Referral of proposed action
Proposed action Whyalla Solar Farm Project title:
1 Summary of proposed action 1.1 Short description
Adani Infrastructure Pty Ltd (Adani), part of Adani Group of companies proposes to develop the Whyalla Solar Farm Project, (the Project) located approximately 10 kilometres (km) by road to the north of Whyalla in the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia (see Figure 1). The proposed action (referred to as the Project) is bounded by the Whyalla Conservation Park to the north, Lincoln Highway to the east, Mount Laura Conservation Reserve to the west and industrial areas to the south. The Project area, which is approximately 396.5 hectares (ha) in size, is located in an area wholly zoned as industrial under the Whyalla Development Plan 2016. The Project will primarily consist of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels rows (that will be set in large blocks), access tracks, inverters, a maintenance shed, and substation with electricity grid connection site office and ablution facilities. The block dimensions for a 2.25 MW tracker array will be approximately 229 by 233 meters (m) and for a 4.5 MW tracker array block will be approximately 233 by 433 m (see Figure 2). A block of solar panels consists of approximately 65 north/south rows and inverter stations (similar in dimensions to a shipping container). Solar panels will have a nominal height of 1.5 m; however, some variance is required due to undulations in the land. Solar panels will be 1.5 to 2 m wide. The panels will be single axis tracking with an east to west tracking orientation. This allows the solar PV array to track the suns path, which increases the energy produced. The Project is located within the City of Whyalla Local Government Area (LGA). The Project is wholly located on a portion of Plan/Parcel D79748/AL1000 which is a freehold lot (Figure 3). The site is not currently subject to an existing land use. A disused dairy farm is located immediately south of the Project area. While historical pastoral activities may have occurred on the site there are no current operations. The Project land has an expired mineral exploration lease over it, and is not encumbered by any mining or petroleum tenements or applications.
1.2 Latitude and longitude
The Project is located within the referral study area described in Table 1 and as shown in Figure 4.
Table 1 – Coordinates of the referral study area Point Longitude Latitude Easting Northing Longitude Latitude GDA 94 GDA 94 MGA55 MGA55 DMS DMS A 738661.809 6349509.79 137.553526 -32.966698 137° 33' 12.694" E 32° 58' 0.113" S
B 740761.43 6349984.25 137.575847 -32.961961 137° 34' 33.049" E 32° 57' 43.061" S
C 740909.07 6349127.67 137.577649 -32.969648 137° 34' 39.538" E 32° 58' 10.732" S
D 739964.5785 6347629.502 137.567943 -32.983356 137° 34' 4.596" E 32° 59' 0.083" S
E 738998.0858 6347470.149 137.557651 -32.985005 137° 33' 27.544" E 32° 59' 6.016" S
F 739992.1173 6347626.908 137.568239 -32.983374 137° 34' 5.659" E 32° 59' 0.145" S
G 739994.9335 6347610.451 137.568273 -32.983521 137° 34' 5.783" E 32° 59' 0.677" S
H 739833.5958 6347354.5 137.566615 -32.985863 137° 33' 59.813" E 32° 59' 9.108" S
I 740058.1313 6347067.921 137.56909 -32.988396 137° 34' 8.725" E 32° 59' 18.227" S
J 740120.5783 6346889.131 137.569805 -32.989994 137° 34' 11.297" E 32° 59' 23.977" S
K 740171.1436 6346611.85 137.570418 -32.992481 137° 34' 13.505" E 32° 59' 32.932" S
L 740161.6773 6346612.988 137.570316 -32.992473 137° 34' 13.139" E 32° 59' 32.903" S
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 1 Point Longitude Latitude Easting Northing Longitude Latitude GDA 94 GDA 94 MGA55 MGA55 DMS DMS M 740153.9229 6346548.517 137.57025 -32.993056 137° 34' 12.901" E 32° 59' 35.000" S
N 740203.2337 6346538.227 137.57078 -32.993138 137° 34' 14.809" E 32° 59' 35.295" S
O 740211.7512 6346606.966 137.570853 -32.992516 137° 34' 15.073" E 32° 59' 33.059" S
P 740183.7238 6346610.337 137.570553 -32.992492 137° 34' 13.990" E 32° 59' 32.971" S
Q 740132.3172 6346892.231 137.56993 -32.989963 137° 34' 11.746" E 32° 59' 23.867" S
R 740068.8973 6347073.807 137.569204 -32.988341 137° 34' 9.134" E 32° 59' 18.027" S
S 739857.6467 6347343.43 137.566875 -32.985958 137° 34' 0.749" E 32° 59' 9.448" S
T 739856.3834 6347368.14 137.566855 -32.985735 137° 34' 0.677" E 32° 59' 8.647" S
U 739986.0077 6347573.714 137.568187 -32.983854 137° 34' 5.474" E 32° 59' 1.875" S
V 740024.961 6347582.546 137.568601 -32.983766 137° 34' 6.965" E 32° 59' 1.558" S
W 740057.2341 6347633.745 137.568933 -32.983298 137° 34' 8.159" E 32° 58' 59.872" S
X 740023.1015 6347655.26 137.568562 -32.983111 137° 34' 6.825" E 32° 58' 59.201" S
Y 740005.0657 6347647.551 137.568372 -32.983185 137° 34' 6.138" E 32° 58' 59.465" S
Z 739984.4261 6347660.802 137.568147 -32.98307 137° 34' 5.331" E 32° 58' 59.052" S
1.3 Locality and property description
The Project is located in the Gawler Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Region and Myall Plains IBRA sub-region in South Australia. The nearest residential township is Whyalla, located approximately 10 km to the south of the site. Port Augusta is located 55 km to the north. The nearest major centre is Adelaide located approximately 220 km to the south of the Project. The Project area is dominated by flat, vacant land which generally ranges from 20 m Australian Height Datum (AHD) to 55 m AHD, rising from the east to west. The ground level slopes to the north-west and south-west areas of the Project site. The highest elevation in the area is Mount Laura which is approximately 174 m AHD, located approximately 3.5 km to the south-west of the Project site.
The Project is located within the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Region, one of the driest regions in Australia (Department of Water 2010). The region is described as arid to semi-arid due to the sparse vegetation, erodible soil characteristics and the ephemeral nature of the regions watercourses (only flow following significant rainfall events). Surface water resources within this area are scarce due to the low rainfall and high evaporation rates (Department of Water 2010). Watercourses to the east of the Project site discharge to the Spencer Gulf in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park, which is a recognised Wetland of National Importance. Mapping indicates a single watercourse intersecting the southern boundary of the Project area near the nominal location for the substation. There are also number of mapped drainage features to the south-west Project area.
The Project is described as a portion of Plan/Parcel D79748 AL1000 which is a freehold lot. The Project area is bounded by the Whyalla Conservation Park to the north, Lincoln Highway to the east, Mount Laura Conservation Reserve to the west and industrial areas to the south. Access is via Industrial Drive which connects to Arthur Glennie Drive which in turn, connects to Iron Knob Road and the Lincoln Highway. There are no homesteads or residential areas in the vicinity of the Project that are a likely to be impacted by the development. The closest residential area to the Project is on the southern side of Iron Knob Road, approximately 3 km to the south-west. There is a high voltage overhead transmission line and water main that traverse the eastern portion of the site in an adjacent alignment.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 2 1.4 Size of the development footprint or work area (hectares)
The Project footprint covers an area of 396.5 ha with the disturbance footprint for the solar panels, associated infrastructure and access roads. It is anticipated that approximately 382 ha of remnant vegetation will be cleared for the overall Project, including the solar panels and associated infrastructure. The referral Project area is shown in Figure 1 and the proposed layout and disturbance area is shown in Figure 2.
1.5 Street address of the site
165 Industry Drive, Whyalla Barson, South Australia
1.6 Lot description
The Project area is located entirely within Allotment 1000 on Deposited Plan 79748, in the area named Whyalla Barson Hundreds of Cultana and Randell.
1.7 Local Government Area and Council contact (if known)
The Project is located entirely within the City of Whyalla LGA. The relevant council contacts are: The CEO City of Whyalla Civic Building, Darling Terrace Whyalla, SA, 5600
1.8 Time frame
Adani aims to have all the relevant approvals including the Development Application completed by quarter (Q) 1 2018 with construction to commence immediately following grant of approvals Q1 2018. Subject to obtaining grant of relevant approvals, commercial operation is planned to commence in Q1 2019 and employ a peak workforce of 150 personnel during construction.
