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Appendix C – Property Vegetation Management Plan Adani Australia Company Pty Ltd Property Vegetation Management Plan Adani Australia Company Pty Ltd Property Vegetation Management Plan 18 December 2014 CDM Smith Australia Pty Ltd ABN 88 152 082 936 21 McLachlan St Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Tel: +61 7 3828 6900 Fax: +61 7 3828 6999 Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 2-1 1.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 2-1 1.2 Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................. 2-1 1.3 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 1.4 Regulatory Framework and Cross-Reference ................................................................................... 2-1 1.4.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 1.4.2 Relevant Legislation ............................................................................................................................... 2-2 1.4.3 State Planning Policy ............................................................................................................................. 2-4 1.4.4 State Development Assessment Provisions ................................................................................. 2-5 Section 2 Existing Vegetation Environment ......................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Ecological Values............................................................................................................................................ 2-1 2.1.1 Regional and Local Context ................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1.2 Flora Values ............................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 Regional Ecosystems ............................................................................................................................. 2-2 2.1.4 Threatened Ecological Communities .............................................................................................. 2-2 2.1.5 Declared Weed Species ......................................................................................................................... 2-3 2.2 Field Surveys .................................................................................................................................................... 2-5 2.2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-5 2.2.2 Findings ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-5 Section 3 Proposed Activities .................................................................................................................................... 3-7 3.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 3-7 3.2 Vegetation Clearing ....................................................................................................................................... 3-7 3.2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-7 3.2.2 Potential Impacts ..................................................................................................................................... 3-8 3.2.3 Lopping and Trimming ......................................................................................................................... 3-8 3.2.4 Tenure and Lot Description ................................................................................................................ 3-9 3.2.5 Details of any Commercial Timber Present on State Land ................................................... 3-9 Section 4 State Development Assessment Provisions .................................................................................... 4-13 4.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................... 4-13 4.2 Relevant Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4-13 Section 5 Offsets and Environmental Management ........................................................................................ 5-14 5.1 Offsets .............................................................................................................................................................. 5-14 5.2 Environmental Management Measures ............................................................................................ 5-15 5.2.1 Management Measures ...................................................................................................................... 5-15 Section 6 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 6-1 List of Figures Figure 2-1 Current RE and TEC Mapping .......................................................................................................... 2-4 Figure 2-2 Field Survey Sites and Transects ..................................................................................................... 2-6 Figure 3-1 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Southern ............................................................... 3-10 Figure 3-2 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Central................................................................... 3-11 Figure 3-3 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Northern ............................................................... 3-12 Property Vegetation Management Plan iii List of Tables Table 1-1 Legislative Cross-Reference ............................................................................................................. 2-3 Table 1-1 Regulated Development within the Port Facilities Precinct............................................................. 2-4 Table 1-3 State Planning Policy ........................................................................................................................ 2-4 Table 2-1 Regional Ecosystems located within and adjacent to the Project area ........................................... 2-2 1 Table 3-1 Area of Mapped Regional Ecosystems to be Impacted .................................................................. 3-7 Table 3-2 Extent of Vegetation Clearing within the Project Boundary (ha) Based on Current EHP and Revised Mapping ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-8 Table 3-3 Lot and Plans Impacted by Clearing ................................................................................................. 3-9 Table 5-1 Vegetation Management Table ..................................................................................................... 5-15 Table 5-2: Flora and Fauna Objectives, Performance Criteria, Control Strategies and Monitoring Plan ...... 5-16 Appendices Appendix A - SDAP Module 8.1 - Queensland Vegetation Management State Code Appendix B - Certified PMAV Appendix C - State Vegetation Mapping Document History and Status Revision A B C Date Issued Reviewed By Approved By Date Approved Revision Type 08/12/2014 15/12/2014 16/12/2014 T Kinny M Weston J Kennedy T Kinny M Weston T Kinny 09/12/2014 15/12/2014 18/12/2014 Draft Final Draft Final Distribution of Copies Version Date Issued Quantity Final Draft Final 15/12/2014 18/12/2014 1 1 Electronic Issued To PDF and Word PDF J Kennedy J Kennedy Printed: 18 December 2014 Last Saved: 18 December 2014 08:19 PM File Name: Property Vegetation Management Plan_Final_181214 Author: Tim Kinny Project Manager: Miranda Weston Client: Adani Australia Company Pty Ltd Document Title: Property Vegetation Management Plan Document Version: Final Project Number: BES140088.01 Property Vegetation Management Plan iv Section 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview Adani Australia Company Pty Ltd (Adani) is proposing to develop the Abbot Point Terminal 0 (T0) Project (the Project) at the Port of Abbot Point. The onshore component of the Project (Figure 2-1) is located within areas mapped as Regional Ecosystems (RE) under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (WM Act). The clearing will be located entirely within the Abbot Point State Development Area (APSDA) and the Office of the Coordinator-General will be the assessment manager and as such operation works associated with a new use is a self-assessment operational works. This selfassessment has been prepared as a separate attachment to enable an easy referral of the clearing component if the CG determines input from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) is desirable. This Property Vegetation Management Plan (PVMP) provides an assessment of how the proposed clearing intends to achieve best management measures to avoid, minimise, mitigate and additionally offset the potential effects of native vegetation clearing in accordance with Module 8 of the SDAPs. 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this PVMP is to provide the Office of the Coordinator-General, as the assessment manager, and the DNRM, as the referral entity, with the information required to satisfy a selfassessment for the proposed Operational Works for the Clearing of Native Vegetation. This PVMP addresses the requirements under Section 22A of the VM Act and in accordance with the matters prescribed under Section 11 of the Vegetation Management Regulation 2012 (VM Regulation). 1.3 Scope This PVMP has been developed based on desktop and field vegetation assessment surveys, and is designed to address the matters prescribed under Section 11 of the VM Regulation. The PVMP outlines the proposed actions, the locations and extent of clearing as well as mitigation and management measures. 