appendix 7b - rio tinto - rio tinto tinto alcan environmental impact statement south of embley...

Rio Tinto AlcanEnvironmental Impact StatementSouth of Embley Project

APPENDIX 7B

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VEGETATION OF THE PROJECT AREA

Appendix 7B Detailed Descriptions of the Vegetation of the Project Area


RE 3.1.1a Closed forest of Red Mangrove (Rhizophora stylosa) ± Large-fruitedOrange Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) occurring as Outer Mangroves.

Description: This community is characterized by a closed to low closed forest dominated byRed Mangrove (Rhizophora stylosa) at the outer margins, while Large-fruited Orange Mangrove(Bruguiera gymnorhiza) is also typically present. The arching prop roots of the Red Mangroveform a dense, inter-meshed network at the stream bank margins. Other mangrove tree species,including Grey Mangrove (Avicennia manna) are often present, particularly in areas inland fromthe seaward edge.

A sparse shrub or sub-canopy layer of Club Mangrove (Aegialitis annu /ata), Myrtle Mangrove(Osbornia octodonta) and River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) is sometimes present from2 to 10m in height. Apart from a dense patches of Mangrove Fern (Acrostichum speciosum) insome locations, the ground layer is bare of herbaceous plants.

Occurrence in the Study Area: Occurs on unconsolidated mud and forms the outermangrove zone where the mangrove forest is extensive, most notably the middle to lowerreaches of the Ward River, and upstream of the main estuary of Norman Creek.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Direct correlation, incorporating bothLand Unit 3d (Mangroves Rhizophora Zone); and Land Unit 6b (Mangroves Bruguiera Zone)

Additional Information from REDD Database V6b

Vegetation Management Act Status (November 2009): Least concern

Biodiversity Status: No concern at present

Subregion: .

Estimated Extent:

Extent in Reserves: Medium

Wetland: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves).

Structure Category: Dense

Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: No fire management required. ISSUES: Non-flammable vegetation.

Comments: Wen lock, Ducie, Pascoe and Mc Ivor Rivers. Lines tidal rivers.

RE 3.1.1c Closed forest of Cajuput Tree (Melaleuca cajuputi) behind Red Mangrove(Rhizophora stylosa) fringe Upper Freshwater Margins of Tidal Systems.

Appendix 7B Detailed Descriptions of the Vegetation of the Project Area Page 7B-1


Description: Closed forest Cajuput Tree (Melaleuca cajuputi) forming dense large stands from6 to 18m in height, typically located at the outer or upper margins of marine tidal systems. Mayinclude other paperbark trees (M. leucadendra, M. acaciodes) in lower numbers, but generallyoccurs as mono-specific stands, interspersed with low clumps of Mangrove Fern (Acrostichumspeciosum) or sedges (Leptocarpus species). Typically this vegetation fringes a mainwatercourse channel, which is lined with a thin layer of mangroves that can include RedMangrove (Rhizophora sty /osa) and Looking Glass Mangrove (Heritiera

Occurrence in the Study Area: This community was located at the upstream tidal influenceof the Ward River as small flooded swamps fringing the main river channel, usually on theinside bend of the river. This community was also located on the northern bank of NormanCreek in low swampy areas just landward of tidal estuaries (adjoining RE 3.3.60a), on outflowareas below Swamp Box (Lophostemon suaveolens) woodland and mixed paperbark forestcommunities (RE 3.3.9).

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Land Unit 3d (Mangroves RhizophoraZone); Land Unit 7d (Melaleuca along footslopes or outer margins of drainage lines). Thefloristic composition of this community was most closely correlated with RE3.1.1c, and occurs atthe interface of alluvial and marine plains (land zones 1 and 3).

Additional Information from REDD Database V6b.


Biodiversity status: No concern at present

Subregion: .

Estimated Extent:




Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: No fire management required. ISSUES: Non-flammable vegetation.

Comments: Wen lock, Ducie, Pascoe and Mc Ivor Rivers. Lines tidal rivers. Vegetationcommunities 3.1.1b and 3.1.1c only occur in small areas throughout the bioregion.



RE 3.1.3 Closed to low closed forest of Yellow Mangrove (Ceriops tagal) ± GreyMangrove (Avicenna marina).

Description: This community is characterized by a dense closed to low closed mangroveforest from 3 to 16m in height and dominated by Yellow Mangrove (Ceriops tagai). While thedark buttressed trunks of Yellow Mangrove frequently form almost pure stands, other speciespresent include Grey Mangrove (Avicenna manna), Black Mangrove (Lumnitzera species), andthe emergent Cannonball Mangrove (Xy /ocarpus granatum). Vascular plants are generallyabsent from the ground layer, characterized by deep mud.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs as the inner or morelandward mangrove zone in more extensive bands of mangrove, typically around the middle toupper reaches of the Ward River and Norman Creek. This community also incorporates highlysaline mangrove areas dominated by low sparse to dense shrub layers comprised of ClubMangrove (Aegialitis annu /ata), River Mangrove (Aegiceras comiculatum) and/or Blind-your-eyeMangrove (Excoecar /a agallocha) up to 3m in height.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Direct correlation with Land Unit 6c(Mangroves Ceriops Zone); also incorporates with Land Unit 9a (Highly saline mangrove zone)




Subregion: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, Great Barrier Reef

Estimated Extent:




Protected Areas:



Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: Protection relies on broad-scale management ofsurrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be verylimited in extent. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation.

RE 3.1.6 Sparse Herb land or Bare Saltpans on Saline Flats

Description: Considerable areas of bare saline mudflats or saltpans. Some large areas andmany small patches of samphire or herbfield are also present on these saline flats, and supporta variety of samphire species (Ha /osarcia species), generally below 30cm in height . Marinegrasses, including both Saltwater Couch (Sporobolus virginicus) and the grass Xerochloaimberbis are present, generally in small patches or interspersed with other samphire species.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs on marine plainsassociated with the estuaries and lower reaches of majot watercourses within the study area.Considerable expanses of this community occur on the marine plains of the Ward River andNorman Creek.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 12e(Saltpan sparse herbfield).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:

Extent in Reserves High


Structure Category: Very sparse

Protected Areas: P .

