Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project · Evaporation For Years 1957 to 2010 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 29 Figure 6.4 Mean 9 am and 3 pm Wind Speed for Years

Notice of Intent

Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project

Notice of Intent

Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project

Prepared for:

NORTHERN SHIP SUPPORT PTY LTD

Charles Darwin Centre

Level 20, 19 The Mall | Darwin City NT 800 |

Australia

Prepared by:

Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd

ABN 91 007 660 317

Level 11, 199 Grey Street | South Brisbane

Qld 4101 | Australia

GPO Box 633 | Brisbane Qld 4001 | Australia

20 April 2018

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page ii

Contents

Section Page Section Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Scope of Notice of Intent 1

1.2 Structure of the Notice of

Intent 6

2 PROPONENT 2.1 Project Delivery Team 8

3 SITE DESCRIPTION 3.1 Site Description and Locality 9

3.2 Project Alternatives 9

3.3 Land Tenure 11

3.4 Existing Use of Site 13

3.5 Land Use Zoning 13

4 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL 4.1 Project Description 17

4.2 Facility Features and

Operation 20

4.3 Construction 23

4.4 Timeframes 25

5 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT AND

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 5.1 Relevant Legislation and

Other Obligations 26

5.2 Policies and Guidelines 26

5.3 Other Obligations 26

6 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 6.1 Climate 27

6.2 Geology, Landforms and Soils 30

6.3 Coastal Processes 38

6.4 Hydrology 40

6.5 Terrestrial and Intertidal

Ecology 40

6.6 Marine Ecology 46

6.7 Biting Insects 50

6.8 Water Quality 50

6.9 Air Quality 51

6.10 Noise and Lighting 52

6.11 Waste and Pollution 52

6.12 Traffic 53

6.13 Cultural Heritage 53

6.14 Social Environment 55

7 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT

MEASURES 7.1 Potential Environmental

Impacts and Mitigation

Measures 58

7.2 Proposed Mitigation

Measures 71

8 REHABILITATION AND

DECOMMISSIONING

9 CONCLUSION

10 REFERENCES

APPENDICES

A Land Tenure, Plans and Certificates

B Legislation, Policies and Guidelines

C EPBC Protected Matters Report

D Likelihood of Occurrence

Assessment

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page ii

List of figures

Section Page

Figure 1.1 Site location plan 2

Figure 2.1 Project Delivery Team 8

Figure 3.1 Project locality in relation to surrounding land uses 10

Figure 3.2 Land parcels and current land acquisition area for the Project 12

Figure 3.3 Existing use of site 14

Figure 3.4 Marine services activities conducted at the Project site 15

Figure 3.5 Mangrove habitat along the western extent of the Project area 15

Figure 3.6 NTG Planning Scheme - East Arm Zoning Plan 16

Figure 4.1 Proposed Layout 18

Figure 4.2 Proposed project elements 19

Figure 4.3 Example ship lift 21

Figure 4.4 Example of SMPT Vessel Transfer System (SMEC, 2017) 21

Figure 6.1 Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum, and Highest and Lowest

Recorded Temperatures for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 28

Figure 6.2 Mean, Highest and Lowest Monthly Rainfall, and Highest Daily Rainfall

for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 28

Figure 6.3 Mean Monthly Relative Humidity for Years 1954 to 2010, and Mean Daily

Evaporation For Years 1957 to 2010 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 29

Figure 6.4 Mean 9 am and 3 pm Wind Speed for Years 1941 to 2010 for Darwin

Airport (BoM, 2018) 30

Figure 6.5 Maximum Wind Gust Speed for Years 1947 to 2017 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 30

Figure 6.6 Regional geology 31

Figure 6.7 Extent of previous geotechnical investigations surrounding the Project area (SMEC,

Previous Report Test Location Plan, 09/01/2018. Imagery sourced Google

Earth Pro 2017) 33

Figure 6.8 Site Topography 34

Figure 6.9 Land units of the Project area and surrounding region 35

Figure 6.10 ASS mapping of the Project area and surrounding region 37

Figure 6.11 Bathymetry within and surrounding the Project area 39

Figure 6.12 Typical view of cleared site with sporadic patches of grass and weed species 41

Figure 6.13 Mangrove mapping of Darwin Harbour

(Note: mangrove communities now removed from within developed port land area) 42

Figure 6.14 Mangrove apple species along the western intertidal zone of the Project area 43

Figure 6.15 Benthic habitat map of the East Arm Peninsula (Benthic Mapping

Source: BMT WBM, 2010) 47

Figure 6.16 Maritime wreck sites within and surrounding the Project Area 56

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page iii

List of tables

Section Page

Table 1.1 Reports and data current and specific to the proposed SLAMI Project 3

Table 1.2 NOI Structure 6

Table 2.1 Proponent Details 7

Table 3.1 Summary of land tenure associated with the Project area 11

Table 6.1 Land Unit and Soil Descriptions 33

Table 6.2 Listed Terrestrial Species 44

Table 6.3 Listed Marine Species 48

Table 6.4 East Arm water quality characteristics (URS, 2008) 51

Table 9.1 Summary of proposed impact assessment approach 74

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page iv

List of abbreviations

AAPA Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority

ABF Australian Border Force

ABN Australian Business Number

ACN Australian Company Number

AHD Australian Height Datum

ANZECC Australia and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council

ASS Acid Sulphate Soil

BoM Bureau of Meteorology

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

CO Carbon Monoxide

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

CSD Cutter Suction Dredge

Cth Commonwealth

CUA Common User Area

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DLPE Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

DPC Darwin Port Corporation

DV ‘Development’ Zoning under NT Planning Act

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPA Environment Protection Authority (NT)

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

ESC Erosion and Sediment Control

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

GHG Greenhouse Gases

GPT Gross Pollutant Trap

ha Hectares

KBR Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd

km Kilometres

LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page v

LDC Land Development Corporation

m Metre

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

MSB Marine Supply Base

MUBRF Multi-User Barge Ramp Facility

NAGD National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging 2009

NEPM National Environmental Protection Measures

NOI Notice of Intent

NOx Nitrogen Oxides

NRETAS Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport (NT)

NSS Northern Ship Support Pty Ltd

NT Northern Territory

NTG Northern Territory Government

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit

OEMP Operational Environmental Management Plan

OPV Offshore Patrol Vessel

PASS Potential Acid Sulphate Soils

PDA Project Development Agreement

PEMP Project Environmental Management Plan

ppt Parts per thousand

SLAMI Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries

SO2 Sulfur Dioxide

SPMT Self-propelled Modular Transporter

t Tonnes

TPWC Act Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act

UCL Upper Confidence Limit

UXO Unexploded Ordinance

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

WSUD Water Sensitive Urban Design

Notice of Intent

BEN765-TD-EV-REP-0001 Rev. 0 | 20 April 2018 | Page 1

1 Introduction

This Notice of Intent (NOI) has been prepared on behalf of the proponent, Northern Ship Support Pty Ltd

(NSS), as formal notification of a proposal to develop land held by the Paspaley Group located on the

seaward side of Berrimah Road, immediately to the west of the Multi User Barge Ramp Facility (MUBRF).

The Northern Territory Government (NTG) identified the need to develop a marine maintenance and

servicing facility in Darwin for Defence and Australian Border Force vessels, along with commercial and

private vessels, to support the region’s status as a growing logistics and marine services hub for northern

Australia. In response to this need the NTG called for proposals from suitably qualified organisations to

design and construct what is now known as the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industries Facility Project.

The proposal submitted by NSS in 2016 was selected as the preferred option.

The ‘Project’ will involve both wet berth and dry berth vessel maintenance facilities in support of Darwin’s

position as a logistics and marine services centre for Defence and Australian Border Force and major

industries, including oil, gas and marine industries, within and around the Northern Territory region. A

Project Development Agreement (PDA) has been signed between the NTG and NSS to deliver the

Project, with the NTG committed to supporting the development of a common user ship lift and marine

industries facility.

The Project will comprise the following key components:

a common user ship lift

access channel to –2.5 m Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)

vessel manoeuvring basin to –4.0 mLAT

berth pockets to –7.4 mLAT

waterside infrastructure (e.g. all tide mooring)

landside infrastructure (e.g. hardstand area, vehicle parking, site office)

vessel transfer equipment and garage

utility services (e.g. water, power, sewer, air and communications)

installation of aids to navigation.

The preparation of this NOI has been based on the extensive collection of published studies directly

relevant to the location, and published data from investigations previously undertaken within and adjacent

to the Project area, and is augmented by further site observations and discussions with key stakeholders.

1.1 SCOPE OF NOTICE OF INTENT

The purpose of this NOI is to provide formal notification to the NTG and the Northern Territory (NT)

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of the Proponent’s intention to develop the Darwin Ship Lift

Facility and Marine Industries Project (SLAMI) at East Arm. The area of interest for the purpose of this

NOI is shown in Figure 1.1. The area within this NOI boundary, which covers approximately 56 ha,

incorporates both land (approximately 4 ha) and water components (approximately 52 ha) within Darwin

Harbour.

Notice of Intent


Figure 1.1 Site location plan

Notice of Intent


This NOI presents and discusses the Project by:

describing the scope and timeframe of works for the Project

identifying the existing environment of the site

identifying environmental and other related impacts that could potentially occur as a result of the

Project and associated works

presenting strategies that could be employed to manage and mitigate these potential environmental

impacts.

This NOI is based on the scope of works discussed in Section 4 and is the first step in the formal

approvals process for this development. Given the existing industrial nature of the site and surrounds, the

limited environmental values of the Project area, the type and scale of the proposed works, and their

compatibility with surrounding land uses and zoning, it is concluded that there is limited potential for the

Project to result in adverse impacts.

The Proponent is scheduling a number of studies to be initiated in 2018 to support design and the

development of environmental management and monitoring measures. Given the large amount of

relevant information and detailed studies which have been published in support of other projects adjacent

to this location (e.g. the previous investigations undertaken for the adjacent MUBRF development, as well

as those carried out for the East Arm Wharf (EAW) Expansion Project and numerous other studies and

investigations previously carried out in the general vicinity of the Project) the proposed approach is to rely

largely on data from these published sources, supplemented with site specific studies where they are

warranted.

The limited potential for impacts, the large amount of relevant data available, and the numerous precedent

projects in Darwin Harbour with similar elements mean that there is a good basis for understanding

potential impact mechanisms, and management measures to address these have been well described

and proven.

The extensive volume of available information that is current and specific to the SLAMI Project area is

outlined in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Reports and data current and specific to the proposed SLAMI Project

Report / Data Source Relevant Data Relevant

to Darwin

Harbour

Relevant

to SLAMI

Project

Geology, Landforms and Soils

SLAMI Project Site Investigation – Topographic Survey (2017)

Site specific Class A hydrographic survey of the

SLAMI Project area

–

SLAMI Project Site Investigation – Onshore Geotechnical Investigation (2017)

Two onshore borehole locations and geophysical

investigation of the SLAMI Project area

–

SLAMI Project Site Investigation – Magnetometer / UXO Survey (2017)

Site specific magnetometer and UXO survey of the

SLAMI Project area to support overwater drilling

–

MUBRF Sediment Geochemical Investigation (URS, 2014)

Vibrocore/dive core sampling within and adjacent to

SLAMI Project area, including laboratory analysis

results and acid sulphate soil assessment

Notice of Intent



to Darwin

Harbour

Relevant

to SLAMI

Project

Offshore Geotechnical Investigation for MUBRF (Aurecon, 2014)

Vibrocoring, sediment sampling analysis, geological

cross section, sea floor contour level plan, side scan

sonar, magnetometer survey and sub-bottom

profiling, including data specifically within the SLAMI

Project area

EAW – Marine Supply Base Sediment Geochemical Investigation (URS, 2012)

Vibrocore sampling to the west of the SLAMI Project

area and sediment sampling analysis, including acid

sulphate soil assessment and sediment field logs

–

Factual Report on Geotechnical Investigation for Proposed MIP (Douglas Partners, 2015)

Onshore and offshore sediment field investigation

(boreholes, test pits, grab samples and vibrocoring),

field logs, photographs, cone penetration test results,

sediment analysis results, groundwater and

contaminant observations

–

Interpretative Report on Geotechnical Investigation for Proposed MIP (Douglas Partners, 2015)

Interpretation of onshore and intertidal geotechnical

results, review of groundwater conditions and

geotechnical design parameters

–

Report on Geophysical Investigation for Proposed MIP (Douglas Partners, 2015)

Bathymetric mapping, sidescan sonar mapping,

magnetic gradiometer profiling, seismic profiling and

interpretation of subsurface material

–

Near Shore Factual Geotechnical Investigation EAW (Aurecon, 2011)

Geotechnical drilling adjacent to the SLAMI Project

area, in-situ testing and sediment sampling analysis

–

SLAMI Project Site

Investigation - Landside

feature survey report and plan

Land side survey of SLAMI Project area including all

site features and drainage paths

–

Coastal Processes

SLAMI Project Site Development – Hydrodynamic modelling (2017)

Site specific hydrodynamic modelling of wave

heights, currents and storm events

SLAMI Project Site Development – Bathymetry survey data (2017)

Site specific bathymetric survey of the Project area –

SLAMI Project Site Development – Drogue Tracking (2017)

Site specific drogue tracking data collection (i.e.

current velocities and directions) within the

nearshore waters of the Project area

–

MIP Modelling Report - Sediment transport and bed material testing (AIMS, 2014)

Vibrocore/grab sampling including areas within and

adjacent to the SLAMI Project area, sub-bottom

profiling, bed material interpretation and

hydrodynamic modelling

Hydrology

SLAMI Project Site Investigation - ADCP data collection

Site specific capture of current data at 0 m LAT,

-2 m LAT and -5 m LAT

–

Notice of Intent



to Darwin

Harbour

Relevant

to SLAMI

Project

Terrestrial and Intertidal Ecology

EAW Terrestrial flora and fauna

assessment (EMS, 2011)

Terrestrial flora and fauna survey results including

mangrove and shorebird data specifically within and

surrounding the SLAMI Project area

Migratory Shorebirds in Darwin

Harbour, First Report

(Lilleyman et al., 2013)

Shorebird surveys and habitat mapping for the East

Arm Wharf area, including data specifically within

and surrounding the SLAMI Project area

–

Migratory Shorebirds in Darwin

Harbour, Interim Report 2

(Lilleyman et al., 2014)

Shorebird surveys and habitat mapping for the East

Arm Wharf area, including data specifically within

and surrounding the SLAMI Project area

–

Marine Ecology

East Arm, Elizabeth River,

Blackmore River and Middle

Arm Marine Habitat Survey

(BMT WBM, 2010)

Marine habitat mapping of East Arm, including data

specifically within the SLAMI Project area

Marine Habitat Mapping Survey EAW (GeoOceans, 2012)

Marine habitat mapping survey, including data


EAW Terrestrial flora and fauna

assessment (EMS, 2011)

Marine fauna survey results for East Arm, including

data specifically within the SLAMI Project area

Turtle and Dugong Monitoring End of Dredging Report - Ichthys (Cardno, 2014)

Aerial and land surveys of species, turtle tagging,

monitoring patterns of distribution and abundance

during dredging activities

–

Biting Insects

Biting Insect Investigation EA

Port (Dept. of Health, 2010)

Mosquito/biting midge field survey data and

interpretation of results, including data specifically

within the Project area

Water Quality

Marine Water and Sediment

Quality Study, INPEX Browse

(URS, 2008)

Assessment of water quality in Darwin Harbour –

Marine Water and Sediment

Quality Assessment, EAW

Expansion (URS, 2012)

Assessment of water quality in Darwin Harbour

Review of water quality guidelines and potential risks

to harbour water quality

–

Noise and Lighting

Marine Noise Assessment,

EAW Expansion (URS, 2011)

Underwater noise impacts including review of

ambient and natural sources of noise, behavioural

/physiological effects on marina fauna and potential

effects/management of dredging, pile driving,

shipping noise and vessel presence on marine fauna

within and surrounding the SLAMI Project area

Notice of Intent



to Darwin

Harbour

Relevant

to SLAMI

Project

Cultural Heritage

MUBRF Archaeological Report (Aurecon, 2015)

Recovery of artefacts and assessment of heritage

significance for the MUBRF, including data


MUBRF Maritime Archaeological Analysis Report, (Cosmos, 2015)

Archaeological studies completed for the MUBRF ,

including data within the SLAMI Project area

MUBRF Recording of artefacts recovered (Cosmos, 2015)

Archaeological studies completed for MUBRF and

removal of cultural objects from the seabed, including

data specifically within the SLAMI Project area

Archaeological Survey of the EAW Expansion (Earth Sea Heritage Surveys, 2011)

Archaeological survey of East Arm including historic

and Indigenous cultural heritage, and heritage

significance assessment, including data specifically

associated with the SLAMI Project area

1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE NOTICE OF INTENT

Table 1.2 provides an overview of the structure of this NOI.

Table 1.2 NOI Structure

NOI Section Description

Section 1 – Introduction Introduction of the Project and the overall scope of the NOI.

Section 2 – Proponent Information on proponent, contact details, and project delivery team.

Section 3 – Site Description Information regarding the site and general features of the proposed site locality, including existing uses, land use zoning and tenure.

Section 4 – Description of Proposal Description of the Project, including key features of the proposed works.

Section 5 – Legislative Context and Licensing Requirements

Summary of legislative requirements and obligations relevant to the Project.

Section 6 – Existing Environment

Description of environmental aspects including climate, geology, landforms and soils, coastal processes, hydrology, terrestrial ecology (including flora, fauna, introduced species and biting insects), marine ecology, air quality and greenhouse gases, historic and cultural heritage, and social environment.

Section 7 – Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Brief descriptions of the potential environmental impacts and identified mitigation measures, including environmental commitments, safeguards, monitoring, management systems and suggested additional studies relevant to the environmental assessment of the Project.

Section 8 – Rehabilitation and Decommissioning

Overview of the long term intent of the site.

Section 9 – Conclusion Summary statement outlining the overall impact of the Project.

Section 10 – References List of references and sources used in the development of the NOI.

Appendices Appropriate attachments as listed in the report.

Notice of Intent


2 Proponent

The proponent for the Project is NSS which is responsible for the delivery of the SLAMI facility, with

Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd the lease and title holder of the proposed Project land.

NSS is working together in a collaborative partnership with the NTG to deliver the Project. NTG have

signed a PDA with NSS and are committed to supporting the development of a common user ship lift and

marine industries facility.

Contact details of the Proponent are provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Proponent Details

Proponent Description

Proponent Name Northern Ship Support Pty Ltd (NSS)

(Paspaley Peals Properties Pty Ltd – Lease and title holder of the Project land)

ABN 15 611 604 918

ACN 611 604 918

Registered Address 69 Smith Street, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800

Ownership Structure NSS (ABN 15 611 604 918) is responsible for the delivery of the SLAMI facility.

Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd (ABN 52 009 624 408) is the lease and title holder of

the proposed Project land.

Legal nature Registered Proprietary Company specifically incorporated to deliver and operate the

SLAMI facility

Registration Date 31 March 2016

Primary Contact Person Dr Sam Buchanan

Chief Operating Officer, Paspaley Group

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 61 8 89825555

Mobile: 61 0409 870 864

Consultant Description

Consultant Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd (KBR)

ABN 91 007 660 317

Address Level 11, 199 Grey Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101

Contact Person Doug Shooter

Chief Technical Scientist - Environment

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07 3721 6171

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Notice of Intent


2.1 PROJECT DELIVERY TEAM

NSS has teamed with industry leaders in infrastructure development, KBR, SMEC and BAM Clough, to

deliver the Project. The Project delivery team has extensive experience operating in Darwin and a proven

track record of delivering major infrastructure projects throughout Australia.

The Project delivery team is shown in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 Project Delivery Team

Notice of Intent


3 Site description

3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCALITY

The Project is situated approximately 6.5 km south-east of the Darwin Central Business District (CBD), on

the East Arm Peninsula within Darwin Harbour, east north-east of the East Arm Wharf and on the

seaward side of Berrimah Road. The eastern boundary of the Project adjoins the recently constructed

MUBRF and the existing Common User Area (CUA) is located north of the site. The western boundary of

the Project adjoins Berrimah Road and is adjacent to the boundary of the Port of Darwin tenure.

Land elevation throughout the Project area is generally between 0.0 m and 7.0 m Australian Height Datum

(AHD) with elevation greatest in the northern and north-eastern sections of the Project area. The area is

generally well drained with moderately sloping terrain up to approximately 5 degrees grading to the

southern sections of the Project area.

The Project is within the East Arm Wharf precinct and adjacent Darwin Harbour environs. The East Arm

Wharf itself comprises a purpose built multi-berth wharf, serviced by an intermodal container terminal (rail

and road), hardstand areas, open stockpile, bulk ship loading and conveyor infrastructure (Figure 3.1).

The mix of land uses surrounding the Project area include:

industrial land use including the Vopak Terminal Darwin (petroleum import and distribution terminal),

as well as the Darwin Passenger Rail and CUA located to the north

the recently constructed MUBRF to the east, and Catalina Island located over 600 m east of the

Project area.

the southern end of the Project area encompasses the intertidal zone, and the East Arm water

confluence with Elizabeth River which forms part of Darwin Harbour

the recently constructed Marine Supply Base (MSB) and the Port of Darwin are located to the west

and support export and import of dry bulk materials and liquids associated with the mining and

petroleum industries, containerised/break bulk and specialised heavy lift cargoes, general cargoes

and live cattle exports.

There are no residential suburbs in close proximity to the Project area.

The Project location is shown in Figure 3.1.

3.2 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

In recognition of the increasing demand for marine services and maintenance from Defence, Border

Force, the oil and gas and general maritime sectors, the NTG announced in late 2015 that it would

contribute and support the development of a common user ship lift and marine industries facility. A

competitive process to secure a proponent to deliver the project commenced in February 2016, with NSS

announced as the preferred proponent in July 2016.

Notice of Intent


Figure 3.1 Project locality in relation to surrounding land uses

Notice of Intent


The NSS submission proposed the East Arm site, which is a uniquely alternate site to what was originally

contemplated as part of the initial Marine Industry Precinct (MIP) ship lift and marine industry location. The

proposed location of the SLAMI facility maximises the use of existing disturbed marine industry land,

which has been zoned for such activities and considerably reduces the extent of environmental impacts.

The proposed site also requires significantly less channel dredging and ongoing maintenance to achieve

the minimum depths for safe vessel access and mooring on most tides.

The key benefits of the alternate SLAMI location proposed by NSS include:

existing access to Berrimah Road which is designed for heavy vehicle traffic accessing the Port of

Darwin

the location is already zoned for marine services activities, and this use is already carried out on the

site

natural deep water access to the site thereby minimising channel dredging requirements and

facilitating all-tide access for Defence and Australian Border Force (ABF) vessels

brownfield highly disturbed site with low environmental values that requires limited clearing of a

fragmented patch of mangroves

long history of site disturbance and marine industry activities carried out at the site, with the water

area used as an anchorage possibly as early as the 1930s and has been used as a Catalina Flying

Boat Base, Lugger Maintenance Section, pearl farm depot and public boat ramp for around 70 years,

and the seabed is littered with domestic debris and dumped or lost boat fittings and materials.

3.3 LAND TENURE

The Project will encompass both land and water areas. The Project site covers a number of existing

parcels of land all currently held by Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd including freehold, leasehold and

perpetual lease land. A summary of the current tenure applicable to the Project area is provided in

Table 3.1, with copies of survey plans, title certificates and records of administrative interests included as

Appendix A.

Table 3.1 Summary of land tenure associated with the Project area

Parcel Location Name Parcel area

(ha)

Tenure Reference Owner

5420 Hundred of Bagot 1.72 Freehold Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd

5163 Hundred of Bagot 2.65 Crown Lease Term Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd

6370 Hundred of Bagot 0.562 Crown Lease Term Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd

5167 Hundred of Bagot 5.76 Crown Lease in Perpetuity Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd

In addition to these parcels, an over-water area of approximately 38.65 ha will be required to facilitate

access to the ship lift facility and its ancillary components.

The Department of Land, Planning and the Environment (DLPE) has received and is currently processing

an application to acquire this land, which is subject, in part to the outcomes of the Projects Front End

Engineering Design (FEED) phase. The proposed acquisition area is now administratively defined as

Section 7398 (Figure 3.2).

The initial stakeholder consultation phase of the application process included input from a range of

Government agencies. Stakeholder feedback did not raise any significant issues that would represent an

impediment to the application.

Notice of Intent


Figure 3.2 Land parcels and current land acquisition area for the Project

Notice of Intent


Key points included:

The Regional Harbour master noted that from a navigation safety perspective the proposal seems

acceptable however detailed analysis and hydrodynamic modelling will be necessary.

Response: NSS is undertaking coastal processes modelling to support the design and approvals

process.

The Land Development Corporation (LDC) raised concerns regarding the accessibility of the MUBRF

should the proposed NSS concept be developed.

Response: NSS is committed to providing an access channel that will complement the MUBRF

access channel and provide continued access to the MUBRF.

LDC raised concerns as to the identity and bona fides of potential investors in the NSS proposal,

particularly in relation to international investors.

Response: NSS and Paspaley Pearls Properties Pty Ltd are Australian companies. The Project has

no need for Foreign Investment Review Board approval and as such the sovereign standing of NSS is

considered to be acceptable.

In addition, arrangements will need to be made with neighbouring landholders to allow for appropriate

development interface with adjacent properties, specifically land parcels 7219 and 7146.

3.4 EXISTING USE OF SITE

The current site is zoned for strategic industries including port related industries and is currently used for

marine services. The land area within the boundary of the NOI (above Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT))

covers approximately 4 ha which has been cleared and disturbed as a result of past and present day

activities at the site (Figure 3.3).

The site itself is accessed by Berrimah Road which is designed to carry a high volume of heavy vehicle

traffic accessing the port. A sealed entry road directs site traffic entering the site to paths and hardstand

areas that service demountable offices, a works depot and marine workshop (Figure 3.3).

Land parcel 5420 currently accommodates a car park, site office and a marine equipment and material

hardstand/laydown area. The majority of land parcel 5163 and the entirety of 6370 are used for marine

services activities including further marine equipment and material hardstand/laydown areas, the works

depot and marine workshop (Figure 3.4). The East Arm boat ramp which was previously used for

recreational purposes is also located on land parcel 6370.

The western extent of land parcel 5163 is characterised by intertidal mangrove habitat (Figure 3.5). The

overall NOI water area (below HAT) is largely comprised of land parcel 5167 and Section 7398 and

encompasses an area of approximately 52 ha. The intertidal area and seabed has previously been

disturbed as a result of historic uses during World War II and use of the site for marine services activities.

3.5 LAND USE ZONING

The East Arm Peninsula has been earmarked for port and industrial related development since the late

1970s, with the intent formalised in the Darwin Regional Structure Plan 1984, and subsequent Darwin

Regional Land Use Structure Plan 1990, and East Arm/Middle Arm Peninsulas Masterplan 2008.

Furthermore, the ‘10 Year Infrastructure Plan 2017 – 2026’ published by the Department of Infrastructure,

Planning and Logistics identifies the need for a Ship Lift Facility in Darwin and recognises the

construction of a common user facility for the general maritime sector and Department of Defence as a

priority project.

As such, the Project site is designated as Zone DV – Development. Zone DV allows for the development

of major strategic industries including gas based, road, rail or port industries, and provides land for major

industrial developments that are of strategic importance to the future economic development of the NT

(NTG, 2013). Zoning for the Project site and surrounds is shown in Figure 3.6.

Notice of Intent


Figure 3.3 Existing use of site

Notice of Intent


Figure 3.4 Marine services activities conducted at the Project site

Figure 3.5 Mangrove habitat along the western extent of the Project area

Notice of Intent


Figure 3.6 NTG Planning Scheme - East Arm Zoning Plan

Notice of Intent


4 Description of proposal

4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Project involves a common user vessel lifting, repair and maintenance facility, including both wet

berth and dry berth vessel maintenance facilities, in support of Darwin’s position as a growing logistics

and marine services hub for major industries within and around the Northern Territory region. The facility

will enable maintenance and servicing of a range of vessels including:

Defence and Border Force Vessels

Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)

Pearling and Fishing Fleets

Tugs (including up to 6 m draft)

Commercial vessels from the oil, gas and marine industries, and private vessels.

