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Page 1: Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report€¦ · Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report Doc Ref: Q-4500-15-RP-0015 Revision: 0 Page 4 of 39 Land, Environment
Page 2: Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report€¦ · Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report Doc Ref: Q-4500-15-RP-0015 Revision: 0 Page 4 of 39 Land, Environment

Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

Table of Contents 1. Definitions & Abbreviations ......................................................................... 4

1.1. Definitions .................................................................................................. 4

1.2. Abbreviations ............................................................................................... 4

2. Introduction ........................................................................................... 5

2.1. Purpose and Scope ........................................................................................ 5

2.2. Limitation ................................................................................................... 6

3. Site Context ........................................................................................... 7

3.1. Location ..................................................................................................... 7

3.2. Climate ...................................................................................................... 7

3.3. Geology and Soils .......................................................................................... 7

4. Methodology ........................................................................................... 9

4.1. Desktop and Literature Review ......................................................................... 9

4.2. Field Survey ................................................................................................. 9

4.2.1. Reconnaissance Survey .................................................................................. 9

4.2.2. Vegetation Community Survey ......................................................................... 9

4.2.3. Threatened Flora and Fauna Survey ................................................................... 9

4.2.4. Fauna and Habitat Survey ............................................................................... 9

4.2.5. Exotic Flora and Fauna Survey ........................................................................ 10

4.2.6. Disturbance Survey...................................................................................... 10

5. Results and Discussion .............................................................................. 11

5.1. Desktop and Literature Review ....................................................................... 11

5.1.1. Commonwealth Matters ................................................................................ 11

5.1.2. State Matters ............................................................................................ 14

5.2. Field Survey ............................................................................................... 20

5.2.1. Commonwealth Matters ................................................................................ 20

5.2.2. State Matters ............................................................................................ 24

5.2.3. Disturbance .............................................................................................. 31

6. Conclusion & Recommendations ................................................................... 32

7. References ............................................................................................ 33

8. Appendix A: Results of EPBC protected matters search tool (16 August 2011) ............. 35

9. Appendix B: Results of Wildlife Online Database Search (16 August 2011) .................. 36

10. Appendix C: Results of DERM Referrable Wetland search (1 September 2011) ............. 37

11. Appendix D: Flora recorded at the study area during field survey ........................... 38

12. Appendix E: Fauna recorded at the study area during field survey .......................... 39

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

Table of Figures Figure 1: Study area overview ........................................................................................... 8

Figure 2: ESAs mapped by DERM within the study area ........................................................... 17

Figure 3: Regional ecosystems mapped by DERM within the study area ....................................... 19

Figure 4: Threatened Ecological Communities identified in study area ....................................... 22

Figure 5: Pest species (flora) identified within the study area .................................................. 27

Figure 6: Ground-truthed regional ecosystems within the study area ......................................... 30

List of Tables Table 1: Definitions ....................................................................................................... 4

Table 2: Abbreviations .................................................................................................... 4

Table 3: Threatened ecological communities potentially occurring in the search area .................... 11

Table 4: EPBC listed flora potentially occurring in the search area ............................................ 11

Table 5: EPBC listed fauna potentially occurring in the search area ........................................... 12

Table 6: EPBC listed migratory species potentially occurring in the search area ............................ 12

Table 7: EPBC listed marine species potentially occurring in the search area ............................... 13

Table 8: Weeds of National Significance potentially occurring in the search area .......................... 13

Table 9: Pest fauna species potentially occurring in the search area .......................................... 14

Table 10: Wildlife Online records of threatened flora species within the search area ..................... 15

Table 11: Wildlife Online records of threatened fauna species within the search area .................... 15

Table 12: Endangered REs mapped by DERM as present within the study area .............................. 16

Table 13: Of concern regional ecosystems mapped by DERM within the study area ........................ 16

Table 14: No concern at present REs mapped by DERM as present within the study area ................. 18

Table 15: Threatened ecological communities identified during field survey ................................ 20

Table 16: EPBC listed fauna species potentially occurring in the study area ................................. 23

Table 17: NC Act listed flora species likelihood of occurrence in the study area ............................ 24

Table 18: NC Act listed fauna species likelihood of occurrence in the study area .......................... 25

Table 19: Introduced flora (excluding pasture species) recorded during the field survey of the study area ........................................................................................................................ 26

Table 20: Of concern regional ecosystems ground-truthed in the study area ................................ 28

Table 21: No concern at present regional ecosystems ground-truthed in the study area .................. 29

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

1. Definitions & Abbreviations

1.1. Definitions Table 1: Definitions

Term Definition

Project Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1 Project

Study area Lot 15 RG16 of Australia Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas fields

Unidel Unidel Group Pty Ltd

1.2. Abbreviations Table 2: Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

DBH Diameter at breast height

DERM Department of environment and resource management

SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

EIS Environmental impact statement

EP Act Environmental Protection Act (Qld) 1994

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (C’wlth) 1999

ESA Environmentally sensitive area

HVR High value regrowth

MNES Matters of national environmental significance

NC Act Nature Conservation Act (Qld) 1992

NC Reg Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation (Qld) 2006

RE Regional ecosystem

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

2. Introduction Unidel Group Pty Ltd (Unidel) was commissioned by Origin to undertake a study of environmental constraints on Lot 15 RG16 in the Australia Pacific LNG Project (the Project). Field surveys were undertaken by two ecologists; Bruce McLennan and Darren Maxwell of Unidel.

This report provides a description of the ecological constraints within the property surveyed (15RG16). The results are based on an initial desktop assessment followed by a field survey to confirm vegetation communities type and extent, habitat values and key habitat features, and field observation of significant flora and fauna.

2.1. Purpose and Scope A consistent theme within the Project approval conditions is the requirement to demonstrate how impacts to areas of ecological value have been (in order of preference):

1. Avoided;

2. Minimised; and

3. Mitigated.

Previous stages of the Project have sought to achieve avoidance of impacts on areas of ecological value where practicable, through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), where a program of ecological surveys was undertaken to gather information on the ecological constraints within the broader area. The results of these surveys assisted in the determination of potential ecological impacts of the Project and were used in the high-level selection of infrastructure locations. The EIS formed the basis of Project approval by Commonwealth and State Government departments.

This Ecology Assessment Report builds on the results of these ecology studies and identifies ecological values at a property scale to inform the design and placement of infrastructure within the property.

This report addresses specific requirements contained within the Environmental Constraints Planning and Field Development Protocol (Q-LNG01-15-MP-0109) as per SEWPaC Approval 2009/4971 Condition 5c and 5d, the Condabri Environmental Authority (PEN101674310) conditions D2, and the Coordinator-General’s Report for the production of a pre-clearance field ecological assessment. These requirements include:

• Ground-truth and map any Category A, B or C Environmentally Sensitive Areas and the presence of species classed as endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992;

• Ground-truth and map any areas of Regional Ecosystem (RE) that differ in extent or type from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) mapping database;

• Ground-truth and map any pre-existing areas of significant disturbance within Category B or C Environmentally Sensitive Areas;

• Ground-truth vegetation communities in all areas of ecological sensitivity category (BAAM) 1-4 where matters of national environmental significance are mapped, likely or found;

• Identify and map areas of EPBC listed ecological communities or that may provide habitat for EPBC listed species;

• Evaluate habitat quality indicating likelihood of occurrence of threatened species;

• Identify and evaluate any exceptional environmental features;

• Map and report any unidentified specimens or unconfirmed findings;

• Map and report any significant weed or pest infestations;

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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• Consider constraints on infrastructure layout relevant to bioregional corridors including for EPBC listed threatened species, migratory species and connectivity for EPBC listed threatened ecological communities;

• Consider constraints on infrastructure layout relevant to ecological sensitivity categories;

• Provide site specific management recommendations to minimise impact on MNES, significant flora and fauna including identification of previously cleared or disturbed areas or lower value vegetation; and

• Provide site specific advice on potential for development to cause impacts on MNES within the no impact zone (300m) and impact risk zone (200m) and make recommendations to avoid and minimise harm to MNES.

