EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
Terrestrial ecology information guideline
The level of detail required for an assessment of terrestrial ecological values should be proportionate to the risk of
the proposal and sufficient to provide certainty and understanding of the ecological values of the site and the risks
associated with a project. More specifically, an assessment of terrestrial ecological values should describe:
 the project, its location and context within the landscape
 all ecological values present or likely to be present within an area potentially affected either directly or indirectly
by the project
 the significance and sensitivity of the ecological values
 the likelihood and nature of potential impacts on identified ecological values including the potential to increase
existing threats (e.g. weeds and feral animals) and the cumulative impact of the project in conjunction with other
relevant existing and proposed activities
 an indication of the level of certainty about the presence (or absence) of an ecological value and the level of risk
posed by the project to that value
 the measures taken to avoid and minimise impacts and risks to ecological values
 strategies to ensure the implementation of clearly defined and auditable management actions, mitigation actions
and rehabilitation activities
 the significant residual impacts on ecological values, especially on any matters of national environmental
significance (MNES) and/or state environmental significance (MSES), due to the proposed activity that would or
are likely to occur following implementation of clearly defined and auditable management actions and strategies
to mitigate and manage impacts
 a biodiversity offset strategy for any significant residual impacts to MNES or MSES which demonstrates that an
appropriate conservation outcome can be achieved as required under state legislation.
Matters of national environmental significance are not specifically covered in this section – you should also refer to
the separate chapter on MNES to ensure that the relevant terrestrial ecological aspects are addressed for
Commonwealth matters.
Legislative basis
The Queensland legislation that is most relevant to terrestrial ecological assessments is outlined below.
Nature Conservation Act 1992
The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) is the principal legislation that provides for the protection of native flora
and fauna (protected wildlife). The NC Act is administered by the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport
and Racing and EHP.
The NC Act classifies native wildlife (flora and fauna) into different categories of conservation significance in
recognition of how threatened they are and what action needs to be taken to protect them.
Appropriate authorisations or permits under the NC Act are required prior to clearing of listed threatened plant
species, interfering with an animal breeding place, or removing protected animals unless the activity is exempt.
Information on licences and permits required under Queensland legislation is available from the website:
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/index.html.
Vegetation Management Act 1999
The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act) is administered by the Department of Natural Resources and
Mines. The VM Act, in conjunction with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act), regulates the clearing of
woody native vegetation in Queensland unless the clearing is made exempt from the approval requirements under
the SP Act. The VM Act’s objectives include conservation of remnant regional ecosystems, prevention of the loss of
biodiversity, maintenance of ecological processes, and conservation of vegetation in areas of high nature
conservation value or lands vulnerable to land degradation.
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
The regulatory provisions of the VM Act do not apply to regulated mining or petroleum activities, but it is relevant to
the flora and fauna assessment to the extent that it provides for classification of regional ecosystems as
endangered, vulnerable, or least concern. The VM Act classes are used for determining offset requirements for
significant residual impacts to regional ecosystems under provisions of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014.
Information on the Queensland government vegetation management framework is available from the website:
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/management/.
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) regulates development in Queensland that is made assessable under
the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SP Regulation) or the local government planning scheme, and is
administered by the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning. Development within a mining or
petroleum lease (or other resource tenure as stated in the SP Regulation) is exempt from provisions of the SP Act
unless it is not associated with the mining or petroleum activity.
Information on local government planning scheme requirements relevant to the ecological assessment (off-lease)
should be obtained from the local government website. Information on state government requirements is available
from the state assessment and referral agency website:
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/state-assessment-and-referral-agency.html.
Environmental Protection Act 1994
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) regulates environmentally relevant activities (ERAs) as defined by
the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation), and mining and petroleum activities. The object of
the EP Act is to protect the environment while allowing for ecologically sustainable development. Proposed ERAs
must be assessed against the standard criteria as defined by the EP Act and other requirements defined in the EP
Regulation. A condition of approval may require an environmental offset in accordance with provisions of the
Environmental Offsets Act 2014.
The biodiversity status of a regional ecosystem, as defined by the regional ecosystem description database
(REDD) is used to define categories B and C of environmentally sensitive areas. Those categories are relevant to
the conditions of an environmental authority issued under the EP Act for a resource activity. The vegetation
management class as defined by the Vegetation Management Regulation 2012 is relevant to determining offset
requirements.
Further information is available at: http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/
Environmental Offsets Act 2014
The Environmental Offsets Act 2014, Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014, and associated Queensland
environmental offsets policy and guidelines, provide a framework for defining the offset obligations established in a
condition of approval requiring an offset under relevant legislation (e.g. EP Act, SP Act, NC Act).
