strategy for the conservation of bats in derelict mines€¦ · action plan for australian bats...

Bats Bats

Strategy for the Conservation of

in Derelict Mines

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Department of Mineral Resources

February 2001

in Derelict Mines

© NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2001

This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220

Ph 02 9585 6444

www.npws.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information are best directed to the

NSW Mineral Resources Derelict Mines Coordinator PO Box 536 St Leonards NSW 1590

Ph 02 9901 8473

or

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220

Ph 02 9585 6878

This plan should be cited as:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Strategy for the Conservation of Bats in Derelict Mines. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.

ISBN: 0 7313 6289 6

Cover illustration: Eastern horseshoe bat, Judith Denby, Site Specific Pty Ltd

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1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1

2 Legislative and Policy Framework .................................................................... 3 2.1 Department of Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 3

2.2 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service .............................................................................. 3

2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ................................................................................. 4

3 Bats in Mines ........................................................................................................ 5

4 Inter-departmental Approach ........................................................................... 8 4.1 Establishing Links ........................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Co-operative Arrangements with other States and Government Departments ........... 9

4.3 Survey and Assessment Guidelines ........................................................................................... 9

4.4 Management Options .................................................................................................................10

4.4.1 Conservation Options ................................................................................................11

4.5 Database ........ 11

4.6 Education, Training and Support ...............................................................................................12

4.7 Publicity ......... 12

4.8 Occupational Health and Safety ...............................................................................................12

5 Prioritisation of Sites .........................................................................................13

6 Long-term Outcomes .......................................................................................14

7 Funding Options ................................................................................................15

8 Acknowledgements ...........................................................................................15

9 References ...........................................................................................................15

Appendices

1 Glossary of Terms ..............................................................................................16

2 Flow Chart for the Rehabilitation of Derelict Mines .................................18

Bats in Derelict Mines

Strategy for the Conservation of

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Approximately one third of Australian insectivorous bat species are known to rely on mines as habitat (Hall et al., 1997). In NSW, seven species are known to depend on mines as habitat and a further four species may also use mines (Table 1). Of these eleven species, eight are listed as vulnerable on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. All species are classified as protected fauna under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. When inhabiting derelict mines, these bat species are potentially vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation as a result of uninformed management practices.

There are over 20,000 mineral localities in NSW occurring across land management tenures, including national parks, many of which support derelict mines. Whilst many of these mines pose safety and pollution risks, some are a significant habitat resource for bats as well as being of cultural significance. The NSW Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) co-ordinates the rehabilitation of derelict mines under the NSW Government’s Derelict Mined Lands Rehabilitation Program (DMLRP). This program involves the prioritisation of mines for rehabilitation with the primary objectives of providing for public safety and preventing environmental harm from contaminants.

This goal of this strategy is the conservation of bat habitat through the appropriate management and protection of derelict mines, while still achieving public safety and environmental protection goals.

This goal will be achieved through:

• development and implementation of an agreed statewide procedure for the assessment of bats and bat habitat in derelict mines;

• identification, registration and prioritisation of derelict mines on land managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for management and conservation;

• development and implementation of standard minimum survey, assessment and monitoring guidelines for bats in mines;

• informed consideration and implementation of options for management of derelict mines for bats;

• collaboration with other conservation, mining and government organisations to continually update and improve procedures for rehabilitation of derelict mines and conservation of bat habitat; and

• development of training, education and publicity programs.

IntroductionThe management and protection of mines which provide habitat for microchiropteran bats

is recognised as an issue of both international and national significance. In the U.K., Europe,

U.S.A. and Australia progress is being made on increasing awareness of this issue and de-

veloping management options for derelict mines to achieve bat conservation. The National

Action Plan for Australian Bats (Duncan et al., 1999) lists the closure, collapse or re-work-

ing of derelict mines as potential threats to the viability of bat populations. This strategy

has been prepared in response to the recommendation in the National Bat Action Plan

that the State government departments responsible for conservation and mining prepare

guidelines for the management and conservation of bats in mines.

