is the proposed action likely to impact on the values of any National Heritage places?

No

2.3 Is the proposed action likely to impact on the ecological character of a Ramsar wetland?

No

2.4 Is the proposed action likely to impact on the members of any listed threatened species (except a conservation dependent species) or any threatened ecological community, or their habitat?

Yes

2.4.1 Impact table

Species Impact Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) The Northern Quoll was recorded in the Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact Coongan Gorge project area. The species was not recorded in the pit area during the survey. One individual (a female – due to visible neck fat rolls) was observed moving from the ranges onto the plain moving directly towards the Talga River north of the project area. It is likely that this species is routinely moving between the range and rivers (water bodies) for resources. The species was also captured 10 times on camera traps from five localities, four of which were from the project area. At least three males and seven females were recorded for the larger biological survey area. Data records are mapped in GHD 2016a (Attachment 2) for the project area and GHD 2016b (Attachment 2) for the biological survey area. Loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of known and potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat primarily from the Coongan Gorge area. The core area of habitat for this species is within the Coongan Gorge section of the project area. Approximately 31.55 ha hunting, corridor, denning and breeding habitat will be removed along a corridor for the road realignment. The area within the material pit (up to 10 ha) lacks denning and breeding habitat and is limited to hunting and corridor habitat. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERIA FOR NORTHERN QUOLL SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: An action is likely to have a significant impact on an endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population. UNLIKELY There are approximately 2500 records for the Northern Quoll (many of which are highly clustered) held in the NatureMap database from across the location range of the species (Cramer et al. 2016). These records indicate that quolls are more prevalent in complex, rocky areas in the north, central and west Pilbara, and are less likely to occur through the south and east areas of the Hamersley Ranges and Fortescue Marsh. The Pilbara population is genetically distinct from the Kimberley and Northern Territory populations (Woolley 2015 cited in Cramer et al. 2016) and is the least Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact diverse (How et al. 2009; Spencer et al. 2013 cited in Cramer et al 2016). The extent of occurrence of the Northern Quoll in the Pilbara and Kimberly is estimated to be ~ 12 000 000 ha, but the area of occupancy and the number of mature individuals within the two regions is unknown (DPaW Unpublished data, cited in Cramer et al. 2016). The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of known and potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat primarily from the Coongan Gorge area. The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and adjacent areas of habitat to the project area including observations of both male and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. The construction phase of the Project is expected to be less than 12 months, which is when the key potential impacts to the Northern quoll are expected to occur. The Project has been planned to avoid a substantial area of habitat for the Northern Quoll by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced loss of potential habitat and barrier effects in the local area for the Northern Quoll. The Project will also include fauna sensitive road design including underpasses, signage and rumble strips to minimise the potential impacts to the Northern Quoll in the local area. A review of aerial photography and topographical data suggests that the extent of potential habitat for the species (e.g. rocky outcrops, ridges, watercourses and gorges) is likely to be well represented within the local area and also within the larger study area. Furthermore, the pre-European vegetation associations mapped by Beard (1979) within the project area partially overlap with the known and potential habitat types for the Northern Quoll within the project area. The extents of the vegetation associations have been determined by the State-wide vegetation remaining extent calculations maintained by the DPaW (Current as of June 2015 (latest update May 2016) – Government of Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact Western Australia (GoWA) 2015). The current extents of vegetation associations remaining are greater than 99 per cent (%) of the pre- European extent at all scales (e.g. State, IBRA Bioregion, IBRA Sub-region and Local Government Area (LGA)), (GHD 2016a, Attachment 2). It is difficult to estimate the extent the types of suitable habitat within the vegetation associations (e.g. the extent of rocky outcrops for breeding) however it is reasonable to assume that the extent of similar potentially suitable habitats within the locality is probably well represented. It is unlikely that the loss of habitat from the project area, mostly along a linear corridor in the local area is consider to be substantial to the Pilbara population of the Northern Quoll. It is unlikely that the Project will lead to the long-term decrease in the size of the Pilbara population of the Northern Quoll. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Reduce the area of occupancy of the species. UNLIKELY The extent of occurrence of the Northern Quoll in the Pilbara and Kimberly is estimated to be ~ 12 000 000 ha, but the area of occupancy and the number of mature individuals within the two regions is unknown (DPaW Unpublished data, cited in Cramer et al. 2016) The removal of this habitat (including breeding habitat) could be considered substantial for a local population of the species, however the removal of up to 41.55 ha of habitat is not considered to be significant for the Northern Quoll species, due to the availability of potential habitat in the locality and regional area and small extent of removal compared to the extent of available habitat throughout the species range. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Fragment an existing population into two or more populations. UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to fragment the Pilbara population into two or more populations. The proposed Project may reduce the overall connectivity of habitat available to the Northern Quoll in the locality. It is likely to exacerbate existing barrier effects by creating an additional barrier to the movement of the Northern Quoll in Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact the local landscape for the section between SLK 321 and 319. The proposed Project will remove and divide areas of quoll habitat, however these impacts are likely to be short term and temporary and limited to the local area because Main Roads will close and rehabilitate the existing Marble Bar Road section north of the realignment between SLK 321 and 319, which will effectively remove the additional barrier effect with time. Furthermore, the Project has been planned to avoid a substantial area of habitat for the Northern Quoll by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced the potential barrier effects in the local area for the Northern Quoll. The Project will also include fauna sensitive road design including underpasses, signage and rumble strips to minimise the potential impacts to the Northern Quoll in the local area. The potential operational impacts of this project are uncertain, however would most likely be localised (i.e. limited to the locality of the project area along the Coongan Gorge section). SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species. UNLIKELY There is significant habitat present for the species and a portion of this habitat may be impacted by the Project. The habitat within the project area is considered part of an area of habitat critical to the survival for a population of the Northern Quoll as defined by the guideline (CoA 2016) The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of known and potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat primarily from the Coongan Gorge area. The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and adjacent areas of habitat to the project area including observations of both male and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. Although the Project will remove a portion of habitat deemed part of habitat critical to the survival of the species, the Project is unlikely to remove a substantial portion (<41.55 ha) of habitat critical to the survival the Northern Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact Quoll species. Furthermore, the habitat located within the project area is not habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the Minister under the EPBC Act (DotE 2013, pp10). SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population. UNLIKELY The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and adjacent areas of habitat to the project area including observations of both male and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. The construction phase of the project will most likely overlap with at least one breeding season (May – November, DotEE 2016). However, it is also likely that the breeding cycle of the local population occurs in other locations across the locality and is not limited to the project area. Given that there is evidence of a current breeding of individuals within the project area and locality, it is likely that the species is persisting with the traffic of the marble Bar Road and other anthropogenic impacts associated with the road (e.g. people also use the road to access the gorge area for camping). The realignment of the road will remove a portion of breeding habitat and a short term (less than 12 months) disruption to the breeding cycle of the local population. Whilst it is acknowledged that the works associated with the Project, may temporarily disrupt the breeding cycle of the local population of the Northern Quoll, however they are unlikely to significantly disrupt the breeding cycle of the Pilbara population of the species. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline. UNLIKELY The works associated with the Project, may modify and destroy a proportion of Northern Quoll habitat, but not to the point that a species would decline. The construction phase of the Project is expected to be less than 12 months, which is when the key potential impacts to the Northern quoll are expected to occur. The Project has been planned to avoid a substantial area of Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact habitat for the Northern Quoll by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced loss of potential habitat and barrier effects in the local area for the Northern Quoll. The Project will also include fauna sensitive road design including underpasses, signage and rumble strips to minimise the potential impacts to the Northern Quoll in the local area. A review of aerial photography and topographical data suggests that the extent of potential habitat for the species (e.g. rocky outcrops, ridges, watercourses and gorges) is likely to be well represented within the local area and also within the larger study area. The pre-European vegetation associations mapped by Beard (1979) within the project area partially overlap with the known and potential habitat types for the Northern Quoll within the project area. The current extents of the vegetation associations remaining are greater than 99 per cent (%) of the pre-European extent at all scales (GHD 2016a, Attachment 2). Although, it is difficult to estimate the extent the types of suitable habitat within the vegetation associations (e.g. the extent of rocky outcrops for breeding) however it is reasonable to assume that the extent of similar potentially suitable habitats within the locality is probably well represented. Despite the potential impacts the proposed Project is unlikely to modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: Result in invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species’ habitat UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to result in the establishment of an invasive species within the project area, however the Project may potentially exacerbate existing invasive species (such as weeds and Feral Cats) that already occur within the project area. Invasive flora species are unlikely to be harmful to the Northern Quoll and a potential increase in invasive fauna are likely to be temporary and Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact associated with the construction phase, when construction waste and human activity will be more intensive. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to introduce a disease that may cause this species to decline. There are no known diseases that may be introduced to the area that may cause the Northern Quoll Pilbara population to decline. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERON: UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the Northern Quoll as it is unlikely to interfere with the recovery actions outlined in the recovery plan for the species (Hill and Ward 2010). For the purpose of this assessment the following applies: • The project area occurs within the Pilbara mainland region distribution of the species and is part of the area of the Pilbara regional population as described in the guideline (CoA 2016). Prior to this survey there were no published records of the species in the project area. The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and habitat adjacent to the project area including observations of both male and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. Considering the level of survey effort, and the evidence of the species presence in the biological survey area (GHD 2016b and c), it is likely that the project area is considered to be part of a high density quoll population as defined by the guideline (CoA 2016) • There is significant habitat present for the species and a portion of this habitat may be impacted by the Project. The habitat within the project area is considered part of an area of habitat critical to the survival for a population of the Northern Quoll as defined by the guideline (CoA 2016). A review of the Significant Impact Guidelines (DotE 2013) and the species specific Northern Quoll referral guidelines (Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) 2016) was undertaken to consider significance of the potential impacts to the Northern Quoll with regard to the proposed Project (see Table 2). The assessment concluded that the Project is Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact unlikely to significantly impact a population of the Northern Quoll. Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) and Pilbara Leaf-Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) and Pilbara Lea- nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia) nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris are Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Ghost Bat was recorded near the project area during the current field surveys and there is suitable foraging habitat within the project area for both species. The Ghost Bat was recorded north of the Coongan Gorge project area during spot lighting surveys. The species was not recorded in the pit area during the survey. One individual was visually recorded flying within the Melaleuca Woodland presumably hunting. This location is mapped in GHD 2016b, Attachment 2. No caves suitable for Ghost Bat were recorded in the project area or Coongan Gorge survey area and broader searches in the study area failed to yield any large caves. However, this search was not exhaustive and additional surveys may identify cave systems outside the project area. The complex and steep rocky slopes of habitat in areas nearby the project area may contain caves that are suitable roosting and feeding habitat and may include maternity caves. No caves for roosting or breeding were recorded in the project area or larger survey area for the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat nor were any identified during regional walks in study area. However the project area is potential foraging habitat for the species. The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 31.55 ha of potential foraging/hunting habitat within the Coongan Gorge area for the Ghost Bat and 41.55 ha of potential foraging/hunting habitat within the project area for the Pilbara Leaf- nosed Bat. A review of the Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment (DotE) 2013) was undertaken and it was considered unlikely that the proposed Project would have a significant impact to either species because: • No core habitat (e.g. caves for breeding or roosting) for the either species was recorded during the current survey, foraging habitat is present only • The area of potential impact and subsequent habitat loss Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact since the biological surveys was undertaken has been significantly reduced, particularly in the Coongan Gorge area • There is a low risk of a substantial impact to important habitat for a population of either species of bat, no cave habitats were recorded in the survey area. Only foraging habitat is present in the project area. Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) Although not recorded during the biological surveys the project area provides suitable habitat for the species, particularly where it intersects rock outcrops, and drainage lines and watercourses. The remainder of the habitat in the survey area is supportive only. The species is known from the region with several records within 80 km of the survey area (DPaW 2016). Loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat. The core area of habitat for this species is within the Coongan Gorge section of the project area. Approximately 31.55 ha hunting, corridor and denning and breeding habitat will be removed along a corridor for the road realignment. The remaining area (up to 10 ha) within the material pit lacks breeding habitat and is limited to hunting and corridor habitat. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERIA FOR PILBARA OLIVE PYTHON SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species UNLIKELY There are approximately 156 records from more than 100 locations from the greater Pilbara region (DPaW 2016). Four populations occur at Pannawonica, Millstream, Tom Price and Burrup Peninsula (Pearson 2003 cited in DotEE 2016c) and individuals have been recorded from the site of the proposed Pardoo iron ore shipping facility, in the Pilbara, approximately 70 km east of Port Hedland (Enesar Consulting 2007 cited in DotEE 2016c). The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat primarily from the Coongan gorge area. Approximately 31.55 ha hunting, corridor and denning and breeding habitat will be removed along a corridor for the Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact road realignment. The remaining area (up to 10 ha) within the material pit lacks breeding habitat and is limited to hunting and corridor habitat. The construction phase of the Project is expected to be less than 12 months, which is when the key potential impacts to the python are expected to occur. The Project has been planned to avoid a substantial area of habitat for the python by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced loss of potential habitat and barrier effects in the local area for the python. The Project will also include fauna sensitive road design including underpasses, signage and rumble strips to minimise the potential impacts to the python in the local area. A review of aerial photography and topographical data suggests that the extent of potential habitat for the species (e.g. watercourses and gorges) is likely to be well represented within the local area, particularly north of the project area and also within the larger study area. Furthermore, the pre-European vegetation associations mapped by Beard (1979) within the project area partially overlap with the known and potential habitat types for the python within the project area. The extents of the vegetation associations have been determined by the State-wide vegetation remaining extent calculations maintained by the DPaW (Current as of June 2015 (latest update May 2016) – GoWA 2015). The current extents of vegetation associations remaining are greater than 99 per cent (%) of the pre- European extent at all scales (e.g. State, IBRA Bioregion, IBRA Sub-region and LGA) (GHD 2016a, Attachment 2). It is difficult to estimate the extent the types of suitable habitat within the vegetation associations (e.g. the extent breeding habitat) however it is reasonable to assume that the extent of similar potentially suitable habitats within the locality is probably well represented. It is unlikely that the loss of habitat from the project area, mostly along a linear corridor in the local area is consider to be substantial to the python. It is unlikely that the Project will lead to the long-term decrease in Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact the size of an important population of the Pilbara Olive Python. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population UNLIKELY The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of the python in the Pilbara is currently unknown. There are approximately 156 records from more than 100 locations from the greater Pilbara region (DPaW 2016). Four populations occur at Pannawonica, Millstream, Tom Price and Burrup Peninsula (Pearson 2003 cited in DotEE 2016c) and individuals have been recorded from the site of the proposed Pardoo iron ore shipping facility, in the Pilbara, approximately 70 km east of Port Hedland (Enesar Consulting 2007 cited in DotEE 2016c). The removal of this habitat (including breeding habitat) could be considered substantial for a local population of the species, however the removal of up to 41.55 ha of habitat is not considered to be significant for the population of the python within the Pilbara, due to the availability of potential habitat in the locality and regional area and small extent of removal compared to the extent of available habitat throughout the species range. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to fragment the Pilbara population into two or more populations. The proposed Project may reduce the overall connectivity of habitat available to the python in the locality. It is likely to exacerbate existing barrier effects by creating an additional barrier to the movement of the python in the local landscape for the section between SLK 321 and 319. The proposed Project will remove and divide areas of potential python habitat, however these impacts are likely to be short term and temporary and limited to the local area because Main Roads will close and rehabilitate the existing Marble Bar Road section north of the realignment between SLK 321 and 319, which will effectively remove the additional barrier effect with time. Furthermore, the Project has been Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact planned to avoid a substantial area of potential habitat for the python by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced the potential barrier effects in the local area. The potential impacts of this aspect of the projects operation are uncertain, however would most likely be localised (i.e. limited to the locality of the project area along the Coongan Gorge section). The potential operational impacts of this projects are uncertain, however would most likely be localised (i.e. limited to the locality of the project area along the Coongan Gorge section). SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species UNLIKELY There is significant habitat present for the species and a portion of this habitat may be impacted by the Project. The habitat within the project area is considered part of an area of habitat critical to the survival for a population of the Northern Quoll as defined by the guideline (CoA 2016) The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 41.55 ha of known and potential habitat including hunting and breeding habitat primarily from the Coongan Gorge area. The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and adjacent areas of habitat to the project area including observations of both male and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. Although the Project will remove a portion of habitat deemed part of habitat critical to the survival of the species, the Project is unlikely to remove a substantial portion (<41.55 ha) of habitat critical to the survival the Northern Quoll species. Furthermore, the habitat located within the project area is not habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the Minister under the EPBC Act (DotE 2013, pp10). SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population UNLIKELY The species was recorded during current surveys at numerous locations within the project area and adjacent areas of habitat to the project area including observations of both male Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact and females indicating the presence of a breeding population. The construction phase of the project will most likely overlap with at least one breeding season (May – November, DotEE 2016). However, it is also likely that the breeding cycle of the local population occurs in other locations across the locality and is not limited to the project area. Given that there is evidence of a current breeding of individuals within the project area and locality, it is likely that the species is persisting with the traffic of the marble Bar Road and other anthropogenic impacts associated with the road (e.g. people also use the road to access the gorge area for camping). The realignment of the road will remove a portion of breeding habitat and a short term (less than 12 months) disruption to the breeding cycle of the local population. Whilst it is acknowledged that the works associated with the Project, may temporarily disrupt the breeding cycle of the local population of the Northern Quoll, however they are unlikely to significantly disrupt the breeding cycle of the Pilbara population of the species. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline UNLIKELY The works associated with the Project, may modify and destroy a proportion of python habitat, but not to the point that a species would decline. The construction phase of the Project is expected to be less than 12 months, which is when the key potential impacts to the python are expected to occur. The Project has been planned to avoid a substantial area of habitat for the python by not pursuing the original side track route, which has substantially reduced loss of potential habitat and barrier effects in the local area for the python. A review of aerial photography and topographical data suggests that the extent of potential habitat for the species (e.g. rocky outcrops, ridges, watercourses and gorges) is likely to be well represented within the local area and also within the larger study area. The pre-European Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact vegetation associations mapped by Beard (1979) within the project area partially overlap with the known and potential habitat types for the python within the project area. The current extents of the vegetation associations remaining are greater than 99 per cent (%) of the pre-European extent at all scales (GHD 2016a, Attachment 2). Although, it is difficult to estimate the extent the types of suitable habitat within the vegetation associations (e.g. the extent of gorges and watercourses for breeding) however it is reasonable to assume that the extent of similar potentially suitable habitats within the locality is probably well represented. Despite the potential impacts the proposed Project is unlikely to modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat UNLIKELY The main identified threats to the Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies) include predation by feral cats and foxes, particularly of juveniles (DotEE 2016c). The Project is unlikely to result in the establishment of an invasive species within the project area, however the Project may potentially exacerbate existing invasive species (such as Feral Cats) that already occur within the project area during the construction phase, when waste and human activity will be more intensive. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to introduce a disease that may cause this species to decline. There are no known diseases that may be introduced to the area that may cause the Pilbara population to decline. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT CRITERION: Interfere substantially with the recovery of the species. UNLIKELY The Project is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the python. It is unlikely to substantially interfere with the regional and local priority actions listed in the Conservation Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact Advice Statement for the species (TSSC 2008). Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) During the survey three sets of potential Bilby tracks were recorded in the bed of the Talga River north of the Coongan Gorge project area (see GHD 2016b, Attachment 2). Bilby and Rabbit tracks are very similar and difficult to tell apart, thus the identification cannot be confidently determined. Broader searches were undertaken within the study area (but only up to 1 km from the Coongan Gorge survey area boundary) to locate any additional information from either the Bilby or Rabbit’s presence. An old burrow system was located on the far side of the Talga River within the biological survey area but due to the age and eroded nature of the system, it could not be confidently determined if it was Bilby or Rabbit. No other evidence was found from either species to make an informed decision on which species (if not both) are present in the project area or larger survey area. The survey area is within the northern most limit of Rabbit distribution with only one record in the study area. However, Bilby are known from the area with a recent population of Bilby identified approximately 20 km north of the Coongan Gorge survey area (Martin Dziminski pers comm, DPaW 19/06/2016) and an additional population recorded 20 km south (DPaW 2016). The Project activities are associated with the loss of an estimated 6.25 ha of potential habitat including foraging, corridor and breeding habitat within the Coongan Gorge section of the project area. A review of the Significant Impact Guidelines (DotE 2013) was undertaken and it was considered unlikely that the proposed Project would have a significant impact on the species because: • The area of potential impact and subsequent habitat loss since the biological surveys was undertaken has been significantly reduced, particularly in the Coongan Gorge area • The majority of suitable habitat for the species is located outside the project area, with limited potential breeding habitat within the project area • Although no direct conclusive evidence was collected for this species, the Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Species Impact relevant evidence was recorded from habitats outside the project area.

