ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS REPORT DRAFT Contracting Pty Ltd, Union... · J O H N M I E D E C K E & P A R T N E R S P L • J u n e 2 0 1 8 W al ter s C ontr acti ng Union Bridge Gravel

J O H N M I E D E C K E & P A R T N E R S P L • J u n e 2 0 1 8

W a l te r s C o n tr a c t i n g

Union Bridge Gravel PitIncrease in Production

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS REPORT

DRAFT

Appendices Part B

Appendix E: North Barker Flora and Fauna Reports

Union Bridge Quarry

VEGETATION SURVEY AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

11 May 2011

For Walters Contracting

MIE011

Andrew North [email protected] Philip Barker [email protected]

163 Campbell Street Hobart TAS 7000 Telephone 03. 6231 9788 Facsimile 03. 6231 9877

Union Bridge QuarryVegetation Survey and Fauna Habitat Assessment

SUMMARY

Walters Contracting Pty Ltd wish to apply for a level 2 permit under theEnvironmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) for theexisting mining lease they currently hold a level 1 permit for.

A vegetation survey and fauna habitat assessment has been undertaken ofapproximately 13.5 hectares of land located at Union Bridge Quarry, approximately10 km northwest of Mole Creek on the lower slopes of the Gog Range. The gravel pithas operated since 1984. The mining lease is partly in State Forest and part in theMount Roland Regional Reserve.

Approximately a third of the site has had the vegetation removed in the course ofworking the gravel quarry. The vegetation surrounding the gravel quarry is in verygood condition and there few weeds, in or around the quarry. Native vegetationcommunities and Tasveg (v2.0) mapping units present are:

• DSC – Eucalyptus amygdalina – Eucalyptus obliqua damp sclerophyllforest; and

• FUM – Extraurban miscellaneous.

DSC is not threatened and is well reserved at both a regional and state level. Themining lease is situated in an extensive area of forest

No threatened plant species listed under either the Tasmanian Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995 (TSPA) or the Commonwealth Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) were recorded during the survey or areconsidered likely to occur.

No threatened fauna listed under the EPBCA were recorded for the site. There ispotential forest habitat for both the Tasmanian devil and spotted tailed quoll at thestudy site. However, no scats, tracks or potential dens were identified.

Two threatened fauna species, listed under the TSPA could potentially utilise the site:the masked owl and grey goshawk. It is considered that further development of thesite would not represent a threat to the survival of either of these species.

No evidence of Phytophthora cinnamomi was recorded from the site.

‘Declared’ weeds recorded in the study area include a single ragwort (Seneciojacobaea) plant and a small patch of slender thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Noother significant environmental weeds were recorded although the lessee commentedthat a radiata pine was present. Eradication of the very low weed levels currentlypresent and continued monitoring and control would make this quarry a favourablesource of weed free material.

Recommendations:

To protect potential threatened fauna habitat:

• Mature E. obliqua trees with hollows should be protected where practical tomaintain potential hollows for the masked owl, and

North Barker Ecosystem Servicesi 11_05_2011 MIE011


• Build sediment traps to ensure that sediment does not enter the small streamhabitats adjacent to the mining lease.

Apply conditions to the Level 2 Permit to reduce the risk of introduction and spreadof Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds through the following actions:

• Treat and eradicate all existing weeds on the property.

• Washdown of earth moving machinery working within the quarry beforeentering the site.

• Stockpiling of top soil away from the quarry face and wash down of themachines that move the top soil before re entering the quarry proper.

• Drain the quarry to avoid pooling of water within the quarry work area.

• Periodic reconnaissance surveys for weeds and Phytophthora cinnamomi indevelopment areas.

The level 2 permit application for the quarry expansion should include a requirementto conform to these guidelines for any earth moving machinery (excluding trucks)that enter the site. The site manager should have an awareness of best practise forweed and Phytophthora cinnamomi management as well as basic training inidentification.

There may also be merit is having the relatively weed and apparent symptomatic lackof Phytophthora cinnamomi formerly recognised so that material from the quarrycan be marketed for areas requiring gravel free of weeds and Phytophthoracinnamomi.

North Barker Ecosystem Servicesii 11_05_2011 MIE011


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Fieldwork: Karen Ziegler, NBES.

Report preparation: Kirsty Kay and Karen Ziegler NBES.

Mapping: Chris Obst, NBES.

Photographs: All taken on site by Karen Ziegler, NBES.

Client consultation: Chris (Joe) Walters, Walters Contracting Pty Ltd.

North Barker Ecosystem Servicesiii 11_05_2011 MIE011


CONTENTS

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

1.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................... 11.2 THE STUDY AREA...................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 1: Location of the lease area. .......................................................................................... 2Figure 2: Aerial View of the lease area.......................................................................................3

2. BOTANICAL SURVEY AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT...........................................4

2.1 BACKGROUND RESEARCH .......................................................................................................... 42.2 BOTANICAL SURVEY AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT .............................................................42.3 ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ......................................................................... 42.4 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 5

3. BIOLOGICAL VALUES............................................................................................................. 6

3.1 VEGETATION ............................................................................................................................. 6Figure 3: Vegetation, Weeds and Threatened Fauna Habitat ......................................................9

3.2 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................. 103.3 FAUNA HABITAT ..................................................................................................................... 113.4 FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................ 113.5 INTRODUCED PLANTS .............................................................................................................. 133.6 PHYTOPHTHORA CINNAMONI...................................................................................................... 14

4. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT .................................................................................................... 15

4.1 VEGETATION ........................................................................................................................... 154.2 SIGNIFICANT FLORA ................................................................................................................ 154.3 FAUNA HABITAT ..................................................................................................................... 154.4 WEEDS AND PLANT PATHOGENS .............................................................................................. 15

