Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania & Co, Bashan...Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania...

Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania

Mark Wapstra ABN 83 464 107 291 28 Suncrest Avenue email: [email protected] phone: (03) 62 283 220 Lenah Valley, TAS 7008 web: www.ecotas.com.au mobile: 0407 008 685

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ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF BASHAN ROAD QUARRY (MINING LEASE 1883P/M), WADDAMANA, TASMANIA

Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) for Downie & Co

28 August 2017


Ecological Assessment of Bashan Creek Quarry (1883P/M), Waddamana i

CITATION

This report can be cited as: ECOtas (2017). Ecological Assessment of Bashan Road Quarry (Mining Lease 1883P/M), Waddamana, Tasmania. Report by Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) for Downie & Co, 28 August 2017.

AUTHORSHIP

Field assessment: Mark Wapstra

Report production: Mark Wapstra

Habitat and vegetation mapping: Mark Wapstra

Base data for mapping: TheList, Integrated Land Management & Planning

Digital and aerial photography: Mark Wapstra, GoogleEarth, TheList

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Barry Williams (Integrated Land Management & Planning) provided background information and shape files of

the project area.

COVER ILLUSTRATIONS

Main image: view into quarry from Bashan Road. Insets (L-R): Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel), a threatened herb species recorded from the old quarry benches; Discaria pubescens (spiky anchorplant), a threatened shrub species recorded from outside the proposed works area; and Asperula scoparia subsp.

scoparia (prickly woodruff), a threatened herb recorded from the slope west of the existing quarry.

Please note: the blank pages in this document are deliberate to facilitate double-sided printing.


Ecological Assessment of Bashan Creek Quarry (1883P/M), Waddamana ii


Ecological Assessment of Bashan Creek Quarry (1883P/M), Waddamana iii

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... 1

PURPOSE, SCOPE, LIMITATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SURVEY .................................. 5

Purpose .................................................................................................................... 5

Scope ....................................................................................................................... 5

Limitations ................................................................................................................ 5

Qualifications ............................................................................................................. 6

Permit ...................................................................................................................... 6

DESCRIPTION OF MINING LEASE AREA & PROPOSAL ............................................................. 6

METHODS ......................................................................................................................... 7

Nomenclature ............................................................................................................ 7

Preliminary investigation ............................................................................................. 7

Field assessment ........................................................................................................ 8

Vegetation classification ......................................................................................... 8

Threatened flora ................................................................................................... 8

Threatened fauna .................................................................................................. 8

Declared weeds ..................................................................................................... 8

FINDINGS ....................................................................................................................... 13

Vegetation types ...................................................................................................... 13

Comments on TASVEG mapping ............................................................................ 13

Vegetation types recorded as part of the present study ............................................ 13

Plant species ........................................................................................................... 18

Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area .................................. 18

Threatened flora species potentially present (database analysis) ............................... 25

Fauna species .......................................................................................................... 25

Threatened fauna species recorded from the mining lease area ................................. 25

Threatened fauna species potentially present (database analysis) ............................. 29

Other ecological values ............................................................................................. 30

Weed species ...................................................................................................... 30

Rootrot pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi ........................................................... 31

Myrtle wilt .......................................................................................................... 31

Myrtle rust ......................................................................................................... 31

Chytrid fungus and other freshwater pathogens ...................................................... 32

Additional “Matters of National Environmental Significance” ...................................... 32

DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................... 32

Summary of key findings ........................................................................................... 32

Legislative and policy implications .............................................................................. 34

Recommendations .................................................................................................... 38


Ecological Assessment of Bashan Creek Quarry (1883P/M), Waddamana iv

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 38

APPENDIX A. Vegetation community structure and composition ............................................. 41

APPENDIX B. Vascular plant species recorded from mining lease area .................................... 43

APPENDIX C. Analysis of database records of threatened flora ............................................... 45

APPENDIX D. Analysis of database records of threatened fauna ............................................. 49

APPENDIX E. DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas report for mining lease area ............................... 52

APPENDIX F. Forest Practices Authority’s Biodiversity Values Atlas report for mining lease area . 52

APPENDIX G. CofA’s Protected Matters report for mining lease area ....................................... 52

ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................ 52


Ecological Assessment of Bashan Creek Quarry (1883P/M), Waddamana 1

SUMMARY

General

Downie & Co engaged Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) to undertake an

assessment of the ecological values associated with the existing quarry proposed for expansion

located off Bashan Road (mining lease 1883P/M), Waddamana, Tasmania, primarily to ensure that

the requirements of the identified ecological values are appropriately considered during further

project planning under local, State and Commonwealth government approval protocols.

The mining lease area was assessed by Mark Wapstra on 2 August 2017.

Summary of key findings

Threatened flora

• No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) were detected, or are known from database

information, from the mining lease area.

