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11 Matters of National Environmental Significance 11.1 Introduction The Matters of National Environmental Significance Report, (Appendix UU) as prepared by Cardno Chenoweth, addresses the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) controlling provisions as they relate to the proposed Gold Coast Quarry site. The assessment that has been completed represents a balance between an initial desktop review and ground truthing to confirm the initial assessment. Overall, this technical report specifically addresses Chapter 11 of the Terms of Reference. The Matters of National Environmental Significance Report includes the following figures of note: > Figure 11-1 – Site Locality > Figure 11-2 – Regional Distribution of Known White-Bellied Sea Eagle Nests > Figure 11-3 – EPBC Scheduled Ecological Communities; and > Figure 11- 4 – Viewshed from the Nest. Reference is to be made to Appendix UU in order to view the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report and the associated Figures that have been prepared. The Flora and Fauna Technical Report (Appendix X) completed by Cardno Chenoweth also includes some of the information presented in the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. The Gold Coast Quarry project was referred to the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) on 1 December 2010 for determination as to whether the project constitutes a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act. On 21 December 2010, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities determined that the project is a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act23 due to the likely potential impacts on matters of national environmental significance (MNES). The controlling provisions for the project are Sections 18 and 18A. The controlling provisions relate specifically to the potential impacts of the project on threatened species and communities listed under the EPBC Act. The controlling provisions for the project relate only to threatened species and ecological communities and do not relate to migratory species. In the interest of completeness, migratory species have been addressed in this report 11.1.1 Description of the Action The action is proposed near Reedy Creek in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland. A site locality plan is provided as Figure 11-1, and identifies the disturbance footprint which will encompass an estimated 65ha. The proponent is proposing to establish a new extractive industry operation on a greenfield site bordering Old Coach Rd and Tallebudgera Creek Road, at Reedy Creek. The action is proposed on land described as Lot 105 on SP144215. In developing this proposal, the proponent has sought to balance the need to bring this State-significant extractive resource to market whilst protecting the environmental and social values of the local area. After taking into account a range of environmental constraints and the need to provide extensive buffer areas, the proposed quarry has been designed and sited to access an estimated total of 79 million tonnes of resource. The proponent has voluntarily sterilised a substantial proportion of the resource which is known to occur on the site in order to achieve an appropriate balance between environmental, economic and community interests. Chapter 2 of the EIS provides a detailed overview of the project, particularly with respect to the various stages of the development. 23 Project reference: EPBC 2010/5757 Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 329 11.1.2 Relationship with Other Actions As detailed in Section 1.4 of the technical report, the proponent is not aware of any other actions that have been taken, are being taken, or that have been approved in the immediate site locality. The surrounding area is characterised by existing land uses that include urban residential development, rural residential development, nature conservation industry and extractive industry operations.. A search of SEWPaC’s online list of referrals was undertaken on 26 November 2012. The closest referred project is the Gold Coast Ocean Terminal which is located approximately 10 km north of the study area. Other referred projects within the City of Gold Coast are: > the Springbrook Conservation Area and Day Use Facilities, located approximately 14 km south-west of the Study Area > the upgrade of the Smith Street Motorway approximately 17 km north of the Study Area; and > the Helensvale Waste Transfer Station Expansion located approximately 26 km north-west from the Study Area. 11.1.3 Project Team and Agencies Consulted Chapter 1.7 of the EIS provides an overview of all agencies consulted during the process. Section 1.6 details the members of the Cardno Chenoweth team who were involved in the preparation of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. 11.1.4 Environmental Record The proponent has never received a penalty or been convicted of an offence under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.The proponent’s environmental policy is contained in Attachment A to the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 330 11.2 Listed Threatened Species and Ecological Communities 11.2.1 List of potential listed threatened species and ecological communities and their status The EIS project team has investigated and confirmed the presence and status of any listed threatened species and ecological communities that could be impacted by the project. 11.2.1.1 Threatened ecological communities The EPBC Protected Matters Search maintained by SEWPaC identified one (1) threatened ecological community that may occur within the Study Area: the Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia. The ecological community is listed as critically endangered. The Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia community was listed under the EPBC Act on 25 November 2011. Although the community was listed after the project was declared a controlled action on 21 December 2012, the EIS studies sought to determine the presence of the Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia community within the Study Area. Section 4.1 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report outlines that the field survey recorded four distinct vegetation community types within the Study Area, all of which were described to be open forests dominated by various Eucalypts. No vegetation communities within the Study Area were found to be analogous to any EPBC-listed threatened ecological community. A plot survey was undertaken to assess the species composition within an area that supported rainforest species on alluvium. It was found that this area supported a predominance of sclerophyll species within the canopy. Reference is to be made to Section 2.1 of the technical report for further comments with respect to potentially threatened ecological communities. 11.2.1.2 Threatened Flora Species The EPBC Protected Matters Search identified a total of 57 threatened flora species that have the potential to occur within the Study Area. Descriptions of the distribution, ecology and habitat preferences of each threatened species identified by the EPBC Protected Matters Search are documented Attachment C to the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. The likelihood that each of the threatened species inhabits the Study Area was subsequently assessed in detail to more accurately identify those threatened flora species which could be affected by the proposal. Descriptive profiles for threatened species known to occur on site, together with those identified by SEWPaC’s decision on their referral notice, are provided in the following sections of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. In each case, aspects including each species’ current distribution, habitat requirements and populations discovered on Lot 105 are detailed: > Section 2.2.1—Diploglottis campbellii (Small-leaved Tamarind); > Section 2.2.2—Endiandra hayesii (Rusty Rose Walnut); > Section 2.2.3—Gossia fragrantissima (Sweet Myrtle); > Section 2.2.4—Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia (Monkey Nut); > Section 2.2.5—Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine); > Section 2.2.6—Syzygium hodgkinsoniae (Smooth-barked Rose Apple); > Section 2.2.7—Syzygium moorei (Durobby); and > Section 2.2.8—Taeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon Orchid). Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 331 Overall, vegetation communities within the Study Area were found to comprise a diverse suite of flora species. A total of 348 flora species were recorded. The field surveys within the Study Area recorded the presence of three EPBC-listed flora species on Lot 105: the Syzygium moorei (Durobby), theTaeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon Orchid) and the Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine). Figure 11-1 confirms the location of each species identified on the site. None of the listed species were found within the disturbance footprint. Eight flora species that are of conservation significance under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992, (2 Vulnerable species and 6 Near Threatened species) were identified during the field surveys. Section 4.2 of the technical report provides further comments as a result of the field surveys that were completed. 11.2.1.3 Threatened Fauna Species The EIS studies confirmed that there is potential for listed threatened species to occasionally utilise habitat areas within the Study Area. The Study Area was found to support a range of fauna species, with a total of 101 native fauna species recorded over the duration of the study. This included 69 bird species, 11 reptile species, 12 mammal species and 9 amphibian species. One Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) was recorded feeding in the Study Area during the field survey. This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. No roosting sites are mapped by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife in close proximity to the Study Area. Two fauna species recorded within the Study Area, the Glossy-black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), are regarded as vulnerable pursuant to the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The Koala was listed as a vulnerable species under the EPBC Act on 02 May 2012. As the Koala was listed as a vulnerable species after the project was declared a controlled action, the EIS does not address the Koala as a matter of national environmental significance. 11.2.1.4 Migratory species Attachment C of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report contains descriptions of the distribution, ecology and habitat preferences of each migratory species identified by the EPBC Protected Matters Search. The field surveys within the Study Area recorded the presence of one (1) EPBC-listed migratory fauna species: the White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). A nest tree used by the White-bellied Sea-Eagle is situated on Lot 105. The location of the nest tree is illustrated in Figure 11-1. The existence of the White-bellied Sea Eagle nest on Lot 105 has been known since earlier fauna studies undertaken in 2005. Site observations conducted for the EIS confirmed the nest was in use in 2012, including to fledge young. Figure 11-2 details the known White-bellied sea eagle sites within the region. The EPBC Protected Matters Search identified a further six (6) migratory species that may occasionally utilise the Study Area in a transient context. Table 4-4 of the technical report provides details on these predicted migratory species. The controlling provisions prescribed for the project do not include migratory species. However, further information about the presence of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle and other known migratory species within the Study Area is provided in Table 4-2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. 