Draft Report
Flora and Fauna Assessment for a Proposed Rail Freight
Centre Facility – Stage 1, Boonah-Beaudesert Road,
Bromelton
Prepared for:
SCT Logistics on behalf of Blanalko Pty Ltd
October 2015
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd
ADELAIDE  BRISBANE  CANBERRA  GEELONG  MELBOURNE  SYDNEY
www.ehpartners.com.au | (03) 9377 0100
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the following people/organisations for their contribution to the project:

Tim Timmermans (SCT Logistics) for project information; and

Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines for access to GIS data.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
2
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Assessment
Address
Project number
Flora and Fauna Assessment
Boonah-Beaudesert Road, Queensland
7270
Project manager
Dave Fleming (Principal Ecologist)
Report author(s)
Dave Fleming (Principal Ecologist)
Report reviewer
Aaron Organ (Director/Principal Ecologist)
Mapping
File name
Client
Monique Elsley
7270_FFA_Bromelton_SCT_final_withchannel
SCT Logistics on behalf of Blanalko Pty Ltd
Report versions
Comments updated
by
Comments
Date submitted
Draft
For client review
D. Fleming
22/10/2015
Final
For release
D. Fleming
26/10/2015
Copyright © Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd
This document is subject to copyright and may only be used for the
purposes for which it was commissioned. The use or copying of this
document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology and
Heritage Partners Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright.
Disclaimer
Although Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd have taken all the
necessary steps to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared,
the company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a
result of reliance placed upon the report and its contents.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
3
GLOSSARY AND DEFINTIONS
Acronym
Description
BPS
Beaudesert Planning Scheme
BSDA
Bromelton State Development Area
DNRM
Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines
DEHP
Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
EPBC Act
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
EO Act
Environmental Offsets Act 2014
EVNT
Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened. Relates to the classification of
species under the NC Act and EPBC Act.
FFA
Flora and Fauna Assessment
LP Act
Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
NC Act
Nature Conservation Act 1992
NES
National Environmental Significance
SRRC
Scenic Rim Regional Council
SDPWO Act
State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971
SES
State Environmental Significance. Listed under the EO Act.
SMP
Species Management Program under the NC Act.
SPRP
State Planning Regulatory Provisions
RRMP
Rehabilitation and Revegetation Management Plan
TEC
Threatened Ecological Community. Listed under the EPBC Act.
VM Act
Vegetation Management Act 1999
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
4
CONTENTS
1
2
3
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 8
1.1
Background and Purpose......................................................................................................... 8
1.2
Study Area ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.3
Proposed Development........................................................................................................... 9
1.4
Scope of Works........................................................................................................................ 9
1.5
Legislation ............................................................................................................................... 9
METHODS ................................................................................................. 13
2.1
Nomenclature ....................................................................................................................... 13
2.2
Desktop Assessment.............................................................................................................. 13
2.3
Field Assessment ................................................................................................................... 13
RESULTS ................................................................................................... 15
3.1
Threatened Ecological Communities ..................................................................................... 15
3.2
Vegetation Communities....................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1
Regional Ecosystems ..................................................................................................... 15
3.2.2
Vegetation Communities............................................................................................... 16
3.3
Significant Flora Species ........................................................................................................ 17
3.4
Significant Fauna Species ...................................................................................................... 18
3.5
Other Fauna and Habitats ..................................................................................................... 18
3.6
Weeds ................................................................................................................................... 19
3.7
Essential Habitat.................................................................................................................... 19
3.8
Wetlands and Watercourses ................................................................................................. 20
3.9
Other Considerations ............................................................................................................ 20
3.9.1
4
Erosion........................................................................................................................... 20
IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................. 22
4.1
Proposed Impacts.................................................................................................................. 22
4.2
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)............ 22
4.2.1
Ramsar wetlands of international significance.............................................................. 22
4.2.2
Threatened species and ecological communities .......................................................... 22
4.2.3
Migratory species .......................................................................................................... 24
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
5
4.2.4
4.3
Bromelton SDA and SDPWO Act............................................................................................ 24
4.4
Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland)........................................................................ 26
4.4.1
EVNT Flora..................................................................................................................... 26
4.4.2
EVNT Fauna ................................................................................................................... 26
4.4.3
Implications ................................................................................................................... 26
4.5
Vegetation Management Act 1999 ....................................................................................... 27
4.6
Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 .......................................... 27
4.7
Water Act 2000 ..................................................................................................................... 27
4.8
State koala Policies ................................................................................................................ 27
4.8.1
4.9
5
6
Implications ................................................................................................................... 24
South East Queensland koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP)
27
Beaudesert Planning Scheme ................................................................................................ 27
MITIGATION MEASURES .............................................................................. 28
5.1
Avoid Impacts........................................................................................................................ 28
5.2
Minimise Impacts .................................................................................................................. 28
5.3
Mitigate Impacts ................................................................................................................... 28
CONCLUSION AND FURTHER REQUIREMENTS ................................................. 30
REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 31
APPENDIX 1 – LEGISLATION - BACKGROUND ........................................................ 33
A1.1.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)........ 33
A1.2.
Bromelton State Development Area and SDPWO Act (Queensland)................................. 33
A1.3.
Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland).................................................................... 34
A1.4.
Vegetation Management Act 1999 ................................................................................... 35
A1.5.
Environmental Offsets Act 2014........................................................................................ 36
A1.6.
Water Act 2000 ................................................................................................................. 36
A1.7.
State koala Policies ............................................................................................................ 36
A1.8.
Beaudesert Planning Scheme ............................................................................................ 37
APPENDIX 2 – FLORA SURVEY TRIGGER MAP ........................................................ 38
APPENDIX 2 – SIGNIFICANT FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT ................................. 39
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
6
List of Tables
Table 1 Habitat Assessment for Koalas.................................................................................................. 23
Table 2 General Requirements for Development within the BSDA ....................................................... 25
Table 3 General Requirements for Development Located in the Rail Dependent Industry Precinct and
Major Industry Precinct......................................................................................................................... 25
Table 4. Further requirements associated with development of the study area .................................. 30
Table 5 Significant Flora Species within 10km of the Study Area .......................................................... 40
Table 6 Significant Fauna Species within 10km of the Study Area ........................................................ 45
Table 7 Migratory Species within 10km of the Study Area.................................................................... 49
List of Figures
Figure 1 Study Area ............................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 2 Proposed Development........................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3 Vegetation Management Map (DNRM 2015).......................................................................... 16
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
7
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background and Purpose
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by SCT Logistics Pty Ltd (SCT) to conduct a
Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) of a proposed rail freight centre facility – Stage 1 (the proposed
development) within a property on Boonah-Beaudesert Road, Bromelton, Queensland.
The purpose of the FFA is to provide a description of the existing environment within the property
and to identify any ecologically significant areas that may be impacted by the construction and
operation of the proposed development. The proposed development is located within the Bromelton
State Development Area (BSDA) within which development is regulated by the Coordinator General
under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act). The assessment
is also required to show compliance with the Bromelton State Development Area: Development
Scheme and particularly Schedule 3 – specific assessment criteria, which states that ‘environmental
values, cultural heritage values and community values of the site and immediate surrounds are
identified and protected, consistent with current best practice’.
This report presents the results of the assessment and discusses the potential ecological and
legislative implications associated with the proposed development and recommends measures to
avoid, minimise or mitigate significant impacts.
1.2 Study Area
The proposed development is located on rural land approximately 57 km south of Brisbane and 7.5
km north-west of Beaudesert township (Figure 1). The property is described as Lot 51 on SP 213384
and is located within the Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) area (the study area). The study area is
approximately 133.7 hectares in area and is bound by Boonah-Beaudesert Road to the south, Allan
Creek to the north, rural properties to the west and the Brisbane – Sydney – Melbourne Railway to
the east. The Beaudesert Waste Management Facility is located immediately to the east of the study
area across the railway.
The study area is generally cleared of vegetation with some mature retained along the creekline1. The
creekline enters the study area in the southeastern corner and traverses north through the centre of
the property, exiting at the northeastern corner under the railway. The creekline discharges into Allan
Creek at Clay Gully just over 1 km to the north-east of the study area. A small dam is located in the
southern portion of the study area and captures overland flow from neighbouring properties.
The study area is currently used for cattle grazing.
1
as per email from DNRM dated 11 September 2015 the creekline and other drainage features on the property
are not considered a watercourse for the purpose of the Water Act 2000
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
8
1.3 Proposed Development
Blanalko Pty Ltd (part of the SCT Group), owns the property and wishes to construct a purpose-built
rail freight centre facility for the distribution of general freight via rail between Brisbane, Melbourne,
Adelaide and Perth. SCT will be the owner/operator of the facility. Stage 1 of the proposed
development consists of the construction of a new two 2.6 km long rail siding including one mainline
turnout (plus another one north of the current proposed one in the future) with approximately 6 km
of track with warehouse facilities and a container hard stand area (Figure 2). The rail siding proposes
to link to the Brisbane – Sydney – Melbourne Railway in the far south-eastern corner of the study
area. An 800m access road is proposed to enter the study area from Boonah-Beaudesert Road in the
southern corner.
Stage 1 also proposes to divert and channelize the creekline towards the railway and fill in the existing
creekline. The channel will be excavated and high velocity points will be strengthened with rock
armouring and/or gabions.
This Flora and Fauna Assessment assesses the Stage 1 layout only.
1.4 Scope of Works
The scope of works for this report includes:

Completing a desktop assessment and literature review to identify previously recorded
ecological values occurring on the study area or predicted to occur;

Ground-truthing vegetation communities and fauna and flora habitats within the study area
including any regional ecosystems (REs);

