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Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 Report to meet Section 250 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 22 July 2015 CHARLTON MINE & CIVIL EARTHMOVING PTY LTD
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Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations
CIA Clearing impact area - the area to be cleared as well as a buffer area of 100 m around the clearing
FSG Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 2014)
E Endangered plant species
EHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
EVNT Endangered, vulnerable or near threatened plant species
HRA High risk area for EVNT plant species
NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992
NT Near threatened plant species
PE Presumed extinct plant species
PPAG Protected Plants Assessment Guideline (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 2014)
RE Regional ecosystem
V Vulnerable plants species
VMA Vegetation Management Act 1999
wildNet Queensland Government Wildlife Online Extract
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Contents
Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations................................................................................... i
List of tables .......................................................................................................................... iii
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Legislative background ........................................................................................... 1
1.2 Reporting requirements........................................................................................... 1
1.3 Land and clearing details ........................................................................................ 3
2 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Suitability and qualifications of the person undertaking the flora survey .................. 4
2.2 Presence and absence of EVNT species (wildNet search) ...................................... 4
2.3 Habitat types ........................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Timed meander surveys.......................................................................................... 5
2.5 Timing of the flora survey and potential limitations .................................................. 5
3 Results ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Presence and absence of EVNT species (wildNet search) ...................................... 6
3.2 Timed meander surveys.......................................................................................... 8
3.3 Habitat types ........................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Surveys within each habitat type ........................................................................... 10
3.5 EVNT population survey ....................................................................................... 10
4 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Description of surrounding habitat of EVNT species ............................................. 12
4.2 Details on the absence of EVNT species in the CIA .............................................. 12
5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 12
References ......................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix 1 Maps .......................................................................................................... 15
Appendix 2 Queensland government maps................................................................... 17
Appendix 3 Species recorded ....................................................................................... 19
Appendix 4 Site data -habitat types ............................................................................... 22
Appendix 5 Curriculum vitae ......................................................................................... 34
Appendix 6 GPS and GIS shapefile data sets ............................................................... 37
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List of tables
Table 1: Reporting requirements under the flora survey guideline Section 3.3.2 ................... 1
Table 2: Flora survey reporting requirements under the PPAG, section 3.4 .......................... 2
Table 3: Land and clearing details identified by the FSG ....................................................... 3
Table 4: EVNT species recorded within 20 km of the CIA by Wildlife online .......................... 6
Table 5: Location and results of the timed meander surveys ................................................. 8
Table 6: Habitat types within the CIA .................................................................................... 9
Table 7: Area and surveys within each habitat type............................................................. 10
Table 8: Location of EVNT species at site ........................................................................... 10
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1 Introduction
1.1 Legislative background
This report addresses the legislative requirements of Section 250 of the Nature Conservation
(Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 (NCWMR 2006) requiring a Flora survey report, for
the clearing of vegetation for the purposes of gold mine
The Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected Plants (FSG) (Department of Environment and
Heritage Protection (EHP) 2014a) define how a flora survey must be conducted in order to
meet the requirements for clearing protected plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
that are endangered, vulnerable or near threatened (EVNT).
The location of the proposed clearing occurs within an area mapped as a high risk area (HRA)
on the flora survey trigger map and therefore the proposed clearing is subject to the clearing
requirements within the NCWMR 2006. A copy of the flora survey trigger map identifying HRA
is included in Appendix 2.
Any clearing or impact on protected plants requires a clearing permit under section 15 of the
Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006
An impact management plan (IMP) is also being prepared for the clearing, which will address
the potential impacts on EVNT species.
1.2 Reporting requirements
Section 3.3.2 of the FSG (EHP 2014a) and Section 3.4 of the Protected Plants Assessment
Guideline (PPAG) (EHP 2014b) define the reporting requirements for a Flora survey report for
the clearing within the HRA. This Flora survey report addresses the EHP 2014a and 2014b
reporting requirements in the subsequent sections.
Table 1: Reporting requirements under the flora survey guideline Section 3.3.2
Reporting requirement Details/location within the report
The species of EVNT found, their location on the site, and an estimate of the populations of those species in the clearing impact area (CIA)
Section 3.5
A description of the supporting habitat around any EVNT's identified in the buffer area
Section 4.1
A statement to justify the suitability and qualifications of the person undertaking the flora survey
Section 2.1
Curricula vitae for the survey team undertaking the flora Appendix 5
Justification of the timing of the flora survey and detail of any limitations associated with the timing of the survey.