1.9 Alternatives to proposed action No.
Yes, please also complete section 2.2
1.10 Alternative time frames, locations or activities No.
Yes, you must also complete Section 2.3. For each alternative, location, time frame, or activity identified, you must also complete details in Sections 1.2-1.9, 2.4-2.7 and 3 and 5 (where relevant). 1.11 Commonwealth, State or Territory assessment No
Yes, please also complete section 2.5
1.12 Component of larger action No
Yes, please also complete section 2.7
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 3 1.13 Related actions/proposals No
Yes, provide details: 1.14 Australian Government funding No
Yes, please also complete section 2.8 1.15 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park No
Yes, please also complete section 3.1 (h), 3.2 (e)
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 4 2 Detailed description of proposed action 2.1 Description of proposed action
Adani is currently finalising the site configuration for the solar panel array and associated infrastructure. However, the maximum area of impact is shown in Figure 3. It is anticipated that the Project will have a maximum generational capacity of approximately 160 MW, depending on the ultimate configuration. The proposed action includes the following components. Solar Photovoltaic Modules Solar photovoltaic modules will be set in large blocks. A block of solar panels consists of 65 north/south rows and inverter stations (similar in size to a shipping container). The area a 2.25 MW tracker array block will occupy is approximately 229 m by 233 m, and for a 4.5 MW tracker array block approximately 233 m by 433 m. Where blocks do not evenly abut the site boundary, additional solar photovoltaic modules will be added to maximise the utilised space and therefore electricity generation. Solar panels will have a nominal height of 1.5 m and 1.5 to 2 m wide. Some variance in height may be required due to undulations in the land. The panels will track the suns path along a single axis with an east to west tracking orientation allowing the solar PV array to increase the energy produced. The panels are likely to be smooth with no coating. String combiners take the wires from several different solar panels and combine them into one main feed. A string combiner will be used to combine the output of multiple strings of solar PV modules, and will be connected to the inverter station. Inverter Station Inverter stations will convert the direct current (DC) electricity that the solar modules produce into alternative current (AC) which will be used for export to the electricity grid. Inverter stations will be set at the centre of each array of solar panel blocks with an approximate spacing of 10 m around each station. These are similar to large shipping containers and are approximately 12 m in length and 2.35 m in width. Substation The Project will include a substation that will be located along the western boundary of the Project area. A nominal location has been provided on Figure 2; however, pending detailed design, the substation may be located at any point along the western boundary. The substation will be connected to the eastern most feeder on the western boundary of the Project site. This will be managed by ElectraNet – the transmission network operator. Operational Compound A permanent operational area will be located to the south-western section of the Project area. The operational compound will replace a temporary construction compound in the same location (Figure 2). Infrastructure in the operational compound will be located on hardstands constructed from compacted earth or crushed rock and will include:
• A demountable site office;
• Parking spaces; • Demountable ablution block; • Small waste storage area; and
• Small storage container for maintenance materials (this may also contain a small office). Weather Station A weather station will be constructed near the southern boundary of the Project area. The weather station will monitor weather conditions at the solar farm. The station will collect weather information, forwarding the information to a central database. Roads Access to the Project site will be via a new primary access road from Industry Drive located approximately 1 km to the south. This will require a driveway extension from the existing cul-de-sac. This road will be unsealed, with a culvert at the crossing of the unnamed watercourse near Industry Drive. Gravel will be laid to support heavy trucks accessing the Project site.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 5 Internal access tracks will allow vehicular access between blocks and the connecting inverter station. These access tracks are to be unsealed and 3 m in width. A surrounding perimeter road will be unsealed and 8 m in width. Communications and Power Telecommunications are not currently provided to the site. Telecommunications will be installed, either through existing established networks in the region, or through remote networking. During construction, diesel generators will be used to provide power for construction works and operational power will be sourced directly from the solar farm’s substation. As such, no connection to the localised low voltage transmission network is proposed. Security A 2.4 m high wire fence will be constructed around the entire perimeter (excluding the access road). A security gate near the electricity and water pipeline easement on the southern side of the Project site will allow controlled access. Alarms and cameras will be used to monitor the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A minimum of 8 m will be provided between the perimeter fence and the solar panel blocks. Water Management Water will be required for construction dust suppressions, wheel washing and workforce and construction facilities. During the construction period, it is expected that water will be trucked to site. Should it be determined that trucking is incapable of supplying the required amounts or is too costly, a range of supplementary water supply options may be considered, including:
• Connection to mains water under a licence agreement with SA Water;
• Construction of bores;
• Rainwater capture and storage; or
• Runoff water capture and storage. During operation, water will be required for worker facilities; however, with only five full time employees, water requirements will be minimal and primarily for functioning of the ablutions facilities and potable purposes. Furthermore, Adani are investigating the use of dry robotic photovoltaic cleaning mechanisms, and as such water for photovoltaic cleaning will be minimal to nil. It is expected that water will be trucked to and stored on site throughout the Project’s lifetime.
2.2 Feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action
There are no feasible alternatives for the Project other than the ‘do nothing’ case. The Project will provide significant economic benefits to the local region and South Australia. The City of Whyalla owns the site and the location for the Project was proposed in partnership with the Adani. The Project will employ a peak workforce of up to 150 during the construction phase, and will require a workforce of approximately five during the operational phase, the majority of which will come from the local region. The Australian and South Australian Governments will receive significant direct and indirect tax revenue from the Project. The South Australian Government has also established economic priorities and objectives for renewables (RenewablesSA 2014). One of these objectives is to expand investment in renewable energy, to achieve targets to increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources from 39 % in 2013-2014, to 50 % in 2025 (RenewablesSA 2014). The Project will contribute to achieving this target. The South Australian Government recently released the South Australian Energy Plan (the Energy Plan) (Government of South Australia 2017) in March, 2017. The aim is to deliver more generating capacity, greater competition and more renewable energy with battery storage. The Energy Plan gives the state greater control of its energy supply and security while providing clean power into the future. The South Australian Government will fund a $150 million Renewable Energy Fund to support projects which make renewable energy available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Renewable Technology Fund will support private innovative companies to fund eligible renewable projects. The Energy Plan identifies an Energy Security Target which will require energy retailers to get more electricity from cleaner generators including solar and wind. The Energy Plan states that the national Renewable Energy Target has already seen $7.1 billion invested into
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 6 renewable energy in the state, with more than 40% being in regional areas. These investments will help create new industries and jobs. In November 2015, the South Australian Government released South Australia’s Climate Change Strategy 2015-2050 – Towards a Low Carbon Economy (Government of South Australia 2015). This strategy identifies a number of initiatives to combat climate change. The project both supports and is supported by a number of these initiatives which include:
• Decarbonising government’s electricity supply; • Facilitating the market penetration of renewable energy;
• Investigating the opportunity for renewable energy power plants in regional centres; • Investigating potential new renewable technologies for the state; and • Attracting international investment. The City of Whyalla Annual Report 2015/16 (City of Whyalla 2016) identified renewable energy projects as a priority, stating that a Council’s policy on facilitating local economic development includes, ‘to establish economic activity based on renewable energy and sustainable development principles, with aim of moving projects forward’. The Annual Report identifies that the City of Whyalla have undertaken extensive investigations into suitable land allocation for solar farm interests and proposals and has identified that land north of the Industrial Estate at the end of Industry Drive is suitable for such development. As such, this Project makes use of the land to the north of Industry Drive. The Whyalla Strategic Plan 2015/16 to 2019/20 (Whyalla City Council 2015) identifies the City of Whyalla’s goals, this comprises Objective 3.2 which aims to promote environmental sustainability and aim to reduce carbon emissions, this is supported by the strategy which identifies the installation of solar panels.
2.3 Alternative locations, time frames or activities that form part of the referred action
The proposed action does not consider any alternative locations, time frames or activities as part of this referred action as an alternative location, time frame or other activities do not present better electricity generation potential or a known reduced impact on MNES.
2.4 Context, including any relevant planning framework and state/local government requirements
State and Local Government Planning Framework
The Project is entirely located within the City of Whyalla LGA. The Project will proceed using the Crown Development and Public Infrastructure provisions under Section 49 of the State’s Development Act 1993. The assessment manager will be the independent South Australian Development Assessment Commission (DAC). A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared as part of the Development Application submission to the DAC. The supporting Ecological Report from the Development Application is provided as Attachment B of this Referral. A native vegetation clearing permit will be required pursuant to the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and a permit for a Water Affecting Activity (interference with ephemeral watercourse) in accordance with the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act). Under provisions of the Development Act 1993, Development Plans have been prepared for the entire State of South Australia and are divided by Council and Unincorporated areas. Development Plans identify desired character for parts of the plan area, as well as preferred development types. Development Plans also identify criteria against which development applications will be assessed, designate zones for development, the objectives and principles for development control. The Project is located in the City of Whyalla LGA, and the relevant Development Plan is the Whyalla Development Plan 2016 (the Development Plan). The Development Plan identifies rules about what can be done on any piece of land within the City of Whyalla. The Project is within the development zone identified as Industry. The Development Application documentation being submitted to the DAC includes a full assessment of the Project against the Development Plan code provisions. Socio-economic Context The economic environment in South Australia, and particularly Whyalla, has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. The level of unemployment in Whyalla was 9.2% in September 2016, which equates to 956 people (DSD 2016). The average personal weekly income in Whyalla in 2011 was $472, which was $62 lower than the South Australian State average.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 7 The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) are developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and rank areas in Australia according to relative levels of socio-economic advantage and disadvantage. The SEIFA identifies that the local study area is ranked in the 2nd Decile of most disadvantaged compared with other Australian local government areas. The South Australian Government is highly supportive of renewable energy and has introduced strong policies to encourage the continued development of the sector. Low commodity prices have had a significant impact on the continued growth of the resources sector and its expected economic stimulus. A peak of 150 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase of the Project. It is anticipated that the construction phase will take approximately 12 months. The operations phase is anticipated to commence late 2018 and during this phase, up to five jobs will be created for the anticipated life of the Project. There will be a focus on employing a local workforce, however movement of workers from surrounding towns is expected. The creation of new jobs locally will assist to diversify the local economy and provide an opportunity for local community members to build experience in a new industry. In addition to direct jobs it is expected that indirect employment opportunities will be created through flow-on impacts associated with increased expenditure – both direct and flow-on. The Development Application material being submitted to the DAC includes an assessment of the Project potential social and economic impacts.