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The NPWS and the DMR recognise that there are also issues concerning bats using both dormant and operating mines sites. These issues will be the subject of future strategic planning by the DMR, NPWS and other stakeholder agencies. This document concentrates on the issues pertaining to bats roosting in derelict mine sites and the rehabilitation of these mines under the DMLRP.

A glossary of commonly used terms is provided in Appendix 1.

Artificial entrance and gating to stabilise the mine and prevent human access. Phoenix Park diatomite mine, Ballina NSW.

22.1 Department of Mineral Resources

In the present context, the legislative obligations of the DMR under the Mining Act 1992 are:

• To ensure an appropriate level of rehabilitation is undertaken on mine sites to achieve the requisite standard of public health and safety and maintenance of environmental health and amenity; and

• To ensure an appropriate level of environmental impact assessment (EIA) is undertaken in respect of rehabilitation projects on derelict sites and that such assessment considers impacts on bat habitat within its general assessment of impacts on fauna.

Although not a legislative requirement, the DMR has assumed the responsibility for co-ordinating the rehabilitation of derelict mines through the DMLRP. Currently, derelict mines are prioritised for rehabilitation via an inter-agency committee consisting of delegates from the DMR, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC) and the NSW Minerals Council. Prioritisation is based primarily on the risk that the mines present to public health and safety and to the environment. The DMLRP also recognises that derelict mines may also have scientific, cultural and conservation value worthy of preservation.

2.2 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

The NPWS administers the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Act (TSC Act). These Acts require that the NPWS:

• eliminate or manage certain processes that may cause a protected native animal to be harmed;

• regulate activities that may cause a threatened or protected native animal to be harmed;

• regulate activities that may cause the habitat of a threatened species to be damaged;

• prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species;

• eliminate or manage certain processes that threaten the survival or evolutionary development of threatened species;

• ensure that the impact of any action affecting threatened species, populations and ecological communities is properly assessed;

• protect the critical habitat of those threatened species;

• prepare Recovery Plans for threatened species; and

• encourage the conservation of threatened species by the adoption of measures involving co-operative management.

The NPWS is currently developing a recovery plan for threatened NSW microchiropteran bat species, as required under the TSC Act. This Recovery Plan will compliment the issues raised in the National Action Plan for Australian Bats (Duncan et al., 1999). The Recovery Plan will discuss a range of issues concerning microchiropteran bats, including habitat loss, bats in mines, protection of significant roost sites and taxonomic problems.

The plan will also describe a number of actions to be undertaken in order to address identified and perceived threats to microchiropteran bats, including in relation to derelict mine rehabilitation. The agreed outcomes of this strategy will be incorporated into the Recovery Plan as

Legislative and Policy Framework

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a conservation tool.

Where derelict mines occur on private property or land managed by government departments, the land owner/manager is responsible for safety in and around these sites. Thus, with regard to derelict mines in national parks, the NPWS is responsible for the safety of staff and park users. Consequently, the rehabilitation of derelict mines posing a safety risk on NPWS estate is of particular importance to the NPWS.

The DMR and the NPWS have common objectives in relation to the rehabilitation of derelict mines, namely public safety and environmental protection. In addition, both agencies have responsibilities regarding the protection of threatened species. This strategy is based on the co-operation between the NPWS and the DMR to achieve public health and safety, environmental protection and conservation outcomes.

2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The DMR undertakes environmental impact assessment for the rehabilitation of derelict mine sites on behalf of the Derelict Mines Lands Rehabilitation Committee. This is conducted in accordance with statutory obligations under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), the TSC Act or the NPW Act.

When undertaking environmental impact assessment, factors which require consideration include, amongst other things:

• any conservation agreement, plan of management or joint management agreement;

• any wilderness area;

• critical habitat;

• protected fauna or protected native plants; and

• threatened species, populations or ecological communities (‘8-part test’).

This strategy does not replace or remove the requirement to gain consent, approval or a licence for rehabilitation activities. It does facilitate the consideration of bats for the purposes of impact assessment by the gathering of information and by the development of management strategies to avoid or reduce adverse impacts on bats as a result of rehabilitation works.