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: No fire management required. ISSUES: Non-flammable vegetation. Low fuel loads and sparse vegetation limits fire spread.



RE 3.2.2 Semi-Deciduous Vine Thicket on Coastal Dunes and Beach Ridges

Description: This community is characterised by a diverse assemblage of vine forest vines andmesic canopy trees forming an uneven but dense closed canopy from 6 to 12m in height.

The canopy layer is diverse, but is generally dominated by a mixture of deciduous andevergreen species which include Terminalia sericocarpa, T muelleri, Pongamia pinata, Ficusvirens, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Sterculia quadrifida, Canarium australianum, as the principaldeciduous species, sometimes forming emergents up to 25m in height. Evergreen tree speciespresent include Drypetes dep/anchea, Buchanania arbroescens, Maranthes corymbosa,Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Parinari nondia, Gyrocarpus americans, Ma/ottus discolor, Bride liatomentosa, Ganophy / /um fa/catum, Aidia racemosa, Ce/tis philippensis, Polyalthia nitidissima andMimusops elengi.

A mid-dense sub-canopy or shrub layer from 2 to 8m high supports a variety of other species,most commonly including Eugenia reinwardtiana, Psychotria poliostemma, Aglaia elaeagnoidea,Pouteria sericea, Gossia floribunda, Diospyros ca/ycantha, Atractocarpus sessilis, and Strychnoslucida. Vines are common and dense in places, including Flagellaria indica, Smilax austra /is,Abrus precatorius, Parsonisa velutina, Cayratia cardiophylla, Clematis pickeringlland Jasminumdidymum. The ground layer is very sparse, and mainly composed of graminoids such asOp/ismeus aemu /us and Panicum tricoides.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community forms small to large patches ofvarying structural development and floristic diversity on sandy soils fronting the western coastalmargins of the mining lease, including a small patch at Boyd Point and a large strip betweenThud Point and the northern mouth of Norman Creek.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 3a(Semi-Evergreen Notophyll Vine Forest or Thicket on Coastal Dunes).



Biodiversity status: Of concern

Subregion: 4, 7, 9.

Estimated Extent:

Extent in Reserves: Low




Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: Protection relies on broad-scale management ofsurrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be verylimited in extent. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation.

Comments: West coast of bioregion. Areas near settlements and road access are degraded byweeds such as Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) and Calotropis (Ca /otropis sp).

RE 3.2.3 Grey Paperbark (Melaleuca dealbata) Open Forest on Dune Swales

Description: This community typically forms a narrow band of open forest dominated by GreyPaperbark (Melaleuca dealbata) up to 25m in height in sandy swales adjacent to frontal dunes,or fringing watercourses on sandy soils near the coast. Other canopy species are limited andmay include Weeping Paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra).

The sub-canopy is also generally sparse but a number of wattle species (Acacia crassicarpa andA. leptocarpa) are frequent shrub or even sub-canopy trees within this community.

The ground layer is generally very sparse, and is often dominated by the grass Vet /ver /aelongata, or in lower areas tall sedges (Leptocarpus species) up to 2m in height. Although notrecorded in the current survey, the exotic sub-shrub or vine Cryptostegia grand /flora is reportedas a common pest species within this community type.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs as a narrow band ofgrassy open forest dominated by Grey Paperbark (Melaleuca dealbata) up to 25m in height insandy swales adjacent to frontal dunes or fringing minor drainage areas near the coast,including the area fringing the small coastal lagoon around Pera Head.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 5d(Paperbark Fringe on Sandy Swales).


Vegetation Management Act Status (November 2009): Of concern


Subregion:

Estimated Extent:

Appendix 7B Detailed Descriptions of the Vegetation of the Project Area B-6



Wetland: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp).

Structure Category: Mid -dense

Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. Burn only under mild conditions. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than10% in any year. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country withnumerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent.ISSUES: Restrict extent and intensity of fires, because intense and extensive fires degradevegetation structure and destroy animal habitats.

Comments: West coast of the bioregion.

RE 3.2.5a Mixed Shrubby Woodland (Acacia crassicarpa f Syzyoium suborbiculareParinari nonda) on Beach Ridges

Description: This community type consists of a mixed shrubby woodland on beach ridgesforming a sparse and discontinuous canopy from 6 to 20m in height. Spoon Tree (Acaciacrassicarpa) is a characterisitic and usually the dominant component of this canopy layer,together with Northern Lancewood (Acacia toru /osa) in most areas. Other frequent canopy treesinclude Lady Apple (Syzygium suborbicu /are), Nonda Plum (Parinari nonda), Beach Pandan(Pandanus spiralis), Damson (Terminalia muellen) and the wattle (Acacia platycarpa).

Trees are often well spaced, and the intervening area supports a very sparse shrub layer up to2m in height, while the sandy open areas are dominated by a variety of grasses includingVetiveria elongata, Panicum species and Perotis rara.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This is the dominant vegetation of the narrow sandy stripfringing the western coastline of the mining lease.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 7a(Mixed Shrubby Woodland (sclerophyll vine woodland) on dunefield).






Subregion:

Estimated Extent:


Structure Category: Sparse

Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. Burn only under mild conditions. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than30% in any year. No fire management required. ISSUES: Restrict extent and intensity of fires,because intense and extensive fires degrade vegetation structure and destroy animal habitats.

Comments: Most extensive on the west coast. 3.2.5a (vegetation unit 54A) is a Carbeen(Corymbia tessellaris) dominated shrubby woodland. Veiny Paperbark (Melaleuca nervosa) isusually present as a subdominant tree and Damson (Term /na //a muellen) occurs frequently inthe canopy. The sparse to mid-dense shrub layer is composed of similar species as 3.2.5. Itoccurs on the coastal dunes adjoining Princess Charlotte Bay.