Further information on the Queensland environmental offsets framework is available at:
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/offsets/
Lands Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
The Lands Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) provides a framework for the control
of declared pests. The LP Act operates in conjunction with the Plant Protection Act 1989, which provides for the
control and eradication of pest plants, invertebrate animals, fungi, viruses and diseases that are harmful to crop
plants in Queensland. Both acts are administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
These acts also provide local governments with the legal instrument they need to enforce the management of highpriority weeds and pest animals.
The LP Act requires landowners to take reasonable measures to keep their land free of declared plants and
animals. The LP Act defines three classes of declared pest plants and animals. Schedule 2 of the Land Protection
(Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 lists the pest species declared in each class:
 Class 1: A pest that has the potential to become a very serious pest in the future. Landowners must keep their
land free of Class 1 (C1) pests
 Class 2: A pest that has already spread over substantial areas of Queensland. Its impact is serious and control
measures are necessary to prevent further spread of Class 2 (C2) pests into unaffected areas
2
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
 Class 3: A pest that is commonly found in parts of Queensland. However, its control is not considered
necessary unless Class 3 (C3) pests are impacting, or have the potential to impact, on an environmentally
significant area.
Further information is available at:
http://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases
http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/biosecurity
What are terrestrial ecological values?
Terrestrial ecological values include vegetation communities, biodiversity, native flora, and native fauna species
and their habitats. These values also include sites or features important to ecosystem function and the viability of
populations of native species (e.g. wildlife corridors).
In Queensland, terrestrial ecological values that are formally recognised by relevant legislation, policies, plans and
guidelines include:
 regional ecosystems
 flora species and their habitat, particularly flora listed as endangered or vulnerable under the NC Act
 fauna species and their habitat, particularly fauna listed as endangered, vulnerable or special least concern
under the NC Act
 wetlands, springs, watercourses and groundwater-dependent ecosystems
 matters of state environmental significance (MSES) as defined by the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014
 matters of local environmental significance (MLES) as defined by a local government planning scheme
 bioregional terrestrial and riparian corridors identified in biodiversity planning assessments (BPA; Queensland
Government 2014)
 strategic environmental areas under the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.
How to identify terrestrial ecological values in the survey area
Scoping assessment requirements
During the project scoping, and prior to submitting a draft TOR, it is in the proponent’s interest to obtain preliminary
(pre-survey) information on existing terrestrial ecological values in the area potentially impacted by the project in
order to:
 guide project planning to avoid significant impacts on such values and otherwise to minimise the potential
project impacts
 inform and support the focussing of TOR on substantive risks of impacts
 guide the timely and robust design of further ecological investigations.
Such a preliminary assessment might involve, but need not be limited to:
 defining the survey area (refer to section below for more information)
 identifying the location, extent, and context of the survey area within the local and regional landscape
 identifying terrestrial ecological values within the area of influence of the project based on database searches
and available mapping (see reference section for a recommended list)
 conducting aerial photography and/or satellite imagery interpretation
 identifying potential impacts (direct and indirect) and spatial and temporal variations on ecological values and
the potential significance of the impacts
 identifying potential constraints to the project and limitations of the initial findings.
Selecting suitably qualified persons
The appropriate scope of the ecological assessment should be established in the context of the TOR, required
approvals and preliminary risk assessments. The particular issues and complexity involved should guide decisions
on the level of capability and resourcing needed.
Ecological field surveys and assessments must be undertaken by experienced and suitably qualified persons who
ideally have relevant knowledge of the survey area. Suitable experience and qualifications include, but are not
limited to:
3
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
 knowledge on how to conduct scientific literature reviews and database searches prior to undertaking any field
surveys
 professional qualification and extensive experience in the field identification of flora, fauna and regional
ecosystems (minimum of 5 years); in particular in the identification of listed threatened species and ecosystems
relevant to the survey area
 the possession of relevant licences, permits and animal ethics approvals necessary to undertake ecological field
surveys.