Section 2.5
A GIS shapefile of the area to be cleared Details of shapefiles are included in Appendix 6
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Reporting requirement Details/location within the report
A GIS shapefile (map) of the different habitat types identified for the clearing impact area and the GPS data showing the on-ground surveys undertaken
GIS shapefiles of habitat types for the CIA and site surveys are provided in Appendix 6
Details on habitat types are in Section 3.2
Map of the habitat types and on-ground surveys are shown on Map 2 (Appendix 1)
A map or plan of the clearing impact area including the locations of all EVNT species or populations of species found.
A map of the CIA is shown in Map 1 (Appendix 1).
A map of the location of all EVNT species found is shown in Map 2 (Appendix 1)
A map or plan of the proposed land use requiring the area to be cleared
Map 1 (Appendix 1).
A description of the location Section 1.3
The date or dates the clearing is expected to occur Section 1.3
Table 2: Flora survey reporting requirements under the PPAG, section 3.4
Item Reporting requirement Details/location within the report
4a.
4.1
Flora survey has been undertaken of the clearing impact area
The applicant has undertaken a flora survey for the clearing impact area in accordance with the flora survey guidelines.
The applicant has undertaken a flora survey over the CIA in accordance with the flora survey guidelines.
Details are provided in Section 3.
Survey conducted by suitably qualified person
The flora survey was undertaken by a person with professional qualifications or formal training in plant identification and the taxonomy of Australian flora, and was undertaken by a person with a minimum of five years’ experience in undertaking surveys for EVNT species, particularly in the climatic region being surveyed
Yes - Section 2.1
Timing of survey
The flora survey was undertaken at an appropriate time where there was the highest possible chance of detecting EVNT species or if this has not been possible, the flora survey report provides a justification of timing of the survey and how EVNT plants were detected
Yes – Section 2.5
Presence and absence of EVNT species identified
Presence and absence of EVNT species has been identified. Where there is a record for a species in WildNet, if this species was not identified in the flora survey, the applicant has provided evidence to justify the absence of this species, through for example, appropriate timing of surveys and evidence of absence of appropriate habitat for the species in the survey area
The potential presence and absence of EVNT species is discussed in Section 2.2 and 3.1.
Evidence to justify the absence of EVNT species is discussed in Section 4.2.
Timed meander survey -
The flora survey has provided identification of the different habitat types in the area
Yes see – Section 2.3 and 3.2
Timed meander survey -
The flora survey has identified the appropriate number of timed meander surveys to be conducted within each of the different habitat types or vegetation communities identified.
Yes – Section 3.4
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Item Reporting requirement Details/location within the report
Timed meander survey -
Multiple timed meander surveys per habitat type have been undertaken where certain habitat types may be extensively represented within a site. Where an EVNT population was found to be too dense for this to be practical, the density of the overall population has been estimated by a quadrat survey
Yes - 3.4
EVNT population survey
Where EVNT species were recorded from a meander search, the flora survey included an EVNT population survey to determine the extent and density of the population, and the total number of individuals comprising the EVNT population was recorded
Yes – Section 3.5 and shown on Map 1Error! Reference source not found.
Quadrat survey
The preferred standard quadrat size (measuring 50m by 10m) for determining vegetation structure and plant community composition was used
Yes – Section 2.4, results of Quadrat surveys are provided in Appendix 4.
Other methods Not applicable, the flora survey used the timed meander and quadrat survey methodology
4a
4.2
The applicant submitted a flora survey report including all items listed under the reporting requirements of the flora survey guidelines.
Yes - covered in Table 1
1.3 Land and clearing details
Table 3 identifies the general land and clearing information required to accompany clearing
applications lodged with EHP.
Table 3: Land and clearing details identified by the FSG
Attribute Details
General location Gladstone Regional Council, about 20 km west Calliope
Lots which the clearing will occur on
53/CTN2046, 1/SP255220 (previously 33 CTN/853) and 50/CTN1854
Also over mining lease 80035
Central geographic coordinate of the clearing
-24.3206, 151.3724
Dates that clearing will occur within
The clearing will occur in the next 2 years, details are covered in the Impact management plan that will be submitted with the application.
Area to be cleared 60.8 ha, identified on Map 1, shapefiles are included in Appendix 6
Clearing impact area (CIA) 60.4 ha, identified on Map 2, shapefiles are included in Appendix 6
(note discussions with EHP identified that the CIA is only defined within the extent of the CIA)
Proposed land use Expansion of an existing gold mine
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2 Methods
2.1 Suitability and qualifications of the person undertaking the flora survey
Section 3.2.3 of the FSG identifies that flora surveys are to be co-ordinated and led by a
suitably qualified person, who must have:
• a professional qualification or formal training in plant identification and the taxonomy
of Queensland flora.
• a minimum of five years’ experience in undertaking surveys for EVNT species.