RE 3.2.6a Beach She-Oak (Casuarina equisetifolia) Woodland on Foredunes

Description: This beach strand community occurs on the primary coastal dune in thecolonization zone above high tide. It is characterised by a sparse or vary sparse open canopy ofBeach She-Oak (Casuarina equisetifolia) from 5 to 15m in height, and may incude small patchesof other species including Beach Almond (Terminalia catappa). A very sparse shrub layer up to2m high may be present, including Beach Alyxia (Alyxia spicata) and Beach Mallow (Thespesiapopu /nea). The ground layer is sparse and short, typically comprising patches of Beach bean(Canavalia rosea) and the grasses Dactyloctenium species, Thuarea invo /uta and Spinifexhirsuta.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This community forms a discontinuous narrow strip alongthe coastal margins of the mining lease, including around the camping area at False Pera Head.Where present this community is generally limited to a narrow band up to 30m wide fringingthe shoreline at high tide.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 7a(Mixed Shrubby Woodland (sclerophyll vine woodland) on dunefield).



Biodiversity Status: Of concern

Subregion:

Estimated Extent:



Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: No fire management required. Protection relies onbroad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the yearso that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation community.Avoid burning from the strand line with a wind. Burning into wind can be safe.

Comments: Widely distributed type. Also occurs in other coastal bioregions.



RE 3.2.10c Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) ± Clarkson's Bloodwood(Corymbia clarksoniana) on Stabilised Dunes

NO IMAGE AVAILABLE

Description: Woodland to open forest comprising a canopy of Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptustetrodonta), Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) and sometimes Molloy Red Box(Eucalyptus leptophleba) ranging from 9 to 22m in height on more stabilized coastal dunes anddeep sandy soils.

Sub-canopy and shrub species typically include Northern Lancewood (Acacia torulosa),Bushman's Clothes Pegs (Grevillea glauca) and Lady Apple (Syzygium suborbiculare),sometimes in dense clumps. The ground layer is dominated by grasses, such as PlumedSorghum (Sorghum plumosum), Native Panic (Panicum mindaenense) and Cockatoo Grass(Alloteropsis semialata).

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community was inaccessible and notexamined in the current survey. It has been mapped and described for the coastal area aroundthe mouth of Winda Winda Creek (Gunness 1984). This community appears to correspond withstabilized coastal sands in north-eastern part of the mining lease.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 2a (TallWoodland on Massive Sandy Loam Soils).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:

Extent in Reserves: High


Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Dry season. INTENSITY: Various. INTERVAL: 2-5years. STRATEGY: Begin burning early in the fire season, followed by progressive patch firesburnt through the year. Burn less than 30% in any year. ISSUES: Management of thisinherently stable, and fire tolerant vegetation type should be based on maintaining animalhabitats and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a fire mosaic will ensure protection ofanimal habitats and mitigate against wildfires.



RE 3.2.25 Sparse Herb land on Foredunes and Beach Ridges

Description: This community is characterized by a open grassland or herbfield which supportsa variety of forbs and graminoids within a very sparse ground layer and typically only reaching20-50cm in height. Common plant species within this ground layer include the herbs Tnbilusso /andri, Evo /vu /us alsinoides,Crotalaria medicaginea, Indigofera co /utea, I, hirsutus, Boerhaviahirsuta, Po /ycarpaea species, Achyranthes aspera, C /eome tetrandra and the grasses Spinifexhirsuta, Panicum tricoides, Perotis rara and the sedge Bu /bosty /is barbata.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This community is recorded along the beach strand andbeach ridge areas of the western coastline of the mining lease, and is differentiated from similarcommunities on these areas (i.e. RE 3.2.5 and Re3.2.6) by a general absence of tree or shrubsand a dominant grassy or mixed herb ground cover. Grevi Ileas (G. parallela and G glauca) areoften the most frequent trees or shrubs in this community, although isolated individuals orpatches of

Spoon Tree (Acacia crassicarpa), Northern Lancewood (Acacia torulosa), Lady Apple (Syzygiumsuborbiculare), Beach Pandan (Pandanus spiralis) or Damson (Terminalia muellen) occur.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 12c(Grassland / Herbland on dunefield).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:



Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: Protection relies on broad-scale management ofsurrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be verylimited in extent. ISSUES: Burning of this ecosystem may lead to dune instability.

Comments: The naturalised grasses Ch/oris inflata* and Dactyloctenium aegyptium* cansometimes be dominant in the ground layer.

RE 3.3.5 Evergreen Notophyll Vine Forest on Alluvial Streamlines



Description: This community forms a fringing riverine notophyll vine forest community on themost sheltered and well watered margins of major watercourses in the mining lease, with acanopy of 12 to 20m in height.

Common canopy species include Lophostemon suaveolens, Buchanania arborescens, Syzygiumforte subsp. potamophilum and B /epharocarya involucngera.

A sparse to dense sub-canopy or shrub layer is also often present. Other characteristic tree orshrub species present include Melaleuca leucadendra, Cara Ilia brachiata, Ma/lotus po /yadenos,Di / /enia alata, Endiandra glauca, Atractocarpus sessilis, Chionanthus ramit7ora, Pongamapinnata, Memecy /on paucitlorum, Cleistanthus apodus and Myrsine porosa. Vine species presentinclude Flagellaria indica, Austrosteenisia blackii, Lygodium flexuosum, Smilax austra /is,Eustrephus latifolius, Hypserpa decumbens and Abrus precatorius.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs in small fringing patchesalong the most sheltered and well watered margins of Norman Creek and the Ward River.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 4a2 (Ripariangallery Forest), which occurs as a gallery vine forest along the most sheltered and well wateredmargins of Norman Creek and the Ward River.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:


Wetland: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland.


Protected Areas:



Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: Protection relies on broad-scale management ofsurrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be verylimited in extent. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation type.

