environmental
management
EPBC Act Referral Submission
J.I.A Estate Holdings Pty Ltd Old North Road, Bellmere
6794 December 2016
001 Referral of proposed action v May 2014 Page 1 of 48
Referral of proposed action
Proposed action title: Old North Road, Bellmere
1 Summary of proposed action NOTE: You must also attach a map/plan(s) and associated geographic information system (GIS) vector (shapefile) dataset showing the location and approximate boundaries of the area in which the project is to occur. Maps in A4 size are preferred. You must also attach a map(s)/plan(s) showing the location and boundaries of the project area in respect to any features identified in 3.1 & 3.2, as well as the extent of any freehold, leasehold or other tenure identified in 3.3(i).
1.1 Short description The proposed action relates to a master planned residential development at Bellmere, located approximately 7.5 km west of Caboolture and 42 km north-west of Brisbane CBD. The referral area covers approximately 409 ha and is located in the Queensland Government declared Caboolture West Master Planned Area. Main land uses within the development include medium density and low density residential, roads, and parks. The development will be generally in accordance with the Caboolture West Local Plan.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 1 of 71 1.2 Latitude and longitude Table 1: Referral Area Coordinates Latitude and longitude details ID Longitude Latitude are used to accurately map the 1 152°52'21" E 27°05'13" S boundary of the proposed action. If these coordinates are 2 152°52'24" E 27°05'15" S inaccurate or insufficient it may delay the processing of your 3 152°52'22" E 27°05'31" S referral. 4 152°52'19" E 27°05'46" S
5 152°52'34" E 27°05'48" S 6 152°52'31" E 27°06'01" S 7 152°52'29" E 27°06'15" S 8 152°52'26" E 27°06'14" S 9 152°52'23" E 27°06'30" S 10 152°52'20" E 27°06'34" S 11 152°52'22" E 27°06'35" S 12 152°52'20" E 27°06'47" S 13 152°52'35" E 27°06'49" S 14 152°52'50" E 27°06'51" S 15 152°52'44" E 27°06'56" S 16 152°52'30" E 27°06'57" S 17 152°52'21" E 27°06'58" S 18 152°52'12" E 27°07'07" S 19 152°52'04" E 27°07'04" S 20 152°51'50" E 27°07'09" S 21 152°51'40" E 27°07'15" S 22 152°51'31" E 27°07'18" S 23 152°51'30" E 27°07'04" S 24 152°51'40" E 27°07'01" S 25 152°51'42" E 27°06'58" S 26 152°51'39" E 27°06'49" S 27 152°51'40" E 27°06'46" S 28 152°51'48" E 27°06'40" S 29 152°51'48" E 27°06'30" S 30 152°51'48" E 27°06'30" S 31 152°51'49" E 27°06'19" S 32 152°51'42" E 27°06'09" S 33 152°51'43" E 27°05'55" S 34 152°51'36" E 27°05'44" S 35 152°51'39" E 27°05'38" S 36 152°51'46" E 27°05'33" S 37 152°51'46" E 27°05'27" S 38 152°52'03" E 27°05'10" S 39 152°52'07" E 27°05'09" S 40 152°52'14" E 27°05'12" S
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 2 of 71
1.3 Locality and property description Provide a brief physical description of the property on which the proposed action will take place and the project location (eg. proximity to major towns, or for off-shore projects, shortest distance to mainland). Contextually, the referral is located approximately 42 km north of Brisbane City and 7.5 km west of Caboolture CBD. The site makes up 409 ha of the 6,500 ha Queensland Government Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DILGP) declared Caboolture West Master Planned Area (Caboolture West MPA) (refer Plan 1 ). The MPA was gazetted on 17 February 2012 and is located adjacent to the urban footprint within the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 (SEQRP). Caboolture West MPA is recognised as an Identified Growth Area in the SEQRP and is intended to accommodate significant long-term growth in the Moreton Bay region. Development of the site is subject to the provisions of the Caboolture West Local Plan which designates the referral area as Urban Living and Green Network (refer Plan 2 ).
The referral area is bound by the Caboolture River to the south, Old North Road to the west, and Bellmere Road to the north. The site is surrounded by rural and rural residential properties (including immediately east of the site), which have been predominately cleared of vegetation for historic and current agricultural land uses.
The site is comprised of four large rural allotments and is predominately cleared of vegetation. Retained vegetation on-site is limited to vegetated strips along drainage features and patches within the north-eastern portion of the site. Refer to Figure 1 for site context and Figure 2 for site aerial.
1.4 Size of the development The referral area covers 409.7 hectares. footprint or work area (hectares) 1.5 Street address of the site 649 Old North Road, Bellmere, QLD 4510
1.6 Lot description Describe the lot numbers and title description, if known. Lot 2 on RP197793 (91.82 ha) – Freehold Lot 99 on C311684 (117.865 ha) – Freehold Lot 98 on C311684 (62.784 ha) – Freehold Lot 14 on C31239 (137.188 ha) – Freehold 1.7 Local Government Area and Council contact (if known) If the project is subject to local government planning approval, provide the name of the relevant council contact officer. Moreton Bay Regional Council - Contact: Stewart Pentland Director Panning and Economic Development Moreton Bay Regional Council 2 Hasking Street Caboolture Q 4510 1.8 Time frame Specify the time frame in which the action will be taken including the estimated start date of construction/operation. The proposed action will commence on receipt of necessary approvals and in-line with the sequence of adjoining developments (anticipated commencement late 2017). Once commenced, the project has a predicted currency of a 8-10 year timeframe subject to market conditions and sales rates.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 3 of 71 1.9 Alternatives to proposed X No action There are no feasible alternatives to the proposed action. This is primarily Were any feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action based on the site’s strategic designation within the Caboolture West MPA (including not taking the action) and Caboolture West Local Plan and Urban Living. The proposal has been considered but are not designed in accordance with planning and land use intent for the site by proposed? Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC ) and is consistent with development intent of the Caboolture West Local Plan which has been subject to extensive State and Local planning inputs. Any alternatives would extend beyond the land ownership boundaries of the proponent and would be in conflict with strategic planning intent.
Yes, you must also complete section 2.2 1.10 Alternative time frames etc X No Does the proposed action There are no alternative timeframes proposed. include alternative time frames, locations or activities? 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 3.3 (where relevant). 1.11 Commonwealth, State or X No Territory assessment The action is not subject to a Commonwealth environmental impact Is the action subject to a state or territory environmental assessment. impact assessment? Yes, you must also complete Section 2.5
1.12 Component of larger action X No Is the proposed action a The action is not related to other proposals in the area. While the referral component of a larger action? area is located within the broader Caboolture West MPA, the proponent has no control or influence over surrounding parcels of land within the balance of the MPA.
Yes, you must also complete Section 2.7 1.13 Related actions/proposals X No Is the proposed action related to The action is not related to other proposals in the area. Development other actions or proposals in the region (if known)? approvals exist surrounding the development, however, they are the subject of different uses, separate approvals, and different land ownership. Yes, provide details: 1.14 Australian Government X No funding The proponent has not received Commonwealth Government funding for Has the person proposing to take the action received any the project. Australian Government grant Yes, provide details: funding to undertake this project? 1.15 Great Barrier Reef Marine X No Park The proposed action is not inside or adjoining to the Great Barrier Reef Is the proposed action inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Marine Park. Yes, you must also complete Section 3.1 (h), 3.2 (e)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 4 of 71 2 Detailed description of proposed action NOTE: It is important that the description is complete and includes all components and activities associated with the action. If certain related components are not intended to be included within the scope of the referral, this should be clearly explained in section 2.7.
2.1 Description of proposed action The proposed action relates to the construction and operation of a master planned residential development at Bellmere, within the Caboolture West MPA. The proposed development will be consistent with the planning controls under the Caboolture West Local Plan and Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015. On 17 February 2012, the Caboolture West was declared by the Queensland Government as a Master Planned Area under the provisions of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 . Caboolture West MPA is recognised as an Identified Growth Area, which is close to the Caboolture Morayfield Principal Activity Centre and adjoins the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 Urban Footprint (refer Plan 1 ).
The Caboolture West MPA is located within the MBRC Local Government Area and thus this declaration signalled the start of a comprehensive planning process to include Caboolture West into MBRC ’s new planning scheme (gazetted on 27 November 2015). The Caboolture West Local Plan forms part of the Moreton Bay Regional Planning Scheme 2015 . All land within the Caboolture West Local Plan is within the Emerging Communities Zone in the planning scheme. The Local Plan then divides the Caboolture West area into five local plan precincts and 15 sub-precincts. The referral site is predominately located within the Urban Living Precinct and contains areas mapped as being within the Green Network Precinct (refer Plan 2 ).
The proposed development at Bellmere is generally consistent with the Caboolture West Local Plan. The following land uses are proposed within the project site:
Low density residential properties; Medium density residential properties; Park areas; Trunk and non-trunk roads; and Other infrastructure associated with the proposed development, and in line with planning intent.
The referral area adjoins the rural and rural residential properties and is bound by the Caboolture River to the south, Old North Road (arterial road) to the west, and Bellmere Road (local collector) to the north. More broadly, the site is located approximately 4.5 km south of D’Aguilar Highway, 7.5 km west of the North Coast Rail Line and Morayfield Station, and 2 km west of Sheep Station Creek Environmental Park. Surrounding suburbs of Upper Caboolture (to the east, Moorina and Rocksberg (to the south), Campbells Pocket (to the west) and Wamuran (to the north) reflect a mixture or rural and rural residential subject to historical broad scale clearing.
The site is anticipated to be developed over multiple stages across an 8-10 year timeframe. Construction is expected to commence upon the approvals pertaining to this referral and the required planning approvals with State and Local Government, and will continue in accordance with development demand.
The key statistics for this action are: Referral Area = 409.7 ha Development Footprint = (up to) 300.8 ha Total Area of Green Space = 69.42 ha Area of Offset Site = 8.23 ha Area of Caboolture River Buffer: 31.25 ha
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 5 of 71 For the purpose of this referral, the environmental impacts and potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) as a result of the action can be summarised as:
Establishment of a master planned development covering 409 ha, which will result in no clearing of mapped remnant vegetation on-site; Retention of almost all vegetation which achieves the Koala Referral Guideline criteria to be considered critical habitat for the survival of the Koala; Development near a Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) that provides habitat for the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus ), however, no clearing within or abutting this TEC habitat is proposed, and a 100 m buffer between the TEC and the development is proposed; Loss of habitat and increased fragmentation; Earthworks to establish new roads, allotments, drainage patterns, and other required infrastructure; Increase in domestic animal ownership and number of exotic garden plant species in the area; and Increase in hardstand and stormwater run-off in close proximity to Caboolture River.
2.2 Feasible alternatives to taking the proposed action
There are no alternatives to the proposed action (refer to Response to 1.9 ). 2.3 Alternative locations, time frames or activities that form part of the referred action
There are no alternative locations, time frames, or activities proposed (refer to Response 1.10 ).
2.4 Context, including any relevant planning framework and state/local government requirements
The proposed action is located in Bellmere, within the Caboolture West MPA. The action is subject to the provisions of the Caboolture West Local Plan which is administered by MBRC and sets out the broader planning framework for land within the MPA.
The site is zoned as Emerging Communities in the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015 and within the Urban Living and Green Network Precincts within the Caboolture West Local Plan. Future applications will be assessed against the provisions contained within the planning scheme, and more specifically within the Local Plan.
The proponent is in the process of obtaining all State and Local Government approvals for the project.
2.5 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation
The project has not been subject to an environmental impact assessment (refer to Response 1.11 ).
2.6 Public consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders)
The Caboolture West Local Plan was adopted as part of the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015 and was subject to extensive public consultation during its design phase in accordance with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 . The planning and consultation process incorporated a wide range of issues and considerations including:
Environmental and ecological values; Agriculture and strategic cropping land; Housing needs; Future employment and business needs; Infrastructure requirements (public transport, roads, water, sewerage and stormwater); Parks, open space and community uses; and Economic and financial impacts.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 6 of 71
Input was sought from key stakeholders through the multiple stages throughout the project, and assisted in forming the vision and strategies contained in the Plan. During the process, the community was also kept up to date through periodic updates on the Caboolture West webpage, public information sessions, and Councillor newsletters distributed in the area.
Public notification will be conducted as required, as part of the EPBC Referral process or any further approvals.
2.7 A staged development or component of a larger project
The proposed action is not part of a staged development or a component of a larger project. Refer to Responses 1.12 & 1.13 .
2.8 Related Actions
The proposed action is not related to another action. Refer to Responses 1.12 & 1.13 .
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 7 of 71 3 Description of environment & likely impacts
3.1 Matters of national environmental significance Describe the affected area and the likely impacts of the proposal, emphasising the relevant matters protected by the EPBC Act. Refer to relevant maps as appropriate. The interactive map tool can help determine whether matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by the EPBC Act are likely to occur in your area of interest.
Your assessment of likely impacts should refer to the following resources (available from the Department’s web site): • specific values of individual World Heritage properties and National Heritage places and the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands; • profiles of relevant species/communities (where available), that will assist in the identification of whether there is likely to be a significant impact on them if the proposal proceeds; • Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance ; and • associated sectoral and species policy statements available on the web site, as relevant.
Your assessment of likely impacts should consider whether a bioregional plan is relevant to your proposal. The Minister has prepared four marine bioregional plans (MBP) in accordance with section 176. It is likely that the MBP’s will be more commonly relevant where listed threatened species, listed migratory species or a Commonwealth marine area is considered.
Note that even if your proposal will not be taken in a World Heritage area, Ramsar wetland, Commonwealth marine area, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park or on Commonwealth land, it could still impact upon these areas (for example, through downstream impacts). Consideration of likely impacts should include both direct and indirect impacts.
3.1 (a) World Heritage Properties
Description Not applicable. The site does not contain, and is not located within close proximity to, listed World Heritage Properties – refer to Attachment 1 – PMST Results .
Nature and extent of likely impact Not applicable.
3.1 (b) National Heritage Places
Description Not applicable. The site does not contain, and is not located within close proximity to, listed National Heritage Places refer to Attachment 1 – PMST Results .
Nature and extent of likely impact Not applicable.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 8 of 71 3.1 (c) Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar wetlands)
Description Response 3.1 (c) The site is located 16 km upstream of Moreton Bay, a Ramsar Wetland.
Nature and extent of likely impact
The extent of impacts upon Moreton Bay is likely to be negligible given the site’s location is approximately 16 kilometres west of Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland. The Caboolture River bounds the southern portion of the site, and the site contains a number of drainage features which flow into Caboolture River. It is noted that before reaching Moreton Bay, the water flowing through the Caboolture River system flows through a heavily developed and urbanised catchment, including through Bellmere and Caboolture City areas. The large 468 km 2 Caboolture River Catchment contains a mix of urban and rural land uses, including grazing, poultry farms, and strawberry and pineapple farms, before connecting to Moreton Bay. The Healthy Waterway Report Card 2015 rated the catchment as C+ (Fair Condition – very high nutrient loads, however good riparian vegetation protecting overall stream health).
Given the compounding impacts from agricultural land use in the broader Caboolture, Morayfield, and Burpengary area, any stormwater flowing from the site, ultimately into Moreton Bay, would have an extremely minimal cumulative impact. In addition, stringent management measures will be implemented across the development site to ensure any sediment erosion and stormwater runoff from the development is captured and treated before being released into local waterways (refer to Response 3.3(b) ). Such management measures will also meet quality standards set by the relevant State and Local Government guidelines. It is not expected that the proposed action will impact on water quality within the Caboolture River. Additionally, it is considered unlikely that water flowing from the development site will significantly impact upon Moreton Bay.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 9 of 71 3.1 (d) Listed threatened species and ecological communities
Description MNES Desktop Assessment
A Protected Matters Search Tool using a five kilometre radius around the site identified the following matters protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) as having potential to occur on the site. A copy of the search results in contained within Attachment 1.
Two listed Threatened Ecological Communities: o Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (critically endangered) - community likely to occur in the area o White Box-Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland (critically endangered) - community likely to occur within the area Fifteen listed threatened flora species Twenty-three listed threatened fauna species
Senior ecologists from Saunders Havill Group have conducted multiple field surveys across the referral site, including:
EPBC Act Flora and Fauna Assessment (May 2016) Koala Surveys and Habitat Assessment (May 2016) Specific EPBC Act MNES Assessments (5-13 December 2016)
A copy of the field survey results is contained within the Ecological Assessment Report included as Attachment 2. The purpose of the assessments was to describe the general feature of the site and its surrounds, including habitat features, vegetation structure, and species occurrence, and to identify any Matters of National Environmental Significance present, or likely to utilise, the site and general area. Survey methods included:
General Searches & Species Identification – The site was walked to ensure all vegetation communities and species were recorded and identified. Particular attention was paid to any threatened species that were listed as possibly occurring on or within the vicinity of the application site and specific micro assemblages which may support these threatened species;
Observational Survey – Detailed observational surveys of the vertebrate fauna present on or that may utilise the study area, including faunal lists and significance status of species under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) that includes the Japan – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn Convention; and Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA);
Surveys targeting Koala were conducted, including:
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 10 of 71 o Direct observational surveys o SAT (Spot Assessment Technique) surveys and scat meanders o Koala Food Tree habitat assessments as per Australian Koala Foundation guidelines;
Specific surveys for Mixophyes iteratus – Potential habitat for this species was systematically surveyed as per EPBC Act guidelines;
Specific surveys for Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Threatened Ecological Community – Transects were conducted as per EPBC Act guidelines;
Identification – Identification of habitat values within the area relevant to terrestrial vertebrate fauna, including ecological corridors; and
Description – A description of the major fauna habitats present.