5. MINIMISING IMPACT............................................................................................................ 16

5.1 THREATENED VEGETATION AND FLORA ................................................................................... 165.2 THREATENED FAUNA............................................................................................................... 165.3 WEEDS AND PLANT PATHOGENS............................................................................................... 16

6. LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS............................................................................................. 17

6.1 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBCA)...................................................................................................................................... 17 6.2 TASMANIAN THREATENED SPECIES PROTECTION ACT 1995 (TSPA) ............................................ 176.3 TASMANIAN WEED MANAGEMENT ACT 1999 (WMA) .............................................................. 176.4 TASMANIAN FOREST PRACTICES REGULATIONS 2005 ............................................................... 186.5 TASMANIAN LAND USE AND PLANNING APPROVALS ACT 1993 (LUPAA) ..................................... 18

7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................ 19

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 21

APPENDIX 1: SPECIES CONSERVATION VALUES .............................................................................. 22APPENDIX 2: LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF THREATENED SPECIES ................................................ 23APPENDIX 3: VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES........................................................................................ 25

North Barker Ecosystem Servicesiv 11_05_2011 MIE011


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Walters Contracting Pty Ltd wish to apply for a Level 2 permit under EMPCA for anexisting mining Lease known as the Union Bridge Quarry, near Mole Creek inTasmania’s’ central north. North Barker Ecosystem Services have been engaged toundertake a vegetation survey and fauna habitat assessment of the property.

This report documents the results of the survey. It focuses on the extent of vegetationand flora and fauna habitat values. It includes a review of the potential of the area tosupport threatened species known to occur in the vicinity. It also considers theimplications of extending the quarry northward on the site with regard to threatenedspecies and communities legislation.

In addition to native plant species, nonnative species have been recorded withemphasis on ‘declared’ weeds listed in the Weed Management Act 19991 plus anyenvironmental weeds.

This report documents the findings in accordance with the standard DPIPWE brieffor flora and fauna consultants.

1.2 THE STUDY AREA

The mining lease, occupying 13.5 hectares (ha), is located at Union Bridge Quarry,approximately 10 km north west of Mole Creek on the lower slopes of the Gog Range.The existing mining lease has been has operated since 1984, Walters Contractingcurrently hold a level 1 permit for the gravel pit but wish to apply for a level 2 permit.The mining lease is partly in State Forest and part in the Mount Roland RegionalReserve.

It is situated within the municipality of Kentish in the Northern Slopes bioregion ofTasmania2 (Figure 1). The altitude of the site ranges from 280m along the southernborder of the study area to approximately 370 metres (m) above sea level at the top ofnorthern edge of the study area.

The site is currently occupied by an operational gravel quarry. Approximately thecentral third of the site has been cleared of native vegetation has been quarried.Native forest remains on the surrounding part of the Mining lease and is contiguouswith the surrounding extensive native forest.

The underlying geology according to the simplified 1:250000 digital geology ofTasmania3 and field observations, is deformed and metamorphosed conglomerates,quartzite and sands and gravels.

The study area is in the moist subhumid cool zone and averages just less than 1200mm annual rainfall according to records from Sheffield4.

1 Weed Management Act 1999

2 IBRA5 Peters & Thackway 1998

3 1:250000 digital geology of Tasmania

4 Bureau of Metrology website

North Barker Ecosystem Services1 11_05_2011 MIE011


Figure 1: Location of the lease area.



Figure 2: Aerial View of the lease area.



2. BOTANICAL SURVEY AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

2.1 BACKGROUND RESEARCH

The following sources were used for biological records from the region:

• Tasmanian Natural Values Atlas report 419865 all threatened plant andanimal records within 5 km of the study area plus potential suitability forother fauna based on habitat model.

• Tasveg 2.0 Tasmanian vegetation mapping.

2.2 BOTANICAL SURVEY AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

The field survey was undertaken on 13th April 2011 and was based on the TimedMeander Search Procedure6. All vascular plant species were recorded asencountered. Botanical nomenclature follows the census of Tasmanian plants7.

The study area was assessed for fauna habitat with respect to threatened faunaspecies known from the area, or considered to potentially occur there. Thisassessment was based on the overall structure of the vegetation includingidentification of factors such as the presence of old growth trees with hollows andlogs. Evidence of native animal presence, such as scats and burrows, were also noted.

2.3 ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

Vegetation types have been classified according to Tasveg8. The conservation status ofa vegetation type relates to its current extent compared with the modelled extentprior to European settlement. This has allowed an estimate of the extent of loss dueto land clearing to be calculated. A 2006 amendment to the Nature Conservation Act2002 included the listing of threatened native vegetation communities in accordancewith their conservation status9.

The State and Federal Governments are committed through the Regional ForestAgreements to achieving a Comprehensive Adequate and Representative (CAR)Reserve System (following JANIS criteria for reservation targets). Conservationstatus at the regional level has not been assigned to all Tasveg mapping units.However, a bioregional and state analysis of forest communities was completed in2007 for the Forest Conservation Fund10 which determined target levels to achieve aCAR Reserve system. The most recent analysis of the area reserved for each Tasvegcommunity across the State and for each Bioregion was last undertaken for Tasvegversion 211.

5 Natural Values Report (07/04/2011), DPIPWE

6 Goff et al. 1982

7 Buchanan 2009.

8 Harris & Kitchener 2005

9 DPIW 2006

10 FCF 2007

11 DPIPWE 2010



The most recent analysis of the area targets for reservation of Tasveg nonforestvegetation communities exists for Tasveg v0.112. This analysis apples to outmodedmapping units. No analysis has been undertaken of Tasveg V2.0 communityclassifications.