The ship lift and transfer system will consist of an approximately 85 m long ship lift with on-shore facilities

for similarly sized vessels and will have the ability to accommodate the largest OPV’s currently being

considered by the Australian Navy. The Project will include the following elements:

common user ship lift

wet berths for vessel mooring and maintenance

vessel transfer equipment including a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) system and SPMT

garage

waterside infrastructure, including access channel, manoeuvring basin and all tide mooring

landside infrastructure, including a wash down area, hardstand and laydown areas, dry berths,

enclosed blast and paint facility, internal roads, car parks and administrative offices

aids for navigation.

Figure 4.1 shows the overall conceptual design of the facility including the complete extent of the access

channel. The current concept plan involves a total works footprint covering approximately 17.3 ha.

Figure 4.2 provides an overview of the key project elements included in this NOI and illustrates the limited

extent of dredging proposed to be undertaken within the access channel.

Notice of Intent


Figure 4.1 Proposed Layout

Notice of Intent


Figure 4.2 Proposed project elements

Notice of Intent


4.2 FACILITY FEATURES AND OPERATION

The proposed 17.3 ha works footprint will comprise the following:

minor dredging of high spots at the southern end of the access channel within an area covering

approximately 0.4 ha

dredging at the northern end of the access channel within an area covering approximately 1.5 ha to

connect the facility with the channel

manoeuvring basin involving dredging of approximately 2.1 ha

deep water all tide mooring area requiring approximately 1.9 ha of dredging

intertidal reclamation covering approximately 8.0 ha

land development above HAT covering approximately 3.4 ha

4.2.1 Access channel and water areas

Vessels will access the facility via the existing MUBRF channel which will need only minor dredging to

achieve a clearance depth of -2.5 mLAT. To allow vessels to safely approach the facility and dock, vessel

access will be provided from the MUBRF channel to a manoeuvring basin which will have a depth

of -4.0 mLAT.

The ship lift area and wet berths located on either side of the ship lift will have a depth of -7.4 mLAT to

accommodate safe and secure vessel mooring during all tides. These in-water berthing pockets will

accommodate vessels with a draft of up to approximately 6.0 m. Further consultation with the Darwin Port

Authority will be carried out to determine the requirements for additional channel infrastructure however it

is understood that additional navigational aids will need to be installed and the relocation of one

navigational aid associated with the existing MUBRF channel alignment will be required.

4.2.2 Ship lift

A mechanical lift dock (typically referred to as a synchro lift) will be used to lift vessels in and out of the

water (Figure 4.3). The lifting platform will be approximately 85 m in length with a beam of approximately

26 m The ship lift will have the capacity to raise and lower vessels with a maximum lightship vessel load

capacity of 4,000 t including high point load vessels, such as tugs.

The ship lift will be supported by finger wharfs on either side of the platform which will be used to mount

the ship lift winches. The western finger wharf will be wide enough to allow for winch maintenance, small

vehicle traffic, crane operations to support in water maintenance and will be suitable for alongside vessel

mooring. A narrower finger wharf on the eastern side of the structure will provide sufficient space for

similar small scale activities including winch maintenance, light vehicle traffic and will be suitable for

alongside vessel mooring.

The vessel mooring berths on either side of the ship lift platform will be used to hold vessels waiting to use

the ship lift or alternatively will allow for low scale in-water maintenance activities to be undertaken, such

as maintenance and repair of electronics, internal ship repairs or for crane support on the western finger

wharf to lift items of plant and equipment to and from the moored vessel.

Vessels will use the manoeuvring basin to align with the ship lift platform and enter the ship lift once

instruction to do so has been received from the control room. This process will be done in the time period

leading up to high tide.

Notice of Intent


Figure 4.3 Example ship lift

No works to vessels will occur on the ship lift structure itself. All necessary precautions will be put in place

to appropriately manage incidents and/or spills in the event they may occur during the lifting and lowering

of vessels on the ship lift.

It is anticipated that on average one to two vessels per week would utilise the ship lift facility.

4.2.3 Vessel transfer system

Once the vessel has been raised out of the water, it will be transferred to the hardstand area via the use

of a SPMT system travelling on a ‘runway’ connecting the ship lift to the hardstand area. The runway will

consist of a concrete platform on piles joining the ship lift to the landside wash down area.

The SPMT system is a platform vehicle with a large array of wheels which will be used to transport

vessels from the ship lift platform to the wash down bay, land side dry berths and maintenance bays

(Figure 4.4).

Figure 4.4 Example of SMPT Vessel Transfer System (SMEC, 2017)

Notice of Intent


4.2.4 Vessel wash down bay

The vessel wash down bay will consist of a defined, heavy duty concrete pavement area with specialised

contained drainage for the initial wash down of vessels. The process will involve high pressure wash down

and mechanical scraping and handling of biofouling.

The water and waste material from the wash down bay will be contained and isolated from the common

drainage system to allow specific management of the solids, wash-down water and runoff from this area.

Solid waste materials will be captured and contained for off-site disposal at an approved facility, with all

waste waters captured for treatment and appropriate disposal.

4.2.5 Hardstand and vessel maintenance services

Once the wash down process has been completed the SPMT will be used to transport the vessel to the

dry berths and maintenance bays via the SPMT transfer area. Services to be conducted at the dry berth

areas will include:

abrasive blasting: to remove paint and corroded metals and to allow for the preparation of surfaces for painting (in a dedicated bay)

painting of vessels (i.e. topsides and hulls, and including application of anti-fouling in a dedicated bay)

general vessel maintenance including welding and various repair works.

An enclosed blast and paint bay will be provided to accommodate abrasive blasting and vessel painting

on site. In the initial project stage this will take the form of a semi-enclosed bay with large screens and a

contained drainage system to provide for collection and disposal of solid waste material and containment

and treatment of wastewater during these types of works. In later stages, this will be upgraded to a fully

enclosed blast and paint shed, the timing of which would be guided by demand and utilisation.

Given the proposed works are adjacent to the marine environment, the management of water and

discharges to the environment will be carefully designed to ensure contaminants are appropriately

captured and disposed of, and that any water discharged from the site meets appropriate standards.

The wash bay and the blast and paint bay will include the appropriate containment, collection and

disposal of solids (e.g. removed biofouling in the wash-down bay, blasting grit and removed paint,

including anti-fouling paint, in the blast/paint bay) to an approved off-site facility and the capture, treatment

and appropriate disposal of wastewater and runoff.

Other general works areas (e.g. for general repairs, hardstand, laydown) will include a stormwater system

employing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles to capture and treat runoff water before

discharge.

To support the on land component of the facility, sufficient hardstand area will be provided for ancillary

buildings and facilities, including:

vessel hardstand areas

administrative buildings, including office space and security booths

operational buildings including the ship lift control room

garage for the SPMT

workshops, stores, and laydown

enclosures and sheds for maintenance

internal access roads

car park areas

future vessel repair enclosures/buildings

Notice of Intent


4.2.6 Utilities

Utilities and services infrastructure to accommodate the facility and its operations will be integrated into

the site, including:

electrical services

water

sewer

telecommunications

compressed air.

All services and utilities infrastructure incorporated into the facility will comply with the requirements of the

Power Water Corporation. Services to be provided on site will be incorporated into the constructed

reclamation area (i.e. no trenching will occur below the existing ground surface except near where they

will enter the site).

4.2.7 Ancillary equipment

Operation of the facility will involve the use of a range of ancillary equipment as outlined below, to support

site services and vessel maintenance services within the facility:

Mobile cranes

crawler crane

rubber tyred cranes

Workshop cranes (i.e. gantry crane)

Forklifts (i.e. rubber tyred forklift)

Vehicular traffic

light vehicles and 4WD utilities

rigid body trucks

articulated vehicles (e.g. B-Double fuel transport vehicles)

elevated work platforms and scaffolding.

4.3 CONSTRUCTION

4.3.1 Site Establishment

Initially site establishment will occur with all necessary plant, equipment and materials mobilised to site.

Given the existing use of the site, the established facilities and laydown areas can be utilised during site

establishment (e.g. tracks, laydown, office etc.). Vehicle type and numbers to the Project site are

expected to remain within the range that can be accommodated by Berrimah Road and its intended use

as a heavy vehicle access road.

The landside component of the works area will be cleared of any remaining vegetation and levelled to

allow for reclamation works to commence. The site itself is already cleared with the exception of a small

area of mangroves located in the western portion of the Project area. Removal of approximately 1.2 ha of

mangroves will be required in this area as well as the removal of a small number of mixed wattles and

weed species which fringe the landward edge of the mangrove area. Small isolated patches of weeds and

grass that are sporadically located across the site will also be removed during this stage of the works.

Notice of Intent


4.3.2 Dredging and reclamation

Dredging will be carried out by a cutter suction dredge (CSD) and/or a long arm back hoe on a barge, with

placement of all dredged material on-land within the site where it will be contained and managed so that

suitable material can be recovered for use.

The required dredge areas include a small section of the access channel (-2.5 mLAT), manoeuvring basin

(-4.0 mLAT) and the deep pocket area for the ship lift and wet berths (-7.4 mLAT) which represent a

dredge volume of approximately 225,000 m3. This volume is largely from the deep wet berth area and

manoeuvring basin. Additional water area may be dredged in future project stages adjacent to the west of

the ship lift area to create additional vessel manoeuvring and wet berth holding capacity. Only a minor

amount of dredging is required in the channel entrance with the remainder of the access channel already

at or below the required dredge depth.

The recovered dredged material suitable for use as fill will be used to progressively advance the

reclamation area out from the shoreline. A suitable silt curtain around the reclamation area will be used to

manage sediment turbidity plumes from fill placement. It is anticipated that the bulk of fill material will be

sourced from the dredging process, however in the event additional material is required, suitable clean fill

material will be imported to site. Armour rock which will be used to define and protect the face of the

reclamation area will be imported to site by road.

Dredged material will first be pumped and/or placed in a purpose built material handling pond located in

the western portion of the Project area. A land based long reach excavator will be used to recover suitable

material from the pond for placement in the reclamation area. The minimum finished surface level of the

reclamation area will be 6.0 m AHD. The operation will be coordinated to work with the tides so that lower

layers of fill material will be properly placed and compacted at low water before they are flooded.

Once the reclamation has progressed to the design extent, primary and secondary rock armour will be

placed to define and protect the seaward extent of the facility. Geofabric will be placed over the general fill

and held in position by ballast rock. A long reach excavator will be used to lay the geofabric and will be

positioned on top of the batter to place the armour rock from the toe to the crest of the batter. Once this

process is complete, land side works such as levelling and pavement construction will be undertaken, and

construction of the ship lift itself will commence.

4.3.3 Pond

During construction a material handling pond will be formed in the western portion of the Project area to

manage dredged material and associated water. The pond will be integrated into the construction

methodology and amended in line with key stages of construction. This will ensure that all dredged

material is handled within the site and will provide an appropriate means of holding material within the

pond and managing discharge waters from the pond to the required standard. In subsequent stages of

project development this area may be filled and levelled to create additional laydown and vessel

hardstand areas.

4.3.4 Ship lift facility construction

The ship lift structure will consist of a number of elements including:

piles and finger wharf piers to provide the foundation for the ship lift winches

precast deck panels

in-situ concrete deck slab

ship lift platform

fenders and bollards.

Notice of Intent


The finger wharfs will require approximately 150 steel piles to be installed in the seabed using a crane

barge, piling rig and hydraulic hammer. The piles will be seated in underlying rock, and will be installed

using a combination of auguring and impact driving.

Once the piles have been installed, works associated with the finger wharf piers, pre-cast deck panels,

concrete deck slab, and fenders and bollards will commence.

The installation of the ship lift platform will include of installing the ship lift winch hoists. The ship lift hoists

will be lifted and installed into position by land based mobile crane.

The ship lift platform will then be floated into location for installation. The ship lift platform will be

transported to the site by barge.

4.3.5 Hardstand areas and facilities

Upon completion of the reclamation, various types of pavement will be constructed on top of the general

fill to formalise the hardstand areas, SPMT pavement areas and internal access roads on site. Materials

transported to site will include crushed base rock, cement mix base, asphalt material and spray seal. The

hardstand areas will consist of both concrete and flexible pavement areas.

Once the hardstand areas are complete, on site facilities will be constructed including the SPMT garage

and the blast and paint facility.

Initially the blast and paint bay will be semi enclosed with appropriate screens to enclose the dry berth

space.

In the future, when the semi-enclosed blast and paint facility is transitioned to a fully enclosed building,

this structure will be a fully cladded roofed building, with steel cladding connected to a purpose built

frame.

4.3.6 Navigation aids

One existing navigation aid associated with the MUBRF channel will require relocation once the ship lift

facility has been constructed. This will require the extraction of the existing navigation beacon and

relocation further inshore via the use of a crane barge and piling rig.

4.4 TIMEFRAMES

The Project will be developed in stages, with the initial ship lift facility and SPMT hard stand areas

planned to be developed over an 18 month period. Construction of this first stage of works is proposed to

commence in mid-2019.

Timing of future stages, involving the incorporation of a fully enclosed blast and paint shed and filling of

the pond to create additional western hardstand/laydown area will be influenced by facility utilisation and

demand.

Generally construction activities would be undertaken during normal working hours, with the exception of

specialised plant and equipment, such as dredging and piling equipment, and other items which will be

required to work with the tide. This may include the need to undertake night works to align the operation of

specialised equipment with suitable tidal movements.

The facility is also anticipated to primarily operate during normal working hours, however the ship lift and

associated berth areas will need to operate outside of normal hours at times, so that tides can be selected

which accommodate the draft of the vessel using the facility.

Notice of Intent


5 Legislative Context and Licensing Requirements

5.1 RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

There is both Commonwealth and NTG legislation which is relevant to the location, construction and

operation of the Project.

This NOI has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act

and associated Environmental Assessment Administration Procedures.

A summary of Commonwealth and Territory legislation expected to be relevant to the Project and

activities proposed to be undertaken are outlined in Appendix B.

A referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) will also

be submitted.

5.2 POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Those policies and guidelines that are expected to apply to the Project are also included in Appendix B.

5.3 OTHER OBLIGATIONS

Other approvals and licensing requirements relevant to this Project are expected to include:

Development Permit under the NT Planning Act 2008 for activities proposed to take place in areas

that are subject to this NOI

Ministerial consent for development covered by the East Arm Control Plan from the Minister for Lands,

Planning and the Environment

Darwin Port Corporation (DPC) consent for any coastal development below high tide in Darwin

Harbour

Marine Safety Branch, Department of Transport consent for coastal development above low tide in NT

Coastal Waters

NT EPA consent for dredging operations

Approval to disturb heritage items and archaeological artefacts, as located, through the Heritage Act

2011

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) certificate, which provides legal indemnities for works

carried out in accordance with Certificate conditions.

Notice of Intent


6 Existing environment

There is a large suite of studies and information available to describe the existing surrounding

environment including data gathered in support of previous development in Darwin Harbour, such as the

MUBRF, Marine Supply Base, various stages of the East Arm Wharf Expansion and other projects such

as the ConocoPhillips and INPEX Browse LNG Plants. Information relevant to the Project is summarised

in this section.

NSS appreciates that selected site specific investigations will be required to better develop knowledge

and understanding of the Project site, inform the impact assessment process and assist with

environmental management during construction and operation. Targeted site specific studies identified as

being necessary are currently being scheduled and are expected to commence in early to mid-2018.

6.1 CLIMATE

6.1.1 Temperature and humidity

The climate of Darwin is characterised by a hot, humid, wet season usually between November to March,

and a hot, dry season from May to September, separated by relatively short transitional periods.

Based on the Darwin Airport historical data, November (transition to wet season) is the hottest month with

a mean temperature range of 25.3C minimum to 33.3C maximum (Figure 6.1). Temperatures remain in

a relatively narrow range throughout the year, with mean minimum temperatures varying from 19.3C

(July) to 25.3C (November) and mean maximum temperatures for the same months varying between

30.6C (July) to 33.3C (November).

6.1.2 Rainfall

The mean annual rainfall of 1,728.8 mm is highly seasonal, varying from 1.1 mm in July to 424.3 mm in

January (Figure 6.2). Relative humidity at 9.00 am varies from 60% in June and July to 83% in January,

with respective monthly values of 38% and 37% to 72% at 3.00 pm (Figure 6.3). High precipitation rates

are commonly experienced during storm events in the wet season. Mean daily evaporation ranges from

5.7 mm (in February and March) to 7.9 mm (in October), with an average annual evaporation of 6.7 mm.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.1 Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum, and Highest and Lowest Recorded Temperatures for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018)

Figure 6.2 Mean, Highest and Lowest Monthly Rainfall, and Highest Daily Rainfall for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Tem

pe

ratu

re (C

)

Month

Long Term Temperature Data for Darwin (1941-2017)

Mean maximum temperature Highest Temperature

Mean minimum temperature Lowest temperature

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200


Rai

nfa

ll (m

m)

Month

Long Term Darwin Rainfall Data for Darwin (1941-2017)

Mean Rainfall Highest rainfall Lowest Rainfall Highest daily rainfall

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Figure 6.3 Mean Monthly Relative Humidity for Years 1954 to 2010, and Mean Daily Evaporation For Years 1957 to 2010 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018)

6.1.3 Wind direction and speed

Synoptic winds during the dry season are dominated by the southeast trade winds, and light west to north-

westerlies are most predominant during the wet season.

Mean afternoon wind speeds tend to be stronger than morning wind speeds all year round (Figure 6.4).

Morning wind speed is typically stronger during the dry season, whereas the afternoon wind speed

increases during the late dry, build up and wet season periods which is most likely associated with the

formation of mid to late afternoon storm cells during this time of the year.

As shown in Figure 6.5, strong wind gusts can be experienced at any time throughout the year.

6.1.4 Sea level rise

Projected sea level rise for Darwin is 0.8 m between 1990 and 2100, at the current rate of 7.2 millimetres

(mm) per year (Darwin City Council, 2011). Sea level rise, while incremental will impact on the natural and

built environments along the Peninsula (Walsh et al., 2002).

6.1.5 Cyclone activity

Darwin and the NT coastline are within close proximity to the equator, and as such are in a region where

cyclones tend to form. On average, there are 7.7 days per season when a cyclone exists in the northern

region of Australia. The Gulf of Carpentaria averages two cyclones a year, while the Arafura and Timor

Seas average one a year (BoM, 2018). Cyclones which form in the Gulf of Carpentaria tend to be quite

erratic in movement, whereas those which form in the Arafura and Timor Seas tend to follow more regular

tracks to the southwest. In the northern region of Australia over half the cyclones generated typically move

either southwest or southeast into adjoining regions.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90


Me

an D

aily Evapo

ration

(mm

)

Re

lati

ve H

um

idit

y (%

)

Month

Long Term Evaporation and Relative Humidity data for Darwin (1954-2010)

Mean 9am relative humidity Mean 3pm relative humidity Mean daily evaporation

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.4 Mean 9 am and 3 pm Wind Speed for Years 1941 to 2010 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018)

Figure 6.5 Maximum Wind Gust Speed for Years 1947 to 2017 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018)

6.2 GEOLOGY, LANDFORMS AND SOILS

6.2.1 Regional Geology

The site geology comprises marine and alluvial quaternary aged sediments including mud, silt and clay

overlying rock material from the Burrell Creek Formation of Orosirian Age (Figure 6.6). The Burrell Creek

Formation (BCF) is part of the Finniss River Group that comprise fine to coarse feldespathic

metagreywacke, minor phyllite, slate, mudstone, lenses of volcanolithic pebble conglomerate and quartz

mica schist.

0

5

10

15

20

25


Win

d S

pe

ed

(km

/h)

Month

Long Term Wind Data for Darwin (1941-2010)

Mean 9am wind speed Mean 3pm wind speed

0

50

100

150

200

250


Win

d S

pe

ed

(km

/h)

Month

Long Term Maximum Wind Gust Speed for Darwin (1947-2017)

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.6 Regional geology

Notice of Intent


The regional geology of the area can therefore be summarised into the following three broad groups:

quaternary aged marine sediments which exist as soft marine muds or loose sands and gravels

typically less than 1 m thick, overlying;

cainozoic aged lateritic materials which exist as firm to very stiff clays of variable thickness up to about

2.5 m deep, overlying;

proterozoic aged BCF which is present as sedimentary and meta‐sedimentary rocks.

The rocks associated with BCF are near vertically bedded siltstones and sandstones with quartz veins

and intrusions. The rock is predominantly low to medium strength near the surface and high to very high

strength at depth in some areas. A mantle of residual soil of variable depths up to approximately 2.5 m

overlies the rock.

6.2.2 Geotechnical site investigation

A geotechnical site investigation for the Project was carried out between 13 September 2017 and

20 September 2017. The investigation comprised a review of all available geotechnical data for the area,

assessment of two onshore borehole locations and a geophysical investigation of the Project area.

The geophysical investigation included seismic refraction and electrical resistivity tomography to indicate

the location and characteristics of sediment and rock, particularly material hardness. The results of the

investigation show that the strata of the highly tilted local rock formation (BCF) is reasonably close to the

seafloor surface and the volumes of the overlying layer of fine material is quite thin.

Numerous geotechnical investigations consistent with these findings have been carried out within and

surrounding the Project area. Figure 6.7 demonstrates the large amount of information available and the

extent of physical geotechnical test locations investigated throughout the east arm region.

As outlined below, the studies most relevant to the SLAMI Project include those associated with the

MUBRF, East Arm Wharf Expansion, MSB and the proposed Marine Industry Park:

Interpretative Report on Geotechnical Investigation for Proposed Marine Industry Park, East Arm,

report prepared by Douglas Partners for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00,

September 2015

Factual Report on Geotechnical Investigation for Proposed Marine Industry Park, East Arm, report

prepared by Douglas Partners for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00, September 2015

Report on Geophysical Investigation for Proposed Marine Industry Park, East Arm, report prepared by

Douglas Partners for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00, October 2015

Offshore Geotechnical Investigation for DOI Multi User Barge Ramp Facility, report prepared by

Aurecon for Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Reference 240641‐005, May 2014

Multiuser Barge Facility Sediment Geochemical Investigation, report prepared by URS Australia Pty

Ltd for Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, April 2014

East Arm Wharf Expansion Project: Marine Supply Base Sediment Geochemical Investigation, Report

prepared by URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS) for Department of Lands and Planning, R1638, July 2012

Near Shore Factual Geotechnical Investigation, Darwin East Arm Wharf prepared by Aurecon for

Northern Territory Government, Reference 41840‐009/01, May 2011.

Further over water geotechnical investigations has been commenced to confirm geophysical results and

to obtain a greater understanding of the sediment characteristics. A marine magnetometer / Unexploded

Ordinance (UXO) survey has also been undertaken for the Project area to identify areas of high and low

risk of UXO as an input to selecting locations for overwater drilling.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.7 Extent of previous geotechnical investigations surrounding the Project area

(SMEC, Previous Report Test Location Plan, 09/01/2018. Imagery sourced Google Earth Pro 2017)

6.2.3 Landforms and soils

Land elevation throughout the Project area varies between 0.0 m and 7.0 m AHD with elevation greatest

in the northern and eastern sections of the Project area (Figure 6.8). The area is generally well drained

with moderate slopes up to approximately 5 degrees grading to the southern portion of the Project area.

The intertidal area is largely characterised by poorly drained tidal flats consisting of exposed BCF rock,

eroded rocky rubble mixed with saline muds and grey cracking clays. Landform above HAT is

characterised by level to gently undulating plains on deeply weathered rocks associated with ferric red,

brown and yellow kandosols. Land units associated with the Project area are summarised in Table 6.1

and presented in Figure 6.9.

Table 6.1 Land Unit and Soil Descriptions

Land Unit Code Landform

Description

Slope Soil Description Vegetation Range

2b2 Side slopes 2–5% Brown Kandosols Low Open to Open Woodland of mixed

species over sparse grasses

9b Estuarine

fringes

<0.5% Intertidal Hydrosols Low Closed Forest of mangrove

species with intertidal inundation

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.8 Site Topography

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.9 Land units of the Project area and surrounding region

Notice of Intent


6.2.4 Acid Sulphate Soils

Acid sulphate soils (ASS) are formed by natural processes and predominantly occur in low-lying coastal

areas. Coastal estuarine and mangrove environments develop ASS due to the waterlogged nature,

saltwater influences and anaerobic soils associated with such landforms.

ASS mapping of the Darwin Region indicates that material present in the western section of the Project

area contains potential acid sulphate soils (PASS) (Figure 6.10). The bottom sediments associated with

the offshore area of the site are also mapped as PASS. However, sediment sampling and analysis carried

out for the MSB and MUBRF both showed that although marine sediments contain pyrite, they have a

large excess of inherent neutralising capacity and therefore no acid generating potential. Mapping of the

eastern portion of the site indicates that there is no known occurrence of ASS within this section of the

Project area.

6.2.5 Marine sediment quality

Based on the sampling and analysis conducted for the INPEX Project, MSB and the MUBRF, marine

sediments surrounding East Arm peninsula have been shown to have no, or only low levels of

contamination (URS 2008, URS 2012, URS 2014). Previous studies within and surrounding the Project

area have found that the only 95% upper confidence limit (UCL) level to exceed a National Assessment

Guidelines for Dredging 2009 (NAGD) Screening Level was arsenic in the URS 2009 study. Subsequent

elutriate testing showed that the arsenic was present in a form with only low bioavailability and is a

naturally occurring constituent of the local geology.

Other analytes investigated in these studies did not exceed Screening Levels at any site. The URS 2012

study also showed a 95% UCL level for arsenic above the Screening Level but again the distribution of

arsenic within the sediment profile suggests the elevated levels are attributable to the local geology.

A Geochemical Investigation was undertaken in 2014 (URS) for the MUBRF which is directly adjacent to

the Project Area. Given the proximity of the testing to the proposed Project area, the results of the

physical and chemical characterisation investigation are considered to be directly relevant to the Project.

Key findings of the investigation concluded:

Naturally occurring arsenic concentrations were reported above the NAGD (2009) Screening Level of

20 mg/kg in all samples. The 95% UCL concentration (55.0 mg/kg) exceeded the Screening Level but

remained below the High Level.

The 95% UCL concentrations of all other metals were below their respective Screening Levels, where

available.

The 95% UCL concentrations of all hydrocarbons were below their respective Screening Levels.

Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous were sufficiently low to not pose a risk of eutrophication

to harbour waters through their release either at the dredge cutter head or in the reclamation area

return water.

The 95% UCL concentration of total radionuclides (1,916 Bq/kg) was well below the Screening Level

of 35,000 Bq/kg.

Chromium Reducible Sulfur concentrations were equal to or above the guideline criterion of 0.03%

Sulfur for all samples. Acid neutralising capacity in approximately 45% of all samples were low

(<10%S), with the remainder classified as having medium buffering capacity (10–30%S). All net

acidity values were below the guideline action criterion of 0.03%S and acid base accounting identified

liming at rates less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit of 1 CaCO3/t.

Further marine sediment testing will be carried out within the footprint of the proposed works to confirm

the outcomes of previous studies and to obtain a greater understanding of the physical and chemical

characteristics of the recently accumulated soft material within the proposed works area.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.10 ASS mapping of the Project area and surrounding region

Notice of Intent


6.3 COASTAL PROCESSES

6.3.1 Bathymetry

The main channel of the Port of Darwin is between 15 m and 25 m deep, with a maximum depth of 36 m.

The channel favours the eastern side of the Harbour, with larger shallower areas occurring on the western

side. Intertidal flats and shoals are typically more extensive on the western side of the Harbour than on

the eastern side. The channel continues into East Arm at water depths greater than –15 m LAT. The

bathymetry in this area of the harbour has largely been modified by dredging for the development of East

Arm Wharf.