The flora survey was co-ordinated and led by Geoffrey Sinclair, a Senior Botanist with
Ecosure. Geoffrey meets the requirements of a suitably qualified person (as per EHP 2014a
and EHP 2014b):
• He has a Degree in Science, with Honours in Botany, from Monash University (which
included formal training in plant identification).
• He worked 10 years with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines in Central
Queensland (the same climatic region as the area surveyed) as a vegetation
management officer, which included the identification of EVNT species in areas of
essential habitat, as well as plant and ecosystem identification.
• He worked eight years with the Environmental Protection Agency (now the EHP) in
central Queensland as a conservation officer, which included identification and
mapping of EVNT species.
• He has worked 2 years with Ecosure undertaking environmental assessments,
including the identification of EVNT species.
A copy of Geoffrey’s CV is included in Appendix 5.
2.2 Presence and absence of EVNT species (wildNet search)
Prior to the field survey of the CIA, potential EVNT species within the CIA were identified via
a Wildlife online search through EHP (as defined in EHP 2014b, section 3.4). A search radius
of 20 km radius was utilised to identify potential EVNT species that may be present within the
study area.
Information on EVNT species was also sourced from a variety of texts and references, which
are identified in the Reference section of this report.
2.3 Habitat types
Habitat types for EVNT flora species within the CIA were identified using the regional
ecosystem (RE) vegetation classification system (Nelder et al. 2012) and as recommended
by the FSG – Section 4.4. EVNT habitat was identified and mapped so that all areas of suitable
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habitat were able to be assessed during the flora survey.
Habitat types were assessed using the following information/methods:
• RE descriptions from the RE description database (REDD) version 8.1.
• RE and remnant vegetation map – version 8.1 coastal.
• analysis of vegetation using Google Earth imagery.
• analysis of land zones from the 1:100,000 geological mapping and definitions within
Wilson and Taylor (2012).
• field assessment of the CIA on the 11th February 2015 by Ecosure’s Senior Botanist
Geoffrey Sinclair and Senior Ecologist Kim Heynan, including:
- data collection using methods defined by Neldner et al. (2012) and the Queensland Herbarium’s Request for assessment of Queensland’s certified RE maps.
- flora species identification using reference texts.
- measurement of tree heights using a clinometers.
2.4 Timed meander surveys
The timed meander survey (TMS) is the preferred method to survey EVNT species for a flora
survey (EHP, 2014a). The TMS method described in section 4.1.1 of the FSG and by Goff et
al. (1982) was used to survey for EVNT species.
A summary of the method is described below:
1. Identify a starting point within the particular habitat of interest and record the time.
The choice of starting point is determined by the suitably qualified person (see
Section 2.1) based on their experience.
2. Record the identities of any EVNT plant species observed and collect specimens for
any unknown species.
3. Traverse the particular habitat in a random manner so as to maximise the coverage
of habitat and the encounter rate of different species.
4. Record the time every 2 to 5 minutes. If the survey needs to be interrupted, do not
include this time in the results.
5. Continue searching until no new species have been recorded for 30 minutes or
when the entire area of habitat type is surveyed, whichever happens sooner.
2.5 Timing of the flora survey and potential limitations
The flora survey was completed in March after significant rainfalls in the area. This was a
suitable time for the surveys as most species were identifiable at this time of the year.
All potential EVNT species identified within the Wildlife online search (see Section 3.1) were
determined to be perennial species (based on references in Section 2.2), and therefore would
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be present all year round, including during the survey timing.
Other potential limitations specific to each flora species are detailed in Error! Reference
source not found. (Section 3.1).
3 Results
3.1 Presence and absence of EVNT species (wildNet search)
The Wildlife online search identified that:
• there have been no EVNT species recorded within the CIA
• the area has been identified as an HRA due to the presence of Cycas megacarpa
on the broader land parcel
• a total of fourteen EVNT species have been recorded within 20 km of the CIA.
Details of the EVNT species recorded within 20 km of the CIA are included in Error!
Reference source not found..
