Report ref: June 2011 Revision 0. Santos Fairview Lot5 Ecological Assessment Water to Grade Pipelines

Transcription

1 Santos Fairview Lot5 Ecological Assessment Water to Grade Pipelines Report ref: June 2011 Revision 0

2 Document prepared by: Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd ABN Level 1, Tennyson House 9 Tennyson Street Mackay Queensland 4740 Australia T: F: E: mackay@ap.aurecongroup.com W: aurecongroup.com Document control Document ID: _Fairview_Lot5_Ecological%20Investigation[1] Rev No Date Revision details Typist Author Verifier Approver Final SMW VJB/SMW/SJS GAP JS A person using Aurecon documents or data accepts the risk of: a) Using the documents or data in electronic form without requesting and checking them for accuracy against the original hard copy version. b) Using the documents or data for any purpose not agreed to in writing by Aurecon. This document is solely for the purposes of an ecological assessment and does not provide any legal advice regarding development locations and/or activities.

3 Contents 1. Background Project Description Purpose of Report 2 2. Methodology Desktop Methodology Field Methodology 3 3. Ecological Assessment and Recommendations Corridor F Corridors F4 and F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F41 and F Unnamed corridor adjoining southern end of Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Corridor F Unnamed corridor between F215 and F Corridor FV Corridor T3-14J-C Geotech 6399-RM Power line corridor east Power line corridor west 72 Aurecon Page 1

4 1. Background 1.1 Project Description Santos Ltd (Santos) have commissioned Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd (Aurecon) to conduct an ecological investigation of areas proposed for the construction of multiple water to grade pipelines within the Fairview gas fields. The Fairview gas fields are centred around the Injune area and are characterised by elevated sandstone ranges including the Carnarvon and Expedition Ranges and part of the Mount Hutton and Kongabula Ranges. The Dawson River and other smaller watercourses drain this area and the vegetation is dominated by Eucalyptus and White Cypress Pine woodland, Brigalow and Semievergreen Vine Thicket (Eddie, 2007). Much of this area has been subjected to cattle grazing and other agricultural practices as well as previous development associated with the gas fields. Santos has identified proposed corridors to allow for the construction of water to grade pipelines to transport water from existing gas wells. Aurecon has undertaken desktop and on-ground ecological assessments of the proposed pipeline corridors to identify any environmental constraints associated with the area. Numerous pipeline corridors are planned and this report addresses those corridors on Lot 5WT217, reviewed in several months of field inspections from March to May The pipeline corridors addressed in this report are F3, F4, F9, F13, F28, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38, F39, F40, F41, F42, F43, F44, F45, F46, F215, F280, F285, F291, FV804 and T3-14J-C. Two unnamed corridors are included. These occur between corridors F215 and F45, and adjoining the southern end of corridor F41. One geotech point, 6399-RM01, that moved from a nonremnant vegetation area within a surveyed corridor to within remnant vegetation is included in this report. All other geotech locations occur with reported corridors and their general floristics are consistent with the corridors within which they occur. Any environmental constraints associated with individual geotech locations have been reported to the Santos Project Leader. Powerline corridors on Lot 5WT217 have also been assessed as part of adjacent pipelines or separately when not adjacent to corridors. 1.2 Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to provide an ecological assessment of the proposed development area and identify potential environmental constraints to the development. This report does not make any recommendations regarding the development in relation to any Santos environmental authorities or other approvals. Aurecon Page 2

5 2. Methodology 2.1 Desktop Methodology Areas of development have been projected on various maps as provided by Santos. These maps include Regional Ecosystem (RE) mapping, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) mapping, drainage mapping and aerial photography. Where available ahead of time, these resources were reviewed to determine areas of focus for the field inspection. It is important to note that throughout this report areas of remnant vegetation are referred to as endangered, of concern and no concern at present regional ecosystems. The classification used for this report is based on the biodiversity status of the vegetation not the Vegetation Management Act status of the vegetation. This is important as some areas mapped on the RE mapping (which used the VMA status) are categorised as of concern but are referred to in this report as endangered. 2.2 Field Methodology The proposed corridors were inspected by nine (9) Aurecon ecologists (Jane Stark, Vanessa Boettcher, Grant Paterson, Sarah Glauert, Sandra Walters, Chris Schell, Cassandra Arkinstall, Hayley Poole and Leesa Lethebridge) between 1 March and 4 May The inspections aimed to assess the existing vegetation communities and habitat value of the proposed clearing within the pipeline corridors as well as verifying regional ecosystem (RE) mapping as produced by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). GIS layers of the proposed corridor locations and environmental constraints mapping (eg Regional Ecosystem Mapping, Ecologically Significant Area Mapping) and high resolution aerial photography were uploaded onto a toughbook (C5 mobile clinical assistant CFT-001 Motion computing) with an integrated GPS to facilitate the detection of boundaries whilst traversing the site. Handheld Garmin GPS units (GPS Map 76) were also used in the inspection. The corridors were 100m wide for pipelines and lesser widths (10-20m) for powerlines and of varying lengths. The ground-truthing of these sites included undertaking detailed flora species observations including sampling of unknown flora. All flora species known to be of conservation significance (such as endangered, vulnerable, near threatened or Type A species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 or endangered, vulnerable or rare species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) were recorded by GPS. Fauna observations were also recorded during the inspections. A complete list of flora species observed in lot 5 has been included in Appendix A. Aurecon Page 3

6 Figure 1: Ground-truthed corridors on lot 5WT217 Aurecon Page 4

7 3. Ecological Assessment 3.1 Corridor F3 Corridor F3 is currently mapped by DERM as occurring within both non-remnant and remnant vegetation. The areas mapped as remnant vegetation consist of REs and which are endangered and no concern at present, respectively. Recent field investigations have resulted in confirmation of RE map accuracy. RE is a Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket (SEVT) community which is listed as endangered by both Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. Due to the presence of the endangered SEVT, the corridor occurs within and adjacent to areas classed as a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Land clearing and current grazing practices have resulted in the non-remnant status of the remaining vegetation within this corridor. Multiple watercourses (classified DERM as stream orders 1, 2 and 3) bisect the proposed corridor. A major access road and pre-existing track traverse the southern side of the corridor (Figure 2). Figure 2 Aerial photograph and associated RE mapping of proposed corridor F3

8 Floristics As discussed, the proposed corridor occurs in areas mapped by DERM as remnant and non-remnant vegetation. Within the mapped remnant vegetation, both a Eucalypt community and SEVT have been identified. The Eucalypt community is dominated by Silver-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) and Narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra) with a shrubby understorey and less dominance of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in the ground layer than other, cleared areas on site. The SEVT community (which is analogous to RE ) consists of a diverse range of rainforest species, including multiple Type A restricted species. These species have not been recorded due to the inaccessibility of the steep slope. Two Type A restricted species, namely Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) and Narrow-leaved bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) were observed on the edge of the SEVT community, within the no concern at present RE and its location has been identified in Table 1. Table 1: Species of conservation significance for Corridor F3 Species name Common name Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Brachychiton rupestris Narrow-leaved bottle tree The non-remnant areas of the corridor are located on land which has been historically cleared for agricultural purposes, and is presently utilised as grazing land for cattle. There are few mature trees within these areas, and the dense ground layer is dominated by Buffel grass. Habitat values The habitat values of corridor F3 are relatively high within the areas of the remnant vegetation. The remnant vegetation has an intact canopy with a diverse mid-storey and ground layer dominated by native flora species. The remnant vegetation area also contains SEVT which is a dense, diverse vegetation community with a very high habitat value for insect, avian, reptile, and mammalian fauna. Multiple bird nests were observed within the remnant vegetation. Brown Quails (Coturnix ypsilophora), Red Backed Fairy-Wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) and a Tommy Round Head lizard (Diporiphora australis) were observed during field investigations, and a diverse array of bird calls were heard. Macropod scats were also recorded. The areas of non-remnant vegetation have a low-moderate habitat value due to the lack significant mature vegetation and dominance of Buffel grass and other non-native species. The habitat value is increased by the presence of watercourses of moderate size with sparse fringing riparian vegetation. A high amount of woody debris was also observed within the cleared areas. Double Barred Finches (Taeniopygia bichenovii) were heard in the area but no other fauna were observed. Due to its close proximity to remnant vegetation, it is likely that the non-remnant areas within the corridor are utilised as stepping stones for highly mobile species, and may be utilised by more disturbance tolerant species for foraging.