The results of the field assessment, along with desktop searches, review of previous consultant studies for the Caboolture West area and professional experience have been used to inform the likelihood of occurrence schedule in Table 2.
Table 2: Likelihood of Occurrence Schedule Listed Threatened Ecological Communities Name Status Type of Presence Description of Community Likelihood of Occurrence Site The Endangered RE 12.3.1 is mapped along the Caboolture River towards the site’s south eastern property boundary. Species observed within this portion of the river are consistent with the current Typically, there is a relatively low abundance of species from the genera regional ecosystem mapping and appear to meet This Threatened Ecological Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Casuarina. Buttresses are common as is an the condition thresholds of this TEC. It is also Lowland rainforest of Critically Community is listed as a Indicator abundance and diversity of vines. This community is usually associated noted that some species representing the species Subtropical Australia Endangered community that may occur Regional Ecosystems 12.3.1, 12.5.13, 12.8.3, 12.8.4, 12.8.13, 12.11.1, Endangered RE 12.3.1 were identified upstream of observed within the area. 12.11.10, 12.12.1, and 12.12.16. this mapped polygon and it is recognised the potential of larger areas being included as a TEC. 100 m buffers will be applied to the Caboolture River within the proposed development and so adverse impacts are considered unlikely. This threatened community is characterised by a species -rich White Box-Yellow Box- This Threatened Ecological understorey of native tussock grasses, herbs and scattered shrubs and Blakely's Red Gum No species representing these characteristics or Critically Community is listed as a the dominance of White Box, Yellow Box, or Blakely's Red gum trees. This Grassy Woodland and vegetation communities were observed within Not observed Endangered community likely to occur community is usually associated with Regional Ecosystem 11.8.2a, 11.8.8, Derived Native the assessment area. within the area. 11.9.9a, 13.3.1, 13.11.8, and 13.12.9. It can also be a small component of Grassland Regional Ecosystem 11.3.23, 12.8.16, 13.3.4, 13.11.3 and 13.11.4. Birds
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 11 of 71 EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code Regent Honeyeaters mostly occur in dry Box-Ironbark Eucalypt The majority of this site has historically been woodland and dry sclerophyll forest associations in areas of low to cleared of remnant vegetation communities. Only moderate relief, wherein they prefer moister, more fertile sites. These minimal number of larger mature trees present for Regent Critically areas are generally associated with creek flats and river valleys and foraging for this species. Riparian areas are highly Anthochaera phrygia 82338 Not observed Honeyeater Endangered foothills. These woodlands have significantly large numbers of mature disturbed and are lineal in area occurring on steep trees, high canopy cover and abundance of mistletoes. They are a embankments. generalist forager, which mainly feed on nectar from a wide range of eucalypts and mistletoes. Species is unlikely to occur. The Australasian Bittern occurs in terrestrial wetlands and, rarely, estuarine habitats, mainly in the temperate southeast and southwest. It No suitable habitat was observed throughout the favours wetlands with tall dense vegetation, where it forages in still, assessment area. Wetlands and waterbodies Australasian shallow water up to 0.3 m deep, often at the edges of pools or waterways, capable of supplying habitat and foraging Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered 1001 Not observed Bittern or from platforms or mats of vegetation over deep water. It favours opportunities were absent. permanent and seasonal freshwater habitats, particularly those dominated by sedges, rushes and / or reeds or cutting grass growing Species is unlikely to occur. over muddy or peaty substrate. Curlew Sandpipers mainly occur on intertidal mudflats in sheltered coastal areas, such as estuaries, bays, inlets and lagoons, and also around No suitable habitat was observed throughout the non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons near the coast, and ponds in assessment area. Wetlands and waterbodies Curlew Critically saltworks and sewage farms. They are also recorded inland, though less capable of supplying habitat and foraging Calidris ferruginea 856 Not observed Sandpiper Endangered often, including around ephemeral and permanent lakes, dams, opportunities were absent. waterholes and bore drains, usually with bare edges of mud or sand. They occur in both fresh and brackish waters. Occasionally they are Species is unlikely to occur. recorded around floodwaters (Higgins & Davies 1996). Some possibility this species may occur in the The Coxen's Fig Parrot occurs in rainforest habitats including subtropical riparian vegetation associated with the rainforest, dry rainforest, littoral and developing littoral rainforest, and Caboolture River riparian corridor. Flora species Cyclopsitta Coxen's Fig Endangered 59714 vine forest. Food is mainly taken from figs however other species fruit that are were identified within the riparian zone Not observed diophthalmacoxeni Parrot have been recorded in their diet including Elaeocarpus grandis, Syzygium are utilised by this species for food. corynanthum, Litsea reticulata and Grevillea robusta . Species is unlikely to occur.
The Eastern Bristlebird inhabits low dense vegetation in a broad range of habitat types including sedgeland, heathland, swampland, shrubland, No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Dasyornis Eastern sclerophyll forest and woodland, and rainforest. It occurs near the coast, assessment area. Endangered 533 Not observed brachypterus Bristlebird on tablelands and in ranges. The Eastern Bristlebird is found in habitats with a variety of species compositions, but is defined by a similar Species is unlikely to occur. structure of low, dense, ground or understorey vegetation.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 12 of 71 The majority of the site is mapped as containing non-remnant vegetation with only a few mapped A wide ranging and highly mobile species generally observed over watercourses and drainage features containing eucalypt habitats. This species prefers forest and woodland with a lineal patches of native and exotic vegetation. mosaic of vegetation types, large prey populations (birds) and These regrowth patches have a dense sub-canopy Erythrotriorchis Red Goshawk Vulnerable 942 permanent water. The vegetation types include eucalypt woodland, and Sparse canopy layer. The shrub and ground Not observed radiatus open forest, tall open forest, gallery rainforest, swamp sclerophyll forest layer is dominated by introduced weed species and rainforest margins. Habitat has to be open enough for fast attack and with some areas experiencing severe Lantana manoeuvring in flight, but provide cover for ambushing of prey. camara infestations.
Species is unlikely to occur. No confirmed local records. The species is now very rarely observed in southern Queensland. Not Geophaps scripta Squatter Pigeon This species inhabits open grasslands and woodlands typically with a expected onsite and no direct impact from Vulnerable 64440 Not observed scripta (southern) native understorey although may occur in artificial pasture. proposed actions.
Species is unlikely to occur. Due to a lack of records within the local area, it is Swift Parrots breed in Tasmania during spring to early summer. During unlikely that this species will occur. The majority autumn and winter the species migrates to the mainland where it follows of the site is mapped as non-remnant vegetation a nomadic existence linked to the availability and timing of flowering of and undergoes regular maintenance and slashing Lathamus discolour Swift Parrot Endangered 744 trees in various locations. While the species is very uncommon in south- programs. The dominant species recorded over Not observed east Queensland, its occurrence cannot be completely discounted. There the site is Acacia leiocalyx (Early Flowering Black are suitable winter flowing species present on the site which may attract Wattle). birds during flowing (e.g. E. tereticornis ). Species is unlikely to occur. During the non -breeding season in Australia, the eastern curlew is most commonly associated with sheltered coasts, especially estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets and coastal lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or No suitable habitat was observed throughout the sandflats, often with beds of seagrass (Zosteraceae). Occasionally, the Numenius Critically assessment area. Eastern Curlew 847 species occurs on ocean beaches (often near estuaries), and coral reefs, Not observed madagascariensis Endangered rock platforms, or rocky islets. The birds are often recorded among Species is unlikely to occur. saltmarsh and on mudflats fringed by mangroves, and sometimes within the mangroves. The birds are also found in coastal saltworks and sewage farms (Marchant & Higgins, 1993)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 13 of 71 The Black -throated Finch (southern) occurs mainly in grassy, open woodlands and forests, typically dominated by Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Melaleuca, and occasionally in tussock grasslands or other habitats (for example freshwater wetlands), often along or near watercourses, or Due to a lack of records within the local area, it is Black-throated in the vicinity of water. It occurs at two general locations: in the unlikely that this species will occur. Peophila cincta cincta Endangered 64447 Not observed Finch (southern) Townsville region, where it is considered to be locally common at a few sites around Townsville and Charters Towers; and at scattered sites in Species is unlikely to occur. central-eastern Queensland (between Aramac and Great Basalt Wall National Park). It has been absent from Brisbane and its surrounds since the 1930s.
The Australian Painted Snipe is usually found in shallow inland wetlands, No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Australian either freshwater or brackish, that are either permanently or temporarily assessment area. Rostratula australis Endangered 77037 Not observed Painted Snipe filled. The species has a scattered distribution throughout many parts of Australia, with a single record from Tasmania. Species is unlikely to occur.
The majority of the site historically has been cleared of all vegetation values with only mapped watercourses and drainage features containing some regrowth vegetation. The open paddocks between these features are regularly maintained Typical habitat occurs in dry rainforest and vegetation immediately through slashing and have also been utilised for adjacent to rainforest. However, the species has also been recorded in a forestry and more recently cattle production. Black-breasted Turnix melanogaster Vulnerable 923 variety of low coastal heathlands around Frazer Island and nearby Some evidence of dogs was also recorded Not observed Button-quail mainland. Deep leaf litter in which the species can forage appears to be throughout the survey. Although habitat to particularly favoured. support this species is recorded on site and specifically along the Caboolture River, all of these disturbances further limits the likelihood of this species occurring
Species is unlikely to occur. Amphibians EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code Habitat, as well as ecological conditions, to The Giant Barred Frog occurs in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in support this species is identified throughout the upper to lower catchment areas. Populations of the species have been Caboolture River along the site’s southern found in cleared or disturbed areas, for example cattle farms with Giant Barred property boundary, and this area is understood to vegetated riparian strips and regenerated logged areas. Inhabits slow Recorded via Mixophyes iteratus Frog, Southern Endangered 1944 be retained with a significant buffer under the flowing sections of streams in wet sclerophyll and rainforest. This species call playback Barred Frog proposal. However, all mapped watercourses and has been observed to prefer a closed forest canopy with a relatively light drainage features throughout the property are cover of vegetation at ground level and also requires permanent highly disturbed from historical land uses pondage areas for breeding. including forestry and cattle production. It is also
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 14 of 71 noted that the cattle have had a history of access to each of these water courses and drainage features resulting in further disturbances. The majority of the in-stream habitat recorded throughout these watercourses and drainage features included pools with limited opportunities for slow moving streams apart from within high rainfall events.
Species maintains potential to occur. Insects EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code No suitable habitat was observed throughout the The Pink Underwing Moth is found below the altitude of 600 m in Phyllodes imperialis Pink Underwing assessment area. Endangered 86084 undisturbed, subtropical rainforest. It occurs in association with the vine Not observed smithersi Moth Carronia multisepalea. Species is unlikely to occur. Mammals EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code No confirmed local records of this uncommon The Large-eared Pied Bat roosts on sandstone cliffs and fertile woodland species. Inhabits mesic vegetation. Not expected Large-eared Pied valley habitat within close proximity of each other. However in South- Chalinolobus dwyeri Vulnerable 183 to occur and no impact expected. Not observed Bat east Queensland habitat includes rainforest and moist eucalypt forest
habitats at high elevations. Species is unlikely to occur.
The Northern Quoll is known to occur as far south as Gracemere and Mr Morgan, south of Rockhampton and as far north as Cooktown. There Area does not contain rocky outcrops and has a have also been occasional records as far south as Maleny on the Sunshine limited number of possible denning locations due coast hinterland. The species occupies rocky areas, eucalypt forest and to the historical use of the property for grazing Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll Endangered 331 woodlands, rainforests, sandy lowlands and beaches, shrubland, Not observed and pine plantation. grassland and desert. Preferred habitat in Queensland suggests the
Northern Quoll are more likely to be present in high relief areas that have Species is unlikely to occur. shallower soils, greater cover of boulders, less fire impact and were close to permanent water.
Spot-tailed Quoll, Area does not contain rocky outcrops and has a The Spot-tailed Quoll has a preference for mature wet forest habitat. Spotted-tail limited number of possible denning locations due Unlogged forest or forest that has been less disturbed by timber Dasyurus maculatus Quoll, Tiger Quoll to the historical use of the property for grazing Endangered 75184 harvesting is also preferable. This predominantly nocturnal species rests Not observed maculatus (southeastern and pine plantation. during the day in dens. Habitat requirements include suitable den sites mainland such as hollow logs, tree hollows, rock outcrops or caves. Individuals population) Species is unlikely to occur.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 15 of 71 require an abundance of food such as birds and small mammals, and large areas of relatively intact vegetation through which to forage.
The Greater Glider occurs down the east coast of Australia in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The species is largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands. It is an arboreal nocturnal marsupial, largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands. It is primarily As there is limited remnant vegetation on-site, folivorous, with a diet mostly comprising eucalypt leaves, and this species and Eucalyptus trees are confined to occasionally flowers (Kehl & Borsboom 1984; Kavanagh & Lambert 1990; narrow bands along the watercourses and van der Ree et al., 2004). It is typically found in highest abundance in Petauroides volans Greater Glider Vulnerable 254 drainage features is it unlikely this species would Not observed taller, montane, moist eucalypt forests with relatively old trees and occur within the assessment area. abundant hollows (Andrews et al., 1994; Smith et al., 1994, 1995;
Kavanagh 2000; Eyre 2004; van der Ree et al., 2004; Vanderduys et al., Species is unlikely to occur. 2012). The distribution may be patchy even in suitable habitat (Kavanagh 2000). The greater glider favours forests with a diversity of eucalypt species, due to seasonal variation in its preferred tree species (Kavanagh 1984). Extensive areas of the site have been cle ared of all vegetation values with lineal patches of regrowth vegetation limited to along the drainage features and mapped water courses. Limited remnant vegetation occurs outside of the Caboolture River corridor.
Five extensive scat meanders were completed by two senior ecologists for a significant period of They are found in a range of habitats, from coastal islands and tall time throughout the survey with no evidence of Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Vulnerable 85104 eucalypt forests to low woodlands inland. The species is known from the Not observed Koala use observed. These surveys were surrounding area and evidence has been recorded on-site. completed within areas which contained suitable Koala trees which were located amongst mapped watercourses and drainage features. Direct observations were also completed with no Koalas observed. It is also noted the large discrepancies in the SPRP which maps cleared paddocks as Medium and High value bushland habitat.
Species has low potential to occur. The Long -nosed Potoroo (SE Mainland) is sparsely distributed along the coast and Great Dividing Range of south-east Queensland through NSW. Little to no suitable habitat for this species occurs Long-nosed Potorous tridactylus There is limited information about the species habitat in Queensland and and it has not been recorded in the area. Potoroo (SE Vulnerable 66645 Not observed tridactylus NSW. There is no consistent pattern to the habitat of the Long-nosed mainland) Potoroo (SE Mainland); it can be found in wet eucalypt forests to coastal Species is unlikely to occur. heaths and scrubs. The main factors would appear to be access to some
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 16 of 71 form of dense vegetation for shelter and the presence of an abundant supply of fungi for food. The majority of this site has historically been cleared of remnant vegetation communities. Only Species generally roosts in camps in trees adjacent to larger permanent a minimal number of larger mature trees are watercourse. The Grey-headed Flying-fox requires foraging resources present for foraging for this species. Riparian areas and roosting sites. It is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore, are highly disturbed and are lineal in area, and Grey-headed Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable 186 which utilises vegetation communities including rainforests, open although provide minimal food source at various Not observed Flying Fox forests, closed and open woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and Banksia times of flowering, larger more intact areas of woodlands. It also feeds on commercial fruit crops. The primary food food resources are recorded contextually to the source is blossom from Eucalyptus and related genera. site.
Species has low potential to occur for forging. Plants EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code This species occurs on flat coastal lowland plains, at altitudes of lower than 30 m above sea level (Orchard & Wilson 2001; Qld CRA/RFA Steering Committee 1997). Across this range A. attenuata typically occurs in seasonally waterlogged areas of wet heathland or heathland margins, No suitable habitat was observed throughout the open forest and woodland communities, and specifically on sandy assessment area. poorly drained soils or peat swamps which are infertile (Lebler 1981, Acacia attenuata Attenuate Wattle Vulnerable 10690 Not recorded Specht & Specht 1999). Acacia attenuata has been recorded growing in Species is unlikely to occur. shrublands with Leptospermum whitei and Baeckea frutescens ; in wallum
with Banksia aemula and Eucalyptus robusta ; in woodlands with Corymbia trachyphloia , E. umbra and Banksia oblongifolia ; and in open forests of E. umbra , E. racemosa and Melaleuca quinquenervia (Queensland CRA/RFA Steering Committee 1998). No suitable habitat was observed throughout the In south-east Queensland, Hairy-joint Grass has also been recorded assessment area. growing around freshwater springs on coastal foreshore dunes, in Arthraxon hispidus Hairy-joint Grass Vulnerable 9338 Not recorded shaded small gullies, on creek banks, and on sandy alluvium in creek Species is unlikely to occur. beds in open forests.
The Three-leaved Bosistoa is conserved within Mt Warning National Park, Numbinbah Nature Reserve, Limpinwood Nature Reserve and Whian No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Whian State Forest. While population information is unavailable, it is assessment area. Three-leaved thought to be common in its range. It generally grows in wet sclerophyll Bosistoa transversa Vulnerable 16091 Not recorded Bosistoa forest, dry sclerophyll forest and rainforest up to 300 meters in altitude. Species is unlikely to occur. It is commonly associated with Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Syzygium
hodgkinsoniae, Endiandra pubens, Dendrocnide photinophylla, Acmena ingens, Diploglottis australis and Diospyros mabacea.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 17 of 71 No suitable habitat w as observed throughout the The Stinking Cryptocarya is restricted to coastal sands, or if not, then Stinking assessment area. close to the coast, occurring in littoral rainforest on old sand dunes and Cryptocarya foetida Cryptocarya, Vulnerable 11976 Not recorded subtropical rainforests over slate and occasionally on basalt to an Stinking Laurel Species is unlikely to occur. altitude of 150m.