Table 4: EVNT species recorded within 20 km of the CIA by Wildlife online
Species Qld conservation
status*
Notes Potential limitations in locating
Apatophyllum olsenii E Shrub to 1 m tall that grows on granite ridges
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Atalaya collina E Small tree that grows in rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cassinia collina V A shrub that occurs in open forests on stony soils
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cossinia australiana E Shrub/tree that grows around rainforest edges
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Clausena smyrelliana E Shrub/tree that grows in lowland rainforest
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cycas megacarpa E Large cycad that grows in spotted gum and narrow-leaved ironbark woodlands
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Eucalyptus decolor NT Ironbark that grows on ridges and steep slopes above 160 m
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Fontainea venosa V Shrub/tree that grows in vine thickets
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Graptophyllum excelsum NT Shrub to 3 m tall that grows None, can be identified at any time
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Species Qld conservation
status*
Notes Potential limitations in locating
Apatophyllum olsenii E Shrub to 1 m tall that grows on granite ridges
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Atalaya collina E Small tree that grows in rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cassinia collina V A shrub that occurs in open forests on stony soils
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cossinia australiana E Shrub/tree that grows around rainforest edges
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Clausena smyrelliana E Shrub/tree that grows in lowland rainforest
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Cycas megacarpa E Large cycad that grows in spotted gum and narrow-leaved ironbark woodlands
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Eucalyptus decolor NT Ironbark that grows on ridges and steep slopes above 160 m
None, can be identified at any time of the year
in dry rainforests of the year
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Species Qld conservation
status*
Notes Potential limitations in locating
Hernandia bivalvis NT Tree m that grows in rainforests and vine thickets
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Oldenlandia gibsonii E Woody herb that grows in dry rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Macropteranthes leiocaulis NT Shrub to tree that occurs in dry rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Phyllanthus sp. (Bulburin P.I.Forster+ PIF16034)
NT Shrub to 1 m that grows in dry rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Rhodamnia angustifolia E Shrub to tree that occurs in dry rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Rhodamnia glabrescens NT Shrub to tree that occurs in dry rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
Sophora fraseri V Shrub 1 to 2 m that grows in sclerophyll forests and rainforests
None, can be identified at any time of the year
*Status: NT – Near threatened, V – Vulnerable, E – Endangered, PE – Presumed extinct
3.2 Timed meander surveys
Table 5 provides the location and results of the timed meander surveys.
Table 5: Location and results of the timed meander surveys
Survey Survey start
(Latitude
Longitude
Date/Time)
Habitat types surveyed EVNT species recorded
01 -24.3220
151.3728
2015/03/23 09:37:34
RE 12.12.5 remnant and regrowth
None
02 -24.3219
151.3684
2015/03/23 10:45:18
RE 12.12.5 remnant None
03 -24.3175
151.3699
2015/03/23 11:34:34
RE 12.3.7 and RE 12.3.3 remnant
None
04 -24.3186
151.3722
2015/03/23 12:22:44
RE 12.12.5 regrowth None
05 -24.3190
151.3763
2015/03/23 13:01:33
RE 12.12.5 remnant None
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Survey Survey start
(Latitude
Longitude
Date/Time)
Habitat types surveyed EVNT species recorded
06 -24.3199
151.3754
2015/03/23 13:33:29
RE 12.3.7 remnant Cycas megacarpa
2 individuals
Within HRA and CIA (within 100 m buffer only)
Not within clearing extent
07 -24.3211
151.3753
2015/03/23 14:30:15
RE 12.3.7 remnant
Includes areas outside of HRA
Cycas megacarpa
30 individuals
All outside of HRA and CIA
Not within clearing extent
08 -24.3167
151.3723
2015/03/23 15:39:15
RE 12.3.3 and 12.3.7 remnant
None
09 -24.3213
151.3743
2015/03/23 16:06:57
RE 12.12.5 and 12.3.7 remnant and regrowth
Includes areas outside of HRA
Cycas megacarpa
1 individual in 12.3.7
Outside of HRA and CIA
Not within clearing extent
Map 2 illustrates the start of the timed meander surveys and the area covered.
3.3 Habitat types
Table 6 identifies the habitat types that were identified within the CIA during the field
assessment.
Table 6: Habitat types within the CIA
Habitat type Description
RE 12.3.3 Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland with C. tessellaris, Lophostemon suaveolens and E. melanophloia. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains, terraces and fans where rainfall is usually less than 1000mm/y. (BVG1M: 16c)
RE 12.3.7 Narrow fringing woodland of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Casuarina cunninghamiana subsp. cunninghamiana +/- Melaleuca viminalis, Waterhousea floribunda. Other species associated with this RE include Melaleuca bracteata, M. trichostachya, M. linariifolia and M. fluviatilis in north of bioregion. Lomandra hystrix often present in stream beds. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of rivers and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. (BVG1M: 16a)
RE 12.12.5 remnant and regrowth
Open forest to woodland of Corymbia citriodora with Eucalyptus crebra
A map of the habitat types within the CIA is shown in Map 2 (Appendix 1). Appendix 4 contains
the raw site data collected during the identification of different habitat types.
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3.4 Surveys within each habitat type
Section 4.1.1 of the flora survey guidelines (EHP 2014a) identifies that the following number
of meanders should be used per habitat type
• < 10 ha – 2 meanders.
• 10 to 100 ha – between 2 and 5 meanders.
• >100 ha – 5 meanders.