Conducting a habitat assessment and active searches for threatened flora and fauna species;

Identifying any waterways or wetlands or significance; and

Providing recommendations to avoid, minimise or mitigate impacts on ecological values from
Stage 1 of the proposed development.
1.5 Legislation
This section identifies biodiversity policy and legislation relevant to the proposed development,
principally:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Commonwealth);

Bromelton State Development Area and State Development and Public Works Organisation
Act 1971 (SDPWO Act) (Queensland);

Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) (Queensland);

Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act) (Queensland);

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (Queensland);

Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act) (Queensland);
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
9

Water Act 2000 (Queensland); and

Beaudesert Planning Scheme 2007 (Scenic Rim Regional Council).
Background information on the above is provided in Appendix 1.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
10
Br o
o kl a
nd
Ro
ad
Allenview
Gleneagle
Dunn R
o ad
d
Roa
Todd L
an e
Ti l
ley
R
oa
d
zo n
Bra ba
Bromelton
2
I
Beau
de
Bromelton
sert -
Boon
ah
Road
oad
o
rc
Co
n
ra
nd
Sa
kR
ree
yC
Figure 1
Location of Study Area
Flora and Fauna
Assessment for Proposed
Rail Freight Facility,
Bromelton
Legend
Study Area
Railway
Main road
Secondary road
Minor watercourse
Localities
ad
Ro
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics,
CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,
swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
Brisbane
(
!
Scenic
Rim (R)
Bromelton
¹
0
600
Metres
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA94)
Map Scale: 1:30,000
Base data sourced from Queensland Government: The State of Queensland does
not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and
any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the
State of Queensland shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any
errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information.
7270_Fig01_StudyArea 23/09/2015 melsley
Dunn R
o ad
Ti
lle
y
Ro
ad
Brabazo
n Ro ad (unf ormed)
Bea
ude
ser
t-
Bo
o
na
h
ad
Ro
2
I
F
ste aci
li t
Wa
y
ad
Ro
Figure 2
Proposed Development
Plan - Stage 1
Flora and Fauna
Assessment for Proposed
Rail Freight Facility,
Bromelton
Legend
Study Area
Development plan
Development features
Lot boundaries
Rail siding
Proposed channel
Estate access road
Tracks
Existing services
Brisbane
Other features
(
!
¹
Railway
Main road
Local road
Scenic
Rim (R)
Bromelton
0
250
Metres
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA94)
Map Scale: 1:13,000
Base data sourced from Queensland Government: The State of Queensland does
not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and
any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the
State of Queensland shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any
errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information.
7270_Fig02_DevPlan 21/10/2015 melsley
2 METHODS
This section identifies the methods used to identify the ecological values occurring or likely to occur
within the study area.
2.1 Nomenclature
Common and scientific names of vascular plants follow the Queensland Herbarium Census of the
Queensland Flora (Bostock and Holland 2010). The following sources were used for names of fauna
species:

Reptiles and Frogs – Cogger (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Seventh Edition;

Birds – Christidis and Boles (2008) Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds; and

Mammals – Van Dyck and Strahan (2008) The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition.
2.2 Desktop Assessment
The following resources were reviewed prior to undertaking the field assessment:

Queensland Herbarium Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) version 9.0 – April
2015 (DEHP);

Current RE mapping (Queensland Herbarium 2015b);

Regulated Vegetation Management Map and essential habitat map (DNRM 2015) under the
Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act);

Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (DEHP 2015);

Relevant flora and fauna databases (Qld Herbarium HERBRECS, Queensland Museum,
Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, Wildlife Online [WildNet], Atlas of
Living Australia and Birds Australia Atlas [1998-2008]);

Current aerial photography of the study area (Queensland Globe 2015);

Beaudesert Planning Scheme 2007 and BSDA: Development Scheme; and

Relevant federal and state legislation and policies.
2.3 Field Assessment
A field assessment was conducted by Dave Fleming (Principal Ecologist, Ecology and Heritage
Partners) on 16 September 2015 to identify the vegetation communities and flora and fauna values
(such as potential occurrence of threatened species) within the study area, and to confirm the
vegetation mapping at the local and state government levels. The extent of the study area was
traversed and the overall condition of vegetation and potential fauna habitat noted.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
13
A modified quaternary vegetation assessment (Neldner et al 2012) was completed to assess the
vegetation communities within the study area in terms of structure and dominant species and
whether they were consistent with RE types (Sattler and Williams, 1999) in the Regional Ecosystem
Description Database (REDD). As there are no high risk areas identified on the flora survey trigger
map, a survey in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines was not required. However, a random
meander (Cropper, 1993) was completed throughout the study area to search for significant flora
species.
The field assessment included a visual fauna assessment of the study area, with all observed fauna
species recorded and the overall habitat condition noted. Birds and frogs vocalisations were noted
and searches were made for other signs of fauna such as nests, remains of dead animals, droppings
and footprints. Habitat features including ground cover and vegetation composition and structure,
and the presence of hollows and fallen ground debris were also noted. Searches for signs of koala
Phascolarctos cinereus (eg. scats and scratches at base of trees) were also completed around the base
of preferred tree species and were targeted along the creekline.
In addition, as fauna species are mobile, a visual assessment of the surrounding landscape was made
to determine whether there was suitable habitat (principally for threatened species) in the immediate
area, and to determine the likelihood that any of these species would either reside within the study
areas for extended periods of time, or whether the sites contributed to a larger home range of a
significant species.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
14
3 RESULTS
3.1 Threatened Ecological Communities
The desktop assessment identified two EPBC Act-listed Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) with
the potential to occur within the study area. These communities are:

Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia, listed as critically endangered; and

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland,
listed as critically endangered.
Neither of these TECs were recorded within the study area during the field assessment.
3.2 Vegetation Communities
3.2.1 Regional Ecosystems
Desktop analysis of remnant vegetation within the study area and lowland surrounds showed a highly
modified landscape with large areas cleared for agricultural purposes (predominately cattle grazing),
containing small, fragmented remnants of vegetation scattered throughout the landscape (Figure 2).
No remnant REs were identified within the study area. However several small patches of remnant
vegetation are mapped adjacent to the study area, including:

RE 12.8.4 (endangered), located to the west of the study area within the neighbouring
property;