• Three plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995 (TSPA) were detected, or are known from database information, from the mining

lease area (or very close to the mining lease area), as follows:

– Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff) [TSPA: rare]: detected from a

single location outside the mining lease area – no impact anticipated from extractive

activities;

– Discaria pubescens (spiky anchorplant) [TSPA: endangered]: several sites detected

along both sides of Bashan Road and in grassy vegetation south of the mining lease

area – no impact anticipated from extractive activities;

– Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel) [TSPA: vulnerable]: small number of sites

outside (and one within) the mining lease area in open grassy forest on slopes (no

impact anticipated from extractive activities for these sites) and several patches (41)

on benches, slopes and floor of existing quarry (all sites will be impacted by

re-development of quarry in stage 1 – the species does not extend to the stage 2 or 3

sections).

• A permit will be required under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995 (TSPA) to “take” Scleranthus fasciculatus.

Threatened fauna

• No fauna species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) and/or the Tasmanian Threatened Species

Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) were detected, or are known from database information, from

the mining lease area.

• The mining lease area supports potential habitat of several species, as follows:

– marsupial carnivores (Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, eastern quoll): best quality

potential denning habitat (basalt rock outcrops with wombat burrows) is on the higher

slopes away from the extractive part of the lease (no significant impact is anticipated

from quarrying activities on these sites); no significant increase in roadkill is anticipated

and special management prescriptions are not considered warranted;



– eastern barred bandicoot: potential habitat widespread but not significant impact

anticipated from gradual expansion of quarry;

– masked owl: several large trees with large hollows present on slopes above quarry area

(no impact on these trees is anticipated from quarrying activities); and

– tussock skink and ptunarra brown butterfly: marginal potential habitat in open grassy

areas but habitat considered sub-optimal and gradual expansion of quarry is not

expected to have a significant impact (better quality potential habitat occurs south of

the mining lease area).

• Based on the current proposal, no special management in relation to threatened fauna is

recommended.

Vegetation types

• The mining lease area supports the following TASVEG mapping units:

– Eucalyptus delegatensis dry forest and woodland (DDE); and

– extra-urban miscellaneous (FUM).

• None of these mapping units equate to threatened ecological communities listed on

schedules of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999, or are listed as threatened on Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act

2002.

• No special prescriptions are recommended in relation to management of native vegetation

types.

Weeds

• One species classified as a “declared weed” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed

Management Act 1999 was detected from the mining lease area, as follows:

– Carduus pycnocephalus (slender thistle): several localised patches.

• Recommendations are made to maximise the chance of maintaining the mining lease area

as weed-free.

Plant disease

• There is no evidence that the mining lease area supports is infected with Phytophthora

cinnamomi (elevation above 700 m a.s.l.).

• There is no evidence that the mining lease area or surrounds supports myrtle wilt (absence

of Nothofagus cunninghamii).

• No special prescriptions are recommended in relation to management of plant disease.

Animal disease (chytrid)

• The mining lease area is not known to support frog chytrid disease and does not support

habitats conducive to the disease persisting (no waterbodies).

• No special management is recommended in relation to chytrid disease.

Recommendations

The recommendations provided below are a summary of those provided in relation to each of the

ecological features described in the main report. The main text of the report provides the relevant

context for the recommendations. It is assumed that the phrasing below will be modified in planning

documents for the project.



Vegetation types

There are no specific constraints on the operation of the quarry based on the vegetation types

identified.

Threatened flora

The presence of Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel), listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, will need to be taken into account (see section on

Legislation and policy below).

Threatened fauna

Provided that the sites identified that may have particular significance to threatened fauna

(i.e. potential devil/quoll den sites and large hollow-bearing trees, both on the forested upper

slopes) are protected from extractive works (as per the current intention), no special management

is considered warranted.

Weed management

It is recommended that specific weed management actions be incorporated into any quarry

operations plans.

Legislation and policy

No formal referral to the relevant Commonwealth government agency under the provisions of the

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is considered

warranted but this should be confirmed by the client through their own consideration of the

Significant Impact Guidelines (or through discussion with DPIPWE and/or the Commonwealth

Department of the Environment & Energy).

A permit under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will be required to “take”

threatened flora (Scleranthus fasciculatus) but not fauna (only potential habitat, not known sites,

present). Permits are sought from the Policy & Conservation Advice Branch (DPIPWE).

It is assumed a development application will be required to be prepared under the provisions of

the Central Highlands Interim Planning Scheme 2015.



PURPOSE, SCOPE, LIMITATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SURVEY

Purpose

Downie & Co engaged Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) to undertake an

assessment of the ecological values associated with the existing quarry proposed for expansion

located off Bashan Road (mining lease 1883P/M), Waddamana, Tasmania, primarily to ensure that

the requirements of the identified ecological values are appropriately considered during further

project planning under local, State and Commonwealth government approval protocols.