2.2. Limitation

The field ecology survey on (Lot15 RG16) was completed prior to finalising the Environmental Constraints Planning and Field Development Protocol. Field survey efforts were focused on areas specified by Origin.

Other areas of the property not directly surveyed were assessed using high quality aerial imagery and mapping datasets to refine RE mapping boundaries. Inference of listed species likelihood and species habitats was derived though a combination of the previous field surveys undertaken, database searches, inspection of aerial imagery and extensive field experience.

Further surveys in accordance with relevant guidelines may be required for the study area following the completion of detailed design and the confirmation of infrastructure siting. This broader process will be informed by the constraints identified in this report.

Moreover, detailed fauna surveys were not undertaken as part of this assessment (no fauna trapping). Field survey aimed to identify fauna species using opportunistic observations only within the designated time frame and in the prevailing weather conditions and season. Observations were made of habitat suitability.

High value regrowth (HVR) vegetation was not ground truthed for the study area. HVR is mapped in Figure 3 and Figure 6 to enhance understanding of ecological values on site; however the extent and condition of these areas has not been field verified.

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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3. Site Context

3.1. Location The study area is identified as Lot 15 RG16. The area of the proposed development activities in this property is hereby referred to as the study area in this report.

The study area is located approximately 20km south of the township of Miles, in the Western Downs Regional Council Local Government Area. The site is bound to the south by Glenolive Road (which also provides access to the study area) and is bound to the north by the Condamine River. The study area is located within the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion.

3.2. Climate The climate of the region is typical of sub-tropical Queensland. Miles has a mean long term (1908 – 2005) annual maximum temperature of 27.1°C and mean annual minimum of 12.2°C (BOM 2011). Mean long term (1885 – 2011) annual rainfall is 652.4mm and approximately 40% of annual rainfall occurs in the summer months of December, January and February (BOM 2011).

3.3. Geology and Soils The Australian Soils Resource Information System shows the study area as occurring primarily on Vertosol soils, as mapped by the Atlas of Australian Soils (Northcote et al. 1960-68). Vertosols are clay soils with shrink-swell properties that exhibit strong cracking when dry, and at depth, have slickensides and/or lenticular structural aggregates (Isbell 2002). A portion of the study area is also mapped as Dermosols, occurring as an east-west band through the patch of DERM mapped RE 11.7.4/11.7.7 central to the property. Dermosols are soils with structured B2 horizons and lacking strong texture contrast between A and B horizons. Although there is some diversity within the order, it brings together a range of soils with some important properties in common (Isbell 2002).

The topography of the study area is characterised by the Condamine River which occurs along the northern boundary. Lot 15 RG16 slopes gently from south to north, draining into the Condamine.

The study area includes two land zones, as defined by the Queensland Herbarium (Neldner et al. (2005); land zone 3, and land zone 7. Land zone 3 (alluvial plains) includes the floodplain of the Condamine River. Soils within this land zone are predominantly vertosols. Land zone 7 (Cainozoic duricrusts) occurs in the centre of the study area, approximately between elevations 290 and 300m AHD and contains Dermosols.

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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Figure 1: Study area overview

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:StreetPro Australia © Pitney Bowes Business Insight (PSMA Australia Ltd and Department of Health and Ageing) 2009Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Ordered Streams © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 1 - Overview Map

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

4. Methodology The methodology involved a desktop review of ecological databases, followed by field surveys of the study area. An explanation of these activities is outlined in the following sections.

4.1. Desktop and Literature Review The following information sources were reviewed:

• EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (Accessed 06/7/2011) (DSEWPaC 2011);

• DERM Referable Wetland Search Tool (Accessed 01/09/2011) (DERM 2011e);

• DERM RE Mapping (Version 6.1) (DERM 2011a);

• DERM Essential Habitat Mapping (Version 3.1) (DERM 2011b);

• DERM High Value Regrowth Mapping (Version 2.1) (DERM 2011f); and

• DERM Wildlife Online Database (2011) (Accessed 16/8/2011) (DERM 2011g).

The EPBC searches were undertaken using a central coordinate of (-26.838, 150.2461) of the study area with a 10km search radius. The NC Act search was undertaken using the same central coordinate and radius as well.

4.2. Field Survey Preclearance surveys were conducted in general accordance with the Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland (Neldner et al. 2005).

Unidel is an organisation approved to undertake pre-clearance surveys; approved by Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) in writing on 28 June 2011.

The field survey of the study area was undertaken from 29 March to 1 April 2011 by two ecologists; Bruce McLennan and Darren Maxwell of Unidel. The field survey involved several steps as outlined in the following sections.

4.2.1. Reconnaissance Survey

A drive over of the study area was first undertaken to rapidly assess the presence of habitat features or vegetation not obvious from the aerial imagery and DERM RE mapping.

4.2.2. Vegetation Community Survey

The vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the quaternary site assessment methodology, as specified in Neldner et al. (2005). Information collected was entered into Trimbles in line with the methodology described in the environmental constraints planning and field development protocols (Australian Pacific LNG 2011). The data collected was used to assess the accuracy of RE mapping and the occurrence of any threatened ecological communities within the study area.

4.2.3. Threatened Flora and Fauna Survey

Random meander surveys, using the technique as described by Cropper (1993), were also undertaken throughout the field survey to identify potential habitat of threatened and regionally significant flora species identified from database searches.

4.2.4. Fauna and Habitat Survey

Opportunistic fauna observations were made during flora survey (Australian Pacific LNG 2011). Observed fauna species were noted during field traverses and some fauna habitat searches were undertaken (logs, rocks and other debris were turned). Where threatened and regionally significant fauna species were encountered, these were counted and recorded at the point from where they were observed. Habitat characteristics were assessed and recorded where significant, and included:

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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• Presence of tree hollows;

• Presence of senescent (old) or dead trees (stags);

• Rocky outcrops;

• Wetland, riverine and groundwater springs;

• Density of shrub and ground layers;

• Canopy cover;

• Soil type;

• Ridges and upper slopes;

• Fallen bark, timber or logs;

• Leaf litter;

• Decorticating bark;

• Winter flowering species;

• Termite mounds; and

• Pest species.

Using the above habitat features, a qualitative assessment of habitat value was undertaken.

4.2.5. Exotic Flora and Fauna Survey

Environmental and declared pest (as defined by the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002) populations were noted and their abundance recorded at the time of survey in line with the methodology described in the environmental constraints planning and field development protocols (Australian Pacific LNG 2011).

4.2.6. Disturbance Survey

Evidence of disturbance at each vegetation community/habitat feature was recorded for type, sensitivity and estimated time of most recent occurrence. The recording of disturbance was also conducted at an opportunistic level where appropriate (Australian Pacific LNG 2011).

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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5. Results and Discussion This section presents the results of studies undertaken along with a discussion of key findings. The results are presented in two sections; a desktop and literature review and a field survey.

5.1. Desktop and Literature Review Data sources used for desktop searches of the study area are listed in Section 4.1. A summary of results follows.

5.1.1. Commonwealth Matters

A review of the EPBC protected matters search tool as described in section 4.1 was undertaken; the following sections present a summary of relevant results. A copy of the full report is presented in Appendix A.

Threatened Ecological Communities

The results of the EPBC protected matters search for threatened ecological communities in the search area are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Threatened ecological communities potentially occurring in the search area

Name Status Type of Presence1

Natural grasslands on basalt and fine-textured alluvial plains of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland

Critically Endangered Likely to occur

White box (Eucalyptus albens)-Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora)-Blakely's red gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland

Critically Endangered May occur

Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) dominant and co-dominant Endangered Known to occur

Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) Woodlands Endangered Likely to occur

Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah) – Black box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

Endangered Likely to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

threatened ecological community or species identified.