The MUBRF channel is directly to the east of the Project, and largely follows the naturally deeper sections

of the harbour where it connects with Bladin Point Channel. The MSB located to the west of the Project

also connects with the Bladin Point Channel and is maintained to a depth of –7.7 mLAT (Figure 6.11).

Bathymetry of the Project area ranges between 6 m above LAT at the existing landward edge of the site,

to –10 mLAT at the outer extent of the Project area. The access channel is largely below the required

dredge depth of –2.5 mLAT, with the exception of some minor high spots at the connection between the

facility and the MUBRF channel and at the outer extent of the channel where some high spots associated

with a sand shoal at approximately –1.4 mLAT.

6.3.2 Hydrodynamics and sediment transport

The tidal range in Darwin Harbour ranges between approximately 0.0 mLAT up to 8 m above LAT. The

mean spring tide range is approximately 5.5 m and the mean neap tide range is 1.9 m. Tides within

Darwin Harbour are predominantly semidiurnal, with a slight inequality between the successive tides

during a single day.

The daily harbour inflow and outflow is 216 million m3 on a spring tide and 71 million m3 on a neap tide.

These flows represent 69% and 29% of water flows in Darwin Harbour respectively (Williams, Wolanski

and Spagnol 2006). Tidal flows are strongest in the narrowest sections of the harbour, including sections

of the East Arm channel.

Previous investigations within the harbour have demonstrated that a complex circulation occurs near

headlands and embayments that includes jets, eddies, separation points and stagnation zones. These

currents are different at ebb and flood tides and the asymmetric dispersion of sediment particles results in

trapping at headlands and embayments.

Additional sediment is delivered to the upper arms of the harbour via runoff and channel erosion. Despite

the harbour being macro-tidal, with much of the riverine fine sediment remaining trapped in mud flats and

mangroves.

Drogue tracking was undertaken in the nearshore waters of the Project area and Bladin Point Channel,

south west of the site, on Tuesday 24 October 2017. The field investigation was carried out over the

course of a flood tide, with the tidal cycle representative of a moderate spring tide. A total of seven drogue

runs were carried out over the course of the day.

Current reversal was observed in the near shore waters of the site with evidence of eddy formation

observed at approximately 2/3 high tide. Currents within the waters surrounding the Project area are

typically low velocity. The minimum current velocity recorded inshore was less than 0.1 m/s with a

maximum inshore velocity of 0.24 m/s. Velocities recorded offshore within the deep section of Bladin Point

Channel outside the Project area were slightly stronger but are still considered to be low. Currents in this

location ranged between 0.85 m/s and 1.1 m/s.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.11 Bathymetry within and surrounding the Project area

Notice of Intent


The waters of Darwin Harbour are generally well protected, with the majority of waves generated within

the harbour itself or in Beagle Gulf to the north-west. The ambient wave height during the wet season can

reach up to 1.0 m, however the average wave height is less than 0.5 m and is even lower during the dry

season.

The Project area is relatively sheltered due to its locality within Darwin Harbour and East Arm Wharf,

however extreme wave conditions can be generated by localised cyclonic activity. Modelling

investigations undertaken for the site indicate that wave heights experienced within the Project area

during extreme events are typically generated by winds from the south, south-westerly direction with wave

heights up to 3.7 m. Storm tide predictions also indicate that temporary increases in sea level would occur

throughout Darwin Harbour during cyclonic events.

6.4 HYDROLOGY

Groundwater information is limited within the region. The available data indicates that groundwater can be

encountered within the Quaternary and Proterozoic lithologies, which are shallow. Aquifers are low

yielding, with flows less than 0.5 L/s. Higher yields with low storage may be available from sand lenses

with Quaternary sediments and fractures in sandstone.

The groundwater hydraulic gradient would be expected to follow ground surface topography with flow

toward the Harbour waters from areas of elevation. The topography and mangrove vegetation in the

southern portion of the site suggests that the groundwater level remains relatively close to, or at, the

surface year round, with a progressive lowering of the water table expected throughout the dry season

(May to October). Near-shore groundwater levels are likely to be influenced by tides, which range up to

8 m.

The quality of groundwater is typically saline to hyper saline and not suitable for drinking or irrigation. The

high salinity is likely due to the proximity to the landward salt water intrusion and dissolution of salts

derived from marine sediments.

6.5 TERRESTRIAL AND INTERTIDAL ECOLOGY

A number of ecological assessments have been conducted along the East Arm Peninsula and within the

surrounding region. Most recently, a terrestrial flora and fauna survey was conducted in the East Arm area

as part of the East Arm Wharf Expansion Project (EMS, 2011). The survey targeted species identified in a

review of previous ecological studies undertaken in the East Arm area and other data sources, and

species listed in threatened categories under Commonwealth and NT legislation, as well as

migratory/marine bird species listed under Commonwealth legislation that potentially occur in the vicinity

of the survey areas (EMS, 2011).

The findings of this survey, and previous ecological assessments, where relevant to the Project area, are

summarised in this section.

6.5.1 Flora

The majority of the Project area has been cleared of vegetation to support both the historical and current

use of the site. A search of DENR’s Flora Atlas NT, shows that no native, threatened, significant,

restricted or introduced terrestrial flora have been recorded within the Project area.

Patches of grass and weed species are sporadically located across the upland section of the site

(Figure 6.12). The NT Weeds Record database (NRETAS Weeds Database) notes that instances of

Coffee Bush and Mission Grass have previously been recorded at the site, with a single instance of

Gamba Grass recorded within the Berrimah Road Corridor leading to the entrance of the Project area.

Mission Grass and Gamba Grass are declared weeds in the NT, with Gamba Grass also classed as a

Weed of National Significance.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.12 Typical view of cleared site with sporadic patches of grass and weed species

Mangroves

A small area of mangroves, approximately 1.2 ha, is located along the western edge of the Project Area.

Mangrove community mapping for Darwin Harbour (Brocklehurst and Eameades, 1996) shows that the

Project area is likely to consist of three broad mangrove communities (Figure 6.13):

Mangrove Closed Forests – Ceriops australis/Avicennia marina low closed forest (high tidal flat)

Mangrove Open Forests – Mixed species low closed forest/open forest (tidal flat margin)

Mangrove Woodlands/Open Woodlands – Sonneratia alba woodland in the seaward zone (low tidal

flat).

A preliminary site assessment of the Project area was carried out on 25 October 2017. The investigation

confirmed that these mangrove communities are the dominant mangrove habitats within the Project area.

The mangrove species identified during the site investigation included:

Grey mangrove (Avicenna marina)

Myrtle mangrove (Aegiceras Coniculatum)

Yellow mangrove (Ceriops australis)

Stilted mangrove (Rhizophora stylosa)

Mangrove apple (Sonneratia alba).

A mix of wattles, including the northern black wattle, and weed species fringes the landward edge of the

mangrove habitat. There is a distinct supralittoral bank and below HAT there is a transition into mangrove

habitat which is largely dominated by yellow and grey mangrove species. The upper tidal area transitions

into the margins of the tidal flat which are dominated by a mixture of mangrove species, including yellow,

grey, myrtle and stilted mangroves.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.13 Mangrove mapping of Darwin Harbour (Note: mangrove communities now removed from within developed port land area)

Notice of Intent


A distinct zonation exists between the upper and lower tidal areas of the mangrove habitat. As the lower

tidal area becomes rocky, with significant rock outcrops located to the east, the area becomes

characterised by large individual mangrove apple species with some stilted mangroves scattered

throughout the lower intertidal area (Figure 6.14).

Figure 6.14 Mangrove apple species along the western intertidal zone of the Project area

6.5.2 Fauna

A search of DENR’s Fauna Atlas NT, shows that no threatened, significant, native or introduced terrestrial

fauna have been recorded within the Project area.

In addition, the NTG NRM InfoNET tool was used to generate a threatened species report for a defined

polygon encompassing the Project area. The report generated a list of 33 threatened fauna species which

may occur within, or may have habitat which occurs within the vicinity of, the Project area. As the search

records were last updated in 2013, the generated species list was compared to the current list of

threatened species under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act to review, confirm and update

the list where relevant.

In addition to the NT searches conducted, an on-line search of the Commonwealth EPBC Protected

Matters Database (using a searchable area which included the Project area plus a 1 km buffer zone)

showed no threatened ecological communities recorded within the general vicinity of the Project

(Appendix C). The on-line search did identify:

37 Threatened Species which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area

62 Migratory Species which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area

101 Listed Marine Species which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area,

including one mammal species, 45 overfly bird species, 28 ray-finned fish and 27 reptiles

12 Whales and Other Cetaceans (namely dolphins) which may occur or may have habitat which

occurs within the Project area.

Notice of Intent


Based on a review of the threatened species currently listed under NT legislation, and additional

information regarding records of species from publically available databases (e.g. Atlas of Living Australia)

and previous studies conducted within or in the vicinity of the Project, the following additional species

were identified:

3 additional threatened species which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project

area

4 additional migratory species which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project

area

Based on the outcome of the desktop assessment, a likelihood of occurrence assessment was completed

for all threatened, migratory, listed marine, whales and other cetaceans. The assessment was based on

known species records within a 5 km radius of the site (sourced from publically available information

sources and previous studies of the area) and the species habitat requirements.

The likelihood of occurrence assessment identified 38 listed terrestrial species under the Territory Parks

and Wildlife Conservation Act and/or the EPBC Act as occurring within the Project area or as potentially

occurring within the vicinity of the Project area. The list of terrestrial species relevant to the Project are

summarised in Table 6.2 with the complete likelihood of occurrence assessment included as Appendix D.

Table 6.2 Listed Terrestrial Species

Common Name Scientific Name EPBC

Status

NT

Status

Category

Birds

Red Knot Calidris canutus E, M V TS, MW

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea CE V TS, MW

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris CE, M V TS, MW

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii V, M V TS, MW

Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus E, M V TS, MW

Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus V TS

Bar-tailed Godwit (baueri), Western

Alaskan Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica baueri V, M V TS, MW

Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit, Bar-

tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica menzbieri CE V TS

Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis CE, M V TS, MW

Common Sandpiper Actiitis hypoleucos M - MW

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres M - MW

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminate M - MW

Sanderling Calidris alba M - MW

Red-necked Stint Calidris tenuirostris M - MW

Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel Charadrius veredus M - MW

White-winged Tern Childonias leucopterus M - MM

Oriental Horsfield’s Cuckoo Cuculus optatus M - MM

Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala M - MW

Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica M - MM

Notice of Intent



Status

NT

Status

Category

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa M - MW

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus M - MW

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus M - MM

Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus M - MM

Osprey Pandion haliaetus M - MM

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva M - MW

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola M - MW

Little Tern Sternula albifrons M - MM

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes M - MW

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia M - MW

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus M - MW

Great Egret, White Egret Aredea alba MA - MA

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia MA - MA

Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta MA - MA

Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus MA - MA

Little Egret Egretta garzetta MA - MA

Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra MA - MA

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster MA - MA

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus MA - MA

TS: Listed Threatened Species MM: Migratory Marine V: Vulnerable

M: Migratory MT: Migratory Terrestrial E: Endangered

MW: Migratory Wetlands MA: Marine CE: Critically Endangered

A preliminary site visit was undertaken on 25 October 2017 for the purpose of ascertaining the presence

of habitat for threatened fauna species within the Project area. Results of the field visit showed that there

is minimal, if any, suitable habitat at the site for terrestrial species, with the exception of shorebirds which

may periodically visit the intertidal area of the site.

Shorebirds

Detailed migratory shorebird studies undertaken in the area as part of the East Arm Wharf Expansion

Project identified that the Project area is not a known or potential roost site for migratory shorebirds

(Lilleyman, Lawes and Garnett 2013). These studies noted that during high tides small numbers of birds

were observed to be roosting on saline flats and in mangrove areas along the East Arm Peninsula,

however no large aggregations (>30 birds) of roosting birds were detected away from the dredge spoil

ponds located within the Port (greater than 300m to the north of the Project area), with very few birds

observed foraging or roosting on the foreshore areas within the Project site.

Species previously found to be present in the intertidal flats of the Project area included the Black‐necked

Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta), Intermediate Egret (Ardea

intermedia), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Striated Heron (Butorides

striata), Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Terek Sandpiper

(Xenus cinereus), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), White‐winged Black Tern (Chlidonias

leucopterus), and the Little Tern (Sternula albifrons).

Notice of Intent


The dredge spoil ponds located at the Port, particularly dredge spoil ‘Pond D’, have become locally

significant habitat for migratory and wetland birds, and is the most significant high tide roost for migratory

shorebirds in the East Arm area (EMS, 2011).

Dredge spoil ‘Pond D’ at the Port is located approximately 300 m away from the Project area and over

500 m away from any substantial noise generating activities associated with the Project. Raised earthen

bunds, elevated stockpiles and vegetation screen the port land with no direct ‘line of sight’ from the

Project area to Pond D.

Monitoring of shorebirds which roost in the East Arm Wharf dredge spoil Pond D is currently ongoing

(Lilleyman, Lawes and Garnett 2014).

6.6 MARINE ECOLOGY

6.6.1 Benthic habitat communities

Several types of marine benthic ecological communities occur in Darwin Harbour including:

rocky shore communities

filter feeders (sponges and soft corals)

hard coral communities

seagrass

macroalgal beds

soft sediment communities.

Benthic habitat classes within and surrounding the Project site can be described based on the Benthic

Habitat Class Mapping conducted in 2010 by BMT WBM and are shown in Figure 6.15.

The Project area is largely mapped as bare substrate. Further offshore, in the vicinity of the seaward

extent of the access channel, sand with occasional encrusting sponges are noted to be present. Beyond

this and extending towards the deeper main channel of East Arm are areas characterised by moderate to

high density sponge and soft coral beds with some low density beds of sponges.

No substantial macro-algae beds or seagrasses have been mapped within the vicinity of the Project area,

either by BMT WBM (2010) or by Geo Oceans (2012). No hard corals are present within the Project area.

Hard coral communities have however been recorded and mapped around South Shell Island, south-east

of the Project Area, and at Old Man Rock located south of the Project site (URS, 2009; BMT WBM, 2010;

Geo Oceans, 2012). Mud and rocky sand flats are exposed at low tide within the southern portion of the

Project area, seaward of the mangrove shoreline. This area has the potential to provide a source of

intertidal invertebrate fauna for shorebirds.

Notice of Intent


Figure 6.15 Benthic habitat map of the East Arm Peninsula (Benthic Mapping Source: BMT WBM, 2010)

6.6.2 Marine fauna

Similar to the assessment of terrestrial fauna species relevant to the site (refer Section 6.5.2), the

Government’s NRM InfoNET tool was used to generate a threatened species report for a defined polygon

encompassing the Project area. The report generated a list of 33 threatened fauna species which may

occur within, or may have habitat which occurs within the vicinity of, the Project area. As the search

records were last updated in 2013, the generated species list was compared to the current list of

threatened species under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act to review, confirm and update

the list where relevant.

Based on the outcome of the desktop assessment, a likelihood of occurrence assessment was completed

for all threatened, migratory, listed marine, whales and other cetaceans. The assessment was based on

known species records within a 5 km radius of the site (sourced from publically available information

sources and previous studies of the area) and the species habitat requirements.

The likelihood of occurrence assessment identified 12 listed marine species under the Territory Parks and

Wildlife Conservation Act and/or the EPBC Act as occurring within the Project area or as potentially

occurring within the vicinity of the Project area. The list of marine species relevant to the Project are

summarised in Table 6.3 with the complete likelihood of occurrence assessment included as Appendix D.

Notice of Intent


Table 6.3 Listed Marine Species


Status

NT

Status

Category

Reptiles

Olive Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea E, M V TS, MM

Flatback Turtle Natator depressus V, M - TS, MM

Sharks

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish Pristis clavata V,M V TS, MM

Freshwater Sawfish Pristis pristis V,M V TS, MM

Green Sawfish Pristis zijsron V,M V TS, MM

Narrow Sawfish, Knifetooth Sawfish Anoxypristis cuspidata M - MM

Mammal

Dugong Dugong dugong M - MM

Migratory Marine Species

Australian Snubfin Dolphin

Formerly known as Irrawaddy Dolphin

Orcaella heinsohni

Formerly known as

Orcaella brevirostris

M - MM

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis M - MM

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops aduncus M - MM

Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops trancatus MA - MA

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus M - MM

TS: Listed Threatened Species V: Vulnerable

M: Migratory E: Endangered

MM: Migratory Marine MA: Marine

Listed Threatened Species

Two species of marine turtles have been identified as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the Project

area. Olive Ridley and Flatback turtles are seen foraging for food in Darwin Harbour. The Olive Ridley

tends to forage in shallow benthic habitat and also in pelagic foraging habitats, whereas the Flatback

typically inhabits soft bottom habitat over the continental shelf of northern Australia.

There are no known turtle nesting sites in Darwin Harbour as the mangroves and mudflats do not provide

suitable nesting grounds (INPEX, 2010). The shoreline of the Project area consists of mangroves and

bare substrate with rocky rubble outcrops which do not provide suitable nesting habitat for any of the turtle

species. Any turtles within the vicinity of the Project area would be transient visitors as they move towards

more favourable foraging areas.

Dwarf sawfish, Freshwater sawfish and Green sawfish have not been recorded in the waters of East Arm.

The Dwarf Sawfish species occur in shallow waters of 2–3 m depth in coastal and estuarine areas of

tropical Australia, extending some distance up rivers almost into freshwater. In the NT it has been

recorded in several catchments, including the Keep River, Victoria River, Buffalo Creek and Rapid Creek

(Darwin Harbour), and the South Alligator River (Thorburn et al. 2003; Peverell et al. 2004), all of which

are located well away from the Project area and its surrounds.

The Freshwater sawfish is known from several drainages in northern Australia from Western Australia to

Queensland. In the Northern Territory, it occurs in the Keep, Victoria, Darwin, Adelaide, East and South

Alligator, Daly, Goomadeer, Wearyan, McArthur and Robinson Rivers (Thorburn et al. 2003; Peverell et

al. 2004), which are not located within close proximity to the Project area.

Notice of Intent


The Green sawfish is widely distributed in the northern Indian Ocean, around Indonesia and Australia. It is

the most commonly encountered sawfish species in Australian waters (Last and Stevens 1994) and is

more commonly found in Australian tropical waters. The closest known record of the Green Sawfish is

from Buffalo Creek in Darwin Harbour, which is located over 20 km from the site (Stirrat et al., 2006).

Listed Migratory Marine Species

Dugongs have been observed in Darwin Harbour, including Channel Island in Middle Arm, where they

were thought to be feeding on macroalgae (Whiting, 2002). Dugongs could potentially utilise algal

communities within East Arm (such as those around Old Man Rock). The shorelines and nearshore sub-

tidal areas within Darwin Harbour, including the Project area, are made up of intertidal mangrove habitat

transitioning to bare substrates which do not provide suitable foraging habitat for the Dugong. It is likely

that any dugongs within the vicinity of the Project area would be transient visitors moving to more

favourable foraging areas.

Four coastal dolphins, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) (formerly known as the

Irrawaddy Dolphin), the Indo-Pacific Humpback (Sousa chinensis), the Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin

(Tursiops aduncus) and the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) are the most common cetaceans in

Darwin Harbour (Palmer, 2008). The Irrawaddy Dolphin has previously been recorded near Catalina

Island, located to the east of the Project area. The Indo-Pacific Humpback is also most commonly

recorded within 10 km of the coast and on average is recorded approximately 3 km from the coastline.

The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) occurs in Darwin Harbour, although its abundance is

controlled by a trapping and removal program for public safety. Because only limited nesting sites for the

Estuarine Crocodile are available inside Darwin Harbour, the area is not considered critical habitat for

crocodile survival in the NT (Whiting, 2003). This species is known to occur in marine and estuarine

habitats in the local area of the Project and anecdotally, crocodiles have been occasionally observed

basking in the intertidal area of the Project site.

The Narrow sawfish is found mainly in inshore coastal waters, to depths of around 40 m, where it is

thought to spend most of its time on or near the bottom. It may also enter estuaries and river deltas, and

has been reported to move upstream into rivers in some areas, although its occurrence in freshwater has

yet to be verified. Individuals of this species have not been recorded in the Darwin Harbour region. The

closest known record of the Narrow sawfish is over 20 km away from the Project area.

Marine pest species

Marine pests can include a wide range of salt and freshwater organisms from microscopic algae to

species of seaweed, fish, barnacles, sea squirts, mussels and crabs. Such species may threaten the

biodiversity and native species of an aquatic environment, and affect commercial and recreational

industries such as fishing, tourism, aquaculture and port operations.

There have been a number of outbreaks of marine pests in Australian waters. An example which occurred

in 1999 was the black striped mussel Mytilopsis sallei which was found in three Darwin marinas (Russell &

Hewitt, 2000). In spite of this, studies conducted by the CSIRO Centre for Research on Introduced Marine

Pests and the Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory in 1999 and 2000 concluded that the

Port of Darwin Harbour is considered free of introduced marine pest species after the black striped mussel

was successfully eradicated within one month.

Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)

With regard to Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) a referral under the EPBC Act will

be submitted. The assessment completed to support the referral concludes that there is no real chance or

possibility that any significant adverse effect on MNES or habitat critical to the survival of MNES species

would occur as a result of the proposed Project.

Notice of Intent


6.7 BITING INSECTS

The East Arm Peninsula is subject to large numbers of biting insects such as midges and mosquitoes due

to the proximity of the mudflat and mangrove breeding sites along Hudson Creek, Bleesers Creek and the

peninsula shoreline (Department of Health, 2011).

Breeding sites are common on constructed surfaces, such as stockpile hardstands and ponds along the

peninsula. The East Arm Port Area contains numerous mosquito breeding sites created by the original

development, with notable sites including the large mud ponds, shallow depressions on reclaimed land,

shallow depressions on an extensive site used for borrow material, small sediment traps and numerous

drainage lines.

Routine weekly mosquito trapping conducted by Medical Entomology – Department of Health Northern

Territory, was previously conducted within the Project area from February 2009 to February 2010. A

number of mosquito species were recorded near the boat ramp in seasonally very high numbers during

the wet season months.

Studies show that the northern salt marsh mosquito Aedes vigilax and the common banded mosquito

Culex annulirostris occur in seasonally high numbers at East Arm Port (Warchot and Whelan 2010).

The northern salt marsh mosquito is typically recorded in very high numbers during the wet season

months of December and January, whereas the common banded mosquito is generally recorded in high

numbers in January, February, March and April. Most salt marsh mosquito breeding sites would also be

considered as common banded mosquito breeding sites, with breeding occurring once prolonged flooding

of over 7 days occurs.

Development of the Project area provides the opportunity to address any existing mosquito breeding sites.

Rectification of existing mosquito breeding sites will be of benefit to workers in the East Arm area, by

reducing pest problems and the risk of mosquito borne disease transmission.

6.8 WATER QUALITY

6.8.1 Surface water quality

Surface runoff at the Project site occurs as sheet flow across the local topography, or as constructed flow

into existing drainage channels which drain southwards to the Harbour. There are minor drains in the

east, west and south of the Project area. These drainage channels only carry water flow during and

immediately after rainfall and do not contain persistent standing water.

6.8.2 Marine water quality

The water quality of Darwin Harbour varies greatly with the tides, season and location. Over each tidal

cycle, and between neap and spring tides, the clarity of the Harbour can substantially change. This is

most noticeable in the upper reaches of the Harbour, where there is almost an hourly change in water

quality as water carrying sediment flows into and out of the mangrove areas of the Harbour (Padovan,

2003).

The Darwin wet season, extending from November to March, also affects Harbour water quality due to

high surface runoff from the land and can last until April or May, depending on rainfall.

Studies by Padovan (1997) analysed the effects of season, water depth, harbour location and tidal

movements on various water quality parameters from seven sampled sites. Many parameters, such as

pH, total organic ammonium and nitrogen, were found to be relatively stable throughout the year. Water

temperature and oxidised nitrogen concentrations changed with season while turbidity and total

suspended solids were affected by location in the harbour and tidal activity. Concentrations of

chlorophyll a and nutrients were found to be very low.

Notice of Intent


As part of the INPEX project, a water quality monitoring program was undertaken to characterise the

existing water quality characteristics of the East Arm. The program captured data for a range of water

quality parameters over both dry and wet seasons. Results of the monitoring program are summarised in

Table 6.4 (URS, 2008).

Table 6.4 East Arm water quality characteristics (URS, 2008)

Parameter Dry Season Average

(May - September)

Wet Season Average

(November - March)

Temperature 24.5 C 30.6C

Salinity (parts per thousand - ppt) 25.5 ppt 29 ppt

Dissolved Oxygen 93.3% 87.8%

pH 8.4 8.1

Turbidity

(nephelometric turbidity unit - NTU)

3 NTU 10.5 NTU

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 14.0 mg/L 14.1 mg/L

Since 2008 the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has annually collated water

quality data from a range of monitoring conducted by DENR, other government agencies and the private

sector. The 2016 Darwin Harbour Report Card (DENR, 2016) describes East Arm as having excellent

water quality with regard to water clarity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and algae.

Previous reporting shows no evidence of widespread water or sediment pollution in the Harbour, although

there is some localised pollution (Padovan, 2003). Potential sources of pollution in the harbour include

storm water runoff from rural, urban and industrial catchment diffuse sources during the wet season,

sewage treatment plant wastewater discharges and other licensed wastewater discharges (DLRM, 2014).

There is no evidence of hydrocarbon or pesticide pollution in the Harbour (Darwin Harbour Advisory

Committee, 2007).

Pollution sources specific to East Arm include treated wastewater discharge to Bleesers Creek and high

sediment, nutrient and other pollutant loads received from wet season runoff from urbanised areas

(DLRM, 2014). In addition, the Darwin Correctional Centre’s Sewage Treatment Plant overflows to

Hudson Creek during the wet season. East Arm Wharf has the potential to affect water and marine

sediment quality with regards to import and exports at the wharf, including live cattle, minerals, chemicals,

petroleum and ores. These have historically influenced the sediment quality in the East Arm Wharf area,

most notably after copper concentrate spills occurred while loading in 2010 (AIMS, 2010).

6.9 AIR QUALITY

6.9.1 Air quality

Existing air quality in the vicinity of the Project area is affected by operation of the East Arm Wharf which

generates dust from areas such as the wharf, conveyers, gravel surfaces, rail and road transport, open

stockpiles, drying sediment ponds, bottom dump station, ship and cattle loading. Operation of the existing

uses on the site, including occasional internal vehicle movements on unsealed tracks and hard stand

areas also contributes to the generation of dust. Traffic passing by on Berrimah Road also contributes to

the existing air quality within the vicinity of the Project area.

The Northern Territory EPA carries out ambient air monitoring in the Darwin region (following the NEPM

Ambient Air Quality (DLPE, 2001)) and reports results on an annual basis to the National Environment

Protection Council (NEPC) (NTG, 2007). Results show that emissions of most air pollutants are low in the

Darwin region, with fine particles from bushfire smoke the exception.

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Air quality at East Arm is typical of industrial areas, with the main emission being the generation of dust

and increased particulate matter, particularly during the dry season (GHD, 2006).

6.9.2 Greenhouse gases

Previous accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by industry sector for all States and Territory’s

shows that manufacturing is the highest emitting industry in the Northern Territory (NGER, 2015–2016).

Existing sources of GHG within the East Arm Peninsula and surrounding areas comprise the following:

fuel combustion for energy supply, industrial processes and transportation (including importing and

exporting by marine vessels) and other combustion sources

waste

fugitive emissions from industrial processes or similar.

At the Project site itself, minor fugitive emissions from vehicle movements to and from the site, and within

the site itself as well as small vessel movements associated with the boat ramp on site would be

intermittently generated during normal work hours.

6.10 NOISE AND LIGHTING

Current activities at the East Arm Wharf and adjacent industrial areas generate noise and night lighting.

Port activities occur around the clock with traffic, including heavy transport, frequently entering and exiting

the Port via Berrimah Road. These activities generate noise during both daylight and night time hours.

Vessel movements to and from the Port contribute to underwater noise levels within the East Arm waters.