9 3.1 Corridors F4 and F13 General Corridor F4 is located predominantly within non-remnant vegetation, as mapped by DERM. A small section of the corridor occurs within a mapped endangered RE , which is a SEVT community and is protected by both Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. The area of SEVT was inspected during recent field investigations, and is considered accurately mapped. The western terminus of Corridor F4 also traverses remnant vegetation considered no concern at present (RE / ). Figure 3 illustrates corridor F4 and F13, which are adjoining. Segments of the corridor outlined in yellow represent those areas that have been inspected during recent (March 2011) field investigations. As a result of inaccessibility, the remainder of Corridors F4 and F13 (outlined in red) have not been ground-truthed as part of this assessment. Desktop assessment of these areas has been conducted in order to identify ecological constraints.

10 Figure 3: Aerial photograph and associated RE mapping of proposed corridors F4 and F13 The corridor occurs across three watercourses of stream orders 1, 2 and 3. The majority of the corridor is cleared land which is presently being utilised for cattle grazing. Floristics The proposed corridors F4 and F13 occur predominantly within an area which has been historically cleared for agricultural purposes. These areas are dominated by Buffel grass and other exotic species. Woody vegetation consists mainly of regrowth Acacia species, with very few mature trees. The watercourses that bisect the corridors are highly disturbed and have very little riparian vegetation. Figure 4 shows the largest watercourse of which the corridor traverses. Areas within the corridors that are mapped as endangered RE have been ground-truthed, and are considered correctly mapped. These areas were dominated by Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) and Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus). Figure 4: A stream order 3 watercourse traversing Corridor F13 Nine individuals of Brachychiton rupestris were recorded in corridors F4 and F13, and their locations are provided in Table 2 below. These species are Type A restricted plant under the NC Act.

11 Table 2: Species of conservation significance in proposed corridors F4 and F13 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Habitat value The habitat value of disturbed areas of corridors F4 and F13 are low to moderate. The area is mostly cleared land which is dominated by Buffel grass and other exotics and has limited mature vegetation. The area does contain watercourses, however they are highly disturbed and contain very little riparian vegetation. The areas containing SEVT and immediately adjacent to SEVT have a higher habitat value due to greater level of cover, less dominance of exotic species and a greater amount of woody debris and fallen timber. Two Squatter Pigeons (Geophaps scripta scripta) were observed in the edge of the SEVT where it meets the cleared areas. Squatter Pigeons are listed as vulnerable under both the NC Act and the EPBC Act. 3.2 Corridor F9 General Corridor F9 is currently mapped as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping. The corridor is situated near remnant endangered vegetation. Remnant RE occurs approximately 60 metres to the north of the development area and 200m to the south-east of the development area. Remnant endangered vegetation is mapped as Category B on the ESA mapping. No watercourses are mapped as occurring within the pipeline footprint and none were observed during the inspection. The area has been extensively disturbed mainly due to heavy grazing by stock. The area was also observed to have been burnt. An existing cleared well pad was located at the north-western end of the corridor.

12 Figure 5 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F9 Floristics The pipeline corridor is currently in a highly grazed area and as such was relatively low in species richness. Buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare) was the dominant species at the site with an estimated dominance of greater than 90% of the ground layer. One Brachychiton rupestris was observed within the potential clearing area, which is a Type A restricted species under the NC Act. The location of this species is identified in Table 3. No species protected under the EPBC Act were observed within the pipeline footprint.

13 Table 3: Species of conservation significance for Corridor F9 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris Habitat values The habitat values of corridor F9 are very low overall. The area has been extensively disturbed by stock grazing, burning and invasion of exotic pastures. A single stock shade camp has been retained in one area and this would provide temporary habitat for native avian fauna. The remainder of the area contained very little woody debris or other habitat features and was unlikely to provide suitable habitat for native fauna. 3.3 Corridor F28 General The majority of the proposed corridor occurs in non-remnant vegetation and partially occurs in remnant vegetation mapped as / and / (see Figure 6). RE / is a dominant of concern RE polygon and / is a no concern at present RE polygon. The areas of remnant vegetation mapped as / and / are incorrect and are discussed further below. Remnant of concern vegetation is classed as a Category C ESA and therefore the corridor occurs in and adjacent to Category C on the ESA mapping. This is discussed further below. A minor mapped drainage depression crosses the corridor. A cleared strip of approximately 20 metres width occurs in the pipeline footprint. This cleared strip is for the existing gas pipeline. A road also traverses the pipeline corridor. The southern end of F28 occurs across very open, previously cleared land and adjacent to the Waddy Brae homestead. This area is predominantly pasture land with very little woody vegetation.

14 Figure 6 Aerial Photograph of proposed corridor F28 with overlaid RE Mapping Floristics The area of disturbance occurs in both remnant and non-remnant vegetation. Within the remnant and the non-remnant vegetation at the northern end of the corridor, the predominant vegetation is Eucalyptus species and Cypress Pine woodland. The mapped area of RE / is incorrect due to both the species present and the landzone of the area. The area is a landzone 10 due to the geology and soils of the area and its elevated location in landscape. Therefore, which is a landzone 3 RE is not present in the area. This RE is also described as Eucalyptus tereticornis fringing drainage lines which is not analogous to the vegetation within the corridor. Therefore the mapped RE is what is supposed to be present in the northern tip of F28. However, the RE description for is Acacia catenulata (Bendee) or Acacia shirleyi (Lancewood)

15 open forest on crests and scarps. The area at the northern tip of F28 is situated on a sandstone plateau and is dominated by Eucalypt species. A rocky scarp does occur further to the north which is likely to be but it is not in the corridor. The vegetation in the northern section of F28 is the same as outlined below and is most likely RE The mapped remnant of concern vegetation / are both described as Eucalypt woodlands on alluvial plains. This is not the correct RE for this area as it was clearly not an alluvial plain (landzone 3) as described above and the species were different from those in the detailed RE descriptions. The most likely regional ecosystem for this area is as the dominant vegetation was Eucalyptus decorticans, Eucalyptus crebra and Callitris glaucophylla with some locally dominant patches of Acacia leptostachya at the northern end where there have been more disturbances. RE is a no concern at present ecosystem. The non-remnant vegetation along the southern end of the corridor is characterised by Eucalypt regrowth however the majority of the area is pasture with little woody vegetation. There was a high prevalence of exotic species within the pasture areas, predominantly Buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare) and Noogoora Burr (Xanthium occidentale) Two species of conservation significance were located within the proposed corridor footprint. Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (Grasstree) were identified at three locations and one Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) was located within the footprint adjacent to the Waddy Brae homestead. The details of their locations are in Table 4 below. Table 4: Species of conservation significance in F28 Species Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Brachychiton populneus The above species, Grasstree and Kurrajong, are both Type A restricted plants under the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000 which is subordinate legislation to the NC Act. Habitat Values The habitat values of corridor F28 are high within the area of remnant and the adjacent nonremnant vegetation in the northern section of the corridor but are very limited in the non-remnant regrowth and open pasture areas at the southern end. The remnant area within the pipeline footprint offers a predominantly undisturbed environment and therefore retains the intrinsic habitat values associated with that RE. Mature trees and shrubby understorey provides a high level of cover and possible nesting hollows. The mapped non-remnant vegetation adjacent to the remnant was very similar in habitat value to the remnant RE except for the cleared existing pipeline which offers little habitat value due to its exposed nature and lack of woody vegetation. The areas of non-remnant regrowth and open pasture land along the southern half of the corridor are very limited in habitat value due to the lack of cover and high prevalence of exotic species. These areas are unlikely to be further affected by the proposed 30m clearing for the pipeline.