Table 7 demonstrates that the minimum number of timed meander surveys were recorded for
each habitat type. A map of the timed meander surveys is shown in Map 1 (Appendix 1).
Table 7: Area and surveys within each habitat type
Habitat type Area ha
Number of meanders required (EHP2014a)
Number of meanders undertaken
Remnant and regrowth
12.12.5
2-5 5
RE 12.3.7 2 5
RE 12.3.7/12.3.3 2-5 2
3.5 EVNT population survey
The endangered EVNT species Cycas megacarpa was found on the site as summarised
below:
• no individuals are located within the clearing extent area
• 2 individuals were located within the CIA
• 31 individuals were located within a 100 m of the clearing extent, but not located
within the areas defined as CIA or HRA
• all individuals were found within Remnant RE 12.3.7
Table 8 contains the location of all EVNT species recorded at the site. The location of EVNT
species is shown in Map 1 and Map 2 (Appendix 1).
Table 8: Location of EVNT species at site
EVNT Number of indivduals
Height Latitude Longitude Within clearing extent
Within the CIA/HRA
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.319988 151.375090 No Yes
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.319510 151.374912 No Yes
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322550 151.375357 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322552 151.375338 No No
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EVNT Number of indivduals
Height Latitude Longitude Within clearing extent
Within the CIA/HRA
Cycas megacarpa 1 <0.3m -24.322583 151.375329 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 <0.3m -24.322580 151.375314 No No
Cycas megacarpa 2 <0.3m -24.322628 151.375324 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322638 151.375312 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322651 151.375316 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 5 m -24.322637 151.375319 No No
Cycas megacarpa 2 <0.3m -24.322614 151.375300 No No
Cycas megacarpa 4 <0.3m -24.322560 151.375267 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322550 151.375275 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322551 151.375262 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322502 151.375253 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322482 151.375244 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 <0.3m -24.322482 151.375244 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1.5 m -24.322541 151.375243 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322565 151.375241 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1.5 m -24.322608 151.375261 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 2 m -24.322480 151.375170 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322561 151.375065 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.322399 151.375037 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322384 151.375106 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 <0.3m -24.322372 151.375092 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1 m -24.322381 151.375075 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 1.5 m -24.322236 151.375187 No No
Cycas megacarpa 1 0.5 m -24.323180 151.374816 No No
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4 Discussion
4.1 Description of surrounding habitat of EVNT species
The endangered Cycas megacarpa was found in site habitat containing remnant vegetation
(not reqrowth) consisting of RE 12.3.7. Site details are included in Appendix 4.
Cycas megacarpa was generally found along the edges of a stream bank, in woodland
community dominated by Eucalyptus tereticornis and Corymbia tessellaris. The understorey
contained riverine rainforest elements, including Mallotus philippensis, Melia azedarach, Ficus
opposita, Ficus rubiginosa, and Macaranga tanarius.
4.2 Details on the absence of EVNT species in the CIA
As stated, Cycas megacarpa was recorded within the CIA.
The following provides further clarification regarding the absence of other EVNT species:
• The area was identified as HRA due to the presence of Cycas megacarpa only, no
other EVNT species have been recorded within the HRA.
• The majority of the EVNT species recorded in the area are found in rainforest/vine-
thicket REs, and the clearing does not occur within any rainforest/vine-thicket REs.
• Other potential EVNT species were identified (see Section 3.1) prior to surveying and
searched for using methodologies identified in the FSR guidelines. No other species
were recorded despite these searches.
5 Conclusion
The results of the flora survey determined that endangered species Cycas megacarpa occurs
within the CIA, but not within the clearing area. No other EVNT species were recorded within
the CIA or clearing area.
Therefore the clearing will require a clearing permit under section 15 of the Nature
Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006, which will require:
• An application form – Clearing permit (protected plants).
• a flora survey report (this document).
• an Impact Management Plan in accordance with the PPAG, to mitigate against the
potential impact on Cycas megacarpa.
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Version 3.2. Updated August 2012. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of
Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane. 124 pp.
Richardson F.J., Richardson R.G. and Shepherd R.C.H. 2011. Weeds of the south-east: an
identification guide for Australia: Second edition Rosamond Charmain Hollis, China
Queensland Government 2014, Queensland globe vegetation management supporting map
– globe.information.gov.au/vegmanagement, queried 16/2/2015
Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 ecosure.com.au | 14
Queensland Herbarium 2014, Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version
8.1 updated, (April 2014) (DSITIA: Brisbane)
Queensland Government (16 Feb 2015) Wildlife Online Extract for 10 km around a point (-
23.1906, 150.7879)
Vegetation Management Supporting Map Requested by [email protected]
16 Feb 2015, Lot Plan 2 RP617670.
Wilson, P.R. and Taylor, P.M. 2012, Land Zones of Queensland. Queensland Herbarium,
Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts,
Brisbane. 79 pp.
Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 ecosure.com.au | 15
Appendix 1 Maps
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Appendix 2 Queensland government maps
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Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map
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Appendix 3 Species recorded List of plant species recorded during timed meander surveys
Family Status Species Common name
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes tenuifolia rock fern
Apocynaceae * Asclepias curassavica red-head cottonbush
Apocynaceae * Cryptostegia grandiflora rubber vine
Apocynaceae * Gomphocarpus physocarpus balloon cottonbush
Apocynaceae Parsonsia sp.
Araliaceae Polyscias elegans celery wood
Araucariaceae Araucaria cunninghamii hoop pine
Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia elegans calico-flower
Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa
Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum yellow buttons
Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis tall fleabane
Asteraceae * Praxelis clematidea praxilis
Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum
Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta prickly pear
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia sp
Casuarinaceae Casuarina cunninghamiana
Cycadaceae E Cycas megacarpa
Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis
Euphorbiaceae Alchornea ilicifolia native holly
Euphorbiaceae Macaranga tanarius macaranga
Euphorbiaceae Mallotus claoxyloides green kamala
Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philippensis red kamala
Fabaceae Crotalaria sp.
Fabaceae Erythrina vespertilio
Fabaceae Indigofera sp.
Fabaceae * Macroptilium atropurpureum siratro
Fabaceae * Stylosanthes scabra
Hemerocallidaceae Dianella sp.
Laxmanniaceae Lomandra longifolia
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Family Status Species Common name
Malvaceae Sida hackettiana
Meliaceae Melia azedarach white cedar
Mimosaceae Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima
Mimosaceae Acacia falciformis broad-leaved hickory
Moraceae Ficus opposita
Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa forma rubiginosa
Myrtaceae Corymbia citriodora spotted gum
Myrtaceae Corymbia clarksoniana
Myrtaceae Corymbia erythrophloia variable-barked bloodwood
Myrtaceae Corymbia tessellaris Moreton Bay ash
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra narrow-leaved red ironbark
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis
Myrtaceae Lophostemon confertus brush box
Myrtaceae Lophostemon suaveolens swamp box
Myrtaceae Melaleuca bracteata black tea tree
Myrtaceae Melaleuca fluviatilis
Passifloraceae Passiflora suberosa corky passion flower
Picrodendraceae Petalostigma pubescens quinine tree
Poaceae Alloteropsis semialata cockatoo grass
Poaceae Aristida leptopoda white speargrass
Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii
Poaceae Chloris divaricata var. divaricata slender chloris
Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus barbed-wire grass
Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum
Poaceae Heteropogon triticeus giant speargrass
Poaceae * Melinis repens red natal grass
Poaceae Panicum effusum
Poaceae * Sporobolus natalensis American rat's tail grass
Poaceae Themeda triandra kangaroo grass
Rubiaceae Psydrax odorata
Rutaceae * Citrus x limon lemon tree
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Family Status Species Common name
Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus
Sapotaceae Sersalisia sericea
Solanaceae * Solanum torvum devil's fig
Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata creek fern
Verbenaceae * Lantana camara lantana
Verbenaceae * Lantana montevidensis creeping lantana
Verbenaceae * Stachytarpheta jamaicensis snakeweed
^Status: PE – presumed extinct, E – endangered, V – vulnerable, NT – near threatened, * - exotic
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Appendix 4 Site data -habitat types
Raw site data collected on the 23rd March
Site Habitat 12.3.3
Collector Geoff Sinclair and Kelly Smith
Date 23 March 2015
GPS location -24.317510,151.372323
Photo north
Photo east
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Photo south
Photo west
Emergent details
T1 dominant Cory tess, euca tere
T1 not dominant Melaluca sp., casu cunn
T1 cover Woodland
T1 height
T2 species Acac disp
T2 cover Sparse
T2 height 3-5m
S1 species
S1 cover
S1 height
Ground species Aristida sp.