Vegetation matters of national environmental significance (MNES) are listed on theCommonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania include two such communities for whichdefining criteria must be met in order for a patch of grassland to qualify as a MNES.

The conservation significance of species is determined at a State and Federal level bythe Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and CommonwealthEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Appendix 1), theimplications of which are considered in the light of the relevant legislation (Appendix2).

2.4 LIMITATIONS

The survey was conducted in mid autumn. It should be noted that no plant survey canguarantee that all vascular flora will be recorded during a single visit due to thelimitations of the sampling technique, seasonal and annual variation in abundanceand the possible absence of fertile material for identification. Ephemeral species thatmay have been overlooked include, for example, spring and summer flowering herbs,notably orchids, lilies and grasses. Additional species are likely to occur that may berecorded by repeated visits over several years and at different seasons. However, allsignificant native species known to occur in the vicinity (5km radius) of the studyarea are considered in this report.

Fauna habitat assessment included noting the quality of the study area as generalhabitat and focussed upon habitat for threatened species.

12 CARSAG 2003



3. BIOLOGICAL VALUES

3.1 VEGETATION

The study area is identified on the current statewide vegetation mapping forTasmania (Tasveg version 2.0) as comprising Eucalyptus amygdalina Eucalyptusobliqua damp forest (DSC) with the remainder mapped as extraurban miscellaneousareas (FUM).

On ground inspection confirmed that this is accurate interpretation of the vegetationat the site. The area in the centre of the study area supports an operational gravelquarry, which is correctly mapped as FUM. FUM is a nonnative mapping unit and istherefore of low conservation significance.

The native vegetation surrounding the quarry is in very good condition andcorresponds to the mapping unit DSC, which also occurs extensively in the areasurrounding the site. The characteristics of the DSC community are described furtherbelow. Vegetation mapping is indicated in Figure 3.

Eucalyptus amygdalina Eucalyptus obliqua forest damp forest (DSC)

DSC occupies approximately 9.9 ha of the study area. As is typical of this vegetationclassification, the dominance of Eucalyptus amygdalina and Eucalyptus obliquaalters in response to microhabitat conditions. Eucalyptus viminalis is also anoccasional species in the canopy. The forest is characterised by a mixed age cohort ofcanopy trees.

The understorey varies in floristic composition from heathy to shrubby. In thenorthern portion of the study area Eucalyptus amygdalina is dominant on the ridgeswith a heathy understorey. On the mid to lower slopes, toward the drainage lines,Eucalyptus obliqua becomes the dominant species with a shrubby understoreycomprising both wet and dry sclerophyll species. On the gentle slopes in the southernedge of the site, Eucalyptus amygdalina is dominant with an understorey typical ofareas with slower drainage.

The heathy facie is generally low and open with occasional taller shrubs includingAllocasuarina littoralis, Leptospermum scoparium, Exocarpos cupressiformis,Daviesia latifolia and Monotoca glauca. The ground layer is of moderate densityand cover and includes Aotus ericoides, Amperea xiphoclada, Epacris impressa,Dianella tasmanica, Pultenaea gunnii, Coprosma hirta, Pteridium esculentum,Cassytha pubescens, Lomatia tinctoria, Tetratheca pilosa, Xanthosia pilosa andLeucopogon ericoides.

The shrubby facie includes Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia dealbata, and Exocarposcupressiformis as low trees and Monotoca glauca as the dominant shrub but alsoincludes Pomaderris apetala, Zieria arborescens, Olearia lirata, and Cyathodesglauca. Low shrubs include Pultenaea juniperina, Coprosma quadrifida andLomatia tinctoria. The ground layer is dense with the main species consisting ofDianella tasmanica, Blechnumwattsii and Pteridium esculentum.

DSC is not a listed threatened native vegetation community under the NatureConservation Act 2002.



Plate 1: DSC on gentle slopes below the quarry

Plate 2: DSC above the existing quarry face

Plate 3: DSCwith a heathy understorey



Plate 4: DSC with dense ground cover and tall shrubs



Figure 3: Vegetation, Weeds and Threatened Fauna Habitat



3.2 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

A total of 74 species of vascular plant were recorded during the site survey including11 introduced species, of which 2 are declared weeds. The survey species list is givenin Appendix 3.

No threatened species listed under either the Commonwealth EnvironmentProtection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) or the TasmanianThreatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) were recorded during the survey.

Species of conservation significance previously recorded within 5 km of the studyarea are listed in Table 1 together with a description of their preferred habitat and anassessment of their likely occurrence on the property.

Table 1: Flora species of conservation significance previously recordedwithin a 5km radius of the site13

SpeciesStatus14

TSPA /EPBCA

Potential toOccur

Observations and PreferredHabitat15

Desmodium gunniiSouthern tick

trefoil

Vulnerable/

None

A species of grassy woodlands often in riparian areaspredominantly in the north and east of the state. Forestin the study area is heathy and shrubby with a denseunderstorey cover that is likely to exclude Desmodium

sp.

Desmodiumvarians

Slender tick trefoil

Vulnerable/

NoneSame record as above. DPIPWE note sheet 2003 doesnot include records of D. g v and D. g recorded, both of

which occur in Tasmania.

Epacrismoscalianaseepage heath

Rare/ Very Low

Known from riparian situations and from the margins ofscrubby swamps. There is no suitable riparian habitat instudy area and only an isolated swampy area below the

quarry which was survey.