2.5 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation The Project will be subjected to assessment by the South Australian under the Development Act 1993. The Project will require Development Approval and assessment, and the Adani is currently preparing a Development Application pursuant to Section 49 of the Development Act 1993. As such, the Project will be assessed at the South Australian State Government level (by the DAC) under Section 49 of the Development Act 1993. Under Section 49 of the Development Act, there are no specific Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assessment. Nevertheless, the DAC will assess the application against:
(a) The provisions of the appropriate Development Plan (so far as they are relevant); or (b) Any code or standard prescribed by the regulations [s49(8)].
As per Section 49(2) the application must be lodged with DAC and “containing prescribed particulars”. The Development Regulations set out that ‘prescribed particulars’ for Section 49(2) are:
(a) A description of the nature of the proposed development; (b) Details of the location, siting, layout and appearance of the proposed development. Further clarification on the assessment requirements for Section 49 developments is provided in the Guide to the Assessment of Crown Development and Public Infrastructure (Planning SA 2002). A detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been prepared as part of the Development Application and will be assessed by the DAC and referral entities (e.g. South Australian Government agencies and the City of Whyalla). The EIA has comprised the following: • Scoping – Key receptors and potential impact zones were identified, and the study methodologies were established by engaging and consulting with stakeholders and utilising South Australian and other jurisdictional guidelines;
• Baseline Studies – Determination of the existing conditions within and surrounding the proposed Project using desktop studies, including consultation with specialist groups that have local knowledge, and field surveys;
• Evaluation of Baseline Conditions – The existing conditions have been evaluated to determine the relative importance of receptors and their sensitivity to potential impacts;
• Prediction of Effects – The proposed Project layout and processes were reviewed to identify and characterise potential adverse environmental, cultural, social and economic impacts;
• Mitigation – Prescribing measures to avoid, reduce or compensate the predicted adverse environmental impacts and methodologies to monitor the efficacy of the mitigation measures have been included in this assessment; and
• Assessment of Impact Significance – The significance of impacts has been defined. Where significance levels were likely to be unacceptable then mitigation measures were revisited until significance levels are reduced appropriately. Adani is referring the proposed action to the Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE), for a determination on whether Project is a controlled action for potential controlling provisions associated with ‘listed threatened species and
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 8 ecological communities (sections 18 and 18A)’. The baseline Ecological Report in Attachment B identified threatened fauna species listed as MNES under the EPBC Act as occurring on the site.
2.6 Public consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders)
Adani has undertaken previous public engagement as part of the Development Application process for the Project. The proponent has implemented a structured process of engagement. The aim is to ensure stakeholders have access to relevant information, are have mechanisms to raise any concerns and suggestions. From the initial project stages, Adani has focused on building local connections, including through; targeted meetings and briefings with local suppliers and supplier representative groups (e.g. Global Maintenance Upper Spencer Gulf), community public information sessions, monthly meetings with the Whyalla City Council and presentations to elected members, and meetings and presentations with local interest groups (such as the Friends of the Whyalla Conservation Park). Adani has worked with Traditional Owners, the Barngarla People, to undertake Cultural Heritage clearance activities and negotiated and executed a Cultural Heritage Agreement. Adani is committed to developing strong relationships with the Barngarla People and local Indigenous community members, and will continue to work with the Barngarla Aboriginal Corporation to maximise mutual benefits where possible. Adani has also engaged throughout the surrounding regions and South Australia more broadly through meetings with Regional Development Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula and Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula. Structured monthly meetings have been undertaken with the South Australian Government (including Department of State Development, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure), and targeted technical meetings to secure feedback from government agencies including the Department of Defence. Interested or affected stakeholders that have been included in consultations to this point include:
• City of Whyalla (as the landholder) and Whyalla Chamber of Commerce;
• Barngala Aboriginal Corporation as representatives of the local traditional owners across much of the Eyre Peninsula;
• Local, State and Federal politicians;
• South Australian government departments including Department of State Development, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; and
• Local and regional suppliers/industry. Adani held a public information session in February 2017, focused on sharing Project information, understanding stakeholder values and gaining feedback regarding concerns and opportunities. Feedback was then used to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the State Development Application, particularly in understanding and confirming potential impacts to environmental values in the region and appropriateness of proposed management actions. At this session, stakeholders provided feedback focused primarily on the beneficial impacts arising from the Project, particularly those related to employment, local supply opportunities, capability building and education opportunities associated with workforce and suppliers, and the diversification of the local economy. The potential positive implications for energy security were also identified by numerous stakeholders. Potential concerns raised by stakeholders included fear that the Project would not proceed and provide positive employment and economic impacts to Whyalla, and potential impacts to environmental values, particularly from dust, glare and visual amenity. A number of stakeholders emphasised the importance of opportunities for local workforce and suppliers. Stakeholders consistently reinforced their desire to be involved with the Project and for Adani to continue implementing ongoing, meaningful engagement. Adani will undertake an ongoing program of engagement during construction and operation of the Project. As part of the Development Approval application process, Adani will undertake formal consultation to align with regulatory requirements – this will include a range of engagement activities such as, but not limited to, public information sessions and targeted meetings/presentations where appropriate.
2.7 A staged development or component of a larger action
The Project is not part of a staged development or a component of a larger action.
2.8 Related actions There are no related actions to the Project.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 9 3 Description of environment & likely impacts 3.1 Matters of national environmental significance
3.1 (a)World Heritage Properties
Description No World Heritage properties occur within or immediately adjacent to the Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact a World Heritage Property.
3.1 (b)National Heritage Places
Description No National Heritage properties occur within or immediately adjacent to the Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact a National Heritage Place.
3.1 (c)Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands)
Description There are no Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar wetlands) present within the Project area or within a 10 km radius of the designated Project area. The closest Ramsar wetland is the The Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland which is located over 300 km to the south of the Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact on any Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands).