The Leafless Tongue -orchid has been reported to occur in a wide variety of habitats including heathlands, heathy woodlands, sedgelands, Xanthorrheoa spp. plains, dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass sub- No suitable habitat was observed throughout the formation and shrubby sub-formation), forested wetlands, freshwater assessment area. Leafless Tongue- wetlands, grasslands, grassy woodlands, rainforests and wet sclerophyll Cryptostylis hunteriana Vulnerable 19533 Not recorded orchid forests (grassy sub-formation) (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995; Bell 2001; Species is unlikely to occur. DECC 2005a; Jones 2006; Riley & Banks 2002). Soils are generally
considered to be moist and sandy, however, this species is also known to grow in dry or peaty soils (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995; Bell 2001; Brown 2007; Jones 2006; Riley & Banks 2002). This species grows in riparian open forest dominated by Eucalyptus No suitable habitat was observed throughout the camaldulensis and Casuarina cunninghamiana with a variably dense assessment area. Wandering Lepidium peregrinum Endangered 14035 shrubby understorey of Hymenanthera dentata, Bursaria spinosa, Acacia Not recorded Pepper-cress fimbriata, A. floribunda, Callistemon viminalis and Leptospermum Species is unlikely to occur. brachyandrum . No suitable habitat was observed throughout the assessment area. Macadamia In its natural state, the Macadamia nut grows in remnant rainforest, Macadamia Nut Vulnerable 7326 Not recorded integrifolia preferring partially open areas such as rainforest edges. Species is unlikely to occur.
The Small-fruited Queensland Nut's remaining habitat is fragmented and found within lowland warm complex notophyll vine forest and No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Small-fruited Araucarian notophyll vine forest on basic and intermediate volcanic soils assessment area. Macadamia ternifolia Queensland Nut, Vulnerable 7214 and alluvia in higher rainfall areas of south-east Queensland. The species Not recorded Gympie Nut generally occurs in south-facing gullies with fertile, basalt-derived Species is unlikely to occur. krasnozem soils or the interface between sandstone and basalt krasnozems.
Habitat to support this species was identified along the southern boundary of the site within This species generally occurs in subtropical rainforest and complex the Caboolture River corridor although the Macadamia Rough-shelled notophyll vineforest, at the margins of the forests and mixed sclerophyll Vulnerable 6581 species was not identified during extensive Not recorded tetraphylla Bush Nut forest. It occurs in restricted habitat, growing on moderate to steep surveys at the time of the assessment. hillslopes on alluvial soils at well drained sites.
Species has low potential to occur.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 18 of 71 The Lesser Swamp -orchid is commonly associated with coastal wet heath/sedgeland wetlands, swampy grassland or swampy forest and often where Broad-leaved Paperbark or Swamp Mahogany are found. No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Typically, the Lesser Swamp-orchid is restricted to the swamp-forest assessment area. Lesser Swamp margins, where it occurs in swamp sclerophyll forest (Broad-leaved Phaius australis Endangered 5872 Not recorded Orchid Paperbark/Swamp Mahogany/Swamp Box ( Lophostemon suaveolens ), Species is unlikely to occur. swampy rainforest (often with sclerophyll emergent), or fringing open
forest. It is often associated with rainforest elements such as Bangalow Palm ( Archontophoenix cunninghamiana ) or Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis ). No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Phaius bernaysii is known to grow along the margins between open assessment area. Yellow Swamp- forest/woodland and closed sedgeland, along the perimeter of a swamp, Phaius bernaysii Endangered 4918 Not recorded orchid often in a fairly shady environment in Melaleuca quinquenervia – Species is unlikely to occur. Eucalyptus robusta open forest in sandy or peaty soil
Mt Berryman Phebalium is found in semi-evergreen vine thicket on red volcanic soils, or in communities adjacent to this vegetation type. Geology of the area in which this species occurs is deeply weathered basalt with undulating to hilly terrain. Soils range from red-brown earths No suitable habitat was observed throughout the to brown clays (derived from siltstone and mudstones), and lithosols to assessment area. Mt Berryman Critically shallow, gravelly krasnozems (very dark brown loam), derived from the Phebalium distans 81869 Not recorded Phebalium Endangered Main Range Volcanics of the Tertiary period. Vegetation associations in Species is unlikely to occur. which Mt Berryman Phebalium occur include microphyll to notophyll
vine forest with or without Araucaria cunninghamii and low microphyll vine forest and semi-evergreen vine thicket with or without Araucaria cunninghamii which can be divided further into regional ecosystems depending on substrate, geography and associated vegetation species.
Romnalda strobilacea occurs in complex notophyll rainforest as a tufted No suitable habitat was observed throughout the perennial among the ground flora. Distribution is sporadic and often assessment area. Romnalda strobilacea Vulnerable 5948 clumped, with the species showing a marked preference for moist gully Not recorded
or stream bank situations and level to steeply inclined slopes where the Species is unlikely to occur. soil is nutrient rich (Barry & Thomas, 1994).
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 19 of 71 Quassia commonly occurs in lowland rainforest or on rainforest margins (Hewson 1985), but it can also be found in other forest types, such as No suitable habitat was observed throughout the open forest and woodland (QDNR 2001). Quassia is commonly found in assessment area. Samadera bidwillii Quassia Vulnerable 29708 areas adjacent to both temporary and permanent watercourses (Belleng Not recorded
Pty Ltd 2004) in locations up to 510 m altitude. The species occurs on Species is unlikely to occur. lithosols, skeletal soils, loam soils, sands, silts and sands with clay subsoils (Stanley & Ross 1983). Austral Toadflax is semi -parasitic on roots of a range of grass species notably Kangaroo Grass ( Themeda triandra ). It occurs in No suitable habitat was observed throughout the subtropical, temperate and subalpine climates over a wide range of assessment area. Thesium australe Austral Toadflax Vulnerable 15202 Not recorded altitudes. It occurs on soils derived from sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic geology on a range of soils including black clay loams to Species is unlikely to occur. yellow podzolics and peaty loams Reptiles EPBC Species Common Name Status Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site Code Almost the entirety of the site has been The Collared Delma inhabits eucalypt-dominated woodlands and open- completely cleared of all vegetation values with forests in Land Zones 3 (Alluvium), 9 (undulating country or fine-grained remnant vegetation confined mostly to the sedimentary rocks), 10 (sandstone ranges). Common Regional embankments of the Caboolture River. The site Ecosystems (RE) include RE 11.3.2, RE 11.9.10, RE 11.10.1 and RE 11.10.4. has historically been used for forestry including These REs are located in Bioregion 11 (Brigalow Belt), located to the north Pinus radiata (Slash Pine) production and more Delma torquata Collared Delma Vulnerable 1656 and west of South East Queensland. The species is also known in the recently for cattle production. Regular Not recorded Toowoomba Ranges in habitats associated with exposed rocky outcrops maintenance via slashing also occurs across the on ridges or slopes in vegetation communities dominated by Narrow- majority of the site, further reducing the Leaf Ironbark ( Eucalyptus crebra ). Other areas where the species has been possibility of this species occurring. recorded is the Mt Crosby and Moggill State Forest sites, as well as Anstead and Pinjarra Hills. Species is unlikely to occur.
Dunmall's Snake has been found in a broad range of habitats, including forests and woodlands on black alluvial cracking clay and clay loams dominated by Brigalow other Wattles, native Cypress or Bull-oak, and various Blue Spotted Gum, Ironbark, White Cypress Pine and Bulloak open forest and woodland associations on sandstone derived soils. No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Dunmall’s Snake occurs primarily in the Brigalow Belt region in the assessment area. Furina dunmalli Dunmall's Snake Vulnerable 59254 South-eastern interior of Queensland. Records indicate sites at Not observed elevations between 200–500 m above sea level. The snake is very rare or Species is unlikely to occur. secretive with limited records existing. It has been recorded at Archokoora, Oakey, Miles, Glenmorgan, Wallaville, Gladstone, Lake Broadwater, Mount Archer, Exhibition Range National Park, roadside reserves between Inglewood and Texas, Rosedale, Yeppoon and Lake Broadwater Conservation Park.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 20 of 71 Found mostly in closed forest and possibly open layered Eucalyptus forest. Generally recorded in moist layered forest on loamy basaltic soils, but also found in closed forest overlying silica sand dunes at Cooloola. Within forests, this species is found in well-mulched, loose, friable No suitable habitat was observed throughout the Three-toed rainforest soil in leaf litter, often immediately adjacent to fallen tree assessment area. Saiphos reticulatus Snake-tooth Vulnerable 88328 Not recorded trunks. Much of the lowland closed forest within its range has been Skink cleared for agriculture and grazing, pasture improvement, crop Species is unlikely to occur. production, tropical fruit production, and native forest logging. Suitable habitat has generally been reduced to patches, especially in lowland areas.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 21 of 71 MNES Threat en ed Species and TECs Assessment As summarised in Table 2 , a review of specific habitat niches and distribution of these listed flora and fauna species and TECs using the SPRAT database, Queensland’s Wildlife Online Search Tool, previous reporting in the local area and Queensland’s Regional Ecosystem and Essential Habitat mapping ruled out the potential for most of the listed species to occur on-site or in close proximity to the site. The position on the potential occurrence of species was supported by field survey results, and are concluded primarily due to combined impacts from:
Historical clearing and regular maintenance has resulted in the majority of the site being cleared, with the exception of some small patches of RE communities and regrowth vegetation associated with watercourses and drainage features which will be retained by the development; Influences from surrounding development, particularly broad-scale clearing, rural land uses, and roads; and Fragmentation of the site from large areas of connected vegetation.
Overall, desktop surveys described above identified potential for the following species to occur on-site due to the availability of suitable habitat and recordings for the species in the area:
Rough-shelled Bush Nut ( Macadamia tetraphylla ) – Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Pteropus poliocephalus ) – Vulnerable Giant Barred Frog ( Mixophyes iteratus) – Endangered Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus ) – Vulnerable
In addition, flora species generally associated with the TEC Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia were confirmed on-site, within the riparian vegetation along the Caboolture River.
No other scheduled species or TECs were observed during field surveys or considered likely to occur on-site, due to previous and continuing disturbances resulting in an absence of areas consistent with the habitat niche requirements of most listed species and TECs.
Assessment of Occurrence and Field Survey Results In May and December of 2016, senior ecologists from Saunders Havill Group (SHG) conducted field assessments across the site to survey for MNES flora as well as potential habitat and evidence of MNES fauna. Overall, the site the majority of the site was found to have been completely cleared of remnant vegetation values. However, it was noted that while species generally associated with the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC were not identified on-site, the Endangered RE 12.3.1 community which is mapped as occurring along the Upper Caboolture River towards the southeastern portion of the site contains species represented within the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC. The results of this assessment by SHG have been used to inform the baseline ecological conditions for the site.
Rough-shelled Bush Nut ( Macadamia tetraphylla ) Rough-shelled Bush Nut occurs from north-east New South Wales (chiefly in the Richmond & Tweed River areas) to south- east Queensland (Mt Glorious, near Brisbane) (Stanley & Ross, 1986; Floyd, 1989; Gross, 1995; Sheringham & Westaway, 1995). Populations at any given location tend to be small, with fewer than 20 individuals (Fanning et al., 1998). Populations in the south-east Queensland Regional Forest Agreement area are estimated at 350 mature individuals in 12 populations (Queensland CRA/RFA Steering Committee, 1997). The geographic range of the Rough-shelled Bush Nut is estimated to be less than 100 km (Briggs & Leigh, 1996).
Rough-shelled Bush Nut occurs in subtropical rainforest and notophyll vine forest in near coastal areas. It is often found on steep slopes, especially at ecotones. This species is conserved within Lamington National Park, Mt Warning National Park, and the Andrew Johnston Big Scrub Nature Reserve. This species occurs within the South East Queensland and Northern Rivers (NSW) Natural Resource Management Regions.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 22 of 71 The ecological site survey identified that habitat which would support this species was present along the southern boundary of the site, within the Caboolture River riparian corridor. Due to the presence of potential habitat for this species, targeted flora searches were conducted within the riparian corridor. Despite these targeted searches, no specimens of the species were identified.
The development footprint does not overlap with the riparian corridor, and the development has been designed to allow for a 100 m buffer to the mapped remnant vegetation that forms the Caboolture River riparian corridor. Therefore, while targeted searches for this species did not locate any Rough-shelled Bush Nut specimens, it is considered that if they are present, there will be no impact to the species or specimen/s as the habitat suitable to support them will not be cleared for the development, and will have a 100 m buffer. It is considered that this species will not be impacted by the development.
Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Pteropus poliocephalus ) The Grey-headed Flying-fox is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act, however, it is not listed as threatened species under Queensland legislation. The Grey-headed Flying-fox requires foraging resources and roosting sites to persist. The species is known to use a wide variety of habitats including subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forest and woodlands, heaths, swamps and also urban and agricultural areas where food trees have been cultivated. The species is highly adaptive with its diverse native diet, which it can supplement with introduced species. It is known to forage within a variety of habitats as each resource does not consistently produce food throughout the entire year.
The closest known roost to the subject site is approximately 5.4 km directly east of the subject site, along the Wararba Creek at Caboolture and one off Colburn Way, Bellmere. This is recorded as last being used by the Grey-headed Flying-fox in 2016. No roosts were observed on the project site, or in the immediate vicinity.
A search of the Atlas of Living Australia returned 31 records for the Grey-headed Flying-fox within a 10 km radius from the referral site, with the majority of these sightings made between 2003-2011 around Caboolture, approximately 6.6 km to the east of the site (see insert below).
Source: Atlas of Living Australia, 10 km radius, accessed 21.12.2016.
The majority of the subject site has been cleared of all remnant vegetation values. This is reflected in the VMA mapping of regulated vegetation for the site (refer to Figures 4 and 5 of the EAR – Attachment 2). The vegetation along the Caboolture River is mapped as Regional Ecosystem, however, it is noted that the development footprint does not include this area. There
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 23 of 71 will be a 100 m buffer to the remnant vegetation along the river, resulting in no clearing of remnant vegetation within the development site.
The Grey-headed Flying-fox was not recorded during site surveys and the site habitat characteristics are considered to provide marginal foraging resources for this species. Remnant vegetation patches along the Caboolture River included the majority of Eucalyptus species (such as Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark), and Angophora subvelutina (Smudgee Apple)) to be flanking the high bank, with Melaleuca viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush), Melaleuca saligna (White Bottlebrush) and Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Box) recorded along the lower bank and trees such as Casuarina cunninghamiana (River She Oak) and rainforest species Elaeocarpus grandis (Blue Quandong), Castanospermum austral (Black Bean), and Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lillipilli).
There is the potential for the Grey-headed Flying-fox to utilise vegetation within the property boundaries at various times throughout the year when these species flower. However, as stated above, the mapped remnant vegetation on the property will not be cleared or impacted by the proposed development, therefore will still provide foraging habitat for the Grey- headed Flying-fox. Additionally, there is an abundance of winter flowering resources in the broader landscape, including within remnant vegetation immediately surrounding the development site, which would suggest that the small area of remnant vegetation along the Caboolture River, adjacent to the development represents only a small proportion of these available resources. It is therefore considered unlikely that individuals would be exclusively reliant on the resources supported by the subject site.
A Draft EPBC Act Policy Statement – camp management guidelines for the Grey-headed and Spectacled Flying-fox (Draft Guidelines) is available and summarises the decision process in considering the likelihood of a significant impact on the Grey- headed Flying-fox or Spectacled Flying-fox schematically. The Draft Guidelines are specifically for the assessment of impacts on Flying-fox camps. No roosting sites are known to be on-site or in the near vicinity. Further, no roosting sites were recorded during field surveys. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed action will involve impacts to the Grey- headed Flying-fox as per the Draft Guidelines.
In summary, it is considered that an abundance of suitable foraging habitat for the Grey-headed Flying-fox exists within the retained remnant vegetation on the property, and in the surrounding landscape, which would likely mitigate any potential negligible impact on Grey-headed Flying-fox due to the clearing of non-remnant native vegetation.
Giant Barred Frog ( Mixophyes iteratus ) The Giant Barred Frog is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and NCA. In south-eastern Queensland, the Giant Barred Frog is known from Doongul Creek in the Burrum River catchment (Hines 2003), at scattered locations in the Mary River catchment downstream to Kenilworth, the Upper Stanley River, Caboolture River and Coomera River. The Giant Barred Frog occurs in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in upper to lower catchment areas. Populations of the species have been found in cleared or disturbed areas, for example cattle farms with vegetated riparian strips and regenerated logged areas (Hero & Shoo n.d., cited in Hines et al. 2004; Ingram & McDonald 1993). Many sites where the Giant Barred Frog is known to occur are the lower reaches of streams which have been affected by major disturbances such as clearing, timber harvesting and urban development in their headwaters.
A search of the Atlas of Living Australia returned three results for the species within 10 km of the project site dated in 2000 and 2002, approximately 4.3 km to the northwest of the site (see insert below), and three locations near Burpengary to the southeast between 2000 and 2004. Additionally, a search of the Wildlife Online database returned five results for the species within 10 km of the project site, although these records were undated.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 24 of 71
Source: Atlas of Living Australia, 10 km radius, accessed 21.12.2016.
