Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd ABN 54 005 139 873 Level 14, 32 Turbot Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Locked Bag 331 Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia T +61 7 3173 8000 F +61 7 3173 8001 E brisbane@aurecongroup.com W aurecongroup.com Memorandum To Andrew Stannard From Jane Stark Copy Reference 225678 Date 8 June 2012 Subject Pages (including this page) 11 Fairview Ecological Assessment Addendum to Lot 5 WT217 Report Mr Stannard, This memorandum relates to the ground-truthing of the proposed development areas shown in Figure 1.1 and Figure 2.1 and documents the results of ecological investigations of the following areas: Laydown Area near Fairview HCS 5 Access Road on Lot 5 WT217 AWAF Dam near Well Pad FV06-26 These ecological investigations were undertaken on 30 May 2012 by two (2) Aurecon ecologists (Joseph Callaghan and Hayley Poole). A report specific to additional proposed development areas within Lot 5 on WT217 has been previously prepared and submitted to Santos (Ecological Assessment Report Lot 5 WT217; Santos Document Reference 0020-GLNG-4-1.3-0030). This memorandum should be considered as an addendum to the report listed above. This memorandum is specific to the ecology of the section of the proposed development areas shown in Figure 1.1 and Figure 2.1. For additional ecological information related to the proposed development that is in addition to that covered by this report, please refer to the appropriate report listed above. Ecological Assessment 1 Laydown Area General The proposed development area is located west of the Fairview HCS 5 Access Road. The development area is situated within a previously cleared field which is the result of agricultural practices (including stock grazing) and adjacent infrastructure (ie roads, access tracks and existing gas wells) (refer Figure 1.1 below). Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 1
Figure 1.1 Proposed Laydown development area and Type A species No Regional Ecosystems (RE) are mapped within the proposed development area. A Category A Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) is located approximately 500 m north of the development area. This ESA is due to the presence of the Expedition National Park. One (1) mapped stream-order 1 watercourse traverses the development area (Department of Environment and Resource Management, 2011). Gully erosion exposing subsoil along the drainage lines of the watercourse is also present (refer Photo 1.1). Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 2
Photo 1.1 Localised gully erosion along drainage line in the Laydown Area Floristics The development area has been previously cleared for agriculture (mainly grazing livestock) and displays regrowth synonymous with an open eucalyptus forest. As such the area is dominated by a canopy of juvenile Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar Box) with a low shrubby layer of Eremophila mitchellii (False Sandalwood) and a ground layer dominated by native species (eg Forest Blue Grass and Queensland Blue Grass). The canopy layer is low (ranging from 2 m to 6 m in height) and patchy (approximately 25%), and is formed by juvenile E. populnea (Poplar Box) and Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress). The E. populnea canopy height ranges are analogous (excluding one individual approximately 19 m tall) throughout the proposed development area which suggests that these are regrowth species. The shrub layer within the proposed development area is mostly sparse (approximately 20%) with the south-eastern section near the watercourse being slightly more dense. The shrub layer has a height range of 0.8 to 2 m, with an average height of 1.5 m and is dominated by Eremophila mitchellii (False Sandalwood) and associated with Grevillea striata (Beefwood) and various Acacia species. The ground layer is dense (approximately 95% cover) and is dominated by Bothriochloa bladhii (Forest Bluegrass) with associated Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland Bluegrass) and Pennisetum ciliare (Buffel Grass). Other prevalent ground species include Aristida jerichoensis (Jericho Grass), Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), Maireana microphylla (Small-leaved Bluebush), Sclerolaena birchii (Galvanised Burr) and Cirsium vulgare (Black Spear Thistle). A full species list of recorded specimens is outlined in Table 3.1 at the end of this document. Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 3
No species of conservation significance (ie Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened species protected under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act and/or the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) were recorded within the proposed development area. Two (2) Type A restricted plant species, Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) were recorded and assessed within the proposed development area. Table 1.1 and Figure 1.1 indicate the co-ordinates and locations of these individuals. Table 1.1 Type A species recorded within the Laydown proposed development area Species Easting (GDA 94, Zone 55S) Northing (GDA 94, Zone 55S) Brachychiton populneus 692471 7165446 Brachychiton populneus 692685 7165272 Habitat Values Two (2) incidental fauna species were recorded within the proposed development area and one (1) bird species was unconfirmed (as listed in Table 1.2 below). Evidence of macropod species (ie scats) and wild dog species (ie foot tracks) were also observed within the areas. Table 1.2 Incidental fauna species recorded within the Laydown proposed development area Common name Striated Pardalote Black-Shouldered Kite Wren sp. Scientific name Pardalotus striatus Elanus axillaris Family: Maluridae No species of conservation significance (ie EVNT species protected under the provisions of the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act) we recorded within the proposed development area. The proposed development area contains a moderate amount of woody vegetation and has been disturbed as a result of previous vegetation clearing for agricultural purposes. The northern half of the area is more open than the southern half where more woody vegetation is present within the gullies and drainage lines associated with the mapped watercourse. Habitat features present within the area include dense groundcover vegetation (ie grassy tussocks), woody debris (ie fallen timber, hollowbearing logs), a moderate amount of leaf litter on the ground and a limited shrubby canopy (lacking mature trees) suitable for shelter, foraging and perching. As a result, the habitat value of the proposed development area is considered medium overall. Species utilising the resources in the proposed development are most likely to be generalist species that are known to persist in and reoccupy areas where habitat disturbance has previously occurred (ie common macropods), however there is potential for less common species to be present that utilise resources in the regrowth and drainage areas. 