Ground cover
Structural formation
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Ecologically dominant layer
T1
Weeds Lantana
Weeds cover 10
Geology
Landform details Plain between slopes
Slope% Flat
Soils
Land zone 3
Mapped RE 12.11.6 12.12.5
Remnant/non remnant rem
Propose RE 12.3.3
Notes
Site Habitat 12.3.7
Collector Geoff Sinclair and Kelly Smith
Date 23 March 2015
GPS location -24.317386,151.370288
Photo north
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Photo east
Photo south
Photo west
Emergent details Araucaria cunninghamiana
T1 dominant Mela fluv, casu cunn, euca tere
T1 not dominant
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T1 cover Open forest
T1 height
T2 species
T2 cover
T2 height
S1 species
S1 cover
S1 height
Ground species
Ground cover
Structural formation
Ecologically dominant layer
T1
Weeds Lantana
Weeds cover
Geology
Landform details Gully
Slope% Flat
Soils
Land zone 3
Mapped RE 12.3.7
Remnant/non remnant Rem
Propose RE 12.3.7
Notes
Site Habitat 12.3.7 with cycads
Collector Geoff Sinclair and Kelly Smith
Date 23 March 2015
GPS location -24.319510,151.374912
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Photo north
Photo east
Photo south
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Photo west
Emergent details
T1 dominant Euca tere, cory tess
T1 not dominant
T1 cover Woodland
T1 height 25
T2 species Cause cunn, melaluca sp.
T2 cover Sparse
T2 height 14
S1 species Mall phil, acaci flac, lantana,
S1 cover Sparse
S1 height 2
Ground species Hete cont, them tria, loma long
Ground cover Mid dense
Structural formation
Ecologically dominant layer
T1
Weeds Lantana
Weeds cover 30
Geology
Landform details
Slope%
Soils
Land zone 3
Mapped RE 12.3.7
Remnant/non remnant Rem
Propose RE 12.3.7
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Notes
Site Habitat 12.12.5
Collector Geoff Sinclair and Kelly Smith
Date 23 March 2015
GPS location -24.322333,151.371756
Photo north
Photo east
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Photo south
Photo west
Emergent details
T1 dominant Cory citr
T1 not dominant Euca creb
T1 cover Mid dense
T1 height
T2 species Acac disp
T2 cover Isolated plants
T2 height 4
S1 species
S1 cover
S1 height
Ground species Them tria, hete cont
Ground cover Dense
Structural formation
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Ecologically dominant layer
T1
Weeds Praxilis
Weeds cover 10
Geology
Landform details Hills
Slope% Steep
Soils
Land zone 12
Mapped RE 12.12.7/12.12.5
Remnant/non remnant Rem
Propose RE 12.12.5
Notes
Site Habitat 12.12.5
Collector Geoff Sinclair and Kelly Smith
Date 23 March 2015
GPS location -24.321928,151.367916
Photo north
Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 ecosure.com.au | 32
Photo east
Photo south
Photo west
Emergent details
T1 dominant Cory citr, euca creb
T1 not dominant
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T1 cover Open forest
T1 height
T2 species
T2 cover
T2 height
S1 species
S1 cover
S1 height
Ground species
Ground cover
Structural formation
Ecologically dominant layer
T1
Weeds
Weeds cover
Geology
Landform details
Slope%
Soils
Land zone
Mapped RE 12.12.5
Remnant/non remnant Rem
Propose RE 12.12.5
Notes
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Appendix 5 Curriculum vitae
Note that Geoff Sinclair meets the legislative requirements of a suitably qualified person.
Geoff Sinclair Senior Botanist
Geoff has 20 years experience in the field of natural resource
management working in the areas of vegetation management,
vegetation offsets, environmental planning and assessment,
vegetation mapping, biodiversity assessment, regional
ecosystem mapping, flora and fauna surveys, in both
Queensland and New South Wales.
He has project managed a range of Environmental Impact
Studies in the Central Queensland region to successfully
achieve ecologically sustainable outcomes for clients. Geoff’s
extensive knowledge of legislation, including the Sustainable
Planning Act 2009, and the Vegetation Management Act 1999,
Environmental Impact Statement processes and Integrated
Development Assessment Systems (IDAS), as well as his
thorough knowledge of Queensland’s Regional Ecosystem
mapping enables him to provide high quality advice and
guidance to clients and colleagues.
Geoff is also experienced as an expert witness in environmental
court cases in both Queensland and NSW, and has given
adversarial and joint conference expert testimony in court.
Geoff has experience in :
• Legislation interpretation, including extensive
experience in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009
(including IDAS processes) and Vegetation
Management Act 1999
• Environmental court, including expert witness
affidavits and cross-examination
• Biodiversity and Vegetation Management Offsets
• Project management
• Assisting clients from resource and heavy industry
fields
• Analysis, consultation and report writing related to
Environment Impact Statements
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Honours, Botany and Zoology) Monash University, 1992
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Project experience
Date Project Client Project Position
Role
Infrastructure and Development
2013 Curtis Island development
Arrow Energy Field officer Botanical surveys and reporting to meet ERA (Environmental Relevant Activity) requirements with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP)
2014 Yeppoon residential subdivision
Citimark Properties Project Manager
Vegetation mapping and meeting legislative Vegetation Management Act 1999 requirements
2014 Residential subdivision
J M Kelly Project Builders
Project Manager
Marine plant surveys to meet Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry requirements
2013 - 2014
New telephone cabling around Gladstone and Mackay
Optus Field officer Field assessment of vegetation, and identification of environmental legislative requirements, EPBC and NCA constraints.