RE 12.9-10.3 (of concern), located within the Boonah-Beaudesert Road reserve (southern side
of the reserve) to the south and a small patch to the north-east of the study area across the
railway.
There are no vegetated connections to the mapped remnant vegetation from the study area.
The proposed development does not trigger the VM Act given that the proposed development will be
assessed under the BSDA: Development Scheme and that there is no remnant vegetation occurring
within the study area (Figure 3).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
15
Figure 3 Vegetation Management Map (DNRM 2015)
3.2.2 Vegetation Communities
The study area comprises a highly modified vegetation community characterised by pasture grasses
with isolated mature trees. The dominant tree species are gum-topped box Eucalyptus moluccana
and forest red gum E. tereticornis (plate 1), with the latter dominant along the creekline and the dam
in the southern portion (plate 2). Other tree species include grey ironbark E. siderophloia and lemonscented gum Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, which are scattered throughout the study area as
well as occasional large strangling figs Ficus spp. Mistletoes were prominent and some trees exhibited
dieback from extension infestations. This is usually indicative of the tree being subject to other
stressors (such as lack of water).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
16
Small trees and shrubs are generally absent apart from occasional occurrences of mimosa bush
Acacia farnesiana, hickory wattle A. disparrima and Bennett’s ash Flindersia bennettiana. The ground
cover is grassy comprising native and exotic pasture grasses (plate 3) such as blady grass Imperata
cylindrica and windmill grass Chloris spp. (most were unable to be identified due to absence of fertile
material) with occasional occurrences of native and exotic herbs and ground covers such as winter
apple Eremophila debilis, flatweed Hypochaeris radicata, galvanised burr Sclerolaena birchii and
potato bush Solanum amblymerum.
Plate 1 – Small grove of forest red gums around the dam in
southern portion of the study area
Plate 3 – Pasture grassland in the northern portion of the
study area
Plate 2 – Small dam in the southern portion of the study area
Plate 4 – Small dam in the northern portion of the study area
3.3 Significant Flora Species
The database searches identified 35 threatened flora species that have been previously recorded or
likely to occur within 10km of the study area (Appendix 3). Several species are also considered locally
significant within Appendix C of the Beaudesert Planning Scheme, although these species are not
reproduced here.
No flora species listed under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed within the study area and none
are likely occurrences within the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
17
3.4 Significant Fauna Species
The desktop review indicated that 28 significant fauna species have been previously recorded or are
predicted to occur within 10km of the study area (Appendix 3). This comprises one insect, one fish,
one frog, three reptiles, twelve birds and six mammals. Two species are listed as special least concern
under the NC Act namely platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus and echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus.
Additionally, 15 bird species are listed as migratory under the EPBC Act and consequently as special
least concern under the NC Act. These are shown separately in Appendix 3.
The koala Phascolarctos cinereus and grey-headed flying fox Pteropus poliocephalus have a low
likelihood of occurrence within the study area. Both gum-topped box and forest red gum are
preferred food species for the koala (Mitchell, 2015), however searches for koala scratches and scats
at the base of suitable trees were unsuccessful. It is possible that koalas could traverse the study area,
particularly juvenile males, however it is unlikely that the study area supports a population of koalas.
Grey-headed flying fox is a highly nomadic. mobile species which can cover up to 50 kilometre in one
night, but more commonly forage up to 15km from daily roost sites. There are two known roosts
within 15 kilometre of the study area; to the north-east at Brushwood Crescent, Cedar Grove and
south-west at Kooralbyn and it is likely that individuals may occasionally forage on the study area
when trees are in flower.
3.5 Other Fauna and Habitats
Due the disturbed nature of the study area and low diversity of plant species, the existing habitat for
fauna is in poor condition. The study area provides habitat and resources for open country species
that can tolerate high levels of habitat modification such as common birds. Common species sighted
included Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen, pied butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis, pale-headed
rosella Platycercus adscitus, Torresian crow Corvus orru and galah Eolophus roseicapilla. The
vegetation along the creekline supported habitat for other common birds such as variegated fairywren Malurus lamberti, white-throated honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis, pheasant coucal
Centropus phasianinus, willy wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys and striated pardalote Pardalotus striatus.
Australian reed-warblers Acrocephalus australis were also identified within bulrush stands along the
creekline and are listed as a migratory species under the EPBC Act. Rainbow bee-eaters Merops
ornatus, which are also listed as migratory species under the EPBC Act, were observed near the banks
of the creekline where slumping had created suitable nesting habitat for bee-eaters as well as striated
pardalotes. Several burrows were identified along the creekbanks although their use by either species
could not be confirmed (plate 5).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
18
Plate 5 (left) – Possible nesting burrow along creekline. Plate 6 (right) bank slumping has created suitable nesting
opportunities for striated pardalote and rainbow bee-eater.
Several large eucalypt trees occur within the study area and several were observed to contain a range
of hollows suitable for hollow-nesting birds and mammals such as possums. Several large bird nests
were also observed within large trees, most likely constructed by Torresian crows or magpies.
The study area is unlikely to provide suitable habitat for a diversity of reptile species due to the thick
grass cover and lack of fallen woody debris. Reptile diversity is likely to be limited to common skinks
and snakes. Similarly, the study area is unlikely to provide habitat for frogs other than common
species such as eastern sedge frog Litoria fallax, which was heard calling within pools along the
creekline.
The study area is also unlikely to provide habitat for mammal species other than common species.
Eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus were observed within the study area, however no other
signs of mammals were observed.
3.6 Weeds
The declared weed velvety tree pear Opuntia tomentosa was recorded occasionally along the
creekline in the northern portion of the study area. Small infestations of mother-of-millions
Bryophyllum delagoense were also identified near the tree pear infestation as well as isolated
occurrences of creeping lantana Lantana montevidensis. Broad-leaved pepper tree Schinus
terebinthifolius was also relatively common along the northern portion of the creekline. Lantana
Lantana camara was identified within the rail corridor, however was not identified within the study
area itself.
Tree pear and mother-of-millions are listed as class 2 declared plant under the Land Protection (Pest
and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. Creeping lantana and broad-leaved pepper tree are listed as
class 3 declared pests.
Other weeds identified included balloon cotton bush Gomphocarpus physocarpus, wild tobacco
Solanum mauritianum and bulrush Typha orientalis within pools along the creekline.
3.7 Essential Habitat
No essential habitat as mapped by DRNM (2015) is located within the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
19
3.8 Wetlands and Watercourses
No referrable wetlands, or wetland protected areas were identified within the study areas during the
desktop assessment, nor during the current field assessment. Aquatic vegetation was present within
the two dams and within isolated pools along the creekline. The dam in the southern portion
contained a narrow fringe of rushes comprising water chestnut Eleocharis dulcis and common rush
Juncus usitatus. Isolated pools within the creekline contained bulrush Typha orientalis and other semiaquatic and aquatic species such as smartweed Persicaria spp. and marshwort Nymphoides spp. Many
pools were overgrown with algal blooms (plate 4).
Several pools contained small populations of gambusia or mosquito fish Gambusia holbrooki.
Gambusia is a declared noxious species under the Fisheries Act 1994 due to their impacts on native
fish and frog species. It is an offence to place or release noxious fish alive or dead into Queensland
waterways.
Allan Creek, to the north of the study area, is identified as a 5th order stream on the Vegetation
Management Map (DNRM 2015). The creekline within the study area is identified as a stream of order
3 with drainage lines (streams of order 1) occurring in the southern portion. As previously stated, all
streams within the study area have been classified as drainage features by DNRM. The creekline is
likely to experience heavy flows during storm events as evidenced by bank erosion along the creekline
and debris on higher banks.
3.9 Other Considerations
3.9.1 Erosion
The study area is particularly prone to erosion, due to sandy and dispersive soils and high velocity
flows along the creekline. Erosion is prominent along the creekline and comprises bank slumping
(plate 6) and gully erosion (plate 7).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
20
Plate 7 – Gully erosion along the creekline
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
21
4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
4.1 Proposed Impacts
The proposed rail siding and warehouses are located in the western half of the study area and the
proposed channelling of the creekline will divert this feature further towards the eastern boundary.
The rail siding is proposed to cross the channellised creekline in the far southern portion of the study
area as well as the proposed access road. The proposed development will result in the removal of
several small groups of mature eucalypts and the diversion of the creekline. The proposed filling in of
the creekline will result in the loss of vegetation, including mature trees and riparian features, along
the diverted creekline.
Two large eucalypts are proposed to be removed for construction of the rail siding connection to the
Brisbane – Sydney – Melbourne Railway. The Australian Rail Track Corporate Ltd (ARTC) (on behalf of
Queensland Rail as licenced operator) and SRRC may require additional information to support a
request for Owner’s Consent for works within the rail corridor land.
A small portion of land within the Boonah-Beaudesert Road corridor will be required for construction
of the estate access road. The mapped remnant vegetation on the southern side of the road corridor
will not be impacted.
The large dam in the southern portion is proposed to be retained.
4.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 (Commonwealth)
4.2.1 Ramsar wetlands of international significance
The study area occurs within the catchment of the Moreton Bay Ramsar wetland (SEWPaC 2013). The
above wetland is unlikely to be impacted as each is situated a considerable distance from the
proposed action. Provided management practices and construction techniques are consistent with
current industry standards, the project is unlikely to affect the ecological character of any Ramsar
wetland.
4.2.2 Threatened species and ecological communities
Flora: No flora species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded within the study area during the field
assessment. There is no suitable habitat within the study area for any flora species listed under the
EPBC Act and none are considered likely to occur.
Fauna: No fauna species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded within the study area during the
field assessment. There is suitable habitat within the study area for two fauna species listed under
the EPBC Act (koala, grey-headed flying-fox,), however the habitat is of poor quality and unlikely to
support a population of either species.
The EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala (DoE 2014) was reviewed to determine the
requirement for a referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister for potential impacts on the
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
22
koala. A habitat assessment is necessary to ascertain whether habitat critical to the survival of the
listed species occurs in the area (Table 1). From the below assessment, the habitat within the study
area scores a 3, which is considered low. Clearing of habitat that has a score of 3 would generally not
expected to be referred to the Commonwealth Minister under the EPBC Act.
Table 1 Habitat Assessment for Koalas
Attribute
koala
occurrence
Score
Coastal Environs
Study Area Assessment
+2 (high)
Evidence of one or more koalas within the last
2 years.
+1 (medium)
Evidence of one or more koalas within 2 km of
the edge of the impact area within the last 5
years.
0. No signs of koalas were observed
during searches and no recent
records of koalas within the locatlity
(within 5 years). A record from 2004
is located within 1 kilometre from
the study area along BoonahBeaudesert Road.
0 (low)
Vegetation
composition
+2
(high)
+1
(medium)
0 (low)
Habitat
connectivity
+2
(high)
+1
(medium)
0
None of the above.
Has forest or woodland with 2 or more known
koala food tree species, OR
1 food tree species that alone accounts for
>50% of the vegetation in the relevant strata.
+2. All four tree species occurring
within the study area are
considered to be food species for
the koala.
Has forest or woodland with only 1 species of
known koala food tree present.
None of the above.
Area is part of a contiguous landscape ≥ 500
ha.
0. The study area is not part of a
contiguous landscape.
Area is part of a contiguous landscape < 500
ha, but ≥ 300 ha.
None of the above.
(low)
Key existing
threats
+2
(high)
Little or no evidence of koala mortality from
vehicle strike or dog attack at present in areas
that score 1 or 2 for koala occurrence.
Areas which score 0 for koala occurrence and
have no dog or vehicle threat present
+1
(medium)
Evidence of infrequent or irregular koala
mortality from vehicle strike or dog attack at
present in areas that score 1 or 2 for koala
occurrence, OR
+1. There is likely to be an existing
vehicle threat to koalas crossing
Boonah-Beaudesert Road, as there
is an existing record of a vehicle
strike from 2004. BoonahBeaudesert Road is a heavily
trafficked road and is used by heavy
vehicles.
Areas which score 0 for koala occurrence and
are likely to have some degree dog or vehicle
threat present.
0
(low)
Evidence of frequent or regular koala
mortality from vehicle strike or dog attack in
the study area at present, OR
Areas which score 0 for koala occurrence and
have a significant dog or vehicle threat
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
23
present.
Recovery value
+2 (high)
+1 (medium)
0 (low)
Habitat is likely to be important for achieving
the interim recovery objectives for the
relevant context, as outlined in Table 1.
Uncertain whether the habitat is important for
achieving the interim recovery objectives for
the relevant context, as outlined in Table 1.
0. Habitat is unlikely to be
important for achieving the interim
recovery objectives, given the study
areas degraded vegetation and
significantly reduced tree cover.
Habitat is unlikely to be important for
achieving the interim recovery objectives for
the relevant context, as outlined in Table 1.
The koala referral advice for proponents also suggests that consideration be given to whether an
“Important Population” of the koala occurs in the area impacted by a proposed action. It is
considered unlikely that the study area supports a population of koala that meets this definition
The grey-headed flying-fox is a dietary generalist which forages across a wide area. It is likely to
continue to utilise the site post development and forage in landscaped areas. There will be no impact
on roost sites or significant food resources as a result of the proposed development. This species is
highly unlikely to be significantly impacted by the removal of individual trees in the short or long term.
Communities: No ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act were recorded within the study
area.
4.2.3 Migratory species
Two migratory species were observed within the study area, rainbow bee-eater and Australian reedwarbler, and a further three species, cattle egret, fork-tailed swift and white-throated needletail are
likely to occur in or fly over the study area. However, the study area would not be classed as an
‘important habitat’ as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Principal Significant Impact
Guidelines (DEWHA 2009) for any of these species and no further assessment is warranted.
4.2.4 Implications
The proposed action is unlikely to have a significant impact on any matter of NES. As such, a referral
to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is unlikely to be required regarding matters listed under
the EPBC Act.
4.3 Bromelton SDA and SDPWO Act
Development within the BSDA is guided by the Development Scheme. The study area is classified as
Major Industry Precinct in Schedule 2 of the Development Scheme. The Major Industry Precinct is to
accommodate medium and large scale manufacturing and warehousing activities that:

complement and/or support the material requirements and operations of rail dependent,
logistics and high impact industrial activities within the Rail Dependent Industry Precinct;

are difficult to locate in conventional industrial estates;
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
24

require separation from residential and/or other sensitive uses,

without restriction from existing development; and

are of a nature and scale to benefit from (and make efficient use of) well serviced,
unconstrained industrial land.
Under Schedule 3 of the Development Scheme, environmental values, cultural heritage values and
community values of the site and immediate surrounds are identified and protected, consistent with
current best practice.
The relevant section of the scheme to the proposed development are Table 8 – General Requirements
(Table 2) and Table 9 - General requirements for development located in the Rail Dependent Industry
Precinct and Major Industry Precinct (Table 3). An assessment of relevant sections of both Tables are
included below.
Table 2 General Requirements for Development within the BSDA
Environment, cultural heritage and community
Environmental values, cultural heritage values and
community values of the site and immediate surrounds are
identified and protected, consistent with current best
practice.
Note: Duty of Care Guidelines under Section 28 of the
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 should be considered
a minimum requirement of all development.
Assessment of Proposed Development
This flora and fauna assessment has identified the
environmental values of the study area and immediate
surrounds. Significant environmental values, as identified
within this report, do not occur within the study area.
Landscaping
Assessment of Proposed Development
Development provides landscaping that:

minimises the visual impacts of the development;

incorporates at least 50% local species; and

is low maintenance.
Avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures are
included in Section 6 of this report.
Legislation
Assessment of Proposed Development
New development is to demonstrate consistency with
relevant legislation, regional plans, State Planning Policies
to the extent practicable where the State interests
articulated by these instruments may be affected by the
proposed new use.
This flora and fauna assessment provides an assessment of
the proposed development (Stage 1) against relevant
environmental legislation and other statutory instruments.
State interests (Biodiversity) under the State Planning Policy
have been assessed and no matters of State Environmental
Significance (SES) have been identified. Koala, Echidna and
migratory bird species are matters of SES and habitat for
these species occurs within the study area. However, from
the above assessment, the habitat values are not significant
in the context of the surrounding landscape and known
habitat requirements for these species.
Table 3 General Requirements for Development Located in the Rail Dependent Industry Precinct and Major
Industry Precinct
Performance Requirements
Acceptable Solutions
Assessment of Proposed
Development
AS18.1
The creekline is classified as a
drainage feature by DNRM and
therefore a buffer from
Stormwater Management
PO18
Development protects
the ecological and
hydraulic function of
Development is setback the following
minimum distance from a waterway:

50m to a minor or intermittent
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
25
the waterway
corridor.
watercourse

100m to a major or permanent
watercourse

800m to any major water storage
facility (eg Bromelton Offstream
Storage).
Note: The setback distance is measured
from the high bank of the watercourse.
development is not required.
Stage 1 of the proposed
development will channellise the
creekline, Some sections of the
channel should be constructed
to hold and slow water during
high rainfall events to minimise
the risk of erosion and
sedimentation entering
downstream environments.
Plantings of sedges, rushes and
other semi-aquatic plants should
be used to further minimise
erosion and sedimentation loss.
4.4 Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland)
4.4.1 EVNT Flora
No EVNT flora species were recorded within the study area. As such, no permits or approvals are
required for the taking of EVNT flora species under the NC Act.
The Flora Survey Trigger map was downloaded on 1/9/2015 and no high risk areas were mapped
within or adjacent to the study area (Appendix 2). This map is valid for 12 months from the date of
download and will need to be re-downloaded if construction is likely to commence more than 12
months from this date.
4.4.2 EVNT Fauna
Although several EVNT and SLC fauna species are likely to occur within the study area (koala, echidna,
migratory birds), no specific licensing or approvals are required to take (e.g. damage or destroy)
potential habitat for those species in this instance. However, breeding places for least concern and
special least concern species (eg. birds) are present within the study area and may be impacted
during site clearing. Under section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation
2006 a person must not, without a reasonable excuse, tamper with an animal breeding place that is
being used by a protected animal to incubate or rear the animal's offspring. Tampering with an
animals breeding place under an approved Species Management Program (SMP) is a reasonable
defence against a charge under Section 332.
4.4.3 Implications
An SMP should be prepared to allow tampering with an active or potential breeding places (eg. bird
nests) for such species. The DEHP makes available a generic SMP that can be used for tampering with
breeding places of least concern (i.e. common) species, although threatened, special least concern
species and flying foxes are specifically excluded. It is recommended to prepare and gain approval of
an SMP for special least concern species that are likely to breed within the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
26
4.5 Vegetation Management Act 1999
The proposed development does not trigger the VM Act given that the proposed development will be
assessed under the BSDA: Development Scheme and that there is no remnant vegetation occurring
within the study area (Figure 3).
4.6 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act
2002
Declared pests, being certain animal and plant species, are declared under the Land Protection (Pest
and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. Declared pests can be assigned into one of three Classes
that regulate how the species is managed and can apply to restricting sale, introduction, possession or
transport of the species.
Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free of Class 1 and 2 declared pests.
Landholders are not required to control Class 3 plants unless their land is adjacent to an
environmentally significant area and they are issued with a pest control notice.
Velvety tree pear and mother-of-millions are declared class 2 pests and landowners are legally
responsible to take reasonable steps to remove and destroy these plants.
4.7 Water Act 2000
The watercourse map was reviewed for the study area (via the Inland Waters category globe within
the Queensland Globe). The map shows that the creekline within the study area has yet to be
classified as a watercourse or drainage feature. SCT sought confirmation from DNRM regarding the
status of the creekline. DNRM confirmed that the creekline and associated gullies should be defined
as drainage features (pers. comm. N. Window, DNRM 11/9/2015).
Therefore, construction activities can be undertaken within the drainage features without the need
for a permit or approval under the Water Act.
4.8 State koala Policies
4.8.1 South East Queensland koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory
Provisions (SPRP)
The proposed development is not located within any koala assessable development area and
therefore the SPRP do not apply to the proposed development.
4.9 Beaudesert Planning Scheme
The study area lies within the BSDA and therefore is not subject to the provisions of the Beaudesert
Planning Scheme. No further assessment under the BPS is required.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
27
5 MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1 Avoid Impacts
Avoidance of impacts to existing vegetation and the creekline is not possible given the current Stage
1 layout. However, the proposed development should aim to incorporate existing trees that are
healthy into the development layout to soften the impact of the development in the landscape.
5.2 Minimise Impacts
Recommended measures to minimise construction impacts on terrestrial and aquatic values present
within the study area include the following:

Where possible, habitat trees (large trees and particularly hollow-bearing trees) should be
trimmed rather than removed;

Construction stockpiles, machinery stands and other laydown areas should be wholly
contained outside of the creekline and drainage features to minimise the risk of pollutants
being mobilised downstream during construction; and

Declared class 2 weed species (i.e. velvety tree pear and mother-of-millions) must be treated
prior to site clearance. This is to ensure that weed propagative material is not spread to other
areas and is a requirement under the LP Act. A weed control contractor who is licenced to use
herbicides should be engaged to treat weed infestations.
5.3 Mitigate Impacts
Recommended measures to mitigate impacts on terrestrial and aquatic values present within the
study area (including the impact area) include the following:

Ensure that best practice sedimentation and pollution control measures are undertaken at all
times to prevent offsite impacts mobilising to downstream receiving environments. The Best
Practice Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines (Witheridge, 2014) should be referred to;

Some sections of the excavataed channel should be constructed to hold and slow water
during high rainfall events to minimise the risk of erosion and sedimentation entering
downstream environments;

Plantings of sedges, rushes and other semi-aquatic plants should be used to further minimise
erosion and sedimentation loss. Plantings should be concentrated within sections of rock
armouring and around the edges of sections that may hold water for extended periods of
time, if practicable.