A range of noise generating activities is also be associated with berthed vessels, including the operation

of generators, engines and loading / unloading vessels. Small support vessels which would carry out

everyday activities within and around the waters of the Port are also a source of noise. Sources of light

associated with the Port include fixed wharf lighting, lighting of hardstand areas, offices and buildings,

berthed ships as well as continuous road traffic entering and existing the Port during night time hours.

Vessels utilising the adjacent MUBRF also contribute to underwater noise levels. Vehicle movements,

maintenance activities on the barge ramp and the loading and unloading of vessels all contribute to

background noise levels. Lighting in the form of eight 12 m flood light poles are provided at the barge

ramp facility and used intermittently to allow vessel access to be timed with the tides.

Noise generating activities including a variety of marine services such as vessel maintenance, repairs,

vehicle movements and quarantine services are currently conducted at the Project site. These activities

generate periodic noise during normal working hours which contributes to the overall noise level within the

area. Lighting within the Project area is primarily associated with the site office and workshop area, and

any vehicle movements that may occur during night time hours, although the operational hours of the site

conclude at approximately 5pm.

6.11 WASTE AND POLLUTION

Current site activities generate a range of waste material and products, including:

listed wastes under Schedule 2 of the Waste Management and Pollution Control (Administration)

Regulations such as:

hydrocarbon-impacted materials, including rags, contaminated soils and used spill response

equipment, and oily water

greases, waste oils, and lubricants

sewage and sewage sludge

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non-listed wastes

quarantined waste

hazardous wastes, which may include excess or spent chemicals, contaminated scrap metals or

drums, oily rags and absorbents, solvents, batteries, fluorescent tubes, oily sludge, paints and paint

drums, oil filters, sewage and contaminated soil

non-hazardous wastes, which may include inert solids, including paper, food waste, domestic waste,

scrap metal, plastics, wood, glass, concrete and cardboard

recyclable or recoverable waste, including paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, metal, wood, tyres

and organic matter.

6.12 TRAFFIC

Current road access to the Project site is via Berrimah Road which is connected via an internal entrance

road to a car park and office located near the entrance to the site. Low levels of traffic use this road to

travel to and from the Project area. Small vehicles and minor machinery move around the site via internal

unsealed tracks and hard stand areas.

Berrimah Road is the main access to the Port. The Port access is located on a rock bund along the

shoreline and directly adjacent to the marine environment. A mix of vehicles, including a large proportion

of heavy vehicles, travelling to and from the Port occurs at all hours of the day seven days a week.

Berrimah Road provides a direct link to Berrimah and links to Darwin International Airport. Berrimah Road

intersects with Tiger Brennan Drive (westbound), which provides a major road link to the Darwin CBD and

the industrial area of Winnellie and Tiger Brennan Drive (eastbound), which provides access to Pinelands

and Palmerston. The Stuart Highway can also be accessed either by Berrimah Road or Tiger Brennan

Drive.

Small vessels are occasionally launched and retrieved from the existing boat ramp at the Project site.

Similarly the adjacent MUBRF is intermittently used by shallow draft barge vessels. The MSB became

operational in 2014 and is considered suitable to be able to cope with up to 1000 offshore support vessel

visits per year (Darwin Port, 2016).

The Port of Darwin is strategically positioned as Australia’s closest port to Asia and is Australia’s gateway

for Australasian trade. In 2016 to 2017, over 1,150 trading vessels visited the Port of Darwin, including

509 barges, 172 rig tenders, 119 livestock carriers, 111 container and general cargo vessels, 66 LNG and

LPG vessels, 44 liquid bulk vessels, 19 bunker vessels, 34 carrier vessels, 75 cruise ship visits and 1

vessel charter (Darwin Port, 2018).

6.13 CULTURAL HERITAGE

6.13.1 Indigenous cultural heritage

The majority of the Project area onshore has been disturbed by earthworks and built form over several

decades however, some sections of the intertidal zone consist of relatively intact but disturbed mangrove

habitat and mudflats, which have some potential to contain evidence of historical Indigenous activities.

Advice sought from the NT Heritage Branch in April 2018, confirmed that there are no existing registered

Aboriginal archaeological sites within the proposed Project Area or its immediate surrounds. There is a

record of a cultural shell midden site on the East Arm Foreshore, just beyond the eastern boundary of the

Project Area, however this site has since been formally recorded and destroyed by subsequent

development.

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A search of the NT Heritage Register indicated that no nominated or declared heritage places are located

within the immediate Project area. Furthermore previous consultation and land investigations covering the

Project area indicate that the Project site does not contain any heritage sites.

Recent advice from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) noted that there are no records of

sacred sites listed within the Project area. It is intended that an application covering the entire Project,

including both land and water components, will be prepared and submitted to the AAPA.

6.13.2 European heritage

A number of cultural heritage surveys and archaeological assessments have been completed for the East

Arm area as part of the East Arm Wharf expansion and MUBRF projects. These projects included field

investigations and review of both cultural and indigenous heritage within portions of the proposed Project

Area footprint, including:

East Arm Multi-User Barge Ramp Facility, Recovered Cultural Objects, Maritime Archaeological

Analysis Report, Cosmos Archaeology Pty Ltd, report prepared for Land Development Corporation,

NT Government, August 2015

Multi User Barge Ramp Facility – Archaeological Report, Aurecon, report prepared for Department of

Infrastructure, April 2015

Multi User Barge Ramp Facility, East Arm, Removal of Metallic objects, Recording of artefacts

recovered, Cosmos Archaeology Pty Ltd, report prepared for Land Development Corporation, NT

Government, February 2015

Archaeological Survey of the East Arm Wharf Expansion and Surrounding Area, Darwin NT, Earth

Sea Heritage Surveys, report prepared for URS Corporation, March 2011.

As outlined in the above reports, in 1911 administration of the Northern Territory was transferred from

South Australia to the Commonwealth Government. A build-up of defence personnel in the 1930s saw the

population of Darwin increase from a few thousand to approximately 15,000 by the time World War II

began in 1939. During World War II many developments occurred in and around Darwin including the

construction of the Stuart Highway, air force airstrips, the stationing of large numbers of military personnel

and use of the Harbour for naval purposes.

World War II activities at the East Arm Peninsula involved RAAF flying boat activities, covert operations

training area and headquarters, and Army static air defence positions. World War II sites on Middle Arm

are relevant to East Arm as these locales were often supplied and linked to the bases on East Arm,

especially the Z Force operations and anti-aircraft search light locations. Static air defence including

heavy anti-aircraft positions consisting of four 3.7 inch guns were established at Quarantine (East Arm)

and on Middle Point. In support of these heavy anti-aircraft positions were a series of search light

batteries and positions located from Middle Point and along Middle Arm.

Two World War II sites are located within the Project area including the East Arm Flying Boat Base and

the Lugger Maintenance Section. The East Arm Flying Boat Base comprised a number of components

including a large tarmac hardstand, hangar, workshop and stores with associated maritime infrastructure

including a large concrete ramp enabling Catalinas to be taken in and out of the water (RAAF Catalina

Ramp), a concrete slipway with iron rails to serve the Marine Section vessels and a timber jetty (Cosmos,

2015).

The East Arm Flying Boat Base also included a range of offshore marine infrastructure, including

permanent Catalina and vessel moorings comprising of at least twenty-two seaplane moorings, nine

marine craft buoys, five lugger buoys, three warping and steadying buoys, three marker buoys, and one

submarine buoy (Cosmos, 2015). Maintenance and repair activities were largely conducted on the

hardstand at the East Arm Flying Boat Base, however some maintenance works such as engine tuning,

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minor repairs and supply activities were carried out on the Catalinas whilst they were on their moorings,

under tow or taxiing (Cosmos, 2015).

One historical archaeological site is within Section 5167 of the Project area and is associated with the

East Arm Flying Boat Base, including the RAAF Catalina ramp and the RAAF Marine Section slipway. To

the north of the Project area, outside the NOI boundary is another historical archaeological site for the

East Quarantine Station.

In the 1980s, the former RAAF Catalina Ramp was opened to the public by the Northern Territory

Government for use as a recreational boat ramp. The boat ramp became one of the most popular ramps

in Darwin harbour due to its length which enabled small craft to easily access the harbour waters during

most tidal phases. Adjacent areas of the East Arm Peninsula and waterfront were sold to Paspaley

Pearling Company, who subsequently leased portions to various commercial companies. A new

recreational boat ramp was constructed at East Arm, north of Catalina Island in 2005 which provided

Paspaley Pearling Company with the opportunity to extend their holdings to incorporate the former RAAF

tarmac, Catalina ramp and slipway area in 2009. At present, the site including the Catalina ramp and

slipway is leased to Bhagwan Marine.

An archaeological assessment was undertaken for the adjacent MUBRF in 2014/2015. This investigation

noted that the seabed within and surrounding the footprint of the MUBRF has served as a ‘rubbish dump’

from the early to middle years of the 20th century, and at least up to the present day. The majority of

artefacts recovered during the survey represent discard into the harbour associated with various land

based and water based activities, primarily relating to World War II use of the area.

Maritime wreck sites

A search of the Australian National Shipwreck Database noted that there are no registered shipwrecks

within the proposed works footprint. The search identified, within the general East Arm area, four

registered shipwrecks including two Vietnamese refugee boats (ID3429 and ID3430), a two part barge

(ID3428) and HMAS Kelat. There is also one registered shipwreck, Vietnamese refugee boat Con Dao 3

(ID3408), located on the northern side of East Arm Wharf. Of the above listed registered shipwrecks, none

have been placed on the NT Heritage Register.

The database search also identified a number of aircraft wreck sites within the general East Arm area.

The Catalina 2 (RAAF Catalina A24-69) is located within the proposed NOI boundary, however no works

are proposed to occur in this location (Figure 6.16). The Catalina 3 (RAAF Catalina A24-206) is located to

the south of Catalina Island over 1 km from the Project site.

There are also three other maritime wreck sites within the general east arm region, located to the south of

the Project area, including Catalina 4 (United States (US) Navy Patrol Wing 10 28-5MNE) and Catalina 5

and 6 (US Navy Patrol Wing 10 PBY-4). The Catalina wreck sites are not protected under the Shipwrecks

Act and none are considered to be war graves.

6.14 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Darwin is situated on the Timor Sea with a population of approximately 142,000 (Australian Bureau of

Statistics, 2018).

The Project area is located in a highly industrialised area of East Arm. Industries within the East Arm

precinct include the East Arm Wharf, MSB, Vopak Terminal Darwin, Darwin Business Park, CUA, the

MUBRF, and Bhagwan Marine who operate from the Project site.

The East Arm Wharf to the east of the Project site comprises a purpose built multi-berth wharf, serviced

by a rail and road container terminal, hard stand areas, open stockpile, bulk ship loading and conveyor

infrastructure. The wharf supports a range of export and import materials, such as dry bulk materials,

liquids related to petroleum and mining, and live cattle exports.

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Figure 6.16 Maritime wreck sites within and surrounding the Project Area

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The Darwin Port, which operates from East Arm Wharf, employees approximately 100 full time employees

who would travel on a daily basis to and from the precinct via Berrimah Road.

The Darwin Passenger Rail located to the north of the Project site is the end station of the Adelaide -

Darwin railway which is served by The Ghan and operates weekly in each direction.

Popular with both recreational and private fishers is Bleesers Creek to the north of the Project site and

Hudson Creek to the east, as well as the harbour waters.

There are no residential areas located in close proximity to the site.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminus_station

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide-Darwin_railway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide-Darwin_railway

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7 Potential environmental impacts and management measures

Section 7.1 identifies the potential environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed Project,

as presented in sections 3 and 4 of this NOI.

This assessment has been based on the large amount of relevant information and detailed studies which

have been published in support of other projects adjacent to the Project site, (e.g. the MUBRF

development, the MSB as well as those carried out for the East Arm Wharf Expansion Project).

As described in the following sections, the proposed approach is to rely largely on data from the array of

previous published sources, supplemented with site specific studies where they are warranted. Section

7.2 outlines proposed mitigation measures to be implemented during construction and operation to ensure

that any potential impacts can be appropriately managed.

7.1 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

7.1.1 Climate

Significant levels of rainfall typically occur during the wet season from November to April. During this time

inclement weather conditions are experienced including strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges as

a result of the formation of tropical lows and cyclones during this period.

Project design will therefore consider storm surge and rising sea levels. Construction and operation

activities proposed to be undertaken at the site will also take into consideration the climatic characteristics

of the wet and dry seasons and have in place management measures appropriate for the climatic regime

and emergency response plans in the event of any cyclone or inclement weather event.

7.1.2 Geology, Landforms and Soils

Erosion and Sediment Control

Project construction activities, such as land clearance and bulk earthworks, create potential for erosion

and sedimentation. Erosion can be caused by direct rainfall onto disturbed areas or by runoff from

external catchments which may flow over the disturbed areas.

Sediment generation associated with construction activities can potentially lead to:

Increased nutrient, sediment and other contaminant concentrations in receiving waters

Deterioration of receiving waterways’ water quality and aquatic health.

Management of erosion and sediment transport during construction is considered to be routine for the

type of soils, topography and scale of works to be undertaken at the site. To manage activities during

construction an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Stormwater Management Plan would be

prepared for the site. This Plan would incorporate appropriate sediment and erosion control measures

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which would address items such as diversion of clean runoff, management of stockpiles, stabilisation and

rehabilitation of exposed soils, and provision of silt fences and other proven controls during construction.

Marine sediment quality

All dredged material is expected to be removed via the use of a CSD and/or a long arm back hoe on a

barge, with placement of all material on-land within the site for use as fill for reclamation.

Based on previous marine sediment analysis results, particularly those associated with the adjacent

MUBRF, and construction monitoring studies undertaken for the East Arm Port and the ConocoPhillips

Darwin LNG plant, disturbance of sediments by dredging and other construction activities is not expected

to result in the release of contaminants at concentrations likely to exceed relevant water quality guideline

values.

With regard to those constituents which occur at naturally elevated levels, such as arsenic (which

previous testing showed has low bioavailability), it is unlikely that construction related activities will cause

in any of these parameters to exceed natural background concentrations for Darwin Harbour.

Further marine sediment testing will be carried out within the footprint of the proposed works to confirm

the outcomes of previous studies and to obtain a greater understanding of the physical and chemical

characteristics of the material within the Project Area.

Acid sulphate soils

Earthworks, dredging and reclamation activities at the site have the potential to disturb ASS and PASS.

The main ASS considerations arising from the proposed dredging and disposal works include:

the potential for acidic conditions to develop if material is exposed to oxygen as a result of onshore

handling and use following dredging

Excavating ASS and stockpiling/relocating the material and potentially exposing it to the atmosphere

Potentially exposing ASS that would otherwise be waterlogged as a result of dewatering activities

associated with on land dredged material placement and land reclamation.

It is likely that some of the overlying soft sediments within the proposed dredge area will contain pyrite,

however based on previous sediment analysis programs carried out within the vicinity of the Project area

the risk of acid generation is low given the materials large inherent neutralising capacity. The potential for

impacts from disturbing ASS will relate to the handling of the dredged material on-land rather than

dredging itself.

All dredged material is planned to be placed onshore and will be appropriately handled and managed to

ensure there is no acid generation. The material will be transported ashore and placed in a contained area

where it can be properly managed, and any water from the area contained, treated and if necessary

discharged in a managed way.

As shown on Figure 6.10, previous investigations indicate the presence of ASS and PASS within the

Project area. Those landward areas situated on higher ground within the northern-most portion of the site

are not expected to contain ASS, and therefore earthworks undertaken here are not anticipated to disturb

ASS material. No excavations will occur within the low lying intertidal area located to the west of the

Project site, rather fill material will placed in this area which will therefore negate any potential ASS

issues.

The potential for ASS to be encountered within the dredge areas will be characterised as part of marine

sediment assessment and during construction implementation. An ASS Management Plan will be

prepared for the construction activities at the site, including the management of material placement and

site discharge waters.

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7.1.3 Coastal processes

Dredging and land reclamation have the potential to modify coastal and hydrodynamic processes,

including water circulation patterns, wave regime, bed shear stress, and sediment transport patterns,

which may lead to changes in surrounding shorelines and bathymetry.

The proposed water access to the SLAMI facility will be by sharing the existing MUBRF channel and is

aligned to take advantage of waters with sufficient natural depth. Only a small area requires minor

dredging where it connects with Bladin Point Channel. The changes to natural bed level will be too minor

to have any substantive effect on coastal processes.

Site measurements and modelling done to-date show the site is in an area where current velocities are

low. The site itself is sheltered from large waves and therefore it is only influenced by local wind

generated waves. The dredge pockets and reclamation area have been located such that they are

substantially within the influence of the shoreline and bathymetry created by the MUBRF, the port access

causeway, and the MSB reclamation and approach channel along with the natural banks associated with

the Catalina and South Shell Islands. The result of this is that the changes to shoreline and nearshore

bathymetry are unlikely to have any significant effect on currents or sediment transport in the area.

The sediment accretion rates within the ship lift and wet berth pockets will be low. A detailed assessment

undertaken for the MUBRF (AIMS, 2010) shows that the effect of the MUBRF which is directly adjacent to

the site results in only minor disturbance to near shore sediment transport.

A coastal processes model has been developed and will be used to support the design process and

confirm these issues. Early modelling of extreme weather conditions has been undertaken and shows that

the site is relatively protected from extreme wave heights. To further assist with Project design, and future

approval processes, the outcomes of geotechnical and sediment investigations will be used to inform

coastal processes modelling of the site including model calibration and verification processes.

7.1.4 Hydrology

The proposed works will modify the site’s existing surface runoff regime. The site itself is already highly

disturbed and has undergone changes to the landscape as a result of historical uses, hence there are no

‘natural’ drainage pathways at the site.

Potential impacts to surface water runoff from the Project are:

Filling the site including the minor drains which exist

Change from general north to south fall and unmanaged runoff to an elevated platform with captured

and managed runoff

Increase to imperviousness which will be managed

Potential impacts to groundwater are not likely to be significant given that the works will involve filling and

re-profiling of the land with no excavation of the site required.

Erosion and sediment control (ESC) would be the primary focus during construction. The impact

assessment process would detail the design of ESC devices based on soil characterisation and their

performance will be assessed using an appropriate water balance simulation tool.

During the operational phase, management would centre on any contaminants mobilised in runoff from

hardstand work areas. Likely contaminants and their properties associated with the proposed site

activities will be used to develop appropriate stormwater quality management based on WSUD principles.

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7.1.5 Terrestrial and intertidal ecology

The Project would result in the removal of a small number of woodland shrubs, trees, weeds and grasses

along the supralittoral bank of the site. The notable clearing will be of approximately 1.2 ha of mangrove

vegetation. The mangrove areas around the Darwin Harbour shoreline are extensive and the proposed

loss of 1.2 ha of mangrove from the Project area would represent less than 0.01% of the approximate

27,000 ha of mangroves that currently exist in Darwin Harbour. In this context, the loss of this fragmented

area of mangroves could not be considered as having a potentially significant impact upon mangrove

ecosystems at the broader regional scale.

There is no terrestrial habitat of note at the site apart from the occasional opportunistic artificial habitat for

reptiles and birds.

The existing mangrove habitat has the most notable values retained on the site however it is disturbed as

a result of runoff, noise, debris and edge effects. Although the mangrove habitat would retain fisheries

productivity values they are an isolated fragment of the original mangrove community and no longer have

any substantial connectivity with the extensive mangrove communities of Darwin Harbour.

Approximately 8 ha of intertidal mud flat habitat will be reclaimed during construction. These areas,

including the mangroves, can provide some habitat and a source of intertidal invertebrates for bird species

to feed on, including migratory shorebirds such as the Curlew Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover and the

Great Knot, however this is limited given the extent of disturbances at the site and the extent of suitable

areas nearby at the Port which have become locally significant habitat for migratory and wetland birds.

The lower intertidal areas are bare substrate (i.e. no seagrass, macroalgae or other epiphytes are

present). The area itself is a combination of rocky rubble and soft muddy substrate. Some in-fauna and

invertebrates would exist in this lower intertidal area and present foraging opportunities for shorebirds and

fish.

Previous studies identified that the Project area is not a known or potential roost site for migratory

shorebirds, with field survey observations noting very few birds foraging or roosting on the foreshore of

the Project area. Considering this and the nearby locally significant habitat which represents the most

significant high tide roost for migratory shorebirds in the East Arm area, it is unlikely that the proposed

works will present any significant threat to shorebird populations in the Harbour.

Project construction activities, such as land clearance, bulk earthworks, land reclamation, dredging and

vehicle movements, represent the most notable issues for local flora and fauna within the Project area.

Potential impacts to terrestrial flora and fauna include:

loss or injury to native fauna, flora and habitats

disturbance or displacement of native local fauna species from clearing, night lighting, noise and

increased activity

introduction and spread of weeds and pests

Further targeted investigations will be undertaken to confirm presence of native flora and fauna habitat

within and surrounding the Project site. To ensure impacts on terrestrial ecology are minimised

management measures such as the implementation of erosion and sediment controls to specifically

manage clearing would be outlined within an over-arching Project Environmental Management Plan

(PEMP). Although terrestrial fauna and flora is limited within the Project area and potential impacts are

considered to be minimal, care would be taken to prevent injury to native fauna and flora species as a

result of the construction works, as well as during operation of the facility.

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7.1.6 Marine ecology

Marine construction activities associated with the Project that have potential to impact on marine

communities, both directly and indirectly, include:

land reclamation

dredging (construction and maintenance)

pile installation

vessel traffic (construction and operation)

lighting

Dredging and reclamation

Dredging will have a direct effect on benthic habitat as a result of removal of bed material and contact of

vessel anchors and/or spuds with the bed. There is also the potential for indirect effects associated with

light attenuation by suspended sediment plumes and settlement of suspended sediments on areas

outside of the dredging footprint.

Suspended sediment levels within Darwin Harbour and East Arm are naturally variable. Over each tidal

cycle, and between neap and spring tides, water clarity can substantially change with suspended

sediment loads varying as water carrying sediment flows into and out of mangrove areas and across large

extents of shallow intertidal mud flats. Local benthic habitats are therefore capable of tolerating regular

natural suspended sediment fluctuations within the system.

Any suspended sediment plumes generated during dredging would result in localised effects to water

quality. The generation of suspended sediment plumes during dredging and the potential effects on water

quality are discussed further in Section 7.1.9.

Increases in the concentration of suspended solids may temporarily impact a variety of subtidal benthic

taxa reducing abundance, species diversity and productivity. The deposition of fine sediment over existing

substrate is likely to influence the community structure in favour of those species most able to cope with

fine sediment substrate to the disadvantage of those less able.

All of the benthic communities found in the Project area are well represented elsewhere in Darwin

Harbour. In addition, those in the vicinity of the dredge area are predominantly bare substrates

characterised by benthic species with the ability to recolonise sediments once the disturbance ceases.

Piling

Other potential impacts from the Project include direct impacts associated with the potential for increased

noise and vibration from piling activities and vessel operations.

Increased human activity during construction, including changes in underwater noise levels, may affect

the behaviour of fauna. Sources of underwater noise resulting from construction include:

dredging (and support vessels)

pile installation

armour rock placement.

Those species that have been identified as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the NOI area include

turtles, dugong, dolphins, sawfish and crocodiles. The effects of marine construction operations and

associated noise on most marine mammals are poorly known (Richardson et al. 1995), as the acoustics of

marine mammals, and in particular dugong, is poorly understood (Todd et al. 1996). However, underwater

noise and other loud sounds may affect marine mammals by interfering with their use of sounds in

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communication, for example in relation to navigation and reproduction (Popper et al. 1998). Any Indo-

Pacific Humpback dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins or other dolphin species in the vicinity of the proposed

works may vacate the area on commencement of the proposed in-water works such as dredging and pile

driving. Noise from on-land works is unlikely to disturb marine mammals. To manage any potential

underwater noise issues, measures to avoid and minimise impacts on marine species which are well

established will be included in a PEMP. Measures implemented during piling may include:

pre-start checks for marine animals close to the works

gradual ramp up of pile driving equipment to allow mobile species to evade the works area

consideration of pile driver silencers to minimise noise emissions from piling activities

undertake marine mammal observations prior to and during pile installation works

implement a shut-down zone triggered by a marine species (i.e. dolphin, turtle or dugong) coming

within close proximity to the works.

Vessel traffic

There is already vessel traffic in and around the project area. Small boats and barges travel to and from

the existing marine services operation on the subject site where they use the existing concrete ramp, and

the MUBRF ramp and channel are used by coastal barges and small local boats. Vessels using the

MUBRF travel to and from the ramp along the MUBRF channel. Users include Defence and commercial

operators, and the frequency of use varies. When Defence use the facility it typically involves multiple trips

by several substantial landing barges, over several days. This can involve in the order of 4-5 return trips

per day over the period of use, and the planned usage is for up to 60 days per year.

In addition, commercial vessel usage typically involves a single return trip per user booking per day. This

already occurs and is expected to increase to approximately 4 to 5 uses per week. Small power boats

also operate in and around the MUBRF channel and ramp and the near shore area of the subject site for

recreational fishing and crabbing. To the west, larger vessels and smaller support boats use the MSB

facility via the MSB channel and turning basin.

When considering the potential for interaction, and potentially collision, between vessels and marine

animals such as turtles, dugongs and dolphins, it is fast moving vessels (particularly planning vessels)

which represent a higher risk. This is in turn linked to the number of animals present in the area of

operation, and the awareness and vigilance of the person operating the vessel. In the case of the

proposed Project, although turtles and dolphins are likely to occasionally visit the area, it does not support

habitat which is attractive or frequently utilised by these animals. Consequently the number of these

animals which occur in the area and the frequency of occurrence is low. In the case of dugong the

likelihood of occurrence is expected to be even lower as there is no grazing habitat in the area.

In addition, the nature of the Project is that it will not generate large numbers of vessel movements. The

main difference when compared to the existing vessel traffic in the area is that the project will result in a

small number of larger displacement vessels in the MUBRF channel and the project area (1 to 2 trips per

week). These will be forced to navigate slowly in the area because they will be in a restricted channel and

turning basin. There is a very little risk of collision with marine animals from vessel movements of this

type.

During construction, vessel types operating in the Project area will include dredge (CSD and /or backhoe

on barge), crane barge, piling barge, and attendant tugs. These will be anchored in place most of the time

and when moving will necessarily do so slowly. There will be a small number of smaller support vessels

used, but these will not be travelling at high speed in the Project area.

During operation, the facility will service 1 to 2 vessels per week. Each of these will typically already be

visiting and moving around Darwin Harbour. It is unlikely that the facility will attract many vessels which

are not already calling in to, or based in, Darwin Harbour.

Notice of Intent


Each vessel visiting the facility will travel in the MUBRF channel, tie up in the wet berth area and then

manoeuvre in the basin to enter the ship lift. Departure will involve the reverse sequence. There will be a

small number of small support boats to assist with these operations (e.g. line boats) but the nature of the

operation is that it is not a generator of significant numbers of trips by small fast vessels.

The project is located in an area where there is already considerable vessel activity, particularly given the

proximity to MUBRF, and MSB and their associated channels. Vessels associated with the project will

typically already be in operation in the harbour, and will be larger displacement vessels manoeuvring

slowly. It is not expected that the construction and operation of the facility will have any significant effect

on the risk of vessel impact to marine animals.

Notwithstanding this, it will be necessary to manage the potential for these impacts. The principle focus

will be on the small number of faster vessels associated with the Project (although the issue will be

managed for all vessels). Management measures will include training of the vessel operators to ensure

they are aware of the issue and keep effective watch when navigating.

Lighting

Lighting associated with the proposed Project would not be expected to adversely impact on shorebirds

and turtles any more than what the existing marine facilities along East Arm already do.

The intertidal mangrove habitat within the Project area does not provide suitable nesting habitat for turtles

and once constructed this area will be reclaimed. It is likely that any turtles within the vicinity of the Project

area would be transient visitors, and would not be adversely affected by lighting provided at the site.