Comments: High usage by cattle, and hence frequently weed-infested. Local disturbance byhuman camping activities. Stream bank species such as Satinash (Syzygium tierneyanum), RiverShe-Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and WeepingTeatree (Melaleuca leucadendra) are frequently present.

RE 3.3.9 Swamp Mahogany (Lophostemon suaveolens) Open Forest on Streamlines,Swamps and Alluvial Terraces

Description: This is the dominant vegetation community fringing the upper margins ofwatercourses, and is characterized by a canopy layer in which Swamp Mahogany (Lophostemonsuaveolens) and/or Weeping Teatree (Melaleuca leucadendra) are the dominant components.This community has three distinct variants within the mining lease area.

Occurrence in the Study Area: Within the upstream tributaries of both the Ward River andNorman Creek (variant LU4a1), Swamp Mahogany (Lophostemon suaveolens) is typically thedominant canopy species, ranging from 8 to 18m in height, and most commonly occurs within anarrow fringing band up to 40m in width. Other frequent canopy species within this communitytype include Cape York Red Gum (Eucalyptus brassiana), Weeping Teatree (Melaleucaleucadendra) and Pale Satinash (Syzygium eucalyptoides). Other less common canopy or sub-canopy species include Deplancea (Deplanchea tetraphylla) and Golden Guinea Tree (Dilleniaalata). The outer margins of this community often form a lower, more open canopy or sub-canopy from 3 to 10m in height, in which Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) andToothed Banksia (Banksia dentata) are prominent components. The ground layer is sparse tomid-dense and composed of a variety of sedges, graminoids and ferns.

Within the lower freshwater sections of both the Ward River and Norman Creek (variantLU4a3), Weeping Teatree (Melaleuca leucadendra) becomes the more dominant canopy speciesup to 25 meteres in height, and may form more extensive stands fringing the mainwatercourse. Swamp Mahogany (Lophostemon suaveolens) is often also present on the outer



margins, together with Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridfflora) and Toothed Banksia(Banksia dentata). The shrub layer also often becomes more mesic and well developed on levybanks and the outer margins, with Carallia (Cara ///a brach /ata) and Short-fruited Canthium(Cyclophyllum brevipes) being prominent components.

This community also forms a tall open forest dominated by Swamp Mahogany (Lophostemonsuaveolens) on the north-western bank of Norman Creek (variant 7b), forming a canopy to 22min height with Cabbage Palm (Livistona mue / /eri) and Deplanchea (Deplanchea tetraphylla) andco-dominant species in the sub-canopy layer. This variant of his community is a well-developedexample of Swamp Mahogany open forest within the mining lease area.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 7b (Me /a /euca/Swamp Mahogany on the outer margins of drainage depressions). Also correlates with LandUnit 4a1/4a3 (riparian gallery forest), which occurs as a gallery forest along the upper marginsof permanent and semi-permanent watercourses which is often dominated by SwampMahogany.



Biodiversity status: No concern at presentSubregion:

Estimated Extent:


Wetland: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland.

Structure Category: Mid-dense

Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. Burn only under mild conditions. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than30% in any year. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country withnumerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent.ISSUES: Restrict extent and intensity of fires. Intense and extensive fires degrade vegetationstructure and destroy animal habitats.



RE 3.3.14a Hard-barked Teatree (Melaleuca clarksoniana) Woodland of DrainageDepressions

Description: This community is characterized by an open woodland of Hard-barked Teatree(Melaleuca c /arksoniana), Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca tandiflora) and Swamp Mahogany(Lophostemon suaveolens) from 10 to 18m in height on the broader outer margins, withWeeping Teatree (Melaleuca /eucadendra)the dominant canopy species in more heavilyinundated areas. The sub-canopy and shrub layer is very sparse to absent, althoughAsteromyrtus (Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa) and False Casuarina (Ca /ycopep /us casuarinoides)may be abundant within a narrow band.

The sub-shrub layer is characteristically absent, while the ground cover layer is stratified inrelation to inundation level. Above the more permanent inundation line, this layer is

characterized by a low diversity grassland dominated by the Wanderie Grass (Elachne &I-seta) to50cm in height. Below this inundaton line, the ground cover is characterized by swampy speciesgenerally below 10cm in height, including Drosera Urticu /aria chrysantha andFimbristy /is species.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This RE occurs throughout the Project area in associationwith drainage lines and wetlands.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Units 3b and 7b inpart (Melaleuca swamp zone at most consistent water level; and Me /a /euca/ SwampMahogany on the outer margins of drainage depressions). These land units are generic toMelaleuca swamps and do not differentiate between species.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:






Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. Burn only under mild conditions. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than30% in any year. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country withnumerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent.ISSUES: Restrict extent and intensity of fires, because intense and extensive fires degradevegetation structure and destroy animal habitats.

Comments: This vegetation community often occurs in patches too small to be mapped.

RE 3.3.21 Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) f Satinash (Syzygiumeucalyptoides) Woodland in Drainage Depressions.

ifrg

Description: This community is characterized by a canopy in which Clarkson's Bloodwood(Corymbia c /arksoniana) and Satinash (Syzygium euca /yptoides subsp. euca /yptoides) are co-dominant trees from 8 to 18m in height. This community typically forms a topographic band 30to 100m wide in drainage depressions, and as an outer fringing zone where watercoursesdevelop.