1.4 Regulatory Framework and Cross-Reference 1.4.1 Overview Queensland's vegetation management framework contains six levels of regulatory instruments: Legislation – Vegetation management is regulated through the VM Act, SP Act, and associated regulations; State Planning Policy – Documents the Queensland Government’s policy and describes the outcomes for vegetation management and the actions proposed to achieve those outcomes; State Development Assessment Provisions (Module 8) – Used to assess applications to clear vegetation based on the relevant bioregional area (refer to Section 4 and Appendix A); Offset Policy – Applies to an offset proposed under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (refer to Section 5.1); Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-1 Regrowth Vegetation Code – Clearing regulated regrowth must comply with the Regrowth Vegetation Code unless it is for an exempt activity. No clearing of regulated regrowth is proposed for the works of the Project and therefore the Regrowth Vegetation Code has not been addressed in this PVMP; Concurrence Agency Policies – Used by DNRM as the concurrence agency to assess remnant vegetation clearing associated with proposed Material Change of Use (MCU) and Reconfiguring a Lot (RaL) applications. There is currently no specific Operational Work Concurrence Agency Policy and therefore this is not applicable to this PVMP. 1.4.2 Relevant Legislation 1.4.2.1 Sustainable Planning Act 2009 The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) is Queensland’s principal planning legislation and it provides a complete planning framework and development assessment system for Queensland. This system is a common assessment process to be used when assessing development. The Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SP Reg) complements the SP Act and prescribes certain matters for the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) and the SP Act generally. Schedule 3 of the SP Reg lists assessable development, self-assessable development and the appropriate levels of assessment. Under Schedule 3, the proposed activity triggers an Operational Works development application for Vegetation Clearing [Sch 3, Part 1, Table 4 (1)]. 1.4.2.2 Vegetation Management Act 1999 The Vegetation Management Act 1999 regulates activities that are considered assessable development under the SP Act (Schedule 5, SP Reg). This includes activities that require the clearing of vegetation. The definition of Vegetation under the VM Act [s8 (1)] includes: “a native tree or plant other than the following: (a) grass or non-woody herbage; (b) a plant within a grassland regional ecosystem prescribed under a regulation; (c) a mangrove”. The VM Act regulates the conservation and management of vegetation communities and provides protection for regional ecosystems classified as ‘endangered‘, ‘of concern‘ or ‘least concern‘ under the VM Act. Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-2 The VM Regulation [Section 11 (2)] specifies the information that is required to be included within a PVMP that relates to a vegetation clearing application. Items have been cross-referenced in Table 1-1 below to clearly identify where they are addressed within this document. Table 1-1 Legislative Cross-Reference Relevant Document Section (2) The matters to be included in a property vegetation management plan to which a vegetation clearing application relates: (a) The location and extent of the area proposed to be cleared under the Section 3.2.1, Figure 3application. 1, Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 (b) The relevant purpose under section 22A(2) of the Act to which the Section 4.2 application relates. (c) Details of the way (i) Module 8 (native vegetation clearing) of the State Section 4 the proposed Development Assessment Provisions. clearing achieves the (ii) If the proposed clearing is within a declared area and N/A – the clearing is required outcomes a declared area code exists for the area—the declared not within a declared under: area code for the area. area Information Required [VM Regulation, Section 11] (d) If an offset is proposed to satisfy a performance outcome mentioned in paragraph (c) – details of how the clearing of vegetation has been avoided or minimised. Section 5.2 (3) The matters to be included in a property vegetation management plan to which a concurrence agency application relates are: (a) The location and extent of the area proposed to be cleared under the Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 application. and Figure 3-3 (b) The relevant purpose under section 22A(2) of the Act to which the Section 4.2 application relates. (i) Infrastructure, including buildings, fences, roads and Figure 2-1 electrical, telecommunication or sewerage services. (c) Details of the location and extent N/A – no firebreak or of: (ii) Firebreaks and fire management lines. management lines are proposed (d) details of the way the proposed clearing achieves the performance outcomes under module 8 (native vegetation clearing) of the State development Appendix A assessment provisions. (e) if an offset is proposed to satisfy a performance outcome mentioned in paragraph (d)—details on how the clearing of vegetation has been avoided or Section 5.2 minimised. (4) The location and extent of the area proposed to be cleared must be shown by: Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 (i) The boundary of the area on an image base. and Figure 3-3 (ii) 5 or more points visible in the image base that Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 correspond to identifiable fixed features. and Figure 3-3 (iii) The Map Grid of Australia 1994 coordinates and (a) A map showing: zone references for each point, acquired by GPS or Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 similar system of satellites that receives and processes and Figure 3-3 information. (iv) A description of the feature that each point Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 represents. and Figure 3-3 (b) A description of the boundary of the area by reference to Map Grid of Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 Australia 1994 coordinates and zone references for the area. and Figure 3-3 (5) A property vegetation management plan may include any other information the applicant considers may assist in the assessment of the application. Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-3 1.4.2.3 APSDA Development Scheme 2014 The APSDA was declared in June 2008, and has since been varied to cover the Project area in November 2014. The area was established to facilitate large scale industrial development, including port facilities and infrastructure. The Project is located in the Port Facilities Precinct of the APSDA and Table 1-2 below outlines regulated development within the precinct. Table 1-2 Regulated Development within the Port Facilities Precinct Column 1 – SDA self-assessable development within the precinct Operational Works Where necessary for a material change of use or reconfiguring a lot that is authorised by an SDA approval. Column 2 – SDA assessable development within the precinct Material Change of Use all uses, including uses that are not defined by this development scheme. Reconfiguring a lot All reconfiguring a lot The vegetation clearing works will be associated with an SDA approval and this document is providing the necessary information for the self-assessment, as such no separate operational works permit is required under the SP Act. 1.4.3 State Planning Policy The single State Planning Policy 2013 (SPP) is a statutory instrument developed by the State Government to address matters of state interest in land use planning and development. The SPP is prepared under the SP Act (section 26) and provisions of the SPP are required to be integrated into state and local planning instruments. The SDA wide assessment criteria outlined in Section 2.5 of the APSDA Development Scheme requires an assessment against the relevant sections of the SPP (Section 2.5.11). An assessment of the proposed clearing activity against the relevant provision of the SPP is provided in Table 1-3 below. Table 1-3 State Planning Policy State Interest Requirement Response Biodiversity A development application where the land relates to a Matter of State Environmental Significance (MSES), if the application is for a material change of use other than a dwelling house. Development: (1) enhances matters of state environmental significance where possible, and (2) identifies any potential significant adverse environmental impacts on matters of state environmental significance, and (3) manages the significant adverse environmental impacts on matters of state environmental significance by protecting the matters of state environmental significance from, or otherwise mitigating, those impacts. The State mapping (Appendix C) indicates interests for the following aspects of Biodiversity in the Project area: - Regulated Vegetation; and - Wildlife habitat The current Project design requires the clearance of 46.28 ha of Regulated Vegetation. (1) The Project is located inside areas mapped for state environmental significance. The Project will be setting aside an exclusion area, predominately the Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) along the dune to the east. The Project will provide some landscaping with native vegetation around the administration area and will be seeking to prevent impacts on the wetland to the west and northwest of the Project. (2) A comprehensive EIS has been prepared for the Project. The EIS identifies all potential adverse Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-4 State Interest Requirement Response impacts that may occur to Matters of State Environmental Significance (MNES). A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been prepared which will address any potential significant impacts, including detailed management measures. (3) The CEMP will address potential environmental impacts on MSES. 1.4.4 State Development Assessment Provisions The State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) set out the matters of interest to the state for development assessment. The SDAP is prescribed in the SP Regulation, and contains the matters the chief executive may have regard to when assessing a development application as either an assessment manager or a referral entity. Accordingly, Module 8 (Native Vegetation Clearing) of the SDAP has been completed as part of the PVMP and is included as Appendix A of that document. Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-5 Section 2 Existing Vegetation Environment 2.1 Ecological Values 2.1.1 Regional and Local Context The vegetation clearing area is located within the Townsville Plains subregion of the Brigalow Belt North Bioregion. The Bogie River Hills subregion lies immediately to the south of the Project area although it is not within the catchment of the Project area. The Townsville Plains subregion covers an area of approximately 7,600 km2. Vegetation is characterised by open eucalypt woodlands on duplex clay and loam soils. Low-lying coastal areas support Melaleuca woodlands and saltmarsh habitats on fine marine deposits. Low rocky hills are scattered throughout the subregion. Rainfall in the area is typically seasonal with the majority falling in the summer months. The Project will be located immediately east of the existing Port of Abbot Point T1 coal terminal. The footprint of the onshore development will be approximately 120.3 hectares (ha) in size, however, a large portion of this area is already cleared. The proposed rail inloading facilities and rail corridor will be located concentric with the T1 rail loop. The Project is bounded by the existing T1 infrastructure to the south-west and Abbot Beach to the east. The site extends approximately 3.6 km south from this point running parallel with Abbot Beach. 2.1.2 Flora Values The Project area has been subject to vegetation clearing and other disturbances from port activities and previous cattle grazing activities. Current RE mapping indicates three REs are located within the Project area and another RE associated with the Caley Valley Wetlands which lie further to the west (Table 2-1). No community mapped as Essential Habitat for Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened (EVNT) fauna species is located within the Project area. On-site investigations identified discrepancies in the current RE mapping for the terminal area. In particular, site surveys have reduced the extent of RE 11.2.3 (refer following section) and revised the classification of RE 11.1.2 which has been incorrectly described (Table 2-1). A Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) has been approved with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) to revise the mapped extent within the Project area (Appendix B). Only one listed threatened ecological community (TEC), the Semi-evergreen vine thicket (SEVT) (microphyll/notophyll vine forest and thickets) which is also identified as RE 11.2.3, occurs on coastal dunes in the area. This community occurs east and south-east of the Project in coastal dunes. Following on-ground botanical surveys, the mapped extent of the TEC has been determined not to occur within the Project footprint. As such the Project will not require clearing of this TEC. As part of this assessment, high-value regrowth is no longer regulated, and hence has been excluded from this assessment. The REs located within the Project area are detailed in Table 2-1. A comment has been provided with a description of the RE and location. Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-1 2.1.3 Regional Ecosystems Table 2-1 Regional Ecosystems located within and adjacent to the Project area VM Act Status RE Code/ Description Biodiversity Status Comments Project Area 11.2.2 - Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes A total of 0.42 ha is proposed to be cleared for construction. 11.2.5 - CorymbiaMelaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales A total of 44.75 ha is proposed to be cleared for construction. 11.12.4a - SEVT and microphyll vine forest on igneous rocks A total of 1.11 ha is proposed to be cleared for construction. Of Concern Of concern Mapped as occurring along the very eastern boundary of the Project area and immediately landward of the MOF Least concern No concern at present The Project area comprises of remaining remnant vegetation inland of the beach dune system. Remnant vegetation, mapped as this community within the existing rail loop, has been largely cleared at present Least concern No concern at present This community is not analogous to the TEC listed under the EPBC Act. Occurs in the far north of the Project area Adjacent to the Project 11.2.3 - Microphyll vine forest (beach scrub) on sandy beach ridges Of concern Of concern Least concern No concern at present No proposed clearing of RE 11.1.2 - Samphire forbland on marine clay plains No proposed clearing of RE 11.3.27x1c - Palustrine Wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Sedgelands to grasslands on Quaternary deposits. No proposed clearing of RE Least concern Of concern Also listed as a TEC (Semi-evergreen Vine Thicket of the Brigalow Belt and Nandewar Bioregions (SEVT)) under the EPBC Act. Occurs on coastal dunes. Covers sections of the Project area adjacent to the existing T1 Terminal and a patch within the southern extension, which is bisected by Abbot Point Road Occurs along seaward edge of dune system running parallel to Abbot Beach This community has been inspected and is incorrectly mapped. RE mapping for this area has been changed under a PMAV (Appendix B) to the Of Concern RE 11.2.2 - Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes Both communities are associated with the Wetland and are located directly adjacent to the beach scrub vegetation bisected by Abbot Point Road in the south of the Project area 2.1.4 Threatened Ecological Communities SEVT is floristically diverse and is characterised by trees dominated by species with small (microphyll) leaves (2.5 - 7.6 cm). Canopy height within RE 11.2.3 is variable (often low) with multi-storey vegetation and a sparse ground layer. Canopy species found on the Project site are listed as typical within this community (Queensland Herbarium 2012) including: Tuckeroo Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-2 (Cupaniopsis anacardioides); Wild Prune (Sersalisia sericea); Queensland Ebony (Diospyros geminate); and Red Condoo (Memusops elengi). Approximately 28 ha of SEVT (TEC) is located on the coastal dune ridges in two sections (Figure 2-1) based on current EHP mapping. Targeted field investigations were conducted within both areas. The presence of SEVT was confirmed in both locations; however discrepancies in the mapped boundaries of each polygon were identified. Nevertheless, no clearing is proposed within the currently mapped extent of SEVT TEC. 2.1.5 Declared Weed Species The following four weeds of national significance species were observed within the Project area during on-site surveys: Prickly Acacia was abundant in areas of the southern section of the site that had been subject to past clearing activities; Rubber Vine was distributed throughout areas within and adjacent to RE 11.2.3; Lantana occurred as isolated individuals throughout; and Parkinsonia occurred in wooded areas adjacent to Saltwater Creek and the wetland. Property Vegetation Management Plan 2-3 612000 613000 614000 11.12.4a 7801000 7801000 11.2.2 11.12.4a 11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 7800000 7800000 11.2.3 11.1.2b/11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.1.2b/11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.5 7799000 7799000 11.1.2 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.1.2a 7798000 7798000 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.3 612000 613000 614000 0 Figure 2-1 Current RE and TEC Mapping 250 Metres Key GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Rail Road Abbot Point SDA Proposed T0 Project Area TEC (Microphyll Vine Forest) Regional Ecosystems V8 Of Concern Of Least Concern G:\Projects\BES140088_T0_Approvals\mxd\final\Vegetation\001-R1_re_tec.mxd 500 µ DISCLAIMER CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained within this map. Data Source: Data obtained through Adani, QLD Government Open Source & Bing Maps. 2.2 Field Surveys 2.2.1 Overview This document has obtained field information from previous flora surveys conducted for the T0 EIS and associated works. In the most recent event Biotropica Australia Pty Ltd was engaged to undertake a flora survey of 71 select sites throughout the current Project area. The data from this ground survey has been used to clearly identify the extent, location and type of vegetation to be cleared. A total of 26 locations were ground surveyed in mid-December 2012 and the remaining 45 sites were ground surveyed in late January 2013. At that time the site was very dry and a number of the grasses contained little vegetative material, however all species at all locations could be identified to species level. 