Although in certain circumstances night lighting has the potential to disturb shorebird feeding and roosting,

given that the site is already highly disturbed and visited by small numbers of shorebirds, and the fact that

the intertidal area will be reclaimed once construction is complete, the effects of lighting will not result in

any adverse impact to shorebirds.

Furthermore, more suitable areas nearby at the Port have become locally significant habitat for migratory

and wetland birds and will continue to provide habitat. These are well separated from the Project area,

already subject to lighting and disturbance from other East Arm activities, and will not be affected by

lighting from construction and operation of the facility.

The design process will take into consideration the location and arrangement of lights at the site to ensure

they direct downwards and reduce light spill to minimise any nuisance potential.

7.1.7 Pest species

Terrestrial

The Project has some potential to introduce pests through construction (the import of contaminated plant

and equipment and building materials).

The main mechanisms for terrestrial pest introduction or spread include:

import of contaminated plant and equipment

import of contaminated materials, including fill material and construction related materials.

An overarching PEMP will be developed to address pest and quarantine management during both

construction and operation. The PEMP would focus on prevention of the importation of pests by

personnel, plant, equipment and material delivered to site, and response measures.

Notice of Intent


Marine

The facility will include control mechanisms to prevent the introduction of marine pests and will have the

ability to deal with Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) requirements.

The main mechanisms for marine pest introduction or spread include the translocation of pest species

attached to vessel hulls or in niche areas such as propellers, rudders, thrusters, stabilisers and other

submerged areas of a vessel that provide attachment surfaces and shelter during vessel movement

The risk of this occurring is limited to those vessels which come from areas affected by marine pests,

such as vessels from overseas countries. Design and operational measures will be put in place to

manage the potential risk of marine pests, including the capture and containment of all vessel wash down

waste solids for off-site disposal at an approved facility, and the appropriate capture, treatment and

disposal of all wash down waters.

Furthermore, the overarching PEMP will address pest and quarantine management during both

construction and operation. The PEMP would focus on prevention of the importation of pests by

personnel, vessels, plant, equipment and material delivered to site, and first response measures.

7.1.8 Biting insects

Consideration of biting insects and their potential impacts is particularly relevant for personnel protection

during construction and operation of the facility, and is being considered during the design process. The

objective is to avoid and minimise the potential for creating areas suitable for biting insect breeding.

Based on previous reporting and studies conducted within the general vicinity of the Project, management

measures associated with biting insect issues during construction and operation will be developed for the

site and incorporated into the overarching PEMP.

7.1.9 Water quality

Surface water runoff quality

The proposed development will produce site run-off, with associated potential for impact on water quality

in the adjacent Harbour waters. Therefore a key design objective for the Project is to manage the quality

of water discharged during construction and operation of the facility, to avoid adverse effects on the

values in the area of influence.

Potential impacts to surface water runoff quality from the Project are:

interruption to, or reduction of, natural drainage flows

increased suspended sediment loads in surface waters during construction

potential acid generation or release of metals from disturbance of ASS/PASS materials

wastewater and solid waste production during the operation of the facility and the potential for

pollutants to be entrained in runoff water

contamination from leaks and spills of fuels, lubricants, solvents or other products.

ESC and spill prevention will be the primary focus during construction. A PEMP will be developed and will

incorporate measures to appropriately manage any potential ESC issues and spills during construction.

For the operational phase of the Project, a key priority will be to ensure the appropriate management of

contaminants mobilised in wash down and runoff from hardstand work areas. It will be important to

characterise the site activities, priority contaminants, properties of contaminants and develop stormwater

treatment trains tailored to these contaminants. The site itself is largely comprised of hardstand areas

Notice of Intent


which will require routine stormwater treatment (i.e. typical of roads/carparks/general paved lay down),

with special provisions to be applied to waters associated with the wash bay area and the blast and paint

facility.

General use hardstand areas (e.g. for general repairs, laydown, storage) will include a stormwater system

which captures run off and provides treatment consistent with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

principles. This will include trash removal, hydrocarbons removal, and gross pollutant removal, along with

the ability to intervene in the event of spills or emergency response. This treated stormwater runoff will

then discharge to the sea.

Two areas within the facility will need specialised measures, the wash-down bay and the blast and paint

bay. These will be separated from the rest of the hardstand drainage. Water from high pressure jets, dust

control and wash down in these areas will be captured and treated on-site, and either re-used or disposed

of to sewer under a trade waste agreement. Treatment and reuse of water from these bays will reduce the

need the demand for potable water, and reduce the volume which needs to be of disposed of off-site.

These bays will also be designed so that solids which accumulate on the pavement in the bay (e.g.

removed biofouling in the wash-down bay, blasting grit and removed paint, including anti-fouling paint, in

the blast/paint bay) can be cleaned up mechanically as far as is practical, and disposed of as solids to an

off-site approved facility. This will minimise the entry of these solids into the drainage collection system

and minimise the burden on the treatment system.

Rainfall runoff from these bays will be managed by a combination of operational measures (e.g.

scheduling and progressive ‘at source’ solids removal) and capture and treatment. This will target the ‘first

flush’ from the bays, which will be treated before discharge. Runoff in excess of this, for example from

prolonged or large rainfall events, will also be captured and treated via ‘in-line’ runoff treatment measures

including trash removal, hydrocarbons removal and gross pollutant removal, consistent with the approach

for stormwater from the remainder of the general hardstand area.

In summary, process and wash water from higher risk areas (wash-down bay and blast and paint bay) will

be captured, treated and re-used. Excess re-cycled wastewater beyond re-use requirements will be

disposed of to an approved offsite facility, for example to sewer under trade waste agreement. Rainfall

runoff will be captured and managed via appropriate WSUD measures, including proven stormwater

treatment measures. No water will leave the site without appropriate treatment consistent with the

principles of WSUD.

The management of stormwater and potential contaminants mobilised in runoff and wash down waters is

a key input to the design process. The containment and/or treatment of contaminated water, wastewater

and stormwater from the site will be incorporated into the facility design.

Marine water quality

Marine construction and associated activities will result in temporary impacts on marine water quality at

the Project site and adjacent marine area.

Key water quality issues associated with the proposed dredging activity include:

The suspension of fine sediment in the water column as a result of dredging. This can result in the

formation of a suspended sediment plume and reduce sunlight penetration of the water column.

The potential for blanketing effects associated with suspended sediment settling out of the plume

which could smother benthic organisms or change the nature of bottom substrates.

The release of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and/or ammonia) from disturbed sediment in a form

which is readily available for photosynthesis.

During the project construction phase marine water quality will be influenced by dredging which will result

in a temporary local increase to turbidity and suspended sediment levels present in the water column.

Suspended sediment levels within and surrounding the Project area are already highly variable with local

Notice of Intent


benthic habitats capable of tolerating regular natural suspended sediment fluctuations. The benthic

habitats within and surrounding the Project area consist of bare substrates characterised by benthic

species with the ability to recolonise sediments post disturbance. Given the limited benthic habitat values

within and surrounding the proposed works and the lack of seagrass communities, it is unlikely that

suspended sediment plumes generated during dredging would result in any substantial blanketing or

smothering effects, or adverse impacts associated with a reduction in sunlight penetration. Furthermore,

the generation of temporary and localised suspended sediment plumes during dredging would not

adversely impact on the overall quality of water within the Harbour.

Construction of the reclamation area, placement of rock armouring, pile driving and return of dredge

material pond decant water to the harbour waters will also affect physical water quality to varying degrees.

However, through the establishment of suitable and appropriate measures these activities can be

effectively managed and controlled during construction. These will be implemented via the PEMP.

Further assessment of the potential for temporary increases in turbidity and suspended sediment levels

during dredging is proposed so that there is a sound basis for the development of management measures

and trigger values to be applied to monitoring. Marine water quality during dredging, sediment plume

modelling will be undertaken for the representative sediment types present within the proposed Project

area. This will predict the extent of suspended sediment plumes and rate of sediment deposition during

dredging, which will be used to understand the extent of this effect and identify appropriate management

measures and monitoring criteria.

Operational impacts will be minor and will primarily be associated with vessel sediment resuspension and

the risk of leaks and spills. The frequency of any spills at the site would be low with routine prevention and

well established management measures implemented as part of the PEMP.

7.1.10 Air quality

Construction activities associated with the Project, such as earthworks, vegetation clearing, and vehicle

movements will have the potential to affect air quality within and surrounding the Project area.

The key issue during construction will be fugitive dust. Those construction activities which may generate

dust on a temporary and intermittent basis are clearing, earthworks, cut and fill activities, vehicle

movements on unsealed roads, and the loading and unloading of loose materials. In addition, wind

erosion of any stockpiles and unsealed surfaces will also contribute to dust generation.

Impacts may include:

nuisance and amenity impacts to adjacent areas

effects on surrounding terrestrial and marine ecosystems from dust deposition

During operation, the generation of dust will primarily be associated with vessel blasting activities,

however the design of the facility includes measures to contain dust and paint spray.

Possible human receptors sensitive to dust include the construction workforce, and those driving on

surrounding roads.

The Project would not be expected to cause a significant increase in carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen

oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), given that vessels utilising the facility are likely to already be

within the harbour area and during operations vehicle movements on site will be minimal. Emissions of

volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odour emissions would also be expected to be minor, although

VOCs would likely be produced during operation of the facility, for example paint spraying operations,

which may have an odour impact.

Potential air quality impacts during construction and operation will be dealt with in the design process, with

appropriate management measures established and incorporated into the PEMP.

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Greenhouse gases

The principle GHG expected to be produced would be carbon dioxide (CO2), produced by the combustion

of fuels during Project construction and operations. The other direct GHG impact from the Project would

be the removal of vegetation from mangrove clearing and the resulting loss of carbon sink capacity.

Impacts therefore may be summarised as:

increasing levels of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2

removal of carbon sink associated with removal of vegetation

production of gases from the cleared vegetation (the gases produced and relative proportions would

depend on the method(s) used to dispose of the material).

Given the scale and extent of the proposed construction activities, it is not expected that the Project would

contribute to impacts in regards to ozone production and photochemical smog, and is not anticipated to

create notable greenhouse gas pollution.

7.1.11 Noise and Lighting

Noise

Potential impacts of noise generating activities on fauna have been addressed under the marine and

terrestrial ecology sections. This section therefore focusses on the potential effects noise may have on

terrestrial sensitive receptors.

Activities associated with the proposed Project which would be expected to generate noise include:

operation of the dredge (audible noise associated with diesel engine of the dredge)

use of machinery for the reclamation area

pile installation

importing and placing rock and other materials for construction activities.

The Project area is located within a highly disturbed industrial area with no residential suburbs or sensitive

receptors within close proximity to the site.

Noise from dredging and material placement on land would include machinery noise from the dredge

itself, any support vessels and machinery required to transfer material to the pond area and within the

reclamation area.

Noise would be created from the shaping or relocating of dredge material within the proposed reclamation

area and in the construction of the pond. Construction plant used for these activities would include

excavators and trucks for moving and compacting dredged material around the site. End dumping of rock

for the creation of the bund walls would also create some noise nuisance while this activity was occurring.

However, it is not anticipated that these construction related activities would cause any significant noise

nuisance as they are well separated from noise sensitive locations, and would be consistent with

surrounding noise generating activities associated with the Port and other industrial land uses within the

vicinity of the Project.

The construction activity with the most notable noise will be the piling works. Given the nature of the

substrate at the site, it is envisaged that the majority of the piles required for the ship lift would be installed

by a combination of drilling and impact driving utilising a crane barge, piling rig and hydraulic hammer.

Noise associated with these works would be intermittent.

An increase in vehicle traffic will occur along Berrimah Road. However the proposed site is located in an

industrial area with Berrimah Road specifically designed to take frequent heavy vehicle loads.

Notice of Intent


Construction activities are anticipated to occur on a daily basis, 24 hours a day. However, routine

construction related noise associated with the operation of the dredge, machinery and vehicle movements

are not anticipated to cause any significant noise nuisance, particularly given the surrounding

industrialised nature of the area and the lack of sensitive receptors within the vicinity of the Project site.

The activity with the most potential to produce noise is the pile installation works and therefore routine

measures to prevent nuisance during piling which are well established will be incorporated into the PEMP.

Most noise during operation would be related to vehicle movements as well as vessel movements, both

on land and in water. Operation of the ship lift platform, vessel wash down and other maintenance

services would also generate various levels of noise. These would be comparable with the existing

surrounding land uses and activities on the East Arm Peninsula.

Lighting

Works during the night will require additional lighting, potentially both on land and over water. Increased

lighting could result in temporary disruption to wildlife behaviour. The only species which may be affected

by lighting that could potentially occur within the vicinity of the Project area are turtles and shorebirds.

However, given that the area does not provide suitable habitat for turtles, is infrequently used by

shorebirds and the intertidal area will be reclaimed, it is unlikely that any species would be adversely

affected by lighting during construction or operation.

Furthermore, lighting is provided for at the adjacent MUBRF and the Port operates around the clock.

Therefore it is considered that any lighting generated during construction would be comparable with the

surrounding land uses and activities currently undertaken along the East Arm Peninsula.

During operation of the facility, lighting generated would be typical of an industrial site. The facility is

anticipated to primarily operate during normal working hours, however the ship lift and associated berth

areas will need to operate out of normal hours at times, so that tides can be selected which accommodate

the draft of the vessel using the facility. Lighting will therefore be required for vessels to utilise the ship lift

at night. It is also necessary to have security lighting coverage within the facility which will remain on at

night.

The design process will take into consideration the location of lights at the site to ensure they direct

downwards and reduce light spill so as to minimise interference with navigation and any nuisance

potential.

7.1.12 Waste and pollution

A variety of wastes are likely to be generated during both construction and operational phases of the

Project, including:

general waste and construction debris

sewage waste

solid wastes from vessel works (e.g. the blasting solids, metals , removed paint etc.)

hazardous wastes (oil and greases, paints and chemicals).

These waste materials will be appropriately contained, collected and disposed of and any associated

waste waters appropriately contained and treated prior to any discharge.

In summary, process and wash water from higher risk areas (wash-down bay and blast and paint bay) will

be captured, treated and re-used. Excess re-cycled wastewater beyond re-use requirements will be

disposed of to an approved offsite facility, for example to sewer under trade waste agreement. Rainfall

runoff will be captured and managed via appropriate WSUD measures, including proven stormwater

treatment measures. No water will leave the site without appropriate treatment consistent with the

principles of WSUD.

Notice of Intent


The overall management of stormwater and potential contaminants mobilised in runoff and wash down

waters is a key input to the design process. The containment and treatment of contaminated, wastewater

and stormwater from the site will be incorporated into the facility design.

The ability to deal with Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) requirements, where this

may be required, will also be incorporated into the design process.

7.1.13 Traffic

Construction activities will result in an increase in vehicle traffic along Berrimah Road. The proposed site

is however located in an industrial area and is accessed via Berrimah Road which is designed to take

substantial traffic volume including heavy vehicles.

Access to the Port would be maintained throughout the construction phase with site access and potential

conflicts between construction traffic and local traffic to be monitored. A traffic management plan for

construction related activities will be developed. The traffic management plan will include procedures for

notification to other road users, specific communication requirements, and will take into account both

public and site roads.

On water navigation would also be temporarily affected by the proposed over water works, however safe

access would be provided to the existing MUBRF navigation channel at all times.

An increase in vehicle traffic will occur along Berrimah Road. However the proposed site is located in an

industrial area with Berrimah Road specifically designed to take frequent heavy vehicle loads.

It is anticipated that one to two vessels may utilise the ship lift facility each week, and given the locality of

the Project site and its location in relation to the Port, the number of vessel movements associated with

the operation of the ship lift facility would not significantly increase vessel numbers and movements within

the harbour. Most of the vessels which use the facility would be visiting Darwin Harbour irrespective of the

availability of the ship lift facility. The effect of the operation of the facility would be limited to increasing

the number of trips in the MUBRF channel and the facility location itself.

Vehicle access to the site will be designed to ensure the flow of traffic is not impeded, entries and exists to

the site are safe and that Port access remains unaffected.

7.1.14 Cultural heritage

The majority of the area onshore has been disturbed and transformed by historical ground disturbance

and built form. Some parts of the intertidal zone consist of relatively intact mangrove forest and mudflats,

which may reveal evidence of historical Indigenous activities. The risk of encountering any Aboriginal

archaeological items or places is considered to be low given the long history of site disturbance and

marine industry activities carried out within the Project area.

With regard to likely risk to European heritage places, it is unlikely that anything of significant value would

be present within the Project area. The proposed works will not require any disturbance of the Catalina

Wreck sites within and surrounding the Project site. There is the possibility that items of interest are

identified during the clearing of targets on the seabed undertaken as part of UXO clearance surveys for

the site, however this process would be properly managed and correct procedures would be followed

when the survey and/or recovery is undertaken.

The Project will incorporate liaison with the Heritage Branch in Department of Lands, Planning and

Environment (DLPE) on matters such as the scope of assessment and reporting, monitoring and

management plans required.

Furthermore, the Project will liaise with the AAPA and confirm the scope and level of investigation, if

required, and Authority Certificate requirements.

Notice of Intent


7.1.15 Social environment

The proposed Project will support the region’s status as a growing logistics and marine services hub for

northern Australia. It is expected to bring increased employment opportunities and assist in creating

further growth for the NT.

Other potential social impacts which may arise as a result of the proposed works include impacts to public

access, including land and water access, amenity impacts, traffic impacts, and socio-economic impacts.

The Project site is however zoned for strategic industries including port related industries, is currently

used for marine services and has been cleared and disturbed as a result of past and present day

activities. Furthermore, land access to the site will occur along Berrimah Road, however the Project site is

located in an industrial area with Berrimah Road specifically designed to take frequent heavy vehicle

loads. Therefore, given the proposed locality, zoning and industrial nature of the site, it is unlikely that the

proposed works will result in any adverse social impacts.

It is however proposed to implement a program of stakeholder consultation progressively. This will be

integrated with statutory requirements, and staged in-line with the various phases of project design and

implementation. The approach to stakeholder consultation will be refined based on the outcome of project

assessments, and feedback received from stakeholders.

7.2 PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

Further assessment key aspects of the existing environment and potential impacts will be carried out as

the Project design develops. This will include refinement of the design and development of mitigation

measures to avoid or reduce potential impacts. To implement the management measures and other

controls there will need to be a number of key management plans developed which are described in the

following section.

7.2.1 Proposed management plans and environmental commitments

An overarching PEMP will be prepared to ensure potential impacts during construction and operation are

appropriately managed and mitigated. The objective of this PEMP will be to ensure the proposed works

can be carried out with minimal adverse impacts on the environment.

The PEMP will address all issues identified in the impact assessment, with appropriate and proven

management measures implemented for those environmental aspects outlined in Table 9.1, including

aspects such as:

dredging

piling

reclamation

noise

water quality

marine fauna

cultural heritage

The PEMP will cover all dredging and dredge spoil placement activities during construction and will

address:

the proposed dredging methods (capital and maintenance work), including type of dredge and

timelines

the quantity and characteristics of material to be dredged

Notice of Intent


the reuse and/or disposal of dredged material, environmental management framework for the

proposed dredging work, comprising the environmental management objectives, performance criteria,

mitigation measures and reporting and monitoring requirements.

There is also the possibility that items of interest are identified during the clearing of targets on the seabed

undertaken as part of UXO clearance surveys for the site, however this process would be properly

managed and correct procedures would be followed when the survey and/or recovery is undertaken which

would form part of the overall PEMP.

Furthermore, the PEMP will also address biting insects, pest and quarantine management issues during

construction and operation of the facility.

In addition to the PEMP, the Contractor will be required to prepare a site specific Construction EMP

(CEMP) and Operational EMP (OEMP) to document in detail how they will achieve compliance with the

PEMP.

Other management plans to be prepared by the Contractor would include:

Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

ASS Management Plan

Stormwater Management Plan

Traffic Management Plan

Emergency Response Plan

7.2.2 Residual impacts and environmental offsets

Following the environmental management hierarchy, where impacts cannot be mitigated through design,

then proven mitigation and management strategies will be applied to minimise the potential for such

environmental impacts.

Where such strategies are unable to avoid residual impacts, consideration may be given to appropriate

offsets in accordance with the guidelines on environmental offsets and associated approval conditions

(NT EPA, 2013b) and the EPBC Act 1999 Environmental Offsets Policy (DOEE) where applicable.

Notice of Intent


8 Rehabilitation and decommissioning

It is anticipated that the SLAMI facility will remain in active use into the long term, with maintenance,

upgrades and modifications to suit changes in demand, technology and shipping. The current design life

of the facility is 50 years which indicates a potential operational life, taking into consideration upgrades, in

excess of this. Given this timeframe, no rehabilitation or decommissioning of the site is envisaged to

occur.

Notice of Intent


9 Conclusion

This NOI document is the first stage of the environmental assessment process for the SLAMI Project. The

large volume of relevant information which exists (summarised in this NOI), the existing industrial nature

of the site and surrounds, and the number of precedent projects in Darwin Harbour with similar elements

provide a sound basis for understanding the potential impacts arising from the SLAMI Project. There is

also a large amount of information available on management measures which have been approved and

effectively implemented on similar projects. As described in this NOI, it is concluded that there is limited

potential for adverse impacts associated with the Project and these can be effectively managed.

It is acknowledged that effective site and activity specific management and monitoring measures will need

to be developed and implemented. Performance criteria will also be developed. The intention is that the

development of these will be based on existing relevant published data where that is available, and that

new site specific assessment would be limited to those aspects which warrant that.

Table 9.1 provides a summary of the issues identified, whether further assessment is warranted, and the

management approach to be implemented.

Table 9.1 Summary of proposed impact assessment approach

Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism

Further investigations Proposed Management to be

adopted

Climate Provides the basis

for other impact

assessments

Rely on existing data.

The Project will ensure design,

construction and operation of the

ship lift facility address local

seasonal weather conditions and

tides, extreme events and the

longer term potential rise in sea

level.

Ensure these factors are

accounted for in the design.

Develop PEMP and Emergency

Response Plans.

Notice of Intent


Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism


adopted

Geology,

Landforms and

Soil

Runoff and

sedimentation

Disturbance of

ASS material

Contaminated

material handling

and management

Rely on existing data from land

geotechnical investigations

carried out at the site.

Utilise outcomes from existing

sediment characterisation and


undertaken for the MUBRF,

MSB and East Arm Wharf.

Carry out site specific


(commenced) to confirm

geophysical results and inform

dredge design and construction

methodology.

Carry out a targeted marine

sediment testing program (mid-

2018) to confirm outcomes of

previous studies and the

physical and chemical

characteristics of the material

within the area to be dredged.

Develop Erosion and Sediment

Control Plan.

Develop Acid Sulphate Soils

Management Plan.

Develop and incorporate

measures in overarching PEMP,

and subsequently the CEMP and

OEMP.

Coastal

Processes

Potential impact

on tidal currents

and sediment

transport

Potential for

effects on coastal

processes

Review and utilise outcomes of

other published assessments

and studies conducted within

the Harbour (e.g. East Arm

Wharf, INPEX).

Site specific modelling

conducted to support the design

process. Outcomes from this

including, currents, wave,

extreme events, and sea level

rise allowance used to inform

the design, construction and

long term management of the

facility.

Ensure outcomes of

hydrodynamic modelling are


Incorporate measures in

overarching PEMP, and

subsequently the CEMP and

OEMP.

Hydrology Modification to the

sites existing

surface water

runoff regime

Potential

alterations to tidal

currents

Rely on published information

and observations from land

geotechnical investigations.

Utilise design assessment of

runoff to inform impact

assessment.

Utilise hydrodynamic modelling

results to assess tidal currents.

Routine management measures

to be developed and incorporated

into overarching PEMP, and


OEMP.

Notice of Intent


Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism


adopted

Terrestrial

Ecology

Impact on

threatened or

migratory

terrestrial species

Removal of

mangroves

Disturbance to

shorebirds

Introduction

and/or spread of

weeds

Potential to

introduce pest and

quarantine threats

to the area

Utilise existing published data

and site observations on

terrestrial habitats and species

within the area of the Project.

Conduct a targeted ecology

survey of the mangrove area to

be cleared to understand habitat

values and confirm absence of

threatened species.

Utilise existing published

shorebird data and studies

conducted at East Arm.

Supplement existing shorebird

data with a targeted site

assessment

Develop management measures

to address clearing activities.

Develop pest and quarantine

management measures.

Develop and incorporate

measures in overarching PEMP,

and subsequently the CEMP and

OEMP.

Marine

Ecology

Impact on

threatened or

migratory marine

species

Underwater noise

impacts on marine

mega fauna (pile

installation)

Dredging impacts

on marine flora

and fauna

Potential to

introduce pest and

quarantine threats

to the area

Conduct a targeted marine

benthic habitat survey of the

areas to be disturbed during

construction to confirm previous

studies / investigations

Rely on existing published data

for marine mega fauna.

Utilise published studies and

data to assess underwater noise

impacts on marine mega fauna.

Obtain specialist input to assess

underwater noise issues

applicable to the Project.


to address marine fauna impacts

to be incorporated into



OEMP.

Apply routine underwater noise

management measures to

address pile installation activities.

Apply routine management

measures to address dredge

operations.

Develop dredging and dredge

spoil placement management

measures for incorporation in

PEMP.

Develop pest and quarantine

management measures for

incorporation in PEMP.

Biting Insects Potential for

increased biting

insects

Rely on existing data and

undertake review based

assessment of available biting

insect data and published

studies.


to be developed and incorporated

into overarching PEMP, and


OEMP.

Notice of Intent


Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism


adopted

Water Quality Surface water

contamination

Erosion and

sedimentation

Temporary

deterioration of

marine water

quality during

construction,

specifically

turbidity

Spills and leaks

Rely on published background

water quality data and

guidelines/criteria relevant to the

site to assess surface water

quality.

Utilise information from the

design process to address

surface water quality issues.

Conduct short term site specific

water quality monitoring and

compare with published data to

evaluate water conditions at the

site.

Rely on outcomes of

hydrodynamic modelling to

address suspended sediment

and initial settled sediment

during dredging.

Review and utilise published

information and site specific

data from sediment analysis to

evaluate effects of nutrient /

metal release from sediment

suspension during dredging.

Rely on existing receiving

environment data and published

studies and apply NT guidelines

where relevant to establish pond

discharge criteria, and analyse

the effects of discharge water at

the proposed criteria levels.

Utilise information from the

design process to evaluate

discharge water from the dredge

sediment pond.

Develop dredging and dredge

spoil placement management

measures for incorporation in

PEMP.

Incorporate measures in design to

address surface water, erosion

and sediment control, pond

discharge and spills and leaks.

Incorporate measures into



OEMP.

Develop Stormwater Management

Plan.

Develop Erosion and Sediment

Control Plan.

Develop Emergency Response

Plans in the event of any spills or

leaks on site (land and water).

Air Quality Dust generation

Utilise published air shed data

and guidelines on control

requirements for dust and

emissions.

Develop effective

containment/management

measures to address air quality

issues during both construction

and operation.

Ensure these factors are


Incorporate measures into



OEMP.

Notice of Intent


Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism


adopted

Noise and

Lighting

Terrestrial noise

impacts (vehicle

and machinery

movements)

Lighting nuisance

Rely on existing data, review

possible sensitive receptors and

undertake desktop estimation of

noise impacts during

construction.

Utilise existing information and

data on normal construction

related lighting and review

possible sensitive receptors.

Utilise design inputs, review

published studies and possible

sensitive receptors to assess

operational lighting, and conduct

a general line of sight analysis

to compare with existing

facilities nearby.


measures to address construction

related land based noise issues.



related lighting issues.


minimise lighting issues.




OEMP.

Waste and

Pollution

Generation of

liquid and solid

wastes

Review potential waste

materials and generation during

construction.

Review potential waste streams

associated with the operation of

the facility and utilise design

information and relevant

guidelines to develop the waste

management approach for the

site.



related waste issues.


minimise waste impacts.




OEMP.

Develop Stormwater Management

Plan.

Develop Emergency Response

Plan in the event of any spills or

leaks on site (land and water).

Traffic Increased traffic

on Berrimah Road

Review traffic data and likely

traffic movements during

construction and operation.