As indigenous flora provides valuable habitat for indigenous fauna, it is recommended that
any landscape plantings that are undertaken as part of the proposed development are
completed using at least 50% site indigenous species sourced from the surrounding area (i.e.
within the study area). Landscaping must also minimise the visual impacts from the
development and is low maintenance.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
28
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
29
6
CONCLUSION AND FURTHER REQUIREMENTS
This flora and fauna assessment has been prepared to identify the floral and faunal features of the
study area, define and identify features of significance at the local, State and Commonwealth level
and to provide and assessment of the proposed development in consideration of application
legislation and other legal instruments. The study area contains ecological values that are expected
within an agricultural landscape with a common suite of species occurring within the available habitat.
The existing vegetation is degraded and structurally simplistic, comprising clumps of mature trees and
a grassy understorey, indicative of historical clearing and disturbances such as farm dam construction.
The creekline running through the centre of the study area is degraded and actively eroding and has
been defined as a drainage feature by DNRM. Riparian vegetation is generally absent, however,
aquatic and semi-aquatic plants occur infrequently within stagnant pools. Overall, the ecological
values of the study area are limited and, with the measures described previously in place, do not
prevent development as proposed.
Further requirements associated with proposed development are provided below (Table 4).
Table 4. Further requirements associated with development of the study area
Relevant
Legislation/Policy
Implications
Environment
Protection and
Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
The proposed action is unlikely to have a
significant impact on any matter of NES. As such,
a referral to the Commonwealth Environment
Minister is unlikely to be required regarding
matters listed under the EPBC Act.
Vegetation
Management Act 1999
Regulated vegetation is not mapped within the
study area and therefore the provisions of the VM
Act do not apply.
No further action required
Nature Conservation
Act 1992
No EVNT plants were identified within the study
area and therefore a protected plants permit is
not required. Breeding place for protected fauna
were identified.
The generic SMP should be requested from EHP. A
further SMP should be prepared for special least
concern species likely to breed within the study
area.
South East Queensland
koala Conservation
State Planning
Regulatory Provisions
(SPRP)
The study area is not located within a koala
assessable development area.
No further action required.
BSDA: Development
Scheme
The Development Scheme identifies several
performance requirements that are relevant to
ecological features of the study area.
Performance Requirements have been addressed
within this report. No further actions required.
Land Protection (Pest
and Stock Route
Management) Act
2002
Class 2 and class 3 declared plant pests have been
identified within the study area.
Class 2 declared plants, velvety tree pear and
mother-of-millions must be removed and destroyed
from the study area prior to construction
commencing.
Water Act 2000
The creekline and tributaries within the study area
are defined as a drainage feature by DNRM under
the Water Act.
No further action required.
Beaudesert Planning
Scheme
The Catchment Management, Waterway and
Wetlands Overlay identifies the creekline as a
stream of order 3 requiring a 55m buffer from
development.
As the proposed development lies within the BSDA,
the provisions of the planning scheme do not apply.
Further Action
No further action required.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
30
REFERENCES
Birt, P 2005. National Population Assessment- Grey-headed Flying-foxes Pteropus poliocephalus.
Birt, P. 2000. Summary Information on the Status of the Grey-headed (Pteropus poliocephalus) and
Black (P. alecto) Flying-fox in New South Wales. In: Proceedings of a Workshop to Assess the Status of
the Grey-headed Flying-fox in New South Wales. Unpublished report to the NSW Threatened Scientific
Committee.
Bostock, PD & Holland, AE [eds)] 2007. Census of the Queensland Flora 2007. Queensland Herbarium,
Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. 2008. Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing,
Canberra.
Churchill, S., 2009 (2nd edn). Australian Bats. Reed New Holland, Frenchs Forest, Australia.
Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia - 6th edition. Sydney, NSW: Reed New
Holland.
Cropper, S.C. 1993. Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO, East Melbourne, Victoria.
DEHP. 2011. Trees for koalas: Coastal South East Queensland. Queensland Government, Brisbane.
DEHP. 2015a.
Certified Regional Ecosystem Mapping Database.
Available
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/biodiversity/regional-ecosystems/data/index.php.
Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
from:
DEHP. 2015b. Wildlife Online Database. URL: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plantsanimals/species-list/ Accessed: 14/7/2015. Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection.
DEHP.
2015c. Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map. Website address:
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/map-request.php.
DNRM. 2015. Queensland Globe mapping and data application – Vegetation Management, Inland
Waters, Biota: Google Earth Application. Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mining.
DoE.
2015.
EPBC
Act
Protected
Matters
Search
Tool
(PMST).
URL:
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/ Accessed: 14/7/2015. Commonwealth Department of
the Environment.
Mitchell, D. 2015. National koala Tree Planting List. Australian koala Foundation.
Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J. & Dillewaard, H.A. 2012. Methodology for survey and
mapping of regional ecosystems and vegetation communities in Queensland. Version 3.1 Updated
September 2005. Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Queensland Herbarium 2015. Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version 9.0 (April
2015) (Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts:
Brisbane).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
31
Sattler, P. and Williams, R. 1999. Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems.
Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Strahan, R. (Ed.) 1995. The Mammals of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed Books.
Tyler, M. J., & Knight, F. 2009. Field guide to the frogs of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood,
Vic.
Van Dyck, S.M. & Longmore, N.W. 1991. The mammal records. In: Ingram, G.J. & Raven, R.J., eds.
Atlas of Queensland's Frogs, Reptiles, Birds & Mammals. Page(s) 284-336. Brisbane: Queensland
Museum.
DEHP. 2015. WetlandMaps - Interactive Maps and Wetlands Data in Queensland, WetlandInfo,
Queensland, viewed 10/9/2015, <http://wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au/wetlands/facts-maps/getmapping-help/wetland-maps/>.
WItheridge, G. 2014. Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines. International Erosion
Control Association.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
32
APPENDIX 1 – LEGISLATION - BACKGROUND
A1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
The EPBC Act establishes a Commonwealth process for the assessment of proposed actions (i.e.
project, development, undertaking, activity, or series of activities) that are likely to have a significant
impact on matters of national environmental significance (NES), or on Commonwealth land. An
action, unless otherwise exempt, requires approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if
it is considered likely to have an impact on any of the following matters of NES:

World Heritage properties;

National heritage places;

Ramsar wetlands of international significance;

Threatened species and ecological communities;

Migratory and marine species;

Commonwealth marine area;

Nuclear actions (including uranium mining);

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; or,

Water resources impacted by coal seam gas or mining development.
The matters of NES that are relevant to the proposed development are:

Ramsar wetlands – Moreton Bay wetland;

Threatened species; and

Migratory species.
A1.2. Bromelton State Development Area and SDPWO Act
(Queensland)
The Bromelton State Development Area (BSDA) is an area that is designated under section 79 of the
State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWOA). The BSDA: Development
Scheme describes the intent for development of the area to support the strategic vision of:
(a) encourage the establishment of industrial activities of regional, State and national significance
and supporting infrastructure;
(b) maximise the utilisation of the rail network by providing multi modal freight transport
interchanges and facilities, and industries that require rail access;
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
33
(c) support the establishment of suitable high impact and difficult to locate industries within
appropriate locations;
(d) ensure the continuation and establishment of rural uses in appropriate locations;
(e) bring significant investment to the South East Queensland region facilitating the creation of
long term employment;
(f) encourage the coordination of public and private infrastructure projects; and
(g) protect, and where possible, enhance the values of water supply catchments.
A1.3.
Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland)
The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) provides for the conservation of nature through
protection of all native plants and animals in Queensland. Protection is provided under the NC Act
through conservation of land as protected areas and wildlife protection outside of protected areas.
Actions impacting on protected native flora and fauna are regulated under the NC Act. Permits for
disturbance to native flora and fauna can be administered under the NC Act. The Queensland Nature
Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 lists flora and fauna species considered to be extinct in the
wild, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened or special least concern in Queensland.
Protected Plants
In Queensland, all plants that are native to Australia are “protected plants” under the NC Act. The
DEHP administer this Act to ensure that protected plants and their parts are not illegally removed
from the wild or traded. The take and use of protected plants (including whole plants, plant parts and
propagating material) from the wild is regulated by a licensing system. People who wish to take
protected plants from the wild, for any reason, may be required by law to obtain a licence, permit or
authority from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP). This will be the case
unless the activity is specifically exempt under a regulation or conservation plan under the Act (such
as for timber harvesting of common species). Whether the activity is bound by, or exempt from,
provisions of the Act, the clearing of native vegetation may also require development approval under
other legislation such the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act).
The Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (DEHP 2015) shows high risk areas for protected plants
and is used to help determine flora survey and clearing permit requirements for a particular location.
Areas shown on the map as high risk are subject to particular requirements under the NC Act.
Protected Animal Breeding Places
Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 (Wildlife
Management Regulation) governs tampering with animal breeding places. Under the Wildlife
Management Regulation, Section 332(1), it is an offence to tamper with an animal breeding place that
is being used by a protected animal to incubate or rear the animal’s offspring.
Section 332(2) states that an animal breeding place is being used by a protected animal to incubate or
rear the animal’s offspring if:
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
34

the animal is preparing, or has prepared, the place for incubating or rearing the animal’s
offspring; or

the animal is breeding, or is about to breed, and is physically occupying the place; or

the animal and the animal’s offspring are physically occupying the place, even if the
occupation is only periodical; or

the animal has used the place to incubate or rear the animal’s offspring and is of a species
generally known to return to the same place to incubate or rear offspring in each breeding
season for the animal.
Section 332(5) defines tamper (with an animal breeding place) as “damage, destroy, mark, move or
dig up the breeding place”.
Section 332(1) does not apply if the removal or tampering is part of an approved Species
Management Program (SMP) for animals of the same species (section 332(4)). Section 332(5) defines
an approved SMP, for a species of animal, as “a program about managing the population and habitat
of the species of animal that is approved by the chief executive”.
If a breeding place for a protected animal is likely to be disturbed by construction activities, an SMP is
required to be prepared and approved by DEHP.
A1.4.
Vegetation Management Act 1999
The VM Act provides a framework for the regulation of woody, terrestrial native vegetation located
outside of protected areas. The stated purpose of the Act is to regulate the clearing of native
vegetation in a way that:

Conserves remnant vegetation that is an endangered, of concern or least concern RE

Conserves vegetation in declared areas

Ensures clearing does not cause land degradation

Prevents biodiversity loss

Maintains ecological processes

Manages the environmental effects of the clearing to ensure the above purposes are
obtained.
The Act provides for the establishment and mapping of REs that encompass vegetation community
descriptions within a geological and bioregional context, and for the creation and use of clearing
codes (among other things). In addition, it provides a process for RE mapping changes by the public,
and for the investigation and prosecution of clearing offences. Details on what clearing activities
require assessment against the various regional clearing codes authorised under the VM Act are
provided by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act).
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
35
A1.5.
Environmental Offsets Act 2014
The Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act) was recently enacted in Queensland to streamline the
offsets process for proponents and developers. The EO Act and subordinate Environmental Offsets
Regulation 2014 and Environmental Offsets Policy replaced the Queensland Government
Environmental Offsets Policy and four specific-issue policies for vegetation management, koala
habitat, fish habitat and biodiversity values.
The EO Act amended other Acts to provide consistency for when offsets are triggered and how they
should be delivered. The EO Act does not trigger offsets directly, but is indirectly involved through
existing approval pathways under the SP Act, NC Act, VM Act and Fisheries Act 1994. Offsets can be
imposed by an authority when a prescribed activity will have a significant residual impact on a
prescribed environmental matter.
Offsets can be delivered by a proponent driven offset (land-based offset) or financial settlement
offset depending upon the activity and the matter(s) involved.
If the proposed development is shown to have a significant residual impact on a matter of State
environmental significance (SES), then an environmental offset is likely to be conditioned onto the
project approval.
A1.6.
Water Act 2000
The Water Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 was passed on 26 November 2014.
The Act includes a number of changes to the Water Act 2000 and other resource related legislation.
Amongst the changes, a new watercourse identification map has been prepared to show
watercourses and drainage features as described in the Water Act.
A1.7.
State koala Policies
South East Queensland koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP)
The SPRP is an overarching State planning instrument that regulates new development at the
development assessment stage. The SPRP covers areas of the highest priority for koala conservation
action. This incorporates priority koala assessable development areas which are made up of the koala
Coast and Pine Rivers areas, and the koala assessable development areas which comprise areas
managed under previous state koala conservation initiatives.
The SPRP regulates assessable development which refers to development that planning schemes or
planning legislation has identified as requiring assessment (where development meets certain
triggers). The SPRP does not apply to development approvals that have already been issued or lodged
prior to the commencement of the SPRP. There are also exemptions in the SPRP, such as for
domestic activities.
The SPRP targets the areas where koalas are known to be under the most significant risks (koala Coast
and Pine Rivers). It incorporates the areas previously regulated by the South East Queensland koala
State Planning Regulatory Provision (February 2010) or the Nature Conservation (koala) Conservation
Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006–2026.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
36
The study area is not located within a koala Protection Area, Priority koala Assessable Development
Area or koala Assessable Development Area. Therefore, the SPRP do not apply to the proposed
development.
A1.8.
Beaudesert Planning Scheme
The study area lies within the Scenic Rim Regional Council area, which was formed by the
amalgamation of portions of Beaudesert Shire, Boonah Shire, Canungra Shire and Ipswich City local
government areas. The study area is captured by the Beaudesert Planning Scheme, which remains in
force until a new Scenic Rim Planning Scheme is approved.
As the proposed development lies within the BSDA, development is controlled by the BSDA:
Development Scheme which overrides local government planning instruments. Therefore, compliance
with the Beaudesert Planning Scheme is not required. However, we have identified locally significant
ecological features within the study area in the following sections to aid in assessing the significance
of the study area.
Nature Conservation Overlay
The Nature Conservation Overlay identifies eight significant features throughout the Beaudesert area.
These include:
(a) Ecological Areas;
(b) Irbyana Sensitive Areas;
(c) World Heritage Areas;
(d) Conservation Estate Areas;
(e) Regional Nature Conservation Areas;
(f) Local Nature Conservation Areas;
(g) Landscape Amenity Areas; and
(h) Vegetation Management Areas.
No significant ecological areas are mapped within the study area.
Catchment Management, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay
The Catchment Management, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay identifies significant areas on the
overlay map OV6.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
37
APPENDIX 2 – FLORA SURVEY TRIGGER MAP
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
38
01/09/2015 13:45:26
Lot: 51 Plan: SP213384
APPENDIX 2 – SIGNIFICANT FLORA AND FAUNA
ASSESSMENT
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
39
Table 5 Significant Flora Species within 10km of the Study Area
Species Name
Common Name
Qld^
EPBC*
A tree growing to 18m on rocky slopes, hilly or
mountainous areas in shallow, often clay soils. It
grows in eucalypt forests in association with
ironbark, blue gum and spotted gum.
Toad-flax occurs in a variety of habitats, usually in
associated with kangaroo grass (Themeda australis).
It is semi-parasitic on the roots of a variety of
grasses. Collections from Queensland since the
1990s have been made from Kumbia, Glen Rock
Regional Park, Carnarvon National Park, Crows Nest,
Clifton, Warwick, Greenmount, Cambooya, Dalby,
the Bunya Mountains, Blackbutt and Imbil (ALA
2013)
A shrub or small tree to 8m. Grows in dry
sclerophyll forests in loamy clay on volcanic
substrates.
Occurs in heath at an altitude of approximately
900m above sea level. It grows on rocky slopes, in
soil pockets within rock crevices
Grows in sparse shrubby vegetation in rock crevices
and on exposed plateaus on skeletal sandy soil over
granite. North from Comboyne, NSW district at
altitudes of 1350-1500 m.
Bailey's cypress
Thesium australe
Austral Toad-flax
Acacia acrionastes
a wattled
NT
Wildnet, ALA
Acacia saxicola
Mt. Maroon wattle
E
Wildnet
Agiortia cicatricata
NT
Wildnet
Allocasuarina rigida
V
Wildnet
Grows on volcanic outcrops in exposed situations.
Banksia conferta
V
Wildnet, ALA
Located in disjunct population in the Glasshouse
Mountains and Lamington Plateau.
NT
Wildnet
Occurs on heathland on acid volcanic substrate.
Hibbertia hexandra
coopernookia
Wildnet, ALA
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Callitris baileyi
Comesperma
breviflorum
Coopernookia
scabridiuscula
Hakea
maconochieana
NT
Source#
V
ALA, EPBC
V
V
Wildnet
V
V
Wildnet
NT
Wildnet
Known from the Mount Maroon area of south-east
Queensland.
Grows with Acacia stowardii and Hakea collina in
shallow clay soils on the tops of stony tablelands.
Chiefly in heath, open forest or rainforest, in ranges
around Mt Warning, NSW and adjacent ranges in SE
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
40
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
Species Name
Common Name
Qld^
EPBC*
Source#
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Queensland.
Hibbertia monticola
NT
Wildnet
Leionema elatius subsp. beckleri
E
Wildnet
Lenwebbia prominens
NT
Wildnet, ALA
V
Wildnet, ALA
Marsdenia coronata
mountain guinea flower
slender milkvine
Marsdenia longiloba
V
V
Wildnet
Parsonsia tenuis
slender silkpod
V
Planchonella eerwah
Shiny-leaved condoo
E
Pultenaea whiteana
Mt. Barney bush pea
V
Wildnet
V
Wildnet
Found in damp environments along streams.
V
Wildnet
Grows in disturbed rainforest on basaltic soils along
tracks, roads and in clearings.
Wahlenbergia
scopulicola
V
Wildnet
Grows in crevices of rhyolite outcrops.
Westringia blakeana
NT
Wildnet, ALA
Ricinocarpos
speciosus
Solanum callium
Clematis fawcettii
brush nightshade
Stream clematis
V
Wildnet
An erect shrub, usually found in rock crevices or on
rocky slopes.
Grows in or near rainforest, often in warmtemperate and dry rainforest and wet sclerophyll
forest mainly on escarpment ranges.
Grows in subtropical rainforest, often on stream
banks.
A vine, found in open eucalypt forest and woodland
communities on hillslopes and ridge tops at
altitudes of 40–780 m above sea level.
Subtropical and warm temperate rainforest,
lowland moist or open eucalypt forest adjoining
rainforest and, sometimes, in areas with rock
outcrops
Grows in Nothofagus moorei rainforest and in cool
subtropical rainforest to 1250 m
The species grows in subtropical rainforest, dry
rainforest and Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii)
vine scrub. All known areas in which the Shinyleaved Condoo occurs are warm and subtropical
with an annual rainfall of between 650–1000 mm.
Sixty percent of the annual rain falls in the summer
months (Wiley et al. 1999).
Known only from Mt. Barney in south east
Queensland.
E
V
Wildnet, ALA,
EPBC
Wildnet
Grows in wet sclerophyll forest, often near creeks or
waterfalls on edge of rainforest.
Occurs in canopy gaps of drier rainforests near
streams.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat
within the study area.
41
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
does not occur
Species Name
Common Name
Qld^
EPBC*
Source#
Arundinella
grevillensis
V
Cycas ophiolitica
E
E
EPBC
Wildnet
Arthraxon hispidus
Hairy-joint Grass
V
V
EPBC
Bosistoa selwynii
Heart-leaved Bosistoa
-
V
EPBC
Bosistoa transversa
Three-leaved Bosistoa
-
V
EPBC