Derelict adit on the NSW south coast

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3Derelict mines comprise those mining sites that have been abandoned, resumed, cancelled or handed back to the Government by default. Some of these mines present environmental and public health and safety hazards due to the presence of site contaminants, unsafe workings, toxic and noxious gases and unstable structures. As detailed above, the DMR co-ordinates the rehabilitation of derelict mines under the DMLRP. The rehabilitation of derelict mines may involve gating or fencing, but more commonly involves the collapse or closure of the mine.

Bats may utilise derelict mines as over-wintering, maternity, staging or general roosts, all of which have different microclimate characteristics. Bats generally

Bats in MinesIn NSW, seven microchiropteran bat species are known to inhabit derelict mines, of

which six are listed as threatened on the TSC Act (Table 1). A further four species are

known to inhabit caves and may also utilise derelict mines as habitat, of which two are

listed as threatened.

Key to Table 1 (Duncan et al., 1999)

Vulnerable (VU)

A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as defined by any of the criteria A to E in Action Plan for Australian Bats.

Lower Risk (LR)

A taxon is Lower Risk when it has been evaluated, does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. Taxa included in the Lower Risk category can be separated into three subcategories:

Conservation Dependent (cd)

Taxa which are the focus of a continuing taxon-specific or habitat-specific conservation program targeted towards the taxon in question, the cessation of which would result in the taxon qualifying for one of the threatened categories above within a period of five years.

Near Threatened (nt)

Taxa which do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but which are close to qualifying for Vulnerable. This Action Plan outlines four criteria for allocation of taxa to this category which were agreed upon by participants at the December 1995 workshop.

Least Concern (lc)

Taxa which do not qualify for Conservation Dependent or Near Threatened.

prefer adits to shafts and the more complex mines are often the most valuable as they provide a variety of microclimates. The requirements for over-wintering and maternity sites are highly specific and these sites require the highest levels of protection. Disturbance of hibernating colonies during winter months is potentially damaging because the loss of energy reserves caused by arousal from torpor can lead to starvation. Recreational caving and tourism also pose potential threats to roost sites. Although bats may only be present for a few months each year, the disturbance of mines is potentially detrimental to the species survival at the regional level (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994).

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Obligate cave dweller. Maternity sites limited. Species limited to colony sites which contain large numbers of individuals, thus prone to mass damage from catastrophic events (roost disturbance)

Obligate cave dweller. Maternity sites limited. Species limited to colony sites which contain large numbers of individuals, thus prone to mass damage from catastrophic events (roost disturbance)

Obligate cave dweller. Maternity sites limited. Species limited to colony sites, maternity sites have large numbers of individuals, thus prone to mass damage from catastrophic events (roost disturbance)

Roosts in vegetation near water. Not obligate cave dweller, however largest colonies known from tunnels and derelict mines. Threats also include habitat clearing, forestry activities and over-collection.

Not an obligate cave dweller but found in caves, mines, culverts etc.

Not an obligate cave dweller but found in caves, mines, culverts etc.

Obligate cave dweller.

Not an obligate cave dweller but occasionally found in caves. May potentially utilise derelict mines.



Not an obligate cave dweller but occasionally found in caves. May potentially utilise derelict mines

Large Bent-wing BatMiniopterus schreibersii

Little Bent-wing Bat

Miniopterus australis

LR lc TSC Act — Vulnerable

Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus megaphyllus (sth form)

LR lc NPW Act — Protected

Large-footed Myotis Myotis adversus/macropus

LR nt TSC Act — Vulnerable

Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri

VU TSC Act —(A1a, C2a) Vulnerable

Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus

LR nt TSC Act — Vulnerable

Eastern Cave Bat Vespadelus troughtoni


Lesser Long-eared Bat*Nyctophilus geoffroyi


Eastern Falsistrelle* Falsistrellus tasmaniensis


Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat* Saccolaimus flaviventris


Chocolate Wattled Bat* Chalinolobus morio



Table 1

Bats which are known to inhabit derelict mines in NSW and their conservation status. Species which may potentially utilise derelict mines are indicated with an asterix (*).