Specific surveys were conducted on-site for the Giant Barred Frog. These surveys included nocturnal habitat transects utilising spotlight and call-playback as per the relevant EPBC Act Guidelines. The surveys were undertaken by two ecologists over two consecutive nights and then repeated seven days later in early December 2016 during the known calling period for the Giant Barred Frog. Eight Giant Barred Frog survey transects were undertaken at the Upper Caboolture River with seven along the southern boundary of the subject site and one additional survey undertaken approximately 1 km downstream from the subject site (refer Plan 3). The location of each transect was influenced by suitability for call playback i.e. limited background noise and presence of suitable pools and banks for the Giant Barred Frog. Weather conditions, rainfall records, and habitat descriptions were recorded for each transect site (refer Appendix D of Attachment 2 (EAR) for full transect data).
Each transect was comprised of visual encounter surveys using torches and headlamps, larval sampling using dipnets and egg mass surveys, and nocturnal call playback surveys using a megaphone and the 'Frogs of Australia' frog call application. Larval sampling and egg mass surveys were concentrated at deeper pools along the sides of Upper Caboolture River, with steep / overhanging banks and adequate vegetation cover, where the Giant Barred Frog are most likely to lay eggs and where tadpoles are most likely to occur. Visual encounter surveys were undertaken from within the river looking onto banks and within 10 m of the stream edge. Call playback surveys were undertaken at the beginning and end of each searching transect and where other suitable habitat was determined elsewhere along transects. Positive call playback responses triggered concentrated visual checks in the vicinity of the call.
A total of nine amphibian species were recorded during targeted field works, by either visual or call recognition methodologies (refer to Attachment 2 – Table 6 and Appendix D for full details). Of these nine species, the Giant Barred Frog was recorded by call recognition but not confirmed by visual survey despite intensive searches. Habitat suitable for the Giant Barred Frog was recorded along the entire length of the Upper Caboolture River surveyed. Of note, the NCA listed Tusked Frog ( Adelotus brevis ) was also recorded by call recognition at three of the transects.
As the vegetation adjacent to the site is considered to contain habitat supporting Giant Barred Frog, and the species was recorded during call playback, an assessment against the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance was performed (see Table 3) to ascertain whether or not the action could potentially impose a significant impact on the species.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 25 of 71 Table 3: Significant Impact Assessment – Giant Barred Frog Significant Impact Criteria Description Impact
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 decrease While the site is located adjacent to vegetation in which the call playback method No significant in the size of an important resulted in call recognition evidence of the presence of the Giant Barred Frog, this impact likely population of a species. habitat will not be cleared. The development proposal includes a buffer of 100 m between the riparian vegetation along the Caboolture River, and the development footprint. Further, the site is not known to contain an important population of the Giant Barred Frog. As a result, the proposed action is considered unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of any local Giant Barred Frog populations.
2. Reduce the area of The habitat adjacent to the development site, along the Caboolture River is not No significant occupancy of an important known to be an area containing an important population of the species. impact likely population. Notwithstanding, the proposed action will not result in the clearing of any of this vegetation, and a 100 m buffer will be applied to this remnant vegetation. It is therefore considered that the development proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on the area of occupancy of the species.
3. Fragment an existing The site is not known to contain an important population of the species, therefore, No significant important population into two the action is unlikely to fragment an important population into two or more impact likely or more populations. populations. Further, no habitat suitable for the Giant Barred Frog is proposed to be cleared as part of the development. The proposed action is considered unlikely to fragment a population into two or more populations.
4. Adversely affect habitat While the Recovery plan for stream frogs of south-east Queensland 2001-2005 No significant critical to the survival of a includes the riparian vegetation along the Caboolture River as critical habitat for impact likely species. the species, the proposed action will not result in the removal of any potential habitat for the Giant Barred Frog. The remnant riparian vegetation will be retained, and a 100 m buffer applied to the development footprint. It is not considered that the action will adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of this species.
5. Disrupt the breeding cycle of While site surveys found evidence of the Giant Barred Frog through the use of call No significant an important population. back, the site surveys did not identify any evidence of breeding Giant Barred Frogs. impact likely More importantly, the development will not result in the clearing of any vegetation within the riparian corridor which has potential to provide habitat to this species. Therefore, the proposed action is unlikely to disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population.
6. Modify, destroy, remove or The habitat within the development site does not contain any special or unique No significant isolate or decrease the values. There will be a 100 m buffer implemented between the development and impact likely availability or quality of habitat the existing remnant vegetation along the Caboolture River. The proposed action to the extent that the species is will not result in the removal of any vegetation that provides suitable habitat for likely to decline. the species, therefore the action is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on the species or the available habitat in the area.
7. Result in invasive species The proposed action is unlikely to result in the introduction of invasive species that No significant that are harmful to a are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ impact likely vulnerable species becoming habitat that are not already present. established in the vulnerable species’ habitat.
8. Introduce disease that may The project is unlikely to introduce disease into the area that may cause the species No significant cause the species to decline. to decline. Chytrid fungus detrimental to frog persistence is considered endemic in impact likely south-east Queensland.
9. Interfere substantially with In the absence of Conservation Advice and Listing Advice for this species, the No significant the recovery of the species. Recovery plan for stream frogs of south-east Queensland 2001-2005 is the most impact likely relevant document for this species. The Recovery Plan includes 5 key objectives for the recovery of the stream frog species, of which the proposed development will not interfere with, or impact upon. Further, the majority of conservation efforts to date have focused on
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 26 of 71 monitoring species populations, investigation into disease, protection of habitats on private land, and research. The subject site has not been identified as an important habitat. Finally, the proposed development does not include the clearing of any vegetation along the Caboolture River, and a 100 m buffer will be applied. The action is considered unlikely to interfere with the recovery of the species.
In summary, the presence of the Giant Barred Frog in the Upper Caboolture River was indicated by call recognition, however, visual verification of species presence was not successful despite intensive searches. Given the extent of suitable habitat and positive call recognition at two of the eight transect sites, the extent of the Upper Caboolture River adjoining the proposal site is considered to provide suitable habitat to maintain the Giant Barred Frog. As per the assessment against the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Table 3), the proposed action is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on the Giant Barred Frog.
Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus ) Conservation Status Under the EPBC Act, Koala populations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are listed as Vulnerable. The Koala is also listed as Vulnerable under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1999 (NCA). The site is located within the modelled distribution of the Koala, within the “coastal context” as per the EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala (Koala Referral Guidelines).
Habitat As described in the Koala SPRAT species profile, Koalas inhabit a wide range of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical forest, woodland and semi-arid communities dominated by eucalypt species. Under the Koala Referral Guidelines (p.5), Koala habitat is defined as:
“any forest or woodland containing species that are known koala food trees, or shrubland with emergent food trees. This can include remnant and non-remnant vegetation in natural, agricultural, urban and peri-urban environments. Koala habitat is defined by the vegetation community present and the vegetation structure; koalas do not necessarily have to be present”.
Distribution Koalas are endemic to Australia and have a known distribution from north-eastern Queensland to south-east South Australia. The species is widespread within coastal and inland areas however densities of Koalas are higher within coastal areas with higher average annual rainfalls. South East Queensland is known to support Queensland’s highest density of Koalas.
Threats The three main threats to Koala have been identified within the SPRAT profile as:
Habitat loss and fragmentation, Vehicle strike, and Predation by domestic and/or feral dogs.
In addition, the prevalence of disease such as the Chlamydia virus in many Koala populations has led to symptoms such as infections of the eyes, urinary tract, repertory tract and reproductive tract, with the later having the potential to head to infertility in females. More recently, Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) has had an increasing impact on most of Queensland’s Koala populations. While most Koalas carry the disease, environmental stresses such as poor nutrition and overcrowding lead to conditions caused by KoRV such as leukaemia and immunodeficiency syndrome.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 27 of 71 Assessment Against the EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala The referral site is located within the Koala Referral Guidelines modelled distribution as ‘known/likely to occur’ and within the ‘coastal context’. As stated above, South East Queensland is known to support Queensland’s highest density of Koalas and the animal is known to occur within the broader Caboolture area. As such, the following provides a detailed assessment against the Koala Referral Guidelines to determine whether the proposed action will result in a significant impact on the Koala or Koala habitat. The Koala Referral Guidelines provides an assessment approach using the following processes displayed in the flow chart below:
b) Does the site d) Is there interference contain critical with the recovery of • Defining Koala habitat habitat? •Determine whether the the Koala? • Description of desktop and action will have an adverse field survey data to • Assessment against the affect on critical habitat. • Assessment of impacts that describe vegetation/ Koala Habitat Assessment • Based on site and could interfere with the habitat suitability and Koala Tool to determine habtiat development recovery of the Koala and occurrence (RGB-SAT) scores out of 10. characteristics. description of mitigation • scores >5 are considered measures. a) Have you surveyed critical habitat. c) Will there be an for the Koala and adverse affect on habitat? critical habitat?
Flow Chart: EPBC Koala Assessment Process
Koala Occurrence and Habitat Surveys Site Surveys The site was assessed by Senior Ecologists from SHG during May 2016, and as part of the SMEC surveys in 2013 during the Caboolture West Environmental Assessment commissioned by MBRC . The purpose of the surveys was to determine the level of Koala usage across the site and to assess the availability of suitable Koala habitat. The assessments involved the following methods:
Spot Assessment Technique (SAT) development by Philips and Callaghan (2011) Scat meanders Opportunistic searches and observations
SAT and Scat Survey Results The SAT method is an assessment of Koala activity involving a search for any Koalas and signs of Koala usage. The SAT involves identifying a non-juvenile tree of any species within the site that is either observed to have a Koala or scats or known to be food trees or otherwise important for Koalas and recording any evidence of Koala usage (including any Koalas, identifiable scratches, or scats). The nearest non-juvenile tree is then identified and the same data recorded. The next closest non-juvenile tree to the first tree is then assessed and so on until 30 trees have been recorded. The number of trees showing evidence of Koalas is expressed as a percentage of the total number of trees sampled to indicate the frequency of Koala usage. Assessment of each tree involves a systematic search for Koala scats beneath the tree within 1 m radius of the trunk. After approximately 2 person minutes of searching for scats, the base of the trunk is observed for scratches.
Five relatively extensive scat meanders were completed throughout the survey area with no evidence of Koala use observed. No scats were observed on-site, nor any Koala individuals during the 2013 or 2016 survey periods. Field survey effort for the site is presented in Plan 3. Historical SAT surveys by SMEC /SHG in 2013 located no evidence of the Koala on-site
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 28 of 71 Flora and Koala Habitat Searches Queensland’s Koala Habitat Values Map, attached as Figure 3, shows the majority of the site as Non-habitat for the Koala, with a patch of Medium Value Bushland Habitat in the north. The southern extent of the site, near the Caboolture River, contains some patches of High and Medium Value Bushland Habitat and High and Medium Value Rehabilitation Habitat. Surrounding the site, the majority of the properties are mapped as containing Rehabilitation Values with scattered patches of Bushland over remaining vegetated pockets.
Survey of vegetation present on-site concluded that there are large discrepancies with the vegetation recorded within the northern Medium Value Bushland Habitat polygon. Native vegetation remains in a number of lineal drainage features and mapped water courses throughout the polygon, however, the remaining portions of the polygon includes areas historically used for forestry, including Pinus radiata (Slash Pine), as well as the production of cattle. More recently these areas between the lineal vegetated features are regularly maintained through slashing. The dominant flora species throughout this portion of the polygon includes Acacia leiocalyx (Early Flowering Black Wattle) as well as Acacia concurrens (Black Wattle) that are not recognised as being Koala habitat trees. The ground layer is dominated by introduced grasses and patches of the native Imperata cylindrical (Blady Grass).
Similar conditions as described above were recorded within the south western High Value Bushland polygon. Apart from the mapped watercourses and drainage features, no Koala trees were recorded as this portion of the site is regularly maintained through slashing.
The Caboolture River contains a variety of remnant Regional Ecosystem communities that include Koala food trees mapped as High and Medium Value Bushland, as well as a more disturbed areas mapped as High Value Rehabilitation. The majority of Eucalyptus species recorded in this area were flanking the high bank area of the Upper Caboolture River, with Melaleuca viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush), Melaleuca saligna (White Bottlebrush), and Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Box) recorded along the lower bank with non-Koala trees such as Casuarina cunninghamiana (River She Oak) and rainforest species such as Elaeocarpus grandis (Blue Quandong), Castanospermum austral (Black Bean) and Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lillipilli). Although no evidence of Koala activity was recorded along the river, a number of flora species suitable for Koala use were recorded, including Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark), and Angophora subvelutina (Smudgee Apple).
Summary of Findings
Does the site contain critical habitat to the survival of the Koala?
In accordance with the Koala Referral Guidelines, habitat which receives a score of 5 or more using the Koala Habitat Assessment Tool is considered to be critical habitat. An assessment of the site using the Koala Habitat Assessment Tool has been undertaken in Table 4 which indicates the site is considered to critical habitat as remaining habitat on site achieves as score of 5.
Table 4: Koala Habitat Assessment Summary Attribute Score Comment
Koala occurrence 0 The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified the Koala as having potential to occur on-site. A search of Queensland’s Wildlife Online Search Tool using a 5 kilometre returned 122 records (undated) for the Koala however, a search of the Atlas of Living Australia using a 5 km radius returned one record for the species (dated 2014). Additionally, a search of the Australian Koala Foundation Koala Map using a 10 km radius found sightings for Koalas at six locations within 10 km radius of the site (dated between 2009-2013). The closest record was made at the intersection of Old North Road and Bellmere Road. Similarly, a search of the Koala Tracker map identifies a number records within 10 km of the area (dated between 2002-2015). Many of
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 29 of 71 these records are located near the Caboolture township the closest record at Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park (dated 2015).
Despite desktop records in the surrounding area, no Koala or evidence of Koala activity (i.e. scats or scratches) were observed on the site during the 2013 survey by SHG and SMEC, and the 2016 targeted surveys by SHG . Refer to Attachment 2 for full survey method and results.
As there is no evidence of a Koala occurrence within 2 km of the site in the previous two years, this attribute has been scored 0.
Vegetation composition 2 A detailed description of the vegetation composition on-site is provided in Response 3.1 , based on the results from 2016 ecological field survey by SHG . The majority of the site has been cleared and regularly maintained for cattle grazing and has been confirmed by a certified PMAV to contain non-remnant (Category X) vegetation.
Remaining slithers of vegetation along drainage corridors and the Caboolture River were found to contain species that achieve the definition of ‘woodland’ as referenced in the Koala Referral Guidelines. These areas were dominated by Eucalyptus and Corymbia species. Specifically, Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow Leaved Ironbark), Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood) and Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Gum). These areas however were confirmed by field survey to be disturbed as a result of current and historical land uses, specifically long the northern and central watercourses which contained dense infestations of Lantana camara a weed of national significance and a restricted matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014 , and pastoral grasses.
While ground layers are dominated by Lantana and exotic grasses, vegetation along the Caboolture River contains a variety of species considered Koala food trees, including Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark) and Angophora subvelutina (Smudgee Apple). It is noted that the majority of Eucalyptus species were recorded flanking the high bank area of the Upper Caboolture River, with Melaleuca viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush), Melaleuca saligna (White Bottlebrush) and Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Box) recorded along the lower bank with non-Koala trees such as Casuarina cunninghamiana (River She Oak) and rainforest species such as Elaeocarpus grandis (Blue Quandong), Castanospermum austral (Black Bean) and Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lillipilli).
As vegetation composition of canopy species within remaining vegetated corridors on-site is made up of more than two species considered to be Koala food trees, this attribute has been given a score of 2.
Two or more Koala food trees were identified in the canopy, resulting in an attribute score of 2.
Habitat connectivity 2 Contextually, the site is bound by Caboolture River to the south, Old North Road to the west, and Bellmere Road to the north. The site has been predominately cleared for historical forestry activities and is currently subject to regular slashing regimes for use for cattle grazing, as are the majority of surrounding properties in the prevalent landscape (refer Figures 1 and 2 ).
Vegetated patches within the immediate landscape are limited to a large polygon of Of Concern remnant vegetation on the western side of Old North Road, small scattered patches of Of Concern and Least Concern remnant across rural residential properties to the north, east, and south. More broadly, areas of ecological
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 30 of 71 significance are associated with Sheep Station Creek Environmental Park to the south-east and the Caboolture River corridor which adjoins the referral area to the south and provides connectivity east-west (refer Plan 1 ).
Opportunities for wildlife connectivity within and external to the site are limited to retained vegetation along waterway corridors, specifically along the Caboolture River. While connectivity will be retained along these waterway corridors through Open Space/Green Networks under the Caboolture West Structure Plan, with a 100 m buffer between remnant vegetation and the development applied, movement opportunities within the northern and central waterway corridors is limited by existing clearing on adjoining properties, which has resulted in vegetated corridor within the site being fragmented corridors within the broader landscape.
Areas of connected habitat for the Koala are limited to the vegetation along the Caboolture River corridor, which ranges from 30-100 m in width. Currently this corridor provides restricted connectivity (e.g. in areas where the corridor is limited to 30 m in width), and it should be noted that Caboolture River corridor is proposed to be rehabilitated as part of the Caboolture West Structure Plan which will provide for long term fauna connectivity.
Of note, the development area to the north is essentially fragmented for these connectivity values that will be maintained post-development through the retention and enhancement of the Upper Caboolture River. When considered in their own right, these cleared development areas would not likely score any value for connectivity given their fragmentation and lack of contiguity to large tracts of vegetation. Regardless;
As the site currently forms part of a contiguous landscape >500 ha this attribute has been scored a 2.