Listed Flora

The results of the EPBC protected matters search for listed flora species in the search area are presented in Table 4.

Table 4: EPBC listed flora potentially occurring in the search area

Common Name Name Status Type of Presence1

Ooline Cadellia pentastylis Vulnerable Likely to occur

Belsons Panic Homopholis belsonii Vulnerable May occur

A shrub Westringia parvifolia Vulnerable Likely to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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Listed Fauna

The results of the EPBC protected matters search for listed fauna species in the search area are presented in Table 5.

Table 5: EPBC listed fauna potentially occurring in the search area

Common Name Name Status Type of Presence1

Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Vulnerable Likely to occur

Squatter Pigeon Geophaps scripta scripta Vulnerable Likely to occur

Star Finch (eastern), Start Finch (southern)

Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda Endangered Likely to occur

Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis Vulnerable May occur

Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat

Chalinolobus dwyeri Vulnerable May occur

Greater Long-eared Bat, South-eastern Long-eared Bat

Nyctophilus corbeni (South-eastern form)

Vulnerable May occur

Murray Cod, Cod, Goodoo

Maccullochella peelii peelii Vulnerable May occur

Five-clawed Worm-skink, Long-legged Worm-skink

Anomalopus mackayi Vulnerable May occur

Collared Delma Delma torquata Vulnerable May occur

Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa Vulnerable Likely to occur

Dunmalls Snake Furina dunmalli Vulnerable May occur

Brigalow Scaly-foot Paradelma orientalis Vulnerable Known to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

Migratory Species

The results of the EPBC protected matters search for listed migratory species in the search area are presented in Table 6.

Table 6: EPBC listed migratory species potentially occurring in the search area

Class Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Migratory Marine Birds

Fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus May occur

Great egret, White Egret Ardea alba May occur

Cattle egret Ardea ibis May occur

Migratory Terrestrial Species

White-bellied sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Likely to occur

White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus May occur

Rainbow bee-eater Merops ornatus May occur

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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Class Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Migratory Wetlands Species

Great egret, White Egret Ardea alba May occur

Cattle egret Ardea ibis May occur

Latham’s snipe Gallinago hardwickii May occur

Australian cotton pygmy-goose

Nettapus coromandelianus albipennis

May occur

Painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis s. lat. Likely to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

Marine Species

The results of the EPBC protected matters search for listed marine species in the search area are presented in Table 7.

Table 7: EPBC listed marine species potentially occurring in the search area

Class Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Birds Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata May occur

Fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus May occur

Great egret, White Egret Ardea alba May occur

Cattle egret Ardea ibis May occur

Latham’s snipe Gallinago hardwickii May occur

White-bellied sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Likely to occur

White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus May occur

Rainbow bee-eater Merops ornatus May occur

Australian cotton pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus albipennis May occur

Painted snipe* Rostratula benghalensis s. lat. May occur

* Vulnerable; species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act – Threatened Species list.

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

Weeds

The EPBC protected matters search identified Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and other non-native plants that may be present within the search area. These are listed in Table 8.

Table 8: Weeds of National Significance potentially occurring in the search area

Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Prickly Acacia Acacia nilotica subsp. Indica May occur

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Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Prickly Acacia Acacia nilotica subsp. Indica May occur

Hymenachne, Olive Hymenachne, Water Stargrass, West Indian Grass, West Indian Marsh Grass

Hymenachne amplexicaulis

Likely to occur

African Boxthorn, Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum May occur

Parkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn, Jelly Bean Tree, Horse Bean

Parkinsonia aculeata Likely to occur

Parthenium Weed, Bitter Weed, Carrot Grass, False Ragweed

Parthenium hysterophorus Likely to occur

Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Pine

Pinus radiata May occur

Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, Kariba Weed

Salvinia molesta Likely to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

Pest Fauna

All pest fauna identified from the EPBC protected matters search tool are listed in Table 9.

Table 9: Pest fauna species potentially occurring in the search area

Common Name Scientific Name Type of Presence1

Cane toad Rhinella marina Likely to occur

Domestic cat Felis catus Likely to occur

Rabbit, European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Likely to occur

Pig Sus scrofa Likely to occur

Red fox, fox Vulpes vulpes Likely to occur

1: The protected matters search tool is a predictive tool used to identify potential presence based upon the known geographic distribution of the

community or species identified.

Wetlands

Internationally significant wetlands that were identified by the EPBC protected matters search tool include a Ramsar listed wetland known as Narran Lake Nature Reserve, which is approximately 400km south-west, and downstream of the study area. No impact to the Ramsar wetland is likely to result from proposed activities on site.

5.1.2. State Matters

A summary of relevant desktop search results (Wildlife Online) for EVNT flora and fauna listed under the NC Act is presented in the following sections. Full results are presented in Appendix B.

Listed Flora

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Two species of flora listed as vulnerable under the NC Act were identified within the database search area (Table 10).

Table 10: Wildlife Online records of threatened flora species within the search area

Common Name Scientific Name NC Act Status

N/A Gonocarpus urceolatus Vulnerable

N/A Acacia wardellii Vulnerable

Listed Fauna

The results of the Wildlife Online search for NC Act EVNT listed fauna species and their likelihood of occurrence within the search area are provided in Table 11.

Table 11: Wildlife Online records of threatened fauna species within the search area

Class Common Name Scientific Name NC Act Status Type of Presence

Amphibians Rough collared frog Cyclorana verrucosa

Near Threatened Likely to occur

Birds

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Near Threatened May Occur

Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

Vulnerable Unlikely to occur

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

Near Threatened May Occur

Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis

Near Threatened May Occur

Reptiles

Golden-tailed Gecko Strophurus taenicauda

Near Threatened May Occur

Brigalow Scaly Foot Paradelma orientalis

Vulnerable May Occur

Eastern Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus corbeni Vulnerable May Occur

Mammals Little pied bat Chalinolobus picatus

Near Threatened May Occur

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

The ESA mapping shows that there is no Category A ESAs within the study area. However, Category B (endangered REs) and Category C (of concern REs and referrable wetlands) ESAs are present. Referable wetland mapping is in Appendix C. No Category C essential habitat occurs in the study area.

ESA mapping for the study area is included as Figure 2.

Regional Ecosystems

The DERM RE mapping (Biodiversity Status version 6.1) for the study area is included as Figure 3.

All endangered regional ecosystems identified during the desktop analysis (using the DERM RE version 6.1) and their descriptions can be found in Table 12.

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Table 12: Endangered REs mapped by DERM as present within the study area

RE code General description Description

11.4.3* Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata shrubby open forest on Cainozonic clay plains.

Open-forest dominated by Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata. Acacia harpophylla (10-16m high) predominates forming a fairly continuous canopy with varying densities of Casuarina cristata (14-18m high), forming part of the canopy or emerging above it. Casuarina cristata may be dominant or form pure stands particularly in the south of the bioregion (subregions 33, 36). Eucalyptus spp. such as E. orgadophila, E. populnea, E. microcarpa, Eucalyptus woollsiana, E. cambageana and E. thozetiana (on shallower soils and upper slopes) may be scattered through the canopy or occur as emergents up to 22m high. Brachychiton rupestris may also be present in places. An open too dense, tall shrub layer is present, and is dominated by Eremophila mitchellii and/or Geijera parviflora. Low shrubs are often present, occasionally forming a distinct layer dominated by species such as Carissa ovata and Alectryon diversifolius. Tree/shrub height may range from 3-8 m. Melaleuca bracteata may be present in low-lying areas. The ground layer is sparse to open, and composed of grasses and forbs. Occurs on Cainozoic clay plains with cracking clay soils which are often with a weak gilgai microrelief. The plains may be flat to gently undulating. Soils are often cracking clay which are usually deep to very deep, often self-mulching, and sometimes with surface stone. Texture contrast soils and other clays may also be present in places.