3.1 (d)Listed threatened species and ecological communities
Under the IBRA classification system the Project area occurs in the Myall Plains subregion of the Gawler bioregion. The subregion comprises Gently undulating calcrete plains and occasional quartzite or granite hills. Includes a zone of salt lakes and gypsum dunes at Lake Gillies and steep strike ranges at the Middleback Ranges. To the east out cropping conglomerate occurs with mangrove flats along the coastal margin. Acacia papyrocarpa/Casuarina pauper low woodland is found on grey brown calcareous earths, red calcareous earths and dense brown loams on the plains. Rocky outcrops support Eucalyptus incrassata/Melaleuca uncinata open scrub and Allocasuarina verticillata low woodland on dense brown loams. The lowest areas support chenopod shrubland of Halosarcia halocnemoides on grey calcareous loams. Light grazing occurs in most areas. Approximately 97% (1,050,684 ha) of the subregion is mapped as remnant native vegetation, of which 8% (86,146ha) is formally conserved. The Project area encompasses a total area of 396.5 ha. The landforms vary from outwash plains to the north and east and incorporate rocky rounded hills in the south west section; the foothills and outwash plains contain numerous drainage depressions and ephemeral watercourses which predominately flow to the east across the outwash plains (Bebbington 2007). Historically the area was utilised for limited stock grazing followed by the purchase of the land by BHP as a buffer zone and a stormwater harvesting project for re-use in the smelter. During the period of BHP ownership, the proposed conservation area was utilised by off road vehicles (ORV’s) which has left a legacy of eroding tracks predominately in the south-western area (Bebbington 2007). The Project area has previously been proposed as the Mount Laura set aside area (Lot 2 DP 56203 Hundred of Cultana), and was classified by Larry Bebbington in 2007 as Remnant (more or less intact in structure, composition and diversity). Following settlement, clearance and disturbances have been restricted to stormwater drainage systems and the network of ORV tracks, which have confined impacts and have not altered the overall plant associations or the biodiversity of the area on a landscape scale (Bebbington 2007). Back in 1938, the BHP Barson Water Catchment Scheme, impacted on Low Open Woodland in the lower
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 10 southern sections of the then proposed set aside area. The Chenopod Low Shrubland that has regenerated, does not represent the historical plant communities (Bebbington 2007). A desktop assessment of the ecological values of the Project area and surrounds was undertaken including relevant ecological databases such as:
• Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE)) (to confirm potential presence of listed species and communities) (10 km radius surrounding Project area) accessed 16 September 2016 (refer to Attachment C);
• A Biological Database of South Australia (BDBSA) search was obtained from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) to identify any flora and fauna species previously recorded within and around the project area (10 km radius surrounding Project area accessed 8 August 2016) (included in Attachment B);
• Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) database records for threatened fauna and flora; and
• Relevant ecological reports associated with works completed either at the site or within similar habitat of the Whyalla region. A single field survey has been carried out across the Project area (26 September to 1 October 2016) and the information from the site assessment has been used to inform this referral. Threatened Ecological Communities Based on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search conducted for the Project, a single Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) listed under the EPBC Act is predicted to occur (Table 2). However, as per Table 2, this is a saltmarsh associated within coastal areas for which the habitat is not present in the Project area. The nearest potential habitat for this species is in False Bay (Upper Spencer Gulf), approximately 3 km south-east of the Project area. Table 2: Threatened Ecological Communities Threatened community Status Type of presence Potential occurrence in the Project area or surrounds Unlikely. The Project area and immediate surrounds does Community likely to not encompass any coastal habitat. The nearest potential Subtropical and temperate Vulnerable coastal saltmarsh occur within area coastal habitat where this community may occur is approximately 3 km east of the Project area. Mapping of vegetation floristics by the South Australian DEWNR show that the Project area has been previously mapped as Acacia papyrocarpa woodland, Atriplex vesicaria ssp. (mixed) shrubland and Maireana sedifolia shrubland. No TECs are represented by the vegetation communities indicated in the DEWNR mapping. The Project area contains predominantly intact plant communities, with good-high diversity values for the area. No vegetation communities of conservation significance were observed. Two vegetation associations were recorded within the project area (refer Figure 6 and Figure 7):
• Chenopod low shrublands dominated by Blue Bush (Maireana sedifolia) and Bladder Salt Bush (Atriplex vesicaria) (16 native flora species recorded); and
• Low open woodland dominated by Western Myall (Acacia papyrocarpa) (12 native flora species recorded). Threatened Flora The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search predicted the occurrence of one conservation significant flora species listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act in the Project area. The BDBSA database search did not identify any flora species listed under the EPBC Act as previously recorded within a 10 km radius of the Project area. An assessment of the species and its potential to occur within the Project area based on habitat preferences is discussed in Table 3. No threatened flora species are considered as ‘likely’ to occur in the Project area.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 11 Table 3: Conservation Status of Listed Species Known or Highly Likely to Occur EPBC Act Likelihood of occurrence* Common Name Species Status Unlikely. No previous database records within close proximity to the Sea Heath Frankenia plicata E Project area. Known ALA database records from much further north with nearest record located approximately 130 km north. Notes: *Likelihood of occurrence: known = species recorded within the Project area; likely = species identified in wider area by database searches, having geographical range overlapping the wider study area and suitable habitat is mapped within the Project area; potential = species identified by database searches as having geographical range overlapping the wider study area and sub-optimal habitat or preferred habitat features are mapped within the Project area; unlikely = species identified by database searches as having geographical range overlapping the wider study area and suitable habitat is not mapped within the proposed Project area.
Targeted floristic surveys were conducted in September/October 2016 as per the requirements under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (SA). These activities included recording vegetation associations, flora species present, vegetation condition, determining the location of areas which should be avoided and identifying areas of weed infestations. A total of 86 plant species were recorded from all sites surveyed across the Project area including 72 native and 14 exotic or weed species. The field assessment did not record any threatened flora species. A copy of the ecological survey report is at Attachment B. Threatened Fauna Species The MNES Protected Matters Report identified 13 threatened terrestrial fauna species with potential to occur in the Project area and surrounds. The threatened species from the EPBC Act Protected Matters Report are presented in Table 4 and a copy of the search is provided in Attachment C. Seven of these species are also listed as Migratory wetland species under the EPBC Act. Table 4: Threatened fauna species Common Name Scientific Name EPBC Act Status Potential to Occur Likelihood of Occurrence* Birds Western Species or species Amytornis textilis Critically Known. Species recorded in Project area Grasswren habitat known to occur myall Endangered during surveys. (Gawler Ranges) within area Species or species Endangered, Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Red Knot Calidris canutus habitat known to occur Migratory available in the Project area. within area Critically Species or species Curlew Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Calidris ferruginea Endangered, habitat known to occur Sandpiper available in the Project area. Migratory within area Critically Species or species Calidris Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Great Knot Endangered, habitat known to occur tenuirostris available in the Project area. Migratory within area Species or species Greater Sand Charadrius Vulnerable, Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat habitat known to occur Plover leschenaultii Migratory available in the Project area. within area Unlikely. Few ALA database records of this Species or species species from the wider Whyalla region. Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata Vulnerable habitat known to occur Species associated with Mallee vegetation within area which does not occur on the Project area. Western Species or species Limosa lapponica Vulnerable, Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Alaskan Bar- habitat may occur baueri Migratory available in the Project area. tailed Godwit within area Northern Critically Species or species Limosa lapponica Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Siberian Bar- Endangered, habitat may occur menzbieri available in the Project area. tailed Godwit Migratory within area Critically Species or species Numenius Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat Eastern Curlew Endangered, habitat known to occur madagascariensis available in the Project area. Migratory within area Unlikely. Not known to occur in region due Pezoporus Night Parrot Endangered Extinct within area to extinction. Species prefers spinifex which occidentalis does not occur on the site. Species or species Australian Rostratula Unlikely. No wetland habitat available in the Endangered habitat may occur Painted Snipe australis Project area. within area
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 12 Common Name Scientific Name EPBC Act Status Potential to Occur Likelihood of Occurrence* Australian Fairy Sternula nereis Breeding likely to occur Unlikely. No coastal dune habitat available in Vulnerable Tern nereis within area the Project area. Mammals Species or species Australian Sea- Unlikely. No coastal habitat available in the Neophoca cinerea Vulnerable habitat may occur lion Project area. within area Although a further 54 marine and oceanic species are identified in the EPBC Act Protected Matters Report the Project area does not encompass habitat for these species and they have therefore not been included in this referral. Terrestrial fauna within the Project area are expected to be typical of the region. Amongst the fauna previously recorded within a 10 km radius of the Project area on the BDBSA database are six species of conservation significance. This includes seven fauna species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act:
• Great Knot – Critically Endangered, Migratory;
• Greater Sand Plover – Vulnerable, Migratory;
• Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) – Endangered, Migratory;
• Malleefowl – Vulnerable;
• Western Alaskan Bar-tailed Godwit – Vulnerable, Migratory;
• Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit – Critically Endangered, Migratory; and
