bat project - eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.aueisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au/underground bus and train/eis/volume...

BaT project

Chapter 8Ecology

Page i

Contents 8. Ecology ................................................................................................................................... 8-1

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8-1 8.1

8.1.1 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 8-1 8.1.2 Legislative and policy framework .................................................................................. 8-2

Existing environment .................................................................................................... 8-6 8.2

8.2.1 Corridor-wide considerations ........................................................................................ 8-6 Impact assessment .................................................................................................... 8-15 8.3

8.3.1 Corridor wide impacts ................................................................................................. 8-15 8.3.2 Local area impacts ...................................................................................................... 8-16

Impact management .................................................................................................. 8-17 8.4 Summary .................................................................................................................... 8-20 8.5

Page ii

List of Figures Figure 8-1 Field assessment locations, Regional Ecosystems and Essential Habitat – south ................... 8-3

Figure 8-2 Field assessment locations, Regional Ecosystems and Essential Habitat – north .................... 8-4

Figure 8-3 Biodiversity planning assessment – south ................................................................................ 8-8

Figure 8-4 Biodiversity planning assessment – north ................................................................................. 8-9

Figure 8-5 Brisbane City Council protected vegetation – south ................................................................ 8-10

Figure 8-6 Brisbane City Council protected vegetation – north ................................................................ 8-11

Figure 8-7 Locations of field assessments ............................................................................................... 8-14

List of Tables Table 8-1 Declared pest flora within the study corridor ........................................................................... 8-12

Table 8-2 Summary of site assessments ................................................................................................ 8-13

Table 8-3 Potential impacts on flora and fauna habitats at specific locations ......................................... 8-16

Table 8-4 Summary of proposed mitigation measures ............................................................................ 8-18

1

8. Ecology

Introduction 8.1

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of existing ecological values and species that have potential to be impacted during construction and operation of the Project. It assesses potential impacts of the Project on the flora and fauna values within the study corridor. Strategies to manage potential impacts are also recommended, where required.

This chapter addresses sections 10.11 to 10.15 of the Terms of Reference (ToR).

8.1.1 Methodology

This assessment focusses on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) study corridor shown in Chapter 1 – Introduction. The initial assessment of the ecological values present within the study corridor was based on a review of existing literature and publicly available datasets. This information was combined with data from field assessments undertaken in 2011 (SKM Aurecon CRR JV), and supplemented with additional field assessments undertaken at strategic locations throughout the study corridor.

Information for the initial desktop assessment included a review of the following:

• the Australian Government Department of the Environment (DoE) Protected Matters database (accessed 19 February 2014) listing threatened species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

• the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s (DEHP) Wildlife Online database (accessed 19 February 2014) listing threatened species protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act)

• the DEHP essential habitat mapping (DEHP, 2014)

• South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Region Back on Track Actions for Biodiversity (DERM, 2010)

• Biodiversity Planning Assessment (DERM, 2010) mapping of significant wildlife corridors and areas of state, regional and local biodiversity significance

• Queensland Herbarium Regional Ecosystem mapping (version 8) (DEHP, 2014)

• high resolution aerial photography

• other available and relevant reports and data, including previous assessment undertaken in the study corridor (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

Threatened species are defined as those listed under the EPBC Act (Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)) and the NC Act (State listed species) as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘near threatened’. ‘Special least concern’ species are species which are not threatened but are listed under the NC Act.

The results of the desktop assessment were used to identify threatened species potentially occurring within 5km of the study corridor. The buffer was applied to the desktop assessment to identify areas within and adjacent to the Project that may support important habitat for threatened species or areas that may be significant for the protection of biodiversity.

2

The study corridor, plus the additional 5km buffer, was searched on the DoE Protected Matters database. For the DEHP Wildlife Online database search, a rectangular search area was queried, with corner points 27°26’19.4”S; 153°00’50.7”E and 27°29’24.7”S; 153°02’17.1”E (Datum: GDA94, Zone 56J).

An assessment of the likelihood of any threatened species occurring in the study corridor was undertaken based on the species’ habitat preferences and distributions, and the type and quality of habitat available within and surrounding the study corridor. Vegetation and habitat surveys were undertaken in February 2014 at a number of sites throughout the study corridor within or adjacent to areas where Project activities have the potential to affect surrounding habitats (refer to Figure 8-1 and Figure 8-2). At each of the surveyed sites, flora species and observed habitat values were recorded. Any incidental fauna observations were also recorded. However, the lack of suitable habitat within the study corridor for all but one threatened species (Grey-headed flying fox, Pteropus poliocephalus) (refer to Appendix F) meant that targeted surveys to determine the presence or absence of specific species were not considered necessary.