Desktop assessment
The initial step to identifying existing terrestrial ecological values is to undertake database searches, mapping
analysis and literature review of ecological values potentially occurring in the survey area. Database searches
should include the proposed project area and surrounding area, and any areas that may or are likely to be
impacted by the project; for example, springs remote to the project site that may be affected by drawdown in
groundwater due to the project. The spatial extent of the search would be informed by the location of the project
area, the intensity and scope of previous ecological surveys in the area, and the nature and extent of potential
impacts of the proposed project. For example, projects proposed to be located in areas where few previous
ecological field surveys have been undertaken should consider a larger search radius in order to capture migratory,
rare, threatened or cryptic species associated with the predicted ecological communities (e.g. ≥50 kilometres
outside the project area). In areas where copious species records exist, a smaller radius (e.g. 10 kilometres outside
the project area) may be sufficient. For projects with potential downstream impacts on waterways, estuarine and
marine environments and their associated ecosystems, the search must include these areas downstream.
The desktop assessment should be sufficient to ascertain the potential significance of the population of a species
within the area potentially impacted by the project relative to its whole known population(s) and distribution.
Additionally, the desktop assessment should determine the habitat requirements for each ecological value and the
key threats to its existence.
The assessment of the likelihood that species and communities are present in the survey area should be based on
an assessment of:




the general habitat requirements of a species or community
habitat representation in the survey area
records of known occurrence
knowledge of distribution.
The habitat requirements of listed threatened species can be determined by literature reviews and from previous
survey data detailing the habitat in which the threatened species were recorded. Recovery plans and threatened
species profiles also contain useful information regarding habitat requirements and key threats for a species. Aerial
photography, vegetation mapping (e.g. regional ecosystem mapping), and in the case of large scale projects,
remote sensing technology (such as LiDAR), may assist identification of potential habitat. If a threatened species
that could potentially occur within the survey area is not found during field surveys then the desktop potential
habitat assessment in conjunction with survey data could be used to estimate the likelihood of this species
occurring at the site.
The desktop assessment should also be used to identify the most effective timing (seasonality) and duration of the
survey work (refer to section “When to conduct surveys” for more information).
Identifying gaps in the knowledge of biodiversity distribution
Desktop searches should be used to identify gaps in the knowledge of the distribution of biodiversity, especially in
areas where detailed studies have not been undertaken or the data is not available. In these instances the search
radius should be widened or the search should be broadened to include similar ecosystems and/or species. These
gaps should be clearly stated in the report to allow the department to consider the adequacy of the assessment in
the context of existing knowledge.
Pre-survey meeting
It is highly recommended that the department is consulted prior to field surveys in order to discuss:




the ecological values identified from preliminary work
field surveys and other assessment methodologies appropriate to detect and quantify ecological values
any major limitations to the implementation of survey work that could compromise survey methods and effort
any project specific issues that the proponent would like to raise.
4
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
A pre-survey meeting also provides the department with the opportunity to raise any aspects considered important
about the project or potentially impacted ecological values which would need to be addressed or considered by the
proponent.
It should be noted that pre-survey consultation, while useful in obtaining advice, does not guarantee that the survey
strategy ultimately applied is adequate for the particular site and project. It is the proponent’s responsibility to
demonstrate, in the EIS, that the survey strategy used was appropriate.
General field survey requirements
Defining the survey area and survey effort
The survey should encompass the entire project area and any potentially impacted surrounding area. Information
gathered during the desktop study should be used to refine the size of the survey area and the field survey
methodology in order to target potentially occurring species, habitat and vegetation communities during surveys.
In projects with potential impacts outside the project area (e.g. downstream of the project area), or where more
information on the occurrence of species or communities outside the project area is required, or where nonimpacted reference sites are required, the survey area may need to be extended outside the project area. The field
survey area should be clearly defined by maps and supported by a detailed justification on survey method and
effort.
The sites and traverses should be distributed in a manner that samples as much of the environmental variability
across the landscape as possible, consistent with assessment requirements identified in the planning stage.
Survey efforts should target representative flora and fauna habitats, vegetation communities and regional
ecosystems throughout the defined area of potential impact of the project, with sampling generally proportional to
the total area of each vegetation type.
Identifying potential constraints
Planning for field surveys should identify potential constraints before finalising sampling design and commencing
surveys. Many constraints, particularly those that limit the intensity or spatial extent of field sampling, may restrict
the level of analysis that is possible for survey data. Survey constraints or inadequate survey effort may result in a
lack of adequate identification of ecological values and a subsequent directive for further survey work to meet
assessment requirements.
Where survey constraints are unavoidable, the limitations must be acknowledged and justification must be provided
to show how, notwithstanding the constraints, that the survey strategy (desktop and field) would be adequate to
identify with an appropriate level of certainty, the values potentially impacted. Where detailed surveys are not
undertaken, threatened species and communities that are likely to occur in the survey area (based on the presence
of suitable habitat) should be assumed to occur in the identified habitat.