• Eastern Curlew – Critically Endangered, Migratory. Six of these species are migratory wader species that rely on the presence of coastal wetlands for foraging and roosting habitat. As this habitat does not occur on or adjacent to the Project area all of these species are considered unlikely to occur. Malleefowl is associated with mallee woodlands which do not occur on the site. The field assessment comprised systematic surveys at four sites broadly representative of the main vegetation associations within the Project area. Systematic surveys comprised bird census, small mammal trapping, diurnal habitat searches, pitfall, funnel and cage trapping. Microbat echolocation call recording and remote camera traps were located at opportunistic sites within the Project area. Bird surveys were undertaken in the early morning and late afternoon when birds were most active. The bird survey was undertaken by traversing the Project area and identifying areas of high activity / habitat value. An assessment of potential habitat for threatened species, in particular the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) (Amytornis textilis myall), was also undertaken. A copy of the ecological survey report is provided as Attachment B. There were 53 fauna species recorded during the surveys (EBS 2017). This includes one species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act recorded within the Project area boundary being Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) listed as “Vulnerable”. Habitat information provided by the 2016 fauna assessment indicates the Project area and surrounds do not provide suitable habitat for any other conservation significant species as listed under the EPBC Act. Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) The Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) occurs as widespread but scattered populations on the north-east Eyre Peninsula. The species occurrence is spread across an estimated area of approximately 12,000 km2; however, within this area the species only occupies portions of the available area likely based on the presence of suitable habitat. It is estimated the actual occurrence area of the species is approximately 600 km2 (Garnett et al. 2011). In a wide-ranging study of the distribution of the species carried out in 2006, Black et al. (2009) note a high concentration of records of the species in the ‘area bounded by Whyalla, Iron Baron, Iron Knob and the Port Augusta to Iron Knob road.’ Figure 5 reproduces the locations of the findings of this study. The findings indicate the region extending to the north and north-west of the Project area provides favourable habitat for the species. The Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) was recorded on the proposed site in one group of two and another group of six individuals (refer Figure 6) over 6 days of survey. One sighting was located on the western boundary of the project area adjacent to the Mount Laura Conservation Area. The second sighting was located in the north towards the Whyalla Conservation Park. The species potential home range (based on 5 ha) is identified on Figure 6 based on the location of the sighting, although it is uncertain to what extent the individuals home range extends from these points.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 13
Figure 5. Records of Western Grasswren (2006) showing verified previous records (black circles), new records (black squares) and unconfirmed sites (white circles) (reproduced from Black et al 2009) Both vegetation communities existing on the site are considered to be potential habitat for the species. Observations during the baseline field survey were within chenopod shrublands (EBS 2016). The species is known from the adjacent Whyalla Conservation Park to the north. Black et al. (2009) notes major concentrations of Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) on Pine Creek including approaching the Iron Knob-Whyalla Road located 5.5 km to the west of the Project area. The species has also been recorded at four location during ecological surveys (carried out in September 2010) to the north and west of Whyalla Conservation Park for the Cultana Training Area Expansion (CTAE) (AECOM 2011). The Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) primarily inhabits two habitats: low chenopod shrublands (observed on site) and Western Myall low woodlands (DotEE 2016, Garnett et al. 2011). Within these habitat types, the shrub species: Blackbush (Maireana pyramidata), Australian Boxthorn (Lycium australe), Bluebush (Maireana spp.), and saltbush (Atriplex spp.), are of particular importance for the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges), which requires extensive shrub cover (DotEE 2016, Black et al. 2011, Garnett et al. 2011). It also inhabits samphire flats in coastal areas with Nitraria billardieri, and is associated with Western Myall, particularly along drainage lines (Barrett et al. 2003). Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) are relatively sedentary birds that typically occupy territories of approximately 4-5 ha. Studies of the closely related subspecies (Amytornis textilis textilis) in Western Australia recorded an average home range territory of 1.5 ha (Brooker 1998). Western grasswren (Gawler Ranges) breeding behaviour is poorly known, but the subspecies is thought to be socially monogamous and to engage in cooperative breeding with additional adults assisting in the raising of young, though again there is no data to confirm this (Higgins et al. 2001). Breeding probably occurs from late
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 14 June to September, and territory size for breeding pairs or groups is thought to be around one hectare in good seasons (Higgins et al. 2001). The diet of Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) primarily consists of seeds, fruits, insects and other invertebrates (Higgins et al. 2001). The subspecies is known to forage on the ground under and around the bases of shrubs, in leaf litter and occasionally in open areas. Birds are believed to forage through early and mid-morning and sometimes in the late afternoon and usually forage in pairs (Higgins et al. 2001). Two vegetation associations were determined to be present on site: low chenopod shrublands and Western Myall low shrublands. Surveys of Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) habitat by Black et al. 2011 found that 64% of sites where Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) had been previously recorded were associated with low shrublands, where Blackbush and Australian Boxthorn were the dominant shrub species. A further 28% of sites were associated with low woodlands, typically with a Western Myall overstorey. Therefore, based on the limited published research, both of the habitat associations present on site are representative of the habitat types that Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) use most often. Vegetation mapping of the wider area issued by DEWNR is limited in coverage to the north-west of the Project area but shows the wider area is dominated by Western Myall woodlands and chenopod shrublands (Figure 8). Extensive vegetation surveys were carried out to the direct north and north-west of the Whyalla Conservation Park during ecological surveys for the proposed CTAE (AECOM 2011). The study comprised an area of approximately 164,000 ha bounded by Port Augusta, Iron Knob, Iron Baron and Whyalla (refer Figure 5 in AECOM 2011). Detailed vegetation community mapping as a result of the Project indicated the presence of close to 100,00 ha of suitable habitat for Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) within the study area based on the preferred habitat associations listed above (i.e. the presence of Blackbush or Western Myall) and detailed in Table 5 below. This equates to approximately 60% of the overall CTAE study area and does not include other potentially suitable habitats, such as other chenopod shrublands. This indicates that suitable habitat for the species is widespread across the wider region surrounding the Project. Table 5: Mapped vegetation units suitable for the Western Grasswren within the proposed CTAE (source: AECOM 2011) Vegetation description Total area (ha) % of total area Blackbush Flats Blackbush and Mixed Chenopod Slopes 254 0.2 Black oak dominant plains hillocks and slopes Black Oak and Myall over Bluebush 6,480 3.9 Drainage lines Alectryon/Myall and Acacia over Blackbush 2,458 1.5 Blackbush 10,158 6.2 Myall Plains Myall over Mixed Chenopods 12,772 7.7 Myall with Bullock Bush over Saltbush 3,998 2.4 Myall over Blackbush 7,907 4.8 Mosaic of Myall over Blackbush and Blackbush drainage lines 9,380 5.7 Myall with Bullock Bush over Blackbush and Bluebush 16,452 10 Myall with Myoporum over Bluebush 18,670 11.3 Saltbush Flats Saltbush/Blackbush Flats 10,866 6.6 Total 99,395 60.3
The Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the Guidelines) (DotE 2013) define an ‘important population’ as a population that is necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. This may include populations identified as such in recovery plans, and/or that are: • Key source populations either for breeding or dispersal; • Populations that are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity; and • Populations that are near the limit of the species range. The Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) was listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act in late 2014 and it was considered that the extent of its occurrence and area of occupancy are limited, and that the subspecies distribution is severely
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 15 fragmented and there is an inferred continuing decline in the quality of habitat (TSSC 2014). The EPBC Act Conservation advice for Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) states that all populations of this species are considered to be ‘important populations’ (TSSC 2014). Therefore, the individuals detected during the onsite surveys are considered as part of an ‘important population.’
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project will comprise a total proposed footprint of 396.5 ha when considered at its maximum extent under the current plan (refer Figure 6 and Figure 7). This will require clearing of 381.28 ha of extant vegetation communities on the site comprising:
• Chenopod low shrublands dominated by Blue Bush and Bladder Salt Bush – 182.61 ha; and
• Low open woodland dominated by Western Myall – 198.67 ha. Vegetation clearing is likely to impact habitat for localised individuals or groups of the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) which has been recorded on the site. In general, the potential impacts to Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) in the area include: • Direct loss of local habitat through vegetation clearing and physical alteration; • Disturbance of local individuals or groups potentially adjacent to the Project area during the construction phase; • Increased accidental mortality on roads and disturbances created by increased noise and light pollution during construction may also occur; however, it is expected that these will be minimal; • Clearing of vegetation may result in direct fauna mortality; and • Introduction of weeds through clearing, vehicle movements on/off the site and changes in land use. Establishment of the Project will result in the loss of habitat known to be used by Western Grasswren within the Project disturbance area. The species is not known to occur to the south or east of the Project area. Therefore, the Project is not considered likely to impact habitat connectivity for local populations of the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges). The Project-specific Draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (see Attachment F) incorporates measures to
• Minimise fauna impacts on and adjacent to the site, including a specific management actions to address the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) individuals or groups that may be resident onsite; and
• A comprehensive weed and pest management plan for the site and adjacent habitat to be carried out for the life of the Project. Table 6 assesses the potential impacts arising from the Whyalla Solar Farm project to the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) against the Guidelines for species listed as nationally Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. Table 6. Significant Impact Assessment: Amytornis textilis myall – Vulnerable
An action is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:
1. lead to a long-term The species is estimated to occur across an area of 600 km2 within an overall extent of decrease in the size of an 12,000 km2. The Project requires clearing up to 381.28 ha of habitat in which the important population of a species is known occur. This represents 0.64% of the estimated area in which the species species is thought to occur. There is abundant similar habitat and the species is known to occur in the surrounding region. There is no evidence to consider the individuals located in the Project area are isolated from those occurring in the surrounding area. Shading effects may impact adjacent habitat following the installation of the solar panels; however, this impact will be localised and minor. Following completion of the Project construction phase no further impacts to the species outside of the clearing area is expected. It is considered unlikely the Project will lead to a long-term decrease in an important population.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 16 2. reduce the area of The species is estimated to occur across an area of 600 km2 within an overall extent of occupancy of an important 12,000 km2. The Project requires clearing up to 381.28 ha of habitat in which the population species is known occur and is part of an ‘important population.’ This represents 0.64% of the estimated area in which the species is thought to occur. The Project is likely to reduce the area of occupancy of an important population.
3. fragment an existing The species is not known to occur to the immediate east or south of the Project area. important population into two There is abundant similar habitat adjacent to the west and north of the site and it is or more populations expected any individuals that are displaced by the Project works will relocate to these habitats. It is considered unlikely the Project will fragment an existing important population into two or more populations.
4. adversely affect habitat The Project requires clearing up to 381.28 ha of habitat in which the species is known critical to the survival of a occur. There is abundant similar habitat and the species is known to occur in the region species surrounding the Project area. There is no evidence to conclude the Project will clear habitat or impact adjacent habitat, that can be considered critical to the survival of the species.