2.4.2 Do you consider this impact to be significant?

No

2.5 Is the proposed action likely to impact on the members of any listed migratory species, or their habitat?

No

2.6 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a marine environment (outside Commonwealth marine areas)?

No

2.7 Is the proposed action likely to impact on any part of the environment in the Commonwealth land?

No

2.8 Is the proposed action taking place in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

No

2.9 Will there be any impact on a water resource related to coal / gas / mining?

No

2.10 Is the proposed action a nuclear action?

No

2.11 Is the proposed action to be taken by the Commonwealth agency?

No

2.12 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a Commonwealth Heritage Place Overseas?

No Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

2.13 Is the proposed action likely to impact on any part of the environment in the Commonwealth marine area?

No Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 3 - Description of the project area

Provide a description of the project area and the affected area, including information about the following features (where relevant to the project area and/or affected area, and to the extent not otherwise addressed in Section 2).

3.1 Describe the flora and fauna relevant to the project area.

A biological assessment was undertaken (GHD 2016b and 2016c – Attachment 2). This assessment investigated the ecological aspects of the project area through a detailed desktop review of the area and through field investigation for flora and fauna. The key flora and fauna aspects of the project area summarised below. The biological surveys are located in attachment 2.

• The flora and vegetation surveys (GHD 2016b and 2016c) identified 14 vegetation types within the project area, as well as areas considered cleared/degraded. Coongan Gorge is dominated by spinifex steep on slopes, with small patches of woodland (riparian and floodplain) occurring at the eastern and western ends of the project area. Small patches of Atalaya- Flueggea Shrublands and Terminalia-Atalaya Low Woodland also occur on large stony scree and steep slopes respectively. Large parts of the Coongan Gorge footprint had been burnt (last fire within 5-10 years) with variable vegetation recovery observed.

• The M030 material pit footprint is dominated by spinifex steep on lower slopes and Corymbia over spinifex on sandplains. Patches of Low Shrub and Spinifex and Corymbia-Acacia Thickets occur throughout the centre of the pit with Riparian Woodland and areas mapped as Rocky Outcrops covering less than 2 ha. Approximately 19 ha of the project area is mapped as cleared/degraded and includes areas completely/mostly devoid of native vegetation such as roads, access tracks and cleared spaces.