Species Status Comments

Action Plan for NSW Australian Bats Legislation

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It is clear that derelict mines are important for the survival of the obligate subterranean-dwelling bats, particularly as natural cave roosts appear to have been abandoned, probably because of disturbance by casual visitors. For example, the only currently known maternity site for Eastern Horseshoe Bats in the southern coastal/escarpment area of NSW is in a derelict mine (Andy Spate, NPWS, pers. comm.).

Threatening processes in relation to bats in mines may include the following:

• non-deliberate closure, eg collapse through natural weathering processes;

• deliberate closure of mines during rehabilitation or other purposes;

• re-working of previously abandoned mines;

• re-opening of previously collapsed collars or portals so that the mine micro-environment is changed;

• indirect disturbance by visitors (noise, lights etc - especially during torpor);

• deliberate, direct interference by visitors (by shooting, for example);

• direct interference (lighting of fires, burning plastic, for example);

• increased accessibility of predators (snakes, raptors, foxes, cats etc); and

• above-ground operations which might cause mine collapse or other underground disturbance.

Inside a derelict adit on the NSW south coast

4This strategy provides for a strategic, consistent and co-operative inter-agency approach to the rehabilitation of derelict mines and the conservation of habitat for bats.

The flow chart (Appendix 2) details the procedure as currently proposed by which derelict mines will be surveyed, assessed and managed during the rehabilitation process. The procedure to be followed is flexible and will be determined based on site-specific considerations. For example, the flow chart recognises that some derelict mine sites may not require assessment for bats (eg open cut coal mines) and that others have extreme safety considerations which over-ride any fauna issues (eg toxic gases, deep vertical shafts, polluted run-off). The flow chart enables the highest level of assessment, management and monitoring to proceed for the most important mines in terms of bat conservation, while those mines which do not provide habitat for bats will not require the same measures. Note that the flow chart is subject to change following on-ground implementation.

4.1 Establishing Links

The exchange of information is an important outcome of this strategy. Each year a number of mines are prioritised for rehabilitation under the DMLRP. In addition, the NPWS is involved with the management of derelict mines in national parks to ensure that these sites

are safe. Communication and exchange of information between the two agencies throughout NSW has to date been uncoordinated and on a site-by-site basis.

This strategy provides for structured and co-ordinated communication links between the NPWS and DMR

To achieve this:

• All communication between the NPWS and DMR regarding derelict mines is to be co-ordinated through the NPWS Head Office.

• The DMR is to provide the NPWS with the annual updated lists of mines prioritised for rehabilitation. Where practical, this list will include information such as contact details for relevant personnel and the type and structure of the mine. This will allow the NPWS to make a preliminary assessment of the likely significance of these mines as bat habitat and advise the DMR of derelict mines which are likely to require surveys and those which are not.

• The NPWS is to nominate to the DMR additional mines which require rehabilitation, in particular those which provide bat habitat and those which pose a safety risk. These nominations can then be considered by the inter-agency committee involved with the prioritisation of sites for rehabilitation.

Inter-departmental ApproachDespite some overlap of responsibility, co-ordination of the NPWS and the DMR activi-

ties with regard to the rehabilitation of derelict mines and the protection of bat habitat

has been largely informal and ad hoc. Up to this point, prioritisation of derelict mines for

rehabilitation under the DMLRP has not had regard to bat habitat and the assessment and

management of bats during the rehabilitation of derelict mines has been variable through-

out the State.

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• The NPWS and the DMR are to liaise during the rehabilitation process to ensure that adequate surveys, assessment and management are implemented for those mines which support bats and bat habitat.

4.2 Co-operative Arrangements with other States and Government Departments

The Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS), in consultation with the Queensland Department of Mines & Energy, have prepared a “State Strategy for the Protection of Cave Bat Roosting and Maternity Sites” (QPWS, 1999). This is the first such strategy prepared in Australia, and has been of significant assistance in the preparation of this strategy.

Recent meetings and discussions with conservation agencies in Queensland and Victoria have identified common issues between the States and the common goal of conserving bat habitat, while ensuring public safety. Discussions with other NSW government agencies, most obviously the DMR but also State Forests of NSW, have identified opportunities to work co-operatively to achieve common goals.

This strategy aims to involve other government agencies, both within and outside of NSW, in order to achieve a standard, national approach to the conservation of bats in derelict mines.

This strategy directly involves other NSW government agencies, and also provides opportunities to link with initiatives underway in other States. The sharing of technical information will be the primary way in which interstate and intra-state agencies can work together. Initiatives which will or may involve collaboration with other government

agencies (as outlined below) include:

• the production of a resource manual;

• joint training programs;

• access to a centrally kept database of significant bat roost sites;

• agreement on standard techniques for survey, assessment and prioritisation of derelict mines; and

• joint research on improving management techniques for the conservation of bats in derelict mines.

4.3 Survey and Assessment Guidelines

Currently there are no standard statewide survey methods or assessment criteria for bats in derelict mines. Although some government agencies (in particular NPWS and SFNSW) and individuals are involved in the survey of derelict mines for bats, the surveys conducted to date vary significantly in methodology, duration and interpretation of results. In addition, most surveys do not have regard to the seasonal use of mines by bats.

This strategy aims to standardise the methodology and survey effort employed in the survey and assessment of microchiropteran bats in derelict mines.

This will be achieved by the implementation of the survey and assessment guidelines for bats in derelict mines. These guidelines are based on the best available information on surveys for microchiropteran bats.

Two levels of detail are identified in the survey guidelines: a site/habitat assessment and a detailed investigation. The former survey must be conducted at all derelict mines to identify safety issues, determine the suitability of the mine as bat habitat

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and determine the presence of bats. The initial survey and habitat assessment will determine whether further detailed assessment and management is required.

The detailed survey is to be conducted at mines which are found to support bats or potential bat habitat. The detailed survey involves external investigations only and is intended to:

• more comprehensively document the species present and the quality of the habitat for bats;

• enable prioritisation of mines for management;

• enable the development of suitable management options; and

• provide a baseline for monitoring.

Due to Occupational Health & Safety issues, this Strategy does not endorse the entering of derelict mines under any circumstances.

4.4 Management Options

In Australia and overseas, management options are being developed to ensure the continued survival of bats in mines earmarked for rehabilitation. Concern about bats roosting in derelict mines has lead to the initiation of a number of habitat protection projects in Victoria, Queensland and NSW. To date, these projects have been undertaken as a cooperative venture between the State government departments responsible for conservation and mining, and in some instances, have been instigated and financially contributed to by private landholders, mining companies and local community interest groups.

The few bats in mines conservation projects that have been undertaken in the eastern states, particularly in Queensland,

have generated considerable interest by the mining industry and a number of companies and private landowners have indicated their willingness to be involved in similar projects. One such project in north-eastern NSW, involving the construction of an artificial entrance and experimental gating, demonstrated the mutual benefits for conservation and for company public relations. A Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA - see below) between the NSW Minister for the Environment and the landowner has been recently signed, thereby protecting the site for perpetuity.

Options for management will be developed on a site-by-site basis, based on the results of the surveys and the specific requirements of the site and the relevant land manager.

Management options must be site-specific. Examples of options for management include:

• signage;

• fencing;

• partial flooding;

• vegetation screening;

• restriction or reduction of access;

• gates;

• bars; and

• artificial roost construction.

As some of these management options are still in experimental stages, in particular flooding and the use of gates and bars, ongoing monitoring programs will need to be established to ensure that mines remain viable roosts and to ensure that the management measures are well maintained.

4.4.1 Conservation Options

Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs), Wildlife Refuges, Joint Management Agreements (JMAs) and revolving funds all provide for conservation outside of national parks. Given that derelict mines occur across all land management tenures, the long-term post rehabilitation conservation of mines providing habitat for bats is of particular importance. All of these conservation mechanisms involve the preparation of plans of management, which may include any of the above management options for the conservation of bats and bat habitat.

VCAs are joint agreements between a landholder and the Minister for the Environment aimed at permanently protecting the natural or cultural features present on the property. Although VCAs are entered into voluntarily, they are attached to the title of the land and therefore exist permanently regardless of change in ownership of the land.

JMAs are voluntary agreements between one or more public authorities and the NPWS. JMAs apply to activities that are jeopardising the survival of threatened species, populations and ecological communities. The aim of a JMA is to manage certain activities conducted by public authorities in order to avoid or reduce impacts on threatened species, populations or ecological communities. JMAs can be applied over any land management tenure.

Wildlife Refuges are agreements between a landholder and the Minister for the Environment which are not attached to the title of the land, and can be revoked by either party at any time. The program enables property owners to declare all or a part of their property as a refuge to be managed for conservation and although less binding than a VCA, it still enables plans of management to be adopted.

A revolving fund is a mechanism to purchase land with conservation values, protect it with a covenant in perpetuity and re-sell the land to a committed owner. A revolving fund is a potentially valuable option for this strategy as it can be targeted to assisting the achievement of the conservation of bats and bat habitat in derelict mines.

4.5 Database

The DMR currently manage a database of derelict mines throughout NSW. This database includes information on the history of the mine, ownership and the physical characteristics of the mine.

In order for the NPWS to prioritise derelict mines occurring in national parks for conservation it is proposed that the NPWS keep a separate database of derelict mines. This database will include details about the mine relating to its potential significance as habitat for bats, including bats present and habitat characteristics, and will supplement the DMR database. Data from surveys and monitoring conducted by the NPWS and the DMR for bats in derelict mines are to be entered onto the NPWS database. The NPWS database will be developed in consultation with other states, in particular QPWS, to ensure inter-agency consistency and allow data sharing. Relevant fields from this data set may be incorporated into the NPWS Wildlife Atlas.

The NPWS database will provide for a register of derelict mines and bat habitat in NSW to enable prioritisation of derelict mines for rehabilitation and conservation and to store survey and monitoring data.

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4.6 Education, Training and Support

Training is a necessary component of the strategy, given that little technical expertise exists regarding the survey and assessment of bats in derelict mines, either within or outside the NPWS.

To achieve the goals outlined above, education, training and support are essential components of this strategy.

Identified training requirements are as follows:

• Training of appropriate NPWS, State Forests of NSW (SFNSW) and DMR staff for the initial assessment of derelict mines, specifically the assessment for the presence or absence of bats and bat habitat using external assessment techniques, and occupational health and safety issues.

• Training of appropriate NPWS and SFNSW staff and consultants for detailed assessment of derelict mines, once the presence of bats is confirmed. The assessment will consist of an external assessment only.

• Training of appropriate NPWS and SF NSW staff to co-ordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of preferred management option for habitat protection.

• Development of a resource kit comprising: information about Anabat Detectors and their use, OH&S awareness document, species profiles, survey proformas and guidelines and seasonality tables.

4.7 Publicity

Communication of technical findings and progress of the strategy through appropriate media is important to raise awareness, gain further support and interest and to involve all relevant stakeholders. Publicity will encourage landholders, land managers and the public to inform the NPWS and the DMR of derelict mines and will improve the current understanding of the numbers and distribution of derelict mines. Appropriate forums may include mining industry journals, local newspapers and community group newsletters.

The dissemination of information to the broader community will raise awareness about bats in derelict mines and will encourage the input and support of industry, conservation groups and the public.

4.8 Occupational Health and Safety

A range of hazards are inherent with the internal inspection of abandoned mines, including falling rock, cave-in, noxious gases and oxygen deficiency, and old equipment and workings. To avoid serious injury or death, there is to be no entry of derelict mines for the purposes of bat surveys. Furthermore, safety clothing and equipment must be carried at all times during the site inspection.

Approaching the entrance to a derelictadit on the NSW south coast

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5The NPWS will maintain a database of derelict mines on NPWS estate, enabling prioritisation for rehabilitation and management.

In order to achieve conservation outcomes and public safety responsibilities on-park, the NPWS will maintain a register of derelict mines on NPWS estate. Mines will be added to the register as staff become aware of them. On a regular basis, these mines will be prioritised for rehabilitation, based primarily on importance as bat habitat, although high priority will also be allocated to mines where significant safety issues exist.