Further detailed information on recommended survey methodologies can be obtained from the Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al. 2012) and the Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected
Plants (EHP 2014).
When to conduct surveys
Both dry season and wet season surveys should be conducted to improve the accuracy in data collected, and to
cover peaks in vertebrate activity associated with the commencement of breeding and dispersal or migration of
many species. Flora surveys are best carried out during flowering and/or after the wet season. However, the
optimal time of year to undertake biodiversity surveys will vary across taxa and ecosystems and this should be
taken into account in designing the survey strategy. The most appropriate time(s) of the year to undertake field
surveys should be determined from the desktop surveys of the ecosystems and relevant species for the project
area. Surveys designed to detect the presence or absence of species should be undertaken when there is the
highest possible chance of detecting threatened, migratory and vagrant species and the report must include a
justification for the timing of the surveys. For further information general guidance on the optimal times of year and
conditions for vertebrate fauna surveys in Queensland is provided in the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey
Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al. 2012).
Where project timeframes are constrained, such that the flora or fauna surveys cannot be undertaken at optimal
times, intensity and frequency, the reasons must be stated and justification of the adequacy of the survey effort
provided. This should include limitation statements about the effect of the limited survey on the likelihood of
occurrence of species that may be present. Departmental advice on the appropriate timing, intensity and frequency
of field surveys is recommended.
5
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
Identification of suitable survey locations, equipment and personnel
Following desktop studies, reconnaissance investigations can be used to identify the flora and fauna habitats, and
listed threatened species and communities, that may occur in the survey area. Field investigations can be planned
to systematically survey the area and fill in any information gaps identified from the preliminary investigations.
Surveys typically need to be adequate to identify a wide range of ecological communities, species and species
habitats. However, targeted field surveys are also often necessary to determine the likelihood of occurrence of
specific listed threatened species and communities (based on available habitat) and to inform assessment of how
the proposed project could impact on them. Links to guidance material on sampling design and effort for flora,
fauna, habitat condition, aquatic ecology and regional ecosystem mapping are provided in the reference section at
the end of this chapter.
Personnel with specific expertise may be needed in the survey team depending on the complexity of field surveys
required. For example, where an endangered species is likely to occur, a specialist (e.g. herpetologist; bat
specialist) should be engaged or consulted in order to enable an adequate assessment and efficiently.
Appropriate equipment should be used to target listed threatened fauna species. This is especially important for a
taxon where call analysis and/or trapping alone will not determine the species, but only the genus. In these cases,
targeted field surveys must use all available field methodologies (e.g. call analysis and trapping). Any limitations of
survey methods used for a species must be explained in the report.
Site access and permits
Prior to conducting field surveys, access to the proposed sites must be obtained. This could include permission
from landholders, Indigenous owners and/or land managers. Gaining land access to important survey sites is a
paramount consideration as omitting areas may lead to insufficient data for the EIS.
Research permits and ethics approvals may be required depending on where the surveys would be conducted.
These permits and approvals must be obtained before field surveys are conducted. Proponents should be aware
that disclosure of results to the department is a statutory condition of the issuing of a scientific purposes licence:
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/return_of_operations.html
Site verification
Information gathered during the desktop searches may not accurately reflect current on-ground values. A
reconnaissance visit to the area of interest is recommended because of the following factors:
 variations between the mapped and ground-truthed regional ecosystems, which may have implications for fauna
habitat assessments and species surveys
 vegetation communities may have been cleared or impacted by fire or flooding events since the last aerial
photography/satellite imagery was taken
 the dynamic variability of highly ephemeral waterways, wetlands and waterholes
 access problems due to potential obstacles (road condition, fences) and/or hazards for field staff (e.g. fire)
 adverse weather conditions (cyclones, floods, heatwaves)
 access restrictions (e.g. unforseen sensitive or Indigenous sacred areas).
Field surveys may need to be postponed or field sites relocated to attain better representation of habitats in order
to more accurately assess the ecological values during field surveys.
Surveys
The survey methods and effort used to determine the ecological values for the project should be detailed in the
EIS. It is important that the survey methods used and effort applied are justified, especially if they are different to
that recommended by relevant guidelines.
Flora species survey methodology
Neldner et al. 2012 and EHP’s Flora Survey Guidelines (2014) https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plantsanimals/documents/flora-survey-guidelines.pdf provide information on the required flora survey methodology.
Generally, the timed meander survey method is the preferred approach for the location of vascular plants within a
survey area. It is expected that the majority of plant species encountered would be identified during the search.
When a listed threatened plant species has been recorded during a flora survey, the population extent and density
should then be determined as this is needed to quantify the potential impact. The total number of plants comprising
the population must be recorded where possible. If the population is too dense or dispersed for this to be practical,
6
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
the density of the overall population should be estimated by counting the number of plants within a quadrat. A plot
based assessment is required to determine the species abundance, distribution and habitat associations, as well
as to inform management measures.
If a plant cannot be identified to the species level, it should be lodged with the Queensland Herbarium for formal
identification. Specimen collection and vouchering should be done in accordance with Queensland Herbarium
procedures.
Fauna species survey methodology
The use of multiple survey techniques is regarded as the most useful and cost-effective approach to the detection
of the diversity of fauna species. A description of suitable fauna sampling techniques can be found in the Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al. 2012) and will not be duplicated here. For
information on survey effort for vertebrate fauna refer to the guideline on Vertebrate Survey Effort across
Queensland (Smith 2013). As a minimum, fauna surveys should include:








incidental observations (visual, auditory, tracks and scats)
trapping surveys
area searches (active diurnal and passive nocturnal searches)
ultrasonic recordings – microbat echo location call detection
call playback searches
spotlight searches
camera traps
targeted species searches.
Fauna assessment based on habitat assessment alone is not advised. In areas where no fauna surveys were
carried out, listed threatened fauna species that are likely to occur (based on the presence of suitable habitat and
recent records) should be assumed to occur in the identified habitat. However, the probable absence or low
likelihood of occurrence of a listed threatened fauna species must be determined on the balance of evidence of
historical records, known distribution and habitat, and the scope, effort and results of surveys.
Vegetation community mapping
Mapping of regional ecosystems based on adequate field surveys is essential both to identify
ecosystem/community values and to provide a sound basis for identifying potential habitat for threatened species.
Field surveys to confirm Queensland Herbarium regional ecosystem mapping invariably identifies apparent errors
in the regional mapping that are significant for the quantification of actual ecological values. These discrepancies
are generally a result of the different scale of the mapping (i.e. 1:10 000 for project surveys compared with 1:100
000 for the Queensland Herbarium mapping).
If field survey of the distribution of regional ecosystems differs from the latest available Queensland Herbarium
mapping (VM Act certified vegetation management mapping is only relevant to off-lease clearing), either due to
delineation of different regional ecosystems within heterogeneous polygons or apparent error in the mapping and
changes to the Herbarium mapping is proposed, then the proposed changes must be supported by the appropriate
site-level information as detailed in the survey and mapping methodology (Neldner et al. 2012). That data must be
made available to the department and the Queensland Herbarium and must include spatial datasets of site
locations and proposed new regional ecosystem polygons, site data sheets and site photographs. The EIS does
not need to include that level of information however a decision about changes to the mapping will be made
separately to the EIS process.
Vegetation/habitat condition assessment
The condition of a vegetation community (which may also be habitat for a listed threatened species) needs to be
defined in terms of how well it functions for the maintenance of the biodiversity values it supports. The condition
assessment may be important in mapping of regional ecosystems, threatened ecological communities, and
potential threatened species habitat. In Queensland, the BioCondition vegetation assessment framework has been
developed to provide a measure of terrestrial ecosystem condition (Eyre et al. 2011a). It is the recommended rapid
assessment method for habitat condition assessment due to its site-based approach that provides a quantitative
score along a continuum of ‘functional’ through to ‘dysfunctional’ condition for biodiversity.
Additionally, the Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (EHP, 2015; based on BioCondition) provides
proponents with a methodology to measure the habitat quality of an impact area for comparison with habitat quality
of a land based offset site, in accordance with the Queensland Environmental Offset Policy. The habitat quality is
determined by assessing three key indicators: site condition (a general condition assessment of vegetation
compared to a benchmark), site context (an analysis of the site in relation to the surrounding environment) and the
species habitat index (the ability of the site to support a species). It also aligns with the Australian Government’s
measure of habitat condition under the EPBC Act environmental offsets policy (Department of the Environment,
7
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
2013).
Listed weed and pest species
Invasive species could reduce overall species abundance and diversity. Surveys therefore need to record the
presence of weed and pest animal species in order to quantify the condition of an ecosystem, the existing threats
and the risk of potential exacerbation of these threats to the identified terrestrial ecological values. Refer to DAFF’s
guide to address issues related biosecurity https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/daff-environmental-impactassessment-companion-guide.
Stygofauna
Stygofauna assessment guidance is available through the Department of Science, Information Technology,
Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA) Guideline for the Environmental Assessment of Subterranean Aquatic Fauna.
Data management
Appropriate data management is essential for any field surveys as data must be suitable for post survey
assessment. Essential data requirements (such as location description, coordinates, survey effort, habitat
assessment, taxon name, etc.) and suitable datasheets can be found and downloaded from the Queensland
Government’s web sites (refer to the reference section below).
Collection of data using methods compatible with the Queensland Government’s large databases, such as the
Queensland Herbarium’s ‘CORVEG’ or EHP’s ‘Wildlife Online’ will facilitate comparison of data. Investigators are
encouraged to use standard data sheets and methods, or an adaptation of them (see reference section below for
useful government links).
Spatial data must be recorded using the geographical coordinate system latitude and longitude (expressed in
decimal degrees) based on the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).
Occurrences of terrestrial ecological values in the survey area
The EIS should present a comprehensive description of the ecological values within the area potentially impacted
by the project. This description should be based on the desktop assessment, vegetation surveys, flora and fauna
species surveys, and the assessment of the condition of the vegetation communities and species habitats.
The known or likely occurrence of terrestrial ecological values within the survey area provides the basis for
assessing opportunities for the proponent to avoid, minimise and mitigate the impacts to these values. Terrestrial
ecological values that were identified as potentially occurring in the survey area, but were not located by surveys,
require a determination as to whether the values are likely to be present either permanently, seasonally or
intermittently. The decision as to whether the ecological value is present or not, must be justified and the estimated
extent of occurrence must be described and mapped.
Identification and quantification of potential impacts
For all stages of the project (construction, operation and decommissioning), the potential direct, indirect and
cumulative impacts must be described, preferably quantitatively, for each terrestrial ecological value likely to be
present. The significance of the potential impacts in terms of severity, period of impact (short and long term), and
implications for conservation of each terrestrial ecological value should be established and the methodology used
to estimate the significance of impact should be detailed.
Avoidance and mitigation measures
Potential impacts on terrestrial ecological values should be avoided where practicable; for example, the relocation
of infrastructure to cleared areas or areas containing no or little ecological values. Where avoidance is not
practicable, mitigation and/or management actions must be developed which minimise impacts on a particular
ecological value.
The EIS must describe all mitigation measures or management actions proposed to avoid or minimise potential
impacts. The nature and extent of these measures should be relevant to the value, the extent of impact, the risks
associated with the impact and the likelihood of the mitigation and management actions being effective. Mitigation
and management measures should be informed by statutory or policy requirements and best available practices,
and must be practicable to implement and sufficiently detailed to allow critical review and third party monitoring of
compliance.
Mitigation measures should be proportional to the potential scale and intensity of the impacts and, where relevant,
should be consistent with priority actions as outlined in conservation advice and/or recovery plans for threatened
species listed under the EPBC Act (as many of these species are also listed as threatened under the NC Act). The
8
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
predicted outcomes, in terms of extent and condition of retained values, should be stated and information should
be provided on how the actual outcomes would be monitored and audited.
Cumulative impacts
Cumulative impacts arise when various developments or activities that may have limited effects in isolation, have a
greater impact collectively. Cumulative impacts on MSES must be assessed where they result from the incremental
impact of an activity when it is added to the past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities. The impacts
on MSES resulting from the proposed project and existing and reasonably foreseeable future activities must be
assessed and quantified at a temporal and spatial (local, subregional and bioregional) scale relevant to the affected
matters and the project.
The cumulative impact of the project in conjunction with other projects must be considered when assessing
whether an offset for the significant residual impacts of the proposed project could achieve a conservation outcome
(as defined by the Environmental Offsets Act 2014).
Significant residual impacts
Before offsets are considered, the EIS must demonstrate that all efforts have been made to avoid and minimise
impacts on MSES. Despite all efforts to avoid and minimise impacts, a proposed project may result in significant
residual impacts to MSES. The reasons why significant residual impacts cannot feasibly be further reduced must
be detailed. The potential significant residual impacts to each MSES over the life of the project, after all the
proposed avoidance and mitigation measures are undertaken, must be quantified in terms of total loss and/or loss
of population, habitat or ecological function.
The significance of residual impacts to each MSES must be determined with reference to the relevant Significant
Residual Impact Guidelines (EHP 2015). Where the project, or the provision of offsets, is proposed to be staged,
the significant residual impact to MSES should be quantified for each defined stage.