11.2.1.5 Potential Wetlands of International Importance The EPBC Protected Matters Search indicated the presence of one wetland of international importance in relative proximity (20km) to the Study Area: the Moreton Bay Ramsar site. Whilst not a controlling provision, consideration was given to the potential impacts of the project on the Moreton Bay Ramsar site as part of the EIS studies. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 332 The Study Area predominantly drains to the Tallebudgera Creek catchment which does not drain to Moreton Bay. No part of the Study Area drains directly to the Moreton Bay Ramsar site. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 333 11.3 Species Surveys Section 3 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides an overview of the survey methods that were employed for the EIS. Field surveys were undertaken to determine the ecological values of the Study Area, including the presence of EPBC-listed communities and species that potentially inhabit the Study Area. The methods of assessment were selected based on accepted Commonwealth and/or State guidelines. Flora and fauna field surveys were primarily conducted over two periods so as to encompass seasonal variation: a winter (dry) season survey was conducted during July/August 2012 and a summer (wet) season survey during November/December 2012. Each survey was undertaken by two professional ecologists. Additional site visits conducted in the intervening period enabled the collection of further data. 11.3.1 Ecological Communities / Flora Surveys As described in Section 3.1 of the technical report, the mapping and assessment of vegetation communities within the Study Area was undertaken in accordance with the Queensland Herbarium’s method. Specifically, the survey included a combination of secondary (transect) and quaternary (rapid) level sampling procedures, The secondary study areas consisted of a 50m x 10m plot located along the contour within vegetation communities that displayed homogeneity in terms of floristics, structure and age. Canopy cover was determined by extending the plot a further 50m to generate a 100m transect. A total of 11 secondary sites were assessed during the surveys. Quaternary data primarily involved the recording of dominant canopy elements for locations recorded by the GPS that was utilised. The median canopy height was determined through ocular assessment at all quaternary study areas. Quaternary study areas were also utilised to record the presence of species previously not recorded elsewhere in the Study Area. A total of 166 quaternary sites were assessed during the surveys. 11.3.2 Fauna Surveys The fauna field survey utilised the following techniques: > Diurnal / nocturnal bird searches; > Targeted amphibian surveys; > Ground searches; > Establishing transects in representative habitats whereby a series of different fauna traps were utilised; > Spotlighting; > SM2BAT bat detection; > Camera trapping; > Call playback; and > Habitat assessment. Section 3.2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report outlines the methodology that was applied with respect to the field surveys in additional detail. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 334 11.4 Relevant Impacts This Section of EIS assesses, in detail, the impacts of the proposal addressing all the identified environmental values. 11.4.1 Land Clearing Land clearing is required in order to facilitate the construction and operation of the project. While the disturbance footprint covers 65ha, a total of 63 ha of vegetation will be cleared, which equates to approximately 30% of the total area of the Study Area. The disturbance footprint for the project, which includes the extent of vegetation which will be sequentially cleared over the course of the project, is illustrated at Figure 11-1. The EIS has identified the potential for both direct and indirect impacts associated with the land clearing involved in the project. Section 5.1 of the technical report addresses the identified land clearing impacts. In summary, vegetation within the disturbance footprint will be progressively cleared. The Koala Management Plan that has been prepared includes a staged clearing plan that is based on the various phases of the project’s establishment. The extent of clearing is governed by the sequential clearing requirements specified in the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 (Appendix Y). 11.4.1.1 Potential loss of biodiversity Land clearing within the Study Area has the potential to lead to a loss of biodiversity as a result of reduced habitat for native species. Specifically, land clearing will result in a direct loss of individual plants, together with displacement of a variety of fauna species that currently use the Study Area for feeding, resting and roosting. However, it is unlikely that the proposal will compromise the long-term persistence of biodiversity at a local or regional scale given the proposed buffer and adjacent areas of vegetation. Clearing will not result in the direct loss on any threatened species of plant or animal identified during the site surveys and listed under the EPBC Act. 11.4.1.2 Habitat fragmentation and edge effects Land clearing has the potential to result in habitat fragmentation, with potential impacts including reduced population size, reduced habitat extent and increased habitat isolation. Furthermore, habitat fragmentation has the potential to increase edge effects associated with the boundary between retained vegetated habitats and cleared areas. Edge effects may include loss of soil moisture, increased wind, dust and noise impacts, changes to species composition and abundance, increased predation and competition, and increased weed invasion, all of which can degrade habitat values. The proposed impact area is located central to the site and hence vegetation will be retained within a continuous band of approximately 150ha of vegetation. The minor exceptions to this will be the existing fire trail network and proposed site access road. It is acknowledged that edge effects are likely to occur in association with the proposal. Appropriate environmental management will be necessary to reduce those impacts. 11.4.1.3 Corridor connectivity The Study Area is located within the Springbrook to Burleigh Heads bioregional corridor which is of State significance. While the proposed disturbance footprint results in the removal of 63ha of vegetation of variable integrity, a total of over 150ha will be retained within the buffer area. The 127ha of vegetation within the buffer areas that is not mapped as remnant vegetation by the PMAV for the site will be subject of restoration. With the exception of areas proximate to the site entry, the footprint is located between around 100m to 560m from the boundaries of Lot 105. Movement opportunities therefore remain within the buffer areas for the species known or predicted to utilise the Study Area. Particular attention to the proposed site access road has been paid to ensure that the new site access arrangements do not undermine the integrity of the corridor connectivity features. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 335 11.4.1.4 Hydrological impacts The loss of vegetation on site has the potential to impact surface and groundwater hydrology. In particular, land clearing has the potential to lead to an increased risk of erosion and sedimentation. A sediment and erosion control program has been prepared in response to the Terms of Reference and is contained in Appendix W. 11.4.2 Water Resources and Pollution The existing water sources within Lot 105 include a number of natural waterways along with dams. Figure 111 details the location of these water sources in terms of the disturbance footprint and the identified locations of significant flora and fauna species. Section 5.2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report addresses the identified land clearing impacts. 11.4.2.1 Surface water A minor decrease in flows is anticipated downstream from the project as a result of the reduced catchment extent. Additionally, water consumption from the dam will occur during the construction and operational phases of the project, thereby potentially resulting in a reduction in flows discharged to the waterway. Changes to environmental flows have the potential to impact ecological values that are supported by downstream riparian habitats, including EPBC-listed threatened species. While there will be changes in hydrology, it is not anticipated that they will have a significant effect on riparian vegetation within the Study Area. It will be necessary to monitor the health of threatened flora and mitigate if changes in species health are attributable to changes in hydrology. Further details regarding the purpose and approximate volumes of water consumption is provided in the Water Resources and Floodplain Management Report (Appendix CC). 11.4.2.2 Water quality Construction and operation of the proposed quarry has the potential to impact water quality as a result of accidental or inappropriate release of contaminants or pollutants, as well as increased suspended sediment levels as a result of vegetation clearing and earthworks. The Water Resources and Floodplain Management Report identifies that changes in stormwater quality will be mitigated appropriately and effectively. In fact, the existing pollutant loads of surface water will be reduced (improved) by the development and operation of the proposed quarry. No adverse impacts on EPBC Act listed-threatened flora or fauna are therefore expected, either within or external to the site. 11.4.2.3 Groundwater Changes in groundwater flows can adversely affect the available moisture to varying degrees throughout the life of the project. As there are no groundwater dependant ecosystems or EPBC Act-listed species that occur within the disturbance footprint, the project will not have an adverse impact on matters of national environmental significance as a result of any changes to the groundwater regime. The Groundwater Impact Assessment is contained in Appendix FF. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 336 11.4.3 Weeds and Exotic Fauna The following section identifies and describes the potential impacts of the proposed action on exotic fauna and weeds within and adjacent to the study area. 11.4.3.1 Weed Species A number of weed species are known to occur within the Study Area. The project has the potential to increase weed abundance and facilitate weed dispersal. Construction traffic and bulk earthworks have the potential to disperse existing weed species into new areas of the Study Area as well as introduce new weed species to the Study Area. Ground disturbance associated with the project can also create opportunities for the establishment of weed infestations. In turn, increased weed abundance may have negative economic and social effects, as well as negative impacts on biodiversity through displacement of native flora species and reduced resources for native fauna species. Management of existing weeds through the recommendations of the Landscape Rehabilitation Plan is an important aspect of managing the risk to threatened EPBC Act flora species. The Landscape Rehabilitation Plan is contained in Appendix N. 11.4.3.2 Feral Fauna Feral fauna species are known to occur within the Study Area and could increase as a result of the project. For example, project works may create pathways that facilitate feral fauna dispersal, increase the availability of water, or provide additional food resources in the form of inappropriately managed project wastes. In turn, an increased abundance of feral fauna could lead to increased competition with and predation of native fauna, as well as increased habitat degradation. Implementation of environmental management measures will be necessary to ensure that the proposal will not lead to an increase in populations of feral fauna species. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 337 11.5 Impact Assessments for MNES The following section provides a detailed assessment of the impacts of the project on listed threatened species and ecological communities. The project has the potential to cause adverse impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance during the construction and operation of the project. The Australian Government has developed Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 (2006) to assist in determining whether proposed action will have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance. For each matter of national environmental significance known to occur within the Study Area, the significance of impacts was assessed against the relevant impact criteria prescribed by the Guideline. With regards to cumulative impacts, it is to be noted that the proponent and EIS project team are not aware of any other actions that have been taken, or are being taken, or that have been approved in the region. As a result, no cumulative impacts to matters of National environmental significance within the Study Area are anticipated. Section 6 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report specifically addresses this component of the TOR. 11.5.1 Threatened Ecological Communities As the Study Area was thoroughly traversed during vegetation mapping surveys and no vegetation communities within the Study Area were found to be analogous to any EPBC-listed threatened ecological community, it can confidently be concluded that the proposal will not impact any threatened ecological community. Similarly there are no known EPBC-listed threatened ecological communities to occur in the immediate vicinity of Lot 105. This is confirmed by way of Figure 11-3. 11.5.2 Threatened Flora Species An assessment of the proposed quarry development against the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for each of the three (3) identified EPBC Actlisted flora species identified on Lot 105. The result of this assessment was that the proposed quarry development is will not have a significant impact on any of the identified flora species. 11.5.3 Threatened Fauna Species No EPBC-listed threatened fauna species were recorded during the flora and fauna surveys within the Study Area, although habitat that is potentially suitable for the two (2) species listed in Table 4-1 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report was encountered. An assessment of the proposed quarry development against the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for the group of threatened fauna species that may occur on site. The assessment indicated that the proposal is not likely to have a significant impact on threatened fauna species. 11.5.4 Migratory Species Four (4) EPBC-listed migratory species have been recorded within the Study Area, and it is possible that an additional six species may periodically utilise the habitats of the Study Area. An assessment of the proposal against the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for the group of listed migratory species that may occur on site. The controlling provisions do not relate to migratory species, however, migratory species are addressed in the interest of completeness. Given that the White-bellied Sea Eagle is known to utilise Lot 105 as a nesting area, a more rigorous assessment of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was carried out for this species. The Guidelines note: Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 338 An action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will: > substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory 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, or > seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species. The terms underlined above are defined in the Guideline. Below are the definitions along with an assessment of whether they are triggered in the context of Lot 105: Table 11-1: Applicability of Guideline Definitions Term Definition Response Important habitat a) habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species, and/or The habitat on site does not represent an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species. b) habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages, and/or The nesting tree is of critical importance to the species at a particular life-cycle stage. c) habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range, and/or The species is wide spread in coastal parts of Australia. d) habitat within an area where the species is declining. O’Donnell & Debus (2012) speculate that the population within the Tweed Coast and Gold Coast may be declining. Listed migratory species cover a broad range of species with different life cycles and population sizes. Therefore, what is an ‘ecologically significant proportion’ of the population varies with the species (each circumstance will need to be evaluated). Some factors that should be considered include the species’ population status, genetic distinctiveness and species specific behavioural patterns (for example, site fidelity and dispersal rates). SEWPaC conservatively estimates the Australian population of White-bellied seaeagle to be 500 breeding pairs, but acknowledges that this is likely to be an underestimate. By applying the conservative estimate, the breeding pair utilising the nest on site accounts for 0.2% of the national population, which does not represent an ecologically significant proportion. Ecologically Significant Proportion Despite the breeding pair not representing an Ecologically Significant Proportion of the population, the nest tree represents Important Habitat and an assessment against the Guideline is therefore warranted. An assessment of the likelihood that the project will result in a significant impact on the White-bellied Sea Eagle is tabulated below: Table 11-2: Assessment of Significant Impact Potential Criteria Response Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species; The nesting tree will remain intact and retained within the proposed buffer area under a covenant or similar protective mechanism – foraging and other roosting habitat are located outside of the study area. The tree is separated from the proposed development footprint by at least 30m and will not be substantially modified by altering fire regimes, nutrient cycles or hydrological cycles. Vistas from the nest into quarry operations will be minimal and distant (approx. 250m) and will be screened where possible. The tree will not be isolated from the balance of the White-bellied sea-eagle’s habitat by the development proposal. Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species The proposal will not result in the introduction of an invasive species that will be harmful to the important habitat of the species. Management of the buffer will Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 339 Criteria Response becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or reduce the extent of existing pest species on site. Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species. The proposal will not seriously disrupt the lifecycle of an ecologically significant proportion of the population. The assessment carried out as part of the EIS confirms that the project will not result in a significant impact on the White-bellied sea-eagle as a migratory species scheduled under the EPBC Act. 11.5.5 Risk assessment for Scheduled Species There is little risk that scheduled flora or fauna species will be directly impacted by the project. However, the proposal has the potential to indirectly impact some of the species known to occur within the Study Area. Potential indirect impacts on significant flora species have been identified as being: > changes to the microclimate that supports the threatened species; > dust resulting from construction and operation activities; > introduction of new weeds or pathogens in construction materials and planting stock; > uncontrolled public access to remnant vegetation; > inappropriate burning regimes; and > risks associated with any threatened species were not recorded during the survey; The project’s potential indirect impacts on the White-bellied Sea Eagle have been identified as being: > Construction and operation impacts the nesting of the White-bellied Sea Eagles. Section 6.4 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides specific particulars with respect to the above described risks and the predicted impacts. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 340 11.6 Avoidance, Mitigation and Offset measures to reduce the impacts to the MNES 11.6.1 Avoidance and reduction of impacts on MNES The project seeks to avoid direct impacts on EPBC-listed threatened flora species. Specifically, the proposed disturbance footprint does not encompass: > drainage lines and waterways that support Syzygium moorei (Durobby) or Taeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon Orchid); > the documented location of Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine) and maintains an approximate 30m buffer to its known locations; and > the nest site of the White-bellied Sea Eagle. However, it is acknowledged that these matters of national environmental significance may be indirectly impacted by the proposed action. Mitigation measures for the identified indirect impacts are therefore detailed in the following section. 11.6.2 Mitigation Measures A range of mitigation and monitoring measures are detailed in Table 11-3 and Table 11-4 in response to the indirect impacts that have been identified with respect to significant flora species and the White-bellied Sea Eagle. Further to the specific mitigation measures that are identified, a number of general mitigation measures are detailed within the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. Best practice environmental management measures have been detailed within an environmental management plan (EMP) to mitigate any potential impacts to environmental values within the Study Area. Management measures will include a range of actions that will not only benefit common species but also EPBC-listed species that are known to or potentially utilise the habitats of Lot 105. Section 7 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides the specific particulars of the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures, while the Environmental Management Plan can be viewed in Appendix UU. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 341 Table 11-3: Mitigation of Indirect Impacts on Flora Species Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring a) Threatened species were not recorded during the survey The following mitigation measures are proposed: > If located on site the species is to be translocated to an equivalent location within the buffer area. > If translocation is necessary then monitoring will be required to assess the success of translocation b) Changes to the microclimate that supports threatened species. The design in part mitigates the potential indirect impacts by proving buffers to the Durobby (Syzygium moorei) and Ribbon root orchid (Taeniophyllum muelleri) all of which are located along drainage lines and waterways. Buffers in excess of 50m are provided to these species. It is proposed that planting stock is established from seed Durobby (Syzygium moorei) to be used on site for proposed restoration. Monitoring is fundamental to determining whether a mitigation response is required. Natural systems are dynamic. By way of example, the current study documented the natural attrition of threatened plant species within the Mid Catchment Waterway. It will therefore be necessary to undertake monitoring over time and take into account climatic conditions to ensure it accurately charts changes that can be attributed to the proposed development. The following monitoring actions are proposed for species within drainage lines and waterways along with the appropriate mitigation response. > Monitor the population of threatened species specifically within the Mid Catchment and Northern Catchment Waterways commencing prior to the establishment of earthworks. Information attained prior to clearing will assist in establishing the baseline condition. Information collected will include the number of individual threatened trees, a description of the health and vigour of individual threatened trees, a count of the number of trees/shrubs on which the Ribbon root orchid occurs and an estimate of the overall Ribbon root orchid population. > For threatened species in the Mid-catchment Waterway upstream of the proposed sediment pond and in the Northern catchment , if there is a decline in the health of trees or abundance of Ribbon root orchid over 5 successive years that can be attributed to quarrying activities (e.g. changes in hydrology) then implement the following mitigative steps (1) supplement flows in the waterway to mimic the pre-clearing state; (2) if Ribbon root orchid continues to decline translocate a limited number of specimens to the Southern Catchment waterway to establish a separate population. > For threatened tree species in the Mid-catchment Waterway downstream of the proposed sediment pond, if there is a decline in the health of trees over 5 successive years that can be attributed to quarrying activities (e.g. changes in hydrology) then manage the volume of water received by the vegetation. > In the case of the Ribbon Root Orchid, if translocation is necessary then monitoring will be required to assess the success of translocation Other monitoring outlined in the mitigation measures c) Dust resulting from construction and operational activities. The following mitigation measures are proposed: > An approximate 45m buffer is provided to the Slender milkvine (Marsdenia coronata), which represents the threatened species most proximate to the disturbance footprint. > Application of dust control measures as outlined in Katestone Environmental Air Quality Assessment 2013 will be used to control dust levels on site. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement > > > Coincide monitoring with the periods outlined in (i) above. Monitor in accordance with Katestone Environmental 2013 air quality indicators, objectives and guidelines. 342 Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring d) Introduction of new weeds or pathogens in construction materials and planting stock The following mitigation measures are proposed: > Maximise use of materials sourced on site including topsoil and mulch generated from chipping of cleared vegetation. > As part of the environmental management plan measures to manage the introduction of materials or planting stock are documented. > Rehabilitate disturbed areas with plant species indigenous to the area. Local provenance planting stock is preferentially used. > Condition monitoring of vegetation communities. e) Uncontrolled public access to remnant vegetation > Regular surveillance f) Inappropriate burning regimes > Monitor the health of vegetation adjacent to drainage lines Table 11-4: The following mitigation measures are proposed: > Restrict access through fencing, site management and other physical barriers. The following mitigation measures are proposed: > Implement the Bushfire Management Plan. Significant Environmental areas are delineated in the fire plan that incorporates fire sensitive vegetation/species. Mitigation of Indirect Impacts on the White-Bellied Sea Eagle Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring Construction and operation impacts the nesting of Whitebellied Sea Eagles > > > > Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement The proposed setback limits views into the proposed pit and plant site. It may be necessary to enhance the screening in the shrub and subcanopy layers through planting uphill of the nest tree. Reduce the likelihood of nest abandonment during a breeding season by adopting a similar strategy to that developed by Ecosure in the management of a White-bellied sea-eagle’s nest on Curtis Island. This involved covering the nest during the nesting season to discourage use for the period while construction activities are underway. Specifically, this would apply only to the period while the cut face immediately to the north of the nest site is being constructed during Phases D1- D4 (i.e. approximately potentially for a maximum of 2 breeding cycles) Monitor health of nesting tree Monitor use of the nesting tree by White-bellied sea-eagles. While it is acknowledged that disturbance will have a strong influence on continued use of the site care will be necessary in drawing this conclusion because as some nest sites that are free from human disturbance fail to fledge young and are sometimes abandoned So & Lee (2010). 343 11.6.3 Offset Measures for Residual Impacts The EIS and its various technical assessments have established that the project will have no residual impacts on matters of National environmental significance. Offset measures under the EPBC Act are therefore not necessary. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 344 11.7 Monitoring and Reporting Environmental monitoring will be undertaken as part of the project and will aim to observe and report on the performance of proposed mitigation and management measures, with a focus on facilitating early intervention and remediation of any identified non-compliance. Monitoring and reporting requirements for EPBC-listed threatened and migratory species are outlined in Section 7 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. The following monitoring actions will be carried out and will enable the adoption of an adaptive management approach: > monitor areas of clearing to ensure that boundaries are demarcated and that clearing activities are confined to the demarcated boundaries. > monitor areas of excavation for entrapped fauna. > monitor the effectiveness of weed management activities. > monitor the effectiveness erosion and sediment control devices. > monitor the success of rehabilitation works. > record details of all fauna captured by the spotter-catcher. > record all monitoring activities and results within the project’s environmental register. 11.8 Ecologically Sustainable Development Principles Development and design of the Gold Coast Quarry project has incorporated ecologically sustainable development as a fundamental principle. Further detail is provided at Chapter 9 of the EIS. Gold Coast Quarry Environmental Impact Statement 345