Key existing threats 1 The site is bound by Old North Road to the west and Bellmere Road to the north (both with posted speed limits of 80 kph). The site is also surrounded by rural and rural residential land uses, both of which are considered to have a high level of dog ownership and pose a threat to Koalas. It is recognised that increases in dog ownership and vehicular activity will occur as development occurs in accordance with the Caboolture West Structure Plan.
Importantly, despite targeted surveys, no Koalas or evidence of Koala activity has been recorded on the site or within close proximity (i.e. 2 km), over multiple targeted survey periods.
As Koala occurrence has been scored a 0 and has existing levels of dog and vehicle threat, this attribute has been scored 1.
Recovery value 0 The interim recovery objective for coastal areas is based upon protecting and conserving large, connected areas of Koala habitat, particularly where Koalas are genetically diverse/ distinct, free of disease or have a low incidence of disease or where there is evidence of breeding. None of these elements are considered to be present on the referral site. This is primarily due to:
The site itself and surrounding landscape is subject to broad scale clearing and subsequently, the site (and surrounding landscape) do not reflect large, connected areas of Koala habitat;
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 31 of 71 Proposed development of the Caboolture West Master Planned area will retain greenspace corridors to support local wildlife movement but not sustain a local Koala population; The prevalence of disease within the local population; The insufficient size of remaining vegetation on the site is in isolation to support a genetically robust sub-population; and No evidence of Koala or Koala activity has been recorded on the site despite targeted searches in 2013 and 2016 indicating the site is highly unlikely to support local Koala movement.
Further, the majority of the site is identified as containing non-remnant vegetation and is mapped as Non-habitat for Koala with surrounding areas predominantly mapped as Low and Medium Value Rehabilitation. Further, Plan 1 shows the Caboolture West Structure Plan planning intent is for the area to be completely developed with greenspace networks to function and multipurpose open space corridors rather than solely for a conservation/biodiversity function.
Additionally, the local Koala population is not considered to be genetically distinct and no evidence of Koala breeding was recorded on or near the site. Disease is known to be prevalent across all South East Queensland populations in the form of Chlamydia and Koala Retrovirus. The local Koala population is extremely unlikely to be free of disease.
Finally, the site makes up a central portion of the Caboolture West state declared Master Planned Development Area. If the development does not go ahead, it will significantly affect existing and proposed development in the MPA, specifically in its role providing a trunk collector from the Town Centre to the east to the existing development of Brookfield to the west.
Overall, the site does not meet the interim recovery objectives for coastal regions a
As the referral site does not meet the interim recovery objectives, this attribute has been scored 0.
Total 5 Critical Habitat
Will there be adverse impacts on critical habitat? Assessment of the site using the Habitat Assessment Tool identified the site achieves a habitat score of 5 which meets the definition of critical habitat under the Koala Referral Guidelines (≥5). Potential impacts to the species under the Koala Referral Guidelines have been considered through the “yes/no” flowchart provided within the Koala Referral Guidelines as Figure 2, to determine if the action will adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species.
1. Does your impact area contain habitat critical to the survival of the koala (habitat score ≥ 5)? Yes, as demonstrated using the Habitat Assessment Tool, the site achieved a critical habitat score of 5. Therefore, the site is considered to support habitat critical to the survival of the Koala.
2. Do the area(s) proposed to be cleared contain known koala food trees? Yes. Overall vegetated areas of the site were found to be dominated by species that achieve the definition of ‘woodland’ as referenced in the Koala Referral Guidelines. Field survey identified canopy species within the referral area are dominated by Eucalyptus and Corymbia specimens which are considered Koala food trees.
3. Are you proposing to clear ≤ 2 ha of habitat containing known koala food trees in an area with a habitat score of 5?
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 32 of 71 Yes. The action will not be clearing any vegetation along the Caboolture River or watercourses which was considered to be the vegetation on-site with best potential to provide critical habitat for the Koala. Some minor clearing will be undertaken at the upper limits of some drainage features, but it can be seen on Plan 2 that the vast majority of areas with potential to provide Koala habitat will be retained. Further, the score for critical habitat was concluded to be a 5, but it should be noted that this is within those areas to be retained in the greenspace.
4. Are you proposing to clear ≥ 20 ha of habitat containing known koala food trees in an area with a habitat score of ≥ 8? No. The action will not require clearing of vegetation totalling 20 ha or greater than 8 that is considered to be Koala habitat. Further, no habitat on-site was found to have a score over 5.
5. Assessment on Characteristics The proposed action displays a number of characteristics and measures that reduce the adversity of effects on the Koala. These include:
The site is highly disturbed as a result of historical land use and is predominately devoid of vegetation, with the exception of retained vegetated slithers along drainage features and the riparian corridor of the Caboolture River. The proposal does not result in the fragmentation of other vegetation areas, and retains connectivity along remaining vegetated drainage lines through greenspace connections in accordance with the Caboolture West Structure Plan (refer to Plan 1 and Plan 2 ). These corridors will retain preferable habitat for the species, as well as movement opportunities for the species within the broader landscape. Should the action not proceed, the site will be further surrounded by development which will evidently increase threats to the species including roads and domestic pets. Importantly, no Koalas were sighted or evidence of Koala activity (i.e. scats or scratches) on-site, despite targeted surveys in 2013 and 2016. Subsequently, occurrence of Koalas is considered low. Further, any clearing on-site will be done in the presence of a registered Fauna Spotter Catcher. Each of these characteristics restricts the site’s ability to achieve the interim recovery objectives for coastal areas for the Koala. Given these factors, the short- and long-term impacts on the Koala as a result of the proposed action are not considered to be significant.
Overall, the adversity of impacts as a result of the proposed development is considered to be minimal given the site is not considered to support a local Koala population nor provide for transient use by the species, coupled with existing and future barriers to Koala dispersal to and from the site given the site’s location within the Caboolture West MPA, drastically influence the long-term ecological function of the site within the broader landscape.
6. Could the action interfere substantially with the recovery of the Koala? In addition to considering adverse impacts on critical habitat, the potential for the action to interfere with the recovery of the Koala must also be considered as per the Koala Referral Guidelines. Possible impacts listed in the guidelines that must be considered include:
Introducing or increasing the risk of vehicle strike; Introducing or increasing koala fatalities due to dog attacks; Creating a barrier to movement; Facilitating the introduction or spread of disease; Increasing the risk of high-intensity fires; and Degrading critical habitat due to hydrological changes.
These impacts, as well as mitigation measures to address impacts, are discussed in Table 5. In summary, the project is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 33 of 71
Table 5: Potential Impacts Impact Likelihood Comments
Dog attack Potential No specific survey for dogs was completed over the proposed action site, however the site is surrounded by rural properties often associated with a high prevalence of dog ownership. The development of a residential estate is likely to increase the number of dogs entering the area. By ensuring interaction between dogs and Koalas is mitigated in the new development with appropriate governance and guidance to new home buyers, it is not expected that dog attacks on Koalas will increase as a result of the development. Further, as per Council requirements, all animals must be tagged and registered.
No significant residual impacts are identified.
Vehicle Strike Potential It is likely that vehicle activity in the area will increase as a result of the proposed development. Given the site is surrounded by roads and various forms of development, and no Koalas were observed on-site, interaction between vehicles and Koalas is considered unlikely to increase significantly as a result of the development. Road design, signage, and the imposition of a low vehicle speed will help mitigate any potential risks to Koalas.
No significant residual impacts are identified.
Disease and Potential Most of South East Queensland’s Koala populations are already known to have a high Pathogens prevalence of Chlamydia infection and Koala Retrovirus. The symptoms of these diseases are often observed within Koala populations undergoing environmental stresses, such as overcrowding and poor nutrition. Koala disease has been recorded near the site (in sick and dead Koalas). The project is unlikely to cause pressure on a local Koala population (noting that no Koalas have been seen on-site) to the point where these diseases manifest. Further, the project is extremely unlikely to introduce or spread disease or pathogens into any Koala habitat areas.
No significant residual impacts are identified.
Barriers to Unlikely The site is predominately surrounded by rural properties with land to the north, east Dispersal and south earmarked for urban development within the Caboolture West Structure Plan. Connectivity remains with vegetation to the west which connects to larger tracts of vegetation and ultimately Delaney’s Creek State Forest and Wararba Creek Conservation Park.
While the development will restrict Koala movement through the property, it is arguable that this will result in impacts to dispersal given the existing barriers to Koala movement surrounding the subject property, and the lack of vegetation connectivity. The property is currently largely fragmented from other vegetation due to extensive cleared lands in the area. There are also a number of roads surrounding the site which further fragment the property from surrounding habitat.
As such, the impacts from potential barriers to dispersal within the development area are considered to be minimal. Finally, the remnant vegetation adjacent to the site, along the Caboolture River is where the potential Koala food trees were observed – of which none is being impacted or cleared. The proposal intends to retain connectivity to the west though Open Space/Green Network connections running east-west along the existing waterways, including along the Caboolture River which bounds the site to the south.
No significant residual impacts are identified.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 34 of 71 Hydrological Potential The increase in hardstand areas across the site has the potential to affect site change hydrology. Management plans will be implemented to address the requirements of State and Local government guidelines to ensure that impacts are minimised. As no development will be occurring in the vegetated areas along the Caboolture River, it is unlikely that the hydrology of vegetated areas on-site will be adversely affected.
Further, any development within any mapped drainage lines will be designed to minimise impacts upon the waterways, and will meet all state and local government requirements. Any impacts are likely to be restricted to overland flow, which will be appropriately managed and mitigation through State and Local Governmental requirements. As such, the project is unlikely to result in hydrological changes that will further degrade the site or impact neighbouring areas of potential Koala habitat.
No significant residual impacts are identified.
Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Surveys The Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC primarily occurs from Maryborough in Queensland to the Clarence River (near Grafton) in New South Wales (NSW), with isolated areas between the Clarence River and Hunter River such as the Bellinger and Hastings Valleys. It occurs on basalt and alluvial soils, including sand and old/elevated alluvial soils as well as floodplain alluvia. It also occurs occasionally on historically enriched rhyolitic soils and basaltically enriched metasediments. Lowland Rainforest mostly occurs in areas <300 m above sea level. Aspect can result in the community being found at >300 m altitude on north-facing slopes, but typically 300 m defines the extent of the lowlands. In addition, Lowland Rainforest typically occurs in areas with high annual rainfall (>1300 mm). the TEC is differentiated from the Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia ecological community (hereafter referred to as Littoral Rainforest) by the level of coastal or estuarine influence (such as windshear). Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia typically occurs more than 2 km from the coast, however, it can (and does) intergrade with Littoral Rainforest in some coastal areas.
The TEC is generally a moderately tall (≥20 m) to tall (≥30 m) closed forest (canopy cover ≥70%). Tree species with compound leaves are common and leaves are relatively large (notophyll to mesophyll). Typically, there is a relatively low abundance of species from the genera Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Casuarina. Buttresses are common as is an abundance and diversity of vines.
The canopy comprises a range of tree species but in some areas a particular species may dominate e.g. palm forest, usually dominated by Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (bangalow palm) or Livistona australis (cabbage palm); and riparian areas dominated by Syzygium floribundum (syn. Waterhousea floribunda ) (weeping satinash/weeping lilly pilly). The canopy is often multilayered consisting of an upper, discontinuous layer of emergents, over the main canopy and subcanopy. Below the canopy is an understorey of sparse shrubs and seedlings.
The upper, discontinuous layer includes canopy emergents that may be 40–50 m tall and have large spreading crowns. This layer is composed of species such as Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine), Ficus spp . (figs), Lophostemon confertus (brushbox), and in some sites, Eucalyptus spp .. Typically, non-rainforest species such as eucalypts and brushbox comprise <30% of canopy emergents.
The canopy/subcanopy layer contains a diverse range of species. Representative species include: hoop pine, figs, Argyrodendron trifoliolatum / Heritiera trifoliolata (white booyong), Castanospermum australe (black bean), Cryptocarya obovata (white walnut, pepperberry tree), Dendrocnide excelsa (giant stinging tree), Diploglottis australis (native tamarind), Dysoxylum fraserianum (rosewood), Dysoxylum mollissimum (red bean), Endiandra pubens (hairy walnut), Elattostachys nervosa (green tamarind), Flindersia schottiana (bumpy ash, cudgerie, silver ash), Gmelina leichhardtii (white beech), Neolitsea dealbata (white bolly gum), Neolitsea australiensis (bolly gum), Sloanea australis (maiden’s blush), Sloanea woolsii (yellow carabeen), Toona ciliata (red cedar), and epiphytes such as Platycerium spp. and Asplenium australasicum (bird’s nest fern). In areas where
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 35 of 71 the canopy is lower (<25 m) due to coastal or estuarine influences the Littoral Rainforest ecological community typically replaces the Lowland Rainforest ecological community.
The understorey contains a sparse layer of species such as Cordyline stricta (narrow-leaved palm lily), Linospadix monostachya (walking stick palm), Neolitsea dealbata (white bolly gum), Notelaea johnsonii (veinless mock olive), Pittosporum multiflorum (orange thorn), Triunia youngiana (native honey-suckle bush), Wilkiea austroqueenslandica (smooth wilkiea) and Wilkiea huegeliana (veiny wilkiea) as well as seedlings of a variety of canopy species. A variety of vines may be present such as Calamus muelleri (Southern lawyer vine), Cissus antarctica (native grape vine, water vine), Cissus hypoglauca (giant water vine), Dioscorea transversa (native yam), Flagellaria indica (whip vine), Morinda jasminoides (sweet morinda), Pandorea floribunda (wonga wonga vine) and Smilax australis (sarsaparilla). Ferns such as Adiantum hispidulum (rough maidenhair fern), Doodia aspera (rasp fern), Lastreopsis decomposita (trim shield fern) and Lastreopsis marginans (bordered shield fern, glossy shield fern) may also be present.
Lowland Rainforest is characterised by a high proportion of frugivorous birds, epiphyte and litter foraging vertebrates, micro- and mega-chiropteran bats, and a broad range of invertebrate groups associated with the decomposition cycle (such as insects and snails).
RE 12.3.1 is mapped in the eastern extent of the Upper Caboolture River, adjoining the proposal site (refer to Figure 4 ) and is listed as a component of Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Threatened Ecological Community. Flora and habitat surveys as per Neldner et al. 2012 were undertaken at each of the eight transect sites for the Giant Barred Frog (refer Attachment 2 for transect data). The area mapped as RE 12.3.1 was confirmed on-ground, and recognised rainforest indicator species were also observed along the entire extent of the Upper Caboolture River, predominantly along lower banks adjoining the proposal site, with the upper banks more suited to eucalypt woodland.
Although a mix of RE indicators were present to varying densities along the riparian corridor, the presence of indicator species typical of Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia suggest this Threatened Ecological Community occurs along the extent of the Upper Caboolture River surveyed adjacent to the proposal site. As shown on Plan 2 , this area is proposed to be retained with the development, and a 100 m buffer applied between the riparian vegetation and the development footprint. The retention of this riparian corridor within the greenspace area will allow for the retention of the TEC on-site, and no clearing within or adjacent to this community.
The main ongoing threats to this TEC have been listed as including: vegetation clearance, impacts associated with fragmentation of remnants, and weeds. Given the proposal will not result in the clearing of any of the TEC or associated vegetation, nor any other remnant vegetation on-site, the development is not considered to enhance the threats to the TEC. Further, the TEC is already fragmented due to previous land clearing (refer to Figures 2 and 4 ), and the project will implement weed management measures as part of the retention and rehabilitation of the greenspace areas within the development.
Urbanisation is mentioned as a threat to the TEC, with impacts such as the invasion of bushland by domestic dogs and cats, rubbish dumping, trampling, garden escapes, firewood collection, impacts from vehicles, the creation of informal trails, and arson, as well as increased pressure to reduce bushfire fuel loads that may be detrimental to the ecological community. The proposed development will implement a range of management measures during construction and operation which will help to minimise and reduce these potential impacts. It is not considered that the proposed development will interfere or impact with the protection and conservation of this TEC.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 36 of 71 Nature and extent of likely impact
Giant Barred Frog As discussed above, the Giant Barred Frog was recorded on-site during the use of call play-back. However, the habitat suitable to the Giant Barred Frog exists along the Caboolture River, in the riparian corridor. As mentioned throughout this referral document and shown on Plan 2 , this area (in addition to other drainage features across the site) will be retained as greenspace in the proposed development, with a 100 m buffer to the development footprint. Therefore, no vegetation considered to provide habitat for the Giant Barred Frog will be cleared or impacted by the proposed development, and the proposal will not result in the fragmentation of other vegetation areas. The proposal will retain connectivity along remaining vegetated drainage lines through greenspace connections, which will retain preferable habitat for the Giant Barred Frog, as well as movement opportunities for the species within the broader landscape.
The development is to be located on the portions of the site that are already highly disturbed and do not retain any remnant vegetation. The site works will implement a range of construction and operational measures which will further limit the potential for impacts to occur upon the Giant Barred Frog. Finally, the proposed development does not interfere or limit the recovery actions for the species as presented in the Recovery plan for stream frogs of south-east Queensland 2001-2005 . As a result, it is considered that there will not be a significant impact upon the Giant Barred Frog as a result of the development.
Koala Ecologists from SHG and SMEC undertook field assessments across the site during 2013 and 2016 to determine the level of Koala usage and accesses vegetation composition to determine the value of the site in terms of providing Koala habitat. No Koala individuals were recorded during any survey periods, nor any evidence in the form of scats or scratchings. Field effort employed on-site is shown in Plan 3 , which includes meanders for scats, which did not locate any.