16 3.4 Corridor F29 General Corridor F29 is approximately 170 metres long and is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation (see Figure 7). Much of the corridor is heavily disturbed with a cleared pad in the eastern half and a major track dissecting the western portion. An existing gas ROW also passes through the corridor. Remnant vegetation of RE / is mapped to the west of the corridor, although it is clear in the aerial photography that the vegetation is contiguous with adjoining areas mapped as non-remnant. This will be discussed in floristics below. No watercourses occur in the corridor. Figure 7 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F29 with overlaid RE mapping

17 Floristics Corridor F29 is mapped entirely as non-remnant, which is incorrect. Remnant vegetation of RE / is mapped to the west of the corridor, but the remnant extends into the corridor. The boundary of the remnant is in fact demarcated by the road that passes through the western portion of the corridor. The mapped REs / are listed as no concern at present and of concern, respectively. However, ground truthing determined that vegetation is not consistent with these REs. The remnant is characterised by E. melanophloia/e. populnea woodland more characteristic of RE This RE is listed as no concern at present. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value The cleared areas of corridor F29 are heavily disturbed and have few habitat features that would be utilised by native fauna. However, the remnant area in the western section of the corridor contains mature trees with significant habitat value. 3.5 Corridor F30 General Corridor F30 is located predominantly in non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping (see Figure 8). A small section of the corridor is mapped as remnant / which, as described above for Corridor F28, is incorrect. This is not the correct regional ecosystem for this area as it was clearly not an alluvial plain and the species were different from those in the descriptions. The most likely regional ecosystem for this area is as the dominant vegetation was Eucalyptus decorticans, Eucalyptus crebra and Callitris glaucophylla with some locally dominant patches of Acacia shirleyi. Acacia shirleyi increased to the northern end of the corridor where the landscape became scarp prior to a sandstone gorge. The corridor is mapped on the ESA mapping as occurring within Category C ESA due to the of concern vegetation on the RE mapping. However, as described above, the RE present on-ground is a no concern at present RE. The proposed pipeline corridor includes a previously cleared line approximately 20m wide due to an existing gas pipeline. A road also occurs through the proposed corridor. No watercourses occur within the corridor however a low order (stream order 1) watercourse does occur approximately 100m to the south-west.

18 Figure 8: Aerial photograph showing proposed corridor F30 overlaid with RE mapping Floristics The vegetation within the proposed corridor is characterised by Eucalypt and White Cypress Pine woodland. There is a sparse mid storey and ground layer within the undisturbed areas and a dense ground layer dominated by grasses in the existing 20m cleared line. Species richness was relatively high in the corridor with less dominance by Buffel grass and a higher proportion of native species. The vegetation changed along the corridor to the north where a higher prevalence of Acacia shirleyi occurred. This was due to the landscape changing from a relatively level plateau declining to a shallow soil, scarp-like area prior to a steep drop at a sandstone gorge. The corridor extends to the existing well head which is approximately 40m from the edge of the gorge. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance.

19 Habitat Value The habitat values of corridor F30 are relatively high. The vegetation either side of the cleared existing corridor has been relatively undisturbed and therefore has retained most of the intrinsic habitat value of remnant The area has a high level of cover and mature trees which may be suitable for roosting/nesting. Small reptiles were observed in the understorey. The habitat value of the existing cleared gas pipeline is very low due to the lack of suitable cover and very little woody debris. 3.6 Corridor F31 General The corridor F31 is mapped completely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping (see Figure 9). The area is not located within any Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA).Two minor watercourses crosses the corridor at the northern and southern ends. The area is relatively flat and has been cleared extensively for agricultural activities ie grazing stock.

20 Figure 9 Aerial Photograph of proposed corridor F31 with overlaid RE Mapping Floristics The proposed area has been extensively cleared for stock grazing purposes and as such is heavily invaded by Buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare). Regrowth woody vegetation consisted mainly of Acacia and Eucalypt species and the area exhibited moderate level of species richness with greater than 50 species. There was no significant riparian vegetation at the two watercourses within the corridor. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat Value The habitat value of corridor F31 is limited due to the level of disturbance and high prevalence of Buffel grass. The area is also located either side of a relatively high trafficked road through the gas fields site which further discourages use of the area by native fauna. Crested pigeons (Ocyphaps

21 lophotes) were observed in the area and it is likely that the site is used temporarily by avian fauna but is unlikely to be a primary foraging or nesting habitat. 3.7 Corridor F32 General Corridor F32 is approximately 150 metres long and is mapped entirely as non-remnant, which is correct (see Figure 10). The site is heavily disturbed and contains a cleared well pad with several access tracks. A minor watercourse of stream order 1 is located 30m to the north of the corridor.

22 Figure 10 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F32 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics Corridor F32 is heavily disturbed and existing vegetation is regrowth of previously cleared areas only. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value The habitat value of corridor F32 is very limited due to the heavily disturbed nature of the site. 3.8 Corridor F33 General Corridor F33 is mapped as non-remnant vegetation on the DERM RE mapping, as shown in Figure 11. The area has been cleared for grazing purposes and is currently used by stock. A no concern at present remnant RE is located immediately to the west of the corridor. There are no ESA s mapped within the corridor footprint and no watercourses traverse the clearing area. A low order watercourse (stream order 1) occurs at the northern edge of the corridor however no riparian vegetation is located within the corridor. Another stream order 1 watercourse occurs approximately 80 metres east of the corridor.

23 Figure 11 Aerial Photograph of proposed corridor F33 with overlaid RE Mapping Floristics The area of disturbance for corridor F33 is cleared land and consists of regrowth vegetation with multiple retained mature Brachychiton species. Ground cover was dominated by Buffel grass and other exotic species and the area was heavily grazed. A total of 15 Brachychiton plants were observed and their locations are outlined in Table 5. The other species predominant at the site were regrowth Eucalyptus melanophloia, E. populnea, Atalaya hemiglauca and Eremophila mitchellii.

24 Table 5: Species of conservation significance for Corridor F33 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris (two at this location) Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris All species of the genus Brachychiton are declared as Type A restricted plants under the NC Act. No species protected under the EPBC Act were observed in the proposed corridor. Habitat Values The habitat values of corridor F33 are low to moderate. Scattered mature trees are present within the area which provides shelter and some fallen woody debris. The area is highly disturbed due to grazing and apart from the Brachychiton species, all other woody vegetation is limited to regrowth. A Tommy Round Head (Diporiphora australis) and a Double Barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii) were observed during the field inspection to be present in the pipeline corridor. 3.9 Corridor F34 General Corridor F34 is approximately 1.4km long and is mapped predominantly as remnant vegetation of RE / , which is listed as of concern and no concern at present respectively (See Figure 12). The vegetation is remnant, but the REs are incorrect, and will be discussed in floristics below. No watercourses occur within the proposed corridor. Floristics The area of disturbance for corridor F34 is remnant eucalypt woodland with ground cover composed of a mix of native grasses and herbs, with some exotic species. The landscape is not alluvial as indicated in the RE mapping, but consists of sandy soils on undulating plains. Eucalyptus melanophloia and E. crebra are co-dominant with associate E. decorticans and E. populnea. Acacia leiocalyx, Maytenus cunninghamii and Eremophila mitchelli form a moderately dense shrub layer. This

25 community is more typical of RE , which is listed as no concern at present. Approximately two thirds along the corridor from the southern end, where the road meets the corridor, there is a distinct RE change. E. decorticans to metres grows in association with E. exerta and E. chloroclada with an 8-12 metre layer of Acacia shirleyi and A. complanata. This is more typical of RE , which is listed as no concern at present. One juvenile Brachychiton rupestris was observed in the corridor, and its location is given in Table 6. All species of the genus Brachychiton are declared as Type A restricted plants under the NC Act. No species protected under the EPBC Act were observed in the proposed corridor. Table 6: Species of conservation significance in corridor F34 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris Habitat Value With the exception of the track that dissects the corridor, and the cleared area at the southern end, the proposed area of disturbance contains high habitat value. Large woody debris is common throughout the corridor. Macropod scats and tracks of Dingo/Wild Dog (Canis lupis dingo/canis lupus familiaris) were observed in the southern end of the corridor. A limited range of bird calls were heard throughout, including Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus), Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) and Torresian Crow (Corvus orru).