Glycine latrobeanaClover glycine

Vulnerable/Vulnerable

None

Glycine latrobeana is found in dry sclerophyll forest,native grassland and woodland, usually on flat sites withloose, sandy or basalt soil. It occurs on the East Coast, in

the north, northwest and the Midlands

Glycinemicrophylla

Smallleaf glycine

Vulnerable/

Very LowGlycine microphylla is found in dry sclerophyll forest

and woodland in the north and east of the State

Grevillea australisvar. linearifolia

narrowleafgrevillea

Rare/ NoneAn erect shrub to 2 m with narrow linear leaves and

white spidery flowers – this taxon occurs sporadically ineastern Tasmania in riparian sites.

PellaeacalidirupiumHotrock fern

Rare/ NoneFound in inland, rocky habitats in areas of low to

moderate rainfall. 1 record within 5 km. Suitable habitatnot present.

PomaderrisphylicifoliaNarrowleafdogwood

Rare/ NoneIt is a woody shrub 1 to 3 m in height. It occurs mainly onriver banks in the north and east of the state.

13 Natural Values report 07/04/11, DPIPWE

14 Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999.

15 Lazarus et al. 2003; Jones et al. 1999



In summary, habitat in the study area is marginal or not suitable for many of thespecies previously recorded in the vicinity. This is due simply to the absence ofsuitable habitat.

3.3 FAUNA HABITAT

The site supports good quality native forest which fringes the existing clearing inwhich quarrying occurs. That fringing forest is contiguous with a large extent of forestwhich provides structural habitat diversity for a range of fauna species. The forest onsite is multiaged and includes large mature hollow bearing trees. The trees that wereidentified on site with large main stem hollows were located using a handheld gps.There is also the potential for hollow development within eucalypts form younger ageclasses time. Small hollows were also noted in mature and old growth tree. No densor rocky outcrops were recorded.

The forest within the study area would provide nesting, shelter and foraging habitatfor native fauna species, including birds, mammals and invertebrates. The Mininglease is a relatively small area within an extensive area of forest on the Gog Range.Forest vegetation around the boundary of the site would provide corridors for faunamovement.

3.4 FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

Threatened fauna species which may potentially occur within the study area, arelisted in Table 2 together with a description of their preferred habitat and anassessment of their likely occurrence on the property. There are no previouslyrecorded threatened fauna within 5oo m of the study area on the Natural ValuesAtlas. Table 2 indicates those records from within 5 km.

Table 2: Fauna species of conservation significance previously recorded,or which may potentially occur, within 5 km of the property16

SpeciesStatusTSPA/EPBCA

Utilisation ofhabitat17


BIRDS

Accipiternovaehollandiaegrey goshawk

Endangered/

ModerateInhabits large tracts of wet forest and requires oldtrees for nesting. There is suitable nesting habitatpresent and species may hunt over study area.

Aquila audaxsubsp. fleayiWedgetailed

eagle

Endangered/Endangered

Very Low

Requires large sheltered trees for nesting and is highlysensitive to disturbance during the breeding season.

There is some suitable nesting habitat present howeveras the site has had an active quarry since it is highlyunlikely that the site is utilised. However, the species

may hunt over the study area.

16 Natural Values report 07/04/11, DPIPWE

17 For wide ranging species, eg Tasmanian devil and wedgetailed eagle, utilisation refers to the potential for nests anddens.

18 Bryant & Jackson 1999



SpeciesStatusTSPA/EPBCA

Utilisation ofhabitat17


Lathamusdiscolor

swift parrot

Endangered/Endangered

Very Low

Requires tree hollows for nesting and feeds on nectarof blue gum (E. globulus) and black gum (E. ovata)flowers. There are no records of swift parrot within 5km of the site. Nor are there any blue and black gumson site offering foraging habitat. But trees potentiallyprovide nesting hollows although the distance to

suitable foraging would make it unlikely that the sitewould be utilised.

Tytonovaehollandiae

Masked owl

Endangered/

Moderate

Requires a mosaic of forest and open areas forforaging and large oldgrowth hollowbearing trees fornesting. There are main stem tree hollows of suitablesize although there was no evidence that they were

utilised. The hollows are in E. obliqua not thepreferred E. viminalis.

MAMMALS

Perameles gunniieasternbarred

bandicoot/Vulnerable None

This species favours a mosaic of open grassy areas forforaging with thick vegetation cover for shelter and

nesting. There are no records within 5 km of site. Theforest lacks open grassy areas for foraging and

therefore is unsuitable.

Spottedtailedquoll

Dasyurusmaculatus subsp.

maculatus

Rare/Vulnerable

Low

Six previous observations in the vicinity. This naturallyrare forestdweller most commonly inhabits wet forestbut also occurs in dry forest. The lease occurs withinthe core range of suitable habitat. It also provides

some potential denning habitat although no evidenceof the species using the site was recorded.

Tasmanian devilSarcophilusharrisii

Endangered/Vulnerable

Low

Four recent observations in the vicinity. They inhabitforest, woodland and agricultural areas. During theday they shelter in caves, dens, burrows and thickscrub. There is limited sheltering habitat in the logsand thick scrub in the lease area. However no dens or

scats were found during the survey and no rockyoutcrops presenting den opportunities are present.

AMPHIBIANS

Litoriaraniformis

Green and goldenfrog


None

Permanent breeding associated with large ponds andslow rivers with emergent diverse vegetation. There isa small sedimentation pond present in southern partof study area, although it is considered that this would

not provide suitable habitat for the species.

INVERTEBRATES

Astacopsis gouldiGiant freshwater

crayfish


Very Low

There are five records for the species within 5 km. Thespecies occurs in rivers and creeks that are in

catchments that flow to the north. Although creeks areadjacent to the site there are none within the site.There could be some potential indirect impact on

habitat water quality if runoff were not managed well.