The Habitat Assessment Tool derived a score of 5, which is at the lowest end of the critical habitat threshold (≥ 5) under the Koala Referral Guidelines. Impacts to MNES from the proposed action have been identified as:
Removal of some non-remnant vegetation which may contain Koala food trees, however no removal of habitat considered to be score 5 critical habitat for the Koala;
Potential injury or mortality caused by vegetation clearing and construction; and
Increased vehicle use and dog ownership, which pose a threat to Koalas.
As discussed above, a number of factors diminish the adversity of these potential impacts. These are summarised as:
The site is highly disturbed as a result of historical land use and is predominately devoid of vegetation, with the exception of retained vegetated slithers along drainage features and the riparian corridor of the Caboolture River;
The proposal does not result in the fragmentation of other vegetation areas, and retains connectivity along remaining vegetated drainage lines through greenspace connections in accordance with the Caboolture West Structure Plan (refer to Plan 1 and Plan 2 ). These corridors will retain preferable habitat for the species, as well as movement opportunities for the species within the broader landscape.
Should the action not proceed, the site will be further surrounded by development which will evidently increase threats to the species including roads and domestic pets.
Importantly, no Koalas were sighted or evidence of Koala activity (i.e. scats or scratches) on-site, despite targeted surveys in 2013 and 2016. Subsequently, occurrence of Koalas is considered low. Further, any clearing on-site will be done in the presence of a registered Fauna Spotter Catcher.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 37 of 71 Each of these characteristics restricts the site’s ability to achieve the interim recovery objectives for coastal areas for the Koala.
Given these factors, the short- and long-term impacts on the Koala as a result of the proposed action are not considered to be significant.
Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Surveys The Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC is recorded as being present within the area mapped as containing RE 12.3.1 along the Caboolture River, adjoining the proposal site. The presence of indicator species typical of Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia were recorded in this area during site surveys.
However, as mentioned throughout this referral document and shown on Plan 2 , the Caboolture River riparian corridor (in addition to other drainage features across the site) will be retained as greenspace in the proposed development, with a 100 m buffer to the development footprint. Therefore, no portion of the TEC, vegetation associated with the TEC, nor vegetation adjacent to the TEC will be cleared or impacted by the proposed development. Further, the proposal will not result in the fragmentation of this patch of TEC from other vegetation areas. The proposal will retain connectivity along remaining vegetated drainage lines through greenspace connections. Similarly, it is not considered that the development will impact on the functionality of the TEC. All site works will be conducted in accordance with a range of construction and operational mitigation measures which will further limit any potential for impacts to occur upon the TEC.
Given that no portion of the TEC or adjacent vegetation will be cleared, and that, as described above, the development is not considered to exacerbate any of the known threats to the TEC, nor conflict or interfere with conservation or protection objectives, it is not considered that the proposed development will significantly impact on the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC which exists along the Caboolture River.
Overall, due to proposed vegetation and fauna management controls, proposed greenspace, and offsets, the proposed action is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES ).
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 38 of 71 3.1 (e) Listed migratory species
Description The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified a number of migratory species as having potential to occur. Table 6 provides a description of the habitat requirements of each of these species and assess their likelihood of occurrence. Refer to Attachment 1 for a copy of the EPBC PMST search results.
Table 6: Likelihood of Occurrence Schedule (Migratory Species) Migratory Marine Birds
Species Common Name Status EPBC Code Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site
Apus pacificus Fork -tailed Swift Migratory 678 This species is almost exclusively aerial a nd mostly occur over inland No suitable habitat was observed Not plains but sometimes above foothills or in coastal areas. throughout the assessment area. observed
Species is unlikely to occur.
Migratory Terrestrial Species
Species Common Name Status EPBC Code Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site
Cuculus optatus Oriental Cuckoo, Migratory 86651 The Oriental Cuckoo is an inhab itant of rainforest margins, A large portion of the site contains non - Not Horsfield's monsoon forest, vine shrub, riverine thickets, wetter, densely remnant vegetation. Some potential habitat observed Cuckoo canopied eucalypt forest, paperbark swamp, and mangroves. They along the riparian corridor associated with are typically in denser vegetation with more closed canopy. the Caboolture River is being retained.
Species is unlikely to occur.
Hirundapus White -throated Migratory 682 The White -throated N eedletail is almost exclusively aerial. This Low potential to occur on -site within Not caudacutus Needletail species has been recorded roosting in trees in forests and roosting periods. observed woodlands, both among dense foliage in the canopy or in hollows. The species breeds in wooded lowlands and sparsely vegetated Low potential for species to occur on-site. hills, as well as mountains covered with coniferous forests.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 39 of 71 The Black-faced Monarch mainly occurs in rainforest ecosystems, A large portion of the site contains non- including semi-deciduous vine thickets, complex notophyll vine remnant vegetation. Some potential habitat Monarcha Black-faced forests, tropical (mesophyll) rainforest, subtropical (notophyll) along the riparian corridor associated with Migratory 609 melanopsis Monarch rainforest, mesophyll (broadleaf) thicket/shrubland, warm the Caboolture River is being retained. temperate rainforest, dry (monsoon) rainforest and occasionally cool temperate rainforest. Low potential for species to occur on-site.
The Spectacled Monarchs natural habitats are subtropical or No suitable habitat was observed Not Monarcha Spectacled tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove throughout the assessment area. observed Migratory 610 trivirgatus Monarch forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Its preference is for thick understorey areas. Species is unlikely to occur.
Myiagra Satin Flycatcher Migratory 612 Satin Flycatchers inhabit heavily vegetated gullies in eucalypt No suitable habitat was observed Not cyanoleuca dominated forests and taller woodlands, and on migration occur in throughout the assessment area. observed coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves and drier woodlands and open forests. Species is unlikely to occur.
Rhipidura Rufous Fantail Migratory 592 The Rufous Fantail mainly inhabits wet sclerophyll forests, often in No suitable habitat was observed Recorded rufifrons gullies dominated by Eucalypts such as Eucalyptus microcorys , throughout the assessment area. Eucalyptus pilularis, Eucalyptus resiniferia and a number of other Eucalyptus species. Species is unlikely to occur.
Migratory Wetland Species
Species Common Name Status EPBC Code Description of Community / Habitat Likelihood of Occurrence Site
Gallinago Latham's Snipe Migratory 863 Latham's Snipe occurs in permanent and ephemeral wetlands. They No suitable habitat was observed Not hardwickii usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands with low, dense throughout the assessment area. observed vegetation. Species is unlikely to occur.
Pandion haliaetus Osprey Migratory 952 Eastern Ospreys occur in littoral and coastal habitats and terrestrial No suitable habitat was observed Not wetlands of tropical and temperate Australia and offshore islands. throughout the assessment area. observed They are mostly found in coastal areas but occasionally travel inland along major rivers, particularly in northern Australia. Species is unlikely to occur.
Tringa nebularia Common Migratory 832 The Common Greenshank is found in a wide variety of inland No suitable habitat was observed Not Greenshank, wetlands and sheltered coastal habitats of varying salinity. It occurs throughout the assessment area. observed Greenshank in sheltered coastal habitats, typically with large mudflats and saltmarsh, mangroves or seagrass. Habitats include embayments, Species is unlikely to occur. harbours, river estuaries, deltas and lagoons and are recorded less
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 40 of 71 often in round tidal pools, rock -flats and rock platforms. The species uses both permanent and ephemeral terrestrial wetlands, including swamps, lakes, dams, rivers, creeks, billabongs, waterholes and inundated floodplains, claypans and saltflats.
A search using the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool with a ten kilometre radius identified 16 migratory species as having potential to occur on site (refer Table 6). Only two of the listed migratory species, Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis ) and Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus ) were recorded on-site, however, ideal habitat for these locally common species was considered lacking.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 41 of 71
Nature and extent of likely impact
The proposed action is unlikely to have a significant impact on migratory species. While the Cattle Egret and Rainbow Bee-eater were recorded on-site, these species are considered common in the local area, and ideal habitat for these species was considered lacking on-site. Further, the retention of the riparian vegetation along the Caboolture River, and proposed buffer to this vegetation will not result in the removal of any remnant vegetation on-site as part of the development.
3.1 (f) Commonwealth marine area (If the action is in the Commonwealth marine area, complete 3.2(c) instead. This section is for actions taken outside the Commonwealth marine area that may have impacts on that area.) Description Not applicable. The project is not located within a Commonwealth marine area – refer to Attachment 1.
Nature and extent of likely impact
Not applicable.
3.1 (g) Commonwealth land (If the action is on Commonwealth land, complete 3.2(d) instead. This section is for actions taken outside Commonwealth land that may have impacts on that land.) Description Not applicable - the project site is not located on Commonwealth land – refer to Attachment 1.
Nature and extent of likely impact
Not applicable.
3.1 (h) The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Description Not applicable- the project site is not located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – refer to Attachment 1.
Nature and extent of likely impact Not applicable.
3.1 (i) A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development Description Not applicable.
Nature and extent of likely impact Not applicable.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 42 of 71 3.2 Nuclear 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 You must describe the nature and extent of likely impacts (both direct & indirect) on the whole environment if your project: • is a nuclear action; • will be taken by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; • will be taken in a Commonwealth marine area; • will be taken on Commonwealth land; or • will be taken in the Great Barrier Reef marine Park.
Your assessment of impacts should refer to the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth agencies and specifically address impacts on: • ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; • natural and physical resources; • the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas; • the heritage values of places; and • the social, economic and cultural aspects of the above things.
3.2 (a) Is the proposed action a nuclear action? X 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 X 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 X 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 X 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 X 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 project area and affected area for the proposed action Provide a description of the project area and the affected area, including information about the following features (where relevant to the project area and/or affected area, and to the extent not otherwise addressed above). If at Section 2.3 you identified any alternative locations, time frames or activities for your proposed action, you must complete each of the details below (where relevant) for each alternative identified.
3.3 (a) Flora and fauna The proposed residential development area has been subject to a number of on ground surveys by SHG to identify existing ecological values at the site. Specific studies include:
EPBC Act Flora and Fauna assessment (May 2016)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 43 of 71 Koala Surveys and Habitat Assessments (May 2016) Specific EPBC Act MNES Assessments (5 to 13 December 2016)
A copy of the field results is contained within the Ecological Assessment Report included as Attachment 2. The survey was carried out to address all MNES, however a focus was placed on Koala, Giant Barred Frog and Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC as they are known to occur in the region and on site. The following provides a brief description of flora and fauna values found on-site.
The Queensland Regulated Vegetation Management Map shows the site predominately contains areas of Category X (non-remnant) vegetation and slithers of Category B remnant vegetation along the Caboolture River. The Vegetation Management Support Map in Error! Reference source not found. indicates the site contains Least Concern RE 12.3.7, composite Of Concern RE 12.11.18/12.11.14 and RE 12.11.14/12.11.5e and Endangered RE 12.3.1. These REs are described below:
Endangered RE 12.3.1 Description Complex to simple notophyll vine forest. Waterhousea floribunda is predominant fringing stream channels. Other species can include Cryptocarya hypospodia , C. obovata , C. triplinervis , Argyrodendron trifoliolatum , Ficus coronata , F. fraseri , F. macrophylla forma macrophylla , Aphananthe philippinensis , Elaeocarpus grandis , Grevillea robusta , Castanospermum australe and Syzygium francisii . Ficus racemosa and Nauclea orientalis in north of bioregion. Eucalyptus spp. emergents (e.g. E. grandis ) and Araucaria cunninghamii ; less commonly Agathis robusta may also be present. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains and channels. (BVG1M: 4b)
Least Concern RE 12.3.7 Description Narrow fringing woodland of Eucalyptus tereticornis , Casuarina cunninghamiana subsp . cunninghamiana +/- Melaleuca viminalis , Waterhousea floribunda . Other species associated with this RE include Melaleuca bracteata , M. trichostachya , M. linariifolia and M. fluviatilis in north of bioregion. Lomandra hystrix often present in stream beds. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of rivers and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. (BVG1M: 16a)
Least Concern RE 12.11.5e Description Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata woodland usually including Eucalyptus siderophloia or E. crebra (sub coastal ranges), E. propinqua and E. acmenoides or E. carnea . Other species that may be present and abundant locally include Corymbia intermedia , C. trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia , Eucalyptus tereticornis , E. microcorys , E. portuensis , E. helidonica , E. major , E. longirostrata , E. biturbinata , E. moluccana and Angophora leiocarpa . Lophostemon confertus often present in gullies and as a sub-canopy or understorey tree. Mixed understorey of grasses, shrubs and ferns. Occurs on hills and ranges of Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 10b)
Of Concern RE 12.11.14 Description Eucalyptus crebra , E. tereticornis , Corymbia intermedia grassy woodland. Other species including Eucalyptus melanophloia , Corymbia clarksoniana , C. erythrophloia , C. tessellaris , E. siderophloia , Angophora spp . May be present in low densities or in patches. Mid-layer generally sparse but can include low trees such as Vachellia bidwillii , Capparis spp ., Dodonaea triquetra , Alphitonia excelsa and Xanthorrhoea spp . Occurs on mid and lower slopes on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 13c)
Least Concern RE 12.11.18 Description Eucalyptus moluccana woodland +/- Corymbia citriodora subsp . variegata, E. tereticornis, E. siderophloia or E. crebra, E. longirostrata, C. intermedia, E. carnea . Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 44 of 71 strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. Occurs as scattered occurrences in a range of topographic positions from ridgetops to lower slopes. (BVG1M: 13d)
Low order tributaries of the Upper Caboolture River traverse each of the four properties that make up the site (Figure 4 ). The vegetation bordering the Upper Caboolture River along the southern site boundary is to be retained under the proposal, with a 100 m buffer.
A Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) locking in Category X non-remnant areas across the majority of the site has been certified (refer Figure 4).
Under Queensland’s State Planning Policy (SPP), the site has been identified as containing the following Matters of State Environmental Significance:
Wildlife Habitat (Koala);
Regulated Vegetation; and
Regulated Vegetation intersecting a watercourse.
Site Survey Results
The following general flora observations were made by field survey across the referral area:
Fifteen threatened plants and 23 threatened fauna listed under the provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) are considered to have potential to occur within the vicinity of the application site ( Table 2).
In addition, two listed Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) described as Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia and White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland were considered to have potential to occur on-site. Of note:
i. The majority of the site has been completely cleared of all remnant vegetation values. ii. Species generally associated with the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC were not identified on site. iii. The Endangered Regional Ecosystem 12.3.1 community is mapped as occurring along the Upper Caboolture River towards the southeastern portion of the site. This lineal vegetation community associated with the alluvial portion of the river corridor contains species represented within the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC.
The remaining RE communities and patches of regrowth vegetation generally associated with the mapped watercourses and drainage features have been accurately surveyed, including producing detailed floristic lists and checks for any threatened species or habitat to support these species.
The edges of vegetation along each watercourse and drainage feature were accurately mapped across the site with assessment of condition and threatening processes recorded. Details were also included to determine if a mapped watercourse had such features or should be re-defined as a drainage feature.
Two listed threatened plants and seven listed threatened fauna protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) (NCA) were considered to have potential to occur across the site. Of these, only evidence of Tusked Frog ( Adelotus brevis ) listed as Vulnerable and Giant Barred Frog ( Mixophyes iteratus ) listed as Endangered in the form of call play-back responses was recorded on-site.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 45 of 71 Of the total number of flora species recorded on-site 86 are native ( Table 7) and 37 are introduced (refer Table 8). Five of the introduced flora recorded on-site are listed as ‘Restricted’ under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Table 8).
A total of 48 fauna species were recorded on-site, including 33 birds, six reptiles and nine amphibians ( Table 9). Of note, evidence of the EPBC Act listed species, Mixophyes iteratus was recorded, in the form of call play- back, utilising habitat within the Upper Caboolture River (refer to Attachment 2).
Utilisation of the broader site is limited to fauna generally adapted to a highly modified and disturbed landscape adversely impacted by anthropogenic influences. A variety of common avi-fauna were observed utilising the site as part of a broader home range.