Scope

This report relates to:

• flora and fauna species of conservation significance, including a discussion of listed

threatened species (under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and/or

the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

potentially present, and other species of conservation significance/interest;

• vegetation types (forest and non-forest, native and exotic) present, including a discussion

of the distribution, condition, extent, composition and conservation significance of each

community;

• plant and animal disease management issues;

• weed management issues; and

• a discussion of some of the policy and legislative implications of the identified ecological

values.

This report follows the government-produced Guidelines for Natural Values Surveys - Terrestrial

Development Proposals (DPIPWE 2015) in anticipation that the report (or extracts of it) will be

used as part of various approval processes that will be required for works at the site. Specifically,

the present report addresses the key items required under the Environment Protection Authority’s

Environmental Effects Report in relation to biodiversity values. In this case, the assessment and

report have considered the matters raised in relation to ecological values in Environmental Effects

Report: Guidelines for Downie & Co – Bashan Quarry, Bashan Road, Waddamana July 2017 issued

by the EPA.

The report format will also be applicable to other assessment protocols as required by the

Commonwealth Department of the Environment & Energy (for any referral/approval that may be

required under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999), and under the local planning scheme (Central Highlands Interim Planning Scheme 2015).

Limitations

The ecological assessment was undertaken on 2 August 2017. Many plant species have ephemeral

or seasonal growth or flowering habits, or patchy distributions (at varying scales), and it is possible

that some species were not recorded for this reason. However, every effort was made to sample

the range of habitats present in the survey area to maximise the opportunity of recording most

species present (particular those of conservation significance). Late spring and into summer is

usually regarded as the most suitable period to undertake most botanical assessments. While some



species have more restricted flowering periods, a discussion of the potential for the site to support

these is presented. The timing of the survey is not considered critical for the present site.

The survey was also limited to vascular species: species of mosses, lichens and liverworts were not

recorded. However, a consideration is made of threatened species (vascular and non-vascular)

likely to be present (based on habitat information and database records) and reasons presented

for their apparent absence.

Surveys for threatened fauna were practically limited to an examination of “potential habitat”

(i.e. comparison of on-site habitat features to habitat descriptions for threatened fauna), and

detection of tracks, scats and other signs.

Qualifications

Except where otherwise stated, the opinions and interpretations of legislation and policy expressed

in this report are made by the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the relevant agency.

The client should confirm management prescriptions with the relevant agency before acting on the

content of this report. This report and associated documents do not constitute legal advice.

Permit

Any plant material was collected under DPIPWE permit TFL 17029 (in the name of Mark Wapstra).

Relevant data will be entered into DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas database by the author. Some

plant material may be lodged at the Tasmanian Herbarium by the author.

No vertebrate or invertebrate material was collected.

DESCRIPTION OF MINING LEASE AREA & PROPOSAL

The Bashan Road quarry (mining lease 1883P/M) is located on Bashan Road c. 4 km south of

Waddamana, centred on 479596mE 5332260mN (Waddamana 4633 1:25,000 Tasmap). The

quarry (see Figures 1-3 for overview of location) is located on private property on the western side

of Bashan Road, serviced by an existing gravelled entrance leading to the existing quarry floor and

benches.

It is understood that the proposal is to expand the quarry in three stages, approximately shown in

Figure 4, with extraction stage 1 comprising the redevelopment of the existing benches and stage.

Notional “preservation areas” have been shown in the planning documentation and these have

been transferred on to my maps. It is understood that these represent “no-go” areas with respect

to quarrying activities. While works will clearly be restricted to the areas shown as stages 1-3,

where trees are felled, these may be placed outside the extraction areas but also outside the

preservation areas. Technically the mining lease extends across Bashan Road but there is no

proposal to impact on Bashan Road itself nor any parts of the grazing ground east of Bashan Road.

The quarry is surrounded by native vegetation in various condition from highly modified (immediate

fringes of quarry) to effectively undisturbed, although the whole property has been subject to sheep

grazing.

The topography of the mining lease is generally a northeast-facing moderately-steep slope. There

are no defined (on topographic maps) drainage features within the mining lease, and none were

observed during site assessment.



The elevation of the mining lease area is around 630 m a.s.l. (eastern side of Bashan Road) to

725 m a.s.l. (western boundary of mining lease).

Geology of the mining lease area is wholly mapped as Tertiary-age (Cainozoic) “basalt (tholeiitic to

alkalic) and related pyroclastic rocks” (geocode: Tb), which was confirmed by site assessment, with

several rock outcrops on the steeper upper slopes and obvious exposed rock and gravel in the

existing quarry.

Land tenure and other categorisations of the mining lease area are as follows:

• Mining Lease 1883P/M;

• private property (“Bashan+Kluan” 1839 Bashan Road (Waddamana); PID 5474221; Title

Reference 248810/1);

• Central Highlands municipality, zoned as Rural Resource under the Central Highlands

Interim Planning Scheme 2015, and not subject to any overlays related to biodiversity

values;

• Central Highlands Bioregion (but relatively close to the boundary of the South East

Bioregion); and

• Southern Natural Resource Management (NRM) region.