*Note that RE 11.4.3 is also listed as an endangered threatened ecological community under the EPBC Act.

All of concern regional ecosystems identified during the desktop analysis (using the DERM RE Version 6.1) and their description can be found below in Table 13.

Table 13: Of concern regional ecosystems mapped by DERM within the study area

RE code General description Description

11.3.2 Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains

Eucalyptus populnea woodland to open-woodland. E. melanophloia may be present and locally dominant. There is sometimes a distinct low tree layer dominated by species such as Geijera parviflora, Eremophila mitchellii, Acacia salicina, Acacia pendula, Lysiphyllum spp., Cassia brewsteri, Callitris glaucophylla and Acacia excelsa. The ground layer is grassy dominated by a range of species depending on soil and management conditions. Species include Bothriochloa decipiens, Enteropogon acicularis, Aristida ramosa and Tripogon loliiformis. Occurs on Cainozoic alluvial plains with variable soil types including texture contrast, deep uniform clays, massive earths and sometimes cracking clays.

*Note that RE 11.3.3 is identified as potentially containing Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) – Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Woodlands which is

listed as an endangered threatened ecological community under the EPBC Act.

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Figure 2: ESAs mapped by DERM within the study area

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:Physical Road Network © State of Queens land (D epartment of Environment and Resource Management) 2010Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Regional Ecosys tems V6.1 © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2011Stream Ordered Watercourses © State of Queens land (D epartment of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Wetland Management Areas © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 2 - ESAs mapped by DERMwithin the study area

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Endangered Regional Ecosystems

ESA Category C

Of Concern Regional Ecosystems

Referable Wetlands

(A3) GDA 1994 MGA Zone 561:24,000

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All no concern at present regional ecosystems identified during the desktop analysis (using the DERM RE version 6.1) and their descriptions can be found below in Table 14.

Table 14: No concern at present REs mapped by DERM as present within the study area

RE code General description Description

11.7.4 Eucalyptus decorticans and/or Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Acacia spp., Lysicarpus angustifolius on lateritic duricrust

Mixed Eucalyptus spp. woodland on Cainozoic lateritic duricrusts. Species can include Eucalyptus crebra, E. decorticans, Corymbia trachyphloia, E. tenuipes, C. watsoniana and Callitris glaucophylla. There is usually a distinct low tree to tall shrub layer comprising species including Lysicarpus angustifolius or Acacia spp. Occurs on low hills and ranges with shallow soils.

11.7.7 Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila +/- Corymbia spp. +/- Eucalyptus spp. on lateritic duricrust

Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila predominates and forms a distinct but discontinuous open-forest to woodland canopy (22-25m high). E. crebra often co dominates or be locally dominant, particularly on lower slopes. Also includes areas with Corymbia citriodora as a co dominant. Other frequently occurring sub-dominant tree species include Corymbia trachyphloia, E. apothalassica, E. sideroxylon, Acacia shirleyi and Callitris glaucophylla. There is usually low woodland mid layer dominated by Acacia spp. or sometimes Allocasuarina luehmannii and Callitris endlicheri. Scattered tall shrubs may occur, but rarely form a prominent layer. There is usually a moderately dense, low shrub layer developed with a variable floristic composition. The ground layer is open to moderately dense and dominated by grasses. Occurs on low hills and ranges formed from deeply weathered sediments. Soils are usually shallow (< 30cm deep) uniform sands with stone or rocks covering much of the ground surface.

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Figure 3: Regional ecosystems mapped by DERM within the study area

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:Physical Road Network © State of Queens land (D epartment of Environment and Resource Management) 2010Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Regional Ecosys tems V6.1 © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2011Stream Ordered Watercourses © State of Queens land (D epartment of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 3 - REs mapped by DERMwithin the study area

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11.3.25/11.3.4/11.3.3

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11.4.3

11.3.2/11.5.1

11.7.5/11.7.7

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High Value Regrowth

HVR - Endangered

HVR - Of Concern

HVR - Of Least Concern

Regional Ecosystems (Biodiversity Status)

Endangered

Of Concern

(A3) GDA 1994 MGA Zone 561:24,000

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5.2. Field Survey

5.2.1. Commonwealth Matters

Field survey results concerning matters of national environmental significance are described in the following sections.

Threatened Ecological Communities

Results of the on-ground survey are presented in Table 15 and discussed below.

Table 15: Threatened ecological communities identified during field survey

Name Status Likelihood of occurrence

Natural grasslands on basalt and fine-textured alluvial plains of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland

Critically Endangered

Unlikely. Associated REs (11.11.7, 11.3.21, 11.3.24, 11.4.4, 11.8.11, 11.9.12, 11.9.3) not present in the study area.

White box (Eucalyptus albens)-Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora)-Blakely's red gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland

Critically Endangered

Unlikely. Associated REs (11.3.23, 11.8.2a, 11.8.8, 11.9.9a, 12.8.16, 13.11.3, 13.11.4, 13.11.8, 13.12.8, 13.12.9, 13.3.1, 13.3.43) not present in the study area.

Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) dominant and co-dominant

Endangered Unlikely. DERM RE mapping indicating the presence of associated REs has been proven incorrect through field survey. See below.

Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) Woodlands Endangered Unlikely. Generally occurs in RE 11.3.2 and 11.3.28, neither of which is verified as occurring in the study area.

Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah) – Black box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

Endangered Identified in the study area. See below

Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) dominant and co-dominant

In Queensland, the Brigalow ecological community that has been listed under the EPBC Act is defined by reference to 16 regional ecosystems, all of which are listed as endangered under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999. The area of DERM RE mapped vegetation towards the central southern area of the site is currently identified as RE 11.4.3 Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata shrubby open forest on Cainozoic clay plains (dominant and endangered) merging with a combination of RE 11.7.4 - Eucalyptus decorticans and/or Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Acacia spp., Lysicarpus angustifolius on lateritic duricrust and 11.7.7 - Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila +/- Corymbia spp. +/- Eucalyptus spp. on lateritic duricrust, (remnant vegetation – classes as no concern at present RE). This area was surveyed and the vegetation identified by DERM RE mapping as 11.4.3 is not accurate. This vegetation was ground-truthed to its correct community description of 11.7.4. RE 11.7.4 does not constitute one of the 16 Brigalow types that comprise that threatened ecological community; therefore no Brigalow threatened ecological community are present in the study area.

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Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah) – Black box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

The Coolibah ecological community in Queensland that has been listed under the EPBC Act is defined by reference to five regional ecosystems and specific condition thresholds. The thresholds are;

• Patch size:

- The minimum patch size is 5 ha (may include regrowth), AND

• Tree canopy layer:

- the crown cover of trees in the patch must be 8% or greater, AND

• Coolibah and/or Black Box in the tree canopy must be present in the patch that are either:

- mature trees with a main stem that has a dbh of 30 cm or greater; OR

- hollow-bearing trees (live or dead); OR

- coppiced trees with a main stem that has a dbh of 20 cm or greater, AND

• Ground layer:

- 10% or more of the ground cover comprises native graminoids, other herbs, chenopods and/or native low shrubs (i.e. woody plants typically less than 50 cm tall), AND

• Exotic species:

- In the ground layer, the percentage cover of non-native perennial plant species does not exceed the percentage cover of native plant species (annual or perennial).

(Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2011p)

The northern area of the study area along the Condamine River is mapped by DERM as RE 11.3.2. However, this vegetation community was ground-truthed as RE.11.3.3. RE 11.3.3 is representative of the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions as threatened ecological community listed under the EPBC Act. Therefore, the Coolibah threatened ecological community is present in the study area.

The spatial extent of the Coolibah community is shown in Figure 4.