The outer margins of this community often support a sub-canopy to shrub layer of Broad-leavedTeatree (Melaleuca taridiflora), Fibre-barked Teatree (Melaleuca stenostachya), Toothed Banksia(Banks /a dentata), Lineament Tree (Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa) up to 6m in height. The sub-shrub layer varies with topography, while the ground cover layer is stratified in relation toinundation level. Above the more permanent inundation line, this layer is characterized by a lowdiversity grassland dominated by the Wanderie Grass (E /achne &I-seta) to 50cm in height. Belowthis inundaton line, the swampy species including Drosera Eriocaulon species,Urticulana chrysantha and Fimbristylis species are dominant.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs in drainage depressionsand extends well into the outer zone of riparian corridors where the stream channel becomesmore distinct. This RE appear to occur consistently on the middle to upper reaches of bothNorman Creek and the Ward River, including areas previously mapped as RE3.3.54. The floristiccomposition of this community closely matches the corresponding RE description, although this



community appears to cover the margins of both Land Zone 3 and 5 in the middle reaches ofNorman Creek and the Ward River.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 5j in part(Upper parts of broad drainage basins, Bloodwood/Banksia).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent


Wetland: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands).


Protected Areas: Mungkan Kandju NP

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Dry season. INTENSITY: Various. INTERVAL: 1-5years. STRATEGY: Begin burning early in the fire season, followed by progressive patch firesburnt through the year. Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relies on broad-scalemanagement of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wiISSUES: Management of this inherently stable, and fire tolerant vegetation type should bebased on maintaining animal habitats and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a firemosaic will ensure protection of animal habitats and mitigate against wildfires.

Comments: Dissected Holroyd plain, south of Aurukun.

RE 3.3.49b Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) Open Woodland on LowPlains

Description: This community is characterized by a low open woodland from 4 to 10m inheight. Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) is the dominant and defining tree species,with emergent Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia c /arksoniana) and Fibre-barked Teatree(Melaleuca stenostachya) locally prominent.

The sub-canopy and shrub layer is mostly very sparse to absent, and usually comprising a layerof recruiting Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) where present. The ground cover layer



is characterized by a dense low diversity grassland with extensive patches of Panadanus(Pandanus spiralls) common.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This RE occurs as a peripheral band along streamlines andseasonal drainage depressions throughout the Project area. In contrast to the wetlands of RE3.3.50a this RE experiences shorter inundation during the wet season, from surface run-off orgroundwater discharge at the edge of the alluvial/colluvial zone.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 5j2.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:



Protected Areas: Iron Range NP, Jardine River NP, Lakefield NP, Mungkan Kandju NP

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. INTERVAL: 1-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relieson broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout theyear so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Burn only under mild conditions. ISSUES:Restrict extent and intensity of fires. Intense and extensive fires degrade vegetation structureand destroy animal habitats.

Comments: One of the most extensive REs in the bioregion.

RE 3.3.50a Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) Open Woodland on LowPlains (Paperbark wetland)

Description: This community is characterized by a low woodland to open woodland from 4 to10m in height. Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) is the dominant and defining treespecies, and often occurs in dense, single species stands. The outer margins of this community



typically support a more open zone in which Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksontana) andFibre-barked Teatree (Melaleuca stenostachya) are prominent.

The sub-canopy and shrub layer mostly very sparse to absent, although Asteromyrtus(Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa)and False Casuarina (Ca /ycopep /us casuarinoides) may beabundant within a narrow band. The ground cover layer is stratified in relation to inundationlevel. Above the more permanent inundation line, this layer is characterized by a low diversitygrassland dominated by the grass eriachne triseta to 50cm in height. Below this inundation line,the ground cover is characterized by swampy species generally below 10cm in height, includingDrosera petiolaris, Urticu /aria chrysantha and Fimbristylisspecies.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This RE occurs as a seasonal wetland community onstreamlines and seasonal drainage depressions throughout the Project area.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Units 3b and 7b inpart (Melaleuca swamp zone at most consistent water level; and Me /a /euca/ SwampMahogany on the outer margins of drainage depressions). These land units are generic toMelaleuca swamps and do not differentiate between species.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:


Wetland: Contains palustrine wetland (e.g. in swales).


Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. INTERVAL: 1-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relieson broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout theyear so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Burn only under mild conditions. ISSUES:Restrict extent and intensity of fires. Intense and extensive fires degrade vegetation structureand destroy animal habitats.

Comments: One of the most extensive REs in the bioregion.



RE 3.3.60 Closed Tussock Grassland ( Vetiveria elongata) on Alluvial / Marine Plains

Description: This community consists of a closed tussock grassland around 1m in height onmarine influenced alluvial plains in the downstream sections of major watercourses. The maingrass species was Vetiveria elongata, and was likely to include a varity of other native grassspecies (such as Panicum species, Smithia conferta, Dichanthium sericeum, Capi / /ipediumparvfflorum, Themeda arguens) and native sedges (such as Sc lena novae-hollandiae,Fimbristy /is species), although the composition of these grasslands was difficult to determine asthey were dead and largely broken down when accessible for survey. A sparse open canopy ofshrubs or small trees was also sometimes present, typically compromised of Broad-leavedTeatree (Melaleuca viridiflora) to 6m in height.

Occurrence in the Study Area: These grasslands were found on marine-influenced alluvialplains on the middle to downstream stretches of Norman Creek and the Ward River within themining lease area, often adjacent to the main waterway channel and elevated above mudflatsor saltpans.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 12d(Grasslands on low level terraces).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:




Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Progressive early to mid-dry season, followed bystorm time. INTENSITY: Moderate to hot. INTERVAL: 1-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn up to 50% inany year. A combination of early to mid-dry season fires and storm-burns would assist in



maintaining a mosaic of fire ages. ISSUES: Burn when fires will carry, which is generally Sep toOct. Reduction in cattle grazing may be required to produce adequate fire intensity. Fireexclusion and/or mild early dry season fires will benefit woody species at the expense of groundlayer species, causing vegetation thickening. Late dry season fires and storm-burn help torestore the dominance of grasses.

Comments: East and west coast.

RE 3.3.61 Native Tussock Grassland (Panicum, Fimbristylis) on Alluvial / MarinePlains

Description: This community consists of a sedgeland or tussock grassland up to 1m in heighton marine influenced alluvial plains in the downstream sections of major watercourses. Themain graminiods species present are typically large congregations of fine native sedges(Fimbristy /is species) interspersed with clumps of Native Panic (Panicum trachyrhachis). Theseareas differ from similar Vetiveria elongata dominated grasslands (RE3.3.60) by being moresparse and occurring in more salt-influenced areas further downstream.