26 Figure 12 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F33 with overlaid RE mapping 3.10 Corridor F35 General Corridor F35 is approximately 600m long and is mapped predominantly as remnant vegetation of RE / , which is listed as of concern and no concern at present respectively (See Figure 13). As per corridor F34, the remnant vegetation is incorrectly mapped. There is a distinct RE change from at the southern end of the corridor, to approximately 80m from the road. Both REs are listed as no concern at present. The species composition is similar to that of corridor F34, with more dense RE than in F34. A minor watercourse of stream order 2 is located 60m to the east of the corridor.

27 Figure 13 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F35 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The floristics of corridor F35 are very similar to that of corridor F34, with an open eucalypt woodland of E. melanophloia/e. crebra transitioning to E. decorticans/e. exerta/e. chloroclada with a diverse ground layer of native grasses, herbs and forbs, and some exotic species. Additional species in the shrub layer of F35 include Dodonaea viscosa subsp. lanceolata and Senna barclayana. No species of conservation significance were recorded in this corridor. Habitat Value

28 Except in cleared areas and on tracks, there was an abundance of large woody debris and ground cover. Mature trees with hollows were scattered throughout the corridor and macropod scats were common. Avian fauna was similar to that recorded in corridor F Corridor F36 General Corridor F36 is approximately 1.0 km long and mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 14). A cleared track approximately 20 metres wide and devoid of regrowth vegetation runs through the centre of the corridor from north to south. A further access track bisects the corridor about halfway along, and an existing gas pipeline ROW which connects a well pad to the east crosses the southern section of the corridor. An existing compressor site is located at the southern end of the corridor. Remnant vegetation of RE / occurs on the far side of an access track approximately 75 metres to the north of the corridor, but is too distantly removed for ESA mapping to impact this corridor. A minor watercourse of stream order 2 passes though the centre of corridor F36. Floristics Corridor F36 is heavily disturbed and existing vegetation is regrowth of previously cleared areas only. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value The habitat value of corridor F36 is very limited due to the heavily disturbed nature of the site.

29 Figure 14 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F36 with overlaid RE mapping 3.12 Corridor F37 General Corridor F37 is approximately 350 metres long and is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 15). The corridor contains a well pad and its access track, and as such, roughly half of the corridor area is bare earth. No ESAs or watercourses occur within the vicinity of this corridor. Floristics Corridor F37 is heavily disturbed and where vegetation is present, it is regrowth of previously cleared areas only.

30 No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value The habitat value of corridor F37 is very limited due to the heavily disturbed nature of the site. Figure 15 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F37 with overlaid RE mapping

31 3.13 Corridor F38 General The proposed corridor occurs predominantly in non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping (see Figure 16). The extent of remnant vegetation mapped within the corridor is correct however the regional ecosystems are not. This is discussed further below. The area is mapped as being within a Category C ESA due to the mapped remnant of concern vegetation present. As stated above, the RE code for the area is incorrect and the actual vegetation on site is discussed below. The RE s within and adjacent to the corridor are no concern at present and therefore not an ESA. A mapped low order (stream order 1) watercourse occurs across one section of the proposed corridor. Cleared areas for roads and existing pipelines occur within the remnant vegetation areas to the north of the corridor. The areas mapped as non-remnant vegetation have been extensively cleared for agriculture purposes ie cattle grazing.

32 Figure 16: Aerial photograph of corridor F38 overlaid with RE mapping Floristics The areas of mapped remnant vegetation are mapped as / and / (see Figure 16). The area within the corridor is clearly not an alluvial landzone and therefore / and is not correct. Two vegetation communities were present in the areas mapped as remnant vegetation and these were a dominant Acacia shirleyi low open forest to forest and a Eucalypt woodland dominated by Eucalyptus decorticans. The area of Acacia shirleyi is correctly mapped as which is described as Acacia catenulata or Acacia shirleyi low open forest to open forest on crests and scarps. The area dominated by Eucalyptus decorticans is most likely RE which is described as Eucalyptus decorticans, Lysicarpus angustifolius +/- Eucalyptus spp, Corymbia spp and Acacia spp woodland. Both and are no concern at present regional ecosystems.

33 The areas of non-remnant vegetation are slightly lower in the landscape although are still situated in a landzone 10. The areas of non-remnant vegetation were dominated by Eucalyptus populnea and Eucalyptus melanophloia regrowth. Callitris glaucophylla was also present in patches throughout the non-remnant areas. Areas of non-remnant vegetation up to 500 metres from the edge of the mapped remnant vegetation were dominated either by Acacia shirleyi regrowth or varying Eucalypt regrowth. One Type A restricted plant was observed in the proposed corridor Brachychiton populneus. The plant was only a juvenile species however it was recorded by GPS and the coordinates are in Table 7 below. Table 7: Species of conservation significance in corridor F38 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus No other species of conservation significance under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed. Habitat Value The habitat values of corridor F38 are moderate to high in the areas of remnant vegetation at the northern end and low in the areas of non-remnant vegetation. The remnant vegetation areas had significant amounts of fallen timber and woody debris which is likely to provide suitable habitat for native reptiles. The mature vegetation within the remnant areas also provides a high level of cover and possible nesting and foraging locations. Double Barred Finches were heard in the remnant vegetation during the inspection. The areas of non-remnant vegetation are much lower in habitat value due to the lack of mature vegetation, little woody debris, high prevalence of exotic species and dominance of buffel grass. Ground cover is dense and the short regrowth vegetation may provide temporary habitat areas for native fauna but it is not likely to be primary foraging or nesting habitat. No native fauna were observed in the regrowth areas during the inspection Corridor F39 General The proposed corridor is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping, as shown in Figure 17. The area proposed for disturbance has been subject to land clearing activities as a result of previous land management practices and is currently used for grazing stock. No watercourses occur within the proposed corridor.

34 Figure 17 Aerial Photograph of proposed corridor F39 with overlaid RE Mapping Floristics The proposed corridor is heavily disturbed and is currently used for grazing stock. A moderate cover of shrubby woody regrowth vegetation was evident consisting mainly of Eucalyptus populnea, Eucalyptus melanophloia and Eremophila mitchellii. Ground cover was dense and was dominated by Buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare). Species richness was relatively low. No species of conservation significance under the NC Act or the EPBC Act were observed within the proposed corridor. Habitat Value Habitat value in the proposed corridor is low due to the heavily disturbed nature of the site, prevalence of non-native species and lack of mature trees. The area does have a dense ground cover and a small

35 amount of woody debris which could provide habitat for small native fauna, especially reptiles, although it is unlikely to be primary foraging or nesting habitat. No fauna were observed during the inspection Corridor F40 General The proposed corridor F40 is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping. The corridor is located approximately 400 metres from the nearest remnant vegetation. The remnant vegetation is mapped as both no concern at present and of concern regional ecosystems. As described above for corridor F38 the RE mapping has incorrectly mapped the areas of of concern vegetation and all the remnant vegetation near the corridor is no concern at present. Therefore, the corridor does not occur in or within 500 metres of any areas of ESA. The area occurs across a mapped stream order 1 watercourse which is present on the ground. The area has been extensively cleared for agricultural purposes and is currently used for grazing stock. An access road traverses through the middle of the corridor in two sections (see Figure 18).

36 Figure 18: Aerial photograph of corridor F40 overlaid with Regional Ecosystem Mapping Florisitics The area has been cleared extensively and the current vegetation is dominated by regrowth Eucalyptus melanophloia. The steeper sloping section on the eastern edge of the corridor is mostly comprised of Acacia shirleyi. The ground cover is dominated by Buffel grass and the area exhibits relatively low species richness. One Brachychiton populneus was recorded in corridor F40 and its location is provided in Table 8 below. This species is a type A restricted plant under the NC Act. No EPBC Act listed species were observed within the corridor.