5. disrupt the breeding cycle of Breeding behaviour is poorly known but likely occurs from June to September as with an important population other grasswren species. Where possible construction will be timed to occur outside of this time period. However, should construction occur during this period the Project is may disrupt the breeding cycle of individuals within or adjacent to the Project area.
6. modify, destroy, remove or The Project requires clearing up to 381.28 ha of habitat in which the species is known isolate or decrease the occur. There is abundant similar habitat to the west and north of the site and the availability or quality of species is known to occur in the surrounding region. The Project area is located on the habitat to the extent that the south-east edge of the species distribution and will not lead to isolation of suitable species is likely to decline habitat. Shading effects may impact adjacent habitat following the installation of the solar panels; however this impact will be localised and minor. Although there will be some overall loss of available habitat locally for this species it is considered unlikely this impact will be to the extent that the species is likely to decline.
7. result in invasive species The Project site currently has extensive weed cover. Ward’s Weed (Carrichtera annua) that are harmful to a was observed to occur across the site with a variable coverage of between 5% to 25%. vulnerable species becoming The Project EMP will incorporate measures to control the introduction and spread of established in the vulnerable weed species across the Project area. The measures will be in place for the life of the species’ habitat Project and will have an added benefit to adjacent lands. The Project is considered unlikely to result in invasive species becoming established in this species’ habitat.
8. introduce disease that may There are no known diseases affecting the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) that cause the species to decline are likely to be introduced during the project. The Project Draft EMP (Appendix F) incorporates the management of invasive species which will assist in the prevention of pest plant introduction and associated diseases resulting from Project activities. The Project is considered unlikely to introduce disease that may cause the species to decline.
9. interfere substantially with There is no Commonwealth recovery plan for this species. The Project area comprises the recovery of the species. established vegetation that is widespread in the surrounding area and contains a population of Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges). The Project is considered unlikely to interfere with the recovery of the species.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 17 3.1 (e)Listed migratory species
Description The Protected Matters Report for the Project identified a further 14 Migratory bird species with potential to occur within the Project area (Table 7). The BDBSA database search identified two bird species listed as Migratory as having previously been recorded from the wider area: Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and Ruff (Philomachus pugnax). The Project does not occur within or adjacent to any Ramsar sites, but is approximately 3 km from coastal habitat associated with False Bay which includes the Whyalla Saltfields. This area is part of the Upper Spencer Gulf wetland complex which is recognised as a Wetland of National Importance. The eastern portion of False Bay is also located within the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park. The Whyalla Saltfields may be considered an important area for migratory shorebirds with high numbers of threatened and/or migratory wader species having been recorded during surveys over several years including Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatorola), Red Knot, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) and Curlew Sandpiper (source data from Lane 1983; 1987; and Wilson 2000). No species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act were recorded during the September/October 2016 site survey and there is no suitable habitat for wetland species on or adjacent to the site.
Table 7: Migratory species Common Name Scientific Name Potential to Occur Likelihood of Occurrence Migratory Marine Birds Likely. Wide ranging aerial species, which migrates Species or species from the northern hemisphere to Australia. May be Apus pacificus habitat likely to occur Fork-tailed Swift aerial visitor to the Project area in the summer within area months as suitable foraging habitat occurs. Migratory Terrestrial Birds Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Motacilla cinerea habitat may occur Grey Wagtail Project area. within area Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Motacilla flava habitat may occur Yellow Wagtail Project area. within area Migratory Wetland Birds Unlikely. No wetland habitat available in the Project Common Sandpiper N/A Actitis hypoleucos area. Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria habitat known to occur Project area. interpres within area Species or species Sharp-tailed Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Calidris habitat known to occur Sandpiper Project area. acuminata within area Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Sanderling habitat likely to occur Calidris alba Project area. within area Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Red-necked Stint habitat known to occur Calidris ruficollis Project area. within area Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Oriental Plover Charadrius habitat may occur Project area. veredus within area Species or species Latham's Snipe, Unlikely. No wetland habitat available in the Project Gallinago habitat may occur Japanese Snipe area. hardwickii within area Species or species Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Pin-tailed Snipe habitat known to occur Gallinago stenura Project area. within area Species or species Unlikely. No wetland or riverine habitat available in Eastern Osprey habitat known to occur Pandion cristatus the Project area. within area Species or species Philomachus Unlikely. No coastal wetland habitat available in the Ruff (Reeve) habitat known to occur pugnax Project area. within area
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 18 Species or species Common Unlikely. No wetland habitat available in the Project Tringa nebularia habitat known to occur Greenshank area. within area Species or species Unlikely. No wetland habitat available in the Project Marsh Sandpiper habitat known to occur Tringa stagnitils area. within area
There is no habitat suitable for migratory bird species associated with wetlands in or adjacent to the Project area. Aerial species such as Fork-tailed Swift may occur over heavily disturbed areas as well as natural habitats and will not be impacted by Project activities. No impacts to species listed as Migratory are expected to occur as a result of Project activities.
3.1 (f)Commonwealth marine area If the action is in the Commonwealth marine area, please complete 3.2(c) instead. This section is for actions taken outside the Commonwealth marine area that may have impacts on that area.) Description There are no Commonwealth marine areas present within the Project area or within a 10 km radius of the designated Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact on any Commonwealth Marine Areas.
3.1 (g)Commonwealth land (If the action is on Commonwealth land, please complete 3.2(d) instead. This section is for actions taken outside Commonwealth land that may have impacts on that land).
Description There are six areas of Commonwealth land identified as present within a 10 km radius of the Project area by the Protected Matters Search tool. These include four areas associated with Department of Defence lands: the Cultana Training Area, El Alamein Base at Port Augusta, Whyalla Training Depot and AIRTC Whyalla. Another area is associated with the Australian National Railways Commission. There is no Commonwealth land within the Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact on Commonwealth Land.
3.1 (h)The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Description The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) is not present within or close to the Project area.
Nature and extent of likely impact The Project is not anticipated to impact the GBRMP.
3.1 (i)A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development or large coal mining development Description Not applicable
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 19 3.2Nuclear actions, actions taken by the Commonwealth (or Commonwealth agency), actions taken in a Commonwealth marine area, actions taken on Commonwealth land, or actions taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
3.2 (a) Is the proposed action a nuclear action? No Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment
3.2 (b) Is the proposed action to be taken by the No Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment
3.2 (c) Is the proposed action to be taken in a No Commonwealth marine area? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(f))
3.2 (d) Is the proposed action to be taken on No Commonwealth land? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(g))
3.2 (e) Is the proposed action to be taken in the No Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Yes (provide details below) If yes, nature & extent of likely impact on the whole environment (in addition to 3.1(h))
3.3 Description of the proposed action area and affected area for the proposed action
3.3 (a)Flora and fauna Refer to section 3.1 (d).
3.3 (b)Hydrology, including water flows
The Project is situated in the catchment of the Spencer Gulf Basin, which spans an area of approximately 10,835 km2. There are no permanent watercourses within the Upper Spencer Basin and the catchment is dominated by ephemeral creeks and drainage lines. The majority of these creeks do not discharge into the Spencer Gulf but dissipate in the flat terrain with permeable soils. Surface water that dissipates in the flat terrain is lost due to high evaporation and seepage (DEWNR 2015). Watercourses to the east of the Project site discharge to the Spencer Gulf. The Project is located within the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Region, one of the driest regions in Australia (Department of Water 2010). The region is described as being arid to semi-arid due to the sparse vegetation, erodible soil characteristics and the ephemeral nature of the regions watercourses (only flow following significant rainfall events).
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 20 Surface water resources within this area are scarce due to the low rainfall and high evaporation rates (Department of Water 2010). Mapping indicates a single watercourse intersecting the southern boundary of the Project area near the nominal location for the substation. A site investigation, conducted on 28 October 2016, confirmed this is a minor drainage line and not a watercourse (i.e. with a defined bed and bank). This feature will only convey flow during high precipitation events and was generally indistinguishable from the surrounding landscape. Two unnamed and ephemeral watercourses were identified south-west of the Project area (see Figure 9). These flow in an easterly direction towards the industrial estate to south of the Project. The watercourses do not have a defined path to an ocean outlet and they initially discharge at an excavated and bunded area (depression) north of the Industrial Estate, which stores excess runoff until it evaporates or infiltrates. The first of the two unnamed watercourses to the south is likely to receive runoff from the Project area. There was no standing water identified within the Project area during the site investigation. There are two hills located west of the Project site, which form a catchment divide and direct runoff across the site in an easterly direction towards the Lincoln Highway. There was a single culvert underneath the Lincoln Highway identified 0.5 km north of the Project area, but there was an absence of significant culvert structures to demonstrate high runoff rates. The absence of culvert structures along the Lincoln Highway is evidence that surface runoff rarely occurs to any significant degree. Assessment of topographical contour data (City of Whyalla 2016) revealed typical gradients of less than 1% across the Project area. Such flat gradients contribute to the absence of defined drainage features as any runoff will likely sheet across the surface, evaporate or infiltrate the soils.