METHODS

Nomenclature

All grid references in this report are in GDA94, except where otherwise stated.

Vascular species nomenclature follows de Salas & Baker (2017) for scientific names and Wapstra

et al. (2005+) for common names. Fauna species scientific and common names follow the listings

in the cited Natural Values Atlas report (DPIPWE 2017).

Vegetation classification follows TASVEG 3.0, as described in From Forest to Fjaeldmark:

Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation (Kitchener & Harris 2013).

Preliminary investigation

Available sources of threatened flora records, vegetation mapping and other potential

environmental values were interrogated. These sources include:

• Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment’s Natural Values

Atlas records for threatened flora and fauna (GIS coverage maintained by the author current

as at date of report);

• Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment’s Natural Values

Atlas report ECOtas_DownieQuarry_BashanRoad for a point (479596mE 5332260mN)

defining the approximate centroid of the mining lease area, buffered by 5 km, dated 31 July

2017 (DPIPWE 2017) – Appendix E;

• Forest Practices Authority’s Biodiversity Values Database report, specifically the species’

information for grid reference centroid 479596mE 5332260mN (i.e. the centroid of the

Natural Values Atlas search area), buffered by 2 km, hyperlinked species’ profiles and

predicted range boundary maps, dated 31 July 2017 (FPA 2017) – Appendix F;



• Commonwealth Department of the Environment & Energy’s Protected Matters Search Tool

Report for coordinates -42.16147 146.75302 defining the approximate centroid of the

mining lease area, buffered by 5 km, dated 31 July 2017 (CofA 2017) – Appendix G;

• the TASVEG 3.0 vegetation coverage (as available through a GIS coverage);

• GoogleEarth and TheList aerial orthoimagery; and

• other sources listed in tables and text as indicated.

Field assessment

A detailed site assessment was undertaken by Mark Wapstra on 2 August 2017. The survey covered

the entire mining lease area with a focus on the areas most likely to be disturbed. That said,

because the mining lease area is not defined on the ground by obvious landmarks or survey points,

my survey extended across both the lease area and to surrounding areas, especially the slopes to

the northwest, west and southwest of the extraction areas. I also examined both verges of Bashan

Road (especially related to threatened flora), and briefly the areas east of Bashan Road (even

though this will not be impacted by extraction in any manner).

Vegetation classification

Vegetation was classified by waypointing vegetation transitions for later comparison to aerial

imagery. The structure and composition of the vegetation types was described using nominal 30 m

radius plots at a representative site within the vegetation types, and compiling “running” species

lists between plots and vegetation types.

Threatened flora

Where threatened flora were detected, hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 600) was used to waypoint

the position of individuals. The waypoint function was used to count individuals of all species

encountered.

Threatened fauna

Hollow-bearing trees (potential habitat for species such as the masked owl) and potential

Tasmanian devil/spotted-tailed quoll den/lay-up sites (including rock outcrops with wombat

burrows, overhangs with evidence of animal use, and wombat burrows away from rock outcrops)

were mapped, with their location recorded using hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 600).

Declared weeds

Where declared weeds, as recognised under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999, were

detected, hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 600) was used to waypoint the position of individuals or

patches.



Figure 1. General location of mining lease area



Figure 2. Detailed location of mining lease area – topographic and cadastral [source: TheList]



Figure 3. Location of mining lease area showing recent aerial imagery and cadastral boundaries [source: GoogleEarth and TheList, respectively]



Figure 4. Location of mining lease area showing approximate proposed stages (stages 1-3 from north to south and two adjacent “preservation areas”



FINDINGS

Vegetation types

Comments on TASVEG mapping

This section, which comments on the existing TASVEG 3.0 mapping for the mining lease area, is

included to highlight the differences between existing mapping and the more recent mapping from

the present study to ensure that any parties assessing land use proposals (via this report) do not

rely on existing mapping. Note that TASVEG mapping, which was mainly a desktop mapping

exercise based on aerial photography, is often substantially different to ground-truthed vegetation

mapping, especially at a local scale. An examination of existing vegetation mapping is usually a

useful pre-assessment exercise to gain an understanding of the range of habitat types likely to be

present and the level of previous botanical surveys.

TASVEG 3.0 maps the mining lease area (Figure 5) as:

• Eucalyptus delegatensis dry forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DDE): majority of mining

lease area, including about half of the existing quarry facility;

• highland Poa grassland (TASVEG code: GPH): lower slopes of mining lease area, including

about half of the existing quarry facility, straddling Bashan Road (including Bashan Road

itself), and small parts of the upper slopes in the west of the mining lease (part of a much

larger area mapped as GPH extending west away from the mining lease area); and

• regenerating cleared land (TASVEG code: FRG): lower slopes east of Bashan Road, and

small parts of lower slope south of existing quarry west of Bashan Road, all part of a much

larger polygon of FRG that covers most of the grazing country.