Beddomeiaturnerae

hydrobiid snail(Minnow river)

Rare/ None

Micro endemic freshwater snails, often known from asingle catchment. The Minnow River is in a separatecatchment of the Mersey River. No suitable habitat forthis genus of snails in the study area.



Based on the fauna habitat survey and the assessment provided in Table 3, there ismoderate potential habitat for two of the threatened fauna within the study area.These are the masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) and the grey goshawk (Accipiternovaehollandiae).

Plate 5: Largemain stem hollow in Eucalyptus obliqua tree in upper part of site

Plate 6: Partly eaten (head and upper thoracic region) of a domestic chicken chick in thefork of a native cherry which suggests that a bird of prey has taken the chick fromfarmland in the valley.

3.5 INTRODUCED PLANTS

The site including native bushland contains a low number of introduced plant speciesincluding 2 ‘declared’ weeds. Two ‘declared’ weeds listed under the WeedManagement Act 1999 occur on the property.

• Slender thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) (Plate 7): tens of plants are scatteredin a small area near the entrance to the quarry. The population is presently ofa very small and controllable size.

• Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) (Plate 8) was only recorded as a single plant. Itwas hand pulled. Monitoring is required

The lessee noted that he had seen the environmental weed radiata pine (Pinusradiata) on site, however this survey did not record it.



Other herbaceous and grassy weed species were present is very low numbers on theedge of the quarry, however they are of little environmental consequence.

Eradication of important weeds (particularly declared and environmental) wouldresult in benefits to neighbouring forest but potentially could have significantmarketing value in being able to market the gravels from this quarry as weed free.Locations of important weed species within the property are mapped in Figure 2.

Plate 7: The single ragwort seen was hand pulled

Plate 8: There is a small infestation of very lush slender thistle

3.6 PHYTOPHTHORA CINNAMONI

Commonly known as dieback or root rot fungus, Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soilborne fungal pathogen that invades the roots of plants and starves them of nutrientsand water. Heath communities are the most susceptible to infection with aconsequent serious loss of species diversity. It is generally spread by thetransportation of soil on vehicles, construction machinery and walking boots. Theestablishment and spread of P. cinnamomi is favoured in areas that receive above600 mm of rainfall per annum, are below 800 m altitude and have a predominantlyheathy shrub layer.

No signs of P. cinnamomi were observed during survey. The study area is consideredto be of moderate to high susceptibility to P. cinnamomi infection, in the small areaof heathy understorey. The forest on the lease supports several species that aresusceptible to P. cinnamomi (Amperea xiphoclada, Epacris impressa, Aotus



ericoides, Leucopogon sp. Monotoca glauca, Oxylobium ellipticum and Banksiamarginata). No evidence of P. cinnamomi was found in any of these species.

4. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT

The quarry will be developed within the current mining lease and the existingfootprint will be expanded to the north to allow the quarry benches to be establishedand the quarry to be operated downwards to allow benches to be created andprogressively rehabilitated.

4.1 VEGETATION

Approximately a third of the study area has been cleared of native vegetation toenable the use of the site as a quarry. The remaining forest remains essentially intactand has minimal weed infestation and is in good condition, including the presence oflarge tree hollows which are suitable for animals dependent on this type of habitat fornesting. However, as the study area is a relatively small area surround by similarforest further development of the mining lease would result in minimal impacts onecological values at a local level.

There will be impacts on the existing vegetation if the quarry is extended; however,the vegetation that exists there is well reserved at both a state and regional level. Thesingle vegetation community present in the study area, DSC is not one of thecommunities listed as threatened under the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act2002.

4.2 SIGNIFICANT FLORA

No species of threatened plants were recorded during the survey and there is littlepotential for threatened flora species known to occur within 5 km of the study area.

4.3 FAUNA HABITAT

The property contains habitat suitable for the grey goshawk and masked owl. Theforest is mature and canopy open in areas which would allow for these birds to hunt.There is no evidence of nets of either species. There were at least two well developedmain stem hollows of suitable size for masked owl nesting and shelter. However therewas no evidence that either of these hollows were in use.

The study area is within range and suitable hunting habitat for the Tasmanian deviland the spotted tailed quoll. However, no evidence of either species – no latrines ordens were seen.

4.4 WEEDS AND PLANT PATHOGENS

The introduction of machinery and vehicles during quarry works presents anincreased risk of introducing and/or spreading weeds.

Given the low number of ‘declared’ and environmental weeds in the study area thereis a high value in eradicating and monitoring the present minor infestations fromspreading around the site and into potentially with gravel from the quarry to where



the gravel is used. There is value in using such a “clean” quarry for material going tocurrently weed free areas and to areas of a high conservation value.


5. MINIMISING IMPACT

The expansion of the existing quarry will have a small but incremental impact for theconservation of existing biodiversity values. However, as the mining lease issurrounded by an area of extensive forest with similar values there will be minimalimpact on a local level.

5.1 THREATENED VEGETATION AND FLORA

No threatened vegetation or flora was located during the survey.

5.2 THREATENED FAUNA

Fauna habitats likely to be directly impacted by the quarry extension are the matureE. obliqua trees that bear hollows. The trees occur on the northern margin and couldbe excluded from excavation. The grey goshawk is unlikely to be significantly impactupon because the area of forest surrounding the mining lease is extensive andsupports similar suitable habitat.

Although it is unknown whether there are any giant freshwater crayfish in thecatchment area below the quarry, water quality could be protected by installation ofmore sediment traps below the quarry.