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Figure 4: Threatened Ecological Communities identified in study area

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:StreetPro Australia © Pitney Bowes Business Insight (PSMA Australia Ltd and Department of Health and Ageing) 2009Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Ordered Streams © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 4 - Ground Truthed Ecologicalcommunities within the study area

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Ground Truthed Threatened Ecological Communities

Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

(A3) GDA 1994 MGA Zone 561:24,000

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Listed Flora

No flora species listed under the EPBC Act were identified during the field survey. A list of all flora observed during the field survey is provided within Appendix D.

Listed Fauna

No threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act were identified through opportunistic observations. However the study area was noted as providing potential habitat for birds and mammals, with numerous potential habitat trees identified during the field survey.

Existing habitat and the nature of the locality suggests that several protected fauna species may occur within the study area. Additionally, the presence of gilgai (southern quarter of the lot) and watercourses may provide habitat for various birds and aquatic fauna. It is recommended that additional targeted surveys are undertaken in accordance with EPBC Act survey guidelines to assess the potential occurrence of these species prior to disturbance of these habitats.

Table 16 identifies the fauna species listed under the EPBC Act that are potentially occurring within the study area.

Table 16: EPBC listed fauna species potentially occurring in the study area

Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of Occurrence

Nyctophilus corbeni South-eastern Long-eared Bat

Vulnerable May occur. Some potential habitat consisting of hollow bearing trees within the study area, particularly along Condamine River (species not observed). Habitat not present in quantities sufficient to support significant populations.

Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink Vulnerable Unlikely due to lack of potential Brigalow/ rocky outcrop habitat within the study area (species not observed).

Paradelma orientalis Brigalow Scaly Foot Vulnerable Unlikely due to lack of potential Brigalow habitat within the study area (Species not observed).

Delma torquata Collared Delma Vulnerable May occur due to potential woodland habitat within the study area (species not observed).

Anomalopus mackayi Five Clawed Worm Skink

Endangered May occur due to potential woodland habitat within the study area (species not observed).

Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat Vulnerable May occur due to potential for hollow bearing trees and foraging habitat within the study area (species not observed). Hollow bearing trees not present in quantities sufficient to support significant populations.

Furina dunmalli Dunmalls Snake Vulnerable May occur due to potential woodland and riparian habitat within the study area (species not observed).

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Migratory Species

There were no migratory species identified during the field survey of the study area. However dams and deeper gilgai may attract migratory wetland species at various times through the year. It is considered that all migratory species identified through the EPBC protected matters search for the area (listed in Table 6) have the potential to occur in the study area.

Weeds

No WoNS identified in the EPBC protected matters search tool were found in the study area.

5.2.2. State Matters

Field survey results concerning NC Act EVNT listed flora and fauna species are provided in the following sections.

Listed Flora

No flora species listed under the NC Act were identified during the field survey. A full list of flora species recorded during the field survey is included in Appendix D. The potential for NC Act listed flora to occur in the study area is described in Table 17.

Table 17: NC Act listed flora species likelihood of occurrence in the study area

Common Name Scientific Name NC Act Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

N/A Gonocarpus urceolatus Vulnerable May occur. Associated with rocky ridge tops vegetated by eucalypts or acacias, often with a dense shrubby understory. Some potential habitat present.

N/A Acacia wardellii Vulnerable May occur. Grows in gravelly soil on shallow weathered sandstone in eucalypt woodland. Some potential habitat present.

Listed Fauna

No EVNT fauna species were identified under the NC Act during the field survey, however the study area does provide potential habitat for several species. The EVNT fauna species potentially occurring in the study area are listed in Table 18.

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Table 18: NC Act listed fauna species likelihood of occurrence in the study area

Class Common Name Scientific Name NC Act Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

Amphibians Rough collared frog Cyclorana verrucosa

Near Threatened

Likely to occur. This burrowing frog lives in open grasslands and woodlands. It is usually found near temporary pond, ditches, claypans and creeks. Some potential habitat present.

Birds

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Near Threatened

Likely to occur. Prefers open eucalypt forest and woodlands with mature trees. Some potential habitat present.

Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

Vulnerable Likely to occur. Known to inhabit Brigalow and relies on she-oaks as primary food source. Some potential habitat present.

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

Near Threatened

Likely to occur. They inhabit freshwater marshes and wetlands, lakes, pools in open forests, mangroves and large rivers. Some potential habitat present.

Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis

Near Threatened

Likely to occur. Inhabits upper levels of open eucalypt forests and woodlands dominated by box and ironbark eucalypts. It is often found along waterways, especially in arid and semi-arid areas and in northern Australia. It is occasionally seen in gardens and street trees. Some potential habitat present.

Reptiles

Golden-tailed Gecko Strophurus taenicauda

Near Threatened

Likely to occur. The golden-tailed gecko lives in open woodland and open forest where it shelters under loose bark and hollow limbs. Some potential habitat present.

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Class Common Name Scientific Name NC Act Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

Brigalow Scaly Foot Paradelma orientalis

Vulnerable Likely to occur. The species is found in a wide variety of remnant and non-remnant open forest to woodland habitats and is known to persist in highly disturbed vegetation types. Potential habitat present.

Eastern Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus corbeni Vulnerable Likely to occur. Habitat includes ironbark / box open forest and Buloke woodland. Some potential habitat present.

Mammals Little pied bat Chalinolobus picatus

Near Threatened

May occur. Little Pied Bats roost in dry caves, mines and disused houses and possibly tree hollows. They roost together in small groups of 20 to 40 bats. Small quantity of potential habitat hollows available in Coolibah TEC on Condamine River floodplain.

Weeds

There were no WoNS encountered during the field survey but there was six species of non-native flora observed and recorded. These are listed in Table 19 below and on Figure 5.

Two of these species are velvety tree pear (Opuntia tomentosa), and prickly pear (Opuntia stricta) which are listed as Class 2 declared weeds under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003.

Table 19: Introduced flora (excluding pasture species) recorded during the field survey of the study area

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Velvety tree pear Opuntia tomentosa class 2 declared weed

Prickly pear Opuntia stricta class 2 declared weed

Lippia Phyla canescens Agricultural weed

Tall fleabane Conyza bonariensis Agricultural weed

Noogoora burr Xanthium pungens Agricultural weed

Spiny Emex Emex australis Agricultural weed

Pest Fauna

Pest fauna species were not observed during the field survey. Pest fauna species that may potentially occur within the study area are identified in Table 9.

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Figure 5: Pest species (flora) identified within the study area

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:StreetPro Australia © Pitney Bowes Business Insight (PSMA Australia Ltd and Department of Health and Ageing) 2009Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Ordered Streams © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 5 - Declared Weed Specieswithin the study area

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Regional Ecosystems

The distribution of REs in the study area was ground-truthed and the boundaries of DERM mapped REs were updated as per the field survey data. A map of the ground-truthed REs is included as Figure 6.

A small section of endangered RE mapped as 11.4.3 by DERM (DERM 11a), situated in the central to southern area of the property, has been ground-truthed as RE 11.7.4, a no concern at present ecosystem, as it was found to occur on exposed or shallowly covered duricrusts (Land Zone 7) and contained Eucalyptus fibrosa consistent with adjoining 11.7.7.

Therefore, there were no endangered REs observed during the field survey.

The wider area of vegetation lining the Condamine River is mapped by DERM as sub-dominant of concern RE 11.3.2. Sections of this vegetation were ground-truthed as consisting of 11.3.3. These areas are identified in Figure 6.

Table 20 provides a list of the of concern REs recorded during the field survey.