37 Table 8: Species of conservation significance in corridor F40 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton The watercourse which traverses the corridor does not contain mature riparian vegetation and is fringed by the same vegetation as the surrounding corridor. Habitat Value The habitat value of corridor F40 is limited due to the previous disturbance and lack of mature vegetation. Very little woody debris was observed which also limits potential habitat availability. No fauna were observed during the inspection. The access track which traverses the area would also discourage fauna from using the site except for temporary foraging habitat or for movement between primary habitat areas Corridor F41 and F46 General Corridor F41 is a very long pipeline corridor (approximately 8km) and as such occurs through a variety of vegetation changes. The majority of the pipeline corridor is mapped as non-remnant vegetation except for two areas mapped as RE / which are described as Spotted Gum (Corymbia citriodora) open forest and Eucalypt/Corymbia open forest. These areas are approximately 700m and 150m in length. The section of vegetation which is 150m in length (east of waypoint 364 see Figure 19) is an error on the RE mapping as the area is extensively cleared and has a main access road and two existing cleared pipelines occurring through the site. The larger section of mapped remnant vegetation (between waypoint 373 and 375) is remnant vegetation however the RE is not mapped correctly. The area is neither nor and is most likely RE which is Eucalyptus crebra dominated woodland. The corridor occurs immediately adjacent in some places to RE (see Figure 19) which is a Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket (SEVT) community. SEVT is classed as an Endangered Regional Ecosystem under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the EPBC Act and has a biodiversity status of endangered. Due to this SEVT, the proposed corridor also occurs adjacent to a Category B ESA. No mapped watercourses occur within the corridor, however multiple low order watercourses occur in close proximity to the corridor (see Figure 19).

38 Figure 19: Aerial image of proposed corridor F41 overlaid with RE mapping Florisitics The majority of the pipeline corridor is cleared land however does contain multiple species of conservation significance which are discussed below. Due to the length of the corridor, waypoints have been included in Figure 19 to assist in discussion. The southern end of the corridor to waypoint 338 is dominated by Buffel grass and had very little woody vegetation. The area did include two individual mature Brachychiton rupestris trees which are Type A restricted plant species under the NC Act. The mid section from waypoint 338 to waypoint 373 consisted mainly of Eucalyptus and Corymbia regrowth species with a diverse ground layer which was less dominated by Buffel grass. This section also contained the species Gonocarpus urceolatus which is listed as vulnerable under the NC Act and Melaleuca irbyana which is listed as endangered under the NC Act. Type A species were also present

39 in this section of the corridor and included Brachychiton populneus and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii. Table 9 below outlines the species of conservation significance recorded in corridor F41. The section of corridor located in the remnant vegetation between points 373 and 375 is dominated by Eucalyptus crebra with associated Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia hendersonii and Corymbia trachyphloia. There was a shrubby layer of Alphitonia excelsa and Acacia leiocalyx with some Callitris glaucophylla and Lysicarpus angustifolius. As discussed above, this area is not correctly mapped and is most likely regional ecosystem which is a no concern at present RE. From waypoint 375 to the eastern endpoint of the corridor, the vegetation is plantation timber established by Santos. The plantation timber is juvenile at present with a height of less than 4m. The understorey between the rows of plantation was dominated by Buffel grass and other exotic species. Table 9: Species of conservation significance in corridor F41. Species Waypoint Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Gonocarpus urceolatus 344 to Gonocarpus urceolatus Gonocarpus urceolatus 352 to Xanthorrhoea (two plants) johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Brachychiton populneus Gonocarpus urceolatus 359 to Brachychiton populneus Melaleuca irbyana (16 plants) Xanthorrhoea (two plants) johnsonii Brachychiton populneus Habitat Value Habitat value in the first section of the corridor to waypoint 338 is very limited due to the lack of woody vegetation and almost complete dominance of the ground layer by Buffel grass. The area contained very little woody debris and showed evidence of being burnt. The mid section of the corridor between 338 and 373 is also cleared vegetation but would have a moderately higher habitat value than the first section due to the presence of shrubby regrowth vegetation which provides cover and less dominance of Buffel grass.

40 The remnant area between 373 and 375 had a relatively high habitat value due to the mature vegetation with an intact and diverse understorey and high levels of fallen timber and woody debris. The ground layer within the remnant vegetation was also predominantly native which further increases the likelihood of use by native fauna. A dam was located just south of the corridor which was observed to be inhabited by a Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus), Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae), Pale Headed Rosellas (Platycercus adscitus) Frogs (Cyclorana sp.) and a Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis). Red Goshawks are listed as endangered under the NC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The plantation timber at the eastern end of the corridor has relatively low habitat value due to the cultivated nature of the site and the dominance of Buffel grasses and other exotic species. It is important to note that the corridor is adjacent to intact remnant vegetation along most of its length and therefore native fauna are likely to occasionally be present in the corridor area for temporary foraging and movement between habitats. The following is a list of species which were observed in or very near the proposed corridor Dingo (Canis lupus), Wallaroo (Macropus robustus), Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Wedge Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora), Tommy Round Head (Diporiphora australis) and Bush Stone Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) Unnamed corridor adjoining southern end of Corridor F41 General The unnamed corridor adjoining the southern end of corridor F41 extends approximately 1.2km along the top of a ridge, as shown in Figure 20. The corridor is mapped almost entirely as remnant vegetation of RE / , with one small area of remnant RE a, which is SEVT. The mapping is incorrect, however, as the remnant identified as RE / is in fact SEVT. This will be discussed in floristics below. Cleared areas mapped as non-remnant vegetation occur at either end of the corridor. SEVT is classed as an Endangered Regional Ecosystem under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the EPBC Act and has a biodiversity status of endangered. Due to this SEVT, the proposed corridor also occurs within a Category B ESA. One section of the corridor was not ground truthed, as it was inaccessible due to steep and rocky terrain. This is marked on Figure 20. Watercourses of stream order 1 run along the eastern and western sides of the ridge. At its nearest point the corridor is approximately 140 metres from the stream to the west.

41 Figure 20 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor adjoining southern end of corridor F41 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The corridor is mapped almost entirely as remnant vegetation RE / a, with one small section of a geotech buffer on lot 5 encroaching upon remnant RE a. These REs are mapped as no concern at present, no concern at present and endangered, respectively. However, the remnant is almost entirely SEVT, with one patch of remnant Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow), which is highlighted in a hatched circle on the map. This RE is an Endangered Regional Ecosystem under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the EPBC Act and has a biodiversity status of endangered. This corridor contained multiple individual Type A restricted plants under the NC Act, including nine Brachychiton australis, four Brachychiton populneus, fifty-six Brachychiton rupestris and one Cymbidium canaliculatum. The GPS locations of these are provided in Table 10 below.

42 Table 10: Species of conservation significance in unnamed corridor adjoining southern end of corridor F41 Species Height Easting Northing Brachychiton australis 5m Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton australis 50cm Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton australis 11m Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton australis 10m Brachychiton populneus 12m Brachychiton populneus 12m Brachychiton populneus 12m Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m

43 Species Height Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 6m Brachychiton rupestris 10m Brachychiton rupestris 6m Brachychiton rupestris 10m Brachychiton rupestris 5m Brachychiton rupestris 6m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m; 2 within 5m Brachychiton rupestris 10m

44 Species Height Easting Northing Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Brachychiton rupestris 5m Brachychiton rupestris 15m Brachychiton rupestris 15m Brachychiton rupestris 10m Brachychiton rupestris 15m Brachychiton rupestris 12m Cymbidium canaliculatum in stag Habitat value With the exception of the cleared areas at either end of the corridor, the habitat value of this corridor is excellent, with high floristic diversity and abundant mature trees with hollow development and flaky bark. The entire corridor would provide habitat to a broad range of native fauna including birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates Corridor F42 General Corridor F42 occurs predominately within an area mapped as no concern at present RE / as shown in Figure 21. Non-remnant vegetation is mapped within the southern region of the corridor. This corridor has been previously cleared for agricultural purposes, and for the construction of access tracks associated with existing drill pad infrastructure.