5.3 WEEDS AND PLANT PATHOGENS

Protocols for appropriate hygiene have been developed by Tasmanian landmanagers19. At the core of these guidelines are measures to reduce the introductionand spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds through such things as:






19 DPIPWE, FT & ACT (2004).




6. LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS

6.1 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBCA)

The EPBCA is structured for selfassessment; the proponent must indicate whetheror not the project is considered a ‘controlled action’ which if confirmed would requireapproval from the Commonwealth Minister.

The probability of any nationally listed flora species occurring on the property isconsidered to be low. If any impact on a nationally listed flora species were likely,approval under the Act may be necessary.

Two nationally listed fauna species, the Tasmanian devil and spotted tailed quollcould potentially occur on the property. The vegetation survey and fauna habitatassessment has indicated that this proposal is unlikely to cause a measurable declineto either species, as there is no evidence of either species being present in the studyarea.

6.2 TASMANIAN THREATENED SPECIES PROTECTION ACT 1995

(TSPA)

Any impacts to threatened plant species listed under the TSPA will require a ‘permitto take’ from the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Wildlife andthe Environment (DPIPWE) Development and Conservation Assessments Branch(DCAB).

Fauna species of State significance potentially occurring in the study area include themasked owl and the grey goshawk. However, it is anticipated that there will be nodirect impact on this species as there is no evidence that nesting occurs within thestudy area. Therefore, a permit under this Act is unlikely to be required.

Appendix 2 outlines the implications of threatened species in regard to the TSPA.

6.3 TASMANIAN WEED MANAGEMENT ACT 1999 (WMA)

‘Declared weeds’ are subject to the provisions of the WMA. Under the Act theManagement Plan for the ‘declared weeds’ slender thistle and ragwort, recorded onthe lease, classifies them as a Zone B weed in the Kentish municipality.

Weeds in Zone B require containment within municipal boundaries, prevention of theweed spreading to land free of the weed and prevention of the weed impactingnegatively upon any community or flora or fauna species listed under the EPBCA1999 and/or the TSPA 1995. Properties containing these weeds are potentiallysubject to the directives of the Regional Weed Management Officer.



6.4 TASMANIAN FOREST PRACTICES REGULATIONS 2005

Clearing carried out for mining or mineral exploration activities that are authorisedunder a permit under the Tasmanian Land Use Planning and Approvals Act or alicense or lease under the Mineral Resources Development Act are exempt from theForest Practices Act.

6.5 TASMANIAN LAND USE AND PLANNING APPROVALS ACT

1993 (LUPAA)

LUPAA states that ‘in determining an application for a permit, a planning authoritymust (amongst other things) seek out the objectives set out in Schedule 120.

Schedule 1 includes ‘The objectives of the Resource Management and PlanningSystem of Tasmania’ which are (amongst other things):

‘To promote sustainable development of natural and physical resources andthe maintenance of ecological processes and genetic diversity’.

Sustainable development includes ‘avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverseeffects of activities on the environment’21.

Appropriate conditions brought in with an approval on the site could ensure weedand soil pathogen management in the quarry ie. Protocols for soil hygiene have beendeveloped by Tasmanian land managers22. At the core of these guidelines aremeasures to reduce the introduction and spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi andweeds through such things as:





The level 2 permit application for the quarry expansion should include a requirementto conform to these guidelines for any earth moving machinery (excluding trucks)that enter the site.

20 Section 51(2)(b) – Part 4 Enforcement of Planning Control – Division 2 Development Control (LUPPA 1993)

21 page 56 – LUPPA 1993

22 DPIWE, FT & ACT (2004).



7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Approximately a third of the site has had the vegetation removed in the course ofworking the gravel quarry. The vegetation surrounding the gravel quarry is in verygood condition and there few weeds, in or around the quarry. Native vegetationcommunities and Tasveg (v2.0) mapping units present are:

• DSC – Eucalyptus amygdalina – Eucalyptus obliqua damp sclerophyllforest; and

• FUM – Extraurban miscellaneous;

DSC is not threatened and is well reserved at both a regional and state level. Themining lease is situated in an extensive area of forest

No threatened plant species listed under either the Tasmanian Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995 (TSPA) or the Commonwealth Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) were recorded during the survey orthought likely to occur.

No threatened fauna listed under the EPBCA were recorded for the site. There ispotential forest habitat for both the Tasmanian devil and spotted tailed quoll at thestudy site. However, no scats, tracks or potential dens were identified.

Two threatened fauna species, listed under the TSPA could potentially utilise the sitefor nests: the masked owl and grey goshawk. It is considered that furtherdevelopment of the site would not represent a threat to the survival of either of thesespecies.

To protect the potential threatened fauna habitat:

• Mature E. obliqua trees with hollows should be protected where practical tomaintain potential hollows for the masked owl, and

• Develop sediment traps to ensure that sediment does not enter the smallstreams adjacent to the mining lease.


‘Declared’ weeds recorded on the site include a single ragwort plant and a small patchof slender thistle. No other significant environmental weeds were recorded althoughthe lessee had commented that a radiata pine was present. Eradication of the verylow weed levels currently present and continued monitoring and control would makethis quarry a favourable source of weed free material.

Recommendations:

Apply conditions to the level 2 permit to reduce the introduction and spread ofPhytophthora cinnamomi and weeds through such things as:











REFERENCES

Bryant, S. & Jackson, J. (1999). Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook: what,where and how to protect. Threatened Species Unit, Parks & Wildlife Service,Hobart.

Commonwealth of Australia (1999). Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999. No. 91, 1999.

DPIW (2006). Threatened Native Vegetation Communities, Version 6. Department ofPrimary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

DPIPWE (2011). Natural Values Report 41986 (07/04/2011), Natural Values Atlas,Threatened Species Section, Department of Primary Industries and Water,Hobart.