Table 7: Native Flora Species List Scientific Name Common Name Acacia concurrens Black Wattle Acacia disparrima Hickory Wattle Acacia leiocalyx Early Flowering Black Wattle Acacia maidenii Maiden's Wattle Adiantum atroviride Maidenhair Fern Adiantum hispidulum Rough Maidenhair Fern Allocasuarina littoralis Black She Oak Alphitonia excelsa Soap Tree Angophora leiocarpa Smooth Bark Apple Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Piccabeen Palm Argyrodendron sp. Rusty Tulip Oak Asplenium australasicum Birds Nest Fern Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet Bursaria spinosa Black Thorn Capillipedium sp. A Grass Casuarina cunninghamiana River She Oak Centella asiatica Pennywort Cheilanthes distans Bristle Cloak Fern Christella dentata Binung Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong Cordyline rubra Red-fruited Palm Lilly Corymbia citriodora Spotted Gum Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood Corymbia tesselaris Moreton Basy Ash Corymbia trachyphloia Brown Bloodwood Cymbidium canaliculatum Channelled Boat-lip Orchid Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Cyperus gracilis Slender Sedge Cyperus polystachyos Bunchy Sedge Daviesia genistifolia - Dianella longifolia Blueberry Lilly Dodoia aspera Prickly Rasp Fern Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 46 of 71 Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Eucalyptus propinqua Grey Gum Eucalyptus siderophloia Grey Ironbark Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Exocarpus latifolius Broad-leaved Cherry Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus sp. Fig (juvenile) Flindersia collina Leopard Ash Freycinetia scandens Broad-leaved Climbing Pandan Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lilly Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree Glochidion sumatranum Large-leaved Cheese Tree Goodenia rotundifolia Goodenia Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Jagera pseudorhus Foambark Juncus usitatus Common Rush Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword Sedge Lobelia purpurascens White Root Lomandra hystrix Creek Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia Long-leaved Matrush Lomandra multiflora Many Flowered Mat Rush Lophostemon confertus Brush Box Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box Ludwigia peploides Water Primrose Lygodium microphyllum Climbing Maidenhair Fern Macrozamia macleayi Zamia Palm Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca saligna Willow Bottlebrush Melia azedarach White Cedar Oplismenus aemulus Creeping Beard Grass Ottochloa gracillima Graceful Grass Pandorean pandorana Wonga Vine Parsonsia straminea Monkey Rope Vine Persicaria decipiens Slender knotweed Philydrum lanuginosum Woolly Frogmouth Platycerium bifurcatum Elkhorn Platycerium superbum Staghorn Polyscias murrayi Pencil Cedar Pteridium esculentum Bracken Sida cordifolia Flannel Weed Smilax australis Barbed Wire Vine Stephania japonica Tape Vine Syzgium luehmannii Small-leaved Lillypilly Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Trema tomentosa Poison Peach Typha orientalis Bullrush Wtaerhousia floribunda Weeping Lillipilly Xanthorrhoea glauca Grass Tree
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 47 of 71 Table 8: Weed Species List Scientific Name Common Name Biosecurity Act MBRC Ageratum houstonianum Blue Billygoat Weed Environmental Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Rag Weed Restricted Medium risk Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush Restricted Medium risk Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass Environmental Chloris virgata Feathertop Rhodes Grass Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Restricted Low Risk Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Commelina benghalensis Hairy Commelina Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane Desmodium intortum Greenleaf Desmodium Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton Bush Environmental Heliotropium amplexicaule Blue Heliotrope Lantana camara Lantana Restricted Low Risk Maclura cochinchinensis Cockspur Vine Megathursus maximus Guinea Grass Melinis repens Red Natal Grass Environmental Murraya paniculata Mock Orange Neonotonia wightii Glycine Environmental Ochna serrulata Ochna Environmental Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Paspalum mandiocanum Broad-leaved Paspalum Paspalum urvillei Vasey Grass Passiflora foetida Stinking Passionflower Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Psidium guajava Guava Environmental Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant Environmental Rivina humilis Coral Berry Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree Senna pendula Easter Cassia Environmental Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Tree Environmental Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade Solanum seaforthianum Brazilian Nightshade Environmental Solanum torvum Devil's Fig Sporobolus pyramidalis Giant Rat's Tail Grass Restricted Medium risk Stachytarpheta cayennensis Dark Blue Snake Weed Thunbergia alata Black-eyed Susan Environmental
Table 9: Fauna Species Recorded On-site Scientific Name Common Name AMPHIBIANS Adelotus brevis* Tusked Frog Litoria caerulea* Green Treefrog Litoria fallax * Eastern Sedge Frog Litoria gracilenta Graceful Tree Frog Litoria wilcoxii Eastern Stony Creek Frog Mixophyes iteratus * Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus * Great Barred Frog
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 48 of 71 Opisthodon ornatus Ornate Burrowing Frog Rhinella marina Cane Toad BIRDS Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Alisterus scapularis Australian King Parrot Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cactua sanguinea Little Corella Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Eolophus roseicarpilla Galah Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Macropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy Wren Manorina melanocephala Noisy Minor Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing REPTILES Physignathus lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon Cryptoblepharus virgatus Wall Skink Dendrelaphis punctulatus Common Tree Snake Lapropholis delicata Grass Skink Pogona barbata Common Bearded Dragon Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake Note: * Species only recorded from call or call play back.
3.3 (b) Hydrology, including water flows Overland flow paths across the site were assessed for features definitive of a ‘watercourse’ or ‘drainage feature’ as defined under the Water Act 2000.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 49 of 71 Northern Watercourse
The main watercourse and tributaries within this area feature defined bed and banks, and hold sufficient water to create a riverine environment. The main watercourse and tributaries drain from overland flow paths that are ‘drainage features’ and occur on less steep slopes. The channels range from 4 to 11 metres in width and consist of runs and pools (less than 1 m depth) with an occasional low-gradient glide. The flow regime is intermittent, although water is retained in large pools for long periods following rainfall. Instream sediment in less disturbed areas comprised a mixture of grain sizes, from clay/loam to cobble, whereas areas disturbed by erosion and cattle intrusion were largely dominated by clay/loam sediments. Water present at the time of the assessment ranged from slightly turbid (in less disturbed areas) to heavily turbid (near disturbed areas where fine sediments are exposed). The dominant geology at these locations is described by pre-clear mapping as Land zone 3 (Alluvial river and creek flats). Canopy species are typical of RE 12.3.11, which is mapped over watercourses in pre-clear mapping, and RE 12.11.14 and RE 12.11.18, which is mapped over the adjoining landscape in pre-clear mapping. Water-loving species, such as Melaleuca, Juncus, Lomandra, and Cyperus occur as semi-contiguous along watercourses and are in sufficient abundance to create a ‘riverine environment’. Potential habitat opportunities for aquatic and terrestrial fauna include pools and runs filled with water, fallen logs and debris, tree roots, dense patches of forbs (i.e. Lomandra) on banks and leaf litter. Occasional bird and termite nests, and tree hollows were observed in canopy trees. Channel beds and banks have been disturbed / eroded in sections by cattle grazing. Introduced flora, including Lantana camara (Category 3 Restricted Invasive Plant under Biosecurity Act 2014 ) Cockspur Vine and introduced pasture grasses are present along all watercourses, and are considered to be dense on some banks.
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Photos: Northern Watercourse
Central Watercourse:
The main watercourse and tributaries within this area feature defined bed and banks, and hold sufficient water to create a riverine environment. The main watercourse (and one adjoining tributary) drain water from adjoining drainage lines. The channels range from 5 to 10 metres in width and consist of runs and pools (less than 1 m depth) with an occasional low-gradient glide. The flow regime is intermittent, although water is retained in large pools for long periods following rainfall. Instream sediment in less disturbed areas comprised a mixture of grain sizes, from clay/loam to cobble, whereas areas disturbed by erosion and cattle intrusion were largely dominated by clay/loam sediments. Water present at the time of assessment ranged from slightly turbid (in less disturbed areas) to heavily turbid (near disturbed areas where fine sediments are exposed). The dominant geology at these locations is described by pre-clear mapping as Land zone 3 (Alluvial river and creek flats). Canopy species are typical of RE 12.3.11, which is mapped over the area in pre-clear mapping, and RE 12.11.14 and 12.11.18, which is mapped over the adjoining landscape in pre-clear mapping. Water-loving species, such as Melaleuca, Juncus, Lomandra and Cyperus occur in scattered patches and contribute to a ‘riverine environment’ along the watercourse (and one adjoining tributary). Potential habitat opportunities for aquatic and terrestrial fauna include pools and runs filled with water, fallen logs and debris, tree roots, dense patches of forbs (i.e. Lomandra) on banks and leaf litter. Occasional bird and termite nests were observed in canopy trees. Channel beds and banks have been disturbed / eroded in sections by cattle grazing. Introduced flora, including Lantana Camara (Category 3 Restricted Invasive Plant under Biosecurity Act 2014 ) and introduced pasture grasses are present along all watercourses, and are considered to be dense at several locations. Other species identified that are suitable to watercourses and more permanent water include Ficus coronata (Creek Sandpaper Fig), Glochidion sumatranum (Large-leaved Cheese Tree), Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed), Ludwigia peploides (Water Primrose), Philydrum lanuginosum (Woolly Frogmouth), Cyperus polystachyos (Bunchy Sedge), Juncus usitatus (Common Rush) and Typha orientalis (Bulrush).
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 51 of 71
Photos: Central Watercourse
Drainage Features:
The limited occurrence of riverine vegetation and macrophytes at these drainage features indicate that water is only held for a short period immediately following rainfall. A defined creek bed and banks is also absent. Close proximity of drainage features at this property reveals that each channel receives overland flow from a small catchment area. The flow path at each of these locations is generally less than 3 metres in width and consists of erosive runs with intermittent pools (less than 1 m depth). Some pools were present at the time of assessment owing to recent rainfall. The dominant sediment along these features is sand / clay / loam. Water in pools was turbid at the time of assessments due to suspended sediments. The dominant geology at these locations is described by pre-clear mapping as Land zone 11 (Hills and lowlands on metamorphic rocks), which are generally low fertile soils not associated with alluvial systems (i.e. Land zone 3). The landscape surrounding each drainage feature has been historically cleared for agriculture making it difficult to compare vegetation along drainage features to vegetation in the surrounding landscape. Nonetheless, canopy species along drainage lines is largely dominated by regrowth Acacia spp. and Lophostemon confertus with scattered eucalypts that are consistent with pre-clear mapped Regional Ecosystems 12.11.14 and 12.11.18. Water-dependent species are not regarded as constituting a ‘riverine environment’ due to their patchy and scattered distribution, such as Melaleuca, Juncus and Cyperus, occur in proximity to some larger pools along these drainage features. Habitat opportunities for aquatic and terrestrial fauna are relatively limited. Flow paths have been disturbed / eroded by cattle grazing and due to the lineal nature of the regrowth vegetation.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 52 of 71 Introduced flora, including Lantana camara (Category 3 Restricted Invasive Plant under Biosecurity Act 2014 ) Cockspur Vine and introduced pasture grasses are present along all drainage lines.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 53 of 71
Photos: Drainage Features
Upper Caboolture River:
The segment of the Upper Caboolture River under investigation features contiguous riparian vegetation that is comprised of a mixture of gallery rainforest, riverine wetland and woodland flora species. Vegetation on banks ranges from moderate to dense, with cleared areas occurring at side bars and overflow channels. Weed incursions on the lower bank are evident, however, they are not considered to be excessive owing to the abundance of native vegetation on lower banks. The investigation area is overall considered to be healthy, with relatively limited disturbance and erosion on river banks, an abundance of native vegetation and habitat opportunities for aquatic and terrestrial fauna. Presence of macroinvertebrates indicates that stream health is adequate to support sensitive fauna. Canopy vegetation in the upper banks is dominated by eucalypts. Shrub and ground layers in the upper banks are frequently disturbed by clearing and grazing and dominated by Lantana and exotic grasses. Canopy coverage along this section of Upper Caboolture River ranges from open to partially closed, with vegetation overhanging sides of the river throughout much of the area. At the time of the survey, water in the river was flowing slowly. Flood debris in the tree canopy and on the middle and upper banks indicate that water in the Upper Caboolture River rises substantially during heavy rainfall events. Instream habitat features comprise a mixture of runs, riffles and deep pools. Sediments are highly variable, ranging from clay/loam to boulders and bedrock. Lower banks are largely steep and range in height from <1 m to 3 m. Banks are generally covered by leaf litter and debris where riparian vegetation is absent. Other habitat features include tree roots, fallen logs and debris, riparian vegetation, steep and overhanging banks adjacent to stream edges / pools, rock crevices on banks. The bridge at Old North Road and easement from Beva Court are popular local swimming holes and their domestic dogs. Rubbish (bottles, packets, old camping gear) was observed at many locations along the investigation area.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 54 of 71
Photos: Upper Caboolture River
All significant overland flow paths on-site are to be retained an enhanced under the proposal. It is anticipated that sediment and erosion control measures conditioned on approval at State and Local Government levels will improve existing water run-off on-site.
3.3 (c) Soil and Vegetation characteristics Regional ecosystem mapping, confirmed by ground-truthed survey, identifies the site is associated with Landzones 3 and 11 which are defined below.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 55 of 71
Extract: Land Zone definitions, Source: Queensland Government
Soil The Australian Soil Resource Information System (ASRIS) collates and maintains the best available, nationally consistent soil and land resource information for Australia. It provides a scientific information infrastructure for assessing and monitoring the condition of Australia’s soil and land resources and contains a set of spatial and temporal databases that maintain national soil and land information in a consistent and usable format. The ASRIS maps the site as containing entirely Dermosols.
Dermosols
Description Dermosols do not have strong texture contrast. They have a well-structured B2 horizon containing low levels of free iron. The parent materials of dermosols range from siliceous, intermediate to mafic in composition. The soils are found in imperfectly drained and well-drained sites. Dermosols generally have high agricultural potential with good structure and moderate to high chemical fertility and water-holding capacity.
3.3 (d) Outstanding natural features No outstanding natural features were observed across or immediately adjacent to the site. While waterways remain vegetated with predominately native species, clearing and regular maintenance over the majority of the site reflects highly modified rural properties. The Caboolture River and associated riparian vegetation corridor will not be cleared as part of the development.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 56 of 71
3.3 (e) Remnant native vegetation Queensland’s Regulated Vegetation Management Map shows the site predominately contains areas of Category X (non-remnant) vegetation and slithers of Category B remnant vegetation along the Caboolture River. The Vegetation Management Support Map indicates the site contains Least Concern RE 12.3.7, composite Of Concern RE 12.11.18/12.11.14 and RE 12.11.14/12.11.5e and Endangered RE 12.3.1. The full descriptions for these REs are provided in Response to 3.3a above.
3.3 (f) Gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area) The site ranges from approximately 10-20 m above sea level along the watercourses and drainage lines, to 60 m above sea level at the highest peaks. The land is gently undulating.
3.3 (g) Current state of the environment The site predominantly reflects cleared and regularly maintained paddocks, used for rural land use. As such, the majority of the referral area is devoid of remnant vegetation and significant or unique habitat values.
Remaining vegetation on-site is contained to waterways, along the Caboolture River in the south, and the minor drainage features which cross depressions across the central portion of the property. While predominately containing native vegetation, heavy infestations of weeds were noted throughout waterway and drainage features (refer Response 3.3a for further detail).
3.3 (h) Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as having heritage values There have been no Commonwealth Heritage Places or other heritage places identified across the site – refer to Attachment 1.
3.3 (i) Indigenous heritage values No sites, items, or artefacts of indigenous cultural heritage value have been identified across the site.
3.3 (j) Other important or unique values of the environment The site is not considered to be located near other notable environmental features that are likely to be affected by the proposed action. The vegetation along the Caboolture River will be retained with the proposed development, with a 100 m buffer applied.
3.3 (k) Tenure of the action area (eg freehold, leasehold) The entire site is located on freehold land.
3.3 (l) Existing land/marine uses of area The site is currently used for cattle grazing. Surrounding land uses include rural and rural residential.
3.3 (m) Any proposed land/marine uses of area Proposed land uses include residential development, which incorporates open/green spaces, and associated land uses.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 57 of 71 4 Environmental outcomes
Provide descriptions of the proposed environmental outcomes that will be achieved for matters of national environmental significance as a result of the proposed action. Include details of the baseline data upon which the outcomes are based, and the confidence about the likely achievement of the proposed outcomes. Where outcomes cannot be identified or committed to, provide explanatory details including any commitments to identify outcomes through an assessment process.
If a proposed action is determined to be a controlled action, the Department may request further details to enable application of the draft Outcomes-based Conditions Policy 2015 and Outcomes-based Conditions Guidance 2015 ), including about environmental outcomes to be achieved, details of baseline data, milestones, performance criteria, and monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the achievement of outcomes. If this information is available at the time of referral it should be included.
General commitments to achieving environmental outcomes, particularly relating to beneficial impacts of the proposed action, CANNOT be taken into account in making the initial decision about whether the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act. (But those commitments may be relevant at the later assessment and approval stages, including the appropriate level of assessment, and conditions of approval, if your proposal proceeds to these stages).
The proposed development at Old North Road, Bellmere, is not considered to impose a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance.
With regard to the Koala, while some small areas of potential linear habitat adjoining drainage features assessed under the relevant guidelines as critical to the survival of the Koala will be cleared, the vast majority will be retained and buffered outside of development areas within site watercourses and the Upper Caboolture River. Further, no evidence of Koala or Koala activity was recorded on-site during contemporary EPBC Act assessments and previous Council structure plan surveys. Further, to ensure environmental outcomes are achieved on-site, a number of site specific environmental management mitigation measures will be adopted as part of the development, including:
Vegetation Clearing and Management Plans Fauna Management Plans Stormwater Management Plans Erosion and Sediment Control Plans Landscape Management Plans Rehabilitation Plans
The application of these plans and the retention and enhancement of the vast majority of the potential Koala habitat on-site under the proposal is considered to negate the potential for adverse impacts on the Koala species.
The Upper Caboolture River adjoining the proposal site maintains habitat that supports the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus ) and evidence of the species occurrence was recorded during call playback surveys. This habitat along the Upper Coomera River is also representative of the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Threatened Ecological Community . Both of these are listed as Matters of National Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act.
Under the proposal, the entire vegetated area along the southern property boundary adjoining the Upper Coomera River and forming part of the associated riparian corridor will be retained as per the intent of the Planning Scheme. In addition, a rehabilitated buffer of minimum 100 m in width including the large southwest area between the river and northern tributary will be put in place to protect and enhance this vital environmental asset
Further, it is anticipated that various management plans targeting the retention and ongoing persistence of State listed frogs, including the Giant Barred Frog and Tusked Frog ( Adelotus brevis ), and their associated habitat endorsed by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection will be put in place as part of the State and Local
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 58 of 71 Council approvals process. These will involve extensive rehabilitation works, including weed removal and native plantings, and specific targeted threatened species and habitat management plans.
The retention and enhancement of site watercourses including the Upper Caboolture River riparian corridor and associated buffers is considered an enhanced environmental outcome above and beyond the current values both on- site and adjoining. Given the factors outlined above, potential adverse impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance are considered to be mitigated under the proposal.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 59 of 71 5 Measures to avoid or reduce impacts
Note: If you have identified alternatives in relation to location, time frames or activities for the proposed action at Section 2.3 you will need to complete this section in relation to each of the alternatives identified.