Table 20: Of concern regional ecosystems ground-truthed in the study area

RE Code General Description Description

11.3.2 Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains

Eucalyptus populnea woodland to open-woodland. E. melanophloia may be present and locally dominant. There is sometimes a distinct low tree layer dominated by species such as Geijera parviflora, Eremophila mitchellii, Acacia salicina, Acacia pendula, Lysiphyllum spp., Cassia brewsteri, Callitris glaucophylla and Acacia excelsa. The ground layer is grassy dominated by a range of species depending on soil and management conditions. Species include Bothriochloa decipiens, Enteropogon acicularis, Aristida ramosa and Tripogon loliiformis. Occurs on Cainozoic alluvial plains with variable soil types including texture contrast, deep uniform clays, massive earths and sometimes cracking clays.

11.3.3 Eucalyptus coolabah woodland on alluvial plains

Eucalyptus coolabah woodland to open-woodland with a grassy understorey. A mid layer is often absent but scattered tree or shrub species, such as E. populnea, Melaleuca bracteata; Alectryon oleifolius, Terminalia oblongata (in the north) and Acacia pendula, A. cambagei, and occasionally Muehlenbeckia florulenta may be present. The ground layer is dominated by a range of grass and forb species depending on season, soil and management conditions. Can include small areas of grassland with scattered trees. Occurs on Cainozoic alluvial plains or levees with clay or sometimes texture contrast soils.

Following a search of the regional ecosystem description database, one region in the southern to central area of the property was identified as dominant endangered RE 11.4.3 merging with 11.7.4 and 11.7.7 no concern at present REs. The data collected from this survey indicates the RE mapped as 11.4.3 is more representative of RE 11.7.4 no concern at present. The area mapped as RE 11.7.7 is mapped correctly. Table 21 provides a list the no concern at present REs recorded during the field survey.

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Table 21: No concern at present regional ecosystems ground-truthed in the study area

RE Code General Description Description

11.7.4 Eucalyptus decorticans and/or Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Acacia spp., Lysicarpus angustifolius on lateritic duricrust

Mixed Eucalyptus spp. woodland on Cainozoic lateritic duricrusts. Species can include Eucalyptus crebra, E. decorticans, Corymbia trachyphloia, E. tenuipes, C. watsoniana and Callitris glaucophylla. There is usually a distinct low tree to tall shrub layer comprising species including Lysicarpus angustifolius or Acacia spp. Occurs on low hills and ranges with shallow soils.

11.7.7 Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila +/- Corymbia spp. +/- Eucalyptus spp. on lateritic duricrust

Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila predominates and forms a distinct but discontinuous open-forest to woodland canopy (22-25m high). E. crebra often co dominates or be locally dominant, particularly on lower slopes. Also includes areas with Corymbia citriodora as a co-dominant. Other frequently occurring sub-dominant tree species include Corymbia trachyphloia, E. apothalassica, E. sideroxylon, Acacia shirleyi and Callitris glaucophylla. There is usually low woodland mid layer dominated by Acacia spp. or sometimes Allocasuarina luehmannii and Callitris endlicheri. Scattered tall shrubs may occur, but rarely form a prominent layer. There is usually a moderately dense, low shrub layer developed with a variable floristic composition. The ground layer is open to moderately dense and dominated by grasses. Occurs on low hills and ranges formed from deeply weathered sediments. Soils are usually shallow (< 30cm deep) uniform sands with stone or rocks covering much of the ground surface.

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Figure 6: Ground-truthed regional ecosystems within the study area

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ORIGIN ENERGY - Lot 15 RG16 LOCATION DIAGRAM

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer result ing from the use of this map.

DOCUMENT NO:

DATA SOURCE:StreetPro Australia © Pitney Bowes Business Insight (PSMA Australia Ltd and Department of Health and Ageing) 2009Cadas tral Data © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010Ordered Streams © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) 2010

Figure 6 - Ground Truthed REwithin the study area

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Wetland Ecosystems

Topographic mapping for watercourses indicate that the land zone may support some wetland communities associated with the northern part of the study area. A wetland ecosystem of the Condamine River watershed lies within, and borders the northern boundary of the study area. This area forms part of the of concern REs 11.3.2 – Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains and 11.3.3 – Eucalyptus coolabah woodland on alluvial plains.

Referable wetlands occurring in ground truthed RE 11.3.3 to the north of the study area are lacustrine in nature. The areas appear to be artificially dammed overland flow paths associated with the riparian environment. The vegetation surrounding these wetlands is degraded in parts and whilst it generally meets remnant classification may be considered in isolated areas to be non-remnant. The wetlands, while modified, appear generally healthy.

The Ramsar wetland, Narran Lakes Nature Reserve in Northern NSW occurs at the southern end of the Condamine-Balonne River catchment area. It is located approximately 415km downstream of the study area. Any potential impacts would be negligible because of the significant distance of the study area to the wetland.

5.2.3. Disturbance

The field survey confirmed that the landscape is significantly modified due to historic agricultural practices, including land clearing, grazing and feed lot activities. This disturbance includes fragmentation, edge effects and incursion of weed species.

The study area was comprised of land zone 4 soils (Brigalow clay) which are relatively stable. Minimal active soil erosion sites were identified during the survey.

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6. Conclusion & Recommendations Following the survey of the study area, it was found that some DERM mapped REs were inaccurate. In particular the areas mapped as endangered RE 11.4.3, which is one of the REs which constitute the Brigalow threatened ecological community, did not occur in the study area.

Areas mapped by DERM as of concern RE 11.3.2 were found not to be accurate. This RE is consistent with EPBC Act, endangered threatened ecological community Coolabah-Black Box. This community should be avoided.

Although threatened fauna species were not observed during the survey, potential habitat does exist to support such species. A number of habitat trees, and watercourses including small streams of 1, 2 and 3 order and the river (stream order 8) with riparian vegetation were recorded. It is recommended that wetland areas are avoided, and infrastructure is placed outside these areas. Where avoidance is not possible, disturbance should be limited to the minimal amounts required for the installation of flow lines or wells.

The following recommendations are made to avoid, minimise and mitigate potential impacts on the ecological values of the study area:

• Where possible, flow lines and wells are located in cleared areas;

• Avoid hollow-bearing trees where possible. In the event of clearing, fauna spotters should be used to tap trees and handlers should be available before disturbance or removal;

• All patches of remnant EPBC Act endangered vegetation community Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions should be avoided and protected;

• Velvety Tree Pear (Opuntia tomentosa) and Prickly Pear (O. stricta) should be controlled in order to minimise the risk of spreading these weeds. These species should be controlled through the development and implementation of a weed management strategy and control of the plants pre-construction would be in compliance with the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002;

• Aim to reduce spread of weeds by and performing vehicle wash-downs on all vehicles entering and leaving the property;

• Consistent with the Environmental Authority (Australian Pacific LNG (2011)), a 200m buffer is required for siting permanent infrastructure, on endangered REs and or Category B or C environmentally sensitive areas to protect these vegetation communities from harm as a result of the development; and

• The presence (or otherwise) of Collared Delma and Brigalow Scaly-foot should be confirmed by a survey if disturbance to woodland areas is required. Survey should be undertaken in accordance with the relevant survey guidelines. The habitat and locality would suggest these species occur within the study area. However, until a survey is completed, the presence of these species remains unconfirmed and uncertain.

• Sediment traps should be employed to reduce overland flow rates from construction drainage and avoid sediment deposition off site. This should be outlined within the Construction Environmental Management Plan for the proposed works.

It is recommended that the findings of this report are considered during detailed development planning works such that disturbance to the ecological values of the site and locality may be avoided wherever practical. Where disturbance is unavoidable, impact mitigation measures are to be implemented in accordance with the approved site environmental management plan and regulatory approval conditions.

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7. References Australian Pacific LNG (2011) Australian Pacific LNG Environmental Constraints Planning and Field Development Protocols, Document No. Q-LNG01-15-MP-0109.

Boobook (2011) Australia Pacific LNG Ecology Assessment Report, Condabri Central, Lot 2 BWR573, Q-4500-15-RP-0002.