It is interesting to note that the existing quarry facility and Bashan Road, both marked on

topographic maps and obvious on aerial imagery, have not been mapped as extra-urban

miscellaneous (TASVEG code: FUM).

Vegetation types recorded as part of the present study

Vegetation types have been classified according to TASVEG 3.0, as described in From Forest to

Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation (Kitchener & Harris 2013). Table 1 provides

information on the vegetation types identified with notes on condition. Appendix A provides a

detailed description of the native vegetation mapping units identified from the mining lease area.

Figure 6 shows the revised vegetation mapping.

Note that I have used GoogleEarth aerial imagery as my underlay as it shows the nature of land

use more accurately than the orthophoto available on TheList – specifically, the grazing regime in

the grassy openings is much more obvious, as are the extent of the paddocks fenced along Bashan

Road. That said, I have ensured that my final revision of vegetation mapping also coincides with

vegetation boundaries shown on TheLists’s orthophoto and my field-collected waypoints of

vegetation transitions.

Of the vegetation types recorded from the mining lease area, none are listed as threatened

vegetation types on Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, nor equate to

threatened ecological communities listed on schedules of the Commonwealth Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It is noted that existing TASVEG vegetation

mapping (see Figure 5) shows areas of highland Poa grassland (TASVEG code: GPL) within the



mining lease area. GPL is listed as threatened on Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature

Conservation Act 2002. This non-forest mapping unit was not identified from the mining lease area,

although it does appear to be present further south (and possibly further north).

The native vegetation types present within the mining lease area are widespread and well-reserved

and further clearance and disturbance within the mining lease area will have no significant impact

on the conservation status of the communities at a regional or Statewide level.

Table 1. Vegetation mapping units present in mining lease area

[conservation status: NCA – as per Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, using units described by Kitchener & Harris (2013), relating to TASVEG mapping units only (DPIPWE 2017); table headings are as per modules in

Kitchener & Harris (2013); EPBCA – as per the listing of ecological communities on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, relating to communities as described under that Act, but with

equivalencies to TASVEG units]

TASVEG mapping unit

(Kitchener & Harris 2013)

Conservation status

NCA

EPBCA

Comments

Dry eucalypt forest and woodland

Eucalyptus delegatensis dry

forest and woodland

(DDE)

Not threatened

Not threatened

The forested slopes are dominated by a forest canopy of pure Eucalyptus dalrympleana (mountain white gum) over a largely grassy understorey. This community is strangely best classified under TASVEG as a mapping unit dominated by Eucalyptus delegatensis, namely DDE. The intersectional key in Kitchener & Harris (2013) clearly allocates the vegetation of the subject area as dry forest and woodland, and therefore to DDE when the forest is dominated by Eucalyptus dalrympleana but not co-occurring with Eucalyptus pauciflora. Where the canopy shares dominance between these latter two species, the area would be classified as Eucalyptus dalrympleana – Eucalyptus pauciflora forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DDP) but the detailed description of DDP clearly indicates it to be a subalpine community of quite different environments to that of the mining lease. Annoyingly, the detailed description of DDE seems to imply that this site would be better classified as Eucalyptus dalrympleana forest (TASVEG code: WDA), a wet sclerophyll mapping unit, which is partially supported by the phrasing under the detailed description of WDA. I do not accept this interpretation for the forest in the mining lease area, which is clearly dry sclerophyll forest, such that it must be classified as DDE.

The “DDE” community is in generally excellent ecological condition, with only minor occurrences of weeds (mainly on the fringes), and some evidence of stock grazing (albeit quite minor, as stock are clearly preferring the higher and lower areas with gentler slopes and more open grass). There is a complex structural diversity that includes numerous mature trees bearing large hollows. The understorey is relatively simple floristically, quite typical of this type of forest in this part of the State. Rock outcrops add considerably to the conservation significance of the vegetation, with the outcrops actively used by wombats and potentially species such as Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls and eastern quolls. The “DDE” also supports two species of threatened flora, namely Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel) and Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff).



Agricultural, urban and exotic vegetation

Extra-urban miscellaneous

(FUM)

Not threatened

Not threatened

FUM has been used to map the existing quarry facility and associated fringes of heavily disturbed vegetation. The open grassy areas around the fringes of the existing quarry, even though locally dominated by Poa labillardierei (silver

tussockgrass) and therefore potentially mappable as highland Poa grassland (TASVEG code: GPH), have developed on old quarry workings and the exposed gravel is still present throughout i.e. these areas are effectively part of the quarry and should not be considered as native grassland.

FUM has also been mapped across Bashan Road, incorporating all the area between the fencelines. Technically, the road verge includes some “native grassland”, albeit with a high component of ubiquitous pasture grasses and herbs. In addition, a small area immediately east of the existing quarry is locally dominated by Acacia dealbata (silver wattle), and could be classified as Acacia dealbata forest (TASVEG code: NAD), although to do so is an exercise in superficial mapping at an impractical scale.