The vegetation types within the project area are further described in Table 4, which is attahced in 3.1.1.

• No Commonwealth or State-listed TECs or DPaW-listed PECs were identified within study area. No TECs or PECs were identified within the project area during the field surveys. • One hundred and twenty flora taxa (including subspecies and varieties) representing 39 families and 79 genera were recorded from the Coongan Gorge biological survey area during the field survey. This total comprised 110 native taxa and ten introduced and/or naturalised taxa. • Eighty-nine flora taxa representing 30 families and 55 genera were recorded from the M030 Pit biological survey area during the field survey. This total included 87 native species and two introduced and/or naturalised taxa. • All of the introduced and/naturalised taxa recorded within the project area are considered environmental weeds, although none are listed as Declared Pests under the BAM Act or as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). Overall, the project area is considered to have a Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment moderate floristic diversity. • No EPBC Act, WC Act or Priority listed flora taxa were recorded within the project area during the field surveys. A likelihood of occurrence assessment conducted post-field survey concluded that Euphorbia clementii (P2) and Nicotiana umbratica (P3) are likely to occur within the Coongan Gorge footprint and Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P4) is likely to occur within the M030 Pit footprint. • The field survey recorded 116 and 71 fauna species within or in close proximity to the Coongan Gorge and M030 material pit biological survey areas, respectively (GHD 2016b, 2016c). • Three fauna species of conservation significance were recorded during the field surveys within the Coongan Gorge survey area (Northern Quoll, Ghost Bat and Western Pebble-mound Mouse). A fourth species (Greater Bilby) may also be present within the Coongan Gorge survey area, however insufficient information was recorded to provide a confident decision regarding its presence within the survey area or project area. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse was the only fauna species of conservation significance to be recorded within the M030 material pit footprint. • Six broad fauna habitat types based on the broad landforms, soil and vegetation structure, were recorded in the biological survey areas. The project area contains up to 166.45 ha of fauna habitat of which 21.17 ha consists of cleared and degraded areas that have low habitat value for native fauna (e.g. existing roads, cleared tracks and roadside edges). • The Coongan Gorge project area (including the associated ranges and riverine environments but excluding the existing Marble Road) provides a high level of habitat diversity and is important for some fauna species of conservation significance. The overall value of the habitat associated with the Coongan Gorge project area was considered to be high because of the diversity and quality of habitat types (e.g. good to excellent structural diversity within each habitat type), good connectivity, and for supporting known and potential habitat values for conservation significant fauna species. In particular, Coongan Range has large amounts of rocky habitat, known to support conservation significant species and are used as linkage to move through the landscape to utilise other areas and resources. • The M030 material pit footprint provides a moderate to high level of habitat diversity for many native fauna species, including species of conservation significance. The habitats within the M030 material pit footprint are mostly intact, variable in composition and well connected with habitats within the local area and the greater study area. The overall value of the habitat was considered to be moderate to high, because of the diversity and quality of habitat types, good connectivity and for supporting known and potential habitat values for conservation significant fauna species . In particular, the M030 material pit footprint lies at the base of and bisects several low hills that are part of a range, which appeared to have a large amount of breakaway and rocky habitat available. These habitat areas are known to support conservation species which are also likely to move over the landscape to utilise other areas.

3.2 Describe the hydrology relevant to the project area (including water flows).

• The project area intersects three watercourses, the Talga River in the eastern part of the Coongan Gorge footprint, the Coongan River in the western part of the Coongan Gorge footprint and an ephemeral watercourse along the eastern edge of the M030 material pit footprint. These watercourses were dry at the time of survey, but experience seasonal inundation. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

• No wetlands, springs or pools occur within or adjacent to the project area. • Vegetation that grows in association with these watercourses is considered groundwater dependent/ riparian vegetation and includes: - Riparian Woodland (type 1) – this vegetation type covers 0.25 ha within the Coongan Gorge footprint and includes species Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. victrix - Riparian Woodland (type 2) – this vegetation type covers 0.54 ha within the M030 material pit footprint and includes species E. camaldulensis.

3.3 Describe the soil and vegetation characteristics relevant to the project area.

The project area is located within the Chichester Ranges Zone of the Fortescue Soil-landscape Province. This zone is characterised by hills and dissected plateaux (with some stony plains) on basalt and sedimentary rocks of the Hamersley Basin. The soils are described as stony with some red shallow loams and hard cracking clays, supporting spinifex grasslands with kanji and snappy gum (and some tussock grasslands).

3.4 Describe any outstanding natural features and/or any other important or unique values relevant to the project area.

None applicable

3.5 Describe the status of native vegetation relevant to the project area.

Ten of the vegetation types identified within the project area are broadly consistent with the pre- European vegetation associations (Beard 1975). The remaining two vegetation types as well as the cleared/degraded areas do not align/are not considered representative of any vegetation associations: o Association 93: Hummock grasslands, shrub steppe; kanji over soft spinifex o Association 171: Hummock grasslands, low tree steppe; snappy gum over soft spinifex & Triodia brizoides o Association 619: Medium woodland; river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). The extents of the vegetation associations have been determined by the State-wide vegetation remaining extent calculations maintained by the DPaW (Current as of June 2015 (latest update May 2016) – GoWA 2015). The current extents of vegetation associations remaining are greater than 99 per cent (%) of the pre-European extent at all scales (e.g. State, IBRA Bioregion, IBRA Sub-region and LGA) . Furthermore, there is less than 0.0164 % of the current extent of each vegetation association within the project area.

The regional and local significance of the vegetation types was assessed by incorporating and adapting relevant characteristics as outlined in EPA Guidance Statement 51 (EPA 2004a).