Bureau of Meteorology (2011) Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Canberra, Australia, viewed 14 December 2011 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_042023.shtml

Cropper, S.C. (1993) Management of Endangered Plants, CSIRO Publications, East, Melbourne.3

DERM (2011a) Regional Ecosystem —Version 6.1 Dataset. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane.

DERM (2011b) Essential Habitat Map–Version 3.1 Dataset. The Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane.

DERM (2011d).Environmentally Sensitive Area mapping. Online Maps, The Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. [URL: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/ecoaccess/maps_of_environmentally_sensitive_areas.php] Accessed on 02/09/2011.

DERM (2011e).Copy of the certified Referable Wetland Mapping. Online Maps, The Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. [URL: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/ecosystems/referable-wetlands-maps.html] Accessed on 01/09/2011.

DERM (2011f) Regrowth Vegetation—Version 2.1 Dataset. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane.

DERM (2011g). Wildlife Online Database. Online Report, The Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane. [URL: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife_online] Accessed on 16/8/2011.

(DSEWPaC 2011) Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) (2011) EPBC Act Protected Matters Report: Coordinates, Australian Government, Canberra [URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html] Accessed 06/07/2011.

Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L, Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Ferguson, D.J., Laidlaw, M.J. and Franks, A.J. (2011). BioCondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Manual. Version 2.1. Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, Brisbane.

Isbell, R. (2002) The Australian Soil Classification, Revised Edition, CSIRO Publishing.

Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B. A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H. A. (2005) Methodology for survey and mapping of regional ecosystems and vegetation communities in Queensland. Version 3.1 Updated September 2005. Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Northcote, K.H. with Beckmann, G.G., Bettenay, E., Churchward, H.M., van Dijk, D.C., Dimmock, G.M., Hubble, G.D., Isbell, R.F., McArthur, W.M., Murtha, G.G., Nicolls, K.D., Paton, T.R., Thompson, C.H., Webb, A.A., & Wright, M.J., 1960-68. Atlas of Australian soils, CSIRO and Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

Queensland Government (1992) Nature Conservation Act. Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConA92.pdf

Queensland Government (1994) Environmental Protection Act. Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtA94.pdf

Queensland Government (1999) Vegetation Management Act 1999. Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManA99.pdf

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Queensland Government (2002) Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route) Management Act Management Act 2002. Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/L/LandPrPSRMA02.pdfCommonwealth

Queensland Government (2003) Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003. Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/L/LandPrPSRMR03.pdf

Government of Australia (1999) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html

Queensland Herbarium (2011) Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version 6.0b - January 2011, (January 2011) (Department of Environment and Resource Management: Brisbane).

(Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2011p) [Listing Advice].

Unidel (2011a) Australia Pacific LNG Ecology Assessment Report, Condamine River Crossing (doc. no still to be provided).

Unidel (2011b) Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1, Condabri to Talinga Gas Pipeline Ecology Assessment Report (doc. no still to be provided).

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Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

8. Appendix A: Results of EPBC protected matters search tool (16 August 2011)

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EPBC Act Protected Matters Report: CoordinatesThis report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other mattersprotected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are containedin the caveat at the end of the report.

Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process detailscan be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html

This map may contain data which are©Commonwealth of Australia (GeoscienceAustralia), ©PSMA 2010

CoordinatesBuffer: 10.0Km

Report created: 16/08/11 13:30:58

Summary

DetailsMatters of NESOther matters protected bythe EPBC ActExtra Information

Caveat

Acknowledgements

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SummaryMatters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in,or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report,which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake anactivity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significancethen you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance - seehttp://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/guidelines/index.html.

World Heritage Properties: None

National Heritage Places: None

Wetlands of InternationalSignificance (RamsarWetlands):

1

Great Barrier Reef MarinePark:

None

Commonwealth Marine Areas:None

Threatened EcologicalCommunitites:

5

Threatened Species: 15

Migratory Species: 11

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area younominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment onCommonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywherewhen the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealthor Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on theenvironment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions takenon Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. Asheritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect theCommonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place and the heritage values of a place onthe Register of the National Estate. Information on the new heritage laws can be found athttp://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html

Please note that the current dataset on Commonwealth land is not complete. Further information onCommonwealth land would need to be obtained from relevant sources including Commonwealthagencies, local agencies, and land tenure maps.

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of alisted threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales andother cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species. Information on EPBC Act permit requirementsand application forms can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits/index.html.

Commonwealth Lands: None

Commonwealth HeritagePlaces:

None

Listed Marine Species: 10

Whales and Other Cetaceans: None

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Critical Habitats: None

Commonwealth Reserves: None

Report Summary for Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

Place on the RNE: None

State and Territory Reserves: None

Regional Forest Agreements: None

Invasive Species: 12

Nationally ImportantWetlands:

None

DetailsMatters of National Environmental Significance

Wetlands of International Significance (RAMSARSites)

[ Resource Information ]

Name ProximityNarran lake nature reserve Upstream from Ramsar site

Threatened EcologicalCommunities

[ Resource Information ]

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived fromrecovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatenedecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location dataare used to produce indicative distribution maps.

Name Status Type of PresenceNatural grasslands on basalt andfine-textured alluvial plains ofnorthern New South Wales andsouthern Queensland

CriticallyEndangered

Community likely to occur within area

White Box-YellowBox-Blakely's Red Gum GrassyWoodland and Derived NativeGrassland

CriticallyEndangered

Community may occur within area

Brigalow (Acacia harpophylladominant and co-dominant)

Endangered Community known to occur within area

Coolibah - Black BoxWoodlands of the DarlingRiverine Plains and theBrigalow Belt South Bioregions

Endangered Community likely to occur within area

Weeping Myall Woodlands Endangered Community likely to occur within area

Threatened Species [ Resource Information ]

Name Status Type of PresenceBIRDSErythrotriorchis radiatusRed Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Geophaps scripta scriptaSquatter Pigeon (southern) Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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[64440]

Neochmia ruficauda ruficaudaStar Finch (eastern), Star Finch(southern) [26027]

Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rostratula australisAustralian Painted Snipe[77037]

Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

FISHMaccullochella peelii peeliiMurray Cod, Cod, Goodoo[68443]

Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

MAMMALSChalinolobus dwyeriLarge-eared Pied Bat, LargePied Bat [183]

Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Nyctophilus timoriensis (South-eastern form)Greater Long-eared Bat,South-eastern Long-eared Bat[66888]

Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

PLANTSCadellia pentastylisOoline [9828] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Homopholis belsonii [2406] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within areaWestringia parvifolia [4822] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

REPTILESAnomalopus mackayiFive-clawed Worm-skink,Long-legged Worm-skink[25934]

Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Delma torquataCollared Delma [1656] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within areaEgernia rugosaYakka Skink [1420] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Furina dunmalliDunmall's Snake [59254] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within areaParadelma orientalisBrigalow Scaly-foot [59134] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Migratory Species [ Resource Information ]

Name Status Type of PresenceMigratory Marine BirdsApus pacificusFork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat may occur within areaArdea albaGreat Egret, White Egret[59541]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Ardea ibis

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Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within areaMigratory Terrestrial SpeciesHaliaeetus leucogasterWhite-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutusWhite-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat may occur within areaMerops ornatusRainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within areaMigratory Wetlands SpeciesArdea albaGreat Egret, White Egret[59541]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Ardea ibisCattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within areaGallinago hardwickiiLatham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe[863]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Nettapus coromandelianus albipennisAustralian Cotton Pygmy-goose[25979]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis s. lat.Painted Snipe [889] Vulnerable* Species or species habitat may occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ]

Name Status Type of PresenceBirdsAnseranas semipalmataMagpie Goose [978] Species or species habitat may occur within areaApus pacificusFork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat may occur within areaArdea albaGreat Egret, White Egret[59541]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Ardea ibisCattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within areaGallinago hardwickiiLatham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe[863]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogasterWhite-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutusWhite-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat may occur within areaMerops ornatusRainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within areaNettapus coromandelianus albipennisAustralian Cotton Pygmy-goose[25979]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis s. lat.Painted Snipe [889] Vulnerable* Species or species habitat may occur within area

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Extra Information

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ]

Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introducedplants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat tobiodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffaloand Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.Name Status Type of PresenceFrogsBufo marinusCane Toad [1772] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

MammalsFelis catusCat, House Cat, Domestic Cat[19]

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Oryctolagus cuniculusRabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sus scrofaPig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Vulpes vulpesRed Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

PlantsAcacia nilotica subsp. indicaPrickly Acacia [6196] Species or species habitat may occur within areaHymenachne amplexicaulisHymenachne, OliveHymenachne, Water Stargrass,West Indian Grass, West IndianMarsh Grass [31754]

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Lycium ferocissimumAfrican Boxthorn, Boxthorn[19235]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Parkinsonia aculeataParkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn,Jelly Bean Tree, Horse Bean[12301]

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Parthenium hysterophorusParthenium Weed, Bitter Weed,Carrot Grass, False Ragweed[19566]

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pinus radiataRadiata Pine Monterey Pine,Insignis Pine, Wilding Pine[20780]

Species or species habitat may occur within area

Salvinia molestaSalvinia, Giant Salvinia,Aquarium Watermoss, KaribaWeed [13665]

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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CaveatThe information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged atthe end of the report.

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant indetermining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Itholds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands ofInternational Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory andmarine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is notcomplete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is ageneral guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determinedfrom the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need toconsider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived fromrecovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatenedecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location dataare used to produce indicative distribution maps.

For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recoveryplans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas areindicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations arecollated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimaticdistribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps arebased solely on expert knowledge.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:- migratory and- marine

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reportsproduced from this database:

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers.

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites;- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent.

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Coordinates

-26.838 150.2461

AcknowledgementsThis database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges thefollowing custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales-Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania

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-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia-Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts-Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland-Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia-Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water-Birds Australia-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme-Australian National Wildlife Collection-Natural history museums of Australia-Museum Victoria-Australian Museum-SA Museum-Queensland Museum-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums-Queensland Herbarium-National Herbarium of NSW-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria-Tasmanian Herbarium-State Herbarium of South Australia-Northern Territory Herbarium-Western Australian Herbarium-Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra-University of New England-Ocean Biogeographic Information System-Australian Government, Department of Defence-State Forests of NSW-Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expertadvice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the page.Contact Us

Accessibility | | | | Disclaimer Privacy © Commonwealth of Australia HelpLast updated: Thursday, 16-Sep-2010 09:13:25 EST

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and CommunitiesGPO Box 787Canberra ACT 2601 Australia+61 2 6274 1111 ABN

| |Australian Government

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Ecology Assessment Report Lot 15 RG16 Project Report

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

9. Appendix B: Results of Wildlife Online Database Search (16 August 2011)

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Wildlife Online Extract

Search Criteria: Species List for a Specified Point

Species: All

Type: All

Status: Rare and threatened species

Records: All

Date: All

Latitude: 26.838

Longitude: 150.2461

Distance: 10

Email: [email protected]

Date submitted: Tuesday 16 Aug 2011 13:32:37

Date extracted: Tuesday 16 Aug 2011 13:46:02

The number of records retrieved = 11

Disclaimer

As the DERM is still in a process of collating and vetting data, it is possible the information given is not complete. The information provided should only be usedfor the project for which it was requested and it should be appropriately acknowledged as being derived from Wildlife Online when it is used.

The State of Queensland does not invite reliance upon, nor accept responsibility for this information. Persons should satisfy themselves through independentmeans as to the accuracy and completeness of this information.

No statements, representations or warranties are made about the accuracy or completeness of this information. The State of Queensland disclaims allresponsibility for this information and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damagesand costs you may incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Feedback about Wildlife Online should be emailed to [email protected]

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Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records

animals amphibians Hylidae Cyclorana verrucosa rough collared frog NT 2 animals birds Accipitridae Lophoictinia isura square-tailed kite NT 1 animals birds Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus lathami glossy black-cockatoo V 1 animals birds Ciconiidae Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus black-necked stork NT 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Melithreptus gularis black-chinned honeyeater NT 2 animals mammals Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus corbeni eastern long-eared bat V V 4 animals mammals Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus picatus little pied bat NT 4 animals reptiles Gekkonidae Strophurus taenicauda golden-tailed gecko NT 10 animals reptiles Pygopodidae Paradelma orientalis brigalow scaly-foot V V 2 plants higher dicots Haloragaceae Gonocarpus urceolatus V 1/1plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Acacia wardellii V V 3/3

CODES

I - Y indicates that the taxon is introduced to Queensland and has naturalised.

Q - Indicates the Queensland conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The codes are Extinct in the Wild (PE), Endangered (E),Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (C) or Not Protected ( ).

A - Indicates the Australian conservation status of each taxon under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The values of EPBC areConservation Dependent (CD), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (XW) and Vulnerable (V).

Records – The first number indicates the total number of records of the taxon for the record option selected (i.e. All, Confirmed or Specimens).This number is output as 99999 if it equals or exceeds this value. The second number located after the / indicates the number of specimen records for the taxon.This number is output as 999 if it equals or exceeds this value.

Page 1 of 1Department of Environment and Resource Management Wildlife Online - Extract Date 16/08/2011 at 13:46:02

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

10. Appendix C: Results of DERM Referrable Wetland search (1 September 2011)

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[Sub-Project or Service Area], Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

Uncontrolled when printed unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy.

11. Appendix D: Flora recorded at the study area during field survey

Family Scientific Name Common Name NC Act Status

Fabaceae Acacia harpophylla Brigalow C

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved ironbark C

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus fibrosa sub sp. fibrosa Broad-leaved Ironbark C

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus populnea Poplar Box C

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus coolabah Coolibah C

Myoporaceae Eremophila mitchellii False Sandalwood C

Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga C

Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine C

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina luehmannii Bull Oak C

Poaceae Melinus repens Red Natal Grass C

Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hopbush C

Fabaceae Acacia leiocalyx Early Flowering Black Wattle

C

Fabaceae Acacia spectabilis Glory wattle C

Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill grass C

Poaceae Agrostis avenacea fairy grass C

Poaceae Urochloa mosambicensis Sabi Grass C

Rutaceae Citrus glauca Lime Bush C

Cactaceae Opuntia tomentosa Velvety Tree Pear

Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear

Verbenaceae Phyla canescens Lippia

Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Tall Fleabane

Asteraceae Xanthium occidentale Noogoora Burr

Polygonaceae Emex australis Spiny Emex

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Land, Environment and Stakeholder, Australia Pacific LNG Upstream Phase 1

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12. Appendix E: Fauna recorded at the study area during field survey

Class Family Scientific Name Common Name NC Act Status

Amphibians Hylidae Litoria caerulea Common Green Tree Frog C

Birds Acanthizidae Smicrornis brevirostris Weebil C

Birds Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo C

Birds Cacatuidae Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella C

Birds Charadriidae Vanellus miles novaehollandiae

Masked Lapwing (Southern)

C

Birds Columbidae Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing C

Birds Corcoracidae Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough C

Birds Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra C

Birds Meliphagidae Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater C

Birds Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner C

Birds Meliphagidae Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird C

Birds Petroicidae Microeaca fascinans Jacky Winter C

Birds Phalacrocoracidae Microcarba melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant C

Birds Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail C

Birds Threskiornithidae Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis C

Mammals Macropodidae Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo C

Reptiles Agamidae Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon C

Reptiles Gekkonidae Diplodactylus vittatus Wood Gecko C

Reptiles Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko C