Cairns Entertainment Precinct

Cairns Entertainment Precinct

Wetland Management Plan

Project Number: Q114012-05

March 2012 Prepared for Cairns Regional Council



Cairns Entertainment Precinct Version 1 March 2012 CEP Wetland Management Plan (Version 1) Page ii

Cardno (Qld) Pty Ltd

ABN 57 051 074 992

Level 11 Green Square North Tower

515 St Paul‟s Terrace

Fortitude Valley Qld 4006

Locked Bag 4006 Fortitude Valley

Queensland 4006 Australia

Telephone: 07 3369 9822

Facsimile: 07 3369 9722

International: +61 7 3369 9822

[email protected]

www.cardno.com.au

Document Control: Wetland Management Plan

Version Date Author Reviewer

Name Initials Name Initials

Version 1 14 March 2012 Mark Harris /

Donna Edwards MH/DE Mark Harris MH

"© 2012 Cardno All Rights Reserved. Copyright in the whole and every part of this document belongs to

Cardno and may not be used, sold, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or

form or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of Cardno.”



Cairns Entertainment Precinct Version 1 March 2012 CEP Wetland Management Plan (Version 1) Page iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Site of the Proposed Cairns Entertainment Precinct ............................................................................ 1

1.2 Proposed Onsite CEP Facilities............................................................................................................ 4

1.3 Purpose of this Report .......................................................................................................................... 4

2 PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................................ 6

2.1 CEP Design .......................................................................................................................................... 6

3 ECOLOGICAL VALUES ................................................................................................. 7

3.1 Fauna Habitat Value ............................................................................................................................. 8

3.2 Corridor Values ..................................................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Overall Ecological Value ....................................................................................................................... 9

3.4 Design Responses to Ecological Values ............................................................................................ 11

3.4.1 Development Footprint ............................................................................................................... 11 3.4.2 Stormwater Treatment ................................................................................................................ 12 3.4.3 Acoustic barrier ........................................................................................................................... 12

4 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................... 13

5 WETLAND MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 14

5.1 Risk Management ............................................................................................................................... 14

5.2 Statement of Resources ..................................................................................................................... 19

5.3 Monitoring, Reporting and Document Control .................................................................................... 19

5.3.1 Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................. 19

5.4 Monitoring Program ............................................................................................................................ 20



Cairns Entertainment Precinct Version 1 March 2012 CEP Wetland Management Plan (Version 1) Page iv

TABLES:

Table 1: Risks, Threats and Management Actions ............................................................................................................ 15

FIGURES:

Figure 1 Locality Plan Figure 2 Overall Site Plan and Project Boundary

APPENDICES:

Appendix A Design Drawings of the Proposed Stormwater and Water & Drainage Services



Cairns Entertainment Precinct Version 1 March 2012 CEP Wetland Management Plan (Version 1) Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

This Wetland Management Plan (WMP) has been prepared in relation to the proposed Cairns Entertainment

Precinct (CEP).

The primary purpose of this Wetland Management Plan (WMP) is to clearly define the site and the local wetland

areas and define management procedures required to protect the wetland. This WMP has been prepared to

include the following scope:

A clearly defined management objective to protect the wetland;

A description of the ecological values of the wetland;

A list of risks and threats to the conservation of the wetland values associated with the development;

The proposed risk-management actions for all construction and operation stages;

Assumptions and a statement of resources required i.e. budget and specific actions for the

management response;

Requirements for ongoing quarterly monitoring, annual reporting and management of the wetland

ecosystem for a minimum of five years; and

A statement regarding the operational timeframe of the Wetland Management Plan (minimum of 5

years).

This WMP was prepared under the supervision and direction of a suitably qualified ecologist, Mark Harris of Cardno

(Qld) Pty Ltd.

Mark Harris is a Senior Ecologist with Cardno‟s Environment Services Business Unit. He has been involved in

more than 650 projects relating to environmental assessment and management across Queensland and northern

New South Wales. Mark has worked as a field ecologist for over 10 years in landscapes varying from the arid zone

of South Australia to the rainforests and coastal zones of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Since

2002, Mark has worked as an environmental consultant providing a range of clients with service and advice in the

areas of ecological surveys and assessments, plant translocation, vegetation fauna and weed management and

amelioration strategies.

1.1 Site of the Proposed Cairns Entertainment Precinct

The Cairns Entertainment Precinct is proposed to occupy a site of about 1.4ha within Lot 9 SP113632 and Lot 10

SP214821, on the east side of Wharf Street between Lake Street and Sheridan Street behind Wharves 4 and 5.

The proposed site is located in the Commercial and Business Planning Area of the Seaport Local Area Plan and

partially within Precinct 3 of the Cityport Local Area Plan.




The site is bounded on its west side by Wharf Street; on its east side by Port Road, which is the principal Port

access road behind Wharves 3 to 6; and on its south side by a Port access road connecting port road to Wharf

Street (the Southern Access Road). Immediately north of the site is a presently open park area associated with the

Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

The CEP site is located approximately 20m from the back of the wharf (and seawall), and is separated from the

back of wharf by Port controlled land adjoining the site on its eastern side including a roadway known as Port

Road. The site and the Port controlled land easterly adjacent to the site is old reclaimed land which is bounded by

the seawall along the back of the wharf. The wharf extends east from the seawall approximately 25m.

In the north part of the site is located the heritage listed White‟s Shed, formerly an operational sugar shed.

The site is generally flat, with existing ground levels in the range about 1.7m to about 2.2m AHD.

A locality plan is at Figure 1, and an overall layout plan of the CEP site showing the site boundaries is at Figure 2.

Photographs show the existing features of the proposed CEP site.

Photos looking north towards existing White‟s Shed on the left, and Port Road on the right.




Photos taken near the south eastern corner of White‟s Shed looking south to west across the site

Photos taken from western side of site looking north east to south east




1.2 Proposed Onsite CEP Facilities

The CEP is proposed to provide the following facilities:

a Performing Arts Centre;

covered external public plaza;

a museum;

community facilities;

White‟s Shed reburbishment; and

vehicle parking.

The Performing Arts Centre is proposed to provide a theatre comprising approximately 1100 seats, depending on

the configuration of the orchestra pit; studio; rehearsal space; and associated back of house.

It is proposed to retain the main pitched roof structure of the heritage listed White‟s Shed but to remove the lean-to

on its west side and replace it with other facilities.

The Cairns Entertainment Precinct is proposed to be developed in four stages as follows:

Stage 1: Performance Space 1, including the plazas and canopy,

Stage 2: White‟s Shed;

Stage 3: the Museum:

Stage 4: Performance Space 2.

1.3 Purpose of this Report

The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the existing site and the surrounding areas including

waterways and wetlands, and to put forward an appropriate management plan for ensuring local waterways and

wetlands are protected from adverse effects from the Cairns Entertainment Precinct development and ongoing

operation.

The proposed CEP site is located adjacent to the Port of Cairns and Trinity Inlet. The adjacent Trinity Inlet is

identified as:

forming part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, pursuant to the Commonwealth‟s

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;

forming part of the Port of Cairns and Trinity Inlet Wetland (QLD157) which is listed in Environment

Australia (2011) A Directory of Important Wetland – 3rd Edition:

adjoining, to the east, an “Estuarine Conservation” section of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park,

pursuant to the Marine Parks Act 2004;




supporting an estuarine system on the Department of Environment and Resource Management‟s

(“DERM”) Queensland Wetland Map Version 2.0 – Cairns;

forming part of the State‟s Coastal Management District, pursuant to the Coastal Protection and

Management Act 1995, with the site (along with the balance of Cairns CBD) occurring within the State‟s

Coastal Zone; and

adjoining, to the east, part of the Trinity Inlet Declared Fish Habitat Area pursuant to the Fisheries Act

1994.

The adjacent section of the Trinity Inlet is not identified as supporting any wetland vegetation (i.e. mangrove

communities), nor is it mapped as a Referable Wetland pursuant to the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009.

This part of the Trinity Inlet is already disturbed by Port activities such as ships docking at the wharf.

The CEP site does not immediately adjoin the Trinity Inlet, however it is located approximately 45m from the front

of the wharf, separated to the inlet by both the wharf and Port land including a roadway (Ports Road) used for port

activities. Stormwater will be discharged, however, at the back of the wharf underneath the wharf structure.

It‟s considered that both the CEP site and adjoining Port land has low to negligible ecological value.

This Wetland Management Plan addresses the following areas.

Section 2 provides further background to the project.

Section 3 describes the ecological values of the wetland.

Section 4 provides the management objectives of the wetland ecosystem.

Section 5 provides an analysis of the risks and threats to the wetland and the management actions

undertaken during design and required during construction and operation of the Cairns

Entertainment Precinct.

Section 6 provides a summary of resources required to implement the Plan and specifies monitoring

requirements.




2 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The CEP project will be delivered by the Cairns Regional Council and is partly funded by grants from Federal and

State Governments.

This WMP will form part of the overall submission for the Development Approval application for the Cairns

Entertainment Precinct.

2.1 CEP Design

The CEP will incorporate the following lighting design principals.

Functional and architectural lighting will be provided internal to the Performing Arts Centre and

gallery spaces.

Landscape lighting will be provided within the foyer / plaza area. Lit night time environment will

include lighting of trees, landscape features as well as façade elements and roof canopies.

No light will be directed into the night sky.

Road lighting will be provided along the southern side of the Port access road which connects the

Port Road to Wharf Street.

There are existing Ports North light poles along the wharf which bounds the CEP site.

The CEP will incorporate the following stormwater design aspects.

Roof area will capture the majority of rainfall onsite. The roofs will collect rain water into a 350KL

harvesting tank located in the basement from where it will discharge via a rainwater detention tank

and proprietary rainwater filtration device to existing underground stormwater drains to the Trinity

Inlet.

The harvesting tank will also act as stormwater attenuation for the 1.5 year Average Recurrence

Interval (ARI) event.

The balance area of the site will be vegetated, turfed or sealed surface such as bitumen or concrete.

Runoff from the areas on the eastern side of the site including Port Road and the Port Access Road

to the south will enter stormwater inlet pits and either existing or new underground stormwater

drains which will discharge to the Trinity Inlet.

Runoff from areas on the western side of the site will enter the existing Council stormwater network

along Wharf Street.

Loading areas for delivery and unloading locations will all be provided with water quality treatment

devices to remove pollutants as required by current FNQROC guidelines.

As stated in the Stormwater Quality Discharge Assessment Report prepared by SSP Group, stormwater runoff from

the developed CEP site will contain fewer pollutants than existing as most of the site will be covered with either roof

or paths or gardens. Minimum required reductions in contaminant loads for nutrients, gross pollutants, and total

suspended solids will be achieved.

The minimum stormwater design objectives as shown in Chapter 2 of the Urban Stormwater Quality Planning

Guideline (2010) shall be adopted.




3 ECOLOGICAL VALUES

The CEP site has low to negligible ecological value. As depicted in the photographs provided in Sections 1.1 and

3.4.1, the site currently supports existing cleared land and scattered patches of regularly mown grasses with a row

of exotic and landscaped Cocos palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) occurring along its central eastern boundary and

Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Melaleuca leucadendra, Pandanaus tectorius and groundcover

Agapanthus spp and Crinum spp in the south western corner of the site and along the front boundary of the site

along Wharf Street. The site forms part of a wholly constructed environment associated with the Port of Cairns and

the associated cruise ship terminal platform. The site does not support any features which are recognisable or

could be attributed to a part of functional wetland.

The adjacent section of Trinity Inlet, however, is recognised as contributing to the wider Great Barrier Reef World

Heritage Area and is listed as in the Directory of Important Wetlands. Whilst the actual values of the section

immediately adjacent to the CEP and Port land are likely to have been substantially impacted upon by the ongoing

docking of cruise and cargo vessels, minor discharges of fuel and ballast, and stormwater discharge from the

adjoining portions of Cairns, it is recognised that these adjacent waters do contribute to a much wider marine

ecosystem which, pursuant to the mandatory requirements of the World Heritage listing provides1:

an outstanding example representing a major stage of the earth's evolutionary history including:

o numerous coral reefs and cays;

o reef morphologies reflecting historical and on-going geomorphic and oceanographic processes;

o processes of geological evolution linking islands, cays, reefs and changing sea levels, together

with sand barriers, deltaic and associated sand dunes;

o record of sea level changes and the complete history of the reef's evolution are recorded in the

reef structure;

o record of climate history, environmental conditions and processes extending back over several

hundred years within old massive corals;

o formations such as serpentine rocks of South Percy island, intact and active dune systems,

undisturbed tidal sediments and "blue holes"; and

o record of sea level changes reflected in distribution of continental island flora and fauna;

an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and

man's interaction with his natural environment, through:

1 Adapted from: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/great-barrier-reef/values.html




o the heterogeneity and interconnectivity of the reef assemblage;

o size and morphological diversity;

o ongoing processes of accretion and erosion of coral reefs, sand banks and coral cays, erosion

and deposition processes along the coastline, river deltas and estuaries and continental islands;

o evidence of the dispersion and evolution of hard corals and associated flora and fauna from the

"Indo-West Pacific centre of diversity" along the north-south extent of the reef;

o inter-connections with the Wet Tropics via the coastal interface;

o indigenous temperate species derived from tropical species;

o living coral colonies (including some of the world's oldest);

o five floristic regions identified for continental islands and two for coral cays;

o the diversity of flora and fauna, including: Macroalgae, Porifera, Cnidaria, Tunicata, Bryozoa,

Crustacea, Worms, Phytoplankton, Mollusca, Echinodermata, fishes, seabirds, marine reptiles,

marine mammals, terrestrial flora, and terrestrial fauna;

o the integrity of the inter-connections between reef and island networks in terms of dispersion,

recruitment, and the subsequent gene flow of many taxa;

o processes of dispersal, colonisation and establishment of plant communities within the context of

island biogeography (e.g. dispersal of seeds by air, sea and vectors such as birds are examples

of dispersion, colonisation and succession);

o evidence of morphological and genetic changes in mangrove and seagrass flora across regional

scales; and

o feeding and/or breeding grounds for international migratory seabirds, cetaceans and sea turtles.

unique, rare and superlative natural phenomena, formations and features and areas of exceptional

natural beauty; and

habitats where populations of rare and endangered species of plants and animals still survive.

It is also recognised that pursuant to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities (2009) Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 that development of the type proposed in the CEP adjacent to a

World Heritage Area by a local government in an existing city or coastal town is not normally expected to have a

significant impact on a World Heritage Area.

3.1 Fauna Habitat Value

The site does not provide suitable or potential habitat for any Endangered or Vulnerable wildlife species, pursuant

to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or any Endangered, Vulnerable or Near

Threatened wildlife species pursuant to the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

The site would provide habitat for an extremely limited range of native fauna due to its predominantly cleared

nature and setting amongst a heavily urbanised landscape. It is likely that a reduced diversity of cosmopolitan

avian species which utilise disturbed areas and landscaped vegetation along the existing terminal and adjoining

sections of the CBD may frequently utilise the site for sheltering and foraging resources, however, the value that

the site provides in this respect is likely to be low given the expanse of similar habitat in the surrounding parts of

Cairns. Nonetheless it is expected that species such as the Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen), Sulphur




crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Masked lapwing (Vanellus miles), Peaceful dove (Geopelia striata),

Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Willie wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) and Common myna (Sturnus

tristis) would occasionally be observed within the site. It is also expected that a limited range of native and

introduced reptilian species, mostly common skinks and geckoes, would also utilise habitat within the site.

The fauna habitat values of the adjacent part of the Trinity Inlet are, by comparison, expected to be quite high and

utilised, typically as part of a wider foraging area, by a range of fish, seabird, marine mammal, reptile (including sea

turtle and crocodile) species and lower order genera. The section of Trinity Inlet immediately adjacent to the site is

expected to have a reduced value for fauna as a consequence of the frequent presence of marine vessels and the

impacts and threats (i.e. boat strike) associated with same. Due to the adjoining terrestrial landforms (i.e. the

cruise terminal and Port), sections of Trinity Inlet within 100m of the site do not provide suitable or important

breeding, or sheltering habitat for any fauna species associated with marine wetlands of this nature, particularly

given the extensive amount of similar habitat elsewhere within the Inlet including the Great Barrier Reef Coast

Marine Park and Declared Fish Habitat Area. The absence of fringing mangrove wetlands within or in close

proximity of the terminal would further reduce fauna habitat value in this part of the Inlet for such purposes.

3.2 Corridor Values

The main ecological function of the adjacent section of Trinity Inlet would be the role it plays in facilitating marine

wildlife dispersal in a north-south direction between the open coast and the extensive inland estuaries, including

those further to the east that occur within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and Declared Fish Habitat

Area. Whilst there are likely to be a range of foraging resources for some species such as seabirds, marine

mammals and reptiles within 100m of the site, it is expected that, due to its use as a cruise terminal and Port, there

would be more optimal and/or suitable habitat elsewhere within Trinity Inlet.

3.3 Overall Ecological Value

The wetland of concern to the east of the site is listed as a Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia – 3rd Edition states that a wetland may be considered nationally important if it meets one of the following criteria:

o It is a good example of a wetland type occurring within a biogeographic region in Australia.

o It is a wetland which plays an important ecological or hydrological role in the natural functioning

of a major wetland system/complex.

o It is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at a vulnerable stage in their life

cycles, or provides a refuge when adverse conditions such as drought prevail.

o The wetland supports 1% or more of the national populations of any native plant or animal taxa.

o The wetland supports native plant or animal taxa or communities which are considered

endangered or vulnerable at the national level.

o The wetland is of outstanding historical or cultural significance.




As outlined in Section 1.3, the adjacent section of Trinity Inlet is also identified as contributing to the Great Barrier

Reef World Heritage Area, and is recognised, at a State level on DERM‟s WetlandMaps database as an „Estuarine

System‟.

The adjacent sections of Trinity Inlet are in fact characterised by open marine waters, there is no evidence of

emergent wetland vegetation, such as mangrove species, and all such species would have been removed during

the original construction of the Port and cruise terminal. As stated previously, the main function of marine waters

associated with Trinity Inlet within 100m of the site is to contribute to broader fauna movement opportunities

between the coast and inland marine estuaries and also some provision of foraging resources for a range of

predominantly marine fauna. It is considered that whilst the Trinity Inlet wetlands have high ecological value, the

relative value of the section within 100m of the site has been somewhat compromised through its frequent use by

marine vessels and its role as a cruise terminal.

With respect to the proposed CEP, it is relevant to note the following;

The proposed development will not occur directly within the high value wetland area, and will be

wholly contained within an existing cleared, modified and otherwise entirely anthropogenic

environmental and a buffer comprising Port Road and the revetment wall which enables cruise ships

to dock alongside the side will be maintained between the construction footprint and the wetland.

Provided run-off from the site is appropriately controlled, development of the CEP is not expected to

have any measurable direct impact to the wetlands associated with Trinity Inlet.

Many other stakeholders contribute to the health and resilience of the wetland including nearby

landuses within the cityport and Cairns CBD which are also adjacent to the Trinity Inlet wetlands.

Immediately to the south of the site are existing port facilities and to the north is the recently

constructed Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.




3.4 Design Responses to Ecological Values

3.4.1 Development Footprint

The footprint of the CEP is characterised by a cleared grassed area and part of the fenced area enclosing White‟s

shed. The land is currently being used by Ports North as a general storage area. There exists a number of

concrete foundation slabs on the site, one of these being a large circular concrete slab for a former molasses tank.

The development footprint will require clearance of some existing landscaped palm trees along the eastern side of

the site, along with some other landscaped trees along the east and southern side of White‟s Shed, trees in the

south western corner of the site and various trees and bushes along the front property boundary with Wharf Street.

The intent is to retain as much as practical existing of the landscaped trees and bushes along the front property

boundary with Wharf Street or transplant where possible.

Photos showing trees along front property boundary of the CEP site on Wharf Street. Trees will be retained

where possible.

Photo showing trees in the south western corner of the CEP site, to be cleared.




3.4.2 Stormwater Treatment

Due to the proximity of the nearby inlet, the stormwater system will be designed to encourage and recognise the

minimisation of peak stormwater flows and the protection of receiving waters from pollutants.

The proposed stormwater treatment criteria are:

1. Reduce the peak 1.5 year ARI event discharge between pre & post development. This was assessed

comparing pre & post development scenarios. The storage required to attenuate flows during the 1.5

year ARI event to not increase the peak discharge in the post development scenario has been provided

in additional storage within the water harvesting tank proposed for the CEP project.

2. Pollution Reduction Targets. The design meets the QLD State Planning Policy 4/10 for Healthy Waters

and the Urban Stormwater Quality Planning Guidelines 2010 stormwater quality levels for a “Wet”

Tropics area which requires the following reductions to outputs:

80% reduction in Total Suspended Solids.

65% reduction in Total Phosphorus.

40% reduction in Total Nitrogen.

90% reduction to Gross Pollutants > 5mm

Drawings showing the water harvesting tank and overall stormwater layout are attached at Appendix A.

3.4.3 Acoustic barrier

The impacts of additional noise and light from both construction and operation of the Cairns Entertainment Precinct

is expected to be minimal.

There already exist tall light poles along the wharf for Port operations. Additional exterior lighting for the CEP will

be associated with the foyer / plaza area, lighting of trees, landscape features, façade elements and roof canopies

as well as road lighting along the southern side of the Port access road.

The February 2012 Cairns Entertainment Precinct Preliminary Approval Application Acoustic Report by Acoustic

Studio addresses the issues of noise and vibration for the Performing Arts Centre and for the outdoor areas of the

CEP. Noise surveys carried out onsite during a range of Port operations determined existing intermittent noise

levels on site range between 80 to 85 dB(A), whilst average steady state noise levels range between 70 and 75

dB(A). The Performing Arts Centre of the CEP will be acoustically designed to minimise external noise entering the

building, in particular the high noise level generating activities of the Port. Whilst no study has been prepared on

the expected level of noise emitted from the Performing Arts Centre, it is expected that the emission of noise from

the internal performances to the external environment will also be minimised by the acoustic design. The outdoor

amphitheatre and public spaces will however generate some noise from the site, however, this is expected to have

minimal impact on the surrounding area when compared to the peak noise already generated by Port activities.

During construction, works will be prohibited between the hours of 6pm and 7am in accordance with Council

regulations. This will eliminate any noise during these times and the requirement for night time construction

lighting.

The adjoining Port land already emits light and a high level of noise to the external environment. Therefore, it is

considered that the CEP will not have a significant additional impact on the surrounding environment and an

acoustic or light barrier to block noise / light from the CEP is unnecessary.




4 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

The Port of Cairns and Trinity Inlet is located to the east of the construction and eventual operational footprint of

the CEP. The management objectives of the wetland must therefore be focused on managing potential on-site

impacts which could have an impact on the receiving environment. The wetland management objectives are as

follows.

1. To ensure no negative impacts are caused to the wetland ecosystem by the construction and

operation of the Cairns Entertainment Precinct.

2. To monitor the health of the wetland and pro-actively respond to potential impacts caused by the

Cairns Entertainment Precinct to ensure the on-going health of the wetland ecosystem.

The specific objectives which will be implemented during the construction phase are provided below.

Soil Erosion Sedimentation & Surface Run-off

Minimise impacts to surface water bodies and overland drainage paths.

Minimise the potential for erosion of the site and migration of sedimentation to adjoining properties

and the Trinity Inlet.

Reduce the occurrence and extent of soil erosion during construction activities.

Minimise the extent (spatially and temporally) of disturbed land areas during construction.

Where topsoil is present on the site, if any, manage stripped topsoil in order to minimise erosion

potential and maximise reuse opportunities.

Progressively stabilise disturbed areas e.g. revegetation, turfing and landscaping of external areas.

Manage erosion and sediment in accordance with the Urban Stormwater Quality Planning

Guidelines (2010) and Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (IECA, 2008).

Aquatic Flora & Fauna

Minimise the effect on aquatic flora and fauna by construction activities.

Minimise the impact on riparian ecosystems.

Minimise the impact on water quality through effective sediment and erosion control, acid sulphate

soil management and treatment and monitoring of groundwater discharged to receiving waters.

Infectious Plant, Disease, Weeds and Pests

Prevent and minimise the introduction and dispersal of weeds into the marine environment.

Prevent and minimise harm to all aquatic fauna species.

Minimise the introduction and spread of weeds and pests.

Minimise the introduction of diseased and/or infectious plants into the area.

Manage infestation of noxious weed species on the construction site.




5 WETLAND MANAGEMENT

The wetland management objectives will be achieved via the considered construction of the CEP and ongoing

management controls implemented as part of the operation of the facility.

5.1 Risk Management

Risks and threats to the conservation of the wetland values associated with the CEP have been identified in Table

1 below. This is a living document which will be reviewed annually. As new risks arise they will be added to Table

1, and associated management actions nominated to mitigate each risk.




Table 1: Risks, Threats and Management Actions

Risks and Threats to Wetland Management Actions Resources for Implementation

Cairns Entertainment Precinct Design

Inappropriate design of the CEP results

in impact upon the wetland system.

Consideration of protection of the wetland in the CEP design, in particular design of

stormwater discharge and attenuation.

The CEP has been deliberately designed in a manner which is responsive to the values of

the adjacent wetland by:

o confining the CEP within an already generally cleared site which is currently used for

port operation storage;

o designing an effective stormwater treatment system;

o Landscaping, vegetating and turfing external areas of the CEP site.

Design drawings for the CEP reflects

design considerations for protection

of wetland.

Cairns Entertainment Precinct Construction

Intentional / unintentional

mismanagement of the wetland during

construction phase.

Control measures for erosion and sediment via adherence to an Erosion and Sediment

Control Plan which includes specifications for timing of works, runoff control structures, clean

stormwater diversion, appropriate stockpile location and bunding, and timely re-stabilisation

of exposed areas.

Maintain all physical site control measures for the full period of construction and until

landscaping and rehabilitation is in place and established enough to provide a stable land

surface.

Clearing and/or earthwork activities will be planned to be carried out during dry weather

conditions and completed and stabilised as quickly as possible.

Stipulate development and

implementation of E&SC Plan as a

requirement of the contractor under

the contracted works.




Development of a relevant construction Environmental Management Plan for use on site

during construction to reflect recognised ecological values.

Provide signage or information to contractors that the adjacent area is of ecological

significance so that all site personnel are aware of the need to keep the site clean of rubbish

and be aware of spill management.

Clearly demarcate any vegetation to be retained using exclusion fencing, show these trees

on all related plans, and ensure work personnel are aware of vegetation to be retained.

Minimise the impact of ground works on the external waters of Trinity Inlet by adopting

suitable construction methods such as:

- Maintaining a constant barrier of ground between the ground works and the Trinity Inlet

throughout the construction of ground works.

- Establish appropriate controls to control disposal of material in tidal water for the

construction of relatively minor structural works for the stormwater outlets.

It is expected that groundwater will be discharged from bulk earthwork excavations for the

construction of basement carpark and associated works, services trenching and stormwater

outfalls. Any water from dewatering activities is to be tested and treated prior to discharge to

ensure the quality of receiving waters does not deteriorate. This could be achieved by

discharging to sediment ponds onsite, monitoring and treating as appropriate the water in

sediment ponds prior to its discharge to receiving waters.

Conduct water quality monitoring at regular intervals for pH, Suspended Solids and/or

Turbidity at all stormwater discharge points from the construction site into the receiving inlet.

Water quality monitoring shall be conducted following all significant rainfall events of >25mm

in 24hrs.

Monitoring to be undertaken by a suitably qualified environmental scientist with experience

using the monitoring equipment.

Stormwater discharge which does not comply with the water quality release criteria shall be

prevented from being discharged offsite and further treatment and / or erosion and sediment

control measures implemented.

Stipulate development and

implementation of EMP Plan as a

requirement of the contractor under

the contracted works.

The contract for the works to specify

contractor compliance with all

environmental approval conditions.

The contractor to comply with Section

5.4 below which specifies level of

water quality monitoring required.

A detailed Acid Sulfate Soils

Management Plan will need to be

prepared by a Geotechnical

Consultant during the detailed design

phase. The contract for the works to

specify contractor compliance with

the Acid Sulfate Soils Management

Plan in the treatment / disposal of

acid sulphate soils encountered

during construction.




Perform excavation during the dry season if possible to minimize construction issues and

costs relating to ground water management.

Appropriately manage all excavated actual and potential acid sulfate soils either by treatment

by lime neutralization prior to incorporation in the fill body, or, in the case of surplus

materials, if any, disposal off site. Management of acid sulfate soils is to be overseen by a

suitably qualified geotechnical engineer.

Minimise the risk of spillage of fuels, oils, and other hazardous substances during

construction and ensure management processes are in place for timely response should it

occur (e.g. comprehensive training of staff, provision of spill kits, bunding of hazardous

materials and other appropriate measures readily available on site).

Restrict construction times to between hours of 7am and 6pm to minimise noise and light

emission from the site.

Regular compliance monitoring of works by Site Supervisor (daily) and Environmental

Advisor (at least weekly).

Compliance with all environmental approval conditions.

Protection of the wetland from introduction of weeds, pests and disease through adherence to

construction phase environmental management which includes the following measures.

Ensuring Weed Hygiene Declaration Forms are received for new plant working on site.

Instigating inspections of vehicles, plant and equipment for weed material, washing down

vehicles where necessary.

Lawful disposal of weed material at waste disposal facilities, and avoiding stockpiling weed-

infested material.

Ensuring plant and material sourced from within a Fire Ant Restricted Area is inspected and

declared free of Fire Ants by DEEDI.

Ensuring the crib facilities, if applicable, (including general waste storage areas/bins) are

kept clean to deter vermin, and undertaking pest control annually.




Sourcing plants for revegetation from nurseries with DEEDI approved disease management

plans and certificates if outbreaks such as Myrtle rust have occurred.

Cairns Entertainment Precinct Operation

Intentional / unintentional

mismanagement of the wetland during

operational phase.

Development and implementation of operational phase procedures to ensure protection of the

adjacent wetland is maintained, such as:

Annual review and update of this document

Maintenance associated with the rain water harvest tank, rainwater detention tank and

filtration device and its proper operation.

Continued monitoring of stormwater quality during the 5 year reporting period.

Ensure the site and adjacent wharf area is regularly cleaned of uncontained wastes (e.g.

rubbish, food wrappers in water)

Review any changes to operational procedures for the CEP to ensure there will be no

adverse impact on the Trinity Inlet adjacent to the site.

Appointment of a suitably qualified

staff member for a period of 5 years

to review and update this document

and monitor/implement operational

phase procedures




5.2 Statement of Resources

In order for Cairns Regional Council to commit to the objectives and management actions nominated herein for the

life of the WMP it will need to demonstrate this commitment by dedicating the following resources.

1. The WMP will be encompassed within the suite of environmental control documents during

construction such as the EMP, E&SC and Acid Sulfate Soils Management Plan and its

implementation by the Contractor overseen by a suitably qualified staff member within the Cairns

Regional Council environment team.

2. A suitably qualified staff member within the Cairns Regional Council environment team will be

nominated to review the WMP and its implementation on a regular basis during construction phase.

3. The requirements of the WMP will form part of the handover from the construction to operational

phases of the CEP. After the handover, a suitably qualified staff member within the Cairns Regional

Council environment team will be nominated to review the WMP and its implementation on a regular

basis.

5.3 Monitoring, Reporting and Document Control

The wetland ecosystem will be managed for a minimum of five years, during this time quarterly monitoring and

annual reporting will be undertaken. Detailed below is a recommended proposed method to undertake requisite

reporting.

5.3.1 Reporting Requirements

The operational timeframe of this WMP is five (5) years. The WMP is a living document and must be reviewed at

least annually during its lifetime by a suitably qualified and experienced environmental officer, or whenever an

environmental issue arises which may impact upon the wetland ecosystem. An adaptive management approach is

to be employed in respect of the works forming part of this WMP. An adaptive management approach involves an

integrated process of monitoring and reviewing to identify any alterations to the construction and operation of the

Cairns Entertainment Precinct that may be required to ensure the objectives of the WMP are achieved. The

specific purpose of adaptive management is to facilitate modification/adaptation of work practices and management

strategies specified herein to enable the achievement of the overall objectives of the plan and any associated

approval conditions issued by DERM and other regulators.

Cairns Regional Council will produce an Annual Report which documents the implementation of the WMP for the

past year. It will provide a summary of:

1. the construction or operational activities undertaken at the Cairns Entertainment Precinct site in the preceding

12 months;

2. the results of monitoring activities undertaken at the Trinity Inlet;




3. the results of water quality monitoring of stormwater discharge into the Trinity Inlet;

4. the nature of any corrective actions or adaptive management measures that have been taken, or which are

proposed if certain criteria are not achieved; and

5. an outline of activities planned for the following 12 month period.

Upon reaching the fifth year, a final status report will be produced confirming that all the specified construction and

ongoing monitoring works have been carried out and relevant performance criteria have been achieved.

5.4 Monitoring Program

In the CEP project‟s life, it is the time of construction that presents the greatest risk to affecting the adjacent Trinity

Inlet. Therefore it is important that comprehensive monitoring program is established and maintained by the

Contractor from start of construction to finish. This monitoring program should generally be in accordance with the

following, but should be specific to the site Environmental Management Plan. An independent environmental

consultancy should be engaged to undertake monthly audits of the site for compliancy.

Implementation of sediment and erosion control measures onsite in accordance with an Erosion and

Sediment Control Plan and maintenance of control measures undertaken regularly during wet

weather.

Monitoring of discharged groundwater in sediment ponds onsite for pH, Suspended Solids and

Turbidity. Water quality monitoring shall be conducted following all significant rainfall events of

>25mm in 24hrs. All water shall be tested and treated as necessary to meet the following water

quality requirements in accordance with the Urban Stormwater Quality Planning Guidelines 2010

prior to its discharge to receiving waters.

o A pH range of 6.5 – 8.5

o A turbidity (NTU) less than 10% above receiving waters turbidity

o A Total Suspended Solids (TSS) concentration less than 50 mg/L

The actual stormwater quality is to be compared with receiving water quality to establish the level of

treatment necessary to protect environmental values.

Stormwater discharge which does not comply with the water quality release criteria shall be

prevented from being discharged offsite and further treatment and / or erosion and sediment control

measures implemented.

Monitoring of all excavated actual and potential acid sulfate soils onsite and management either by

treatment by lime neutralization prior to incorporation in the fill body, or, in the case of surplus

materials, if any, disposal off site. Monitoring of management of acid sulphate soils is to be

undertaken by a suitably qualified geotechnical engineer.

Monitoring of site construction works to ensure that excavated material or waste is appropriately

disposed of. Litter/waste should be prevented from entering the stormwater system that discharges

from site.




Regular compliance monitoring of works by Site Supervisor (daily) and Environmental Advisor (at

least weekly).

It is important to recognise that the existing CEP site contains largely existing cleared land. The site does not

support any features which are recognisable or could be attributed to a part of functional wetland. There will be no

direct impact or loss of values associated with Trinity Inlet due to the development of the site.

Because of the cleared nature of the site it is considered that monitoring of vegetation will not be required.

During the operational phase of the CEP, ongoing monitoring is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified staff

member of Cairns Regional Council as follows:

Quarterly monitoring and maintenance of the rain water harvest tank, rainwater detention tank and

filtration device to ensure their proper functioning and testing of filtered water for water quality.

Quarterly monitoring of water quality of stormwater discharge from loading areas provided with

water quality treatment devices to remove pollutants (to be conducted following significant rainfall

events of >25mm in 24hrs);

Ensure Pollution Reduction Targets are met for the monitoring of water quality described above in

accordance with requirements of the QLD State Planning Policy 4/10 for Healthy Waters and the

Urban Stormwater Quality Planning Guidelines 2010; and

General site monitoring for cleanliness.



Cairns Entertainment Precinct Version 1 March 2012 CEP Wetland Management Plan (Version 1)

Figures

Figure 1 Locality Plan




Figure 2 Overall Site Plan and Project Boundary




Appendix A

Design Drawings of the Proposed Stormwater and Water

& Drainage Services

Documents

Cairns Entertainment Precinct