Prioritisation of SitesA large number of derelict mines are known to occur in national parks and nature re-

serves, and it is likely that many more occur that have not yet been located. It is important

for the NPWS to know where derelict mines occur on NPWS estate, both for the con-

servation of bats and bat habitat and for the maintenance of public safety.

Prioritisation of sites for on-ground conservation works will need to take into account a range of variables, including:

• population size,

• species present;

• the abundance of alternative roosts in the locality;

• whether the site is a maternity, over-wintering or general roost;

• the nature and immediacy of the threatening processes;

• the condition of the site; and

• public safety.

A weighted scoring system previously developed by the QPWS (1999) to establish priorities for conservation works has been adapted to suit the requirements of this strategy. The system takes the above values into consideration. A score will be calculated as part of the assessment for each site and entered into the central database.

13 Rock fall is evidence of the instability of this derelict adit

At present, information on the rehabilitation and management of derelict mines for bat conservation is somewhat incomplete. Research aimed at developing standard rehabilitation and management practices for bats in derelict mines is a goal of this strategy. For example, many species have not been subjected to experimentation to determine if they will accept gates and, if so, the appropriate gate designs and specifications. In addition to research, long term monitoring of existing experimental works will give an indication of bat species’ ability to adapt to artificial gating structures.

Future planning efforts also need to focus on the following issues:

• Some derelict mine sites are now the subject of renewed mining interest and may be reworked with open-cut techniques which destroy the original roosts and maternity sites. Industry involvement may facilitate the identification and protection of some of these sites.

6• Current mining leases are creating bat

habitat and the rehabilitation of these leases will need to have consideration of bat conservation issues. An approach for the consideration of bat habitat during the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments and in the issuing of consent conditions for future leases will need to be developed.

• There is also considerable interest in the construction of artificial roosts where natural roost sites may be destroyed or where such structures may add to the conservation value of rehabilitated areas. Research is currently proposed to determine the characteristics of artificial roosts which make them suitable for bats (C. Marshall, NPWS, pers. comm.).

Long-term Outcomes

Of the more than 20,000 mineral localities in NSW, many will not provide habitat for bats.

Of those derelict mines that do provide suitable habitat, it is realistic to a assume that only

a small fraction of those sites will be assessed and managed for bat conservation within

the short and medium term. Consequently, this strategy must take a long-term approach

and establish management arrangements which can continue into the future to ensure that

conservation actions are ongoing and that conservation outcomes are being achieved.

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7 89Limited funding for on-ground rehabilitation of high priority derelict mines is currently available under the DMLRP. However, additional funds will be required in order to achieve the goals of this strategy. The NPWS will seek additional funding through the Recovery Planning process, from mining companies, peak mining bodies and from the Commonwealth Government under the Natural Heritage Trust.

ReferencesGilmore, A.M. and Parnaby, H.E. 1994. Vertebrate fauna of conservation concern in north-east NSW forests. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Hurstville.

Hall L.S., Richards G.C., McKenzie N.L. and Dunlop N. 1997. The importance of abandoned mines as habitat for bats. Pp. 326-333 in P. Hale and D. Lamb (Eds). Conservation Outside Nature Reserves. Centre for Conservation Biology, University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Funding Options AcknowledgementsThis Strategy owes its existence to Andy Fay, Amelia Hurren, Ron Haering, Andy Spate, Charlene Marshall and Andrew Steed. Richard Johnson and James Brisebois from the DMR also had substantial input into the development of the strategy, as did Bruce Thomson from the QPWS and Brad Law from State Forests of NSW. Thanks must also go to the several people who provided comment on previous drafts of the Strategy.

Duncan A., Baker G.B. and Montgomery N. (Eds). 1999. The action plan for Australian bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Fay, A. 1999 (unpublished NPWS report). Action plan for cave bats and their habitat in NPWS Eden District, on the far south coast of NSW. NSW NPWS Eden District.

QPWS. 1999. State strategy for the protection of cave bat roosting and maternity sites. Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Brisbane.

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Adit: a horizontal or gently inclined mine passage opening to the surface.

Air shaft: a shaft connecting underground workings to the surface for the purposes of ventilation.

Bats and bat habitat: in this document, bats which inhabit mines and the habitat provided by mines. Not the foraging habitat of mine-dwelling bats.

Caps: the heavy timber beam supporting the roof of an adit, drive or tunnel. Caps are supported by vertical timbers or ‘props’.

Collar: the framework erected around the entrance of a shaft to prevent the ground surface collapsing into the shaft.

Costean: a prospecting trench used to expose the geology and identify the location of ore. May also be referred to as a ‘cut’.

Derelict mine: mining sites that have been abandoned, resumed, cancelled or handed back to the Government by default.

Drive: a horizontal mine passage driven from a shaft or adit, not opening to the surface.

EP&A Act: the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Endangered species: a species listed on Schedule 1, Part 1 of the TSC Act.

Headframe: the wooden or steel legs and platform erected over a shaft for the purposes of raising or lowering materials. Also called a poppet head.

Laths: timber boards placed between each set of props and caps in underground passages to provide support and warn of cave-ins.

Leach Pads: the prepared area constructed for stability and permeability for the leaching of metals from ore by chemical solutions.

Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms

Maternity site: an underground site where a bat population’s females gather together to give birth to their young. The presence of large numbers of bats may alter the microclimate so that adequate nursery conditions are obtained.

Mine: an opening or excavation in the earth for the purposes of extracting material.

Mullock: waste rock obtained in the course of mining deposited in mullock dumps, often surrounding a shaft or extending out from an adit.

NPW Act: the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Obligate: dependent on the site and/or the environmental conditions at the site.

Ore stock: a natural mineral compound of elements of which at least one is a metal.

Overburden: the rock and soil cleared away before mining.

Over-wintering site: a site with particular environmental conditions which enhance the development of torpor so that metabolism modifications enhances survival during food-poor periods.

Portal: the surface opening to an adit or tunnel.

Prop: a vertical support in an adit or tunnel.

Rise: an vertical shaft dug upwards from a horizontal mine.

Shaft: a vertical mine opening from the surface.

Slag: a vitrified amalgam of silica, ferrous oxides and other elements resulting from the smelting of an ore.

Spoil: the overburden that has been removed in gaining access to the ore.

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Staging site: sites where females gather en route to maternity sites. Some young may be born in these sites. The importance of such sites to the population dynamics is unknown but they appear important.

Tailings: the residue from the separation or treatment of ore by water.

Threatened Species: a species listed on Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the TSC Act.

TSC Act: the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Torpor: the light hibernation into which bats enter during the winter months when food resources are low.

Tunnel: a horizontal mine passage open to the surface at both ends.

Void: an opening in the rock left by mining excavation.

Vulnerable: a species listed on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act.

Winder: machinery that hoists and lowers objects into mine shafts.

Winze: an opening sunk downwards from a horizontal mine - a hole in the floor.

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Appendix 2

Data entered onto either the DMR or NPWS derelict mines database

NPWS prioritises on-park and SF derelict mines and nominates priority mines to the committee using proposal form

DMR provides the NPWS with their annual agenda for rehabilitation

DMR proceed with rehabilitation (in accordance with relevant statutory obligations)

No evidence of bats or potential bat habitat

Evidence of bats or potential bat habitat

DMR contacts NPWS Head Office who contact relevant regional staff

Detailed survey conducted by the DMR, NPWS or other relevant agency if appropriate

Site specific management strategies developed for bat conservation with the NPWS and relevant impact assessment conducted

Management strategies are implemented

Long-term monitoring and performance review of management strategies (NPWS and DMR)

Management options developed by DMR, focused on alleviation of safety concerns

Data entered onto the derelict mines database

DMR and NPWS contacted

Environment and Public Safety issues extreme

Derelict mine identified

Preliminary assessment conducted. DMRs Abandoned Mine Database proforma completed if mine is not on DMR’s database, otherwise NPWS Proforma A completed

DMR prioritises mines for rehabilitation via inter-agency committee

Inter-agency process for the Survey, Assessment and Management of Bats in Derelict Mines

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