Agricultural land

(FAG)

Not threatened

Not threatened

The area of pasture on the eastern side of Bashan Road is easily classifiable as FAG. While this area has some native species in its composition, it is more heavily grazed and clearly utilised as pasture.

The open grassy area west of Bashan Road and south of the existing quarry is more complicated to allocate to a mapping unit. I am comfortable that it does not classify as

regenerating cleared land (TASVEG code: FRG), as per existing TASVEG mapping (Figure 5). However, its allocation to FAG rather than a native grassland mapping unit is recognised as an acknowledgment of the primary land use. While TheLists’s orthophoto indicates a higher proportion of native species, GoogleEarth imagery clearly indicates that this area becomes quite lush. Field assessment showed that just south of the mining lease boundary, the “grassland” is currently dominated by Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) and therefore could be allocated to lowland Themeda triandra grassland (TASVEG code: GTL). I am not comfortable with this because (a) the site is not “lowland”, which is usually defined under TASVEG as occurring below the 600 m elevation threshold, and (b) there is a high proportion of other grass species (both native and exotic) throughout. North of this point (so entering into the mining lease), the Themeda triandra gives was to localised areas of Poa labillardierei, but this is clearly mixed with exotic pasture species. Closer to the existing gravel extraction areas, the proportion of native species drops markedly. This area between the “GTL” and the FUM could be allocated to highland Poa grassland (TASVEG code: GPH) but it lacks the typical high diversity of herbs and some characteristic shrubs that usually feature in GPH. It actually has closer affinities to lowland Poa labillardierei grassland (TASVEG code: GPL), but as with GTL, this should not be classified above the nominal 600 m elevation threshold. If the site were at a lower elevation, I would possibly classify the open grassy areas with a variable native grass component as lowland grassland complex (TASVEG code: GCL) but unfortunately there is not an equivalent “highland grassland complex” for sites above 600 m elevation. Based on this analysis, I have chosen to classify the open grassy areas as FAG, reflecting land use history.



Figure 5. Mining lease area and surrounds showing existing TASVEG 3.0 vegetation mapping (see text for codes)



Figure 6. Mining lease area showing revised vegetation mapping (see text for codes)



Plant species

General information

A total of 41 vascular plant species were recorded from the mining lease area and immediate

surrounds (Appendix B), comprising 24 dicotyledons (including 1 endemic and 4 exotic species),

15 monocotyledons (including 6 exotic species) and 2 pteridophytes (both native).

Additional surveys at different times of the year may detect additional short-lived herbs and

grasses, although follow-up surveys are not considered warranted because it is highly unlikely that

any species with a high priority for conservation management will be detected (see also discussion

under Threatened flora species potentially present (database information) and Appendix C).

Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area

No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were detected from within or close to the mining lease area.

There is limited potential habitat for such species. In this statement, I specifically include reference

to Prasophyllum crebriflorum (crowded leek-orchid), for which there are several records reported

within 5,000 m (DPIPWE 2017). In my opinion, these records probably do not refer to this species

but another member of the “green-brown subalpine Praso” species-complex, an opinion formed by

examination of all collections of the species held at the Tasmanian Herbarium. The species-complex

is in need to review. The species is not associated with steeper terrain, most usually occurring on

undulating grasslands dominated by Poa labillardierei i.e. potential habitat is absent from the

mining lease area. I also make reference to Pterostylis pratensis (liawenee greenhood), for which

there is also a known population within 5,000 m of the mining lease area. This species is not

associated with steeper grassy slopes and in my opinion the “grassland” vegetation of the mining

lease area is not coincident with any of the known habitats of the species.

Three plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

were detected from within or close to the mining lease area (Figure 7). The potential impact on

these species from activities within the mining lease are discussed below.

• Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff)

This perennial herb is listed as rare on the TSPA and has a widespread distribution in Tasmania.

While potential habitat is widespread within and surrounding the mining lease area, only one site

was detected and this was just outside the lease area, well away from any area likely to be

disturbed by extraction activities. The habitat was the densely grassy steep forested slope

(Plate 1). Given the apparently sparse distribution of the species in the area, it is possible that

other sites were overlooked or missed. However, it is highly unlikely that it occurs within the areas

proposed for extraction as (a) these areas are much more heavily modified than the site supporting

the species upslope, and (b) these areas were searched to a higher intensity.

No special management is required in relation to this species.