45 Figure 21: Aerial photograph and associated RE mapping of proposed corridor F42 Floristics Remnant vegetation dominates Corridor F42. Smoothbark apple (Angophora leiocarpa) and a variety of wattles are representative of this community. Non-remnant areas of the site are dominated by Buffel grass, and other exotic pasture grasses. One conservation significant species has been identified within the survey site, namely Rasp weed (Gonocarpus urceolatus) which is classified as vulnerable under the provisions of the NC Act, but is not listed under the provisions of the EPBC Act. The location of this species is indicated in Table 11.

46 Table 11: Species of conservation significance for Corridor F42 Species name Common name Easting Northing Gonocarpus urceolatus Rasp weed Although not within the bounds of Corridor F42, one Type A restricted species, Brachychiton populneus, was detected to the east of the corridor. Habitat Value No incidental fauna species were recorded at this site. Habitat features associated with Corridor F42 include: Canopy cover suitable for shelter, foraging and perching Fissured tree bark Shrubs Dense groundcover vegetation (ie grassy tussocks) Woody debris (ie fallen / felled timber, including hollow-bearing logs) Leaf litter The habitat value of Corridor F42 is considered to be moderate due to the structural complexity of the vegetation, and its proximity to large stands of remnant vegetation that are expected to be utilised as fauna movement corridors. This community provides structural elements that fulfil various functional roles for native fauna species. It generally exhibits important habitat features such as hollow-bearing trees, fallen woody debris (including hollow-bearing logs), fissured bark, and leaf litter Corridor F43 General This area is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping as shown in Figure 22. The corridor occurs approximately 70 metres north-east of an area of remnant of concern vegetation which is also mapped as a Category C ESA. The corridor does not occur across any watercourses. The nearest watercourse is approximately 150m to the south. The area has been extensively cleared for agricultural purposes and is presently used for cattle grazing. An existing cleared strip approximately 15m wide is present along the centre of the proposed corridor.

47 SEVT Figure 22: Aerial image of proposed corridor F43 overlaid with RE mapping Florisitics The area is mapped as non-remnant vegetation which is correct. The area is dominated by regrowth Eucalyptus melanophloia and Eucalyptus crebra except in the area of Melaleuca irbyana discussed below. The ground layer was dense and was dominated by Buffel grass and other exotic species. A species listed as vulnerable under the NC Act was located within corridor F43 Gonocarpus urceolatus. A species listed as endangered under the NC Act was also located within corridor F43 Melaleuca irbyana. Both of these species occurred in patches of multiple plants rather than individual specimens. The start and finish points of the Melaleuca irbyana patch is outlined in Table 12 below however the Gonocarpus urceolatus occurred throughout the corridor.

48 Table 12: Species of conservation significance for corridor F43 Species Start Coordinates End Coordinates Melaleuca irbyana Easting Northing Easting Northing Gonocarpus urceolatus Throughout corridor Throughout corridor Gonocarpus urceolatus was scattered throughout the corridor however was most dense in the cleared area along the existing gas pipeline. Melaleuca irbyana was limited to the patch outlined above and within this area was very thick and was the dominant species present. Neither Gonocarpus urceolatus nor Melaleuca irbyana are listed under the EPBC Act. No other species of conservation significance under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed within the proposed corridor. Habitat Value The habitat values of corridor F43 were low to moderate. The area has been heavily disturbed and currently regrowth vegetation with an average height of less than 3m. However the shrubby regrowth is quite dense and provides significant cover and macropod scats were observed in the area. There was some woody debris within the regrowth which could provide possible habitat for small reptiles. The area is unlikely to be a primary foraging or nesting habitat. The cleared strip of approximately 15 metres width along the existing gas line has very little habitat value as it is devoid of woody vegetation and the ground cover is dominated by dense Buffel grass and other exotic species Corridor F44 General The area is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping, as shown in Figure 23. The southern end occurs immediately adjacent to no concern at present remnant vegetation. The corridor occurs within 75 metres of endangered remnant vegetation which is mapped as a Category B ESA. The mapped endangered RE is which is a Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket and this was observed to be correct. The corridor does not cross any watercourses and is located in cleared agricultural land which is presently used for cattle grazing. A cleared strip of approximately 15m width occurs along the centre of the corridor along the existing gas pipeline.

49 SEVT Figure 23: Aerial image of proposed corridor F44 overlaid with RE mapping Florisitics The area is very similar to corridor F43 with thick regrowth vegetation consisting mainly of Eucalyptus melanophloia and Eucalyptus crebra. The ground layer is dominated by Buffel grass and other exotic species. The vulnerable NC Act listed species, Gonocarpus urceolatus, was also observed in this corridor. The species occurred in patches rather than individual plants and was scattered throughout the northern half of the corridor. Table 13 below outlines the start and finish of the Gonocarpus within corridor F44.

50 Table 13: Species of conservation significance in corridor F44 Species Start Coordinates Gonocarpus urceolatus Easting Northing End Coordinates Easting Northing No other species of conservation significance under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed within corridor F44. Habitat Value The habitat values within corridor F44 are low to moderate. The area is heavily disturbed however the dense shrubby regrowth eucalypt layer provides a high level of cover for native fauna such as macropods and reptiles. Macropod scats were observed in the area and macropod species were observed in the adjacent areas. The habitat value of the existing cleared strip along the gas line in the centre of the corridor is very low due to the lack of woody vegetation, dense ground layer dominated by Buffel grass and lack of woody debris. The corridor occurs adjacent to a main access road through the Fairview gas fields which would also discourage any permanent habitation of the area by native fauna Corridor F45 General The area of corridor F45 is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping, as shown in Figure 24. The corridor is located approximately 300m north-east of mapped endangered remnant vegetation which is mapped as Category B ESA. The remnant endangered RE is is a Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket and this was observed to be correct. The corridor is not located across any watercourses and the nearest watercourse is located approximately 300m north. The area is cleared land which has been utilised for agricultural purposes and is currently used for grazing stock.

51 Figure 24: Aerial image of proposed corridor F45 overlaid with RE mapping Florisitics The area has been extensively cleared previously and is mainly comprised of Eucalypt regrowth and Buffel grass. Occasional mature trees are present throughout the corridor including one Brachychiton populneus which is a Type A restricted plant under the NC Act. The corridor contained a clump of four Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (Grasstree) plants which are also Type A restricted plants under the NC Act. The locations of both Type A species were recorded and are outlined below in Table 14.

52 Table 14: Species of conservation significance in corridor F45 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus Xanthorrhoea johnsonii No other species of conservation significance under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed within the corridor. Habitat Value The habitat values of the corridor are low to moderate. The corridor is heavily disturbed and lacks mature vegetation however the shrubby regrowth vegetation does provide a moderate level of cover. Very little woody debris was present on the ground. Macropods were observed in the corridor and adjacent areas. Undisturbed remnant vegetation is located within 300 metres of the corridor which provides a more suitable habitat and is likely to be preferred by native fauna while the corridor is unlikely to be used for anything other than as a temporary foraging area Corridor F215 General Corridor F215 is approximately 1.0km long and is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 25). The corridor crosses multiple access tracks, and one existing gas pipe line ROW connecting a well pad bisects the northern section of the corridor. An existing compressor site adjoins the western corridor boundary. No remnant vegetation occurs within the vicinity of the corridor. A minor watercourse of stream order 2 crosses the northern section of the corridor. Floristics Corridor F215 is heavily disturbed and vegetation is regrowth of previously cleared areas only. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value Much of the mature vegetation of corridor F215 has been felled, and is scattered throughout the corridor, and particularly at the northern end. This large woody debris would provide some habitat value to native ground dwelling and avian fauna. However, the site is impacted by numerous disturbances, with traffic and noise from the compressor site, limiting the value of the area as fauna habitat.

53 Figure 25 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F215 with overlaid RE mapping 3.23 Corridor F280 Corridor F280 is approximately 850 metres long and is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 26). A cleared track approximately 30 metres wide and devoid of vegetation runs though the centre of the corridor from west to east. Remnant vegetation mapped as RE / occurs approximately 150 metres to the north of the corridor, but is too far distant to have ESA significance for this corridor. A watercourse of stream order 3 runs north-south through the centre of the corridor.

54 Floristics Regrowth vegetation within the corridor consists of Acacia shirleyi, A. catenulata and E. decorticans along the riparian zone, with E. melanophloia/e.populnea towards the eastern and western extremities of the corridor. The remnant vegetation to the north of the corridor is incorrectly mapped as RE / , and is actually RE with mixed woodland of E. melanophloia/e populnea. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Habitat value The cleared track through the centre of corridor F280 is heavily disturbed and would limit faunal passage through the site. However, the corridor contains abundant felled timber offering nesting and foraging habitat to ground-dwelling and avian fauna. The riparian area also contains large rocks and boulders with features suitable for use by a range of fauna.

55 Figure 26 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F280 with overlaid RE mapping 3.24 Corridor F285 General Corridor F285 is approximately 900 metres long and mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 27). The corridor is heavily disturbed and contains very few mature trees. A cleared track traverses the main section of corridor. No remnant vegetation occurs within the vicinity of the corridor. Two minor watercourses of stream order 1 occur within the vicinity of the corridor. The creek to the northwest of the corridor terminates at the western corridor boundary and contains scatted riparian vegetation, while the creek located 50 metres to the east has clumps of mature trees.

56 Floristics Corridor F285 is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct. The area is cleared E. populnea woodland with shrubby regrowth and an ground layer dominated by Buffel Grass. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the area proposed for disturbance. Figure 27 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F285 with overlaid RE mapping

57 Habitat value Much of the mature vegetation of corridor F285 has been felled, and is scattered throughout the corridor, and particularly at the eastern end. This large woody debris would provide some habitat value to native ground dwelling and avian fauna Corridor F291 General Corridor F291 is approximately 1.0km long and splits into two sections, as shown in Figure 28. The corridor is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct. No remnant vegetation occurs within the vicinity of the corridor. A watercourse of stream order 3 traverses the central region of the corridor. Floristics Corridor F291 occurs within heavily disturbed E. populnea woodland, with very few mature trees. One Brachychiton populneus was recorded within the corridor and its location is provided in table 15 below. This species is a Type A restricted plant under the NC Act. Error! Not a valid bookmark self-reference. 15: Conservation significant species in proposed corridor F291 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus Habitat value The habitat value of the corridor F291 are low. The corridor is heavily disturbed and lacks mature vegetation, however the shrubby regrowth vegetation does provide a moderate level of cover. Very little woody debris was present on the ground.

58 Figure 28 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor F291 with overlaid RE mapping 3.26 Unnamed corridor between F215 and F45 General The corridor located between corridors F215 and F45 is approximately 980m in length, and mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct (see Figure 29). The corridor traverses extensively cleared E. populnea woodland, and is now predominantly Buffel grass with E. populnea regrowth. The northern end of the corridor is located 140m north-east of mapped no concern at present remnant vegetation (RE / a), which was observed to be correct. One low order creek (stream order 2) crosses the corridor at the southern end.

59 Figure 29 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor between F215 and F45 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The area has been extensively cleared previously and is mainly comprised of Eucalypt regrowth and Buffel grass. Occasional mature trees are present throughout the corridor including one Brachychiton populneus which is a Type A restricted plant under the NC Act. The creek that crosses the corridor contains several juvenile Brachychiton populneus and one juvenile Brachychiton rupestris. The location of these were recorded and are outlined in Table 16 below. The floristic diversity of the creek was much greater than the surrounding cleared paddock, and included Alstonia constricta, Corymbia hendersonii and Casuarina cristata, with ground cover species typical of wetter areas, such as Gahnia aspera and Jasminum didymum.

60 Table 16: species of conservation significance in the unnamed corridor between F215 and F45 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus (juvenile) Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton rupestris (juvenile) Brachychiton populneus (two juvenile plants within 2m) Brachychiton populneus Habitat Value Due to the heavy disturbance of the site, prevalence of exotic species and paucity of mature trees, the majority of the corridor contains little habitat value. The riparian area of the creek, however, contained woody debris and reasonable floristic diversity as described above, and would provide some habitat value for ground dwelling fauna, birds and reptiles. One Wanderer Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was observed in this area. Evidence of pig (Sus scrofa) rooting was observed in the drainage line and scats of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) were also present. Few birds were heard, and mainly included typical disturbed area inhabitants, such as Torresian Crow (Corvus orru) and Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) Corridor FV804 General Corridor FV804 adjoins corridor F39 to the west and is approximately 600m in length. The proposed corridor is mapped entirely as non-remnant vegetation on the RE mapping (see Figure 30). The southern end of the corridor occurs immediately adjacent to mapped of concern and no concern at present remnant vegetation. The mapping is correct in terms of the remnant status of the vegetation but is not correct in terms of regional ecosystem. This is discussed further below in floristics. The area is therefore located immediately adjacent to a Category C ESA due to the of concern status of the vegetation. However as the RE mapping is not correct, the ESA mapping is also not correct and is discussed further below. The area proposed for disturbance has been subject to land clearing activities as a result of previous land management practices and is currently used for grazing stock. No watercourses occur within the proposed corridor, although a minor creek of stream order 2 is located approximately 60m to the west of the corridor.

61 Figure 30 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor FV804 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics Regrowth vegetation includes a shrubby layer of Acacia harpophylla, A. leiocalyx and Eremophila mitchelli, with scattered Callitris glaucophylla. The ground layer consists of a mix of native grasses, herbs and forbs, with Buffel grass and other exotics. Immediately to the east of the corridor is mapped as a remnant of concern polygon containing / This is not correct. The area is clearly not a landzone 3 which is alluvial plains. The area is a steeply climbing slope rising from undulating plains. The correct landzone for the area based on soils, geology and landscape position is landzone 10. Vegetation is dominated by Eucalypt and Acacia species. The correct RE for this area is most likely or which are both no concern at present RE s. Therefore the clearing does not occur immediately adjacent to any Category C ESA s.

62 No species of conservation significance under the NC Act or the EPBC Act were observed within the proposed corridor. Habitat Value Despite the disturbed nature of the site, prevalence of non-native species and lack of mature trees, some native fauna species were recorded in the corridor. These included Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus), Willy Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophyrs), Buff-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza reguloides) and Torresian Crow (Corvus orru). A finch nest and rabbit scats were also observed. The area does have a dense ground cover and a small amount of woody debris providing limited habitat for small ground-dwelling native fauna, although unlikely to be primary foraging habitat Corridor T3-14J-C General Corridor T3-14J-C is approximately 12km in length, 5km of which occurs on lot 5WT217. The majority of this corridor on lot 5 is mapped as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct, with the exception of two areas of remnant vegetation (see Figure 31). The first is located 1.5km from the southern end of the corridor (on lot 5). The corridor is immediately adjacent to this remnant vegetation, but does not traverse it. The second area of remnant vegetation relevant to this corridor is 3.5km from the southern end, where the proposed corridor drops over the escarpment edge through a 250m-wide strip of mixed eucalypt woodland. The REs in both of these remnant patches are incorrect, and will be discussed in floristics below.