The vegetation types within the project area are not considered regional or locally significant. The vegetation present within the project area does not representative of any known TECs, PECs or other significant vegetation, nor is considered rare, an ecological refuge or part of a Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment local or regional ecological linkage. The vegetation types identified within the project area are considered to be well represented outside the project area based on a review of the aerial photography. Furthermore, the vegetation within the project area is part of a contiguous, largely intact area of remnant vegetation within a largely intact LGA, IBRA Sub-region and IBRA Bioregion.

3.6 Describe the gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area) relevant to the project area.

Not applicable

3.7 Describe the current condition of the environment relevant to the project area.

The vegetation condition of the project area ranged from Very Good (3) to Completely Degraded (7). The majority of vegetation in the Coongan Gorge footprint was rated condition 6; in these areas the vegetation had been recently burnt, and high weed infestation and disturbance by grazing cattle was noted in riparian areas. Better condition vegetation (condition 3) was associated with unburnt areas along the south facing slopes and gullies of the Coongan Gorge.

The majority of vegetation in the M030 material pit footprint was rated condition 4 and 5. Areas subject to greater disturbance–particularly due to grazing by cattle were rated condition 6. Better condition vegetation (condition 3) was associated with vegetation at higher elevations.

3.8 Describe any Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values relevant to the project area.

No Commonwealth heritage-listed places or National Heritage Places were identified within 10 km of the project area.

3.9 Describe any Indigenous heritage values relevant to the project area.

An archaeological and ethnographic Aboriginal heritage survey was undertaken in consultation with Njamal Traditional Owners in October 2016. One isolated object comprising background archaeological material (BAM) was identified during the survey. It was subsequently determined the BAM identified did not require the completion and submissions of a heritage information submission form (HISF).

No Registered Aboriginal sites, Other Heritage Places or newly identified heritage places were found to exist within the survey area (Terra Rosa 2016).

It was determined no further Heritage consultation is required, providing project impacts remain within the area surveyed. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

3.10 Describe the tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold) relevant to the project area.

The project area is located within a designated State road reserve and within land zoned as rural according to the Shire of East Pilbara (2015) Town Planning Scheme No. 4. The road reserve is managed by Main Roads and under the control of the Commissioner for Main Roads.

The land zoned as rural consists of Eginbah and Coongan Pastoral Stations.

3.11 Describe any existing or any proposed uses relevant to the project area.

Not applicable Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 4 - Measures to avoid or reduce impacts

Provide a description of measures that will be implemented to avoid, reduce, manage or offset any relevant impacts of the action. Include, if appropriate, any relevant reports or technical advice relating to the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Examples of relevant measures to avoid or reduce impacts may include the timing of works, avoidance of important habitat, specific design measures, or adoption of specific work practices.

4.1 Describe the measures you will undertake to avoid or reduce impact from your proposed action.

Avoidance and minimisation measures Refinement of disturbance footprint Main Roads has modified the original extent of clearing to avoid and minimise clearing impacts as far as practicable at the concept design stage, while still achieving the required road safety objectives. Main Roads will continue to explore opportunities to further reduce the project area by microaligning and reducing the width of the construction zone where possible.

Delineation of disturbance footprint One of the key strategies to avoid impacts to fauna and habitat during the clearing phase of the Project is to strictly adhere to clearing and disturbance boundaries. The clearing area will be established by a surveyor and pegged and then checked by a member of the Main Roads environment team before clearing is approved and then it will be checked again after clearing.

Early education An environmental pre-start meeting for staff and contractors will be undertaken for the project which will include a presentation for minimising indirect and direct impacts to northern Quoll and pilbara Olive Python and other animals and habitat.

Timing of clearing As far as practical clearing and disturbance of Northern Quoll and Pilbara Olive Python habitat will be timed to prevent coinciding with the breeding season (May – February ). Where this is not possible additional mitigation measures will be implemented (see scenario 2 – Table 7).

Mitigation measures The key objectives and performance indicators for avoidance and mitigation measures are identified in Table 6. The mitigation measures proposed in Table 7 have been designed to assist all parties involved in the Project to manage the identified potential impacts that may result from the Project actions, particularly during the clearing phase of the Project. The mitigation measures will be included in the construction EMP, which will be complied with by all staff and contractors. Objectives and performance Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

The two key objectives of the avoidance and mitigation management measures are to: 1. Avoid, then minimise the clearing of habitat for the Northern Quoll and Pilbara Olive Python 2. Avoid direct impacts (e.g. injury or death) to individual Northern Quoll and Pilbara Olive Python during the clearing process

In order to gauge the success of these key objectives, relevant management targets and key performance indicators have been identified (Table 6).

Implementation The avoidance and mitigation measures listed in Table 7 will be implemented by Main Roads and /or the clearing contractor(s) during the design, clearing and post clearing phases of the Project. Areas of responsibility are likely to include the following organisations and/or personnel: 1. Main Roads Project management team - will provide the necessary information needed regarding the implementation of the mitigation measures. 2. Clearing contractor(s) and their staff –will provide the necessary information needed regarding the timing of the project and/or implementation of the mitigation measures. 3. Environmental Officer- the Main Roads Environment Officer will maintain records and provide to the relevant authorities where appropriate 4. Ecologist – suitably qualified ecologist with experience undertaking pre-clearing , fauna relocation, and handling of all fauna. The ecologist would hold all appropriate licences with DPaW)(Ethics approval, regulation 15 and/or regulation 17).

Table 7 identifies the person/s responsible for implementing the avoidance and mitigation measures during the various phases of the Project. The responsibility of particular measures can be delegated, though overall responsibility will remain with the listed person. The proposed measures assume two scenarios: 1. Scenario 1 - Clearing to be undertaken outside the breeding season (preferred) 2. Scenario 2 - Clearing to be undertaken during the breeding season (non-preferred)

If clearing or disturbance of habitat is required during the breeding season the following mitigation will be applied: • Pre-clearance survey of the habitat area by a qualified ecologist • Any signs of breeding identified (e.g. female quoll sighted with young) will be left until the individual has vacated the project area, where possible

The clearing phase measures listed in Table 7 are relevant regardless of the assumed scenario, however, relocation will only be undertaken if species are found.