Figure 7. Distribution of threatened flora and other ecological values within and close to the mining lease area



Plate 1. Habitat of Asperula scoparia just outside the mining lease area

• Discaria pubescens (spiky anchorplant)

This shrub is listed as endangered on the TSPA. The Hermitage to Waddamana part of the State is

the stronghold of the species and there has been considerable (mainly informal) mapping of its

occurrence on road verges and adjacent grassy woodlands and pastures, including several records

close to the mining lease (Figure 8). The present assessment has provided the most up-to-date

mapping of Discaria pubescens from within and close to the mining lease area. Essentially, the

updated mapping coincides closely with the existing mapping of the species, considering all the

NVA records are listed with a precision of ± 10 m. The recent mapping has indicated the species is

locally patchy along both sides of Bashan Road and does occur on the grassy slopes west of Bashan

Road but not within the mining lease area. Refer to Plates 2-5 for images of habitat of the species

close to the mining lease (provided for reference only).

Plates 2 & 3. Habitat of Discaria pubescens on western (LHS) and eastern (RHS) sides of Bashan Road

While the species occurs close to the proposed activities (e.g. a few plants in the grassy verge

between Bashan Road and the fenceline just south of the existing entrance to the quarry), provided



that the current access is maintained and the not substantially modified, no special management

is required in relation to this species.

Plates 2 & 3. Habitat of Discaria pubescens on western (LHS) and eastern (RHS) sides of Bashan Road

Figure 8. Distribution of Discaria pubescens within and close to the mining lease – NVA records (note that all of these are within the “road reserve”, ignoring the obvious cadastral boundary discrepancy between

TheList and the actual position of Bashan Road)



• Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel)

This perennial herb is listed as vulnerable on the TSPA, although the species may be more

widespread, common and well-reserved than indicated by this slightly higher status. The species

was recorded in the present assessment from two quite different habitats. It was sporadic but

nowhere abundant in the grassy Eucalyptus dalrympleana forest and woodland (Plate 6), with three

sites recorded just outside the mining lease and one site just inside the mining lease on the upper

slopes. None of these sites will be impacted by the proposed activities.

As with Asperula scoparia, it is possible that some sites were overlooked or missed. However,

Scleranthus biflorus was widespread and locally common across the grassy forested slopes. This

species forms much more compact ground-hugging patches compared to the more ascending and

spreading habit of Scleranthus fasciculatus. While the two species are distinct, Scleranthus biflorus

is virtually identical to Scleranthus brockiei (mountain knawel), which is a listed species (rare on

the TSPA). As such, I waypointed numerous sites for Scleranthus throughout the mining lease area,

collecting numerous samples for later microscopic examination (Scleranthus biflorus differs from

Scleranthus brockiei in having four not five sepals, which can be hard to determine in the field. As

such, I am confident that the patchy distribution of Scleranthus fasciculatus in the forested habitat

is representative.

Plate 6. Example of habitat of Scleranthus fasciculatus on the upper slopes of the mining lease area

Scleranthus fasciculatus also occurred within the confines of the existing quarry, mainly associated

with the top two benches, less so with the lowest bench, occasional on the southern quarry slope,

and sporadic on the quarry floor (Figure 9, Plates 7-13).

The species was scattered only, allowing GPS waypointing to be used to count the precise number

of individuals: 17 on the lower bench; 19 on the second bench up; 2 on the upper bench; 1 on the

southern slope; and 2 on the quarry floor (total of 41 clumps). In contrast, only four (4) locations

were waypointed outside the confines of the quarry (see section above).



Plate 7. (LHS) Looking across quarry floor to series of elevated benches on which Scleranthus fasciculatus

occurs (lines indicate approximate benches supporting the species)

Plate 8. (RHS) View from northwest side of quarry to south face (arrows indicate approximate location of the species on the southern slope and quarry floor)

Plates 9 & 10. Upper benches along which Scleranthus fasciculatus has locally colonised

Plate 11. (LHS) Scleranthus fasciculatus (left) and Scleranthus biflorus (right) growing side by side on the

middle bench, showing the contrasting growth habit

Plate 12. (MIDDLE) Clump of Scleranthus fasciculatus growing on loose gravel of middle bench

Plate 13. (RHS) Individual of Scleranthus fasciculatus showing growth habit



Figure 9. Detailed distribution of Scleranthus fasciculatus within the existing quarry area



It is clear that the species has colonised the quarry after its establishment and use over many

years, presumably from seed that found its way naturally downslope to the site. It is possible that

the species once occurred on the quarry site (prior to its use) and the topsoil that would have

covered the gravel source shifted (with its cargo of soil-stored seed and fragments of plants) to

outside the quarry.

The entire population of Scleranthus fasciculatus that has been mapped within the quarry area

occurs within the stage 1 extraction area, meaning that the re-development of this part of the

quarry has the potential to locally eliminate the species. It is also noted that the quarry is already

subject to a current Level 1 permit to extract 5 000 cubic metres from the mining lease area i.e. it

is currently fully permitted for ongoing extraction, which would disturb the existing benches and

hence the plants. Technically, under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995, a permit is only required to “knowingly take” threatened species: in the absence of the

present assessment, the presence of Scleranthus fasciculatus would not have been “known” and

hence the plants would have been legally “taken” as part of an existing quarry permit.