63 Figure 31 Aerial photograph of proposed corridor T3-14J-C with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The first remnant patch is mapped as REs / (90/10), which are both listed as no concern at present. Ground truthing confirmed this area is entirely RE , and is mixed eucalypt woodland consisting of Angophora leiocarpa, E. decorticans, E. crebra, E. orgadophylla, E.chloroclada, Corymbia clarksoniana and Acacia shirleyi, with an understorey of mixed native grasses. The second remnant patch is mapped as REs / (70/30), which are listed as no concern at present and of concern, respectively. The mapping is incorrect, however, as the vegetation is entirely RE as above. This RE is listed as no concern at present. Corridor T3-14J-C contains extensive areas of Gonocarpus urceolatus, which is listed as vulnerable under the NC Act. It occurs across the entire width of the corridor in two sections, and the start and

64 end GPS coordinates of these regions are given in Table 17 below. Areas of Gonocarpus urceolatus are also shown as hatched areas in Figure 31. Table 17: Location of Gonocarpus urceolatus within corridor T3-14J-C Species Start Coordinates Gonocarpus urceolatus Easting Northing Gonocarpus urceolatus Easting Northing End Coordinates Easting Northing Easting Northing Corridor T3-14J-C contains extensive areas of Xanthorrhea johnsoni, with over 250 plants recorded, as well as 17 individuals of Brachychiton populneus and one Brachychiton australis. These three species are type A restricted plants under the NC Act. Their GPS locations are provided in Table 18 below. Table 18: Location of Type A restricted plants within corridor T3-14J-C Species Comment Easting Northing Brachychiton australis Juvenile, height 1.6m Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Juvenile Brachychiton populneus Juvenile Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Juvenile hybrid x Brachychiton rupestris Two Brachychiton populneus, one hybrid x Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton populneus Juvenile, height 1.5m Brachychiton populneus Mature, height 15m Brachychiton populneus Mature, height 12m Brachychiton populneus Juvenile, height 1.5m Brachychiton populneus Mature, height 8m Brachychiton populneus Juvenile Brachychiton populneus Juvenile Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton populneus Juvenile Brachychiton populneus Juvenile

65 Species Comment Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 together Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 6 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 together Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 15 within 4m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii on edge of cleared track, some dead leaves Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 1M

66 Species Comment Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 4m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 11 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 11 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

67 Species Comment Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii cluster of Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 6 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 21 within 10m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 7 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 7 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 9 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 6 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m

68 Species Comment Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 9 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 7 mature individuals in clump Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 4 mature within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 in clump Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 6 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 in clump Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 8 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 15 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 10 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 1m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 within 3m

69 Species Comment Easting Northing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 2 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 2m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 3 within 4m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 6 in 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 15 in 5m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 5 in 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii 10 within 3m Xanthorrhoea johnsonii Habitat Value The areas of remnant vegetation described above in floristics contain excellent fauna habitat characteristics, with abundant large woody debris, mature trees with extensive hollow development and/or flaky bark, and community composition with structural diversity. The first remnant patch contained a number of woodland bird species, and two species of skink were noted. A ground hollow of diameter 80mm, typical of Pseudomys species, was also present. The remnant patch at the escarpment edge is open woodland of mixed eucalypt species, with an understorey of Callitris glucophylla. The escarpment contains numerous rocky outcrops with shelters suitable for use by the endangered (EPBC Act) Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), although an extensive search of the area failed to detect scats or other signs of this species. Scats and diggings of the Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were noted in at the entrance to one rocky shelter.

70 The opportunistic fauna list for corridor T3-14J-C is reported in Table 19. Table 19: Fauna list for species recorded in corridor T3-14J-C Species Birds Acanthiza reguloides Anthus australis Cacatua roseacea Coracina novaehollandiae Coturnix ypsilophora Elanus axillaris Geopelia placida Malarus melanocephalus Rhipidura fuliginosa Common name Buff-rumped Thornbill Richard s Pipit Galah Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike Brown Quail Black-shouldered Kite Peaceful Dove Red-backed Fairy Wren Grey Fantail Reptiles Pseudonaja textilis Carlia vivax Cryptoblepharus virgatus Eastern Brown Snake Skink Wall Skink Mammals Macropus rufogriseus Macropus giganteus?pseudomys sp. Tachyglossus aculeatus Red-necked Wallaby Eastern Grey Kangaroo Burrow, entrance approx 80mm Short-beaked echidna (scats) 3.29 Geotech 6399-RM01 General Geotech point 6399-RM01 is located on the eastern power line corridor described in section The northern half of the buffer area is mapped as remnant vegetation of RE / , and the lower half as non-remnant, as shown in Figure 32.

71 Figure 32: Aerial photograph of proposed geotech location 6399-RM01 with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The remnant vegetation in the northern half of geotech location 6399-RM01 is mapped as REs / , which are listed as of concern and no concern at present. The remnant contains mature Eucalyptus chloroclada, E. crebra and Angophora leiocarpa, with a secondary tree layer of mixed Acacia species including A. shirleyi, A. macradenia, A. complananta and A. leiocalyx. The ground layer is a diverse mix of native grasses, herbs and forbs with few exotic species. This vegetation community is typical of RE , which is listed as no concern at present. One juvenile Brachychiton populneus was present on the western bank of the creek (not shown in figure but GPS location provided), three Brachychiton rupestris were recorded in the southwest of the buffer, and two Xanthorrhea johnsonii were located in the centre. Each of these species are Type A restricted plants under the NC Act. Their GPS locations are provided in Table 20.

72 Table 20: Conservation significant species in geotech location 6399-RM01 Species Easting Northing Brachychiton populneus Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Brachychiton rupestris Xanthorrhea johnsonii Xanthorrhea johnsonii Habitat Value The area around proposed geotech point 6399-RM01 contains mature trees with abundant hollows. One Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) exited a hollow in a large Eucalyptus chloroclada as it was approached. The tree is located at GPS coordinates (GDA 94, zone 55). One Black Falcon (Falco subniger) and one Brown Falcon (Falco berigora) were observed in aerial conflict just outside the extent of the geotech location. Large woody debris with flaky bark is scattered throughout the buffer zone. The creek that flows through the site would provide good habitat for a wide range of fauna including birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and invertebrates. No fish were noted in the creek at the time of survey, but would almost certainly be present Power line corridor east General The power line corridor east is approximately 1.2km long and is mapped as non-remnant vegetation, which is correct, as shown in Figure 33. One watercourse passes through the corridor within the buffer zone of geotech 6399-RM01, and this is discussed in section 3.30 above.

73 Figure 33 Aerial photograph of power line corridor east with overlaid RE mapping Floristics The power line corridor is cleared and consists of non-remnant vegetation only. No species of conservation significance, other than those discussed in section 3.30 occur within the corridor. Habitat Value Due to the heavily disturbed nature of this corridor, very limited habitat value exists.

74 3.31 Power line corridor west General The western section of the power line corridor is approximately 1.1km long, and traverses remnant vegetation mapped as RE / for the first 530m, followed by / for the next 190m, and non-remnant vegetation for the remainder of the corridor, as shown in Figure 34. These REs are listed as of concern, no concern at present, no concern at present and of concern, respectively. However, these REs are incorrectly mapped, and will be discussed in floristics below. A low order stream (order 1) passes through the corridor slightly east of centre. Figure 34 Aerial photograph of power line corridor west with overlaid RE mapping

75 Floristics The area mapped as remnant vegetation along the western power line corridor is entirely RE , which is Eucalyptus populnea/e. melanophloia woodland. This RE is listed as no concern at present. No species of conservation significance under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act were observed within the power line corridor. Habitat Value As the power line corridor itself is largely cleared its habitat value per se is very limited. However, the corridor occurs immediately adjacent to remnant vegetation with large hollow-bearing trees. Abundant large woody debris occurs in remnant the remnant areas, and floristic diversity within the ground and shrub layers is high. While the cleared corridor would limit the passage of some native fauna, and in particular small ground-dwelling mammals, the corridor and broader environs generally provide good habitat value for a range of fauna, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

76 Santos Fairview Lot5 Ecological Assessment Appendix A Flora species list for Fairview Lot 5 on Plan WT217 Species Common name Ablution malvifolium Chinese Lantern Abutilon leucopetalum Abutilon Abutilon otocarpum Chinese Lantern, Large Abutilon Acacia brachycarpa other black wattle Acacia complanata Velvet Wattle Acacia curvinervia Curly Leaf Wattle Acacia decora Pretty Wattle Acacia excelsa Iron wood Acacia fasciculifera Scrub Ironbark Acacia harpophylla Brigalow Acacia jucunda Hairy Wattle Acacia leiocalyx Black Wattle Acacia leptostachya Slender Wattle Acacia macradenia Zigzag Wattle Acacia neriifolia Silver Wattle Acacia salicina Sally Wattle Acacia shirleyi Lancewood Acacia tenuissima Long Leaf Wattle Acacia tephrina Boree Acanthospermum hispidum Star burr Achyranthes aspera two spine burr Acroptilon maculosa Knap Weed Alectryon diversifolius Scrub Boonaree Alectryon oleifolius Boonaree Allocasuarina leuhmannii Bull Oak Alloteropsis semialata Cockatoo Grass Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash