Princhester Transportable Radar
Commercial-in-Confidence
Indra Australia Pty Ltd
31-Jan-2014
EPBC Act Threatened
Species Permit
Supporting Information for Permit Application
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AECOM
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit
Supporting Information for Permit Application
Client: Indra Australia Pty Ltd
ABN: 28 091 922 315
Prepared by
AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Level 3, 120 Bunda Street, PO Box 5971, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
T +61 7 4222 6000 F +61 7 4222 6001 www.aecom.com
ABN 20 093 846 925
31-Jan-2014
Job No.: 60299472
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EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
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EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit
60299472
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j:\60299472\6. draft docs\6.1 reports\princhester\epbc act application\epbc act
threatened species permit_supporting info.docx
Date
31-Jan-2014
Prepared by
Mark Barnett
Reviewed by
Indra Australia / Airservices Australia
Revision History
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Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
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Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Project Background
1.1
Purpose
1.2
Objective
Location and Tenure
Site Description
Project Description
Construction, Maintenance and Decommissioning Activities
5.1
Construction
5.1.1
Access Track Construction
5.1.2
Vegetation Clearing
5.1.3
Radar and Compound Construction
5.1.4
Power and Communications
5.1.5
Satellite and Compound Construction
5.1.6
Construction Phase Infrastructure
5.2
Maintenance
5.3
Decommissioning
Survey Results
6.1
Regional Ecosystems
6.2
EVNT Species
Likely Impacts to Flora
7.1
Vegetation Communities
7.2
EPBC Act Listed Species
Impact Mitigation
8.1
Pre-Clearing and Pruning
8.2
Clearing
8.3
Translocation
8.4
Pruning
8.5
Construction
8.6
Operation, Maintenance and Decommissioning
Significance of Impact
Offset Policies and Obligations
10.1
Commonwealth Biodiversity Offsets
10.2
Queensland Government Environmental Offset Policy
10.2.1
Overview
10.2.2
Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy
Appendix A
Significant Impact Assessment
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A
AECOM
1.0
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
1
Project Background
Airservices Australia (Airservices) is the Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for providing safe and
efficient management of Australia’s airspace as well as for the provision of air traffic and navigational services and
associated aeronautical information essential to both the domestic and international aviation industries.
Airservices has awarded Indra Australia Pty Ltd (Indra) the En Route Radar Replacement Project (ERRP)
contract for modernisation of the existing radar surveillance stations network. This radar surveillance network
assists en route navigation for aircraft operating in the high level airspace on significant aviation routes.
The ERRP will ultimately replace ageing en route surveillance radars located around Australia. This replacement
program is scheduled to be complete by 2016. The replacement of the main radars will be supported by the
deployment of temporary transportable radars, where necessary, to provide backup surveillance coverage during
the upgrade program.
1.1
Purpose
The purpose of establishing a transportable radar in the Rockhampton region is to replace the navigational
service provided by the Mt Alma route surveillance radar whilst it is taken offline for upgrade during the ERRP.
A Mt Alma Preliminary Site Survey Report (Airservices, March 2013) was prepared to assess the viability of four
site options for the transportable radar. This option assessment compared each of the nominated sites using the
following criteria:
-
Available area;
-
Radar coverage;
-
Site security;
-
Site accessibility;
-
Availability of power;
-
Radar site monitor placement options;
-
Availability of communications;
-
Property constraints; and
-
Environmental constraints.
This option assessment process identified Princhester and Table Mountain as the two viable transportable sites to
replace the service provided by the Mt Alma Route Surveillance Radar during the ERRP. Of these two viable
options, Princhester was identified as the preferred site based on:
-
The quality of the existing access road leading up to the site from the Bruce Highway. At the time of the
survey to inform the option assessment, the road up to Table Mountain exhibited significant rain damage. To
make the road acceptable for use by construction vehicles, the road would require extensive corrective
works to restore road surfacing, drainage and culverts;
-
The ability to extend two-phase power from the adjacent Powerlink Communications Site, with a third phase
extended from the Telstra Radio Telephone Station. In comparison, only two phase power is currently
available at Table Mountain. A third phase would need to be provided from the local substation; and
-
The extent of predicted coverage from this site, compared to that achieved from other sites. A radar at
Princhester was projected to only have 0.45° of obstruction, caused by the neighbouring Telstra
communications tower. In comparison, a radar situated at Table Mountain would have between 1.2° and 2.8°
obstruction to coverage.
1.2
Objective
The key objectives for the Princhester transportable radar are as follows:
-
To provide temporary supplementary navigational radar coverage, whilst the Mt Alma Route Surveillance
Radar is offline for upgrade works;
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To be designed and constructed in a way that maximises radar coverage, whilst minimising environmental,
social and economic impacts; and
-
To be designed and constructed so that the radar and associated infrastructure can be removed at the end
of its operational life (approximately March 2015)
2
Construction of the Princhester transportable radar is proposed to commence in March 2014. The radar will be
commissioned in July 2014 and will remain operational until March 2015, when it will be decommissioned and
dismantled.
2.0
Location and Tenure
The proposed Princhester transportable radar site is located at -22.906383 Lat., 150.085067 Long., approximately
66km north-northwest of Rockhampton, Queensland. The transportable radar is proposed to be positioned on a
leased area of Lot 30 LI203, which is situated within the Livingstone Shire local government area (LGA).
Lot 30 LI203 is freehold land, obtained by the Australian Telecommunications Commission (now Telstra
Corporation Limited, ‘Telstra’) through an issue of deed of grant. This land currently accommodates a road
leading up to the neighbouring Powerlink and Telstra facilities from the Bruce Highway. Airservices have
negotiated a lease with Telstra for partial occupancy of the site. In doing so, Telstra have given permission for
vegetation to be cleared for the development.
The site monitor is proposed to be installed atop an elevated platform, situated on the roof of the existing Telstra
communications building, on Lot 29 LI203.
3.0
Site Description
The Study Area is located within the Princhester Range, atop a steep, low mountainous ridge, approximately 66
km northwest of the Rockhampton airport and approximately 22 km east-southeast of Marlborough. The proposed
transportable radar site is accessed via a locked access road, extending south from the Bruce Highway at
Princhester, north of Glen Geddes.
The Study Area appears to have an infrequent fire history and appears to be protected from grazing of domestic
livestock. Land surrounding Lot 30 LI203 is primarily used for grazing domestic livestock (cattle).
The proposed radar compound location is elevated approximately 260 m above the surrounding plains, at 391 m
Australian Height Datum (AHD). It exhibits a mesic treed habitat on shallow stony soils over the Neoproterozoic to
Early Paleozoic serpentinite-dominant, Princhester Serpentines. This conforms to Land Zone 11, hills and
lowlands on metamorphic rock.
The regional climate is sub-tropical with a mean annual maximum of 28.3 °C (December average max of 32.1 °C)
and mean annual minimum of 16.6 °C (July average min of 9.5 °C). The regional average annual rainfall is 813.9
mm, which is summer dominant.
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Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
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Project Description
Typically, a transportable radar would be wholly situated within a compound as small as 30 m x 30 m. However,
due to topographical constraints and ecological sensitivities of the Princhester site, the proposed configuration of
equipment has been revised away from a standard configuration to minimise the footprint of impact, whilst
ensuring a safe construction and operation environment. In doing so, Airservices and Indra have recognised the
environmental values of this site and have endeavoured to minimise the extent of impact on the preferred site for
this infrastructure, based on construction, maintenance and operational criteria.
This infrastructure is expected to include:
-
Within the fenced 16 m x 16 m radar compound:

A 12 m radar tower, secured by rock anchors

4 m high radar, atop the radar tower, with lightning arresters

Radar shelter (3 x 4 m container)

80 kVA diesel GenSet, housed in a container, with day tanks

A 900L bunded diesel fuel tank

ADS-B antenna mast

Power pole to receive overhead power from the Ergon Energy distribution network.
-
Approximate 60 m long access track (minimum width of 3 m), leading to the front gate of the radar
compound, from the existing access road
-
Office and amenities container (temporarily on site for construction)
-
Satellite dish and equipment, within a satellite compound
-
High voltage power will be extended to the radar compound between a pole positioned next to the satellite
compound and one in the south-east corner of the radar compound
-
Low voltage power and telecommunications will be extended to the radar compound between a pole
positioned in the north-east corner of the satellite compound and the radar tower
-
Provision of communications for the new radar site, via microwave link with the existing Telstra Radio
Telephone (RT) Station.
The fenced radar compound area will be approximately 16 m x 16 m and surrounded by a standard 2.5 m high
chain-link mesh fence to prevent unauthorized access.
All the containers, generators and the fuel tank will be mounted on skids.
A standby power supply will be installed as a backup, should the primary power supply fail. The backup power
supply will be an 80 kVA, Silenced Diesel Driven Generator with associated day tanks, housed in a container. A
900 L double skinned and bunded diesel fuel tank will also be installed. All of this infrastructure will be located
within the radar compound.
A new access track is to be established extending between the existing road and the front gate of the radar
compound. The access track is only required to be trafficable by light vehicles and by small plant needed to
establish and decommission the radar compound (i.e. excavators).
The transportable radar’s corresponding site monitor will comprise of two small antennas. The site monitor is to be
installed atop an elevated platform, situated on the roof of the existing Telstra communications building, on Lot 29
LI203.
Figure 1 shows the proposed development layout, whilst Figure 2 provides an appreciation for the cross-sectional
arrangement of infrastructure across the site.
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Figure 1
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Development Layout
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AECOM
Figure 2
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Typical eastern elevation for the Princhester transportable radar site
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AECOM
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
5.0
Construction, Maintenance and Decommissioning Activities
5.1
Construction
6
The preliminary schedule for construction and commissioning of the Princhester transportable radar is presented
in Table 1. Construction is proposed to commence as soon as practicable after the end of the wet season
(approximately end of March 2014).
Table 1
Preliminary construction schedule.
Week
Activities
Week 1
-
Access road repairs (from the Bruce Highway)
Week 2
-
Select tree pruning
Other vegetation clearing
Access track construction
Week 3
-
Foundation preparations for the radar compound
Foundation preparations for the satellite compound
Concrete pours for both radar and satellite foundations
Week 4
-
Earthing works
Installation of power
Establish communications link
Week 5
-
Completion early works and foundation inspections
Week 6
-
Equipment delivery and placement on slabs
Equipment connection
Establish compound fencing
Week 7 – 9
-
Equipment testing
Week 10 - 13
-
Optimisation and further testing
Construction work will be undertaken during daylight hours (approximately 0700 to 1800), and is proposed to be
seven days a week, weather permitting.
Activities required to establish the Princhester transportable radar site are expanded on in the following sections.
5.1.1
Access Track Construction
A new access track is to be established extending between the existing road and the front gate of the radar
compound. The access track is only required to be trafficable by light vehicles and by small plant needed to
establish and decommission the radar compound (i.e. excavators).
The access track will tie into the road via a ramp extending across an existing table drain. To maintain
connectivity of this table drain, a culvert will be placed in the base of the drain. Where possible, native material will
be used to build up a ramp across the drain and culvert, up onto the serpentinite ridgeline. However, clean road
base may need to be imported to supplement this material.
The track will be carefully aligned to avoid floral species of conservation significance. Construction works for
establishing the access track will be restricted to those required to ensure safe and reliable access to the radar
compound. Such works may involve moving logs, rocks and other obstacles off the intended track, into adjacent
natural clearings.
To be trafficable by light vehicles, road base material may need to be lain down and compacted. The need for
material importation will be determined in light of the suitability of native materials for road base purposes.
On completion, the access track is expected to be 3 m wide and approximately 60 m in length.
The access track is permitted to remain in place following decommissioning of the transportable radar.
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5.1.2
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
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7
Vegetation Clearing
Vegetation clearing will be needed to be cleared for the purpose of establishing the radar compound, access track
and car park. In addition to clearing, pruning of taller trees within 500 m of the radar tower will also be required to
minimise radar signal interference.
Trees will also need to be pruned to achieve statutory clearances from overhead power lines and to provide the
crane arm with a clear slew. Methods for pruning are further discussed in Section 8.4.
5.1.3
Radar and Compound Construction
Preparation of the site for the radar compound is expected to involve the following activities:
-
Selective clearing of canopy trees and smaller vegetation;
-
Moving logs, rocks and other obstacles out of the compound and car parking area, into adjacent natural
clearings.
-
Ground levelling works.
-
Drilling, via auger bit attached to an excavator, to establish holes for rock anchors (~ 6 m deep).
-
Installation of rock anchors.
-
Lifting and placement of radar equipment into the compound area by boom crane (50 m crane required, with
300 t lift capacity).
-
Installation of pre-cast concrete foundation slabs, by crane lift.
-
The radar shelter, generator and fuel tank will all be skid-mounted.
5.1.4
Power and Communications
Overhead high voltage power will be provided by Ergon Energy to the satellite compound on poles, as an
extension of the existing distribution network. It is Indra’s responsibility to then extend power from this final pole
up to the radar compound.
Extending high voltage power to the radar compound will involve stringing a conductor between Ergon Energy’s
pole, next to the satellite compound, and a new pole in the south-east corner of the radar compound.
Low voltage power and telecommunications will be extended to the radar compound between a pole positioned in
the north-east corner of the satellite compound and the radar tower.
Trees either side of this overhead power line will have to be pruned in a scalloped manner to achieve statutory
clearance for safe operation, as specified in the Electricity Safety Regulation 2002.
5.1.5
Satellite and Compound Construction
The satellite and satellite equipment will be established in a 5 m x 8 m fenced compound, seated on a 5 m x 5 m
concreted pad.
The satellite compound will be situated in the cleared eastern verge of the access road. The dish is required to
face 356.1°.
5.1.6
Construction Phase Infrastructure
Construction phase equipment and infrastructure will be established in the cleared eastern verge of the access
road. A site office, toilet block, skip bin and waste concrete wash-down will be established along this verge, to the
south of the satellite compound.
5.2
Maintenance
Activities required to maintain the Princhester transportable radar during its operation are expected to be as
follows:
-
Possible refuelling of 900L bunded diesel fuel tank, adhering to established refuelling procedures;
-
Scheduled maintenance inspections for maintaining vegetation clearances and other general infrastructure
service; and
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Unscheduled servicing of infrastructure, in response to equipment faults etc.
5.3
Decommissioning
Reinstatement of a transportable site includes removal of the radar, and all equipment and fencing. Only the rock
anchors and access track will be left. Decommissioning will also include clean-up of the work site. This will involve
removing any surplus materials, recycling or disposal of all wastes, removing sediment fences and restoring
surfaces with hard stand, if required.
6.0
Survey Results
6.1
Regional Ecosystems
The immediate surrounds of the proposed radar compound exhibits a single vegetation community; being low (12
to 14 m) E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa, C. xanthope woodland with a shrubby understory dominated by Acacia
leptostachya. The ground layer is sparse, characterised by country rock, a shallow litter layer and tussock
grasses. This conforms to the REDD description for RE 11.11.7 (Least Concern) E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa, C.
xanthope woodland on serpentinite.
Airservices have ‘immunity’ from State and Territory land use laws, under S19 of the Air Services Act 1995. ‘Land
use law’ means a law of a State or Territory, to the extent that the law relates to:
a)
The use or proposed use of land or premises; or
b)
The environmental consequences of the use of land or premises.
Therefore Airservices have exemption from requirement to obtain development approval under the Sustainable
Planning Act 2009 for clearing of remnant vegetation.
6.2
EVNT Species
Vegetation clearing for this project will only be required for the purpose of establishing the radar compound and
the associated access track within RE 11.11.7. Table 2 summarises the numbers of each endangered, vulnerable
or near threatened (EVNT) species identified across the proposed radar compound footprint and immediate
surrounds.
Table 2
EVNT species identified through targeted survey effort across the proposed radar compound footprint and immediate
surrounds (RE 11.11.7)
NC Act
Status1
EPBC Act
Status2
No. Identified3
Extrapolated
Density (ha-1)
Macrozamia serpentina
E
-
17
170
Corymbia xanthope
V
V
6
60
NT
V
121
1,210
V
V
4
40
Species
Pimelea leptospermoides
Marsdenia brevifolia
1)
2)
3)
Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
100 m x 10 m transects
The distribution of EVNT species around the proposed development is shown on Figure 3.
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Figure 3
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
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Distribution of EVNT Species
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7.0
Likely Impacts to Flora
7.1
Vegetation Communities
Vegetation clearing for this project will only be required for the purpose of establishing the radar compound and
the associated access track within RE 11.11.7.
The proposed development has been configured, through environmentally sensitive design, to minimise the
footprint of impact in areas of remnant vegetation. In doing so, the following mitigation measures have been
incorporated into design:
-
Reduction in the radar compound footprint from a conventional 30 m x 30 m (0.09 ha) cleared site, to a reconfigured 16 m x 16 m footprint (0.026 ha). This reconfiguration has been achieved by locating ancillary
equipment in the cleared eastern verge of the existing road.
-
Alignment of the new access track to minimise impacts to EVNT species. This access track will also be
restricted to 3 m in width and be available to access by light vehicles and small plant only.
-
Inclusion of an additional 4 m unit in the radar tower. Typically a radar tower would comprise of two 4 m units
(8 m in height). However, to raise the critical zone and reduce the number of canopy trees (including C.
xanthope) that need to be cleared / pruned for this project, an additional 4 m unit has been incorporated into
the radar tower design. This increases the radar tower height to 12 m.
Despite these mitigation measures, the project will result in residual impact to remnant vegetation. These residual
impacts to ground-truthed vegetation communities are summarised in Table 3.
Table 3 Residual Impacts on Vegetation Communities
RE
11.11.7
1.
BioCondition
Good condition.
BioCondition
Score 21
Area (ha)
Total
Clearing
(ha)
Radar Compound
Footprint 16 m x 16 m.
Three M. serpentina to be cleared. Possible clearing
of up to two additional M. serpentina.
0.026
0.055
Car Park
Footprint 16 m x 7 m
0.011
Access Track
3 m x 60 m (approximate length).
Up to five C. xanthope, seven M. serpentina and eight
P. leptospermoides may need to be pruned/cleared to
achieve safe clearances for construction and
operational vehicles using the access track.
0.018
Overhead Power
Possible pruning of up to four C. xanthope.
0.000
Additional Equipment Area
Clear of remnant vegetation, except for one specimen
of M. brevifolia (will not be impacted)
0.000
Proposed Infrastructure Footprint
In the absence of a DEHP benchmark, this BioCondition score has been inferred based on the integrity of this vegetation
community, compared to the anticipated integrity of the community in the absence of any development in the immediate
surrounds (i.e. access road, Powerlink communications site, Telstra RT site etc.).
This project requires the clearing of 0.055 ha within an area of RE 11.11.7 which is locally mapped as extending
970 ha. This impact equates to < 0.005% of this vegetation community in the immediate area.
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7.2
EPBC Act Listed Species
Direct and indirect impacts of this project on EPBC Act listed flora species are described and quantified below.
Corymbia xanthope
The species is a sub-dominant canopy species in the RE 11.11.7 and is relatively common on the serpentinite
ridge line and associated slopes. No C. xanthope are situated within the footprint of development for the radar
compound or the access track (refer to Figure 3). However, one living C. xanthope extends vertically into the
radar critical zone (above 404 mAHD).
The C. xanthope that extends vertically into the radar critical zone is listed in Table 4.
Table 4
C. xanthope extending vertically into the radar critical zone
Elevation at Base
(m AHD)
Tree Height
(m)
Elevation at Tree Top
(mAHD)
Extent in Critical Zone
(m)
% of Tree in
Critical Zone
390.00
16.3
406.30
2.30
14.1
It is anticipated that this C. xanthope can be reduced to a height lower than the radar critical zone through
pruning, thus leaving a viable remainder of the tree for regrowth.
One dead C. xanthope is positioned inside the proposed radar compound. This tree will need to be removed. As it
is dead, it has not been included in this application for an EPBC Permit.
Nine other C. xanthope are included in this application for an EPBC Permit (refer to Figure 4). Impact to these
trees may be narrowly avoided. However, the realities of construction may require that one or more of these C.
xanthope need to be pruned to allow for the safe establishment and operation of the transportable radar, access
track and overhead electrical lines.
Table 5
Impacts to C. xanthope
Short Term Impacts
One dead C. xanthope to be removed.
Pruning of up to 10 living C. xanthope.
Long Term Impacts
No long term impact is expected.
Note: The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Qld) have advised that minor pruning of C. xanthope is not
required to be covered by a Clearing Permit (Protected Plants) under the NC Act if the health of the plant will not be jeopardised
(pers. comm. Christophe Manchon, Senior Policy Officer, 20/01/2014). However, this pruning work is still included in this
application for the purpose of transparency.
Pimelea leptospermoides
The species is restricted to the east facing rock face associated with the existing road cutting and does not occur
on the ridge line or western face of the ridge. The commencement point of the access track has been located to
avoid impact to individuals of this species. As such, no specimens are situated within the development footprint.
Despite this, eight P. leptospermoides are included in this application for an EPBC Permit (refer to Figure 4). On
paper, impact to these individuals can be narrowly avoided. However, the realities of construction may mean that
one or more of these plants will be impacted in the establishment and use of the access track.
One P. leptospermoides is situated within the 3 m buffer area around the overhead power line, as shown on
Figure 3. However, as low lying species, this individual will not be impacted by an overhead power line strung
between the radar and satellite compounds.
Mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of unforseen impacts to this species are discussed in Section 8.0.
Table 6
Impacts to P. leptospermoides
Short Term Impacts
Clearing of up to eight P. leptospermoides.
Long Term Impacts
121 specimens were identified along 120 m of surveyed exposed rock face. The total
number of this species within RE 11.11.7 at this location are expected to be significantly
higher than this. The loss of up to eight specimens from this population is not expected
to lead to a long-term decrease in population size.
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Marsdenia brevifolia
This species is sparsely distributed across the serpentinite ridge line. No specimens were noted on the east or
west facing slopes. Two specimens of M. brevifolia are situated in the eastern verge of the access road, in close
proximity to construction-phase activities (refer to Figure 3). It is anticipated that construction-phase equipment
and activities can be configured to avoid the need for either of these specimens to be removed. However, given
their proximity to construction activities (i.e. crane operation, light-vehicle parking, concrete wash-down etc.),
potential exists for these specimens of M. brevifolia to be indirectly impacted by the project.
Mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of unforseen impacts to this species are discussed in Section 8.0.
Table 7
Impacts to M. brevifolia
Short Term Impacts
No short term impact expected with proper implementation of mitigation measures.
Long Term Impacts
No long term impact is expected.
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Figure 4
Impacted EPBC Act Listed Flora
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8.0
Impact Mitigation
The proposed development has been configured, through environmentally sensitive design, to minimise the
footprint of impact in areas of remnant vegetation. As a residual impact, 0.055 ha of remnant RE 11.11.7 is
required to be cleared to establish the radar compound and associated access track.
Confirmed impacts to EPBC Act listed flora from this development are as follows:
-
Pruning of one C. xanthope to achieve a clear radar critical zone.
In addition to these confirmed impacts, the following EPBC Act listed flora may need to be cleared or pruned to
achieve safe construction and operational clearances:
-
Pruning of up to four C. xanthope to achieve safe clearance from the radar compound fence and overhead
LV power line;
-
Pruning of up to five C. xanthope to achieve safe clearances for construction and operational vehicles using
the access track; and
-
Removal of up to eight P. leptospermoides when cutting the start of the access track into the existing roadside batter.
The following sections specify mitigation measures which can be adopted to minimise the likelihood of direct and
indirect impacts to vegetation as a consequence of this project. Mitigation measures specified here will carry over
into the project-specific Construction Environmental Management Plan.
8.1
Pre-Clearing and Pruning
The following measures are to be conducted by a suitably qualified flora ecologist prior to clearing or pruning
activities commencing on site:
-
Adopt the colour coding scheme introduced in Table 8 when marking vegetation on site.
-
The precise outer-limit of clearing required to accommodate the radar compound, compound car park and
access track are to be delineated with orange flagging tape.
-
The exact location at which the access track is to tie into the existing road is to be marked on the road-side
batter face. This placement is to give careful consideration to the proximity of P. leptospermoides situated
along this batter face, so as to avoid impacting this species.
-
All EVNT flora within 5 m of the outer-limit of clearing is to be marked as follows:

C. xanthope, M. serpentina and M. brevifolia identified with pink flagging tape;

P. leptospermoides marked with pink spray paint marking on the surrounding rock face, ensuring the
plant is not painted.
-
Protective fencing is to be established around the trunks of all trees to be retained, which are located within
3 m of the outer-limit of clearing. Tree protective fencing is to be in accordance with the Australian Standard
– Protection of Trees on a Development Site (AS4970-2009).
-
Protective fencing is to be established around the two M. brevifolia situated within the eastern verge of the
access road (refer to Figure 3). Protective fencing is to be in accordance with AS – Protection of Trees on a
Development Site (AS4970-2009).
-
Mark all trees which are to be pruned to achieve a clear radar critical zone with blue flagging tape.
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Table 8
Colours for marking vegetation
Marking Colour
Meaning
Orange paint/flagging tape
Outer limit of disturbance. No ground disturbance or vegetation clearing is to occur
outside of this area.
Blue paint/flagging tape
Tree which is to be pruned, but not felled.
Pink paint/flagging tape
EVNT flora. Not to be removed, damaged or otherwise tampered with.
8.2
Clearing
The following measures are to be implemented during clearing of native vegetation:
-
Adhere to any conditions attached to the project’s Clearing Permit (Protected Plants) issued under the NC
Act. This is particularly applicable to the removal of the Macrozamia serpentina situated within the footprint
of the radar compound.
-
Maintain a register of all canopy trees cleared or impacted by the project, recording location, ID number and
type of impact.
-
Tree work is inherently hazardous and is to be carried out by a person suitably qualified and experienced in
arboriculture (minimum of AQF Level 3 in arboriculture). Work is to be performed in accordance with relevant
OHS guidelines.
-
Felling is to be conducted selectively, by chainsaw.
-
Trees are to be directionally felled into natural clearings to avoid impacting surrounding EVNT flora and
other canopy trees.
-
Felled trees are to be retained in as few pieces as possible and pushed into natural clearings to be
stockpiled for the life of the Princhester transportable radar.
-
Stockpiled vegetation in this manner will provided temporary habitat to herpetofauna and ground-dwelling
mammals whilst the radar is in operation. Vegetative material will be pulled back across the site during
rehabilitation works.
8.3
Translocation
Pimelea leptospermoides
This species is a small shrub (0.3-0.5 m) growing along the exposed rock batter between the access road and the
radar compound. These individuals have grown in the presence of little soil, if any, with roots established in rock
fractures.
No documented evidence on the success rate of translocation for this species has been found. However, as a
small shrub with specific habitat requirements, it is anticipated that individuals of this species will not be tolerant to
translocation attempts. Despite this expectation, options for re-locating these plants (if impacted) are currently
being considered in combination with considering options for meeting offset obligations under the Queensland
Biodiversity Offset Policy (refer to Section 10.2.2). The preferred option for managing impacts to these P.
leptospermoides will be decided in consultation with DEHP.
8.4
Pruning
The following measures are to be implemented during the pruning of trees which extend into the radar critical
zone. These measures are reflective of the general intent of Australian Standard – Pruning of amenity trees (AS
4373 – 2007):
-
Adhere to any conditions attached to the project’s Clearing Permit (Protected Plants) issued under the NC
Act. This is particularly applicable to pruning of C. xanthope.
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-
Tree work is inherently hazardous and is to be carried out by a person suitably qualified and experienced in
arboriculture (minimum of AQF Level 3 in arboriculture). Work is to be performed in accordance with relevant
OHS guidelines.
-
Trees are only to be pruned in accordance with AS 4373 – 2007. Lopping and topping, as defined in AS
4373, are considered unacceptable practices.
-
Equipment that will wound the bark or conductive tissues shall not be used on a tree that is to be retained.
-
Sharp tools shall be used at all times to ensure that clean cuts are made.
-
If there is a risk of spreading disease from one tree to another, pruning tools shall be disinfected between
trees. The need for this measure will be determined by the arborist during a pre-pruning arboricultural
assessment.
-
To avoid splitting or tearing of the branch collar or trunk, branches are to be pre-cut or undercut. The
remaining stub will then be removed with a final cut.
-
For branch removal, a final cut shall be made as close as possible to the branch collar, without cutting into
the branch collar. In the absence of a branch collar, the branch bark ridge will be used to determine the
angle of the final cut.
-
When removing a co-dominant stem, the stem bark ridge shall be used to determine the angle of the cut.
-
When lowering or dropping branches, no other part of the tree being pruned, or adjacent trees, shall be
damaged.
-
When pruning a tree, the minimum necessary to achieve the aim of the exercise is to be removed.
-
Extensive research has shown that there are no wound dressings that prevent decay. Best practice is to
prune to the appropriate positions outlined in AS 4373 and to not use wound paint. If the natural target
pruning is followed, the tree’s own protective mechanisms will normally provide adequate defence.
-
Removed branches are to be stockpiled in natural clearings with other cleared vegetation, for later use in
site rehabilitation.
8.5
Construction
The following measures are to be implemented during construction of the transportable radar:
-
Ensure all construction personnel and subcontractors are inducted onto site. Specifically personnel are to be
introduced to the vegetation colour coding system and be made familiar with the EVNT flora species which
are located on site.
-
Vehicles and plant are not permitted to be operated off designated roads and tracks.
-
No EVNT flora is to be impacted by crane operations.
-
Fires are not permitted on site.
8.6
Operation, Maintenance and Decommissioning
The following measures are to be implemented during operation, maintenance and decommissioning:
-
All pre-clearing markings and protective tree fencing is to be retained for the duration of operation and
decommissioning of the transportable radar.
-
If additional pruning of canopy trees is required to maintain a clear radar critical zone and safe operating
area, the measures specified in Section 8.1.4 are to be followed. Advice is to be obtained prior to pruning to
ensure additional permitting is not required for the planned activity.
-
Vehicles and plant are not permitted to be operated off designated roads and tracks.
-
No EVNT flora is to be impacted by crane operations.
-
All stockpiled vegetation is to be pulled back and distributed across the disturbed footprint following
decommissioning and removal of all project infrastructure.
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9.0
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Significance of Impact
The EPBC Act is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal
framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and
heritage places — defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national environmental significance. Where a proposal
has potential to result in a Significant impact to a matter of national environmental significance, the proposal may
require (following referral to DoE) approval under the EPBC Act.
An assessment of this project against the significance impact assessment criteria contained in DoE’s ‘Significant
Impact Guideline 1.1: Matters of national environmental significance’ and ‘Significant Impact Guideline 1.2:
Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land and Actions by Commonwealth Agencies’ is presented as
Attachment A. These Guidelines assist applicants by providing a self-assessable process to help determine
whether their proposed action will have a significant impact on matters of NES.
In conclusion to assessment of the project against the relevant project against the significance impact assessment
criteria, it is AECOM’s position that the proposed development will not result in significant impacts to any matters
of NES. Consequently, it is concluded that the project does not require referral to the DoE for assessment under
the EPBC Act.
Despite this conclusion, the EPBC Act requires a permit to be obtained for activities which will occur in or on a
Commonwealth area and will impact a listed threatened species or community. Therefore, impacts to threatened
species under the EPBC Act will need to be pre-approved with a listed species and ecological community permit.
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10.0
Offset Policies and Obligations
10.1
Commonwealth Biodiversity Offsets
Offset requirements for matters of national environmental significance (NES) follow the requirements documented
in the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy (DSEWPAC, 2012). The intention of the policy is to ensure that
offsets deliver high-quality conservation outcomes for matters of NES that are likely to be significantly impacted.
Offsets for matters of NES are only required if the ‘residual impacts’ (impacts that remain after avoidance and
mitigation measures have been applied) are ‘significant’. The potential impacts of the project on matters of NES
have been assessed using the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 and Significant Impact Guideline 1.2.
In conclusion to assessment of the project against the relevant project against the significance impact assessment
criteria, it is AECOM’s position that the proposed development will not result in significant impacts to any matters
of NES. On this basis, the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy does not apply to the project and offsets under
the EPBC Act are not required.
10.2
Queensland Government Environmental Offset Policy
10.2.1
Overview
The Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy is applied to replace the value of environmental
features unavoidably lost due to development. There are four specific-issue offset policies that apply to the Policy.
These are listed in Table 9 with the applicability of each to this project.
Table 9
Policies under the Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy
Offset Policy
Relevance to this Project
Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets
Not applicable as the project is exempt from clearing
requirements under the Vegetation Management Act
1999.
Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy (QBOP)
Applicable to this project
Offsets for Net Benefit of Koala Habitat in South East
Queensland Policy
Not applicable as the project is located outside of the
South East Queensland Koala Protection Area.
Marine Fish Habitat Offset Policy
Does not apply as no marine fish habitat is impacted by
the project.
Of the policies under the Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy, the QBOP is the only policy that
is applicable to the project. The purpose of the QBOP is to increase the long-term protection and viability of
Queensland’s biodiversity where residual impacts from development on an area possessing ‘state significant
biodiversity values’ cannot be avoided. The state significant biodiversity values to which the policy applies are
listed in Appendix 1 of the QBOP.
10.2.2
Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy
The requirement for an offset under the QBOP only applies to certain activities. QBOP is applicable to this project
as it involves the taking of EVNT plants, protected under the NC Act.
A Biodiversity Offset Assessment is currently being finalised for this project, which will provide a strategy for
fulfilling offsetting obligations under the QBOP. DEHP will continue to be consulted in regards to the preferred
offsetting arrangements for this project.
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Appendix A
Significant Impact
Assessment
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Appendix A
Significant Impact Assessment
Significant Impact Guideline 1.1: Matters of National Environmental Significance
1.
Are there any matters of national environmental significance located in the area of the proposed
action?
Flora
Three floral species listed under the EPBC Act have been confirmed within, or in close proximity to the footprint of
development:
a)
Corymbia xanthope, Glen Geddes Bloodwood [Vulnerable];
b)
Pimelea leptospermoides [Vulnerable];
c)
Marsdenia brevifolia [Vulnerable].
One additional EPBC Act listed species, Cycas ophiololitica [Endangered] was identified through field survey.
Twenty five individuals were observed along the upstream banks of Fig Tree Creek Branch #2, with a further 70
individuals observed either side of the road between Fig Tree Creek Branch #2 and Gate #2. These individuals
are all situated outside the proposed footprint of impact for this project and will not be disturbed.
Fauna
One specimen of Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus – a Vulnerable under the EPBC Act) was heard during
spotlighting survey. The vocalisations did not originate from within the Study Area and were placed approximately
400 m to the east of the proposed radar compound, on the eastern foothills of the Princhester Range.
No koala or indicators of koala (i.e. scats or tree scratches) were observed within the Study Area during field
surveys. Both the Corymbia and Eucalyptus genera are widely recognised as koala habitat trees. Eucalyptus
fibrosa is a recognised koala food tree, but is not generally considered as one of the key or important food tree
species.
A solitary Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus – a Migratory and Marine species under the EPBC Act) was heard
flying over the Study Area. The Rainbow Bee-eater occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands,
and in various cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation (Higgins 1999).
This species has potential to use habitat within the Study Area. However, as a migratory and widespread species,
potential habitat within the Study Area is not considered to be crucial to this species’ survival in the region.
Passive Visual Monitoring was undertaken as a narrowly-targeted method for presence/absence survey of
northern quoll (Dasyrus hallucatus – Endangered under the EPBC Act)1. Nine passive infrared cameras were
deployed over an 18 ha matrix, equating to one camera per 2 ha and 11.5 camera trap nights per hectare. The
PVM density and baiting methods used were considered sufficient to result in a trigger should a northern quoll
enter the PVM matrix. No images of northern quoll were captured by any of the cameras deployed over the 23
night survey period.
2.
Considering the proposed action at its broadest scope, is there potential for impacts on matters of
national environmental significance?
Flora
Based on the revised radar design, the project’s only direct impact to any flora matters protected under the EPBC
Act will be:
1)
Pruning of one C. xanthope to achieve a clear radar critical zone.
2)
Pruning of up to four C. xanthope to achieve safe clearance from the radar compound fence and
overhead LV power line;
1
The use of Passive Visual Monitoring as a surrogate method of presence/absence survey for the Northern Quoll, in line with
the Survey Guidelines for Australia’s threatened mammals would, was deemed to be acceptable by DSEWPaC (now DoE) at
the pre-referral stage of assessment (pers. comm. James Hammond, Species Information, Wildlife, Heritage and Marine
Division, 12/06/2013).
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3)
Pruning of up to five C. xanthope to achieve safe clearances for construction and operational vehicles
using the access track; and
4)
Removal of up to eight P. leptospermoides when cutting the start of the access track into the existing
road-side batter.
This is a significant reduction in impact from that projected for the concept-phase site layout, where up to 68 trees,
including 21 C. xanthope would have required pruning or clearing.
Since the concept phase for this project, the proposed development has been configured, through
environmentally sensitive design, to minimise the footprint of impact in areas of remnant vegetation. In doing so,
the following mitigation measures have been incorporated into design:
-
Reduction in the radar compound footprint from a conventional 30 m x 30 m (0.09 ha) cleared site, to a reconfigured 16 m x 16 m footprint (0.026 ha). This reconfiguration has been achieved by locating ancillary
equipment in the cleared eastern verge of the existing road.
-
Alignment of the new access track to minimise impacts to EVNT species. This access track will also be
restricted to 3 m in width and be available to access by light vehicles and small plant only.
-
Inclusion of an additional 4 m unit in the radar tower. Typically a radar tower would comprise of two 4 m units
(8 m in height). However, to raise the critical zone and reduce the number of canopy trees (including C.
xanthope) that need to be cleared / pruned for this project, an additional 4 m unit has been incorporated into
the radar tower design. This increases the radar tower height to 12 m.
Possible indirect impacts to other threatened species can be appropriately mitigated through implementation of
management measures specified in Section 8.0.
Fauna
Koala
It is possible that small numbers of koala may occasionally utilise E. fibrosa trees within the Study Area. Despite
this possibility, the project is only expected to result in the felling of 17 trees and the pruning of up to 21 trees.
Therefore, the project will not result in a significant reduction to the area of occupancy for an important population
of this species.
Northern Quoll
In the absence of any recorded images of northern quoll, and with no critical habitat observed through targeted
habitat searches, it is considered unlikely that the footprint of development (0.055 ha) is situated within the current
home range of a northern quoll. However, with habitat values of the surrounding landscape, it is concluded that
this species may still be occasionally encountered within the Study Area.
In light of the survey findings, and the restricted footprint of development, the project is not expected to result in
impact to any habitat considered critical to the survival of this species.
Rainbow Bee-eater
This species has potential to use habitat within the Study Area. However, as a migratory and widespread species,
potential habitat within the Study Area is not considered to be crucial to this species’ survival in the region.
Therefore this project is not expected to impact on populations of rainbow bee-eater.
Brigalow Belt Reptiles
Microhabitat for Brigalow Belt reptiles can be found scattered across the Study Area and the broader surrounds.
However, no areas of habitat considered critical to the survival of Brigalow Belt reptiles occur within the project’s
footprint of disturbance (0.055 ha). Therefore, impact to these species is expected to be negligible with
implementation of appropriate mitigation measures (refer to Section 8.0).
Powerful Owl
The project is only expected to result in the felling of 17 trees and the pruning of up to 21 trees. None of these
trees were observed as having hollows during field survey. Therefore, the project is not expected to result in a
significant reduction to the area of occupancy for an important population of this species.
Potential impacts to this species are expected to be appropriately managed through implementation of the
mitigation measures discussed in Section 8.0.
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3.
Are there any proposed measures to avoid or reduce impacts on matters of national environmental
significance?
By revising the site layout and height of the radar tower, both Airservices and Indra have greatly reduced the level
of direct impact to matters of NES. Indirect impacts to matters of NES in close proximity to the development will
be appropriately mitigated through implementation of the mitigation measures discussed in Section 8.0.
Additionally, a project-specific Construction Environmental Management Plan is to be implemented to guide the
management of construction activities in an environmentally sensitive manner.
4.
Are any impacts of the proposed action on matters of national environmental significance likely to
be significant impacts?
Given the design changes to the radar and surrounding equipment, the reduction in extent of impact from the
original concept design has been considerable. The project’s only direct impact to any matters protected under
the EPBC Act will be the pruning of up to 10 C. xanthope and the removal of up to eight P. leptospermoides.
121 P. leptospermoides were identified along 120 m of surveyed exposed rock face. The total number of this
species within RE 11.11.7 at this location is expected to be significantly higher than this. As such, the removal of
up to eight plants is not expected to constitute a significant impact for this species, at this location.
Possible indirect impacts to other matters of NES can be appropriately mitigated through implementation of
management measures discussed in Section 8.0.
In light of the above, it is AECOM’s position that this project will not result in any significant impacts to matters of
NES.
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Table 10
Significant impact criteria for listed threatened species and communities
Significant Impact Criteria
Is there a real chance or
possibility that the action
will -
Listed Threatened Species Relevant to this Project
Corymbia xanthope
Pimelea
leptospermoides
Marsdenia brevifolia
Cycas ophiololitica
Koala (Phascolarctos
cinereus)
Lead to a long-term
decrease in the size of a
population
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No living C. xanthope will
be removed for this
project. Up to 10
specimens may require
pruning. This level of
impact will not lead to a
long-term decrease in
population size.
Up to eight P.
leptospermoides may be
cleared for this project.
121 specimens were
identified along 120 m of
surveyed exposed rock
face. The total number of
this species within RE
11.11.7 at this location are
expected to be
significantly higher than
this. The loss of up to eight
specimens from this
population is not expected
to lead to a long-term
decrease in population
size.
This species will not be
directly impacted by this
project. Indirect impacts
will be avoided through
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
This species will not be
directly impacted by this
project. Indirect impacts
will be avoided through
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
It is possible that small
numbers of koala may
occasionally utilise E.
fibrosa trees within the
Study Area. Despite this
possibility, the project is
not expected to result in
direct impacts to this
species. Therefore impact
to habitat trees is not
expected lead to a longterm decrease in
population size.
Reduce the area of
occupancy of the species
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No living C. xanthope will
be removed for this
project.
P. leptospermoides were
observed as occurring
along the exposed rock
batter adjacent to the
access road. This species
will continue to occupy this
previously disturbed rock
face.
This species will not be
directly impacted by this
project.
This species will not be
directly impacted by this
project.
It is possible that small
numbers of koala may
occasionally utilise E.
fibrosa trees within the
Study Area. Despite this
possibility, the project is
only expected to result in
the felling of 17 trees and
the pruning of up to 21
trees. Therefore, the
project will not result in a
significant reduction to the
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Significant Impact Criteria
Listed Threatened Species Relevant to this Project
Is there a real chance or
possibility that the action
will -
Corymbia xanthope
Pimelea
leptospermoides
Marsdenia brevifolia
Cycas ophiololitica
Koala (Phascolarctos
cinereus)
area of occupancy for an
important population of
this species.
Fragment an existing
population into two or
more populations
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
This project involves
isolated clearing and will
not result in fragmentation
of habitat for this species.
This project involves
isolated clearing and will
not result in fragmentation
of habitat for this species.
This project involves
isolated clearing and will
not result in fragmentation
of habitat for this species.
This project involves
isolated clearing and will
not result in fragmentation
of habitat for this species.
This project involves
isolated clearing and will
not result in fragmentation
of habitat for this species.
Adversely affect habitat
critical to the survival of a
species
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
This species does have
highly specific habitat
requirements. However,
this project will not
adversely disturb any
habitat critical to the
survival of this species.
This species does have
highly specific habitat
requirements. However,
this project will not
adversely disturb any
habitat critical to the
survival of this species.
This species does have
highly specific habitat
requirements. However,
this project will not
adversely disturb any
habitat critical to the
survival of this species.
This species does have
highly specific habitat
requirements. However,
this project will not
adversely disturb any
habitat critical to the
survival of this species.
Habitat values present at
Princhester and expected
to be impacted by this
project are not considered
to be critical to the survival
of this species.
Disrupt the breeding cycle
of a population
No
No
No
No
No
Modify, destroy, remove,
isolate or decrease the
availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that
the species is likely to
decline
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Potential impacts to the
availability or quality of
habitat are expected to be
adequately managed
through the
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
Potential impacts to the
availability or quality of
habitat are expected to be
adequately managed
through the
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
Potential impacts to the
availability or quality of
habitat are expected to be
adequately managed
through the
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
Potential impacts to the
availability or quality of
habitat are expected to be
adequately managed
through the
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
Potential impacts to the
availability or quality of
habitat are expected to be
adequately managed
through the
implementation of
appropriate mitigation
measures.
Result in invasive species
The potential does exist
The potential does exist
The potential does exist
The potential does exist
The potential does exist
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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AECOM
Significant Impact Criteria
Is there a real chance or
possibility that the action
will -
A-6
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Listed Threatened Species Relevant to this Project
Corymbia xanthope
Pimelea
leptospermoides
Marsdenia brevifolia
Cycas ophiololitica
Koala (Phascolarctos
cinereus)
that are harmful to a
species becoming
established in the species’
habitat
for weed species to be
introduced to the project
area as a consequence of
construction, maintenance
and decommissioning
activities. However, this
risk is expected to be
appropriately mitigated
through implementation
and adherence to a
project-specific weed
management plan.
for weed species to be
introduced to the project
area as a consequence of
construction, maintenance
and decommissioning
activities. However, this
risk is expected to be
appropriately mitigated
through implementation
and adherence to a
project-specific weed
management plan.
for weed species to be
introduced to the project
area as a consequence of
construction, maintenance
and decommissioning
activities. However, this
risk is expected to be
appropriately mitigated
through implementation
and adherence to a
project-specific weed
management plan.
for weed species to be
introduced to the project
area as a consequence of
construction, maintenance
and decommissioning
activities. However, this
risk is expected to be
appropriately mitigated
through implementation
and adherence to a
project-specific weed
management plan.
for weed species to be
introduced to the project
area as a consequence of
construction, maintenance
and decommissioning
activities. However, this
risk is expected to be
appropriately mitigated
through implementation
and adherence to a
project-specific weed
management plan.
Introduce disease that may
cause the species to
decline
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Activities for this project
are considered to have
very little potential to
introduce disease to the
area.
Activities for this project
are considered to have
very little potential to
introduce disease to the
area.
Activities for this project
are considered to have
very little potential to
introduce disease to the
area.
Activities for this project
are considered to have
very little potential to
introduce disease to the
area.
Activities for this project
are considered to have
very little potential to
introduce disease to the
area.
Interfere with the recovery
of a species
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
The project site is not
considered to be crucial to
the recovery of this
species. Following
decommissioning, all
project infrastructure will
be removed from site to
allow for rehabilitation of
the disturbed area and
habitat values of relevance
to this species.
The project site is not
considered to be crucial to
the recovery of this
species. Following
decommissioning, all
project infrastructure will
be removed from site to
allow for rehabilitation of
the disturbed area and
habitat values of relevance
to this species.
The project site is not
considered to be crucial to
the recovery of this
species. Following
decommissioning, all
project infrastructure will
be removed from site to
allow for rehabilitation of
the disturbed area and
habitat values of relevance
to this species.
The project site is not
considered to be crucial to
the recovery of this
species. Following
decommissioning, all
project infrastructure will
be removed from site to
allow for rehabilitation of
the disturbed area and
habitat values of relevance
to this species.
The project site is not
considered to be crucial to
the recovery of this
species. Following
decommissioning, all
project infrastructure will
be removed from site to
allow for rehabilitation of
the disturbed area and
habitat values of relevance
to this species.
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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AECOM
Table 11
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
A-7
Significant impact criteria for listed migratory species
Significant Impact Criteria
Migratory Species Relevant to this Project
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will -
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
Substantially modify (including my fragmenting, altering fire regimes,
altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an
area of important habitat for a migratory species
No. The project only requires clearing 0.055 ha of RE 11.11.7. Despite this, the site
is not considered to be an area of important habitat for this species.
Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species
becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory
species
The potential does exist for weed species to be introduced to the project area as a
consequence of construction, maintenance and decommissioning activities.
However, this risk is expected to be appropriately mitigated through implementation
and adherence to a project-specific weed management plan.
Despite this, the site is not considered to be an area of important habitat for this
species.
Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting
behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a
migratory species
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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No. An ecologically significant proportion of the population is not expected to utilise
the project site. Despite this, project activities are not regarded as having potential
to disrupt the lifecycle of this species.
AECOM
A-8
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Significant Impact Guideline 1.2: Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land and Actions by Commonwealth
Agencies
Table 12
Significant impact assessment against Significant Impact Guideline 1.2
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
Impacts on landscapes and soils
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
substantially alter natural landscape features
cause subsidence, instability or substantial erosion, or
-
involve medium or large-scale excavation of soil or
minerals?
Relevance to Project
The total footprint of development, 0.055 ha, has been minimised
through considered design to be as small as practicable for a
transportable radar. Works required to establish the radar site and
associated access track is not expected to substantially alter the
natural landscape. Development of this scale is not considered to
be medium or large-scale.
Soils observed across the site are not considered to be especially
dispersive. However, when exposed for prolonged periods, most
soil types can be susceptible to erosion. The potential for loss of
material through erosion is expected to be suitably mitigated
through the implementation of a site-specific Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan. Therefore substantial erosion is not considered a real
possibility for this site.
Conclusion: No significant impact on landscapes and soil
Impacts on coastal landscapes
and processes
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
alter coastal processes, including wave action,
sediment movement or accretion, or water circulation
patterns
permanently alter tidal patterns, water flows or water
quality in estuaries
reduce biological diversity or change species
composition in estuaries, or
Impacts on ocean forms, ocean
processes and ocean life
The site is not in proximity to the coastal zone. Therefore these
impact criteria are not considered to be applicable to this project.
Conclusion: No significant impact on coastal landscapes and
processes
extract large volumes of sand or substantially
destabilise sand dunes?
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
reduce biological diversity or change species
composition on reefs, seamounts or in other sensitive
marine environments
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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The site is not in proximity to marine environments. Therefore these
impact criteria are not considered to be applicable to this project.
Conclusion: No significant impact on ocean forms, ocean
AECOM
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
-
-
Impacts on water resources
A-9
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
alter water circulation patterns by modification of
existing landforms or the addition of artificial reefs or
other large structures
substantially damage or modify large areas of the
seafloor or ocean habitat, such as sea grass
release oil, fuel or other toxic substances into the
marine environment in sufficient quantity to kill larger
marine animals or alter ecosystem processes, or
Relevance to Project
processes and ocean life
release large quantities of sewage or other waste into
the marine environment?
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
measurably reduce the quantity, quality or availability
of surface or ground water
channelise, divert or impound rivers or creeks or
substantially alter drainage patterns, or
The closest watercourse to the radar site is situated approximately
600 m west of the proposed tower location. This branch of Fig Tree
Creek is an ephemeral gully, with its origins on the western slope of
this section of the Princhester Range, flowing into Princhester
Creek.
-
The potential for loss of material through erosion is expected to be
suitably mitigated through the implementation of a site-specific
Erosion and Sediment Control. Therefore water quality is not
expected to be impacted through loss of materials from site.
measurably alter water table levels?
Intelara has indicated that three existing culverts will have to be
unblocked, with minor repair works. The purpose of this work is to
ensure the crossings remains functional for the duration of
construction, operation and decommissioning of the transportable
radar.
Direct impacts to Fig Tree Creek can be mitigated through
implementation of the following measures:
-
-
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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Adherence to the Department of Natural Resources and
Mines’ ‘Riverine protection permit exemption requirements’.
Adherence to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry’s applicable self-assessable codes for waterway
barrier works.
Preparation and implementation of a site-specific Erosion and
AECOM
A-10
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
Relevance to Project
-
Sediment Control Plan;
Scheduling works around watercourses to occur outside
periods of peak flow (i.e. outside of the wet season).
Conclusion: In light of the above, the project is not expected to
result in a significant impact on water resources.
Pollutants, chemicals, and toxic
substances
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
generate smoke, fumes, chemicals, nutrients, or other
pollutants which will substantially reduce local air
quality or water quality
result in the release, leakage, spillage, or explosion of
flammable, explosive, toxic, radioactive, carcinogenic,
or mutagenic substances, through use, storage,
transport, or disposal
increase atmospheric concentrations of gases which
will contribute to the greenhouse effect or ozone
damage, or
-
substantially disturb contaminated or acid-sulphate
soils?
The project is not expected to generate smoke, fumes, chemicals,
nutrients, or other pollutants which will substantially reduce local air
quality or water quality.
If required to be used on site, dangerous goods should be handled
and stored in accordance with the National Standard for the
Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods (NOHSC:
1015(2001)), relevant material safety data sheets and applicable
Australian Standards.
A Site Contamination Due Diligence Assessment Report has been
prepared for the project site to identify if works associated with
establishing this infrastructure has potential to disturb contaminated
or hazardous materials. No significant sources of contamination
have been identified.
Conclusion: No significant impacts from pollutants, chemicals
and toxic substances.
Impacts on plants
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
involve medium or large-scale native vegetation
clearance
involve any clearance of any vegetation containing a
listed threatened species which is likely to result in a
long-term decline in a population or which threatens
the viability of the species
introduce potentially invasive species
involve the use of chemicals which substantially stunt
the growth of native vegetation, or
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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Based on the revised radar design, the project’s only direct impact
to any flora matters protected under the EPBC Act will be:
1)
Pruning of one C. xanthope to achieve a clear radar
critical zone.
2)
Pruning of up to four C. xanthope to achieve safe
clearance from the radar compound fence and overhead
LV power line;
3)
Pruning of up to five C. xanthope to achieve safe
clearances for construction and operational vehicles
AECOM
A-11
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
-
involve large-scale controlled burning or any controlled
burning in sensitive areas, including areas which
contain listed threatened species?
Relevance to Project
using the access track; and
4)
Removal of up to eight P. leptospermoides when cutting
the start of the access track into the existing road-side
batter.
This is a significant reduction in impact from that projected for the
original preliminary site layout, where up to 66 C. xanthope would
have required pruning or clearing.
Possible indirect impacts to other threatened species can be
appropriately mitigated through implementation of management
measures specified in Section Error! Reference source not
found..
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of the
transportable radar site has the potential to spread existing weeds
and introduce new weeds species to the area. Weed hygiene and
prevention measures for the spread of weeds will be very important
to help manage the potential impacts from invasive species. A sitespecific Weed Management Plan will be implemented to ensure
appropriate weed hygiene and prevention measures are applied for
this project.
Conclusion: No significant impacts on plants
Impacts on animals
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
involve medium or large-scale native vegetation
clearance
involve any clearance of any vegetation containing a
listed threatened species which is likely to result in a
long-term decline in a population or which threatens
the viability of the species
introduce potentially invasive species
involve the use of chemicals which substantially stunt
the growth of native vegetation, or
-
involve large-scale controlled burning or any controlled
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315
The total footprint of development, 0.055 ha, has been minimised
through considered design to be as small as practicable for a
transportable radar. This extent of clearing is not considered to be
medium or large-scale.
The EIA has concluded that the project will not result in a long-term
decline or loss in viability of any listed threatened species (refer to
Section Error! Reference source not found.).
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of the
transportable radar site has the potential to spread existing weeds
and introduce new weeds species to the area. Weed hygiene and
prevention measures for the spread of weeds will be very important
AECOM
A-12
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
Relevance to Project
burning in sensitive areas, including areas which
contain listed threatened species?
to help manage the potential impacts from invasive species. A sitespecific Weed Management Plan will be implemented to ensure
appropriate weed hygiene and prevention measures are applied for
this project.
If required to be used on site, dangerous goods should be handled
and stored in accordance with the National Standard for the
Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods (NOHSC:
1015(2001)), relevant material safety data sheets and applicable
Australian Standards.
No burning, large-scale or otherwise, is required for this project.
Conclusion: No significant impacts on animals
Impacts on people and
communities
Impacts on heritage
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
substantially increase demand for, or reduce the
availability of, community services or infrastructure
which have direct or indirect impacts on the
environment, including water supply, power supply,
roads, waste disposal, and housing
-
affect the health, safety, welfare or quality of life of the
members of a community, through factors such as
noise, odours, fumes, smoke, or other pollutants
-
cause physical dislocation of individuals or
communities, or
-
substantially change or diminish cultural identity, social
organisation or community resources?
Is there a real chance or possibility that the action will:
permanently destroy, remove or substantially alter the
fabric (physical material including structural
elements and other components, fixtures, contents, and
objects) of a heritage place
involve extension, renovation, or substantial alteration
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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The Princhester transportable radar is required to provide
continued radar surveillance coverage during the ERRP. As such,
there is an underlying public safety need for this infrastructure.
Although it will be visible atop the range, the transportable radar will
only be a temporary facility and will be co-located on the same
section of range as the existing Powerlink and Telstra
communications towers, and associated overhead feeders. Both of
these existing towers are taller than the proposed transportable
radar tower will be. Therefore, the temporary establishment of a
transportable radar site on top of this section of the Princhester
Range is not expected to significantly impact of the character of the
surrounding landscape.
Conclusion: No significant impacts on people or communities.
A cultural heritage survey of the project site was conducted to
identify any Aboriginal heritage values within the proposed
development area and to either obtain heritage clearance consent
from Darumbal Enterprises Pty Ltd, or identify strategies to manage
those areas appropriately.
No places of Aboriginal cultural heritage importance were identified
AECOM
A-13
Princhester Transportable Radar
EPBC Act Threatened Species Permit – Supporting Information for Permit Application
Commercial-in-Confidence
Impact Element
Impact Criteria
-
-
-
of a heritage place in a manner which is
inconsistent with the heritage values of the place
involve the erection of buildings or other structures
adjacent to, or within important sight lines of, a heritage
place which are inconsistent with the heritage values of
the place
substantially diminish the heritage value of a heritage
place for a community or group for which it is significant
substantially alter the setting of a heritage place in a
manner which is inconsistent with the heritage values of
the place, or
substantially restrict or inhibit the existing use of a
heritage place as a cultural or ceremonial site?
Revision 0 – 31-Jan-2014
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Relevance to Project
during the survey, and Darumbal have given heritage clearance for
the works to proceed. However, caution should continue to be
exercised during any ground breaking works, particularly Category
5 works, and Darumbal should be contacted if any objects of
potential Aboriginal cultural significance are uncovered.
Conclusion: No significant impacts on heritage.