2 AWAF Dam General The proposed development area is located west of Well Pad FV06-26. The proposed development area is situated within a previously cleared field which is the result of agricultural practices (including stock Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 4
grazing) and adjacent infrastructure (ie access tracks and existing gas wells) (refer to Figure 2.1 below). Figure 2.1 Proposed AWAF dam development area No Regional Ecosystems (RE) are mapped within the proposed development areas. A Category A Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) is located approximately 1.7 km north of the development area. This ESA is due to the presence of the Expedition National Park. Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 5
One (1) mapped stream-order 1 watercourse traverses the development area (DERM, 2011). Gully erosion exposing subsoil along the drainage lines of the watercourse is also present (see Photo 2.1). There are also two (2) small agricultural dams approximately 200 m east of the development area. Photo 2.1 Localised gully erosion around drainage line in proposed AWAF Dam development Area Floristics The proposed development area has been extensively cleared for agriculture, mainly for the purpose of grazing livestock. The presence of native grasses (Bothriochloa bladhii [Forest Bluegrass] and Dichanthium sericeum [Queensland Bluegrass]) dominate the ground layer and low proportion of weed species indicates that disturbance of this area has been limited. There is a low (2 to 3.5 m) but relatively dense (30%) canopy layer dominated by juvenile E. populnea (Poplar Box) regrowth throughout the development area. There was also remnant, emergent Brachychinton populneus (Kurrajong) individuals recorded in the area. The shrub layer is dominated by Eremophila mitchellii (False Sandalwood), covers approximately 20% of the development area and has a height range of 0.5 to 2 m. Other species present included Atalaya hemiglauca (Whitewood) and various Acacia species. The ground layer is relatively dense (95% cover) and has an average height of 0.6 m. Native Bluegrasses (Bothriochloa bladhii [Forest Bluegrass] and Dichanthium sericeum [Queensland Bluegrass]) dominated the development area but other ground species that were prevalent included Verbena tenuisecta, (Mayne s Curse), Gomphrena celosioides (Gomphrena Weed) and Themeda avenacea (Wild Oats Grass). A full species list of recorded specimens is outlined in Table 3.2 at the end of this document. Three (3) Type A restricted plant species, Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) were recorded and assessed within the proposed development area. Table 2.1 and Figure 2.1 indicate the co-ordinates and locations of these individuals. Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 6
Table 2.1 Type A species recorded within the proposed AWAF Dam development area Species Easting (GDA 94, Zone 55S) Northing (GDA 94, Zone 55S) Brachychiton populneus 693167 7164051 Brachychiton populneus 693454 7164442 Brachychiton populneus 693501 7164334 Habitat Values Three (3) incidental fauna species were recorded within the proposed development area as listed in Table 2.2. Table 2.2 Incidental fauna species recorded within the proposed AWAF Dam development area Common name Nankeen Kestral Striated Pardalote Pale-headed Rosella Scientific name Falco cenchroides Pardalotus striatus Platycercus eximius No conservation significant fauna species (ie EVNT species listed under the provisions of the EPBC Act and/or the NC Act) were recorded during field investigations. The proposed development area contains a moderate amount of woody vegetation and the low canopy regrowth is evidence that it has been disturbed by previous vegetation clearing for agricultural purposes. Habitat features present within the area included dense groundcover vegetation (ie grassy tussocks) and a limited supply of leaf litter and woody debris (ie fallen and felled timber) in the ground layer. The low canopy layer would provide a modest amount of cover suitable for shelter, foraging and perching of small avian species. As a result, the habitat value of the proposed development area is considered medium/low overall. Species utilising resources in the proposed development area are most likely to be common, generalist species that are able to adapt and reoccupy to habitat disturbances (ie common macropods, Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen), Crows (Corvus orru). References Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) (September 2011). Regional Ecosystem Map version 6.1 under the Vegetation Management Act 1999. Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 7
Botanical Species List Table 3.1 Botanical species recorded at the proposed Laydown Area Mimosaceae Acacia excelsa Ironwood Notes Mimosaceae Acacia harpophylla Brigalow Mimosaceae Acacia leiocalyx Black Wattle Mimosaceae Acacia sp. Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius Boonaree Apocynaceae Alstonia constricta Bitter Bark Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis Jericho Wire Grass Poaceae Aristida latifolia Drooping Wire Grass Poaceae Aristida personata Spear Grass Rubiaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruff Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii Forest Blue Grass Poaceae Bothriochloa decipiens Pitted Blue Grass Poaceae Bothriochloa decipiens Pitted Blue Grass Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong NC Act Type A Species Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Capparaceae Capparis lasiantha Nipan, Wait-a-while Capparaceae Capparis spinosa Caper Bush Apocynaceae Carissa ovata Currant Bush Poaceae Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow Buttons Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle, Black Thistle Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Fleabane Asteraceae Conyza canadensis Canadian Fleabane Fabaceae Crotalaria sp. Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbwire Grass Cyperaceae Cyperus rigidellus Flat Sedge Hemerocallidaceae Dianella brevicaulis Dianella Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Blue Grass Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Poaceae Digitaria ammophila Digitaria Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hopbush Boraginaceae Ehretia saligna Coonta Poaceae Enneapogon avenaceus Bottle Washer Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Browns Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass Poaceae Eragrostis sororia Blue Eragrostis Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 8
Mimosaceae Acacia excelsa Ironwood Notes Myoporaceae Eremophila debilis Winter Apple Myoporaceae Eremophila mitchellii False Sandalwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melanophloia Silver Leaved Ironbark Myrtaceae Eucalyptus populnea Poplar Box Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Fimbristylis Cyperaceae Gahnia sieberiana Sword Grass Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga Proteaceae Grevillea striata Beefwood Oleaceae Jasminum lineare Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Juncus Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush Malvaceae Malvastrum americanum Spiny Malvastrum Mimosaceae Neptunia gracilis Native Sensitive Weed Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear LP Act Class 2 Weed Cactaceae Opuntia tomentosa Velvety Tree Pear LP Act Class 2 Weed Cactaceae Opuntia tomentosa Velvety Tree Pear Meliaceae Owenia acidula Emu Apple Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Creeping Wood Sorrel Poaceae Panicum effusum Inquisitive Grass Poaceae Panicum similie Two-coloured Panic Apocynaceae Parsonsia sp. Poaceae Pennisetum ciliare Buffel Grass Fabaceae Rhynchosia minima Rhynchosia Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvanised Burr Caesalpiniaceae Senna coronilloides Coffee Senna Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne Malvaceae Sida subspicata Queensland Hemp Solanaceae Solanum esuriale Brown Potato Bush Solanaceae Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rat's Tail Grass Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Poaceae Urochloa mosambicensis Urochloa Verbenaceae Verbena tenuisecta Mayne s Curse Asteraceae Xerochrysum bracteatum Everlasting Daisy Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 9
Table 3.2 Botanical species recorded at the proposed AWAF Dam development area Mimosaceae Acacia decora Pretty Wattle Mimosaceae Acacia harpophylla Brigalow Mimosaceae Acacia leiocalyx Black Wattle Mimosaceae Acacia longispicata Slender-flowered Wattle Sapindaceae Alectryon diversifolius Scrub Boonaree Apocynaceae Alstonia constricta Bitter Bark Capparaceae Apophyllum anomalum Warrior Bush Poaceae Aristida calycina Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis Jericho Wire Grass Sapindaceae Atalaya hemiglauca Whitewood Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii Forest Blue Grass Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong NC Act Type A Species Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr Daisy Capparaceae Capparis spinosa Caper Bush Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill Grass Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris Poaceae Chloris virgata Silky Topped Rhodes Grass Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow Buttons Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle, Black Thistle Myrtaceae Corymbia sp. Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbwire Grass Cyperaceae Cyperus rigidellus Flat Sedge Hemerocallidaceae Dianella brevicaulis Dianella Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Blue Grass Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hopbush Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Browns Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis fallax Tall Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis sororia Blue Eragrostis Myoporaceae Eremophila debilis Winter Apple Myoporaceae Eremophila mitchellii False Sandalwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus chloroclada Baradine Red Gum, Dirty Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melanophloia Silver Leaved Ironbark Myrtaceae Eucalyptus populnea Poplar Box Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Fimbristylis Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton Bush Amaranthaceae Gomphrena celosioides Gomphrena Weed Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 10
Mimosaceae Acacia decora Pretty Wattle Proteaceae Grevillea striata Beefwood Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Juncus Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush Malvaceae Malvastrum americanum Spiny Malvastrum Poaceae Melinis repens Red Natal Mimosaceae Neptunia gracilis Native Sensitive Weed Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear Poaceae Panicum effusum Inquisitive Grass Poaceae Pennisetum ciliare Buffel Grass Rubiaceae Psydrax oleifolia Hat stand, Wild Lemon Asteraceae Pterocaulon sphacelatum Apple Bush Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvanised Burr Malvaceae Sida subspicata Queensland Hemp Solanaceae Solanum sp. Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rat's Tail Grass Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Poaceae Themeda avenacea Wild Oats Grass Rhamnaceae Ventilago viminalis Vine Tree Verbenaceae Verbena tenuisecta Mayne s Curse Project 225678 Lot 5 WT217 Addendum Memo (1) Revision 0 8 June 2012 Page 11