2.2.2 Findings As identified in Section 2.1.4 and Figure 2-1, the survey confirmed that to the east of the facility is a linear patch of SEVT with associated sclerophyllous species on the margin. This community is mapped as the ‘Of Concern’ regional ecosystem RE 11.2.4 (Microphyll vine-forest [beach scrub] on sandy beach ridges). The northern extent of the site contains the regional ecosystem RE 11.12.4 (SEVT and microphyll vine forest on igneous rocks). Immediately west of the facility, drainage is seasonally impeded and plant communities vary from mostly graminoids in very wet sites, Melaleuca dominated communities in better drained areas, and Eucalyptus tessellaris/Corymbia dallachiana woodlands as drainage improves. This ecotone contains the mapped regional ecosystem RE 11.2.5 (Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales) and is mostly concentrated along the western margin of RE 11.2.4. Vegetation in and around the existing Abbot Point facility is comprised almost exclusively of exotic vegetation, with a minor component of native species regrowth. This survey indicates that the majority of site supports only exotic vegetation. Plate 2-1: View of Beach Scrub from seaward edge Property Vegetation Management Plan Plate 2-2: Non-remnant grassland adjacent to T1 coal terminal 2-5 612000 613000 614000 11.12.4a 7801000 7801000 11.2.2 11.12.4a 11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 7800000 7800000 11.2.3 11.1.2b/11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.1.2b/11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.5 7799000 7799000 11.1.2 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.1.2a 7798000 7798000 11.2.5 11.2.5 11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 11.2.3 612000 613000 614000 0 Figure 2-2 Field Survey Sites and Transects Key 250 Metres Rail Road Abbot Point SDA Proposed T0 Project Area TEC (Microphyll Vine Forest) Regional Ecoystems V8 Of Concern ( ! Vegetation Spot Surveys Access Track Vegetation Survey SEVT Transect µ DISCLAIMER CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained within this map. Of Least Concern Data Source: Data obtained through Adani, QLD Government Open Source & Bing Maps. G:\Projects\BES140088_T0_Approvals\mxd\final\Vegetation\002-R1_survey.mxd GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 500 Section 3 Proposed Activities 3.1 Overview Clearing of vegetation will be required for the construction and operation of the Project. The proposed infrastructure that will require the clearing of vegetation includes: Rail Inloading Facility – Earthworks will be required to support the new rail inloading facility; Road – New roads will be required to facilitate access during construction and operation; Conveyor – A network of conveyors will transport the coal to a surge bin, ready for subsequent transport to outloading facilities; Bund – Minor clearing is required for the coal stockpile for Phase 1 which will comprise of one bund with two stockpile rows and two stacker/reclaimers; and MOF – Reinstatement of the existing MOF is required and thus minor clearing will be involved. Refer to Figure 3-1 to Figure 3-3 for layouts of the abovementioned infrastructure and the RE mapping. 3.2 Vegetation Clearing 3.2.1 Overview Adani has undertaken a desktop and field vegetation survey to understand the extent of vegetation clearing required for the proposed development. Table 3-1 below identifies the specific infrastructure components of the Project that require clearing and the type and quantity of the RE to be cleared at each location. Table 3-1 Area of Mapped Regional Ecosystems to be Impacted1 Infrastructure Regional Ecosystem Rail 11.2.5 11.12.4a Road 11.2.2 11.2.5 Conveyor 11.12.4a Bund 11.2.5 MOF 11.2.2 Description Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales Semi-evergreen vine thicket (SEVT) and microphyll vine forest on igneous rocks. Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales Semi-evergreen vine thicket (SEVT) and microphyll vine forest on igneous rocks. Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes Total Area Impacted (ha) 33.14 0.29 1.00 3.50 0.13 8.11 0.11 46.28 1 - The information in this table relates to the total project area not the clearing area. NB. Some of the project area has already been cleared. Property Vegetation Management Plan 3-7 3.2.2 Potential Impacts The construction of the proposed Project will require the clearing of a maximum of 46.28 ha of remnant vegetation based on updated mapping. The majority of this area contains REs listed as ‘Least Concern’ under the VM Act except for RE 11.2.2 which is listed as Of Concern. The total extent of vegetation clearing for each RE within the Project area is presented in Table 3-2. A number of plant communities will be impacted by clearing for construction. These include the coastal dune complex, coastal dune grassland, beach scrub and Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland. Table 3-2 Extent of Vegetation Clearing within the Project Boundary (ha) Based on Current EHP and Revised Mapping VM Act status Comments Proposed Clearing Extent Of Concern This community is found along the eastern side of the Project on the coastal dune system. It covers sections of the Project area. A small amount of this will be required for clearing 0.42 ha RE Code Description 11.2.2 Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes 11.2.5 Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of beach ridges and swales Least Concern 11.12.4a SEVT and microphyll vine forest on igneous rocks Least Concern Within Project area comprises remaining remnant vegetation inland of beach dune system. Remnant vegetation mapped as this community within the existing rail loop has been largely cleared at present This community is not analogous to the Threatened Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Occurs to a minor extent in the far north of the Project area on a low hill (Abbot Point) and vegetation extending west 44.75 ha 1.11 ha The most obvious and direct impact on ecological values is the clearing of native vegetation. Impacts associated with clearing of vegetation on the Project site may include: Loss of native vegetation and flora species including REs; and Direct mortality of fauna during clearing activities. Careful consideration of these potential direct and impacts has been undertaken in the design phase, seeking primarily to avoid (preferably) or minimise impacts where possible. For example, Adani completed on-ground mapping of the extent of significant vegetation and optimised the facility layout to avoid positioning infrastructure over these features. 3.2.3 Lopping and Trimming The definition of lopping a tree within the VM Act (Section 5, Dictionary) “means cutting or pruning its branches, but does not include: (a) removing its trunk; and (b) cutting or pruning its branches so severely that it is likely to die.” Any work areas outside the aforementioned proposed clearing areas will not be impacted however, minimal trimming or lopping may occur where necessary. Property Vegetation Management Plan 3-8 3.2.4 Tenure and Lot Description The tenure of properties directly affected by proposed vegetation clearing has been identified through desktop mapping and Digital Cadastre Database mapping sourced from the Queensland Government. Table 3-3 provides a list of the lots impacted by the proposed clearing and the corresponding tenure. Table 3-3 Lot and Plans Impacted by Clearing Lot and Plan Tenure 3 SP227557 Freehold 48 SP243724 Freehold 51 SP243724 Freehold 54 SP243724 Freehold 58 SP243726 Leasehold Note – The Project occurs over more lots than are listed above, however, only the lots listed above have RE mapping overlapping the proposed Project area. 3.2.5 Details of any Commercial Timber Present on State Land Under the Forestry Act 1959 (Forestry Act), all natural grown forest products are owned by the state. This includes timbers that may be used for commercial purposes such as hardwood species, cypress pine (Callitris spp) and sandalwood (Santalum lanceolatum). The area has been subject to both cattle disturbance and port-related disturbance in the past. Most sites are dominated by low weeds. The sites are dominated by the following tree species: Melaleuca viridiflora; Terminalia muelleri; Cupaniopsis anacardioides reflecting the vine-thicket community. No tree taller than 6 m was recorded and none of these timbers are known to be of commercial value. Property Vegetation Management Plan 3-9 613000 614000 3SP227557 11.2.5 DSP243724 4SP227557 11.2.3 48SP243724 NSP243724 58SP240224 0102SP256311 102SP256311 58SP243726 50SP243724 7799000 7799000 JSP243724 11.1.2 HSP243724 KSP243724 ESP243724 GSP243724 FSP243724 49SP243724 51SP243724 50SP243724 11.2.5 11.2.5 56SP243724 53SP243724 LSP243724 7798000 7798000 11.2.5 11.2.5 33SP253263 56SP243724 11.3.27x1c 11.2.5 2RP745292 613000 614000 0 Figure 3-1 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Southern Key 200 Metres Rail Road Cadastre Abbot Point SDA TEC (Microphyll Vine Forest) Regional Ecosystem V8 Of Concern GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 G:\Projects\BES140088_T0_Approvals\mxd\final\Vegetation\003-R1_veg_cl_sth.mxd µ DISCLAIMER CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained within this map. Of Least Concern Proposed T0 Project Area 400 Data Source: Data obtained through Adani, QLD Government Open Source & Bing Maps. 613000 0102SP256311 102SP256311 3SP227557 7800000 7800000 11.1.2 11.2.3 11.2.5 