Offsets
If a significant residual impact has been identified for any MSES, then an offset strategy must be presented in the
EIS. Where MSES are also MNES under the EPBC Act, the proponent should ascertain which matter would be
subject to a Commonwealth requirement for an offset. All remaining significant residual impacts on MSES will
require offsets through a condition of an approval for a prescribed activity (as defined by the Environmental Offsets
Act 2014).
The offset strategy must demonstrate that the significant residual impact on each MSES from the project can be
offset to achieve an appropriate conservation outcome, having regard to potential cumulative impacts, existing
threats, and the bioregional extent of the MSES. The strategy should clearly quantify the likely impact on each
MSES for the life of the project, and for each stage if offsets are proposed to be delivered in a staged manner.
The offset strategy should indicate if the proponent intends to offset through land-based, direct benefit
management plan or financial settlement; or a combination of these. The more developed an offset strategy is, the
more confident the department can be that the project will not result in a long-term decline in the conservation
trajectory of each MSES.
Reporting requirements
Provide sub-consultants reports as appendices, with all field survey data, and provide the assessment of the likely
impacts in the main EIS document.
The EIS chapters should provide a holistic assessment of ecological matters bringing together not only the
technical information from field surveys, but also other relevant information from other parts of the EIS, such as
information about impacts on water resources. In that way, the assessment would not only address direct impacts
from land clearing, but also indirect impacts, such as impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems that might
result from the lowering of the groundwater table. EHP will need a high level of certainty and understanding of the
ecological values and the level of risk posed by the project to these identified values.
Propose mitigation measures in the EIS chapters, assess the likely measure of their success, and estimate the
likely magnitude of any residual impacts. The description of mitigation measures should describe their intended
outcome in terms that could be measured and audited. That will help the development of outcome based
conditions.
The technical reports in the appendices need not duplicate the assessment provided in the main body of the EIS.
However, the appendices should provide all the field data, modelling methods and assumptions, and any other
technical data that was used to develop the assessment, so that the findings may be cross checked if needed. The
9
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
assessment in the EIS should be consistent with the technical reports. If any technical data is omitted from
consideration in the assessment, or conclusions do not follow logically from it, the reasons should be explained in
the EIS.
The structure and content of the EIS chapter on terrestrial ecology should follow the recommended format of:















introduction
legislative requirements
methods
results – a clear determination of what ecological values are present in the project area
assessment of potential impacts including direct, indirect and cumulative
avoidance strategies
management and mitigation strategies
significant residual impacts
offset strategy (if applicable)
limitations (acknowledgment of constraints)
conclusion
references
definitions, terminology
good quality figures/maps
reference to appendices (species lists, results of online searches, list of personnel, etc.).
References and useful guidelines – flora and fauna
Note: Where available hyperlinks are provided for each reference. However, these links may change without
notice. In the case where the hyperlink is broken, please search for the document name in a search engine.
Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L., and Neldner, V.J. (2011a). Method for the establishment and survey of reference sites for
BioCondition, Version 2. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Biodiversity and Ecological
Sciences, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/biodiversity/reference-sites-biocondition.pdf
Eyre, T.J., Kelly, A.L, Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Ferguson, D.J., Laidlaw, M.J. and Franks, A.J. (2011b).
BioCondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Manual.
Version 2.1. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences,
Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from http://enviro-dynamics.com.au/files/additionalresources/biocondition_manual.pdf
Eyre T.J., Ferguson D.J., Hourigan C.L., Smith G.C., Mathieson M.T., Kelly, A.L., Venz M.F. and Hogan, L.D.
(2012). Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland, August 2013. Department of
Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/biodiversity/vertebrate-survey/
Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B. A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H.A. (2012). Methodology for Survey and Mapping of
Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland. Version 3.2. Department of Science,
Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/herbarium/herbarium-mappingmethodology.pdf
EHP (2014). Application forms. General link to download a variety of permits and licences, such as the scientific
research and educational purposes permit or clearing permits. Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plantsanimals/application_forms.html
EHP (2014). Flora Survey Guidelines - Protected Plants, Nature Conservation Act 1992. Department of
Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/documents/flora-survey-guidelines.pdf
EHP (2014). Queensland environmental offsets policy, version 1. Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/assets/documents/pollution/management/offsets/offsets-policy.pdf
EHP (2014). Wildlife Online. Wildlife Online is an application that allows finding species lists for protected areas
(e.g. national parks, conservation areas), forestry areas (state forests and timber reserves) and local government
areas. Wildlife Online accesses data from the WildNet database. Department of Environment and Heritage
10
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plantsanimals/species-list/
EHP (2014). Regional ecosystems. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government,
Brisbane. Available from http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/biodiversity/re_introduction.html
EHP (2015). Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (in prep.)