Forest Conservation Fund (2007). Conservation Value Index Technical Report. FCFAssessment Methodology Advisory Panel.

Forest Practices Authority (2005). Forest Botany Manual. Forest Practices AuthorityTasmania.

Harris , S & Kitchener, A. (2005). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions ofTasmania’s Vegetation. Department of Primary Industries, Water andEnvironment, Printing Authority of Tasmania, Hobart.

Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P. and Harris, S. (1999). The Orchids of Tasmania.Melbourne University Press.

Kirkpatrick, J.B., Barker, P., Brown, M.J., Harris, S., and Mackie, R. (1995). TheReservation Status of Tasmanian Vascular Plant Communities. WildlifeScientific Report 95/4. Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart.

Peters, D. & Thackway, R. (1998) A New Biogeographic Regionalisation forTasmania. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart.

Pfennigwerth, S. (2008). Minimising the swift parrot collision threat. Guidelinesand recommendations for parrotsafe building design. World Wildlife Fund –Australia.

Tasmanian State Government (1993). Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.No.70 of 1993. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (1995). Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.No.83of 1995. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (1999).Weed Management Act 1999.No.105 of 1999.Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (2002).Nature Conservation Act 2002. No.63 of2002. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (2006).Nature Conservation Amendment(Threatened Native Vegetation Communities) Act 2006. GovernmentPrinter, Hobart, Tasmania.



APPENDIX 1: SPECIES CONSERVATION VALUES

SPECIES OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Listed in Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act has six categories of threat status for species:

1. Extinct - If at a particular there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

2. Extinct in the wild - If it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or If it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

3. Critically endangered - If at a particular time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

4. Endangered - If it is not critically endangered; and it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

5. Vulnerable - If at a particular time it is not critically endangered or endangered; and it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

6. Conservation dependent - If, at that time, the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

SPECIES OF STATE SIGNIFICANCE

Listed in Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSP Act)

Threatened flora and fauna species in Tasmania are listed in Schedules 3 (extinct or endangered), 4 (vulnerable) or 5 (rare). These three categories are defined in Section 15 of the Act.

1. Extinct - If no occurrence of the taxon in the wild can be confirmed during the past 50 years.

2. Endangered - If it is in danger of extinction because long-term survival is unlikely while the factors causing it to be endangered continue operating.

3. Vulnerable - If it is likely to become an endangered taxon while the factors causing it to be vulnerable continue operating.

4. Rare - If it has a small population in Tasmania that is not endangered or vulnerable but is at risk.”

Species that have been nominated and approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee for listing in the Act

SPECIES OF REGIONAL OR GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The following definitions are from three publications: Flora Advisory Committee 1994, Vertebrate Advisory Committee 1994, Invertebrate Advisory Committee 1994

Flora only - Species listed as rare but not necessarily ‘at risk’ (r3)

Fauna only – Species requiring monitoring (m)

Both – Species of unknown risk status (k) in Tasmania, or thought to be uncommon within region, or a species having a declining range or populations within the area.

Species considered being outside its normal range or of an unusual form as determined and justified in the body of the report.

Species identified in regional studies as being of conservation significance that are not listed in current legislation

Species that have been recognised but have not been formally described in a published journal that are thought to be significant as determined and justified in the body of the report.

Plant species that are not known to be reserved. To be so it must be known to exist in at least one secure Reserve. Secure reserves include reserves and parks requiring the approval of both Houses of Parliament for their revocation. They include: National Parks, Aboriginal Sites, Historic Sites, Nature Reserves, State Reserves, Game Reserves, Forest Reserves, Wellington Park, and insecure reserves in the World Heritage Area which is protected by international agreement under the World Heritage Convention.



APPENDIX 2: LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF THREATENED

SPECIES

TASMANIAN STATE LEGISLATION AFFECTING THREATENED SPECIES

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

Threatened flora and fauna species in Tasmania are listed in Schedules 3 (endangered) and 4 (vulnerable) of the Threatened Species Protection Act, 1995. Rare species that are considered to be ‘at risk’ are listed in Schedule 5 of the Act. These three categories are defined in Section 15 of the Act.

1. “An extant taxon of native flora or fauna may be listed as endangered if it is in danger of extinction because long-term survival is unlikely while the factors causing it to be endangered continue operating.

2. A taxon of native flora or fauna may be listed as vulnerable if it is likely to become an endangered taxon while the factors causing it to be vulnerable continue operating.

3. A taxon of native flora or fauna may be listed as rare if it has a small population in Tasmania that is not endangered or vulnerable but is at risk.”

The Act provides mechanisms for protecting these species from threatening processes through the implementation of ‘recovery plans’, ‘threat abatement plans’, ‘land management plans’, public authority agreements’, and ‘interim protection orders’.

Section 51 (a) of the TSPA states that: “A person must not knowingly, without a permit - take, trade in, keep or process any listed flora or fauna”. The Act defines ‘take’ as including: “kill, injure, catch, damage, destroy and collect. A land manager is therefore required to obtain a permit from the Development and Conservation Assessment Branch (DCAB) of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) to carry out management that may adversely affect any of the species listed in the Act.



Commonwealth of Australia Legislation Affecting Threatened Species

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act establishes a process for assessing actions that are likely to have impacts of national environmental significance. Such impacts include World Heritage Areas, RAMSAR Wetland sites of international importance, migratory species protected under international agreements, nuclear actions, the Commonwealth marine environment and nationally threatened species and communities.