58SP243726 48SP243724 4SP227557 51SP243724 NSP243724 613000 0 Figure 3-2 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Central Key 100 Metres Rail Road Cadastre Abbot Point SDA TEC (Microphyll Vine Forest) Regional Ecosystem V8 Of Concern GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 G:\Projects\BES140088_T0_Approvals\mxd\final\Vegetation\004-R1_veg_cl_cnt.mxd µ DISCLAIMER CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained within this map. Of Least Concern Proposed T0 Project Area 200 Data Source: Data obtained through Adani, QLD Government Open Source & Bing Maps. 613000 49SP185904 101SP256311 11.12.4a 58SP243726 52HR1732 0102SP256311 102SP256311 54SP243724 58SP243726 57SP243726 11.12.4a 58SP243726 11.1.2 58SP243726 48SP243724 11.2.3 11.2.5 3SP227557 613000 0 Figure 3-3 Location and Extent of Vegetation Clearing - Northern Key 100 Metres Rail Road Cadastre Abbot Point SDA TEC (Microphyll Vine Forest) Regional Ecosystem V8 Of Concern GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 G:\Projects\BES140088_T0_Approvals\mxd\final\Vegetation\005-R1_veg_cl_nth.mxd µ DISCLAIMER CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained within this map. Of Least Concern Proposed T0 Project Area 200 Data Source: Data obtained through Adani, QLD Government Open Source & Bing Maps. 7801000 7801000 11.2.2 Section 4 State Development Assessment Provisions 4.1 Overview The proposed clearing area is located within the Townsville Plains subregion of the Brigalow Belt North Bioregion and therefore the Regional Vegetation Management Code for the Brigalow Belt and New England Tablelands Bioregions 2012 formerly applied to clearing applications in this bioregion. Relevant component of the code have been incorporated into the combined State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAPs) and forms part of Module 8 – Native Vegetation Clearing. This Property Vegetation Management Plan (PVMP) provides an assessment of how the proposed clearing intends to achieve best management measures to avoid, minimise, mitigate and additionally offset the potential effects of native vegetation clearing in accordance with Module 8 of the SDAPs. Module 8 – Native Vegetation Clearing is provided as Appendix A to this document. Appendix A outlines how Adani intends to undertake the clearing the works in accordance with the Module. Where the application does not meet the performance outcome or acceptable outcome a performance solution has been proposed so that the performance requirement is met. 4.2 Relevant Purpose Module 8 – Native Vegetation Clearing applies to the assessment of properly made applications. Section 22A of the VM Act must be satisfied for an application to be a properly made application. Under Section 22A (2)(d) of the VM Act, a vegetation clearing application is for a relevant purpose if the applicant satisfies the Chief Executive that the development applied for is “for relevant infrastructure activities and the clearing can not reasonably be avoided or minimised”. The purpose of this clearing is to establish port infrastructure and to allow construction of the T0 Project which has been assessed by the Department of the Environment and approved by the Minister for the Environment (EPBC 2011/6194). The T0 Project is considered relevant infrastructure for the purpose of this application. Adani have undertaken multiple desktop and field vegetation surveys and located the Project infrastructure where possible in areas of least vegetation or pre-disturbed areas. Thus the relevant purpose is consistent with Section 22A (2)(d) of the VM Act. Property Vegetation Management Plan 4-13 Section 5 Offsets and Environmental Management 5.1 Offsets The Vegetation Management Offsets 2009 (Version 2.4) has been superseded and as no environmental offset component has been imposed, prior to 1 July 2014, on this approval the PVMP will follow the new framework. The new framework consists of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 which coordinates the delivery of environmental offsets, the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (offset regulation) which provides details of the prescribed activities regulated under the legislation and the Queensland Environmental Offset Policy (QEOP) which provides a single, consistent, whole of government policy for the assessment of offset proposals. In regards to offsets related to native vegetation clearing an environmental offset is required for prescribed matters of state environmental significance listed in Schedule 2 of the offset regulation. These matters include regulated vegetation for REs that are either ‘Endangered’ or are ‘Of Concern’. The Project involves the clearing of 0.42 ha of RE11.2.2 which is ‘Of Concern’ and therefore an offset is required for the Project. Adani proposes to manage the following offset initiatives: Patches of TEC occur just south of the Project area, near the rail corridor. In the Offsets Strategy, Adani may investigate a management and monitoring approach for these patches in an effort which will increase the overall coverage and connectivity of this community in the immediate vicinity of the Project area, and locally; and Nest hollows - There is the potential that artificial nest hollows could be installed in appropriate vegetation and locations to offset any loss of habitat for birds, bats, gliders, and other species which utilise nest hollows. The planning of nest hollow requirements and best location for installations could be incorporated in this Offsets Strategy in order to increase the overall ecological value of the Offset areas. Property Vegetation Management Plan 5-14 5.2 Environmental Management Measures 5.2.1 Management Measures The amount of vegetation to be cleared will be reduced through optimising stockyard and infrastructure layout and avoiding areas of high value. Proposed vegetation management strategies are seen below in Table 5-1. Strategies include pre-construction and construction phases to adequately manage vegetation. For detailed information, please refer to the Draft Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) prepared for the Project. Adani’s clearing procedure will be adhered to, to minimise the impacts on the surrounding environment. Table 5-1 Vegetation Management Table Control Strategy Phase Vegetation The Project clearing footprint has been designed to minimise the clearing of remnant vegetation, where possible avoiding high-value habitat including the TEC located adjacent to the Project Pre-construction The extent of vegetation clearing on construction plans and on-site shall be clearly identified to ensure the minimum amount of vegetation is removed, particularly where activities lie adjacent to the beach scrub community Construction Clearing of vegetation will be undertaken in a manner allowing more mobile, non-flying fauna to move away from the disturbance area unhindered Construction Vegetation outside of the areas designated for clearing will be protected from heavy machinery and other disturbances Construction Mitigation measures have been developed to ensure that impacts associated with construction and operation of the Project are minimised. Mitigation strategies have been developed based on the follow criteria: Avoid potential impacts where possible; Minimise the severity and/or duration of the impact; and Offset unavoidable impacts. Table 5-2 provides details of objectives, performance criteria and procedures for management of terrestrial flora and fauna during the proposed clearing. Property Vegetation Management Plan 5-15 Table 5-2: Flora and Fauna Objectives, Performance Criteria, Control Strategies and Monitoring Plan Project Objective - To minimise disturbance and adverse impacts on native fauna and flora from the proposed clearing - No injury or death to native fauna - No vegetation to be disturbed outside of areas designated for clearing Performance Criteria - No new weed introductions or spread of existing weeds outside of the Project area - Vehicles are certified as ‘clean’ of soil or vegetation from other sites before entering the clearing areas Control Strategy The clearing footprint will be designed to minimise the clearing of remnant vegetation, where possible avoiding high-value habitat including the TEC located to the east of the clearing locations The extent of vegetation clearing shall be clearly identified on plans to ensure the minimum amount of vegetation is removed, particularly where clearing is adjacent to the beach scrub community Clearing of vegetation will be undertaken in a manner allowing more mobile, non-flying fauna to move away from the disturbance area unhindered Vegetation outside of the areas designated for clearing will be protected from heavy machinery and other disturbances Fauna Management No clearing will be undertaken until pre-clearing surveys have been completed and appropriate management measures have been identified and implemented Pre-clearing surveys will identify and mark large and small tree hollows that may provide daytime shelter for fauna species. Hollows will be saved and used for habitat in non-disturbed areas in the Project surrounds Any native fauna injured as a result of construction will be transported to a native animal hospital/refuge Records of all captures and deaths will be kept by the site Environmental Officer and notification procedures and field audits will be established Establish temporary fencing around construction activities to exclude fauna from entering the site Vehicles associated