Occurrence in the Study Area: These grasslands were found on marine-influenced alluvialplains on downstream stretches of Norman Creek and the Ward River within the mining leasearea, often adjacent to the main waterway channel and elevated above mudflats or saltpans.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 12d(Grasslands on low level terraces). Similar grasslands which support scattered low trees such asGhost Gum (Corymbia dallachlana) have been mapped on coastal terraces in the broader area(Land Unit 5i (Ghostgum grassy woodland on young coastal terraces) and would comprise avariant of this community type, although none were recorded in the current survey.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:






Protected Areas: Lakefield NP

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relieson broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout theyear so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Can be burnt when water level isdeep enough to protect bases of sedges. Sedges are disadvantaged by repeated hot fires. Mildfires help to maintain open structure. Mosaic helps protect animal habitat and food.

Comments: Especially in the south-west of bioregion. 3.3.61a Differentiated from 3.3.61b bybeing on coastal cracking clay plains (mostly Qac geology).

RE 3.3.63 Closed Sedge land dominated by Bulkuru (Eleocharis du /cis)

Description: This vegetation community is characterized by closed sedgelands in whichBulkaru (Eleocharis species, particularly Eleocharis du /cis) dominate as a dense sward from30cm to 1m in height. Water Chestnut (Eleocharis du /cis) is frequently the dominant species,whereas E. spiral& is abundant in some areas of shallower water. While other sedges(fimbristylis species) may be common in some areas, other herbs typically only occur in lowdensities.

Occurrence in the Study Area: These communities are typically dense in the wet seasonwhen inundated with freshwater, and gradually deteriorate as they dry out or becomeincreasingly salt-influenced in more saline areas.

Two variants of this community occur within the mining lease area, those that occur in marineor saline influenced areas along the main watercourse channels, particularly as fringing bandsalong their margins where freshwater seepage occurs (variant LU12f), and those that occur asmore expansive freshwater swamps further upstream on alluvial depressions (variant LU12b).These more alluvial areas in particular are subject to heavy damage by feral pigs, and mayappear as barren mud-holes during the late dry season.



Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 12f (Bulkuruwetlands on seasonally flooded saline marine plains) in marine influenced areas, and with LandUnit 12b (Sedge land in basins of seasonally flooded swamps and drainage depressions) inalluvial areas upstream.




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:

Extent in Reserves: No representation



Protected Areas: No representation.

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relieson broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout theyear so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Can be burnt when water level isdeep enough to protect bases of sedges. Sedges are disadvantaged by repeated hot fires. Mildfires help to maintain open structure. Mosaic helps protect animal habitat and food.

Comments: Along west coast. Heavily dug up by feral pigs.

RE 3.3.64 Open Sedge land (Baloskion tetraphyllum) in Drainage Swamps

Description: This vegetation community is characterized by sedgelands dominated by the rushBaloskion tetraphy / /um subsp meiostachyum. These areas form a vegetated swamp (palustrinewetland) of dense rushes and sedges, typically to around 1m in height. Other rushes andsedges present may include Tricostu /aria undulate, Dapsilanthus species, Isachne confusa,



Schoenus sparteus and Fimbristylis species. Swampy forbs such as Nepenthes mirabilis andEriocaulon/Utficularia/Drosera/Selaginella species may be present, particularly on outermargins. Scattered shrubs may be present, including Teatrees (Meleleuca species, especially M.nervosa and M. acacioides) and Lineament Tree (Asteromyrtus lysicephala).

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs over some large areas,including the swamp draining into the middle portion of the Ward River from the north-west.Many smaller areas, including fringing strips of this community occur throughout the drainageareas of the mining lease, some of which are too small to map or forma mosaic with otherwetland vegetation communities.

Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 12a(Sedgeland in drainage lines of permanent running swamps).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:




Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Combination of early to mid-dry season and stormtime. INTENSITY: Moderate to hot. INTERVAL: 15-20 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 10% inany year. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country with numeroussmall fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Firesshould be lit when the conditions are hot enough to ensure germination of hard-seeded plants,but when fire spread will be restricted. A combination of early to mid-dry season fires andstorm-burns would assist in maintaining a mosaic of fire ages. Heath floristic diversity isgreatest in the first few years after fire. Structural diversity (e.g., of epiphytes) and animalhabitats require long inter-fire intervals. A mosaic of fire ages ensures both habitat diversity andrestricts fire spread.

Comments: Most extensive in the Jardine Swamps in the north.



RE 3.3.65 Lakes and Lagoons on Alluvial Plains and Depressions

Description: This vegetation community is characterized by open bodies of freshwater such aslakes or lagoons, in which the floristic composition and dominance varies with locality, basedupon water depth and frequency and duration of flooding. Floating plants such Marshworts(Nympho /des species) dominate in some areas while the bottom-rooted plants including WaterLily (Nymphaea species) and Water Primrose (Ludwgia perennis) dominate other areas. Tallgraminoids including Bulkaru (Eleocharis species) are frequently present and dominate in someareas. Large areas of the outer margin of these lakes and lagoons are ephemeral andprogressively dry out in dry season, when a variety of swampy forbs(Eriocaulon/Urticularia/Stylidium species) occupy the margins of exposed wet soil.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs as small areas at thelowest points within drainage lines within the mining lease, including the central parts ofsinkhole swamps.

Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 12b(Sedge land in basins of seasonally flooded swamps and drainage depressions).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:




Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Protection relieson broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout theyear so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Can be burnt when water level is



deep enough to protect bases of sedges. Sedges are disadvantaged by repeated hot fires. Mildfires help to maintain open structure. Mosaic helps protect animal habitat and food.

Comments: Potentially threatened by spread of exotic ponded pasture species. Heavilydamaged by feral pigs.