Reporting, review and updates Reporting of incidents which are considered non-compliant or for monitoring purposes will be completed pursuant to the CEMP or equivalent environmental management plan developed by Main Roads and/or the Clearing Contractor. Any relevant changes or updates to knowledge, standards, policies and procedures will be incorporated wherever possible prior to the commencement of clearing.

4.2 For matters protected by the EPBC Act that may be affected by the proposed action, Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment describe the proposed environmental outcomes to be achieved.

The Project will include the following environmental outcomes: • The side track will consist of the existing Marble Bar Road alignment, that will decomissioned at the completion of the Project. The use of the existing Marble road as a side track will substantially reduce the potential barrier effect to fauna in the local area. Furthermore, Main Roads will rehabilitate the side track upon completion of the Project to further reduce the overall barrier effects of the Project in the local area following the completion of the realignment • Out of the 22 culverts design for the project it is proposed that five to six of these will be designed as box culverts, to facilitate safe dispersal of Northern Quoll across the road. It is intended that the redesigned box culverts will be situated approximately 500 - 700 m apart to account for the short dispseral habits of female Northern Quoll and also at locations connecting core Northern Quoll habitat or likely dispersal routes • Where possible, roadside drainage will be designed to reduce ponding of water that may provide habitat for Cane Toad and their production • Fauna sensitive road design including two signs at the beginning and end of the project area to warn motorists that the area surrounding the road is habitat for the Northern Quoll. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 5 – Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts

A checkbox tick identifies each of the matters of National Environmental Significance you identified in section 2 of this application as likely to be a significant impact.

Review the matters you have identified below. If a matter ticked below has been incorrectly identified you will need to return to Section 2 to edit.

5.1.1 World Heritage Properties

No

5.1.2 National Heritage Places

No

5.1.3 Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar Wetlands)

No

5.1.4 Listed threatened species or any threatened ecological community

No

5.1.5 Listed migratory species

No

5.1.6 Commonwealth marine environment

No

5.1.7 Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land

No

5.1.8 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

No

5.1.9 A water resource, in relation to coal/gas/mining

No Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

5.1.10 Protection of the environment from nuclear actions

No

5.1.11 Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions

No

5.1.12 Commonwealth Heritage places overseas

No

5.2 If no significant matters are identified, provide the key reasons why you think the proposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act and therefore not a controlled action.

No significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act given the impacts to Northern Quoll and Pilbara Olive Python were found to be not significant. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 6 – Environmental record of the person proposing to take the action

Provide details of any proceedings under Commonwealth, State or Territory law against the person proposing to take the action that pertain to the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

6.1 Does the person taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible environmental management? Please explain in further detail.

Main Roads is a State agency and has a sound record of responsible environmental management and environmental management systems.

Main Roads seeks to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes for the community with responsible environmental stewardship in developing and maintaining the road network critical to its success. Main Roads is committed to: • Protecting and enhancing the environmental values of road reserves • Minimising the impact on the natural environment of roads and road use • Conserving natural resources and minimising energy consumption and waste.

A corporate Environmental Management System facilitates management of environmental risks and performance improvement. The independently certified and audited system is integrated into all key processes including planning, delivery, maintenance, network operations and supporting services.

Main Roads holds Certificate No. EMS 530437 and operates an Environmental Management System which complies with the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 for the following scope: Main Roads Total Management System comprising Planning, Delivery, Maintenance, Network Operations and Supporting Services. Officially registered since 14 July 2005 under Certificate 149459.

6.2 Provide details of any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

None applicable

6.3 Will the action be taken in accordance with the corporation's environmental policy and planning framework?

Yes Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

6.3.1 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of the corporation's environmental policy and planning framework.

Although not a corporation Main Roads operates under an Environment Policy and Sustainability Policy, as well as an Environmental Assessment and Approvals Guideline. Main Roads also has an ISO 14001 accredited Environmental Management System. Main Roads Environmental Policy Statement (2004) is:

Main Roads manages the State's road network to provide safe and efficient road access that will enhance community lifestyles and support economic prosperity. Main Roads seeks to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes for the community. Responsible environmental stewardship in developing and maintaining the road network is critical to the success of Main Roads.

Principles Main Roads is committed to: • Protecting and enhancing the environmental values of road reserves • Minimising the impact on the natural environment of roads and road use • Conserving natural resources and minimising energy consumption and waste.

Objectives In applying these principles, Main Roads aims to: • Fully satisfy all environmental legislation, Government Policy and, where specific legislation is lacking, uphold the spirit of the law • Implement, maintain and continually improve an effective environmental management system across Main Roads planning, business, project and management processes • Apply an approach of "avoid, minimise and mitigate", in order of preference, to the management of environmental impacts associated with road construction projects • Develop awareness of environmental management processes, standards and responsibilities among Main Roads' employees and contractor partners • Listen and be responsive to community and stakeholder views on environmental issuesSet specific environmental objectives and targets relating to the key environmental aspects of Main Roads' activities, and measure and report progress in achieving these targets.