with the clearing activities shall comply with speed limits within the Strategic Port Land Weed Management A control/eradication plan for pests that may potentially occur on the site Identifying treatment methods and techniques, chemicals, equipment and sources of assistance Weed hygiene declaration forms to accompany plant and machinery being brought to site Property Vegetation Management Plan 5-16 Section 6 References Biotropica Australia 2013, Ecological Survey Results – Abbot Point Coal Terminal Onshore Geotechnical Investigations, Prepared for CDM Smith Australia Pty Ltd, January 2013. Connell Hatch 2009, Geotechnical Investigation Report- Abbot Point Bulk Coal Terminal X80/X110 Expansion, Prepared for Ports Corporation of Queensland, July 2009. Queensland Government 2014, Environmental Offsets Act¸ Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Queensland Government 2014, Environmental Offsets Regulation¸ Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Queensland Government 2014, Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy¸ Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. WBM 2006a, Abbot Point Coal Terminal Stage 3 Expansion Environmental Impact Statement, Prepared for Port Corporation of Queensland, March 2006. WBM 2006b, Abbot Point Coal Terminal- X50 Expansion Environmental Impact Statement, Prepared for Ports Corporation of Queensland Property Vegetation Management Plan 6-1 Appendix A – SDAP Module 8.1 – Queensland Vegetation Management State Code Response column key: 8.1 Achieved P/S Performance solution N/A Not applicable Queensland vegetation management state code Table 8.1.3: General Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes Response Comment Clearing to avoid and minimise impacts PO1 Clearing only occurs where the applicant has demonstrated that the development has first avoided, and then minimised the impacts of development. No acceptable outcome is prescribed. Clearing on land in particular circumstances PO2 Clearing in an area must not be inconsistent with or impact on any of the following unless a better environmental outcome can be achieved: A range of vegetation surveys have been undertaken in the Project area. Data from these surveys was used to design the facility to avoid important environmental features including the listed Threatened Ecological Community Response column key: (TEC) to the east of the facility and the Caley Valley Wetland. Overall the Project has been designed to limit the amount of Achieved clearing required. P/S Performance solution N/A Not applicable (1) a declared area, or (2) an exchange area, or (3) unlawfully cleared area, or (4) a restoration notice, or (5) an enforcement notice under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 issued for a vegetation clearing offence, or No acceptable outcome is prescribed. (6) a compliance notice containing conditions about the restoration of vegetation, or N/A Response column key: Clearing will not be inconsistent nor impact on any of the areas or notices listed in PO2. Achieved P/S Performance solution (7) a Land Act notice, or (8) a trespass notice if the trespass related act under the Land Act 1994 for the notice is the clearing of vegetation on the relevant land, or N/A Not applicable an area on a PMAV shown to be category A where the chief executive of the VMA reasonably believes that a vegetation clearing offence is being, or State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetationcolumn management Response key: state code Page 1 of 9 Achieved Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes has been, committed in relation to the area. Clearing on land that is an environmental offset area AO3.1 Clearing is consistent with the offset delivery plan PO3 Clearing on land that contains an or agreement for the environmental offset area. existing environmental offset is OR consistent with the delivery plan or AO3.2 An additional environmental offset is provided that agreement for the environmental offset is consistent with the relevant Queensland Environmental area. Offsets Policy. No clearing of vegetation as a result of the material change of use or reconfiguration of a lot PO4 Clearing as a result of the material change of use or reconfiguration of a lot will not occur. No acceptable outcome is prescribed. Response Comment N/A Clearing is not on land containing an environmental offset area N/A Clearing is not on land containing an environmental offset area P/S The proposed clearing is required for development associated with a SDA Application for a Material Change of Use under the APSDA Development Scheme. There is no feasible alternative to the vegetation clearing as part of this application. However, the PVMP identifies a number of management measures to prevent impacts of the clearing on the surrounding environment and limit overall disturbance. It is noted that the Project EIS has been assessed by the Department of the Environment (DotE) and approved by the Minister for the Environment. It is further noted that the Project is within an area earmarked for Port Facilities within the APSDA and a range of Government Policy Documents. Therefore, the clearing of vegetation in this location can reasonably be expected to occur. P/S The proposed clearing does not come under an exemption provided within Schedule 24, Parts 1 and 2 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009. There is no feasible alternative to the vegetation clearing as part of this application. However, the PVMP identifies a number of management measures to prevent impacts of the clearing on the surrounding environment and limit overall disturbance. It is noted that the Project EIS has been assessed by the Department of the Environment (DotE) and approved by the Minister for the Environment. It is further noted that the Project is within an area earmarked for Port Facilities within the APSDA and a range of Government Policy Documents. Therefore, the clearing of vegetation in this location can reasonably be expected to occur. Clearing that could already be done under an exemption PO5 All clearing is limited to clearing that could be done under an exemption for the purpose of the development (as prescribed under Schedule 24, Parts 1 and 2 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009) prior to the material change of use application being approved. State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 No acceptable outcome is prescribed. Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 2 of 9 Table 8.1.4: Public safety, relevant infrastructure and coordinated projects Performance outcomes Limits to clearing PO1 Clearing is limited to the extent that is necessary: (1) for establishing a necessary fence, firebreak, road or vehicular track, or for constructing necessary built infrastructure, if there is no suitable alternative site for the fence, firebreak, road, track or infrastructure (relevant infrastructure), or (2) Acceptable outcomes Response No acceptable outcome is prescribed. 1) as a natural and ordinary consequence of other assessable development for which a development approval as defined under the repealed Integrated Planning Act 1997 was given, or a development application as defined under that Act was made, before 16 May 2003, or (3) to ensure public safety, or (4) for a coordinated project and any associated ancillary works—other than a coordinated project that involves high value agriculture clearing, or irrigated high value agriculture clearing. Wetlands PO2 Maintain the current extent of vegetation associated with any natural wetland to protect: (1) water quality by filtering sediments, nutrients and other pollutants (2) aquatic habitat (3) terrestrial habitat. Comment N/A AO2.1 Clearing does not occur in or within 100 metres of any natural wetland. OR AO2.2 Clearing only occurs within 100 metres of any natural wetland where: (1) the clearing does not occur within 50 metres of the defining bank of any natural wetland, or the widths stipulated by Table 1 are not exceeded. The purpose of this clearing is to establish port infrastructure and to allow construction of the T0 Project which has been assessed by the Department of the Environment (DotE) and approved by the Minister for the Environment (EPBC 2011/6190). The T0 Project is considered relevant infrastructure for the purpose of this application. Adani have undertaken multiple desktop and field vegetation surveys and located the Project infrastructure where possible in areas of least vegetation or pre-disturbed areas. Thus the relevant purpose is consistent with Section 22A (2)(d) of the VM Act. All clearing will be limited to the extent necessary for the Project and areas approved for clearing by this application will be appropriately marked. Clearing does not occur within 100 metres of a natural wetland. The Caley Valley Wetland is located over 400 m south-west of the Project area. N/A Refer to A.02.1 – The Project is not within 100 metres of a natural wetland. OR State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 3 of 9 Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes AO2.3 Where it can be demonstrated that clearing cannot be avoided, and the extent of clearing has been minimised, an environmental offset is provided for any significant residual impacts from clearing of vegetation associated with a natural wetland. Editor’s note: Applications for development should identify whether there is likely to be a significant residual impact and a need for an environmental offset