Threatened species are defined in several categories:

1. Extinct

• If at a particular time there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

2. Extinct in the wild

• If it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or

• If it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

3. Critically endangered

• If at a particular time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

4. Endangered

• If it is not critically endangered; and it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

5. Vulnerable

• If at a particular time it is not critically endangered or endangered; and it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

6. Conservation dependent

• If, at that time, the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

An action that is likely to affect species that are listed in any of the above categories may require ministerial approval unless the Commonwealth Environment Minister has granted an exemption. The Act establishes a referral process to Environment Australia to determine whether an action requires a formal approval and thus would be required to proceed through the assessment and approval process.

A referral must provide sufficient information to allow the Minister to make a decision. The Minister is then required to make a decision within 20 business days of the referral. The Minister may decide an approval is not necessary if the action is taken in a specified manner. The action may not require approval but may require a permit if undertaken on Commonwealth land. If an approval is required then an environmental assessment must be carried out. In such instances the environmental assessment approach will be determined by the Minister and may vary from preliminary documentation to a full public inquiry depending on the scale and complexity of the impact.



APPENDIX 3: VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES

Status codes: ORIGIN NATIONAL SCHEDULE STATE SCHEDULE i - introduced EPBC Act 1999 TSP Act 1995 d - declared weed WM Act CR - critically endangered e - endangered en - endemic to Tasmania EN - endangered v - vulnerable t - within Australia, occurs only in Tas. VU - vulnerable r - rare

Sites: 1 DSC - shrubby facie - E443742, N5405969 13/04/2011 Karen Ziegler 2 DSC - heathy facie - E443615, N5405920 13/04/2011 Karen Ziegler 3 DSC - additional species - E443600, N5405800 13/04/2011 Karen Ziegler

Site Name Common name Status

DICOTYLEDONAE ASTERACEAE

3 3

3 1 3

Carduus pycnocephalus Cirsium vulgare Hypochoeris radicata Olearia lirata Senecio jacobaea

slender thistle spear thistle rough catsear forest daisybush ragwort

d i i

d

2

CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina littoralis black sheoak

2

DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia procumbens spreading guineaflower

EPACRIDACEAE 1 2 2 1 2

Cyathodes glauca Epacris impressa Leucopogon ericoides Monotoca glauca

purple cheeseberry common heath pink beardheath goldey wood

en

2

EUPHORBIACEAE Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada broom spurge

2 2 3 2 1 2 3

FABACEAE Aotus ericoides Daviesia latifolia Oxylobium ellipticum Pultenaea gunnii Pultenaea juniperina Trifolium repens

golden pea hop bitterpea golden shaggypea golden bushpea prickly beauty white clover i

GENTIANACEAE 3 Centaurium erythraea common centaury i

GOODENIACEAE 2 Goodenia lanata trailing native-primrose

HALORAGACEAE 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides

LAMIACEAE forest raspwort

3 Prunella vulgaris selfheal i

LAURACEAE 2 Cassytha pubescens downy dodderlaurel

MIMOSACEAE 2 3 1

Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata Acacia gunnii Acacia melanoxylon

silver wattle ploughshare wattle blackwood

MYRTACEAE



1 2 1 2 1 3 3 2 3

Eucalyptus amygdalina Eucalyptus obliqua Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis Leptospermum glaucescens Leptospermum lanigerum Leptospermum scoparium Melaleuca squamea

black peppermint stringybark white gum smoky teatree woolly teatree common tea-tree swamp honeymyrtle

en

en

PITTOSPORACEAE 1 Billardiera longiflora purple appleberry en

POLYGONACEAE 3 Acetosella vulgaris sheep sorrel i

PRIMULACEAE 3 Anagallis arvensis scarlet pimpernel i

2 3

1 2 2

PROTEACEAE Banksia marginata Lomatia tinctoria Persoonia juniperina

silver banksia guitarplant prickly geebung

en

1

3

RANUNCULACEAE Clematis aristata Ranunculus repens

mountain clematis creeping buttercup i

1

RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris apetala common dogwood

2 1

RUBIACEAE Coprosma hirtella Coprosma quadrifida

coffeeberry native currant

3 1

RUTACEAE Nematolepis squamea Zieria arborescens

satinwood stinkwood

1 2

SANTALACEAE Exocarpos cupressiformis Leptomeria drupacea

common native-cherry erect currantbush

2

STYLIDIACEAE Stylidium graminifolium narrowleaf triggerplant

3 2

THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea drupacea Pimelea linifolia subsp. linoides

cherry riceflower greater slender riceflower

2

TREMANDRACEAE Tetratheca pilosa hairy pinkbells

3

URTICACEAE Urtica incisa scrub nettle

MONOCOTYLEDONAE

3 3

CYPERACEAE Gahnia grandis Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus

cutting grass buttongrass

3 3 3

JUNCACEAE Juncus bufonius Juncus pauciflorus Luzula sp.

toad rush looseflower rush luzula

1 2 1

LILIACEAE Dianella tasmanica Drymophila cyanocarpa

forest flaxlily turquoise berry

ORCHIDACEAE



1 1 2

Acianthus sp. Chiloglottis sp. Pterostylis sp.

mosquito orchid bird orchid greenhood

1 3 2

POACEAE Ehrharta stipoides Poa annua Poa sp.

weeping grass winter grass poa

i

3

RESTIONACEAE Calorophus elongatus long roperush

PTERIDOPHYTA

1 1

BLECHNACEAE Blechnum nudum Blechnum wattsii

fishbone waterfern hard waterfern

3 3 1 2

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Histiopteris incisa Hypolepis rugosula Pteridium esculentum

batswing fern ruddy groundfern bracken

1

DICKSONIACEAE Dicksonia antarctica soft treefern

3

GLEICHENIACEAE Gleichenia microphylla scrambling coralfern


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