OEMP.

Develop Traffic Management

Plan.

Notice of Intent


Environmental

Aspect

Key Impact

Mechanism


adopted

Cultural

Heritage

Potential

disturbance of

archaeological

sites

Potential

disturbance of

heritage sites

Rely on existing published

information for both European

and Indigenous Heritage.

Review registers and existence

of any archaeological sites and

heritage sites in Project area.

Review and utilise outcome of

UXO clearance survey.

Obtain specialist input for

Indigenous Heritage and consult

with Traditional Owners.

The Project will discuss

Indigenous archaeological and

non-indigenous heritage

requirements with the Heritage

Branch in DLPE, such as the

scope and level of investigation,

reporting, monitoring and

management plans required.

A number of clearances have

been undertaken previously as

part of other projects along the

East Arm Peninsula (specifically

the MUBRF, MSB and East Arm

Wharf).

The Project will discuss

requirements with the AAPA

during impact assessment, such

as the scope and level of

investigation, reporting,

monitoring, and management

plans and Authority Certificate

requirements.

Social

Environment

Potential public

access and traffic

impacts.

Potential loss of

public amenity.

Potential socio-

economic

impacts.

Monitor the potential for public

access, traffic, amenity and

socio-economic impacts.

Carry out stakeholder consultation

progressively in line with each

stage of Project assessment and

implementation.

Notice of Intent


10 References

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Notice of Intent


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East Arm, prepared for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00, September 2015.

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Park, East Arm, prepared for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00, September 2015.

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Arm, prepared for Land Development Corporation, Project 78202.00, October 2015.

Earth Sea Heritage Surveys, 2011, Archaeological Survey of the East Arm Wharf Expansion and

Surrounding Area, Darwin NT, Report prepared for URS Corporation, March 2011.

EMS, 2011, East Arm Wharf Expansion Project, Terrestrial flora and fauna Assessment, Report prepared

for URS Australia/Northern Territory / Department Land and Planning, March 2011.

Geo Oceans, 2012, Marine Habitat Mapping Survey, NT Department of Land and Planning – East Arm

Wharf Expansion Project DLPEAWMAP.406, prepared for URS Australia Pty Ltd, 2012.

GHD, 2006, Quarantine Waste Treatment Facility, Air Quality Assessment, prepared for DPC.

INPEX 2010, Ichthys Gas Field Development Project, Draft EIS, Chapter 3, Existing Natural, Social and

Economic Environment.

Last, P.R., and Stevens, J. D., 1994, Sharks and Rays of Australia, CSIRO, Melbourne.

Lilleyman, A., Lawes, M.J. & Garnett, S.T., 2013, Migratory shorebirds in Darwin Harbour, Northern

Territory. Report to the Department of Business, Northern Territory Government.

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Territory, Interim Report 2, Report to the Department of Business, Northern Territory Government.

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NT EPA, 2013, Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Marine Dredging in the Northern

Territory, Environment Protection Authority, November 2013, Version 2.0.

NTG, 2013, Northern Territory Planning Scheme, Northern Territory Government,

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34/1997D, Water Quality Branch, Water Resources Division, Department of Lands Planning and

Environment, Darwin.

Padovan, A., 2003, Darwin Harbour water and sediment quality, Proceedings of the Darwin Harbour

Public Presentations Philipp E. and Fabricius K. 2003, Photophysiological stress in scleractinian corals

in response to short-term sedimentation, J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 287:57-78.

Palmer, C., 2008, Coastal dolphin research in the Northern Territory, Marine Biodiversity Group,

Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport, presentation made at the Coast to

Coast Conference 2008, Darwin.

Peverell, S., Gribble, N., and Larson, H., 2004, Sawfish, In Description of key species groups in the

Northern Planning Area, pp. 75‐83, National Oceans Office, Hobart.

Notice of Intent


Popper, A. N., Ketten, D., Dooling, R., Price, J. R., Brill, R., Erbe, C., Schusterman, R. & Ridgway, S.,

1998, Effects of anthropogenic sounds on the hearing of marine animals, in: ‘Proceedings of the

Workshop on the Effects of Anthropogenic Noise in the Marine Environment’, (ed R. C. Gisiner.), Pp 19-

57, Office of Naval Research, Virginia.

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Academic Press, San Diego.

Russell, B. C. & Hewitt, C. L., 2000, Baseline survey of the Port of Darwin for introduced marine pest

species, report to the Northern Territory Department of Transport and Works, Northern Territory

Government, Darwin.

SMEC, 2017, SLAMI FEED Study, Multi-Criteria Assessment - Rail Vs SPMT, prepared for Northern Ship

Support Pty Ltd, Reference No. 30080071-103 Rev 1, 28 November 2017.

Stirrat, S., Larson H., and Woinarski J., 2006, Threatened Species of the Northern Territory - Green

Sawfish Pristis Zijsron, Northern Territory Government, May 2006.

Thorburn, D.C., Peverell, S., Stevens, S., Last, J.D., and Rowland, A.J., 2003, Status of freshwater and

estuarine elasmobranchs in Northern Australia. Report to Natural Heritage Trust, Canberra.

Todd, S., Stevick, P., Lien, J., Marques, F., and Ketten, D. 1996, Behavioural effects to underwater

explosions in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Canadian Journal of Zoology, 74, 1661-

1672

URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS), 2008, Marine Water and Sediment Quality Study. 42906729-1892: R1359.

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URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS), 2009, Ichthys Gas Field Development Project: nearshore marine ecology

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URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS), 2012, East Arm Wharf Expansion Project: Sediment Geochemical

Investigation. Report prepared for Department of Lands and Planning, R1638, July 2012.

URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS), 2014, Multiuser Barge Facility Sediment Geochemical Investigation. Report

prepared for Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, 42214008/MUBF SGI/0, April 2014

Walsh K, McInnes K and Abbs D., 2002, Sea level rise projections and planning in Australia, Coast to

Coast 2002 Conference Proceedings, Coastal CRC, Indooroopilly.

Warchot, A. and Whelan, P., 2010, 'Mosquito breeding sites East Arm Port sediment ponds area January

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Whiting, S. D., 2003, Marine mammals and marine reptiles of Darwin Harbour, proceedings of the Darwin

Harbour Public Presentations, Darwin Harbour Plan of Management.

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Wolanski EJ (ed) The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours.

Appendix A

Land Tenure, Plans and Certificates

Appendix B

Legislation, Policies and Guidelines

Appendix B

Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project NOI - Appendix B | 20 April 2018 | Page 1

RELEVANT LEGISLATION

A summary of Commonwealth and Territory legislation expected to be relevant to the Project and activities proposed to be undertaken are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1 Relevant Legislation

Applicable Legislation Relevance

Commonwealth Legislation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (ATSIHP Act)

Provides for the preservation and protection from injury or desecration of areas and objects in Australia and in Australian waters that are of significance to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003 (ACH Act)

Provides for the protection through assessment, registration and conservation of areas of National and Commonwealth heritage significance.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990

Promotes maritime safety and provides for the protection of the marine environment from pollution and other environmental damage caused by shipping, and creates a national search and rescue service.

Biosecurity Act 2015 Provides for managing biosecurity risks, the risk of contagion of a listed human disease, the risk of listed human diseases entering, establishing or spreading in Australia, risks related to ballast water, biosecurity emergencies and human biosecurity emergencies.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Provides for protection and conservation of matters of National environmental significance (MNES) and assessment of projects that could impact on MNES.

Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989

Provides for the regulation of the export, import and transit of hazardous waste to ensure that exported, imported or transited waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner so that human beings and the environment, both within and outside Australia, are protected from the harmful effects of the waste.

Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 (HS Act) Protects all shipwrecks older than 75 years and other declared historically significant shipwrecks from interference, damage or removal of the shipwreck or artefacts.

Note: All shipwrecks from the 1942/43 Japanese air raids on Darwin will automatically be protected during 2017/2018 as the 75th Anniversary of their destruction/sinking occurs.

Native Title Act 1993 (NT Act) Provides for the recognition and protection of native title and to establish ways in which future dealings affecting native title may proceed.

Navigation Act 2012 Provides for the promotion of the safety of life at sea and safe navigation; and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment.

Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993

Provides for securing the health, safety and welfare at work of maritime industry employees and to protect persons at or near workplaces from risks to health and safety arising out of the activities of maritime industry employees at work.

Note: This Act would apply to people and companies undertaking servicing and maintenance on a ship.

Protection of the Sea (Harmful Anti-fouling Systems) Act 2006 (PS(HAS) Act)

Provides for the protection of the sea from harmful anti-fouling systems and certification of the application or use of anti-fouling systems.

Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 (PS(PPS)Act)

Provides for the protection of the sea from pollution in any form from ships.

Radiocommunications Act 1992 Provides for management of the radiofrequency spectrum in order to provide for use by agencies involved in the defence or national security of Australia, law enforcement or the provision of emergency services and for use by other public or community services; and to encourage the use of efficient radio communication technologies so that a wide range of services of an adequate quality can be provided.

Appendix B



Northern Territory Legislation

Building Act Provides for the establishing of technical standards for buildings, the registration of building practitioners and certifiers, the regulation of building matters, the granting of building permits and occupancy certification and the establishing of a building appeal process. (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Control of Roads Act Provides for the administration and control of roads, including the construction, maintenance, opening and closing of roads. (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Crown Lands Act Provides for the management of Crown Lands including the grant of lands in fee-simple, the issue of leases and the grant of Occupation Licences. (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Dangerous Goods Act Provides for the safe storage, handling and transport of certain dangerous goods and provides for the certification of gasfitters working on fuel gas and autogas systems and for the prior notification of work for the installation, repair, alteration or removal of a fuel gas system or the connection of a gas appliance and for the issue of a certificate of compliance or autogas certificate of compliance for such work and for fixing of a fuel gas or autogas compliance plate to the fuel gas system. (Department of Attorney General and Justice)

Darwin Port Corporation Act Provides for the establishment and operation of the Darwin Port Corporation (DPC) and for the control and management of the Port of Darwin. (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Electrical Workers and Contractors Act Provides for the licensing of electrical workers and electrical contractors. (Department of Attorney General and Justice)

Electricity Reform Act Provides for the certification by appropriately licensed electrical workers and electrical contractors, of electrical work that will be connected to the electricity supply network. (Department of Attorney General and Justice (safety regulation) and Department of Treasury and Finance (economic regulation))

Environmental Assessment Act Provides for the assessment of the environmental effects of development proposals and for the protection of the environment. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Fire and Emergency Act Provides for the establishment of the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service and its operational and emergency response activities. It also provides for the protection of life, property and the environment against fires and for responses to other emergencies. (Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service)

Fisheries Act Manage the aquatic resources of the Territory in accordance with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), while managing a single fish or an ecosystem, promoting appropriate protection of fish and fish habitats. Maintain stewardship of aquatic resources with a flexible approach to management of aquatic resources and habitats. (Department of Primary Industry and Resources)

Heritage Act Provides for the conservation of the Territory's cultural and natural heritage, for the establishment of the Heritage Council and the NT Heritage Register; the criteria for listing heritage places and the process for obtaining approval to work on heritage places. (Department of Tourism and Culture)

Land Title Act Provides for the registration and transfer of land and interests in land. (Department of Attorney General and Justice)

Marine Act Regulates shipping in the Northern Territory and provides for the application to the Territory of the uniform shipping laws code and for the regulation of various matters including approval of private navigational aids in the Northern Territory (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Appendix B



Marine Pollution Act Protects the marine and coastal environment of the Northern Territory by seeking to minimise intentional and negligent discharges of ship-sourced pollutants into coastal waters. The Act complements the Commonwealth legislation for waters outside Northern Territory coastal waters.

Provides for responding to pollution by oil, noxious liquids, sewage and other harmful substances and pollution by garbage. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act

Provides for the establishment of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) as the body responsible for overseeing the protection of sacred sites in the Northern Territory.

The AAPA provides the process for avoidance of and for entry onto sacred sites and the issue of Authority Certificates which indemnify the holder against prosecution under the Act for damage to sacred sites in the certificate area, provided the holder carries out the works or use in accordance with the conditions of the Authority Certificate. (Minister for Environment and Natural Resources)

Planning Act Provides for the orderly planning and control of sustainable use and development of land with appropriate consultation and fair and open decision making processes. It also provides for the grant of development consents that permit, prohibit, restrict or impose conditions on a use or development of land. (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Public and Environmental Health Act Provides for the management of issues likely to affect public and environmental health. Provides management guidelines for the prevention of breeding and control of mosquitoes and other pests. (Department of Health)

Soil Conservation and Land Utilisation Act Provides for the prevention of soil erosion and for the conservation and reclamation of soil. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act

Provides for the establishment of Territory Parks and other Parks and Reserves and the study, protection, conservation and sustainable utilisation of wildlife. It sets aside areas of the Territory as parks and conservation areas that may not be developed. (Department of Tourism and Culture, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (National Uniform Legislation) Act

Provides for the safe transport of dangerous goods by road and rail around Australia, as part of the system of nationally consistent transport laws. It provides guidelines on packaging, signage and transport of dangerous goods. (Department of Attorney General and Justice)

Waste Management and Pollution Control Act

Provides for the protection, restoration and enhancement of the quality of the NT environment through encouragement of effective waste management and pollution prevention and control practices; the encouragement of ecologically sustainable development; and facilitation of the implementation of National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPMs) established by the National Environment Protection Council. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Weeds Management Act Provides for the protection of the NT economy, community and environment from the adverse impact of weeds by preventing the spread of weeds in, into and out of the Territory and to ensure that the management of weeds is an integral component of land management. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act

Provides for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by promoting occupational health and safety in the Northern Territory to prevent workplace injuries and diseases, and to protect the public from impacts of work activities. (Department of Attorney General and Justice)

Appendix B


POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Those policies and guidelines that are expected to apply to the Project are outlined in Table 2.

Table 2 Relevant policies and guidelines

Relevant Policies and Guidelines Relevance

Land Clearing Guidelines, Northern Territory Planning Scheme, Technical Report No. 20 / 2009D, (former) Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS), 2010

The NT Land Clearing Guidelines play a role in guiding good land development practice in the Northern Territory by establishing standards for native vegetation clearing, including the clearing of mangroves.

Mangrove Management in the Northern Territory, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, 2002

Direction for the research and management of mangrove ecosystems.

Guidelines on environmental offsets and associated approval conditions, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Darwin, NT, November 2013, Version 2.0

Developed by the NT EPA to provide guidance for impact assessment and applications for overarching approvals with regard to environmental offsets.

Guidelines for Assessment of Impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Darwin, NT, November 2013, Version 2.0

Developed by the NT EPA to provide guidance for impact assessment and applications for overarching approvals with regard to terrestrial biodiversity.

Environmental Guidelines for Reclamation in Coastal Areas, NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA), 2006

Developed by the NT EPA to provide practical environmental advice to developers who are planning to undertake reclamation work in coastal regions of the Northern Territory. The guidelines apply to activities such as foreshore filling in coastal areas and along rivers, canal estate, marina and port developments, coastal aquaculture developments and development occurring on coastal floodplains.

Guidelines for the environmental assessment of marine dredging in the Northern Territory, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Darwin, NT, November 2013, Version 2.0

Developed by the NT EPA to provide practical environmental advice to developers planning to undertake dredging in marine and estuarine waters of the NT.

Guidelines on Mixing Zones, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Darwin, NT, January 2013, Version 1.2

Developed by the NT EPA as an authoritative guide for setting water quality objectives to sustain environmental values.

Provides specific water quality for each environmental value and the context in which it should be applied.

Darwin Harbour Water Quality Protection Plan, Department of Land Resource Management, February 2014

Plan to identify and address key water quality risks to values of Darwin Harbour and its catchments. Follows the Commonwealth Framework for Marine and Estuarine Water Quality Protection.

Australia and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC) Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000), &

National Water Quality Management Strategy (1992), (Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), &

The Framework for Marine and Estuarine Water Quality Protection (no date), DEWHA

Guidance on the facilitation of the assessment and management of water quality in a range of water resource types. Provides an authoritative guide for setting water quality objectives to sustain environmental values and provides specific water quality for each environmental value and the context in which it should be applied.

Appendix B


Relevant Policies and Guidelines Relevance

A Stormwater Strategy for the Darwin Harbour Region, NT EPA, August 2014, Version 1.0

Developed by the NT EPA and provides a basis for improving the management of stormwater quality entering Darwin Harbour.

National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure 1998, and National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure 2004

Provides air quality goals for maximum permissible levels of pollutants in ambient air.

Noise guidelines for development sites in the Northern Territory, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, May 2014

Developed by the NT EPA to provide guidance to the community and industry on noise associated with development sites with the objective to protect noise sensitive receptors from unreasonable construction noise while supporting an active construction industry.

Guidelines to Prevent Pollution from Building Sites, Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority, Darwin, NT, November 2015, Version 1

Developed by the NT EPA to provide simple, effective and realistic advice on how to adopt control methods and procedures on building sites to ensure impacts on the environment are minimised.

Development Guidelines for Northern Territory Government Controlled Roads, Department of Transport, April 2015, Version 1.0

Developed by the Department of Transport and apply to any development or infrastructure that impacts on the road network or that will ultimately be transferred to the NTG. These Guidelines also outline the Department’s involvement in the assessment of land use development applications under the Planning Act and provide details of the Department’s approval processes.

Appendix C

EPBC Protected Matters Report

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other mattersprotected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in thecaveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines,forms and application process details.

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Acknowledgements

Buffer: 1.0Km

Matters of NES

Report created: 17/04/18 16:59:23

Coordinates

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

CaveatExtra Information

DetailsSummary

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

Summary

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or mayrelate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can beaccessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have asignificant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider theAdministrative Guidelines on Significance.

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities:

Listed Migratory Species:

None

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:

Wetlands of International Importance:

Listed Threatened Species:

None

37

None

None

National Heritage Places:

Commonwealth Marine Area:

World Heritage Properties:

None

None

62

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken onCommonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of aplace are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of aCommonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found athttp://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

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

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatenedspecies or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member ofa listed marine species.


None

None

12

Listed Marine Species:

Whales and Other Cetaceans:

101

Commonwealth Heritage Places:

None

None

Critical Habitats:

Commonwealth Land:

Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial:

NoneCommonwealth Reserves Marine:

Extra Information

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

1

NoneState and Territory Reserves:

Nationally Important Wetlands:

NoneRegional Forest Agreements:

Invasive Species: 28

NoneKey Ecological Features (Marine)

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits-and-application-forms

Details

Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceBirds

Red Knot, Knot [855] Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calidris canutus

Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea

Great Knot [862] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Calidris tenuirostris

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Charadrius leschenaultii

Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Charadrius mongolus

Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Gouldian Finch [413] Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Erythrura gouldiae

Partridge Pigeon (eastern) [64441] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Geophaps smithii smithii

Bar-tailed Godwit (baueri), Western Alaskan Bar-tailedGodwit [86380]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica baueri

Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit(menzbieri) [86432]

Critically Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica menzbieri

Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis

Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rostratula australis

Masked Owl (northern) [26048] Vulnerable Species or speciesTyto novaehollandiae kimberli

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Name Status Type of Presencehabitat likely to occur withinarea

Mammals

Fawn Antechinus [344] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Antechinus bellus

Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus

Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat, Brush-tailed Tree-rat,Pakooma [132]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Conilurus penicillatus

Northern Quoll, Digul [Gogo-Yimidir], Wijingadda[Dambimangari], Wiminji [Martu] [331]

Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dasyurus hallucatus

Ghost Bat [174] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Macroderma gigas

Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae

Black-footed Tree-rat (Kimberley and mainlandNorthern Territory), Djintamoonga, Manbul [87618]

Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Mesembriomys gouldii gouldii

Nabarlek (Top End) [87606] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Petrogale concinna canescens

Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale [82954] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Phascogale pirata

Bare-rumped Sheath-tailed Bat, Bare-rumpedSheathtail Bat [66889]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus

Water Mouse, False Water Rat, Yirrkoo [66] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Xeromys myoides

Reptiles

Plains Death Adder [83821] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Acanthophis hawkei

Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Caretta caretta

Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Chelonia mydas

Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Dermochelys coriacea

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata

Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Lepidochelys olivacea

Name Status Type of Presence

Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Natator depressus

Sharks

White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias

Northern River Shark, New Guinea River Shark[82454]

Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Glyphis garricki

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis clavata

Freshwater Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]

Vulnerable Breeding likely to occurwithin area

Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceMigratory Marine Birds

Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Anous stolidus

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calonectris leucomelas

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Fregata ariel

Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Fregata minor

Little Tern [82849] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Sternula albifrons

Migratory Marine Species

Narrow Sawfish, Knifetooth Sawfish [68448] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Anoxypristis cuspidata

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or speciesCarcharodon carcharias

Name Threatened Type of Presencehabitat may occur withinarea


Caretta caretta


Chelonia mydas

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus



Dugong [28] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dugong dugon

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area




Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore MantaRay, Prince Alfred's Ray, Resident Manta Ray [84994]

Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Manta alfredi

Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific MantaRay, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray [84995]


Manta birostris




Natator depressus

Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area


Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis clavata

Freshwater Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]

Vulnerable Breeding likely to occurwithin area

Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Sousa chinensis

Name Threatened Type of Presence

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Seapopulations) [78900]

Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Migratory Terrestrial Species

Red-rumped Swallow [80610] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cecropis daurica

Oriental Cuckoo, Horsfield's Cuckoo [86651] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cuculus optatus

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla cinerea

Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla flava

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Migratory Wetlands Species

Oriental Reed-Warbler [59570] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acrocephalus orientalis

Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos

Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Arenaria interpres

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris acuminata

Sanderling [875] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris alba


Calidris canutus


Calidris ferruginea

Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Calidris melanotos

Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris ruficollis



Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known


Name Threatened Type of Presenceto occur within area


Charadrius mongolus

Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Charadrius veredus

Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago megala

Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago stenura

Oriental Pratincole [840] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Glareola maldivarum

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Limosa limosa



Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Numenius minutus

Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Numenius phaeopus

Osprey [952] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pandion haliaetus

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis fulva

Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis squatarola

Grey-tailed Tattler [851] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Tringa brevipes

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tringa nebularia

Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Xenus cinereus

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceBirds

Oriental Reed-Warbler [59570] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acrocephalus orientalis

Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos

Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Anous stolidus

Magpie Goose [978] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Anseranas semipalmata

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Ardea alba

Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Ardea ibis

Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Arenaria interpres

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris acuminata

Sanderling [875] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris alba


Calidris canutus


Calidris ferruginea

Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Calidris melanotos

Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris ruficollis



Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitatknown to occur

Calonectris leucomelas


Name Threatened Type of Presencewithin area

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area



Charadrius mongolus

Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Charadrius veredus

Oriental Cuckoo, Himalayan Cuckoo [710] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cuculus saturatus

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Fregata ariel

Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Fregata minor

Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago megala

Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago stenura

Oriental Pratincole [840] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Glareola maldivarum

White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster

Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Heteroscelus brevipes

Red-rumped Swallow [59480] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hirundo daurica

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Limosa limosa

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Merops ornatus

Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla cinerea

Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla flava




Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Numenius minutus

Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Numenius phaeopus

Osprey [952] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pandion haliaetus

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis fulva

Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis squatarola

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato)

Little Tern [813] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Sterna albifrons

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tringa nebularia

Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Xenus cinereus

Fish

Three-keel Pipefish [66192] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Campichthys tricarinatus

Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish, Short-bodied Pipefish[66194]


Choeroichthys brachysoma

Pig-snouted Pipefish [66198] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Choeroichthys suillus

Fijian Banded Pipefish, Brown-banded Pipefish[66199]


Corythoichthys amplexus

Reticulate Pipefish, Yellow-banded Pipefish, NetworkPipefish [66200]


Corythoichthys flavofasciatus

Reef-top Pipefish [66201] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Corythoichthys haematopterus

Bluestripe Pipefish, Indian Blue-stripe Pipefish, PacificBlue-stripe Pipefish [66211]


Doryrhamphus excisus


Cleaner Pipefish, Janss' Pipefish [66212] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Doryrhamphus janssi

Girdled Pipefish [66214] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Festucalex cinctus

Brock's Pipefish [66219] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus brocki

Mud Pipefish, Gray's Pipefish [66221] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus grayi

Spiny-snout Pipefish [66225] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus spinirostris

Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned Seadragon [66226] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Haliichthys taeniophorus

Blue-speckled Pipefish, Blue-spotted Pipefish [66228] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys cyanospilos

Short-keel Pipefish, Short-keeled Pipefish [66230] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys parvicarinatus

Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys penicillus

Spiny Seahorse, Thorny Seahorse [66236] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus histrix

Spotted Seahorse, Yellow Seahorse [66237] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus kuda

Flat-face Seahorse [66238] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus planifrons

Hedgehog Seahorse [66239] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus spinosissimus

Tidepool Pipefish [66255] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Micrognathus micronotopterus

Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's Pipehorse [66272] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solegnathus hardwickii

Gunther's Pipehorse, Indonesian Pipefish [66273] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solegnathus lettiensis

Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish,[66183]


Solenostomus cyanopterus

Rough-snout Ghost Pipefish [68425] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solenostomus paegnius


Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse,Alligator Pipefish [66279]


Syngnathoides biaculeatus

Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short-tailedPipefish [66280]


Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus

Straightstick Pipefish, Long-nosed Pipefish, StraightStick Pipefish [66281]


Trachyrhamphus longirostris

Mammals

Dugong [28] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dugong dugon

Reptiles

Horned Seasnake [1114] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acalyptophis peronii

Dubois' Seasnake [1116] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus duboisii

Spine-tailed Seasnake [1117] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus eydouxii

Olive Seasnake [1120] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus laevis

Stokes' Seasnake [1122] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Astrotia stokesii


Caretta caretta


Chelonia mydas

Freshwater Crocodile, Johnston's Crocodile,Johnston's River Crocodile [1773]


Crocodylus johnstoni

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus



Spectacled Seasnake [1123] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira kingii

Olive-headed Seasnake [1124] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira major

Beaked Seasnake [1126] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Enhydrina schistosa

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur


Name Threatened Type of Presencewithin area

Black-ringed Seasnake [1100] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrelaps darwiniensis

Black-headed Seasnake [1101] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis atriceps

Slender-necked Seasnake [25925] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis coggeri

Elegant Seasnake [1104] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis elegans

Plain Seasnake [1107] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis inornatus

null [25926] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis mcdowelli

Spotted Seasnake, Ornate Reef Seasnake [1111] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis ornatus

Large-headed Seasnake, Pacific Seasnake [1112] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis pacificus

Spine-bellied Seasnake [1113] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Lapemis hardwickii




Natator depressus

Northern Mangrove Seasnake [1090] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Parahydrophis mertoni

Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Pelamis platurus

Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceMammals

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin [60] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Delphinus delphis

Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Grampus griseus




Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area


Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Sousa chinensis

Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Stenella attenuata

Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted BottlenoseDolphin [68418]

Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Seapopulations) [78900]

Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Tursiops truncatus s. str.