EHP (2015). Significant Impact Guideline – offsets act (in prep.)
DSDIP (2014). State planning policy, July 2014. Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning,
Queensland Government. Available from http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/state-planning/stateplanning-policy-jul-2014.pdf
DSDIP (2014). State planning policy –state interest guideline biodiversity, August 2014. Department of State
Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/guideline/spp/spp-state-interest-guideline-biodiversity.pdf
DSDIP (2014). State planning policy guidance material. Department of State Development, Infrastructure and
Planning, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/about-planning/stateplanning-policy-guidance-material.html
Queensland Government (2014). BioCondition. A vegetation condition assessment tool to provide a measure of
how well a terrestrial ecosystem is functioning for the maintenance of biodiversity values at a local or property
scale. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plantsanimals/biodiversity/biocondition/
Queensland Government (2014). BioCondition benchmarks. Benchmarks are quantitative values derived from
reference sites for each condition attribute assessed in BioCondition, and are used as a reference value for
comparison purposes. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/biodiversity/benchmarks/
Queensland Government (2014). BioCondition datasheets. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/biodiversity/biocondition-datasheet.pdf
Queensland Government (2014). BioCondition reference sites datasheets. Queensland Government, Brisbane.
Available from https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plants-animals/biodiversity/biocondition-refdatasheet.pdf
Queensland Government (2014). Biodiversity. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/biodiversity/
Queensland Government (2014). Biodiversity planning assessments. A biodiversity planning assessment (BPA)
identifies the terrestrial ecological values in a region, or bioregion, according to their conservation significance.
Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plantsanimals/biodiversity/planning/
Queensland Government (2014). Environmental offsets. New environmental offsets framework, including the Act,
regulation, policy and guidelines. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/offsets/
Queensland Government (2014). Request a map of biodiversity status or broad vegetation group. Queensland
Government, Brisbane. Available from https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/map-request/re-broad-veg-group/
Queensland Government (2014). Targeted species survey guidelines for selected species. Queensland
Government, Brisbane. Available fromhttps://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/biodiversity/vertebratesurvey/#targeted_species_survey_guidelines
Queensland Government (2014). Wildlife permits and regulations. Information on the legislative requirements of
licensing in Queensland. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/wildlife-permits/ and from http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licencespermits/plants-animals/index.html
Queensland Government Data (2014). A geodatabase of modelled potential habitat shapefiles for selected
threatened species in Queensland. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Available from
https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/modelled-potential-habitat-for-selected-threatened-species-in-queensland
Queensland Herbarium (August 2012). Regional ecosystem map assessment kit. Department of Science,
Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Contact details
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/
11
EIS information guideline  Flora and fauna
Sattler, P.S & Williams, R.D. (1999). The conservation status of Queensland’s bioregional ecosystems.
Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, Brisbane.
Smith, G.C. (2013). Vertebrate survey effort across Queensland. Queensland Herbarium, Science Delivery
Division. Brisbane: Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland
Government, Brisbane. Available from https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/assets/documents/plantsanimals/biodiversity/vertebrate-survey-effort.pdf.
Useful Commonwealth references
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2013). EPBC Act Policy Statement. Matters of
national environmental significance significant impact guidelines 1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. Australian Government. Available from
http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/42f84df4-720b-4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/files/nesguidelines_1.pdf
Department of the Environment (2013). EPBC Act environmental offsets policy. Australian Government. Available
from http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/epbc-act-environmental-offsets-policy
Department of the Environment (2014). EPBC Act publications. Australian Government. Available from
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications
Department of the Environment (2014). Protected matters search tool. Australian Government. Available from
http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/about-us/legislation/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservationact-1999/protected
Department of the Environment (2014). Threatened species and ecological communities publications. Australian
Government. Available from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications
Department of the Environment (2014). Recovery plans. Australian Government. Available from
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans
Department of the Environment (2014). Species of national environmental significance (SNES) database. The
Australian Government has released more than 1700 new maps and datasets of SNES. The maps show known
and predicted distribution of listed species, including areas of potential habitat. Australian Government. Available
from http://www.environment.gov.au/science/erin/databasesmaps/snes?utm_source=Urban+Environment+News&utm_campaign=eb65060814RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cc02be1cf9-eb65060814-91482649
12