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Konkwn only from the trachyte rocks of some
mountain peaks of south east Queensland.
Occurs in woodland or open eucalypt woodlands
from Marlborough to Rockhampton.
A slender tufted creeping grass that roots at the
nodes, with erect to semi-erect stems, reddish to
purplish leaves that are fringed with long white
hairs. The species has been recorded from scattered
locations throughout Queensland and on the
northern tablelands and north coast of NSW and
occurs from as far south as Kempsey, west to Glen
Innes and north to Port Douglas (Queensland) with
disjunct occurrences around mound springs in
Carnavon National Park. Most occurrences are
from Noosa southwards. In relation to the local
region this species is found in or on the edges of
rainforest and in wet eucalypt forest, often near
creeks or swamps (TSSC 20089ig, Sharp and Simon
2002, Tothill and Hacker 1996)
A shrub or small tree growing to 8 m with a
geographically disjunct distribution wherein it is
confined to the Lismore district, in north-east NSW,
and the Tamborine Mountains and Springbrook
areas, in south-east Queensland. A disjunct record
also exists from Mt. Pinbareen near Pomona (SCBS
2010). Occurs in subtropical rainforest/notophyll
vine forest and wet sclerophyll forest (Brush Box
woodland) with rainforest understorey between
150 and 550 m above sea level on soils which are
rich black or dark brown clay and loam derived from
basalt (Harden et al. 2006a ,TSSC 2008io).
A small to medium tree growing to 22 m high and
known from Mullumbimby, NSW, to Mt Larcom
near Gladstone, Queensland. Occurs in wet
sclerophyll forest, dry sclerophyll forest and
rainforest up to 300 m in altitude (Harden et al.
2006a, TSSC 2008ja)
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
42
Species Name
Common Name
Qld^
EPBC*
Source#
Bulbophyllum
globuliforme
Miniature Moss-orchid
-
V
EPBC
Notelaea ipsviciensis
Cooneana Olive
E
CE
EPBC
Notelaea lloydii
Lloyd's olive
V
V
EPBC
Phaius australis
Lesser Swamp-orchid
E
E
EPBC
Phebalium distans
Mt
Phebalium
E
CE
EPBC
Sophora fraseri
brush sophora
V
V
EPBC
Berryman
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Small epiphytic orchid with thread-like creeping
rhizomes, globulous pseudobulbs and scale like
leaves. Grows on the bark of larger branches and
upper trunks of Aruacaria cunninghamii (Hoop
Pine). Occurs from Benalbo in northern NSW to
Kroombit Tops west of Gladstone. Disjunct
populations also occur in the Dawes Range and in
Hidden Valley south of Ingham (Jones 2006, TSSC
2008jh)
Occurs only at the three locations; Murphy's Gully, a
site adjacent to Cunningham Highway and Bergin's
Hill
Undulating to hilly terrain either in moist gullies or
on gentle to steep dry slopes, but is rarely found on
rocky outcrops.
Tall terrestrial orchid with large dark green pleated
leaves to 1m in height and stout flower stem to 2m
in height. Occurs between Lake Cathie (near Port
Macquarie) and Barron River (west of Cairns). Main
populations in south-east Queensland. Grows
primarily in Melaleuca quinquenervia dominant
swampy forests but can occur in depressions and
localised seepage areas in open forest and wallum
heath (Jones 2006, Benwell 1994).
Rare tree to 8m in height in dry rainforests from
Lockyer district north to Gayndah (Harden et al.
2006a). Known from ten populations (5 on Mt
Berryman, 4 on Mt. Jones Plateau near Kingaroy and
1 on Mt. Walla near Coalstoun Lakes. Occurs in
semi-evergreen vine thicket on red volcanic soil or
adjacent vegetation communities (TSSC 2008aet)
Grows in moist habitats, often in hilly terrain at
altitudes from 60–660 m on shallow soils along
rainforest margins in eucalypt forests or in large
canopy gaps in closed forest communities.
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no records from
within 10km of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
^ Qld status under the NC Act: E = endangered, V = vulnerable; NT = near threatened
* EPBC status under the EPBC Act: CE = critically endangered, E = endangered, V = vulnerable
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
43
# Source: WIldnet = Wildlife Online (DEHP 2015), ALA = Atlas of Living Australia (2015), EPBC = Protected Matters Search Tool.
Notes: 1) Listed as Endangered (E) or Vulnerable (V) under the EPBC Act
2) Listed as Endangered (e) or Vulnerable (v) under the NC Act
3) Likelihood of occurrence: 1 Known Occurrence - Recorded within the study area recently (i.e. within ten years), 2 High Likelihood - Previous records of the species in the local vicinity; and/or,
the study area contains areas of high quality habitat, 3 Moderate Likelihood - Limited previous records of the species in the local vicinity; and/or, the study area contains poor or limited habitat,
4 Low Likelihood - Poor or limited habitat for the species however other evidence (such as a lack of records or environmental factors) indicates there is a very low likelihood of presence, 5
Unlikely - No suitable habitat and/or outside the species range.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
44
Table 6 Significant Fauna Species within 10km of the Study Area
Scientific Name
Common Name
Qld
EPBC
Source
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Pink
Moth
LC
E
EPBC
The moth occurs in undisturbed lowland rainforest where its food
plant the vine Carronia multisepalea occurs. The moth occurs from
Nambour into northern NSW.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
EPBC
The Mary River cod is endemic to the Mary River system in
northern South East Queensland. It has been translocated to many
impoundments in SEQ, including Wivenhoe, Baroon Pocket and
Maroon Dam.
Unlikely. A translocated population occurs
within 10km of the study area, however the
waterway within the study area does not
contain the required habitat for the species.
EPBC
The Southern Barred Frog occurs in uplands and lowlands in
rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, including farmland.
Populations have been found in disturbed areas with vegetated
riparian strips on cattle farms and in regenerated logged areas.
Many sites where the Southern Barred Frog is known to occur are
the lower reaches of streams which have been affected by major
disturbances such as clearing, timber harvesting and urban
development in their headwaters.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
INSECTS
Phyllodes
imperialis smithersi
Underwing
FISH
Maccullochella
mariensis
Mary River Cod
LC
E
FROGS
Mixophyes iteratus
Giant Barred Frog
LC
E
REPTILES
Coeranoscincus
reticulatus
Three-toed Snaketooth Skink
LC
V
EPBC
Delma torquata
Collared Delma
V
V
EPBC
Furina dunmalli
Dunmall's snake
V
V
EPBC
The Three-toed snake-tooth skink is known from subtropical
rainforests in McPherson, Main and Conondale Ranges north to
Fraser Island. It is absent from apparently suitable habitat in the
D'Aguilar Range. It mainly occurs in elevated areas although Fraser
Island and adjacent Cooloola region are lowland sites.
The collared delma is known from rocky areas associated with dry
open forests and from briglow associations. Within these habitats
the presence rocky substrates (with small rocks which act as
shelter sites) is an essential microhabitat element.
Poorly known, so that preferred habitats are uncertain. Open dry
sclerophyll forests and woodlands, especially brigalow, with fallen
timber and ground litter on floodplains of cracking clay soils. In
Queensland, the snake occurs almost exclusively within the
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. The snake does not occur east of
Toowoomba.
45
Scientific Name
Common Name
Qld
EPBC
Source
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
Brigalow Belt bioregion.
BIRDS
Anthochaera phrygia
Regent Honeyeater
E
CE
EPBC
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Australasian
Bittern
LC
E
EPBC
Cyclopsitta
diophthalma coxeni
Coxen’s Fig-Parrot
E
E
EPBC
Dasyornis
brachypterus
Eastern Bristlebirds
E
E
EPBC
Erythrotriorchis
radiatus
Red Goshawk
V
V
EPBC
Geophaps
scripta scripta
Squatter
Pigeon
(southern)
V
V
EPBC
Grantiella picta
Painted
V
V
EPBC
The regent honeyeater is usually associated with box-ironbark
vegetation types and the wetter more fertile sites within these
associations such as creek flats, broad valleys and foothills. The
species has undergone a significant range contraction and is now
rarely sighted in Queensland.
The Australasian Bittern requires shallow water, less than 30 cm
deep with medium to low density reeds, grasses or shrubs for
foraging (Pickering 2013). It needs deeper water with medium to
high density reeds, rushes or sedges for nesting (Pickering 2013). It
is largely recorded in freshwater wetlands and, rarely, in estuaries
or tidal wetlands.
Coxen’s fig parrot occurs in lowland subtropical rainforest, dry
rainforest, littoral and developing rainforest, riparian areas in
woodland and cleared areas with fig trees. It feeds on figs but also
eats the fruit of other native and exotic trees and insect larvae. In
Queensland it now appears to be largely restricted to the greater
Bundaberg area, Main Range National Park, Blackall Range and the
western side of Lamington National Park.
The northern population, occurs in south-eastern Queensland and
north-eastern NSW, and consists of extant local populations at
Conondale Range National Park, Main Range National Park, Mount
Barney National Park, Lamington National Park, Border Ranges
National Park, Grady's Creek and Gibraltar Range National Park. It is
not known outside of these reserves and adjacent private lands.
The red goshawk is generally found in open woodland, the edges of
rainforest, and in dense riverine vegetation of coastal and
subcoastal forests. This species is known to have a large home
range but nests in tall trees usually within 1km of a waterway or
wetland.
This species is known from tropical dry, open sclerophyll
woodlands and sometimes savanna. It appears to favour sandy soil
dissected with low gravely ridges and is less common on heavier
soils with dense grass cover. It is nearly always found in close
association with permanent water. This species is now rarely
recorded in southern Queensland and northern NSW.
Forests, woodlands and dry scrublands, dependent on mistletoe
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
46
Scientific Name
Common Name
Qld
EPBC
Source
honeyeater
Lathamus discolor
Swift Parrot
E
E
EPBC
Ninox strenua
powerful owl
V
Poephila cincta cincta
Black-throated
Finch (southern)
E
E
EPBC
Rostratula australis
Australian Painted
Snipe
V
E
EPBC
Turnix melanogaster
Black-breasted
Button-quail
V
V
EPBC
Wildnet
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
berries. Widespread throughout Queensland but rare in inland
Australia.
This species only breeds in Tasmania and migrates to the mainland
to feed each year mainly on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing
Range particularly in Victoria and NSW with a small number of birds
reaching as far as south east Queensland. This species is
considered to have a moderate potential to occur within the study
area during its winter, non breeding period. However, this would
be expected to be a rare occurrence. While it has been recorded
historically from Chinchilla, recent records tend to be from coastal
Queensland.
The powerful owl occurs mostly on the coastal side of the Great
Dividing Range and adjacent inland slopes. Powerful Owls are
sedentary within home ranges of about 1,000 ha within open
eucalypt, Casuarina or Callitris pine forest and woodlands, often
utilising exotic pine plantations. They nest in tree hollows often in
large eucalypts and often roost in denser vegetation including
rainforest. Prey items are medium sized mammals such as possums
and gliders but also take birds, flying-foxes, rats and insects.
The Black-throated Finch (southern) historically occurred from far
south-eastern Queensland, near the Queensland-NSW border,
through eastern Queensland north to the divide between the
Burdekin and Lynd Rivers. The subspecies is now extinct at most
sites south of Burdekin River, and is confined to a very few
remaining 'pockets' of suitable habitat.
It has been absent from Brisbane and its surrounds since the 1930s
or 1940s, and appears to have become extinct around most of
Rockhampton during the early to mid 1970s, despite having been
numerous there during the 1950s.
This species occurs in shallow, vegetated temporary or infrequently
filled wetlands, sometimes with trees or shrubs where it feeds at
the water's edge on seeds and invertebrates.
The black-breasted button-quail is most commonly associated with
vine thicket rainforest with greater than 800mm rainfall, deep leaf
litter and a closed canopy but also occur in softwood scrubs in the
Brigalow Belt, vine scrub regrowth and mature hoop pine
(Araucaria cunninghamii) particularly with a lantana understorey.
They also occur in dry sclerophyll forest adjacent to rainforest and
acacia and Austromyrtus scrubs on sandy coastal soils (Inskip Point)
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
47
Scientific Name
Common Name
Qld
EPBC
Source
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
(Garnett & Crowley 2000).
MAMMALS
Chalinolobus dwyeri
Large-eared Pied
Bat, Large Pied Bat
V
Ornithorhynchus
anatinus
platypus
SL
Petrogale penicillata
brush-tailed rockwallaby
V
V
Wildnet,
EPBC
Phascolarctos cinereus
koala
V
V
Wildnet,
ALA, EPBC
Potorous
tridactylus tridactylus
Long-nosed
Potoroo
mainland)
C
V
EPBC
Pteropus poliocephalus
(SE
grey-headed flyingfox
V
EPBC
Wildnet
LC
V
Wildnet,
EPBC
This species is uncommon in dry and wet Eucalypt forests from
Blackdown Tableland in Central Queensland to near Wollongong.
Primarily a cave rooster, this species inhabits sclerophyll forests
and woodlands throughout much of its range. It is however,
primarily associated with Dry Sclerophyll Woodlands throughout its
range, and these habitats are relatively restricted in the study area.
This species is considered unlikely to be present in the study area
Freshwater rivers and creeks in eastern Australia, from tropical
rainforest in n Qld to mountains of Tasmania and SE Aust. Feed in
both slow-moving and rapid (riffle) parts of streams, but appear to
prefer coarser bottom substrates (e.g. gravel). Construct short
burrows in the banks, often hidden by overhanging vegetation.
In Queensland, occurs on rocky slopes and gorges of the Great
Dividing Range.
koalas naturally inhabit a range of temperate, sub-tropical and
tropical forest, woodland and semi-arid communities dominated by
Eucalyptus species.
koala habitat can be broadly defined as any environment
containing koala food trees species or shelter trees, which may be
used by koalas for roosting, sheltering or breeding, and which is
sufficiently connected. The distribution of this habitat is largely
influenced by land elevation average, annual temperature and
rainfall patterns, soil types and the resultant soil moisture
availability and fertility. Preferred food and shelter trees are
naturally abundant on fertile clayey soils.
In Queensland, the potoroo utilises a variety of habitats such as
rainforest and coastal heaths and scrubs and seems to favour
habitat with dense understorey. It occurs in scattered populations
within Queensland.
The Grey-headed Flying-fox requires foraging resources and
roosting sites. It is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore,
which utilises vegetation communities including rainforests, open
forests, closed and open woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and
Banksia woodlands. It also feeds on commercial fruit crops and on
introduced tree species in urban areas. The primary food source is
blossom from Eucalyptus and related genera but in some areas it
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Low likelihood. Food trees are present
within the study area, however no signs of
koala usage was recorded.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area and no recent records
from within 10km radius of the study area.
Low likelihood. The flying fox may forage
within the study area when mature
eucalypts are flowering, however the
resources provided are insufficient to
support a population of the species.
48
Scientific Name
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Dasyurus
maculatus maculatus
Common Name
Qld
short-beaked
echidna
SL
Spotted-tail Quoll
E
EPBC
Source
Wildnet
E
EPBC
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
also utilises a wide range of rainforest fruits. None of the
vegetation communities used by the Grey-headed Flying-fox
produce continuous foraging resources throughout the year. As a
result, the species has adopted complex migration traits in
response to ephemeral and patchy food resources.
The Grey-headed Flying-fox roosts in aggregations of various sizes
on exposed branches. Roost sites are typically located near water,
such as lakes, rivers or the coast. Roost vegetation includes
rainforest patches, stands of Melaleuca, mangroves and riparian
vegetation, but colonies also use highly modified vegetation in
urban and suburban areas. The species can maintain fidelity to
roost sites for extended periods, although new sites have been
colonised.
Occurs in a wide range of habitats, from alpine and cold-temperate
areas to deserts and tropical regions. Appears to have no specific
habitat requirements beyond a food supply of ants and termites.
The Spot-tailed Quoll occurs in south-east Queensland: coastally
from Bundaberg to the border and inland to Monto and
Stanthorpe. Occurrences from five broad geographic areas are
known: four from coastal ranges and the Great Dividing Range from
the NSW border to Gladstone. The fifth is centred on the eastern
Darling Downs-Inglewood Sandstone provinces of the Brigalow Belt
South Bioregion. Unconfirmed reports suggest the subspecies may
occur in the Clarke and Conway Range areas, eastern Queensland.
Historical locations include the D'Aguilar Range west of Brisbane
and coastal areas from Coolangatta to Bundaberg. The species is
now believed to be extinct in these regions.
Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment
High likelihood. Echidnas are ubiquitous
throughout the region and may occur on
the study area.
Unlikely. Required habitat does not occur
within the study area.
Table 7 Migratory Species within 10km of the Study Area
Scientific Name
Common Name
Qld
EPBC
Source
Acrocephalus australis
Australian reed-warbler
SL
Mi
Wildnet,
ALA
Apus pacificus
Fork-tailed Swift [678]
Great Egret, White
[59541]
SL
Mi
EPBC
SL
Mi
EPBC
Ardea alba
Egret
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
49
Wildnet,
ALA
Wildnet,
ALA,
EPBC
Wildnet,
ALA
Wildnet,
ALA,
EPBC
Wildnet,
ALA,
EPBC
Wildnet,
ALA,
EPBC
Ardea alba modesta
eastern great egret
SL
Mi
Ardea ibis
cattle egret
SL
Mi
Coracina tenuirostris
cicadabirds
SL
Mi
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham’s snipe
SL
Mi
Hirundapus
caudacutus
white-throated needletail
SL
Mi
Merops ornatus
rainbow bee-eater
SL
Mi
Monarcha
melanopsis
Black-faced Monarch
SL
Mi
EPBC
Monarcha trivirgatus
Spectacled Monarch
SL
Mi
EPBC
Myiagra cyanoleuca
Satin Flycatcher
SL
Mi
EPBC
Pandion 50haliaetus
Osprey
SL
Mi
EPBC
Plegadis falcinellus
glossy ibis
SL
Mi
Wildnet,
ALA
Rhipidura rufifrons
Rufous Fantail
SL
Mi
EPBC
Notes: 1) Listed as Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V) or Migratory (M) under the EPBC Act
2) Listed as Endangered (e), Vulnerable (v) or Near Threatened (nt) under the NC Act
3) Likelihood of occurrence:
1
3
High
Likelihood
Low
Likelihood
 Known resident in the Study area based on site observations, database records, or expert
advice; and/or,
 Recent records (i.e. within five years) of the species in the local area (VBA 2011); and/or,
 The Study area contains the species’ preferred habitat.
 The species is likely to visit the Study area occasionally or opportunistically whilst en route
to more suitable sites; and/or,
 There are only limited or historical records of the species in the local area (i.e. more than
20 years old); and/or,
 The Study area contains few or no characteristics of the species’ preferred habitat.
2
4
Moderate
Likelihood
 The species is likely to visit the Study area regularly (i.e. at least seasonally); and/or,
 Previous records of the species in the local area (DSE 2011b); and/or,
 The Study area contains some characteristics of the species’ preferred habitat.
Unlikely
 No previous records of the species in the local area; and/or,
 The species may fly over the Study area when moving between areas of more
suitable habitat; and/or,
 Out of the species’ range; and/or,
 No suitable habitat present.
Flora and Fauna Assessment of Proposed Rail Freight Centre – Stage 1, Bromelton
50