Provide a description of measures that will be implemented to avoid, reduce, manage or offset any relevant impacts of the action. Include, if appropriate, any relevant reports or technical advice relating to the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measures.
For each proposed measure, specify: • a concise description of the nature, scope, work plan and consequence of the measure for the relevant impact and any statutory or policy basis for the measure; • in doing so, include analysis and findings on whether each measure is likely to achieve the environmental outcomes for the matters protected by the EPBC Act which are likely to be affected by the proposed action, including noting: o the likely effectiveness of the measure in avoiding or mitigating the relevant impact on the matters protected by the EPBC Act; o the level of commitment by the person proposing to take the action to achieve the proposed environmental outcomes and implement the proposed mitigation measures. For example, identify if the measures are preliminary suggestions only that have not been fully researched, or are dependent on a third party’s agreement (e.g. council or landowner); o any likely residual impacts (being, impacts likely to occur having implemented mitigation and/or avoidance measures) and, if such impacts will or are likely to occur, the measure available to compensate or offset these residual impacts. Please consider the Department’s EPBC Act, the EPBC Environmental Offsets Policy (October 2012) (and How to use the Offsets Assessment Guide ) and the draft Policy Statement on EPBC Act Advanced Environmental Offsets ; o the likely consequences for the matters protected by the EPBC Act should the measure not be effective; and o any other likely consequences of the measure including both adverse and beneficial, such as efficiency, cost and cost-effectiveness and public acceptability (noting however, beneficial consequences of the measure will not be considered in deciding whether or not the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on the matters protected by the EPBC Act).
Examples of relevant measures to avoid or reduce impacts may include the timing of works, avoidance of important habitat, specific design measures, or adoption of specific work practices.
Provide information about the level of commitment by the person proposing to take the action to implement the proposed mitigation measures. For example, if the measures are preliminary suggestions only that have not been fully researched, or are dependent on a third party’s agreement (e.g. council or landowner), you should state that, that is the case.
Note, the Australian Government Environment Minister may decide that a proposed action is not likely to have significant impacts on a protected matter, as long as the action is taken in a particular manner (section 77A of the EPBC Act). The particular manner of taking the action may avoid or reduce certain impacts, in such a way that those impacts will not be ‘significant’. More detail is provided on the Department’s web site.
For the Minister to make such a decision (under section 77A), the proposed measures to avoid or reduce impacts must: • clearly form part of the referred action (eg be identified in the referral and fall within the responsibility of the person proposing to take the action), • be must be clear, unambiguous, and provide certainty in relation to reducing or avoiding impacts on the matters protected, and • must be realistic and practical in terms of reporting, auditing and enforcement.
More general commitments (eg preparation of management plans or monitoring) and measures aimed at providing environmental offsets, compensation or off-site benefits CANNOT be taken into account in making the initial decision about whether the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under the EPBC Act. (But those commitments may be relevant at the later assessment and approval stages, including the appropriate level of assessment, if your proposal proceeds to these stages).
Impacts to MNES as a result of the proposed action will be limited to relatively small areas of low value Koala habitat to be cleared from the upper drainage areas of smaller watercourses on-site. A number of measures to avoid and mitigate potential impacts caused by the removal of this vegetation are incorporated into existing approval conditions, which are summarised below.
1. Vegetation Clearing and Management Plan
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 60 of 71 An approved Vegetation Clearing and Management Plan (VC&MP) must be implemented during Operational Works, which will include details on:
Locations of protected vegetation, vegetation to be retained and vegetation to be removed; Details on vegetation types; Location of significant vegetation (remnant vegetation, city wide significant species etc.); Particulars on how vegetation is proposed to be cleared (clearing sequence plan); Methods for protecting or relocating plants; and Disposal methods.
2. Fauna Management Plan All works must be undertaken in accordance with the approved Fauna Management Plan. This will include details on:
Species surveyed as using the site; A plan showing existing habitat areas; Details of threats to existing fauna; Clearing sequence plan; Management and mitigation measures, e.g. temporary fauna exclusion fencing; Requirements for engaging a Fauna Spotter-Catcher with appropriate contacts and certification, for: o Pre-clearance surveys o Attendance at pre-start meeting o Attendance throughout vegetation clearing period o Continued monitoring and reporting; and Specific fauna management procedures for potential or known habitat trees.
The primary purpose of engaging a Fauna Spotter Catcher during all stages of clearing is to ensure that no injury or death comes to Koalas or other native fauna during vegetation clearing.
3. Stormwater Management Plan All works on-site will be carried out and completed in accordance with the approved Stormwater Management Plan. This Plan will provide details on:
Stormwater quality improvement devices; and Mechanisms for monitoring and reporting.
The implementation of the Stormwater Management Plan will ensure that water quality standards set by State and Local governments are achieved.
4. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Operational works applications must be accompanied by an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, which must contain details on:
Catchment boundary and overland flow path; Estimated soil loss from each catchment; Length, width, and depth of each sediment basin; Spillway details and levels; Energy dissipation/ scour protection; High flow bypass; Cross section, capacity, and spacing of each catch/ diversion drain;
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 61 of 71 Location and spacing of silt fences; Frequency and location of water quality monitoring; Maintenance requirements and frequency; Maintenance access; and Contingency measures in case of failure to achieve water quality objectives.
5. Threatened Species Management Plans Approval required Threatened Species Management Plans for threatened frogs and their habitat will contain details on:
Threatened species background, biology and ecology and habitat requirements Habitat connectivity, continuity and stability assessment and requirements Assessment of potential adverse impacts and threats to ongoing persistence Analysis of risk and hierarchy of threat assessment and mitigation Habitat assessment, management procedures and schedules Impact response measures and remedial measures Important contacts for species management requirements
6. Retention and Rehabilitation of Proposed Greenspace Areas The development is proposed to be located on already disturbed and cleared lands, with the development footprint nominating greenspace throughout the development, aligning with drainage features and waterways. The greenspace totals 69.42 ha, of which 31.25 ha exist along the Caboolture River (refer to Plan 2 ). The vegetation to be retained along eth Caboolture River will have a 100 m buffer applied to it, to protect it from any potential impacts of the development. Vegetation Management and Rehabilitation Plans will be developed for these areas which will focus on retaining and improving the current state of these features. Such works will include weed management and infill planting.
An isolated offset site is also proposed as part of the development, which has an area of 8.23 ha, and will be retained and enhanced through vegetation and weed management, and additional plantings as required (refer to Plan 2 ).
Summary Each of these management measures are specifically designed to avoid and reduce impacts on the natural environment as a result of the proposed development. In particular, the use of a fauna-spotter catcher during clearing and construction phases will ensure that impacts to Koalas, if present, are avoided. The retention of the riparian vegetation along the Caboolture River and the implementation of a 100 m buffer will ensure that potential adverse impacts to the Giant Barred Frog and TEC which was ground-truthed to be present in this area are mitigated.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 62 of 71 6 Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts Identify whether or not you believe the action is a controlled action (ie. whether you think that significant impacts on the matters protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act are likely) and the reasons why.
6.1 Do you THINK your proposed action is a controlled action?
X No, complete section 5.2 Yes, complete section 5.3
6.2 Proposed action IS NOT a controlled action. Specify the key reasons why you think the proposed action is NOT LIKELY to have significant impacts on a matter protected under the EPBC Act.
The proposed action being the development of the site at Old North Road, Bellmere, is not considered to be a controlled action as the project has not been identified as having a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance.
The site makes up 409 ha of the 6,500 ha Queensland Government Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DILGP) declared Caboolture West Master Planned Area (Caboolture West MPA) The MPA was gazetted on 17 th February 2012 and is located adjacent to the urban footprint within the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 (SEQRP). Caboolture West MPA is recognised as an Identified Growth Area in the SEQRP and is intended to accommodate significant long-term growth in the Moreton Bay region. Development of the site is subject to the provisions of the Caboolture West Local Plan which designates the referral area as Urban Living and Green Network.
The referral area is bound by the Caboolture River to the south, Old North Road to the west, and Bellmere Road to the north and is surrounded by rural and rural residential properties generally cleared of vegetation and to the east likewise slated for development. The site itself is comprised of four predominantly cleared rural allotments. Retained vegetation on-site is limited to vegetated strips along drainage features and patches within the north-eastern portion of the site. Under the proposal, the development area is almost entirely contained to previously cleared portions of the site.
Desktop and field surveys have ruled out the occurrence of most listed MNES, with potential impacts limited to some minor clearing of potential habitat for the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus ) listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The construction of proposed residential development is not likely to have a significant impact on Koala because of the following:
Extensive surveys, both contemporary and historical, found no evidence of Koala utilising the site.
Only a very small proportion of the potential Koala habitat not currently utilised by Koala on-site will be cleared from the upper drainage features of watercourses under the proposal.
The site was assessed as having a habitat score of 5 using the Koala Habitat Assessment Tool, which is at the lower end of the spectrum (≥5) for critical habitat as defined by the Koala Referral Guidelines. These results were primarily derived from the presence of Koala food trees and connectivity for the species provided by the Upper Caboolture River. Considering that the Upper Caboolture River and its associated values will be retained and enhanced under the proposal, and that those areas slated for development are almost entirely cleared and do not currently contribute to this connectivity value nor ongoing habitat and connectivity values, adverse impacts on the Koala habitat values are not anticipated.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 63 of 71 The site in general and proposed development area is extremely modified as a result of historical land use and similar surrounding uses, with areas of highest environmental value confined to the Upper Caboolture River riparian corridor to be retained under the proposal.
The proposal does not result in the fragmentation of other vegetation area as it proposes development within already cleared areas and the retention of and enhancement of connectivity values through site watercourses.
Should the action not proceed, the site will continue to be disturbed by pastoral practices and encroaching development that will increase threats to the species, including roads and domestic pets.
No residual impacts on the Koala were identified. As such, the project will not interfere with the recovery of the Koala. In the context of proposed adjoining development, the project will contribute only a portion of the future vehicle use and dog ownership in the local area.
All clearing will be undertaken in accordance with a Fauna Management Plan as approved by Council. This includes the engagement of a Fauna Spotter Catcher who will undertake pre-clearance surveys, attend pre- start meetings and be present during all clearing activities. The purpose of using a Fauna Spotter is to ensure no clearing occurs where Koalas or other fauna species are present and to identify any potential habitat features that require checking before clearing occurs.
It is evident that the Giant Barred Frog ( Mixophyes iteratus ) and the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Threatened Ecological Community are present within the Upper Caboolture River riparian corridor. Under the proposal, the vegetation associated with the riparian corridor will be retained, rehabilitated and enhanced with a minimum 100 m buffer to complimentary development areas. It is anticipated that various management plans targeting the retention and ongoing persistence of threatened frogs and their habitat will be put in place as part of the State and Local Council approvals process. These will involve extensive rehabilitation works, including weed removal and native plantings, and specific targeted threatened species and habitat management plans.
The retention and enhancement of site watercourses including the Upper Caboolture River riparian corridor and associated buffers as well as management plans to be conditioned at the State and Local Government levels are considered to mitigate the potential for adverse impacts on listed Matters of National Environmental Significance associated with the proposal site. As such, the proposed action is not considered to be a Controlled Action.
6.3 Proposed action IS a controlled action Type ‘x’ in the box for the matter(s) protected under the EPBC Act that you think are likely to be significantly impacted. (The ‘sections’ identified below are the relevant sections of the EPBC Act.)
Not Applicable
Matters likely to be 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)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 64 of 71 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)
Specify the key reasons why you think the proposed action is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the matters identified above.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 65 of 71 7 Environmental record of the responsible party NOTE: If a decision is made that a proposal needs approval under the EPBC Act, the Environment Minister will also decide the assessment approach. The EPBC Regulations provide for the environmental history of the party proposing to take the action to be taken into account when deciding the assessment approach.
Yes No 7.1 Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible X environmental management?
Provide details
JIA Estate Holdings Pty Ltd have owned the property that is the subject of this referral for over 20 years. In that period they have managed the property as both a forestry and, more recently, a pastoral enterprise, and have done so in a diligent and environmentally responsible manner.
7.2 Has either (a) the party proposing to take the action, or (b) if a permit has been X applied for in relation to the action, the person making the application - ever been subject to any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources?
If yes, provide details
7.3 If the party taking the action is a corporation, will the action be taken in accordance X with the corporation’s environmental policy and planning framework?
If yes, provide details of environmental policy and planning framework
JIA Estate Holdings Pty Ltd is a company formed purely for the purpose of managing and developing this site. As this will be the first project for the company, they do not as yet have an environmental policy. It is the intention of JIA Estate Holdings Pty Ltd to continue their strong record of responsible environmental management established on the site over the last 20 years.
7.4 Has the party taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, or X been responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?
Provide name of proposal and EPBC reference number (if known)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 66 of 71 8 Information sources and attachments (For the information provided above)
8.1 References • List the references used in preparing the referral. • Highlight documents that are available to the public, including web references if relevant.
Australian Koala Foundation , The Spot Assessment Technique: determining the importance of Habitat Utilised by Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) , available online
Australian Koala Foundation 2012, National Koala Tree Protection List; Recommended Tree Species for Protection and Planting of Koala Habitat .
Australian Soil Resource Information System , e
Dique DS, de Villiers DL and Preece HJ 2003, Evaluation of line-transect sampling for estimating Koala abundance in the Pine Rivers Shire, south-east Queensland.’ Wildlife Research 30: 127-133.
Phillips S & Callaghan J 2011, The Spot Assessment Technique: a tool for determining localised levels of habitat use by Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus . Australian Zoologist 35(3) : 774-780.
8.2 Reliability and date of information For information in section 3 specify: • source of the information; • how recent the information is; • how the reliability of the information was tested; and • any uncertainties in the information.
Refer to Section 8.1 References . 8.3 Attachments Indicate the documents you have attached. All attachments must be less than three megabytes (3mb) so they can be published on the Department’s website. Attachments larger than three megabytes (3mb) may delay the processing of your referral.
attached Title of attachment(s) You must attach figures, maps or aerial photographs showing Plan 1 – CWMPA Plan 2 – Site the project locality (section 1) Fig 1 – site context GIS file delineating the boundary of the referral area (section 1) fig 2 – site aerial
Fig 3 – SPP Koala H abitat figures, maps or aerial photographs showing the location of the project in respect to any Fig 4 – Regulated matters of national environmental significance Vegetation or important features of the environments (section 3)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 67 of 71 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) Plan 3 – Field Survey copies of any flora and fauna investigations and surveys (section 3) Effort Att 2 – EAR
Att 1 – PMST Results technical reports relevant to the assessment of impacts on protected matters that support the Att 2 – EAR arguments and conclusions in the referral (section 3 and 4) report(s) on any public consultations undertaken, including with Indigenous stakeholders (section 3)
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 68 of 71 9 Contacts, signatures and declarations NOTE: Providing false or misleading information is an offence punishable on conviction by imprisonment and fine (s 489, EPBC Act).
Under the EPBC Act a referral can only be made by: • the person proposing to take the action (which can include a person acting on their behalf); or • a Commonwealth, state or territory government, or agency that is aware of a proposal by a person to take an action, and that has administrative responsibilities relating to the action 1.
Project title: Old North Road, Bellmere
9.1 Person proposing to take action This is the individual, government agency or company that will be principally responsible for, or who will carry out, the proposed action.
If the proposed action will be taken under a contract or other arrangement, this is: • the person for whose benefit the action will be taken; or • the person who procured the contract or other arrangement and who will have principal control and responsibility for the taking of the proposed action.
If the proposed action requires a permit under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 2, this is the person requiring the grant of a GBRMP permission.
The Minister may also request relevant additional information from this person.
If further assessment and approval for the action is required, any approval which may be granted will be issued to the person proposing to take the action. This person will be responsible for complying with any conditions attached to the approval.
If the Minister decides that further assessment and approval is required, the Minister must designate a person as a proponent of the action. The proponent is responsible for meeting the requirements of the EPBC Act during the assessment process. The proponent will generally be the person proposing to take the action 3. 1. Name and Title: Mr Ang Chuen Teck 2. Organisation (if applicable): Jia Estate Holdings Pty Ltd 3. EPBC Referral Number (if known): NA 4: ACN / ABN (if applicable): 607 871 296 5. Postal address Level 1, 170 Boundary Street, West End, Q 4101 6. Telephone: +6596632366 (mobile), +6562221888 (office) 7. Email: [email protected]
8. Name of designated
proponent (if not the
1 If the proposed action is to be taken by a Commonwealth, state or territory government or agency, section 8.1 of this form should be completed. However, if the government or agency is aware of, and has administrative responsibilities relating to, a proposed action that is to be taken by another person which has not otherwise been referred, please contact the Referrals Gateway (1800 803 772) to obtain an alternative contacts, signatures and declarations page.
2 If your referred action, or a component of it, is to be taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park the Minister is required to provide a copy of your referral to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) (see section 73A, EPBC Act ). For information about how the GBRMPA may use your information, see http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/privacy/privacy_notice_for_permits.
3 If a person other than the person proposing to take action is to be nominated as the proponent, please contact the Referrals Gateway(1800 803 772) to obtain an alternative contacts, signatures and declarations page.
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 69 of 71
9.2 Person preparing the referral information (if different from 8.1) Individual or organisation who has prepared the information contained in this referral form.
Name Andrew Davies
Title Senior Environmental Scientist
Organisation Saunders Havill Group
ACN / ABN (if applicable) 24 144 972 949
Postal address 9 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills, Q 4006
Telephone (07) 3251 9455
Email [email protected]
Declaration I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information I have given on, or attached to this form is complete, current and correct. I understand that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence.
Signature Date 22 December 2016
001 Referral of proposed action v July 2016 Page 71 of 71