3.3 (c)Soil and vegetation characteristics
A review of the Geological mapping at 1:250,000 scale for the Port Augusta map sheet (Geoscience Australia 1968) indicates that across most of the site geological conditions consist of Undifferentiated Quaternary profiles including red brown sand and clay soils which are underlain by exposed Bakara calcrete and Rippon calcrete (see Figure 10). In higher elevations to the north-west and south-west, the Proterozoic-aged bedrock of the Pandurra Formation outcrops, which comprises medium-grained and gritty red sandstones. This outcropping is evident at Mt Laura and the surrounding hills. The current soil mapping products in South Australia do not extend to the Project area, being focussed on the agricultural regions further to the south. The Australian Soil Resource Information System (ASRIS) (Level 4 data) is not ground-truthed in this area but indicates that three soil types occur across the Project area, these types are identified in Table 8 and shown on Figure 10. Table 8: Indicative Soils in the Project Area (ASRIS) Soil Type Features . Often occurs in limited to wet drainage depressions, low lying narrow coastal plains and seepage areas on lower slopes; Hydrosols . Saturated for 2-3 months or more due to site or tidal influences; and . Extent increasing due to human influences. . Occur in low rainfall, arid and semi-arid regions; Calcarosols . Contain calcium carbonate as soft or hard white fragments or as a solid layer; and . Limitations include shallow depth, low water retention and wind erosion. . Usually associated with a dry climate; Sodosols . Abrupt clay increase down the profile and have high sodium content; and . Will generally hardset when dry. Sodosols mapped by ASRIS coincide with the outcropping Pandura Formation and likely consist of red-brown sandy surface soils. The remainder of the Project area is likely to contain Calcarosols. While ASRIS indicates that Hydrosols may be present along part of the eastern edge of the Project area, the landscape does not appear conducive to prolonged periods of saturation. Soils in the area may comprise highly calcareous, pale brown sandy clay of low plasticity overlying red-brown sandy clay of medium to high plasticity. Laboratory tests confirm that the clays are medium and high plasticity, non-dispersive and have low to moderate potential to undergo shrink swell movements (Aztec Analysis 2016).
3.3 (d)Outstanding natural features There are no outstanding natural features documented for the Project area.
3.3 (e)Remnant native vegetation Refer to section 3.1 (e).
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 21 3.3 (f)Gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area)
The regional topography is considered relatively flat. Topography of the Project area is generally flat with a slight elevation from 21 m Australian Height Datum (AHD) on the eastern boundary to a maximum height of 55 m AHD on the north-eastern boundary.
3.3 (g)Current state of the environment
Refer to section 3.1 (d).
3.3 (h)Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values
There are no Commonwealth Heritage Places within the Project area or Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) within close proximity to the Project.
3.3 (i)Indigenous heritage values
The Cultural Heritage body for the Project area are the Barngarla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). The Barngarla people have a current Native Title claim over a large section of the Eyre Peninsula in which the Project area occurs. A review of the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects identified an Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (AAR) cultural heritage site is located approximately 3 km south-west of the Project area. As the Project area is on freehold land, Native Title has been extinguished; however, Adani have proactively consulted with BAC, including the CEO Elliot McNamara. Adani have also met with four Indigenous elders during a site survey. On 26 September 2016, a Heritage Clearance Agreement (HCA) between Adani and the BAC was approved. As part of the HCA, a field survey was completed which included members of the BAC, a cultural heritage expert and an independent heritage consultant. The field survey was undertaken through vehicle transects and on-foot inspections, with the aim to assess as much exposed ground surface in the Project as possible as well as to identify potential for any concealed Aboriginal archaeological sites. The following conclusions were made from the field survey: • No Aboriginal heritage sites were identified, except for the site described below; • No significant, or potentially significant, non-Indigenous heritage places or objects were identified; and • A creek line located within the Project area was identified by the Barngarla women as holding significance due to its mention in the Seven Sisters Dreaming Story. However, upon review of the development plans, representatives of the BAC were satisfied with the level of impact proposed on site (Robins and Fowler 2016). 3.3 (j)Other important or unique values of the environment
The Project is located approximately 3 km from coastal habitat associated with False Bay which includes the Whyalla Saltfields. False Bay is part of the Upper Spencer Gulf wetland complex which is recognised as a Wetland of National Importance. The eastern portion of False Bay is also located within the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park. The Whyalla Saltfields may be considered an important area for migratory shorebirds with high numbers of threatened and/or migratory wader species having been recorded during surveys over several years including Grey Plover, Red Knot, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper (Source data from Lane 1983; 1987; and Wilson 2000). Whyalla Conservation Park is located directly adjacent to the northern boundary of the Project area and the Mount Laura Protected Area abuts the western boundary of the Project area (Figure 1).
3.3 (k)Tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold) Freehold - refer to section 1.6.
3.3 (l)Existing uses of area of proposed action
Under the Development Plan, the land is zoned as Industrial; however, the existing land use is described as vacant and is bordered by a conservation reserve to the north, utilities/industry to the east, vacant urban land to the south and further reserve to the west (Government of South Australia 2016). A disused dairy farm is located immediately south of the Project and historically the area was utilised for limited stock grazing followed by the purchase of the land by BHP as a buffer zone and a stormwater harvesting project for re-use in the smelter. During the period of BHP ownership, the proposed conservation area was utilised by off road vehicles (ORV’s) which has left a legacy of eroding tracks predominately in the south-western area (Bebbington 2007).
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 22 The Project land has an expired mineral exploration lease over it, and is not encumbered by any mining or petroleum tenements or applications. There are signs of illegal vehicular and dumping activities and a feature in the eastern part of the site indicated previous use for a borrow pit.
3.3 (m)Any proposed uses of area of proposed action There are no other current land uses proposed for the Project area.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 23 4 Environmental outcomes It is not anticipated that there would be significant impact to the following MNES as a result of the Project: • World Heritage values of a declared World Heritage property. No World Heritage Properties occur in or immediately adjacent to the proposed disturbance area; • National Heritage values of a National Heritage Place. No National Heritage Values occur in or immediately adjacent to the proposed disturbance area; • Declared Ramsar wetland. No Ramsar wetlands occur in or immediately adjacent to the proposed disturbance area; • Commonwealth marine area. No Commonwealth marine areas occur in or immediately adjacent to the proposed disturbance area; and • Commonwealth land. No Commonwealth land occurs in or immediately adjacent to the proposed disturbance area. No listed flora or TECs were identified during floristic surveys undertaken within the Project area. Fauna surveys undertaken within the broader study area have confirmed the presence of Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. Adani does not anticipate there will be significant impacts to listed migratory species. There is no habitat suitable for Migratory wetland bird species in or adjacent to the Project area. Aerial species such as Fork-tailed Swift may occur over heavily disturbed areas and will not be impacted by activities associated with the Project. Adani anticipates that under the Guidelines (refer Table 6) there is likely to be significant impacts to Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) largely through clearing of suitable habitat and potential edge effects from shading to adjacent suitable habitat by installed solar panels on 381.28 ha of suitable habitat in which the species has been found to occur. There may also be significant impacts to breeding for the species should construction works be carried out during breeding activity. Refer to proposed measures to reduce potential impacts in Section 5. 5 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts Mitigation measures have been developed to minimise impacts associated with construction and operation of the Project, including: • Minimising the disturbance footprint, where feasible, during the detailed Project design phase; • Prevent or minimising disturbance from Project construction and operations to adjacent habitat, outside the Project area, suitable for Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges); • Detailed species management actions for Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges), with site activities to be carried out by qualified professionals, to ensure individuals existing on the site are allowed to move offsite unharmed. This will include:
o Pre-clearing fauna spotter survey to identify individuals or groups using the site, and shift them into neighbouring areas prior to clearing
o Follow-up monitoring survey post construction in the adjacent Mt Laura Conservation Area and Whyalla Conservation Park to ascertain the local extent of the species in adjacent habitat and potential success of shifted individuals
o Monitoring results will contribute to an ‘adaptive management’ strategy to minimise impacts to adjacent populations should any be found to be occurring; and
o Implement weed and pest control measures. The above management strategies would be implemented during the detailed design, construction and operational phases of the Project and established within the Project EMP. Further strategies and measures to avoid or reduce impacts are detailed below. Disturbance to Habitat for Threatened Species The Project EMP will incorporate subplans specifically to minimise impacts to Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) and Slender-billed Thornbill habitat. Measures will focus on ameliorating threats to the species where possible and managing or enhancing suitable habitats, and will include: • During construction earthworks a qualified fauna spotter will be present at all times. If individuals or populations are discovered, they will be relocated to areas of suitable habitat;
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 24 • Habitat adjacent to the Project construction works will be appropriately marked and flagged to avoid unnecessary clearing/vegetation damage, and necessary clearing will be undertaken in a sequential manner and in a way that directs fauna away from clearing activities. • Preparation of a site-specific Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for construction and Stormwater Management Plan during operation. These will aim to prevent or limit adverse runoff impacts affecting surrounding habitat; and • Monitoring of feral populations or potential predators of the species during construction, and implementation of a control program if necessary. Direct Fauna Mortality To minimise potential fauna mortality the following measures will be implemented: • Prior to any vegetation/earthwork disturbance, a suitably qualified fauna spotter/handler will be on-site to identify and remove fauna (if required). Where soil has been disturbed it will be inspected by the suitably qualified professional for buried (resident) fauna; and • Fauna crossing signs will be erected in trafficked zones where fauna crossing areas have been identified to warn drivers (e.g. the access road); and • Appropriate speed limits will also be in place in trafficked areas to minimise fauna strike. The measures implemented above will reduce direct impact to fauna values. Once implemented the residual impact to fauna population in the Project area is considered low. Noise It is not anticipated that noise will have an effect on the fauna population due to the low noise levels associated with the Project. However, a suite of mitigation measures are proposed to further reduce noise impacts: • All engine covers will be kept closed while equipment is operating; • Machines and plant will be switched off when not in use and not left running unnecessarily; • As far as reasonably practicable, sources of significant noise will been enclosed • Generally, work will be restricted to daylight hours; however some critical path work will progress over night shifts. Rehabilitation Progressive rehabilitation will aim to stabilise and return the natural vegetation communities where possible to minimise impacts on site ecosystem function and services. Rehabilitation will focus on the replanting of Chenopod vegetation in exposed areas disturbed during construction (such as access tracks) and potentially between panels where the site layout allows. This may provide foraging habitat for the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) on the site. Site stabilisation will be undertaken progressively during works, to ensure that soils are stabilised as soon as practical minimising the risk of sedimentation and erosion. Temporary erosion and sediment control devices will be removed after rehabilitation works have been completed on more than 90 % of the contributing catchment or where site stabilisation has been achieved to a standard where the erosion risk is removed as far as practicable. Disturbance to areas under solar PV panels will be minimised as far as possible in order to retain natural ground cover.In the event areas are not revegetated and/or control methods are not effective seeding will be considered when the seasonal circumstance (temperature and soil moisture profiles) will result in a successful seed strike if applied.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 25 6 Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts
6.1 Do you THINK your proposed action is a controlled action?
No, complete section 5.2 Yes, complete section 5.3
6.2 Proposed action IS NOT a controlled action
As per content of the referral regarding populations and habitat for the Western Grasswren (Gawler Ranges) in the region.
6.3 Proposed action IS a controlled action
Matters likely to be significantly impacted World Heritage values (sections 12 and 15A) National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C) Wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B) Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A) Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A) Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A) Commonwealth marine environment (sections 23 and 24A) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B and 24C) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development (sections 24D and 24E) Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A) Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions (section 28) Commonwealth Heritage places overseas (sections 27B and 27C)
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 26 7 Environmental record of the person proposing to take the action Yes No 7.1 Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible environmental management?
Provide details The Proponent (Adani Infrastructure Pty Ltd) has adhered to its regulatory responsibilities in association with its activities. The Proponent has not been the subject of any environmental legal proceedings that have resulted in fines or prosecution.
7.2 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 against: (a) the person proposing to take the action, or (b) if a permit has been applied for in relation to the action - the person making the application.
No, both Adani Infrastructure and the Australian parent companies not been subject to any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law.
If yes, provide details
7.3 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of the corporation’s environmental policy and planning framework and if and how the framework applies to the action.
See Attachment D.
7.4 Has the party taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?
Provide name of proposal and EPBC reference number (if known) Adani Infrastructure Pty Ltd (the Party taking the action) has not previously referred an action under the EPBC Act. Referrals have been made under separate Adani entities.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 27 8 Information sources and attachments
8.1 References
AECOM Australia 2011, ‘Cultana Expansion Area Public Environmental Report. Vegetation, flora and fauna technical report.’ Prepared for Department of Defense – 7 July 2011. AECOM Australia, Darwin.
Aztec Analysis, 2016, Geotechnical Investigation – Proposed Solar Farm Whyalla, Prepared for Adani Infrastructure Pty Ltd, 12 December 2016.
Barrett, G., A. Silcocks, S. Barry, R. Cunningham & R. Poulter 2003. The New Atlas of Australian Birds. Melbourne, Victoria: Birds Australia.
Bebbington, L. (2007), City of Whyalla Mount Laura Conservation Reserve – Native Vegetation Management Plan. Corporation of the City of Whyalla.
Black, A, Carpenter, G and Pedler, L 2009. ‘Distribution and habitats of the Thick-Billed Grasswren Amytornis textilis, subspecies myall’, South Australian Ornithologist, vol. 35, pp. 161 – 177.
Black, A., Carpenter, G. and Pedler, L. 2011. ‘Distribution and habitats of the Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis modestus and comparison with the Western Grasswren Amytornis textilis myall in South Australia.’ South Australian Ornithologist, vol. 37, pp. 60 – 80.
Brooker, B.M. (1998a) A comparison of the ecology of an assemblage of ground-dwelling birds in an arid environment. Ph.D. Thesis, Murdoch University, Perth.
City of Whyalla Council 2016, Development Plan: Whyalla Council – Consolidated 8 September 2016.
Department of the Environment (DotE) 2013. Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Department of the Environment, Canberra.
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2016. Amytornis textilis myall in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat.
Department of State Development 2016 (DSD), Labour market information and statistics, Department of State Development, Government of South Australia, viewed 14 December 2016. Accessed at: http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/workforce-information/labour-market.
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) 2015, Draft Strategic Plan for the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Region 2017 - 2026, Government of South Australia, viewed 11 November 2016, http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/eyrepeninsula/about-us/our-regions-plan/spencer.
Department of Water 2010, Non-Prescribed Groundwater Resources assessment – Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Region, Government of South Australia, viewed 11 November 2016, https://www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au/Content/Publications/DEWNR/EP_NRM_Non- prescribed_GW_Assessment_2011.pdf.
EBS Ecology 2016, ‘Whyalla Solar Farm. Baseline Ecological Report.’ Report prepared for LBW/ ep, EBS Ecology, Adelaide.
Garnett ST, Szabo JK and Dutson G 2011. The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria.
Geoscience Australia, 1968, Geological Mapping from Australia 1:2500 000 Geological Series – ‘Port Augusta’, Geoscience Australia. Government of South Australia 2017, South Australia’s Energy Plan, viewed 22 March 2017, http://ourenergyplan.sa.gov.au/assets/our-energy-plan-sa-web.pdf.
Higgins, P.J., J.M. Peter & W.K. Steele (Eds) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume Five - Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
001 Referral of proposed action v October 2016 Page 28 Lane, BA 1983. ‘Aerial surveys in South Australia – summer 1983.’ Australasian Wader Studies Group, Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne.
Lane BA 1987. Shorebirds in Australia, Nelson, Melbourne.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) 2014. Conservation Advice for Amytornis textilis myall western grasswren (Gawler Ranges). Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/64454-conservation-advice.pdf.
Wilson, JR 2000. ‘South Australian Wader Surveys. January and February 2000.’ Australasian Wader Studies Group, Melbourne and South Australian Ornithological Association, Adelaide. 8.2 Reliability and date of information
The information in Section 3.0 was based on a comprehensive field study of the terrestrial habitat within and adjacent to the Project disturbance area during September and October 2012, and February 2016 (EBS 2017). A review of the current (as of December 2016) relevant State and Commonwealth databases (refer to Section 3.1) was used to inform this assessment. All information relied on in the development of this referral has been sources from established, reliable sources. Refer to Section 8.1 for the relevant sources. 8.3 Attachments attached Title of attachment(s) You must attach figures, maps or aerial photographs Figure 1 – Project Location showing the locality of the project (section Figure 4 – Site Coordinates
1) GIS file delineating the boundary of the Attachment E referral area (section 1) figures, maps or aerial photographs Figure 1 – Project Location showing the location of the proposed action Figure 6 – Ground-Truthed in respect to any matters of national Vegetation Associated with the environmental significance or important Project Area features of the environments (section 3) If relevant, attach copies of any state or local government approvals and consent conditions (section 2.5) copies of any completed assessments to meet state or local government approvals
and outcomes of public consultations, if available (section 2.6) copies of any flora and fauna investigations Attachment B – Whyalla Solar and surveys (section 3) Farm Baseline Ecological Report technical reports relevant to the Attachment B – Whyalla Solar assessment of impacts on protected Farm Baseline Ecological Report matters that support the arguments and conclusions in the referral (section 3) conclusions in the referral (section 3 and 4) report(s) on any public consultations undertaken, including with Indigenous stakeholders (section 3)
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