6.4 Has the person taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?

Yes

6.4.1 EPBC Act No and/or Name of Proposal.

Reference Number Title of referral Date received 2016/7811 MAIN ROADS WA/Transport - Land/219.45 - 221.00SLK/Western Australia/South Western Hway upgrade (Padbury Hill Stage 2), east of Balingup, WA 27/10/2016 2016/7743 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - Land/Albany Highway 195.9-196.5 SLK, WA/Western Australia/Arthur River Road upgrade, WA 13/07/2016 Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

2016/7740 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - Land/Shire of Gingin and Shire of Dandaragan/Western Australia/Brand Hway road formation and seal widening, WA 7/07/2016 2016/7732 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - Land/Ellenbrook to Reid Hway, Bennett Springs/Western Australia/Ellenbrook Bus Rapid Transit Project, WA 24/06/2016 2014/7257 York Merredin Road Widening SLK 51-66 and Dangin Mears Intersection Upgrade 19 June 2014 2014/7171 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - land/555.85 - 560.4 SLK Great Eastern Highway/WA/Focus, Greenfields and Carins Intersection Upgrade 2 April 2014 2014/7149 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - land/ between Maida Vale Rd & Buttercup Cres, High Wycombe/WA/Roe Highway Noise Wall 5 March 2014 2014/7141 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - land/Reserve 30 088, Karridale/WA/Vlam Road Gravel Pit, Vlam Road, Karridale, WA 27 February 2014 2014/7129 Main Roads Western Australia/Transport - land/Great Northern Hway (GNH) 200km north of Perth/WA/to upgrade & realign a section of GNH between Batty Bog Rd & Walebing 10 February 2014 Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 7 – Information sources

You are required to provide the references used in preparing the referral including the reliability of the source.

7.1 List references used in preparing the referral (please provide the reference source reliability and any uncertainties of source).

Reference Source Reliability Uncertainties Beard, JS 1975. Vegetation A flora field survey was N/A Survey of Western Australia: undertaken by a qualified and Pilbara, map and explanatory experienced botanist and the memoir 1:1,000,000 series, fauna survey was undertaken Nedlands, University of by qualified and experienced Western Australia Press. ecologists at the Study area, Beard, J. S. 1979. Vegetation including the project area. The Survey of Western Australia: flora survey involved an the Vegetation of the Albany assessment of the vegetation and Mount Barker Area types and condition of the Western Australia: Map and vegetation, noting or collecting Explanatory Memoir 1:250,000 all flora species visible at the series. Perth: Vegmap time of survey. The survey Publications. Cramer, V. A, methodology (GHD 2016b and Dunlop, J., Davis. R., Ellis, R., 2016c, Attachment 2) employed Barnett, B., Annette, C., Morris, was consistent with the EPA K., van Leeuwen., S Research guidelines for flora surveys as priorities for the northern quoll outlined in Guidance Statement (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the No. 51: Terrestrial Flora and Pilbara region of Western Vegetation Surveys for Australia. Australian Environmental Impact Mammalogy 38(2) 135-148 http Assessment in Western ://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AM15005 Australia and Terrestrial CoA 2016, Referral guideline Biological Surveys as an for the Northern Quoll Element of Biodiversity (Dasyurus hallucatus) under theProtection, Position Statement EPBC Act. Commonwealth of No. 3. The GHD fauna survey Australia. Department of (GHD 2016b and 2016c, Agriculture and Food WA Attachment 2) was consistent (DAFWA) 2014, NRM SLIP with the EPA Guidance Note for Mapping retrieved October the Assessment of 2014, from http://maps.agric.wa Environmental Factors for .gov.au/nrminfo/framesetup.aspTerrestrial Fauna Surveys for Department of the Environment Environmental Impact (DotE) 2013. Matters of Assessment in Western Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Reference Source Reliability Uncertainties National Environmental Australia (Guidance Statement Significance ‘Significant Impact No. 56). Guidelines 1.1’ Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment (DotEE) 2016a Protected Matters Search Tool - accessed October 2016 at http: //www.environment.gov.au/epb c/pmst/ Department of the Environment (DotEE) 2016b SPRAT profile – Northern Quoll http://www.environment.gov.au/ cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecie s.pl?taxon_id=331 Department of the Environment (DotEE) 2016c SPRAT profile – Pilbara Olive Oython http://www.enviro nment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/publi c/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66 699 DPaW 2016. NatureMap: Mapping Western Australia's Biodiversity, retrieved October 2016, from http://naturemap.dp aw.wa.gov.au/default.aspx/ GHD 2016. Coongan Gorge Road Realignment, Biological Assessment, unpublished report prepared for Main Roads, August 2016. GHD 2016. M030 Material Pit Extraction Area 356 SLK, Biological Assessment, unpublished report prepared for Main Roads, September 2016. GoWA 2015. 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics incorporating the CAR Reserve Analysis (Full report), Current as of June 2015, Perth Western Australia, Department of Parks and Wildlife, retrieved October 2016, from https://www2.landga te.wa.gov.au/web/guest/downlo ader. Hill B.M. and Ward S.J. 2010. National Recovery Plan for the Northern Quoll Dasyurus Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Reference Source Reliability Uncertainties hallucatus. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Darwin. Schoknecht N, Tille P and Purdie B, 2004, Soil- landscape mapping in South- western Australia: Resource Management Technical Report 280, Department of Agriculture, Perth, Western Australia. Shepherd, DP, Beeston, GR, and Hopkins, AJM 2002, Native Vegetation in Western Australia – Extent, Type and Status, Resource Management Technical Report 249, Perth, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia. Taylor, B. D. and Goldingay, R. L. 2003. Cutting the carnage: wildlife usage of road culverts in north- eastern New South Wales. Wildlife Research 30, pp.529–537. Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TTSC) 2008. Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Liasis olivaceus barroni (Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies)). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Available from: http://www.envir onment.gov.au/biodiversity/thre atened/species/pubs/66699-co nservation-advice.pdf. Submission #1996 - Marble Bar Road (M030) Coongan Gorge Realignment

Section 8 – Proposed alternatives

You are required to complete this section if you have any feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action (including not taking the action) that were considered but not proposed.

8.0 Provide a description of the feasible alternative?

There are no alternative locations, timeframes or activities for the proposed Project. Timeframes will be dependent upon funding availability.

8.1 Select the relevant alternatives related to your proposed action.

8.27 Do you have another alternative?

No