having regard to the relevant Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. Response N/A Comment Refer to A.02.1 – The Project is not within 100 metres of a natural wetland. Watercourses AO3.1 Clearing does not occur: (1) in any watercourse, or (2) within the relevant distance stipulated by Table 2 of the defining bank of any watercourse. PO3 Maintain the current extent of vegetation associated with any watercourse to protect: (1) bank stability by protecting against bank erosion (2) water quality by filtering sediments, nutrients and other pollutants (3) aquatic habitat (4) terrestrial habitat. OR AO3.2 Clearing only occurs within any watercourse or within the relevant distance stipulated by Table 2 of the defining bank of any watercourse where: (1) the clearing does not occur within 5 metres of the defining bank, or Clearing does not occur in any watercourse or within the relevant distance stipulated by Table 2. N/A Refer to A03.1 N/A Refer to A03.1 P/S The Project will comply with requirements of Table 3 with the exception of: (4) The most southern portion of the Project will require clearing on Lot 51 SP243724 that will reduce the width of the existing vegetation (between the Project area and Abbot Point Beach) to less than 100m. Historic clearing has occurred to the north (existing laydown area) and this has (2) the widths stipulated by Table 1 is not exceeded OR AO3.3 Where it can be demonstrated that clearing cannot be avoided, and the extent of clearing has been minimised, an environmental offset is provided for any significant residual impact from clearing of vegetation associated with any watercourse. Editor’s note: Applications for development should identify whether there is likely to be a significant residual impact and a need for an environmental offset having regard to the relevant Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. Connectivity (public safety and relevant infrastructure) PO4 In consideration of vegetation on AO4.1 Clearing occurs in accordance with Table 3. the subject lot(s) and in the landscape adjacent to the subject lot(s), vegetation Table 3 lists the following for Coastal bioregionals and is retained that: sub-regions: (1) is of sufficient size and configured in Clearing does not: a way that maintains ecosystem (1) occur in areas of vegetation that are less than 10 State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 4 of 9 Performance outcomes functioning (2) remains in the landscape despite threatening processes. Connectivity (coordinated projects) PO5 In consideration of vegetation on the subject lot(s) and in the landscape adjacent to the subject lot(s), vegetation is retained that: (1) is of sufficient size and configured in a way that maintains ecosystem functioning (2) remains in the landscape despite threatening processes or where this is not reasonably possible, maintain the current extent of vegetation. Soil erosion PO6 Clearing does not result in: (1) mass movement, gully erosion, rill erosion, sheet erosion, tunnel erosion, stream bank erosion, wind erosion, or scalding (2) any associated loss of chemical, physical or biological fertility— including, but not limited to water holding capacity, soil structure, organic matter, soil biology, and nutrients Acceptable outcomes hectares (2) reduce the extent of vegetation to less than 10hectares (3) occur in areas of vegetation less than 100 metres wide (4) reduce the width of vegetation to less than 100 metres (5) occur where the extent of vegetation on the subject lot(s) is reduced to or less than 30 per cent of the total area of the lot(s) AO5.1 Clearing occurs in accordance with Table 3. OR AO5.2 Where it can be demonstrated that clearing cannot be avoided, and the extent of clearing has been minimised, an environmental offset is provided for any significant residual impact from clearing of vegetation that forms a connectivity area. Editor’s note: Applications for development should identify whether there is likely to be a significant residual impact and a need for an environmental offset having regard to the relevant Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. AO6.1 Clearing is undertaken in accordance with a sediment and erosion control plan which avoids and minimises land degradation. OR AO6.2 The application is a development application where a local government is the assessment manager. Response Comment provided a similar width to the remaining vegetation. It is not considered that this width reduction will compromise the foredune vegetation and a range of management measures will be put in place to ensure the Project operations do not compromise the integrity of the vegetation communities. (5) Vegetation on Lot 3 SP227557 will be reduced to less than 30% of the total area of the lot. This lot will contain the primary bund and stockyards for the Project. As discussed above, the area is earmarked for port expansion and there are no feasible alternatives to the vegetation clearing. N/A Project is not a Coordinated Project N/A Project is not a Coordinated Project N/A A detailed sediment and erosion control plan will be prepared as referred to in the CEMP. The plan will avoid and minimise land degradation. Refer to A06.1 within or outside the lot(s) that are the subject of the application. State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 5 of 9 Performance outcomes Salinity PO7 Clearing does not contribute to land degradation through: (1) waterlogging, or (2) the salinisation of groundwater, surface water or soil. Acceptable outcomes Response AO7.1 Clearing does not occur in or within 200 metres of a discharge area or recharge area. OR AO7.2 Clearing is less than: (1) 2 hectares, or (2) 10 metres wide. Comment Clearing does not occur within 200 metres of a discharge area or recharge area N/A Refer to A07.1 N/A Refer to AO8.3 N/A Refer to AO8.3 Conserving endangered and of concern regional ecosystems AO8.1 Clearing does not occur in: (1) an endangered regional ecosystem, or (2) an of concern regional ecosystem. PO8 Maintain the current extent of endangered regional ecosystems and of concern regional ecosystems. OR AO8.2 Clearing in an endangered regional ecosystem or an of concern regional ecosystem does not exceed the width or area prescribed in Table 1. OR AO8.3 Where it can be demonstrated that clearing cannot be avoided, and the extent of clearing has been minimised, an environmental offset is provided for any significant residual impact from clearing of endangered regional ecosystems and of concern regional ecosystems. Editor’s note: Applications for development should identify whether there is likely to be a significant residual impact and a need for an environmental offset having regard to the relevant Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. Clearing of approximately 0.42 ha of RE 11.2.2 – Of Concern, is required for the Project. RE 11.2.2 is Complex of Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pescaprae and Casuarina equisetifolia grassland and herbland on foredunes. The Project design has been optimised to limit the area of vegetation required to be cleared and avoid important habitat. The Project area is constrained by the existing T1 facility and the TEC to the east. As such the clearing of RE 11.2.2 cannot be avoided and Adani accepts the requirement for an environmental offset related to the clearing of this RE. Essential habitat PO9 Maintain the current extent of essential habitat. State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 AO9.1 Clearing does not occur in an area of essential habitat. OR P/S AO9.2 Clearing in essential habitat does not exceed the widths or areas prescribed in Table 1. The clearing is proposed to occur in an area mapped as essential habitat under State vegetation mapping. The essential habitat shown on the mapping is associated with an essential habitat species record within the centre of the existing rail loop. The area of the species record has now been cleared for the Storm Water Return Dam and therefore the essential habitat mapping is no longer considered relevant. N/A Refer to A09.1 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 6 of 9 Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes OR AO9.3 Clearing only occurs where an area of essential habitat is isolated and small in size and at risk from threatening processes, for the prescribed species. OR AO9.4 Where it can be demonstrated that clearing cannot be avoided, and the extent of clearing has been minimised, an environmental offset is provided for any significant residual impact from clearing of essential habitat. Editor’s note: Applications for development should identify whether there is likely to be a significant residual impact and a need for an environmental offset having regard to the relevant Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. Response Comment N/A Refer to A09.1 N/A Refer to A09.1 N/A Refer to AO10.2 Acid sulfate soils AO10.1 Clearing does not occur in land zone 1, land zone 2 or land zone 3. OR An Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS) Assessment has been undertaken in general accordance the following guidelines: PO10 Clearing activities do not result in disturbance of acid sulfate soils or changes to the hydrology of the location that will either: (1) aerate horizons containing iron sulfides, or (2) mobilise acid or metals. (2) the acid sulfate soils are managed consistent with the State Planning Policy, Department of State Development infrastructure and Planning 2013, and with the Soil Management Guidelines in the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, 2014. OR State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland 1998. Queensland’ Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation Team’s (QASSIT). AO10.2 Clearing in land zone 1, land zone 2 or land zone 3 in areas below the 5 metre Australian Height Datum only occurs where: (1) it does not involve mechanical clearing Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing The purpose of the ASS Assessment was to: Pending Characterise the site for environmental planning and design; and Perform an assessment of the soil at the proposed Project site to identify presence or potential for acid sulfate soils. Observations made during the field sampling and the preliminary laboratory analysis i.e. Stage 1, ASS screening testing indicates the T0 ASS Assessment findings will be in relative consistence with other Abbot Point ASS Assessments. i.e. There is not a high probability of the presence of ASS or PASS within the area being disturbed 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 7 of 9 Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes Response Comment by the T0 Project. T0 ASS Assessment Stage 2 laboratory analysis is currently underway and will provide qualitative information with regard to the presence or absence of ASS or PASS of the samples being analyzed as part of the Stage 2 assessment. A full description of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments, along with commentary on field observations will be provided in a comprehensive ASS Assessment Report. The presence and distribution of ASS material will dictate the requirement for an ASS Management Plan and associated management actions. This determination can be made at the finalisation of the ASS Assessment. AO10.3 The application is a development application where a local government is the assessment manager. N/A The Office of the Coordinator-General is the assessment manager Table 8.1.5: Extractive industry Table 8.1.5 has been removed - development does not involve and Extractive Industry Table 8.1.6: High value agriculture clearing and irrigated high value agriculture clearing Table 8.1.6 has been removed - development does not involve high, value agricultural clearing and irrigated high value agricultural clearing. Table 8.1.7: Necessary environmental clearing Table 8.1.7 has been removed – development does not involve necessary environmental cleaning. Table 8.1.8: Weed or pest management Table 8.1.8 has been removed – development is not for weed or pest management clearing State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 8 of 9 Table 8.1.9: Thinning Table 8.1.9 has been removed – development is not for the purpose of clearing for thinning purposes Table 8.1.10: Encroachment Table 8.1.10 has been removed – development is not for the purpose of clearing for encroachment. Table 8.1.11: Fodder Table 8.1.11 has been removed – development is not for the purpose of fodder harvesting clearing. State development assessment provisions 10 October 2014 V1.5 Module 8 — Native vegetation clearing 8.1 Queensland vegetation management state code Page 9 of 9 Appendix B – Certified PMAV Appendix C – State Vegetation Mapping 09/12/2014 06:33:36 Lot: '51' Plan: 'SP243724' Page 1 09/12/2014 06:33:37 Lot: '51' Plan: 'SP243724' Page 2 09/12/2014 06:33:39 Lot: '51' Plan: 'SP243724' Vegetation Management Act 1999 - Extract from the essential habitat database Essential habitat is required for assessment under the: • State Development Assessment Provisions - Module 8: Native vegetation clearing which sets out the matters of interest to the state for development assessment under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009; and • Self-assessable vegetation clearing codes made under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 Essential habitat for one or more of the following species is found on and within 1.1 km of the identified subject lot/s or on and within 2.2 km of an identified coordinate on the accompanying essential habitat map. This report identifies essential habitat in Category A, B and Category C areas. The numeric labels on the essential habitat map can be cross referenced with the database below to determine which essential habitat factors might exist for a particular species. Essential habitat is compiled from a combination of species habitat models and buffered species records. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines website (http://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au) has more information on how the layer is applied under the State Development Assessment Provisions - Module 8: Native vegetation clearing and the Vegetation Management Act 1999. Regional ecosystem is a mandatory essential habitat factor, unless otherwise stated. Essential habitat, for protected wildlife, means a category A area, a category B area or category C area shown on the regulated vegetation management map1) (a) that has at least 3 essential habitat factors for the protected wildlife that must include any essential habitat factors that are stated as mandatory for the protected wildlife in the essential habitat database; or 2) (b) in which the protected wildlife, at any stage of its life cycle, is located. Essential habitat identifies endangered or vulnerable native wildlife prescribed under the Nature Conservation Act 1994. Essential habitat in Category A and B (Remnant vegetation species record) areas:1100m Species Information Label Scientific Name Common Name NCA Status Vegetation Community Altitude Soils Position in Landscape 1785 Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (southern subsp.) V Dry eucalypt woodland (including poplar box, spotted gum, yellow box, acacia and callitris), with sparse short grass, often on sandy areas near to permanent water; grassy eucalypt woodlands. Nest on ground near or under grass tussock, log or low bush. None no soil information Gravelly ridges, traprock and river flats. Essential habitat in Category A and B (Remnant vegetation species record) areas:1100m Regional Ecosystems Information Label Regional Ecosystem (this is a mandatory essential habitat factor, unless otherwise stated) 1785 8.1.5, 8.2.1, 8.2.7, 8.2.8, 8.2.12, 8.3.2, 8.3.3, 8.3.5, 8.3.6, 8.3.13, 8.5.2, 8.5.3, 8.5.5, 8.5.6, 8.9.1, 8.11.1, 8.11.3, 8.11.4, 8.11.5, 8.11.6, 8.11.8, 8.12.6, 8.12.7, 8.12.9, 8.12.12, 8.12.14, 8.12.20, 8.12.22, 8.12.23, 8.12.25, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.3.5, 9.3.6, 9.3.7, 9.3.8, 9.3.9, 9.3.11, 9.3.13, 9.3.14, 9.3.15, 9.3.16, 9.3.17, 9.3.18, 9.3.19, 9.3.20, 9.3.21, 9.3.22, 9.3.23, 9.5.3, 9.5.4, 9.5.5, 9.5.6, 9.5.7, 9.5.8, 9.5.9, 9.5.10, 9.5.11, 9.5.12, 9.7.2, 9.7.3, 9.7.5, 9.7.6, 9.8.1, 9.8.2, 9.8.4, 9.8.5, 9.8.6, 9.8.9, 9.8.10, 9.8.11, 9.10.1, 9.10.3, 9.10.6, 9.10.7, 9.10.8, 9.11.1, 9.11.2, 9.11.3, 9.11.4, 9.11.5, 9.11.7, 9.11.10, 9.11.11, 9.11.12, 9.11.13, 9.11.15, 9.11.16, 9.11.17, 9.11.18, 9.11.19, 9.11.23, 9.11.26, 9.11.28, 9.11.29, 9.11.31, 9.11.32, 9.12.1, 9.12.3, 9.12.4, 9.12.5, 9.12.6, 9.12.7, 9.12.10, 9.12.11, 9.12.12, 9.12.13, 9.12.16, 9.12.17, 9.12.18, 9.12.19, 9.12.20, 9.12.21, 9.12.22, 9.12.23, 9.12.24, 9.12.26, 9.12.28, 9.12.30, 9.12.31, 9.12.33, 9.12.35, 9.12.37, 9.12.39, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.3.19, 10.3.20, 10.3.27, 10.3.28, 10.3.30, 10.3.31, 10.4.3, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.4, 10.5.5, 10.5.7, 10.5.9, 10.5.10, 10.5.11, 10.5.12, 10.7.2, 10.7.3, 10.7.5, 10.7.11, 10.7.12, 10.9.1, 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.5, 10.10.1, 10.10.3, 10.10.4, 10.10.5, 10.10.7, 11.2.1, 11.2.5, 11.3.1, 11.3.2, 11.3.3, 11.3.4, 11.3.6, 11.3.7, 11.3.8, 11.3.9, 11.3.10, 11.3.12, 11.3.13, 11.3.14, 11.3.15, 11.3.16, 11.3.17, 11.3.18, 11.3.19, 11.3.23, 11.3.25, 11.3.27, 11.3.28, 11.3.29, 11.3.30, 11.3.35, 11.3.36, 11.3.37, 11.3.38, 11.3.39, 11.4.2, 11.4.3, 11.4.5, 11.4.8, 11.4.10, 11.4.12, 11.4.13, 11.5.1, 11.5.2, 11.5.3, 11.5.4, 11.5.5, 11.5.8, 11.5.9, 11.5.12, 11.5.13, 11.5.14, 11.5.17, 11.5.20, 11.5.21, 11.7.1, 11.7.2, 11.7.4, 11.7.6, 11.8.2, 11.8.4, 11.8.5, 11.8.8, 11.8.9, 11.8.11, 11.8.12, 11.8.14, 11.8.15, 11.9.2, 11.9.3, 11.9.7, 11.9.9, 11.9.14, 11.10.1, 11.10.4, 11.10.6, 11.10.7, 11.10.11, 11.10.12, 11.10.13, 11.11.1, 11.11.3, 11.11.4, 11.11.6, 11.11.7, 11.11.8, 11.11.9, 11.11.10, 11.11.11, 11.11.15, 11.11.16, 11.11.19, 11.11.20, 11.12.1, 11.12.2, 11.12.3, 11.12.5, 11.12.6, 11.12.7, 11.12.8, 11.12.9, 11.12.10, 11.12.11, 11.12.12, 11.12.13, 11.12.14, 11.12.17, 11.12.20, 12.2.5, 12.2.6, 12.2.7, 12.2.10, 12.2.11, 12.3.3, 12.3.6, 12.3.10, 12.3.12, 12.3.14, 12.5.2, 12.5.4, 12.5.5, 12.5.7, 12.5.8, 12.5.11, 12.5.12, 12.7.1, 12.7.2, 12.8.14, 12.8.16, 12.8.17, 12.8.19, 12.9-10.7, 12.9-10.8, 12.9-10.12, 12.9-10.13, 12.11.5, 12.11.7, 12.11.8, 12.11.14, 12.11.15, 12.11.20, 12.11.21, 12.11.22, 12.12.7, 12.12.8, 12.12.9, 12.12.12, 12.12.14, 12.12.21, 12.12.22, 12.12.23, 12.12.24, 12.12.25, 12.12.27, 13.3.1, 13.3.4, 13.3.7, 13.11.1, 13.11.3, 13.11.4, 13.11.8, 13.12.2, 13.12.3, 13.12.5, 13.12.8, 13.12.9, 13.12.10 Essential habitat in Category A and B (Remnant vegetation) areas:1100m Species Information (no results) Essential habitat in Category A and B (Remnant vegetation) areas:1100m Regional Ecosystems Information (no results) Essential habitat in Category C (High value regrowth vegetation) areas:1100m Species Information (no results) Essential habitat in Category C (High value regrowth vegetation) areas:1100m Regional Ecosystems Information (no results) Page 3