An assessment of the impacts associated with exposure to, and bioaccumulation of, contaminants resulting from the Project is made, where relevant. A detailed assessment of contamination impacts is provided in Chapter 6 – Soils and topography. Additionally, impacts resulting from contamination of aquatic environments in the study corridor is discussed in Chapter 9 – Hydrology.

8.1.2 Legislative and policy framework

Australian government

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act requires that any action that has, will have or is likely to have, a significant impact on MNES, or any other matter protected under the Act, such as Commonwealth land, requires assessment by the Australian Government. In consideration of the highly urbanised inner city location of the Project corridor, potential impacts to these potential MNES were not considered significant. On the 29 January 2014, DoE provided their referral decision on the Project, confirming that the Project is not a controlled action.

State government

Sustainable Planning Act 2009

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) is Queensland’s principal planning legislation and seeks to achieve ecological sustainability. Under Schedule 4 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SP Regulation) the Project is exempt from assessment under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan), but may trigger other approvals under the SP Act.

Vegetation Management Act 1999

The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act) and the associated Vegetation Management Regulation 2000 aim to conserve native vegetation (including remnant vegetation) through the regulation of vegetation clearing on all lands in Queensland unless otherwise regulated under another Act.

The removal of remnant (Regional Ecosystem) native vegetation requires an application under the SP Act for operational works unless an exemption applies or unless it can be undertaken under self-assessable vegetation clearing codes or under an area management plan. Exemptions for clearing VM Act regulated vegetation exist within the SP Regulation.

BRISBANERIVER

City BotanicGardens

South BrisbaneCemetery

Woolloongabba Station

WOOLLOONGABBA

DUTTON PARK

FAIRFIELD ANNERLEY

EAST BRISBANE

GREENSLOPES

HIGHGATE HILL

ST LUCIA

NEW FARM

E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_R

E_E

ssH

ab_S

urve

ySite

s_M

apB

k.m

xd D

ate:

12/

08/2

014

Field assessment locations, regionalecosystems and essential habitat - south

FIGURE 8-1

BUS AND TRAIN PROJECTENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

LEGEND

Study corridor

Project Infrastructure

Construction worksite

Underground station

Bus layover

Dutton Park Station (upgraded)

AlignmentAbove groundUnderground

0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres

Projection: GDA 1994 MGA56±

Aerial Photo: Brisbane City Council 20121:15,000 (at A4)

Sites where field assessmentswere undertaken

Essential Habitat v4.2

Regional Ecosystems v8

Endangered - dominantEndangered - subdominantOf Concern - dominantLeast Concern

BRISBANERIVER

MILTON

SOUTH BRISBANE

Roma StreetParkland

VictoriaPark

City BotanicGardens

BRISBANE CITY

SPRING HILL

HERSTON

KANGAROO POINT

FORTITUDE VALLEY

KELVIN GROVE

BOWEN HILLS

PETRIE TERRACE

RED HILL

NEW FARM

PADDINGTON

Roma Street Station

George Street Station

E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_R

E_E

ssH

ab_S

urve

ySite

s_M

apB

k.m

xd D

ate:

12/

08/2

014

Field assessment locations, regionalecosystems and essential habitat - north

FIGURE 8-2


LEGEND

Study corridor



Underground station

Bus layover


0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres



Sites where field assessmentswere undertaken

Essential Habitat v4.2

Regional Ecosystems v8

Endangered - dominantEndangered - subdominantOf Concern - dominantLeast Concern

5

Nature Conservation Act 1992

The objective of the NC Act is to provide for the conservation of nature while allowing for:

• the involvement of Indigenous people in the management of protected areas in which they have an interest under Aboriginal tradition or Island custom

• the use and enjoyment of protected areas by the community

• the social, cultural and commercial use of protected areas in a way consistent with the natural and cultural and other values of the areas.

The NC Act classes all species indigenous to Australia as protected according to a range of classes from ‘least concern’ to ‘endangered’. Activities that will result in the taking of protected plants or the destruction of animal breeding places of protected fauna are generally subject to permitting and management under the NC Act.

The Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 provides an exemption for the taking of a protected plant if:

• the person is a proponent for a project for which an EIS is required and the proponent has received or obtained a copy of the flora survey trigger map for the area to be cleared on or after the relevant ToR date

• the area to be cleared is not within a high risk area

• either the person is not aware of the presence of plants that are endangered, vulnerable or near threatened wildlife, or the person is aware but there is no clearing of the plants within 100m of those plants.

Clearing of protected plants is exempt if the clearing happens within five years from the date that the final ToR are published or otherwise issued to the proponent (the relevant ToR date).

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is a signatory to the generic species management program (SMP) for tampering with animal breeding places (May 2013) under the NC Act and Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. This SMP applies to the majority of ‘least concern wildlife’ as defined under the NC Act, with the exception of some ‘special least concern’ species, for the purposes of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. The Chief Executive of DEHP consents to the removal or otherwise tampering with an animal’s breeding place, provided that TMR complies with the SMP.

Queensland Heritage Act 1992

The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (QH Act) provides the framework for assessing the significance of items and places of cultural heritage value in Queensland. The Act is administered by the DEHP with advice from the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC).

The QH Act provides for the conservation of Queensland’s cultural heritage by protecting places and areas listed on the Queensland Heritage Register (refer to Chapter 12 – Cultural heritage).

Anyone wishing to develop a State Heritage Place must make a development application under the QH Act. For development by the State, a report on the development is required to be provided by the relevant department or agency to the QHC for advice. The Minister for TMR would consider the QHC’s advice in making the decision to proceed with the Project or not.

6

Local government

Brisbane City Plan 2014

The City Plan provides the strategic planning direction and statutory land use and planning guidance for future development within Brisbane. While the Project is exempt from the requirements of the City Plan, these requirements have been considered in the assessment where local government protected species and areas of environmental significance are impacted.

Natural Assets Local Law 2003

Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) aims to protect and manage the biodiversity values of the city including flora and fauna within the Brisbane City Council area. Four categories of vegetation are protected under the NALL:

• council vegetation (vegetation on land or premises that is owned, controlled or occupied by Brisbane City Council)

• waterway and wetland vegetation (vegetation in wetlands and waterways)

• significant native vegetation (naturally occurring local plant species which are indigenous to Brisbane)

• significant urban vegetation (trees that are considered rare, are of environmental, cultural or historical significance or add to Brisbane’s unique landscape character).

While the Project does not require approval under the NALL, where relevant these requirements have been considered in this assessment for the purposes of identifying locally significant flora and fauna values in the study corridor.

Existing environment 8.2

8.2.1 Corridor-wide considerations

The study corridor is located within the inner suburbs of Brisbane, running from Dutton Park in the south, beneath Woolloongabba and Kangaroo Point to the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD) and continuing deep underground to Spring Hill and Herston in the north (refer to Figure 8-1 and Figure 8-2). As a consequence of intense urban settlement over more than a century, native vegetation cover has generally been removed within the study corridor. Any remaining patches are confined to arrangements of mangrove re-growth along the Brisbane River and remnant trees that may remain in urban parklands such as the City Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland, Victoria Park and some private properties. Natural surface drainage has largely been converted to stormwater drains.

Bioregional corridors and connectivity

Biodiversity Planning Assessments have been undertaken by DEHP, using the Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Methodology (EPA, 2002), for a number of bioregions in Queensland, including the South East Queensland Bioregion. This methodology provides a consistent approach for assessing biodiversity values at the landscape scale in Queensland, and ranks areas of remnant vegetation into state, regional and local biodiversity significance, using a range of ecological criteria including size, rarity, diversity, fragmentation, habitat condition, resilience, threats, habitat for threatened species and ecosystem processes.

7

While there is no mapped remnant vegetation within the study corridor, there are a few fragmentary patches of mangroves that fall within the study corridor that are mapped as being of state significance (refer to Figure 8-3 and Figure 8-4). As there is unlikely to be any surface disturbance in this area, these mangroves are unlikely to be impacted by the Project.

In addition to ranking remnant vegetation, another output of the Biodiversity Planning Assessments identification and mapping of terrestrial and riparian corridors throughout Queensland. The assessment classifies corridors into state and regional significance based on size and connectivity of vegetation tracts, proximity to major watercourses and presence of threatened species. Within the study corridor, the Brisbane River and immediately adjacent areas are mapped as a bioregional corridor of state significance, with a buffer area considered to be of regional significance (refer to Figure 8-3 and Figure 8-4).

Terrestrial flora

The Queensland Herbarium regional ecosystem mapping (version 8) does not identify any remnant regional ecosystem vegetation protected under the VM Act within the study corridor. The field assessment confirms that no significant areas of remnant vegetation occur within the study corridor.

Vegetation within the study corridor consists of a suite of commonly planted street and parkland trees such as Poinciana (Delonix regia), Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), native figs (Ficus spp.), Hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamiana), Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.) and Brush box (Lophostemon confertus). The Roma Street Parkland and City Botanic Gardens are both artificial landscapes, which have a greater variety of planted species from Australia and around the world.

A total of 15 Commonwealth and State-listed flora species were identified through the desktop searches as occurring, or potentially occurring, within proximity to the study corridor (refer to Appendix F). All of these species are considered unlikely to occur within the study corridor based on lack of suitable habitat or lack of current proximal records. None of these species were identified in the field survey in February 2014, or by the field surveys previously undertaken for the Cross River Rail EIS (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

Vegetation protected at a local level under the NALL is illustrated on Figure 8-5 and Figure 8-6. ‘Significant native’ and ‘significant urban’ vegetation is restricted to the parklands and cemetery areas, while some ‘council vegetation’ includes street trees outside of the major parks. Trees contributing to landscape character, and of importance to the community, may also be present in these areas. The community values of vegetation in the study corridor are discussed below and in Chapter 14 Socio-economic assessment.

Roma Street Parkland covers an area of about 16ha, comprising a range of landscaped spaces, gardens and recreational features. Victoria Park covers an area of about 27ha, comprising landscape spaces and trees of community importance, including some areas recognised on the State heritage listing. These include:

- the Gundoo Memorial Grove of eucalypts, which was planted by students of Brisbane Girls Grammar School as part of Queensland’s centenary celebrations in 1959

- plantings from the original design by Harry Oakman for the rehabilitation of the park following its military use during the Second World War.

- Poinciana and Silky Oak trees located at Gilchrist Avenue.

Victoria Park also includes trees planted in 2012 near Gregory Terrace as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

BRISBANERIVER

NEW FARM

ANNERLEY

ST LUCIA

WOOLLOONGABBA

FAIRFIELD

EAST BRISBANE

HIGHGATE HILL

DUTTON PARK


E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_B

iodi

vers

ityPl

anni

ngA

sses

smen

t_M

apBk

.mxd

Dat

e: 1

2/08

/201

4

Biodiversity planning assessment - south

FIGURE 8-3


LEGEND

Study corridor



Underground station

Bus layover



0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres



Bioregional Corridors (SEQ v3.5)

StateRegional

Biodiversity Planning Assessment (SEQ v3.5)

State Habitat for EVR taxaStateRegionalLocal or Other ValuesNon Bioregion Ecosystem

BRISBANERIVER

MILTON

SOUTH BRISBANE

NEW FARM

RED HILL

PADDINGTON

BOWEN HILLS

HERSTON

BRISBANE CITY

KELVIN GROVE

SPRING HILL

KANGAROO POINT

FORTITUDE VALLEY

PETRIE TERRACERoma Street Station


E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_B

iodi

vers

ityPl

anni

ngA

sses

smen

t_M

apBk

.mxd

Dat

e: 1

2/08

/201

4

Biodiversity planning assessment - north

FIGURE 8-4


LEGEND

Study corridor



Underground station

Bus layover


0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres



Bioregional Corridors (SEQ v3.5)

StateRegional

Biodiversity Planning Assessment (SEQ v3.5)

State Habitat for EVR taxaStateRegionalLocal or Other ValuesNon Bioregion Ecosystem

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

BRISBANERIVER


WOOLLOONGABBA

DUTTON PARK

FAIRFIELD ANNERLEY

EAST BRISBANE

GREENSLOPES

HIGHGATE HILL

ST LUCIA

NEW FARM

E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_B

CC

_NAL

L_Ve

geta

tion_

Map

Bk.m

xd D

ate:

12/

08/2

014

Brisbane City Council protected vegetation - south

FIGURE 8-5


LEGEND

Study corridor



Underground station

Bus layover



±Aerial Photo: Brisbane City Council 2012

BCC NALL Vegetation Classes

!(Vegetation protection order- individual tree (VPO_IT)

Vegetation protection order (VPO)

Council vegetation (CCV)

Urban vegetation (VUV)

Significant native vegetation (SNV)

Wetlands vegetation (WEV)

Waterways vegetation (WAV)

0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres

Projection: GDA 1994 MGA561:15,000 (at A4)

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

BRISBANERIVER

MILTON

SOUTH BRISBANE

Roma Street Station


BRISBANE CITY

SPRING HILL

HERSTON

KANGAROO POINT

FORTITUDE VALLEY

KELVIN GROVE

BOWEN HILLS

PETRIE TERRACE

RED HILL

NEW FARM

PADDINGTON

E:\Q

ENV

2\P

roje

cts\

QE0

6863

\Spa

tial\A

rcG

IS\F

igur

es\F

inal

_EIS

_Fig

ures

\08_

Eco

logy

\Eco

logy

_Fig

ure8

-X_B

CC

_NAL

L_Ve

geta

tion_

Map

Bk.m

xd D

ate:

12/

08/2

014

Brisbane City Council protected vegetation - north

FIGURE 8-6


LEGEND

Study corridor



Underground station

Bus layover


±Aerial Photo: Brisbane City Council 2012

BCC NALL Vegetation Classes

!(Vegetation protection order- individual tree (VPO_IT)

Vegetation protection order (VPO)

Council vegetation (CCV)

Urban vegetation (VUV)

Significant native vegetation (SNV)

Wetlands vegetation (WEV)

Waterways vegetation (WAV)

0 0.25 0.5

Kilometres

Projection: GDA 1994 MGA561:15,000 (at A4)

12

Declared pest flora

A number of flora species observed within the study corridor (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011) are declared pest plants under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) and listed in the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003. Declared pest flora species located within the study corridor are listed in Table 8-1.

Table 8-1 Declared pest flora within the study corridor

Species name Declared status Location

Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis)

C3 Victoria Park Roma Street Parkland Brisbane CBD

Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)

C3 Victoria Park George Street, adjacent to the City Botanic Gardens

Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata)

C3 Victoria Park

Fauna

Fauna species present within the study corridor include those that are capable of traversing or persisting within the highly modified and disturbed habitats found within urban landscapes. Such species are necessarily tolerant of disturbance, and are typically common and widespread.

A search of the Protected Matters database identified 56 Commonwealth-listed species as potentially occurring or having habitat within or around the study corridor. Of these, 36 are species that would not occur in the study corridor and are not considered further in this assessment. Of the remaining 20 Commonwealth-listed species, the likelihood of their occurring within the study corridor is considered in detail in Appendix F, along with a summary of their distributions and habitat requirements.

The Grey-headed flying-fox is the only Commonwealth-listed species confirmed to occur in the study corridor. No other threatened fauna species are considered likely to occur. The Grey-headed flying-fox is a canopy feeding frugivore and nectarivore, which utilises a wide range of vegetation types, depending upon the availability of fruit and flowers. This species is likely to forage in suitable fruiting and flowering trees throughout the study corridor and the wider urban area.

A search of the Wildlife Online database identified 20 State-listed fauna species as having potential to occur within the study corridor. Other species were returned through this search, but it has been determined that they would not occur in the study corridor and have been omitted from further consideration in this assessment. Of the 20 State-listed fauna species with potential to be present, none are considered likely to occur in the study corridor (refer to Appendix F).

Field assessments were undertaken at a number of sites throughout the study corridor within or adjacent to areas where Project activities have the potential to affect surrounding habitats (refer to Figure 8-1 and Figure 8-2). While the City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland are unlikely to be directly impacted by the Project, they have been assessed due to the potential for indirect impacts resulting from adjacent Project activities. A brief description of the habitat values of each site is provided in Table 8-2.

13

Table 8-2 Summary of site assessments

Site Description Habitat values

Woolloongabba Busway Station, Woolloongabba (refer to Figure 8-7)

Limited vegetation in this area. Limited clusters of large trees including Jacaranda and Poinciana. Ground cover is almost exclusively concrete with occasional plantings of shrubs and other ground cover around the busway station.

No significant habitat values.

City Botanic Gardens, adjoining Alice and George streets

Curated gardens with a diverse range of planted species. Extensive areas of mown grass and intensively maintained garden beds and aquatic macrophytes associated within the ponds within the park. Many large mature, productive trees, including Ficus species, which occur along the edge of the gardens adjacent to Alice and George streets. Subject to high levels of human disturbance. Mangroves (Avicennia marina and Aegiceras corniculatum) occur along the Brisbane River adjacent to the City Botanic Gardens.

Trees are likely to provide foraging and, in some cases, roosting resources for canopy feeding birds and mammals, including Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-foxes. Ponds provide some additional habitat. Previous studies have reported a suite of bird species that are common, widespread and disturbance tolerant (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011). Mangroves are likely to support a number of water birds.

Roma Street Parkland (refer to Figure 8-7)

Extensive, well maintained parklands with a diversity of plant species. Extensive areas of mown lawn, garden beds with a diversity of shrubs and ground covers common. Substantial system of waterways and ponds, including a reasonably large lake. Aquatic macrophytes reasonably common. Large, mature trees, including a number of common Ficus sp. Subject to high levels of human use and disturbance.

Trees are likely to provide foraging and, in some cases, roosting resources for canopy feeding birds and mammals. Otherwise supports typical urban faunal community of common, widespread, disturbance tolerant species. Waterways likely to support increased abundance of aquatic species and water birds. Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-foxes have been recorded foraging in the parkland (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

Victoria Park, Spring Hill (refer to Figure 8-7)

Urban parkland, with extensive areas of mown grass within which trees have been planted. Tree density is typically lower than in the other parklands and trees are smaller and younger. Some mature plantings with historical significance also occur in Victoria Park. Trees are a mixture of introduced and native species, although native species predominate. Examples of tree species are Hoop pine, Bunya pine and native figs.

Limited foraging resources for vagile1 canopy feeding birds and mammals. Likely to provide foraging opportunities for Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-foxes.

1 Having the ability to move about unattached.

14

Figure 8-7 Locations of field assessments

Woolloongabba Busway Station

Roma Street Parkland

Victoria Park

15

Groundwater dependent ecosystems

Groundwater dependent ecosystems are ecosystems which have their species composition and their natural ecological processes determined by groundwater (ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 2000). Previous assessment (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011) reported the following key findings with regard to sensitive terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the study corridor:

• during dry seasons terrestrial vegetation, particularly large remnant trees, may be dependent on groundwater where the water table is close to the surface

• shallow water tables occur to the north of the Brisbane River near the Brisbane CBD and City Botanic Gardens (refer to Chapter 9 – Hydrology). Large remnant Forest red gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) would potentially be impacted given they are influenced by groundwater

• wetlands at York’s Hollow, City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland are all constructed water bodies and appear to be perched well above the regional table

• the mangrove forests along the Brisbane River may be groundwater dependent ecosystems, however, the degree of freshwater dependency is generally unknown for such systems.

The most vulnerable groundwater dependent ecosystems are likely to be within shallow alluvial sequences associated with drainage lines. In and around the study corridor, the water table is likely to be permanently shallow and above the maximum rooting depth of established vegetation. Groundwater in these areas is likely to be saline given that the drainage lines within the study corridor are tidal and mostly saline to brackish, and the water table is likely to fluctuate accordingly (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

In the areas where the water table is shallow and saline, groundwater dependency is likely to be relatively low and opportunistic at best. Only salt-tolerant species are likely within these saturated zones. Given the local climatic conditions and drainage characteristics of these areas, it is considered that surface water runoff and infiltrated rainfall represent the primary source of flux required to satisfy plant water requirements (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

Established vegetation on residual soil or imported fill within park areas may also potentially utilise groundwater during dry periods. However, the potential level of dependency is likely to be even less than for vegetation in the vicinity of drainage lines, as shallow groundwater in non-alluvial sequences is likely to represent interface drainage which persists only following rainfall events (SKM Aurecon CRR JV, 2011).

Impact assessment 8.3

8.3.1 Corridor wide impacts

The study corridor is extensively modified and retains limited ecological value. The remaining ecological values of the study corridor are associated with the major parks and gardens and the mangrove vegetation along the Brisbane River. As the Project is largely underground, the impact on flora and fauna would be minimal.

Indirect impacts on flora could occur due to dewatering of groundwater during construction and operation of the tunnel and stations. The construction techniques proposed for the Project are expected to result in minimal groundwater drawdown along the tunnel with greater potential at or around stations. Due to the distance from proposed stations, potential impacts to areas of vegetation potentially reliant on shallow groundwater are considered to be unlikely. Further discussion on groundwater drawdown is provided in Chapter 9 – Hydrology.

16

Impacts to native fauna would be restricted to the loss of habitat or a reduction in habitat connectivity associated with any removal or disturbance of parkland (primarily at the Victoria Park) and, in particular, the loss of any large mature trees that provide roosting and foraging opportunities for native fauna. As the faunal community of the study corridor largely consists of species that are able to traverse and/ or persist within the existing urban landscape, the magnitude of impact is likely to be negligible. Similarly, the Project would not result in the release of contaminants, in sufficient quantity to present a risk to fauna through bioaccumulation.

The only threatened species occurring within the study corridor is the Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-fox. While this species is able to traverse the urban landscape effectively, the availability of flower and fruit resources is critical for this species. Large, mature trees of the Myrtaceae, Proteaceae and Moraceae family are particularly important. The Project is not expected to impact the availability of these resources.

As the Project is largely underground, with areas of surface disturbance associated with each of the construction worksites, impacts to movement corridors (such as bioregional corridors of State significance) are considered unlikely. The relatively fragmented nature of the Project worksite areas is not considered to pose a threat to fauna movement corridors in the study corridor. As such, measures to manage such corridors are not proposed as part of the Project.

The Project is not located within a red imported fire ant area. Soil importation would be required for landscaping and suitably clean material would be sourced for this activity. As a result, no impacts related to red imported fire ant are expected.

Potential impacts are reduced by the design and proposed construction techniques for the Project. Much of the Project is underground, and unlikely to have any impact on vegetation. Potential permanent impacts would be confined to areas of above ground infrastructure, particularly areas associated with cut and cover works. Temporary impacts during construction may include the loss of a small number of mature trees, increased noise, vibration and light pollution. The study corridor is already subject to high levels of lighting, noise and vibration from existing roads and rail lines. Fauna within the study corridor are at least partly habituated to these disturbances.

8.3.2 Local area impacts

Direct local area impacts on flora and fauna would generally be constrained to the areas of surface works and infrastructure. A summary of the potential impacts is provided in Table 8-3.

Table 8-3 Potential impacts on flora and fauna habitats at specific locations

Place Location Impact Significance of impact

Southern Connection

Location of cut and cover works

The construction worksite is of sufficient distance from the South Brisbane Cemetery (approximately 70m) and adjoining parkland (approximately 320m) that impacts are unlikely. The area of direct disturbance would be limited to the existing railway corridor in this location.

Nil


Adjacent to existing Woolloongabba Busway Station

Potential loss of 2-3 planted mature trees (mostly Jacarandas and Poinciana), which are of limited habitat value. Physical disturbance would be largely confined to the area of the existing busway and carparks.

Nil

17

Place Location Impact Significance of impact


63 and 81 George Street

The construction worksite is of sufficient distance from the City Botanic Gardens (approximately 190m) that direct impacts are unlikely. Shallow water tables are anticipated near the Brisbane CBD and City Botanic Gardens. Large remnant Forest red gums would potentially be impacted given they are influenced by groundwater. While several small areas of vegetation including remnant trees are located adjacent to the Brisbane River in the City Botanic Gardens, they are located outside the predicted groundwater drawdown zone.

Negligible

Roma Street Station

Platform 10, the existing Roma Street Station

Potential indirect impacts to ecological values (excessive dust and noise events) in the nearby Roma Street Parkland resulting from tunnelling and construction of Roma Street Station.

Nil

Northern Connection

Victoria Park, Spring Hill

The construction worksites (WS13-VP and WS14-VP) on the eastern side of the rail corridor would impact approximately 2.44ha of land within Victoria Park. This area of the park contains a small number of small to large landscape trees (<200), a number of which are pest species. Selective clearing of these trees (pest and native) would be required to facilitate construction and operation (refer to Figure 8-6). This would likely include a number of Camphor laurels, figs, a Bunya Pine and eucalypts. From an ecological perspective the significance of this impact would be negligible however the landscape character and value of the trees (native and pest) to the local community is recognised. Impacts on visual amenity associated with the clearing of these trees are discussed in Chapter 13 – Landscape and visual amenity).

Negligible

Impact management 8.4

The following management measures (refer to Table 8-4) are proposed to minimise the risk and potential impact of the Project on the ecological values within the study corridor, during the detailed design, construction and operation phases.

18

Table 8-4 Summary of proposed mitigation measures

Impact Project phase Management measure

Minor disturbance to flora and fauna habitat, including foraging resources for the Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-fox

Detailed design • Seek the advice of the QHC in relation to works within a heritage place. • Where practical, design the Project footprint to minimise the loss of important landscape character trees. • Where the Project is being constructed in close proximity to large figs and other trees, obtain a report from a suitably

qualified arborist to determine the potential impacts to plant roots and long term tree viability. • Contribute to a master planning process (coordinated by Brisbane City Council) for the enhancement and renewal of

Victoria Park. Master planning would involve consultation with TMR, the Traditional Owners, local community and other interested stakeholders. This would provide the opportunity to improve the functionality of the park and its landscape and recreational values for local residents.

Construction • Limit the footprint of construction worksites to the minimum necessary to safely and efficiently undertake construction works, thereby minimising the loss of significant mature trees.

• Avoid impacts on mature trees along the boundaries of construction worksites. • Where reasonable and practicable, locate construction worksite infrastructure (such as site offices, vehicle access and

parking, material storage, plant and equipment storage and cleaning areas and spoil stockpiling areas) away from large mature trees and their drip zones, particularly: − at Roma Street Parkland − in Victoria Park north of Gregory Terrace, between Torrington Street and Brunswick Street.

• Develop a Rehabilitation and Landscape Plan to reinstate the temporary worksites post construction. Incorporate the outcomes of the master planning process for Victoria Park into the plan.

• Incorporate advanced tree stock into plantings areas where landscape trees have been cleared in visually prominent or locally significant areas such as Victoria Park and Roma Street Parkland. Tree species for landscaping would be selected according to the Rehabilitation and Landscape Plan.

• Restore, rehabilitate, and where appropriate enhance open space and public areas disturbed or damaged by construction works as soon as practicable following construction, including restoring ground levels to their ultimate configuration.

• Ensure appropriate soil hygiene procedures are followed to prevent spread of pest plants and animals, and potential soil pathogens.

• Minimise clearance or trimming of native vegetation to that necessary for construction to avoid unnecessary impacts, to reduce rehabilitation costs and minimise exposed surfaces that could lead to erosion and sediment issues.

• Minimise disturbance to significant vegetation and habitat during construction by clearly marking and mapping vegetation to be retained and marking boundaries of work areas. In particular, disturbance to and the loss of mature trees, including figs, is to be minimised.

19

Impact Project phase Management measure

• Ensure a qualified fauna spotter/ catcher is present prior to and during the removal of any mature trees to capture and relocate any fauna that is disturbed. The fauna spotter/catcher should be registered with DEHP and hold applicable licences/ permits.

• Prior to clearing vegetation, relocate, repair or replace where necessary, the existing fauna boxes situated in the northern section of Victoria Park.

• Acknowledge and communicate to construction staff that all native fauna is protected and is not to be intentionally harmed or handled as a result of works or worker actions.

Fauna disturbance due to noise, vibration and lighting

Construction • Lighting associated with night works should incorporate fittings to limit dispersion of light outside the target area, with mercury lamps avoided, minimising insect associated problems such as encouraging fauna to enter close to construction activities and/or traffic areas. Where safety considerations allow, lighting should not extend up into the canopy of any surrounding trees.

• Clearly define construction worksites away from noise and vibration sensitive environments, such as mature trees in Victoria Park.

• Additional measures to minimise noise and vibration impacts are provided in Chapter 11 – Noise and vibration.

Operation • Lighting associated with night works should incorporate fittings to limit dispersion of light outside the target area, with mercury lamps avoided, minimising insect associated problems. It should be noted however that public and passenger safety takes priority in lighting mitigation strategies.

• Additional measures to minimise noise and vibration impacts are provided in Chapter 11 – Noise and vibration.

Introduction or spread of invasive species

Construction • Ensure appropriate soil hygiene procedures are followed to prevent spread of pest plants and animals, and potential soil pathogens.

• Prior to the commencement of any site works or construction, prepare and implement for each construction worksite or work area, a specific Approved Risk Management Plan for Red imported fire ants.

• If material is to be imported from a fire ant restricted area, comply with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) (Bio-security Queensland) requirements for all construction worksites and spoil placement locations, in relation to the management requirements for the movement of restricted materials.

20

These mitigation measures would be implemented through the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) developed for the Project (refer to Chapter 18 – Draft Outline EMP). The EMP would propose additional mitigation measures, and nominate standards and indicators for achieving environmental objectives. The EMP would also detail how the achievement of these objectives would be monitored and how corrective actions would be implemented.

Summary 8.5

The study corridor has been extensively cleared and urbanised, and remnant vegetation is generally absent. Ecological values are largely confined to the parklands scattered throughout the study corridor, and the fragments of mangroves occurring along the Brisbane River.

The fauna and flora communities of the study corridor are typical of inner city urban areas, and are characterised by common and widespread species. The only threatened species known or likely to occur within the study corridor is the Commonwealth-listed Grey-headed flying-fox, which is known to forage throughout the study corridor.

As the Project is largely underground, potential impacts to flora and fauna would be limited to surface works. With appropriate mitigation, potential impacts on ecological values at surface sites are not considered to be significant.

bat project - eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.aueisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au/underground bus and train/eis/volume...

Documents