RE 3.5.2 Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta), Melville Island Bloodwood(Corymbia nesophila) Tall Woodland on Deeply Weathered Plateaus and Remnants

Description: This community is characterized by a tall woodland to open forest in whichDarwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) and Melville Island Bloodwood (Corymbia nesophila)are co-dominant canopy species from 20 to 32m in height. Other common canopy or sub-canopy tree species include Cooktown Ironwood (Erythrophleum chlorostachys), VariableBloodwood (Corymbia stockers) and Nonda (Parinari nonda).

The lower sub-canopy and shrub layers are highly variable with location and fire history, andmay be sparse to absent where fire has been prominent in the landscape. Alternatively theselayers may be mid-dense and reach up to 8m in height. Common small tree and shrub speciesinclude Roth's Wattle (Acacia rothii), Woody Pear (Xylomelum scottianum), Yellow Boxwood(Pouteria pohlmaniana), White Currant (Flueggea virosa subsp. melanthesoides), Cocky Apple(Planchonia careya), Dwarf Cabbage palm (Livistona muelleri) and juvenile Eucalyptus saplings.

The ground layer is typically mid-dense and dominated by tall grasses, notably including GiantSpeargrass (Heteropogon triticeus), Plumed Sorghum (Sarga plumosum), Northern Canegrass(Mnesithea rottboelloides) and Silky Browntop (Eulalia mackinlap). A wide variety of forbs andvines are often interspersed within the ground cover, including Ampelocissus acetosa, Cissusopaca, Cayratia clematidea, Coelospermum reticulatum, Chaemesayce vachellk Schelhammeriamultiflora, Buchnera linearis, Flemingia parvit7ora, Blumea saxitilis, Scleria brownk Galactia sp(Andoom AMorton 1149), Crotalaria medicaginea, Crotalaria brevis, Polygala longifolia,Erythroxylum sp (Cholmondely Ck JR Clarkson 9367) and Spermacoce species.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community is dominant over the vastmajority of the lateritic red earth plateau affected by bauxite mining, and covers a largeproportion of the mining lease. Several variants of this community occur near the edges of the



bauxite plateau, including a similar community on eroding slopes to watercourses, and onlocalized ironstone outcrops.

Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 2b(Tall Stringybark woodland on red earth soils), and also incorporates Land Units 2c (TallStringybark woodland on eroding slopes and yellow earth soils), Land Units 5k (Tall Stringybarkwoodland on ironstone outcrops).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:



Protected Areas: Jardine River NP, Mungkan Kandju NP

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Light tomoderate. Burn only under mild conditions. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. STRATEGY: Burn less than30% in any year. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country withnumerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent.ISSUES: Restrict extent and intensity of fires, because intense and extensive fires degradevegetation structure and destroy animal habitats.Comments: Associated with bauxite plateaus. Significant areas near Weipa cleared for bauxitemining. One of the most widespread REs in the bioregion.

RE 3.5.4 Semi-Deciduous Notophyll Vine Forest on Deeply Weathered Plateaus andRemnants

Description: This community is characterized by discrete patches of vine forest, or closedforest vegetation, on red, lateritic plateau soils, forming a dense even canopy up to 28m inheight and supporting a diverse assemblage of closed forest plant species. Common and



characteristic canopy tree species include Buchanania arborescens, Vavaea amicorum, Neol /tseabrass //, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Canarium australianum, Dysoxylum oppositifolium, Celtisphilippensis, Drypetes deplancea, Polyalthia nitidissima, Canarium australasicum, Erythrophleumchlorostachys and Alstonia actinophylla.

Sparse to mid-dense sub-canopy and low tree layers are usually also present. Other canopy andsub-canopy species include Ganophy / /um fa/catum, Mal lotus esophilus, Aglaia ekeagagnoidea,Mimusops elengi, Sterculia quadrifida, Endiandra glauca, Atractocarpus sessilis, Bride liaexa/tata, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, He licia australasica and the Palm Ptychosperma elegans. Thinwiry vines such as Melodorum leichhardtii, Flagellaria indica, Smilax austra /is, Mac /uracochinchinensis, Trophis scandens, Hippocratea barbata and Jasminum didymum often reachthe top of the canopy. The ground is sparse and often covered with a thick layer of leaf litter.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This vegetation community occurs as discrete patches onthe bauxitie plateau, including several patches near the eastern margin of the mining lease onthe track to Hey Point (this community best corresponds with RE variant RE 3.5.4x1).

Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 3c(Notophyll vine forest on lateritic or bauxitic red earth soils).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:



Protected Areas: Heathlands RR, Iron Range NP, Jardine River NP, Mungkan Kandju NP

Fire Management Guidelines: STRATEGY: Protection relies on broad-scale management ofsurrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be verylimited in extent. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation type.

Comments: North of bioregion. Great variability in species composition between patches.



RE 3.5.22c Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) Woodland on Plains

Description: This community is characterized by a woodland to open woodland canopy from10 to 18m in height, in which Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) is the diagnosticcanopy tree. Other canopy trees present include Nonda (Parinari nonda), Cooktown Ironwood(Erythrophleum chlorostachys) and, particularly on the outer margins of drainage basins,Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) and Melville Island Bloodwood (Corymbianesophila).

Where present, the sparse sub canopy is most frequently dominated by Broad-leaved Teatree(Melaleuca viridiflora), Dwarf Fan Palm (Livistona muellert) and Soapbush (Alphitoniaobtusifolia), while Black Currant (Antidesma ghaesembilla) and White Currant (Flueggea virosasubsp. melanthesoides) are characteristic species of the sparse shrub layer.

The ground layer is sparse to dense and dominated by grasses including Native Panics(Panicum mindaenense, P. seminudum), Wanderrie Grasses (Eriachne triseta, E. pallescens),Fire Grass (Schizachyrium species) and also includes the Speargasses Aristida macrantha,Heteropogon triticeus and H. contortus.