2013 Rockhampton residential subdivision
Homecorp Group Project Manager
Land assessments to meets State Cropping Land Act legislative requirements.
2013 Residential subdivision
Mick Cranny Investments
Project Manager
Offset surveys, reporting and negotiating offsets with DNRM to meet Sustainable Planning Act 2009 legislative requirements.
• Highly developed communication and team
management skills
• Expertise in flora identification
• Regional Ecosystem Mapping and Property Maps of
Assessable Vegetation (PMAV’s)
• Development applications, including Material Change
of Use and Reconfiguration of a Lot applications
involving vegetation clearing
• Advanced GIS analysis and mapping (including
programming) and proficiency in GPS use
• Database Management, including design and
development.
• Remote area survey and field work assessment
Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 ecosure.com.au | 36
Government
2013 - 2014
Appeal of a vegetation clearing charge and remediation order
Chief executive of the office of environment and heritage and
Martin Place Chambers lawyers
Expert Witness for remote sensing and vegetation legislation
Providing affidavits, giving evidence in court with cross examination on remote imagery interpretation, vegetation communities, vegetation legislation, vegetation remediation requirements
2013 – 2014
Pineapple Patch Industrial Subdivision
Livingstone Shire Council
Project Manager
Vegetation mapping, protected plant surveys and meeting SPA requirements
2013-2014
Powerline easement inspections
Powerlink Field officer Identification of plants, and other legislative environmental requirements, and assisting development of field data collection and backup systems.
Training
• Statutory Investigation and Enforcement, 2002 and 2012
• Statutory Decision Making, 2007
• Vegetation Structure and Identify Regional Ecosystems, 2005
• Remote area operations, 2002
• Advanced Aerial Photography Interpretation Techniques, 2000
• Senior First Aid and CPR Training
Licences
• Construction Card
• Queensland Drivers Licence
Work experience
Date Position Company
2013 - Senior Botanist Ecosure, Rockhampton
2004 - 2013
Natural Resource Management Officer,
vegetation management
Qld Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Rockhampton
2001 - 2004
Vegetation Management Officer Qld Department of Natural Resources, Longreach
2000 - 2001
Vegetation Management Officer NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Narrabri
1999 - 2000
Principal Conservation Officer Qld Environmental Protection Agency, Emerald
1998 - 1999
Conservation Officer, wildNet Qld Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane
1993 - 1998
Conservation Officer Qld Environmental Protection Agency, Rockhampton
Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035 ecosure.com.au | 37
Appendix 6 GPS and GIS shapefile data sets
The below table is a list of GPS and GIS shapefiles included with the report. The author of the
report can be contacted at [email protected] or on 07 4927 1000 if further clarification
of data is required.
Details of the GIS shapefiles supplied with this report
File name Details
RE64v2_ClearingArea GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format of the area to be cleared
RE64v2_ClearingArea within HRA GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format of the area to be cleared that is within the CIA
RE64v2_ClearingImpactArea GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format of the CIA
RE64v2_EVNT GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format of EVNT species
RE64v2_HabitatTypes GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format identifying the boundaries and habitat types within the CIA
RE64v2_OnGroundSurveyPoints GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format, of the GPS point data identifying the start points of the timed meander surveys
RE64v2_OnGroundSurveyTracks GIS shapefile in ArcGIS format, of the GPS track data identifying the tracks of the timed meander surveys
© Ecosure Proprietary Limited 2015 Commercial in confidence. The information contained in this document produced by Ecosure Pty Ltd is solely for the use of the Client identified on the cover sheet for the purpose for which it has been prepared and Ecosure Pty Ltd undertakes no duty to or accepts any responsibility to any third party who may rely upon this document. All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this documents, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of Ecosure Pty Ltd.
Revision History
Revision No. Revision date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by
00 22/7/2015 Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035
Geoffrey Sinclair, Senior Botanist
Leigh Knight, Senior Environmental Planner
Leigh Knight, Senior Environmental Planner
Distribution List
Copy # Date Type Issued to Name
1 24/7/2015 Electronic Charlton Doblo Mantle Mining Corporation Limited
2 24/7/2015 Electronic Ecosure Administration
Citation: Ecosure (2015), Flora Survey Report – Mining Lease 80035, Report to Mantle Mining Corporation Limited, Publication Location –Rockhampton
Report compiled by Ecosure Pty Ltd
ABN: 63 106 067 976
[email protected] www.ecosure.com.au
RE101-RE.Flora Survey Report for Lot 2 RP617670.docx
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