Extra Information

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ]Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plantsthat are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. Thefollowing feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps fromLandscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of PresenceBirds

Common Myna, Indian Myna [387] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Acridotheres tristis

Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Columba livia

House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Passer domesticus

Eurasian Tree Sparrow [406] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Passer montanus

Common Starling [389] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sturnus vulgaris

Name Status Type of PresenceFrogs

Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhinella marina

Mammals

Water Buffalo, Swamp Buffalo [1] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Bubalus bubalis

Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris

Horse [5] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Equus caballus

Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Felis catus

House Mouse [120] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Mus musculus

Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rattus rattus

Pig [6] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sus scrofa

Plants

Gamba Grass [66895] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Andropogon gayanus

Pond Apple, Pond-apple Tree, Alligator Apple,Bullock's Heart, Cherimoya, Monkey Apple, Bobwood,Corkwood [6311]


Annona glabra

Para Grass [5879] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Brachiaria mutica

Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish Grass,Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina Fanwort,Common Cabomba [5171]


Cabomba caroliniana

Buffel-grass, Black Buffel-grass [20213] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cenchrus ciliaris

Cat's Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Cat's ClawCreeper, Funnel Creeper [85119]


Dolichandra unguis-cati

Cotton-leaved Physic-Nut, Bellyache Bush, Cotton-leafPhysic Nut, Cotton-leaf Jatropha, Black Physic Nut[7507]


Jatropha gossypifolia

Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large-leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red FloweredLantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage[10892]


Lantana camara

Mimosa, Giant Mimosa, Giant Sensitive Plant,ThornySensitive Plant, Black Mimosa, CatclawMimosa, Bashful Plant [11223]


Mimosa pigra

Nationally Important Wetlands [ Resource Information ]Name StatePort Darwin NT


Parkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn, Jelly Bean Tree, HorseBean [12301]


Parkinsonia aculeata

Mission Grass, Perennial Mission Grass,Missiongrass, Feathery Pennisetum, FeatherPennisetum, Thin Napier Grass, West IndianPennisetum, Blue Buffel Grass [21194]


Pennisetum polystachyon

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


Salvinia molesta

Reptiles

Asian House Gecko [1708] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Hemidactylus frenatus

Mourning Gecko [1712] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Flowerpot Blind Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, CacingBesi [1258]


Ramphotyphlops braminus

- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites

- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers

- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

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

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remotesensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and pointlocation data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent

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

Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and iftime permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with pointlocations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental datalayers.

The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.Caveat

- migratory and

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

- marine

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of Internationaland National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatenedecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at variousresolutions.

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:

Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull);or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mappingprocess (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliabledistribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.

-12.48846 130.90035

Coordinates

-Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT-Birdlife Australia-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme

-Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia

Acknowledgements

-Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales

-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania

-Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory-Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland

-Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria

-Australian National Wildlife Collection

-Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia

This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the followingcustodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Australian Museum

-National Herbarium of NSW

Forestry Corporation, NSW-Australian Government, Department of Defence

-State Herbarium of South Australia

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

-Natural history museums of Australia

-Queensland Museum

-Australian National Herbarium, Canberra

-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria

-Geoscience Australia

-Ocean Biogeographic Information System

-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums-Queensland Herbarium

-Western Australian Herbarium

-Tasmanian Herbarium

-Northern Territory Herbarium

-South Australian Museum

-Museum Victoria

-University of New England

-CSIRO

-Other groups and individuals-Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

-Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

-Reef Life Survey Australia-Australian Institute of Marine Science-Australian Government National Environmental Science Program

-Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns

-Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre

-Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania

-eBird Australia

-American Museum of Natural History

© Commonwealth of Australia

+61 2 6274 1111

Canberra ACT 2601 Australia

GPO Box 787

Department of the Environment

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

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https://nt.gov.au/environment/native-plants/native-plants-and-nt-herbarium

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http://www.une.edu.au

http://www.csiro.au/

http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/

http://www.magnt.net.au/

http://reeflifesurvey.com/reef-life-survey/rls-australia/

http://www.aims.gov.au/

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http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

Appendix D

Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Appendix D

Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project NOI - Appendix D | 20 April 2018 | Page 1

LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ASSESSMENT Database searches were conducted for the Project using the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Protected Matters search tool (including a 1 km buffer), and the Northern Territory Government NMR InfoNET tool (using a representative polygon surrounding the Project area). Additional information regarding records of species was sourced from publically available databases (e.g. Atlas of Living Australia) and previous studies conducted within or in the vicinity of the Project. From this desktop review, a number of species were identified including:

40 Threatened species listed under Commonwealth and Territory legislation which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area. - Of these 40 species, 30 species are listed under Commonwealth and Territory legislation, eight are listed under just Commonwealth legislation and two are listed under just Territory legislation.

66 Migratory Species listed under Commonwealth legislation which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area - Of these 66 species, 20 species are also threatened species under Commonwealth legislation

101 Marine Species listed under Commonwealth legislation which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area - These 101 species include one mammal species, 45 overfly bird species, 28 ray‐finned fish and 27 reptiles - Of these 101 species, 39 are also threatened and/or migratory species under Commonwealth legislation

12 Whales and Other Cetaceans (namely dolphins) which may occur or may have habitat which occurs within the Project area. - Of these 12 species, two are also threatened species under Commonwealth legislation.

A likelihood of occurrence assessment was completed on a total of 148 species derived from the desktop assessment, consisting of listed threatened species, migratory species, marine species, whales and other cetaceans. This likelihood of occurrence assessment was based on known records of the species within a 5 km radius of the site, (sourced from publically available information sources and previous studies of the area) and the species habitat requirements with respect to habitat feature present within or within the vicinity of the Project. The criteria applied to define the likelihood of occurrence for terrestrial fauna is:

Unlikely: the Project area is not within the species known distribution; and/or suitable habitat is not present within the Project area.

Potential: the Project area is within the species known distribution, but the species has not been recorded within 5 km of the Project area; and the Project area contains suitable habitat for the species.

Likely: the species has been recorded within 5 km of the Project area in the past 10 years; and the Project area contains suitable habitat for the species.

Known to occur: the species has been recorded (directly by commissioned surveys or from database records) within the Project area in the past 10 years.

The criteria applied to define the likelihood of occurrence for marine fauna is:

Unlikely: the species has not been recorded within Darwin Harbour; and/or its current known distribution of the species does not encompass Darwin Harbour; and/or suitable habitat is generally lacking from the Project area.

Potential: the species has not been recorded within Darwin Harbour although species’ distribution incorporates Darwin Harbour; and potentially suitable habitat occurs in the Project area.

Likely: the species has been recorded within Darwin Harbour in the past 10 years; and suitable habitat is present within the Project area.

Known to occur: the species has been recorded within the Project area in the past 10 years. The assessment for listed threatened species is presented in Table 1, with the assessment for listed migratory and listed marine species presented in Table 2.

Table 1 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment of Threatened Species

Common Name Scientific Name EPBC Status*

NT Status* Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Birds Red Knot Calidris canutus E/M V During the non‐breeding season in Australasia, the Red Knot mainly inhabit internal mudflats, sandflats and sandy

beaches of sheltered coasts and sometimes on sandy beaches or shallow pools on exposed rock platforms. They are occasionally seen on terrestrial saline wetlands near the coast and on sewage ponds and salt works.

Likely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area. Individuals of the species have been recorded in the East Arm Wharf dredge spoil ponds.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea CE V Occurs around the coast and is also widespread inland in smaller numbers. The species mainly occurs on intertidal mudflats in sheltered coastal areas and also around non‐tidal swamps, lake and lagoons near the coast. When recorded inland they are found around ephemeral and permanent lakes, dams, waterholes usually with bare edges of mud or sand.


Appendix D




Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris CE/M V The species inhabits intertidal mudflats and sandflats in sheltered coasts, including bays harbours and estuaries. They forage on the moist mud, and they often roost on beaches or in nearby low vegetation, such as mangroves or dune vegetation.


Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover

Charadrius leschenaultii V/M V Species found in wide sandy or shelly beaches; sand spits, tidal mudflats, reefs, sand cays, mangroves, saltmarsh, dune wilderness and bare paddocks; seldom far inland.


Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover

Charadrius mongolus E/M V Species found in tidal mudflats and sandflats; gently sloping sandy and shelly beaches; saltmarsh, estuaries, atolls, reefs, mangroves, airfields; occasionally inland on freshwater lakes, swamps and bore drains.


Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi

E E Species occurs patchily across northern Australia, most typically in chenopod shrublands and grassland around water sources in semi‐arid areas. The species have been reported from tall grasslands and samphire shrublands on coastal saltpans. The subspecies is restricted to a small geographic area encompassing the floodplains from the Adelaide River to the East Alligator River, within it only recorded from a small number of sites.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species and is outside of the species known range.

Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus V V Inhabits open forests, woodlands especially near rivers, wetlands and rainforest fringes in coastal and subcoastal north and northeast Australia from the Kimberley (WA) to the QLD/NSW border.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae E V It is distributed across northern Australia between the Kimberly and north‐central Queensland. It inhabits open woodlands that are dominated by Eucalyptus trees and support a ground cover of sorghum and other grasses. They nest in the hollows of smooth‐barked eucalypts. The critical components of suitable core habitat for the Gouldian finch appear to be the presence of favored annual and perennial grasses (especially Sorghum), a nearby source of surface water and, in the breeding season, unburnt hollow‐bearing Eucalyptus trees.


Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos ‐ V The species lives in areas of lightly‐timbered arid woodland, Triodia grassland, Acacia shrubland and lowland plains on inland drainage systems.


Partridge Pigeon (eastern)

Geophaps smithii smithii V V Lives primarily in open forest and woodland dominated by Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta) and Darwin Woollybutt (E. miniata) that has a structurally diverse understorey.


Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus

M V The species occurs in sheltered coastal Environments, such as embayments, coastal lagoons, estuaries and tidal creeks. They are known to frequent shallow water and exposed mudflats or sandflats and are commonly found in the round ponds and channels of saltworks and sewage farms. It is also found at near‐coastal swamps and lakes


Bar‐tailed Godwit (baueri), Western Alaskan Bar‐tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica baueri V/M V The temperate or tropical winter habitats are usually located around intertidal areas along muddy coastlines, estuaries, lagoons, sewage ponds, brackish or saline inland lakes, flooded pastures and airfields.


Northern Siberian Bar‐tailed Godwit, Bar‐tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica menzbieri

CE V The temperate or tropical winter habitats are usually located around intertidal areas along muddy coastlines, estuaries, lagoons, sewage ponds, brackish or saline inland lakes, flooded pastures and airfields.


Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

CE/M V Inhabits estuaries, tidal mudflats, sand spits, saltmarshes, mangroves; occasionally fresh or brackish lakes; bare grasslands near water. The Eastern Curlew breeds in northeast Asia and is a common summer migrant to Australian coastlines, although about 25% of the population remains all year round.


Australian Painted Snipe

Rostratula australis E V Inhabits well‐vegetated shallow terrestrial freshwater and margins of wetlands, dams, sewage ponds and other water courses, wet pastures, marshy areas, irrigation systems, lignum, tea‐tree scrub and open timber. Occurs mostly in eastern and south eastern Australia but dispersive in response to rainfall.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat as the species is most likely to occur in freshwater terrestrial environments.

Masked Owl (northern)

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli

V V The distribution of the Masked Owl (northern) is very poorly known, and three subpopulations have been suggested: Kimberley, Northern Territory (NT) and Cape York (Garnett et al. 2011). In northern Australia, the Masked Owl has been recorded from riparian forest, rainforest, open forest, Melaleuca swamps and the edges of mangroves, as well as along the margins of sugar cane fields (SPRAT 2000).

Unlikely. Although the Project area contains mangroves which can sometimes be utilised by this species, it is unlikely to occur as the project area is located adjacent existing development which is typically avoided by this species and does not contain suitable tree hollows for nesting or suitable food sources.

Mammals Fawn Antechinus Antechinus bellus V E This species is endemic to Australia, where it is distributed in the tropical monsoonal part of Northern Territory. It is

present in Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. It occupies woodland and open forest which are dominated by eucalypts, the majority of which have hollow trunks and limbs as a result of termite attack and there is a grassy or open, shrubby understory.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat.

Appendix D




Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus E/M ‐ The blue whale is found in every ocean except the arctic, with a range that extends from the periphery of drift‐ice in polar seas to the tropics. It follows seasonal migration pattern between summering and wintering areas although some individuals may remain in certain areas year‐round. They mate and calve in tropical‐to‐temperate waters during winter months and feed in polar waters during summer months.

Unlikely. The species is unlikely to occur within the project area as its preferred habitat is open ocean.

Brush‐tailed Rabbit‐rat, Brush‐tailed Tree‐rat, Pakooma

Conilurus penicillatus V E The Brush‐tailed Tree‐rat lives in monsoonal northern Australia. It is found in mixed eucalypt open forest or woodland and Casuarina and Pandanus stands, seeming to prefer habitats with a grassy understory.


Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus E CE The northern quoll occurs across much of northern Australia, from south‐eastern Queensland to the south‐west Kimberley, with a disjunct population in the Pilbara. In the Northern Territory it is restricted to the Top End. The species occupies a diversity of habitats across its range which includes rocky areas, eucalypt forest and woodlands, rainforest, sandy lowlands and beaches, shrubland, grasslands and desert. The habitat generally encompasses some form of rocky area for denning purposes with surrounding vegetated habitats used for foraging and dispersal.


Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas V ‐ The species has a patchy and widespread distribution throughout northern Australia including habitats as diverse as the arid Pilbara region and the lush north Queensland rainforests. During the day it rests in large caves, mines, or deep rock fissures.


Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae V/M ‐ Occurs in oceanic and coastal waters around the world. Australia has two distinct Humpback Whale populations which throughout all coastal waters surrounding Australia; east coast and west coast. Camden sound appears to be the northern most limit for the majority of the west coast whales and is considered to be an important breeding area. The migratory habitat for the humpback whale around mainland Australia is primarily coastal waters less than 200m in depth and generally within 20km of the coast (SPRAT, 2000).


Black‐footed Tree Rat

Mesembriomys gouldii gouldii

E V The Black‐footed Tree Rat inhabits the savannas of northern Australia, from Cape York Peninsula across to the Kimberly in Western Australia. Typical habitat for this species includes tall forests of Darwin Woollybutt and Darwin Stringybark, with a moderately dense mid‐story of shrubs and small trees and grassy understory. It is nocturnal spending the day in tree hollows or dense foliage of Pandanus.


Nabarlek, Pygmy Rock‐Wallaby

Petrogale concinna canescens

E V Nabarleks are restricted to rocky areas (sandstone or granite), especially on steep slopes, with large boulders, caves and crevices. They may move from these to forage in adjacent flat areas. This subspecies has been recorded in scattered populations from sandstone cliffs bordering the Arafura Swamp (in the ease) to the Daly River catchments (in the west).


Northern Brush‐tailed Phascogale

Phascogale pirata V E The Northern Brush‐tailed Phascogale is restricted to eucalypt forests in the top end of the Northern Territory. It has been recorded from Melville Island and West Island, Cobourg Peninsula and Gove Peninsula. Most recorded of the species are from tall open forests dominated by Eucalyptus miniata (Darwin Woollybutt) and E. tetrodonta (Darwin Stringybark). Most recent account for the species (Rhind et al., 2008) reported fewer than 10 individuals recorded in the last decade.


Bare‐rumped Sheath‐tailed Bat, Bare‐rumped Sheathtail Bat

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus

V ‐ In the Northern Territory this species was first recorded in 1979 in the Kapalga area of Kakadu National Park and there have been less than 5 confirmed records since that time. All these records have been in the floodplain areas of Kakadu National Park.


Water Mouse, False Water Rat

Xeromys myoides V ‐ Inhabits saline grassland, mangroves, margins of freshwater swamps and lakes close to foredunes in coastal Top End of NT and Qld coast from Gold Coast to Proserpine including offshore islands.

Unlikely. Although the Project area contains habitat features which are known to be utilised by this species (i.e. mangroves) the mangrove habitat present is fragmented, surrounded by industry and noisy activities and the closest record of this species was observed over 90 km from the proposed action, the Project area is not considered to contain any suitable habitat for this species.

Reptiles Plains Death Adder Acanthophis hawkei V V The distribution of the species is unclear. Suitable habitat for the plains death adder consists of flat, treeless, cracking‐

soil riverine floodplains. Based on the presence of suitable habitat, the potential geographic range of the plains death adder extends from Western Queensland, across the Northern Territory to north‐east Western Australia. Populations exist in Kakadu National Park and in Mary River and Djukbinj National Parks in the NT.


Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta E/M V Occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters off the Australian coast. This species chooses a wide variety of tidal and sub‐tidal habitat as feeding areas. The female comes ashore to lay her eggs in a hole dug on open, sandy beaches. In Australia there are two unique breeding populations: Eastern (Mon Repos, Wreck Rock, Wreck Island) and Western (Muiron Islands, Ningaloo Coast south to about Carnarvon and islands near Shark Bay).

Unlikely. No suitable habitat (foraging or nesting) for the species occurs within the project area. The species is not known from the Darwin Harbour area.

Green Turtle Chelonia mydas V/M ‐ Green Turtles spend their first five to ten years drifting on ocean currents. During this pelagic (ocean‐going) phase, they are often found in association with driftlines and rafts of Sargassum (a floating marine plant that is also carried by currents). Once Green Turtles reach 30 to 40 cm curved carapace length, they settle in shallow benthic foraging habitats such as tropical tidal and sub‐tidal coral and rocky reef habitat or inshore seagrass beds. In Australia, there are seven regional populations of green turtles that nest in different areas; the southern Great Barrier Reef, the northern Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Western Australia's north‐west shelf, the Ashmore and Cartier Reefs and Scott Reef.


Appendix D




Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea E/M CE Occurs in all coastal waters of Australia, with most sightings in temperate waters. Most of the nesting in Australia appears to be low density and there are no major nest sites recorded in Australia. Although nesting is mostly confined to tropical beaches, there are records of nests in northern NSW.


Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata V/M V Post‐hatchling turtles spend several years in the pelagic environment often in association with rafts of Sargassum. Once Hawksbill Turtles reach 30‐40 cm curved carapace length, they enter benthic foraging habitat on coral and rocky reefs habitat in tropical and subtropical waters (sometimes temperate waters) where they will remain for decades. Two major breeding areas occur in Australia: Northern Great Barrier Reef and on the North‐West Shelf of Western Australia.


Olive Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea E/M V Nests in sandy beaches and resides in coastal zones along the northern coast of Australia. Mostly forages in shallow benthic habitats and also in pelagic foraging habitats. There are four major nesting areas in Australia: East coast from Mon Repos in the south to Herald Island in the north, North‐Eastern Gulf of Carpentaria and western Torres Strait (the largest), western Northern Territory, and in the Kimberly and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.

Potential. No important habitat (foraging or nesting) for the species occurs within the project area. Individuals of the species may be periodically sighted offshore in Darwin Harbour as they move through foraging areas.

Flatback Turtle Natator depressus V/M ‐ The Flatback turtle is endemic to Australia and all known breeding sites occur only in Australia. Adults inhabit soft bottom habitat over the continental shelf of northern Australia. Nesting habitat includes sandy beaches in tropical and sub‐tropical regions (SPRAT, 2010).

Potential. No important habitat (foraging or nesting) for the species occurs within the project area. Individuals of the species may be periodically sighted offshore in Darwin Harbour as they move through foraging areas.

Sharks Great White Shark, White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias V/M ‐ In Australia, Great White Sharks have been recorded from central Queensland around the south coast to north‐west Western Australia, but may occur further north on both coasts. It has been sighted in all coastal areas except in the Northern Territory. The Great White Shark moves seasonally along the south and east Australian coasts, moving northerly along the coast during autumn and winter and returning to southern Australian waters by early summer. Found from close inshore around rocky reefs, surf beaches and shallow coastal bays to outer continental shelf and slope areas. They also make open ocean excursions and can cross ocean basins (e.g. South Africa to Western Australia). Often found in regions with high prey density.

Unlikely. The species is unlikely to occur within the project area as its preferred habitat is open ocean and is not typically off the Northern Territory coast.

Northern River Shark, New guinea River Shark,

Glyphis garricki E E The species is known only from a small number of locations in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea. Since its discovery in 1986, only 36 specimens have been recorded. Little is known of the ecology of the northern river shark but it is probably restricted to shallow, brackish reaches of large rivers. This conclusion is based on the fact that it has not yet been caught in the coastal marine areas despite considerable fishing and collecting activity in these habitats. In the Northern Territory this species is only known within the from the Adelaide and East and South Alligator River systems.

Unlikely. While individuals of this species of have been recorded in the broader Darwin area, these records are located well away from the project area in different habitat then what is found in the project area. This species is not known in the Darwin Harbour area.

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish

Pristis clavata V/M V The species' Australian distribution is considered to extend north from Cairns around the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, across northern Australian waters to the Pilbara coast in Western Australia. The species usually inhabits shallow (2–3 m) coastal waters and estuarine habitats. The species does not utilise any purely freshwater areas, as its range is restricted to brackish and salt water.

Potential. Individuals of this species have been recorded in the Darwin Harbour Region. The project area does not contain key habitat resources for this species in regards to foraging or breeding. Individuals of this species may occur in the Project area as it searches for suitable foraging areas. The closest known record is over 10 km from the project area.

Freshwater Sawfish

Pristis pristis V/M V The freshwater Sawfish may potentially occur in all large rivers of northern Australia from the Fitzroy River, Western Australia, to the western side of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. The name Freshwater Sawfish is a misnomer. It is a marine/estuarine species that spends its first 3‐4 years in freshwater then the larger mature animals tend to occur more often in coastal and offshore waters up to 25 m depth. Freshwater Sawfish occur in fresh or weakly saline. The species tends to move up rivers during flood periods. Small specimens, mostly less than 150 cm, have been caught in remote ponds where they have been isolated for several years between floods.

Potential. Individuals of this species have been recorded in the Darwin Harbour Region. The project area does not contain key habitat resources for this species in regards to foraging or breeding. Individuals of this species may occur in the Project area as it searches for suitable foraging areas. The closest known record is over 20 km away from the project area.

Green Sawfish Pristis zijsron V/M V The Green Sawfish was once widely distributed but it is now thought that northern Australia may be the last region where significant populations of Green Sawfish exist. They inhabit muddy bottom habitats and also enter estuaries where they can be found in shallow water. Its habitat is heavily fished and often subject to pollution, habitat loss and degradation.

Potential. Individuals of this species have been recorded in the Darwin Harbour Region. The project area does not contain key habitat resources for this species in regards to foraging or breeding. Individuals of this species may occur in the Project area as it searches for suitable foraging areas. The closest known record is over 20 km from the project area.

Whale Shark Rhincodon typus V/M ‐ In Australia, the Whale Shark is known from New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and occasionally Victoria and Southern Australia, but is most commonly seen in waters off northern Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. The Whale Shark seasonally aggregates in coastal waters off Ningaloo Reef between March and July each year, at Christmas Island between December and January, and in the Coral Sea between November and December. The Whale Shark is an oceanic and coastal, tropical to warm‐temperate pelagic shark.


* CE – Critically Endangered; E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; M – Migratory

Appendix D


Table 2 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment of Migratory and Marine Species



Migratory Bird Species Oriental Reed‐Warbler

Acrocephalus orientalis M ‐ Rare migrant to coastal North and eastern Australia. Found in dense reeds, cumbungi, over and near water. It breeds mainly in reed beds and can also be found in marshes, paddy fields, grassland and scrub where it forages for insects and other invertebrates.


Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos M ‐ Shallow, pebbly, muddy or sandy edges of rivers and streams, coastal to far inland; dams, lakes, sewage ponds; margins of tidal rivers; waterways in mangroves or saltmarsh; mudflats; rocky or sandy beaches; causeways, riverside lawns, drains and street gutters.

Known to occur. Individuals of the species were recorded in the project area during bird surveys undertaken in 2010‐2011.

Common Noddy, Brown Noddy

Anous stolidus M ‐ Tropical seabird with worldwide distribution. They breed on tropical and subtropical inshore or oceanic islands, which have rocky cliffs and coral or sand beaches. It nests on the ground, in trees or shrubs, and on cliffs or man‐made structures, such as docks and jetties. During the non‐breeding season, they will spend most of its time at sea and may roost on water, rocks, islets, flotsam and even the backs of sea turtles.


Fork‐tailed swift Apus pacificus M ‐ Aerial species. They spend most of the year relatively high in the air column, only coming down to near ground level at times of bad weather. Seen over open country from semi deserts to coasts, islands and sometimes over forests and cities.

Unlikely. Species is aerial and unlikely to be found within the project area but may be observed as an overhead visitor.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres M ‐ Winters on Australian coastlines. Tidal reefs and pools, weed covered rocks, pebbly shelly and sandy shores with stranded seaweed, mudflats, occasionally inland on shallow waters, sewage ponds, commercial salt fields, open or ploughed ground.

Potential. Suitable habitat is present within the project area. Individuals of the species have been recorded within 5 km of the project area.

Sharp‐tailed Sandpiper

Calidris acuminata M ‐ The sharp‐tailed sandpiper breeds in northern Siberia but migrates south to winter in Australia and New Zealand. In the non‐breeding season they can be found in tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, mangroves; shallow fresh, brackish or saline inland wetlands; floodwaters, irrigated pastures and crops; sewage ponds and salt fields.


Sanderling Calidris alba M ‐ Broad ocean beaches of firm sand 'where waves ebb and flow', depositing strands and heaps of seaweed; often near river mouths; also inlets, tidal mudflats and coastal lagoons.


Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos M ‐ Species has patchy distribution around Australia’s coastline. Found in shallow fresh waters, often with low grass and other herbage; swamp margins, flooded pastures, sewage ponds; occasionally tidal areas and saltmarshes.


Red‐necked Stint Calidris ruficollis M ‐ Species are found in tidal mudflats, saltmarshes; sandy or shelly beaches; saline and freshwater wetlands, coastal and inland; salt fields and sewage ponds. They are often in dense flocks, feeding or roosting. Spends the southern summer months in Australia and is found widely except in the arid inland.


Streaked Shearwater

Calonectris leucomelas M ‐ This species is pelagic and abundant off the north coasts of Australia from November to May. Occurs ‐on the west and east coasts in summer. Species is abundant off northern Australian coasts.


Red‐rumped Swallow

Cecropis daurica M ‐ Migratory bird that spends the winter months in northern Australia. This species is found in open hilly country and mountains, river gorges, valleys, sea cliffs, as well as in cultivated areas and human habitations, including towns.


Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel

Charadrius veredus M ‐ Open plains; bare rolling country, often far from water; ploughed land; muddy or sandy wastes near inland swamps or tidal mudflats; bare clay pans; margins of coastal marshes; grassy airfields, sports fields and lawns. They are a regular summer migrant to Australia from Sep‐Mar.


White‐winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus M ‐ The species mostly inhabits fresh, brackish or saline, and coastal or subcoastal wetlands. They also frequent tidal wetlands, such as harbours, bays, estuaries and lagoons, and their associated tidal sandflats and mudflats. Terrestrial wetlands, including swamps, lakes, billabongs, rivers, floodplains, reservoirs, saltworks, sewage ponds and outfalls are also inhabited.


Oriental, Horsfield’s Cuckoo

Cuculus optatus M ‐ Treated as conspecific with C. saturatus (Himalayan Cuckoo). Inhabits monsoon forests and rainforest edges; leafy trees in paddocks; river flats, roadsides, mangroves and islands.


Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird

Fregata ariel M ‐ It is a widespread seabird, with major colonies in the Indian Ocean, West and Central Pacific and Southern Atlantic. They inhabit remote islands in tropical and sub‐tropical seas, where it breeds in small bushes, mangroves and even on the ground. Outside the breeding season it is sedentary, with immature and non‐breeding individuals dispersing throughout tropical seas.

Unlikely. Limited suitable habitat is present in the project area. The species has not been recorded in the Darwin region in the last 15 years.

Great Frigatebird, Great Frigatebird

Fregata minor M ‐ It is a widespread seabird, with major colonies in the Indian Ocean, West and Central Pacific and Southern Atlantic. They inhabit remote islands in tropical and sub‐tropical seas, where it breeds in small bushes, mangroves and even on the ground.

Unlikely. Limited suitable habitat is present in the project area. The species has not been recorded in the Darwin region in the last 30 years

Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala M ‐ Found on northern Australian coastlines. Non‐breeding habitats include shallow freshwater wetlands of various kinds including paddy fields and sewage farms, with bare mud or shallow water for feeding, with nearby vegetation cover.


Appendix D




Pin‐tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura M ‐ Pin‐tailed Snipe occurs most often in or at the edges of shallow freshwater swamps, ponds and lakes with emergent, sparse to dense cover of grass/sedge or other vegetation. The species is also found in drier, more open wetlands such as clay pans in more arid parts of species' range. It is also commonly seen at sewage ponds; not normally in saline or inter‐tidal wetlands

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species, the closest known record is over 10 km from the project area.

Gull‐billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

M ‐ The species is found in freshwater swamps, brackish and salt lakes, beaches and estuarine mudflats, floodwaters, sewage farms, irrigated croplands and grasslands.


Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum M ‐ Usually inhabits open plains, floodplains or short grassland, often with extensive bare areas. Often occur near terrestrial and artificial wetlands, especially around the margins. This species also occurs along the coast, inhabiting beaches, mudflats and islands, or around coastal lagoons. Does not breed in Australia.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for this species, the closest known record is over 10 km from the project area. This observation was recorded 15 years ago.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica M ‐ Species if found sporadically throughout northern Australia during non‐breeding season. The barn swallow is found in vegetated areas including farmland, sports grounds, native grasslands and airstrips as well as over open water such as billabongs, lagoons, creeks and sewage treatment plants.

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for this species, the closest known record is over 5 km from the project site.

Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa M ‐ Tidal mudflats, estuaries, sand spits, shallow river margins, sewage ponds; and inland on large shallow fresh or brackish waters.


Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea M ‐ Found near running water, disused quarries, sandy rocky streams in escarpments and rainforests, sewage ponds, ploughed fields and airfields. Visitor to Australia from November to April


Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava M ‐ Regular summer migrant to coastal Australia, especially Darwin to Broome, but also north‐eastern Queensland from November to April. Found in short grass and bare ground, swamp margins, sewage ponds, saltmarshes, playing fields, airfields, ploughed land and town lands

Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species with the closest known record over 10 km from the project site. This observation was recorded 30 years ago.

Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel

Numenius minutus M ‐ The Little Curlew is most often found feeding in short, dry grassland and sedgeland, including dry floodplains and black soil plains, which have scattered, shallow freshwater pools or areas seasonally inundated. Open woodlands with a grassy or burnt understorey, dry saltmarshes, coastal swamps, mudflats or sandflats of estuaries or beaches on sheltered coasts, mown lawns, gardens, recreational areas, ovals, racecourses and verges of roads and airstrips are also used.

Unlikely. While the project area does contain some attributes which are known to be utilised by this species (i.e. mudflats), they typically prefer to forage in short grasses which are not present at the site. The closest known record of this species is over 5 km from the project area and was recorded 10 years ago.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus M ‐ Estuaries, mangroves, tidal flats, coral cays, exposed reefs, flooded paddocks, sewage ponds, bare grasslands, sports grounds and lawns.


Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus M ‐ The species occupy tropical and subtropical seas, breeding on islands, including vegetated coral cays, rocky continental islands and rock stacks. They are seldom found in inshore continental waters and along mainland coastlines.


Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus M ‐ Occurs in littoral and coastal habitats and terrestrial wetlands of tropical and temperate Australia and offshore islands. They are mostly found in coastal areas but occasionally travel inland along major rivers, particularly in northern Australia. They require extensive areas of open fresh, brackish or saline water for foraging and frequent a variety of wetland habitats including inshore waters, reefs, bays, coastal cliffs, beaches, estuaries, mangrove swamps, broad rivers, reservoirs and large lakes and waterholes.


Osprey Pandion haliaetus M ‐ Treated as conspecific with P. Cristatus. The Osprey is thinly distributed around the coast of Australia where they forage for fish in fresh, brackish, or saline waters of rivers, lakes, estuaries and inshore coastal waters. Nests are usually located near a suitable area of foraging habitat and are a bulky structure made from piled sticks, often positioned in a tall dead tree or artificial structures such as telecommunication towers or poles. Breeding pairs defend breeding territory against other Ospreys, and active nests are usually more than 1 km apart.

Possible. Marginal habitat features which have the potential to be utilised by this species are within the project area and the species is known within Darwin Harbour.

Pacific golden Plover

Pluvialis fulva M ‐ This species usually inhabits coastal habitats, though it occasionally occurs around inland wetlands. Usually occur on beaches, mudflats and sandflats in sheltered areas including harbours, estuaries and lagoons, and also in evaporation ponds in saltworks. The species is also sometimes recorded on islands, sand and coral cays and exposed reefs and rocks. Breeding occurs in dry areas of tundra away from the coast, usually on slopes of low hills, knolls or foothills vegetated with lichen and moss, or in bare, stony areas.


Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola M ‐ Grey Plovers occur almost entirely in coastal areas, where they usually inhabit sheltered embayments, estuaries and lagoons with mudflats and sandflats, and occasionally on rocky coasts with wave‐cut platforms or reef‐flats, or on reefs within muddy lagoons. They also occur around terrestrial wetlands such as near‐coastal lakes and swamps, or salt‐lakes.


Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons M ‐ In north and north‐east Australia, the Rufous Fantail is often found in tropical rainforest and monsoon rainforests, including semi‐evergreen mesophyll vine forests, semi‐deciduous vine thickets or thickets of Paperbarks (Melaleuca spp.).

Unlikely. The Project area does not contain suitable habitat for this species..

Appendix D




Little Tern Sternula albifrons M ‐ Inhabits coastal waters, bays, inlets, saline or brackish lakes, salt fields and sewage ponds near coast throughout northwest, north, east and southeast Australia. It can also be found further inland, sometimes up to several kilometres from the sea.


Grey‐tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes M ‐ Found in estuaries, tidal mudflats, mangroves, wave‐washed rocks and reefs, shallow river margins, coastal or inland. In Australia adults arrive in the north coast from late Aug to early Sep.


Common Greenshank, Greenshank

Tringa nebularia M ‐ Species is common throughout Australia from August till March. Found in mudflats, estuaries, saltmarshes, margins of lakes, wetlands, clay pans, fresh and salines, commercial salt fields, sewage ponds.


Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus M ‐ In Australia, the Terek Sandpiper has been recorded on coastal mudflats, lagoons, creeks and estuaries. Records indicate that the species favours muddy beaches near mangroves but may also be observed on rocky pools and coral reefs and occasionally up to 10km inland around brackish pools.


Migratory Marine Species Narrow Sawfish, Knifetooth Sawfish

Anoxypristis cuspidata M ‐ The Narrow sawfish is found mainly in inshore coastal waters, to depths of around 40 metres, where it is thought to spend most of its time on or near the bottom. It may also enter estuaries and river deltas, and has been reported to move upstream into rivers in some areas, although its occurrence in freshwater has yet to be verified.

Possible. Individuals of this species have not been recorded in the Darwin Harbour Region. However the project area does contain some marginal habitat features which are known to be utilised by this species and it is located within the known distribution of this species. As such it is possible that individuals may occur in the Project area as they search for suitable foraging areas. The closest known record is over 20 km away from the project area.

Bryde’s Whale Balaenoptera edeni

M ‐ The Bryde’s whale can be found in tropical and sub‐tropical waters throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. There appear to be two distinct habitat preferences amongst Bryde’s whales, with some populations, usually comprising smaller‐bodied individuals, occurring in coastal waters, while other populations can be found in the open ocean, however all Bryde’s whales have a preference for warmer water above 16.3 Degrees Celsius.

Unlikely. No suitable habitat is present within the project area.

Salt‐water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile

Crocodylus porosus M ‐ The saltwater crocodile is the most widely distributed crocodilian species, ranging from Sri Lanka and the east coast of India in the west, through southeast Asia to Australia. As its common name implies, the saltwater crocodile has a high tolerance for saltwater, aided by salt‐excreting glands on the tongue. It may be found in brackish water around coastal areas and rivers, often amongst mangrove forest, as well as occurring further out to sea, and also occurs in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps and marshes, up to 200 kilometres inland

Likely. There is no important habitat for the species located within the project area. Individuals of the species have previously been sighted on boat ramps near the project area. Individuals may also be periodically sighted inside Darwin Harbour.

Dugong Dugong dugon M ‐ Shallow, warm (18ºC or above) tropical and sub‐tropical coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Generally occurs in wide shallow protected bays and mangrove channels that support extensive sea grass meadows. Reported to use shallow waters such as tidal sandbanks and estuaries for calving. Australian range from Shark Bay, Western Australia to Moreton Bay, Queensland. Occurs in warmer waters south from the Indo‐West Pacific to northern NSW.

Potential. Individuals of the species are known to occur within the Darwin Harbour, however the project area does not contain key habitat resources for the species in the form of support seagrass and algae foraging areas. Individuals of the species may be periodically sighted offshore in the Darwin Harbour as It moves through foraging areas.

Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta ray, Inshore Manta Ray

Manta alfredi M ‐ The reef manta ray is found in tropical and sub‐tropical waters in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. However, within this widespread range its populations appear to be quite patchy This species is quite widespread in the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea in the north to South Africa in the south, and from Thailand southwards to Western Australia. It is more commonly found in shallow inshore waters and typically occurs around coastal reefs, tropical island groups, atolls, bays and productive coastlines.


Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific Manta Ray

Manta birostris M ‐ This species is believed to have a wider distribution than the closely related reef manta ray, and is more migratory in its behaviour. It appears to be a seasonal visitor to coastal and offshore sites, and is commonly seen along productive coastlines with regular upwellings, as well as around oceanic islands, offshore pinnacles and seamounts.


Australian Snubfin Dolphin Formerly known as Irrawaddy Dolphin

Orcaella heinsohni Formerly known as Orcaella brevirostris

M ‐ The species is formerly known as the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) under the EPBC Act. There is little known of the biology of the species. They occur in inshore coastal areas and some rivers from eastern India to north‐eastern Australia and through southeast Asia to Vietnam. Inhabits coastal, brackish and freshwaters of the tropical and sub‐tropical Indo‐Pacific. A substantial population was located in the western Gulf of Carpentaria, and another in Blue Mud Bay. The species lives in brackish waters near coasts, river mouths and in estuaries.

Likely. Suitable habitat for the species is present. Individuals of the species have previously been recorded near Catalina Island, located to the east on the project area.

Killer Whale, Orca Orcinus orca M ‐ The orca is found throughout all the world’s oceans. The orca occurs in virtually every marine region, from polar waters to the equator, and has even been known to enter bays, estuaries and rivers, as well as ice floes. However, it is most commonly recorded in coastal, temperate waters and in areas of high productivity.


Indo‐Pacific Humpback Dolphin

Sousa chinensis M ‐ The Indo‐Pacific hump‐backed dolphin, Sousa chinensis, is found in tropical and temperate coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans from northern Australia and southern China in the east, through Indonesia, and around the coastal rim of the Indian Ocean to southern Africa. They are known to enter rivers, estuaries, and mangroves, particularly the latter. They prefer shallow waters <20 m in depth with warm temperatures between 15‐36°C. The species is mostly recorded within 10 km of the coast and are on average recorded 2.8 km from the coast.

Likely. Suitable habitat for the species is present. The species is widely known from the Darwin Harbour.

Appendix D




Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin, Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops aduncus M ‐ This species has been found from the west of South Africa to the southern part of Japan and the north, In Australia, the species is restricted to inshore areas such as bays and estuaries, nearshore waters, open coast environments, and shallow offshore waters including coastal areas around oceanic islands east and west of Australia including the Red Sea. Its habitat varies depending on the tides and the season but includes estuaries, coral reefs and surface waters at high seas, so it tolerates both saltwater and brackish water.

Likely. Suitable habitat for the species is present. The species is widely known from the Darwin Harbour.

Listed Marine Species Horned Seasnake Acalyptophis peronii MA ‐ It occurs along the northern coast of Australia from Barrow Island in Western Australia to Moreton bay in Queensland.

The horned sea snake is a marine species that typically occurs over sandy substrates on coral reefs. This species is found at a range of depths.


Dubois' Seasnake Aipysurus duboisii MA ‐ The Reef Shallows Sea Snake is a widespread species, but it is patchily distributed. This species occurs throughout northern tropical Australia from Western Australia to the southern Great Barrier Reef. As its name suggests, the reef shallows sea snake is primarily found in shallow‐water habitats adjacent to coral reefs, such as over sponges, sand, sea grass beds or among broken corals.


Spine‐tailed Seasnake

Aipysurus eydouxii MA ‐ A widespread but patchily distributed species, the spine‐tailed sea snake occurs from the northern coast of Australia to Southeast Asia. The spine‐tailed sea snake is unusual among sea snakes in that it does not inhabit clear, coral reef waters, instead preferring cloudy waters over a muddy substrate.

Unlikely. While the project area may contain some habitat features which are known to be utilised by this species (i.e. shallow waters on soft muddy substrate) it has never been observed in the Darwin Harbour area with the closest record over 200km away.

Olive Seasnake Aipysurus laevis MA ‐ The olive‐brown sea snake is a common and widespread species. The olive‐brown sea snake is found around coral reefs, estuaries and tropical coastal shallows. Around coral reefs, this species occurs in a variety of habitat types, including the reef edge and sandy bottoms adjacent to deeper reefs.


Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata MA ‐ The magpie Goose is widespread throughout coastal northern and eastern Australia. Habitat includes large seasonal wetland and well‐vegetated dams with rushes and sedges as well as wet grasslands and floodplains.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat does not exist within the Project area for this species.

Great Egret, White Egret

Ardea alba MA ‐ Reported in a wide range of wetland habitats (for example inland and coastal, freshwater and saline, permanent and ephemeral, open and vegetated, large and small, natural and artificial). These include swamps and marshes; margins of rivers and lakes; damp or flooded grasslands, pastures or agricultural lands; reservoirs; sewage treatment ponds; drainage channels; salt pans and salt lakes; salt marshes; estuarine mudflats, tidal streams; mangrove swamps; coastal lagoons; and offshore reefs. The species usually frequents shallow waters.


Cattle Egret Ardea ibis MA ‐ Occurs in tropical and temperate grasslands, wooded lands and terrestrial wetlands. High numbers have been observed in moist, low‐lying poorly drained pastures with an abundance of high grass ‐ it avoids low grass pastures. It is commonly associated with the habitats of farm animals, particularly cattle, but also pigs, sheep, horses and deer.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur with the project area and the species has not been recorded within 5 km of the project area despite numerous observations of individuals within the wider Darwin area.

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia MA ‐ Mostly found in the shallows in terrestrial wetlands. The species prefers freshwater swamps, billabongs, floodplains and wet grasslands with dense aquatic vegetation, and is only occasionally seen in estuarine or intertidal habitats.


Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta MA ‐ The species has been reported in a wide range of wetland habitats including inland and coastal, freshwater and saline, permanent and ephemeral, open and vegetated, large and small, natural and artificial. The species usually frequents shallow waters.


Stokes' Seasnake Astrotia stokesii MA ‐ Coastal and shelf waters of tropical Australia, often straying into more southern temperate seas in late summer. Extra‐limited distribution in new guinea and South‐east Asian waters. Usually seen on surface in turbid coastal waters, or deep reef waters. Poorly known.


Three‐keel Pipefish Campichthys tricarinatus MA ‐ Marine – reef associated depth range 3‐11m. Found in Northern Australia including Baleine Bank and Montebello island in Western Australia.


Pacific Short‐bodied Pipefish, Short‐bodied Pipefish

Choeroichthys brachysoma

MA ‐ A marine species that occurs on the continental shelf, where it can be found sheltering in tide pools and seagrass or coral reef lagoons. This species in commonly found in association with algae, coral, seagrasses and sponges, often in habitats with shell rubble, mud, sand or silt substrates.


Pig‐snouted Pipefish

Choeroichthys suillus MA ‐ Inhabits tide pools, seagrass and coral reef lagoons and seaward reefs in 1‐27 m. Found from northwest WA to eastern QLD.


Fijian Banded Pipefish, Brown‐banded Pipefish

Corythoichthys amplexus MA ‐ Marine, reef associated with depth range from 0‐31m. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Reticulated Pipefish, Yellow‐banded pipefish, Network pipefish

Corythoichthys flavofasciatus

MA ‐ Inhabits algal‐covered rock and corals in lagoons and on seaward reefs at depths between 3 ‐ 80 feet (1 ‐ 25 m) where it feeds mainly on copepods.


Reef‐top Pipefish Corythoichthys haematopterus

MA ‐ Adults inhabit shallow protected areas of rubble and sand usually semi0silty zones. Occur more commonly at depths between 0‐3m. Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 0 ‐ 21 m


Appendix D




Freshwater Crocodile, Johnston's Crocodile, Johnston's River Crocodile

Crocodylus johnstoni MA ‐ This species of crocodile is found in the Northern Territory of Australia and Queensland, and also in northern and western Australia. Freshwater Crocodiles inhabit various freshwater environments, including rivers, creeks, pools, billabongs, lagoons, and swamps. Despite the common name, Freshwater Crocodiles may also occur in brackish waters up to 24% salinity (seawater is 35%).


Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus MA ‐ Treated as conspecific with C. optatus (Oriental Cuckoo). Inhabits monsoon forests and rainforest edges; leafy trees in paddocks; river flats, roadsides, mangroves and islands.

Potential. Suitable habitat for the species is present within the project area, and the conspecific species has been observed within 5km of the site.

Common Dolphin, Short‐beaked Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis MA ‐ Occurs in all tropical, subtropical and warm temperate seas. Prefers waters that have a surface temperature higher than 10 degrees Celsius. The common dolphin is less commonly seen in water shallower than 180m. Few sightings in NT but most on coast of SA and VIC.


Spectacled Seasnake

Disteira kingii MA ‐ Confined to tropical coastal waters of northern Australia from WA to the eastern coast of QLD. Poorly known. Most specimens have been taken from deeper water, on a variety of sea beds.


Olive‐headed Seasnake

Disteira major MA ‐ Coastal waters of northern Australia from north‐western WA and the Arafura Sea to eastern QLD. Poorly known, despite its apparent abundance. Usually trawled in deeper, more turbid waters throughout its range.


Bluestripe Pipefish, Intian Blue‐stripe Pipefish, Pacific Blue‐stripe Pipefish

Doryrhamphus excisus MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 0 ‐ 8 m Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Cleaner Pipefish, Janss’ Pipefish

Doryrhamphus janssi MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 0 ‐ 35 m Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta MA ‐ The species’ habitat varies widely, and includes the shores of lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded land, the bird preferring open locations to dense cover. On the coast it inhabits mangrove areas, swamps, mudflats, sandy beaches and reefs.


Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra MA ‐ The species lives on beaches, rocky shores, tidal rivers and inlets, mangroves, and exposed coral reefs Known to occur. Individuals of the species were recorded in the project area during bird surveys undertaken in 2010‐2011.

Beaked Seasnake Enhydrina schistosa MA ‐ The beaked sea snake is widespread. It inhabits shallow waters with muddy or sandy bottoms, particularly over mud flats in estuaries and at river mouths.


Girdled Pipefish Festucalex cinctus MA ‐ Marine; demersal; depth range 8 ‐ 31 m Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Risso's Dolphin, Grampus

Grampus griseus MA ‐ Risso’s dolphin is widely distributed throughout the world’s temperate and tropical waters. The species’ range appears to be limited by water temperature, with this dolphin most abundant in waters between 15‐20 degrees Celsius, and rarely occurring in waters below 10 degrees. Risso’s dolphin shows a preference for deep, shelf‐edge waters of 400 to 1000m in depth in offshore areas, although it may also inhabit shallower coastal areas.


White‐bellied Sea‐Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster MA ‐ Found on coasts, islands, estuaries, inlets, large rivers, inland lakes and reservoirs in coastal Australia and Tasmania. Breeding in the white‐bellied sea eagle is known to only occur in a relatively small area of its range, in a patchy distribution along the coastline from Queensland to Victoria and to Tasmania.


Brock’s Pipefish Halicampus brocki MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 3 ‐ 45 m. Adults occur in lagoon and seaward reefs, at moderate depths Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Mud Pipefish, Gray’s Pipefish

Halicampus grayi MA ‐ Marine; brackish; reef‐associated; depth range up to 100 m. Adults live in muddy habitats, often covered with silt and extremely well‐camouflaged


Spiny‐snout Pipefish Halicampus spinirostris MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 4 ‐ 26 m. Adults inhabit rock or coral habitats Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned Seadragon

Haliichthys taeniophorus MA ‐ Marine; demersal; depth range up to 16 m Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Blue‐speckled Pipefish, Blue‐sighted Pipefish

Hippichthys cyanospilos MA ‐ Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; amphidromous. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Short‐keel Pipefish, Short‐keeled Pipefish

Hippichthys parvicarinatus

MA ‐ Freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Appendix D




Beady Pipefish, Steep‐nosed Pipefish

Hippichthys penicillus MA ‐ Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Spiny Seahorse, Thorny Seahorse

Hippocampus histrix MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; non‐migratory; depth range 1 ‐ 82 m. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Sighted Seahorse, Yellow Seahorse

Hippocampus kuda MA ‐ Marine; brackish; reef‐associated; non‐migratory; depth range 0 ‐ 68 m. Inhabit seagrass and marine algae areas of estuaries and seaward reefs; also on steep mud slopes.


Flat‐face Seahorse Hippocampus planifrons MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; non‐migratory; depth range 0 ‐ 100 m. Inhabits gravel or sand bottoms around shallow reefs; muddy estuaries and near mangroves, tolerating brackish waters


Hedgehog Seahorse Hippocampus spinosissimus

MA ‐ Marine; brackish; reef‐associated; non‐migratory; depth range up to 70 m. Found in the continental shelf, on muddy or sandy bottoms and in coral reefs.


Black‐ringed Seasnake

Hydrelaps darwiniensis MA ‐ Found in shallow coastal waters in northern Australia. Most commonly encountered on mud flats associated with mangroves.

Unlikely. The project area contains suitable habitat for the species, however the closest known record is over 10 km from the project area. This observation was recorded 20 years ago.

Black‐headed Seasnake

Hydrophis atriceps MA ‐ Although widely distributed in south‐east Asia and Indo‐Malaysia, only 1 or 2 specimens are known from Australian waters between Darwin and the New Guinea Coast. The species has been captured in trawling nets at depths of 20‐40 m.


Slender‐necked Seasnake

Hydrophis coggeri MA ‐ It is uncertain as to whether this species ranges continuously around the north Australian coast. Known populations are from the North‐west Shelf/Timor Sea and from the Coral sea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji in the east. Western populations appear to inhabit deeper waters beyond the reef edges, whereas in the eastern populations specimens are often encountered on the reef flats and in the lagoons, especially over sea grasses.


Elegant Seasnake Hydrophis elegans MA ‐ In Australia, where this species is widespread and particularly abundant, the elegant seasnake can be found from Shark Bay in Western Australia through the waters of the NT. The bar‐bellied sea snake lives in a range of marine habitats, particularly sandy and muddy habitats in shallow coastal areas, tidal rivers and bays. It is also found in estuaries and, occasionally, coral reefs. It can also occur in freshwater habitats. Within the Northern Australian Prawn Fishery region, the Elegant Seasnake is most likely to be caught in the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria and in water that is 31–40 m deep.

Unlikely. While the project area contains some habitat features which are reportedly utilised by this species (i.e. shallow coastal areas) in northern Australia this species is more likely to inhabit deeper waters of over 30m.

Plain Seasnake Hydrophis inornatus MA ‐ Widely distributed in Asia, only a few specimens have been recorded from northern Australian waters. Little is known of the habitat, specimens collected in1975 were captured over muddy substrates.

Unlikely. Cryptic species with no records in the Northern Territory.

Small‐Headed seasnake

Hydrophis mcdowelli MA ‐ Confined to the seas of northern Australia where it has been taken from widely scattered localities. A number of species have been taken from river estuaries and from other turbid, inshore waters.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however the closest known record is over 10 km away from the project site. This observation was recorded 35 years ago.

Sighted Seasnake, Ornate Reef Seasnake

Hydrophis ornatus MA ‐ Found in a variety of waters, from the clear waters of coral reefs to turbid inshore waters and estuaries. Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however the closest known record of the species is over 100 km from the project area.

Large‐headed Seasnake, Pacific Seasnake

Hydrophis pacificus MA ‐ Known only from widely scattered localities in the seas of northern Australia and New Guinea. The species has been caught during trawling in open water up to 50 m deep on the northern Australian Continental Shelf, and in rivers on Cape York. This species primarily occurs where the sea bed consists of soft sediments, such as that used for prawn trawling.


Spine‐bellied Seasnake

Lapemis hardwickii MA ‐ Found throughout the tropical waters of Australia’s continental shelf and its outliers in the Coral Sea. A common and widely distributed species, it has been found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from shallow, clear reef waters to more turbid inshore waters of estuaries and the lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however the closest known record of the species is over 100 km from the project area.

Rainbow Bee‐eater Merops ornatus MA ‐ Occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands and in various cleared or semi‐cleared habitats including farmland. Usually occurs in open, cleared or lightly‐timbered areas sometimes in close proximity to permanent water. Also occurs in inland and coastal dune systems, and in mangroves in northern Australia.

Likely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area. This species has been recorded in the East Arm Dredge Ponds.

Tidepool Pipefish Micrognathus micronotopterus

MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 2 ‐ 6 m, Occurs in tide pools and reef habitats. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Northern Mangrove Seasnake

Parahydrophis mertoni MA ‐ Known only from the Aru Islands, the lower Gulf of Carpentaria and the coast of Arnhem Land, NT. Principally coastal and estuarine mangrove and associated mud flats.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however the closet known record is over 5 km from the project area. This observation was recorded 30 years ago.

Yellow‐bellied Seasnake

Pelamis platurus MA ‐ Found in the seas surrounding Australia, except along the colder southern coastline. Appears to reach greatest density of populations south of the tropics. It is a pelagic species, feeding mainly on surface fishes.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however the closest known record is over 10 km from the project area. This observation was recorded in 1902.

Appendix D




Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's Pipehorse

Solegnathus hardwickii MA ‐ Marine; demersal. Subtropical, Found in the continental shelf. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Gunther's Pipehorse, Indonesian Pipefish

Solegnathus lettiensis MA ‐ Marine; demersal; depth range 146 ‐ 180 m, Found on the continental slope. Benthic species. Unlikely. The project area does not contain suitable habitat for the species.

Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue‐finned Ghost Pipefish

Solenostomus cyanopterus

MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 0 ‐ 25 m. This uncommon species is found in coastal reefs and weedy areas or lagoon reefs, often on algal flats or seagrass beds.


Rough‐snout Ghost Pipefish

Solenostomus paegnius MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 0 ‐ 10 m. Found in algal/rubble reefs and sandy bottoms, often at depths below 10 m.


Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

Stenella attenuata MA ‐ The Pantropical Sighted Dolphin is a widely distributed species, occurring in all oceans between 40 degrees north and 40 degrees south. As its name suggests, this dolphin inhabits tropical and warm‐temperate seas, where it can be found in both near‐shore and oceanic habitats.

Unlikely. Suitable habitat exists within the project area, however the closet known record is over 10 km away from the project site. This observation was recorded 20 years ago.

Double‐end Pipehorse, Double‐ended Pipehorse, Alligator Pipefish

Syngnathoides biaculeatus

MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; non‐migratory; depth range 0 ‐ 10 m. Occur in protected coastal shallows over or among algae, seagrasses, or floating weeds. Juveniles occasionally found near the surface.


Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short‐tailed Pipefish

Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus

MA ‐ Marine; reef‐associated; depth range 1 ‐ 42 m. Inhabits subtidal lagoon and seaward reefs, usually among algae or seagrasses. Most are seen on sand and mud areas, prone to currents; usually soft bottom to about 25 m.


Straightstick Pipefish, Long‐nosed Pipefish, Straight Stick Pipefish

Trachyrhamphus longirostris

MA ‐ Marine; demersal; depth range 16 ‐ 91 m. Found on the continental shelf. Enters sheltered muddy estuaries where laying out in the open on the bottom.


Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus MA ‐ Bottlenose Dolphins are primarily known from tropical and temperate coastal waters around the world, and in Australia in general, they tend to inhabit offshore waters. Elsewhere, they inhabit inshore areas such as bays, lagoons, fjords and estuaries, and nearshore (open coast) and offshore environments, including the coast of oceanic islands. The species is associated with many types of substrate and habitats, including mud, sand, seagrasses, mangroves and reefs.

Potential. Suitable habitat for the species is present. The species is widely known from the Darwin Harbour.

* CE – Critically Endangered; E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; M – Migratory, MA – Marine

Documents

Darwin Ship Lift Facility and Marine Industries Project · Evaporation For Years 1957 to 2010 for Darwin Airport (BoM, 2018) 29 Figure 6.4 Mean 9 am and 3 pm Wind Speed for Years