Occurrence in the Study Area: This community occurs in the upper and outer margins ofdrainage corridors, typically on gentle slopes between the bauxite plateau and waterways, orlow lying depressions in the landscape. This community is difficult to map accurately and mayincorporate areas of red soil of the bauxite plateau, or grey colluvial soils where it adjoinswaterways.

Corresponding Land Unit (after, Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Unit 5e (Notophyllvine forest on lateritic or bauxitic red earth soils), and also may include areas encompassedwithin and Land Unit 5j (Bloodwood / Banksia woodland in upper parts of broad basins) andLand Unit 2c (Tall Stringybark woodland on eroding slopes and yellow earth soils)




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:





Protected Areas:

Fire Management Guidelines: SEASON: Dry season. INTENSITY: Various. INTERVAL: 1-5years. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Begin burning early in the fire season,followed by progressive patch fires burnt through the year. ISSUES: Management of thisinherently stable, and fire tolerant vegetation type should be based on maintaining animalhabitats and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a fire mosaic will ensure protection ofanimal habitats and mitigate against wildfires.

Comments: Normanby and Kennedy Rivers and western Cape York Peninsula. The naturalisedexotic forbs Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) and Gambia Pea (Crotalaria goreensis) can dominate theground layer.

RE 3.5.11 Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta), Melville Island Bloodwood(Corymbia nesophila) Woodland on Lower Slopes of Plains and Rises

Description: This community is characterized by a woodland to open forest in which DarwinStringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) and Clarkson's Bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) aredominant canopy species from 12 to 26m in height, although Melville Island Bloodwood(Corymbia nesophila), Cooktown Ironwood (Erythrophleum chlorostachys), Variable Bloodwood(Corymbia stockers) and Nonda (Parinari nonda) are also often present.

This community is found on low slopes running from the bauxite plauteau to drainage areas,and is characterized by mesic elements in the sub-canopy and shrub layers. Although variablewith fire history, these layers often include a sparse to mid-dense tall shrub layer merging into asub-canopy to 16m in height, which includes Deplachea (Deplanchea tetraphylla), Guettarda(Guettarda speciosa) Swamp Box (Lophostemon suaveolens), Broad-leaved Teatree (Melaleucaviridiflora), Toothed Banksa (Banksia dentata), Bushman's Clothes Pegs (Grevillea glauca),Dwarf Cabbage Palm (Livistona muelleri) and Quinine Berry (Petalostigma species), in additionto more widespread species such as Roth's Wattle (Acacia rothii), Woody Pear (Xylomelumscottianum), Yellow Boxwood (Pouteria pohlmaniana), White Currant (Flueggea virosa subsp.melanthesoides) and Cocky Apple (Planchonia careya).



The ground layer may be open to mid-dense, typically dominated by grasses common toadjoining land units, although the height and composition varies with location.

Occurrence in the Study Area: Within the mining lease, this vegetation community occurs inlower-lying areas near the western coastline. A large expanse of this community occurs north ofNorman Creek near to the coast, where an extensive low-lying plain of red to grey soils occurdownslope from the bauxite plateau. A similar patch has been mapped on the southern side ofWinda Winda Creek near the coast.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Correlates with Land Units 2c (TallStringybark woodland on eroding slopes and yellow earth soils), and also possibly encompassessmall adjoining areas of Land Unit 2b (Tall Stringybark woodland on red earth soils).




Subregion:

Estimated Extent:


Structure Category:Sparse

Protected Areas:


Comments: Predominantly in the central Peninsula. The presence of Eucalyptus leptophlebaand Corymbia clarksoniana in the canopy or sub canopy and frequently Melaleuca viridiflora inthe sub canopy layer are helpful indicators of 3.5.11. A variant (vegetation unit 103A) occurs inwidely scattered areas. It is characterised by a conspicuous sub canopy layer of Livistonamuelleri (5-9m tall; density 240-320 stems/ha). Corymbia nesophila usually dominates thecanopy and Eucalyptus tetrodonta is also present. The other layers have a similar compositionto 3.5.11.



RE 3.7.3 Cullen's Ironbark (Eucalyptus cullenii) ± Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptustetrodonta) Woodland on Erosional Escarpments and Plains

Description: This community is dominated by a grassy woodland in which Cullen's Ironbark(Eucalyptus cullenit) and/or Broad-leaved Cabbage Gum (Corymbia confertiflora) are thedominant trees, and form a sparse canopy from 10 to 22m in height. Other canopy trees maybe present, particularly Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) and Cooktown Ironwood(Erythrophleum chlorostachys) where Broad-leaved Cabbage Gum dominates on erosionalslopes.

The very sparse to sparse shrub layer from 1 to 4m in height is most frequently composed ofQuinine Berry (Petalostigma species), Cocky Apple (Planchonia careya) and Soapwood(Alphitonia obtusifolia).

The ground layer is typically mid-dense to dense and dominated by tall grasses, notablyincluding Giant Speargrass (Heteropogon triticeus), Plumed Sorghum (Sarga plumosum),Northern Canegrass (Mnesithea rottboeioides) and Silky Browntop (Eulalia mackinlap).

Occurrence in the Study Area: This community occurs as several small patches on theeastern boundary of the mining lease, where an erosional escarpment to the east gives way tomore extensive areas of this community on adjoining low plains.

Corresponding Land Unit (after Gunness 1984): Directly correlates with Land Unit 5f(Grassy woodland on eroding slopes on colluvium, Broad-leaved Carbeen and stringybark) oneroding slopes, and Land Unit 5b (Cullen's Ironbark grassy woodland on undulating plains anderosional slopes.




Subregion: 7, 4

Estimated Extent:





Protected Areas: Mungkan Kandju NP


Comments: Occurs on marginally deeper soils that are heavily weathered as well as shallowsoils. Ironstone pebbles are a conspicuous feature of this community, indicating deepweathering, though outcrops are not common.


appendix 7b - rio tinto - rio tinto tinto alcan environmental impact statement south of embley...

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