Given the high level of disturbance of the site, I do not consider that this site is a high priority for

conservation management of the species. As such, the simplest course of action is to apply for a

permit to take all individuals from the quarry area (see DISCUSSION Legislative and policy

implications for more detail on the permit application process). In my opinion, the loss of this site

and such a small number of individuals would not have a material impact on the conservation status

of the species, and I would support this as a decision by the proponent.

Threatened flora species potentially present (database analysis)

Table C1 (Appendix C) provides a listing of threatened flora from within 5,000 m of the mining

lease area (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to

support various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present

for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded. Some species not listed on

databases but considered by the author to have potential to occur in the mining lease area are also

discussed.

Fauna species

Threatened fauna species recorded from the mining lease area

No fauna species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

and/or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were

detected from within or close to the mining lease area.

Potential habitat (to some degree) is present for several species, as follows:

• Sarcophilus harrisii (Tasmanian devil);

• Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus (spotted-tailed quoll);

• Dasyurus viverrinus (eastern quoll);

• Pseudemoia pagenstecheri (tussock skink);

• Oreixenica ptunarra (ptunarra brown butterfly); and

• Tyto novaehollandiae (masked owl).

Further information on these species is provided below.



• marsupial carnivores

Three species (Sarcophilus harrisii, Tasmanian devil; Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus,

spotted-tailed quoll; and Dasyurus viverrinus, eastern quoll) are considered collectively because

they have broadly similar habitat and management requirements.

While there are no database records within the immediate vicinity of the mining lease, all these

species have broad ranges and can occupy a wide variety of habitats. Within (and close to) the

mining lease area, the slopes above the existing quarry were considered to have the highest

potential to support dens of these species, especially the Tasmanian devil and spotted-tailed quoll.

Several significant basalt outcrops are present, many of which have well-developed overhangs that

either have wombat burrows present or some evidence that a larger animal has used the site to

lay-up. All sites with wombat burrows also had wombat scats, most fresh. This is no guarantee that

a burrow is also not being used by a marsupial carnivore. The absence of carnivore scats is also no

guarantee that a site is not in sue in some way. Lower down on the slope there was also a large

wombat burrow under a large hollow-bearing tree. Figure 7 shows the distribution of habitat

features considered to have the highest potential to be utilised by large marsupial carnivores (see

also Plates 14-19). In my opinion, provided that the quarry activities are restricted to the area

indicated, these species should not be deleteriously affected by the works. In fact, the works

provide an opportunity to create some denning habitat – if trees are felled in stages 2 & 3, these

could be placed in an area surrounding the quarry (e.g. upslope).

Advice from the Environment Protection Authority (in turn, provided from the Policy & Conservation

Advice Branch, DPIPWE) stated that:

“If the proposal will generate an increase in daytime traffic of more than 10%, then this is

considered significant in regard to likely impacts on the Tasmanian devil. In this case, it is

recommended that roadkill mitigation measures be implemented in accordance with the

Tasmanian Devil Survey Guidelines and Management Advice for Development Proposals”.

Under the Survey Guidelines and Management Advice for Development Proposals that may Impact

on the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): A Supplement to the Guidelines for Natural Values

Surveys - Terrestrial Development Proposals (DPIPWE 2015), the following is recommended in

relation to assessing the potential risk of roadkill from a project:

“3.7 Roadkill assessment

To be conducted where desktop assessment of the local devil population and the projected

roadkill risk indicate potential for a substantial impact on the local population (i.e. predicted

>10 % increase in deaths). Ideally, the survey should be conducted regularly over a long

period of time, preferably covering all seasons (noting that January to April is when peak

roadkill of weaned devils may occur). Notwithstanding the previous point, at a minimum,

survey of road-killed devils should cover one of the following set periods of time - either 3

months for weaned devils between January and April or 6 months over the remainder of

the year.

Additional notes:

• If assessing the impact of traffic associated with a proposed development on the devil, it

is necessary to understand the current roadkill rate, potential construction phase roadkill

rate, and potential post-development roadkill rate.

• It can be difficult to attribute the relative contribution of an individual proposed

development to roadkill rates on public roads. Where this is an issue, it should be resolved

by extending the impact assessment area to the point on a road at which it no longer

represents a potential increase in the risk of roadkill of greater than 10 % using a

parameter relevant to the proposed development or activity (e.g. to a point where the

proposed land use activity is no longer responsible for a greater than 10 % increase in the

volume or speed of night time traffic)”.



Plates 14-19. Examples of basalt outcrops on upper slopes of mining lease (and immediately adjacent areas) showing evidence of wombat burrows



The advice provided by PCAB to the EPA has somewhat confused the intent of the Guidelines and

I believe this requires clarification. The Guidelines intend for roadkill mitigation to be implemented

if a development is projected to increase the rate of roadkill by more than 10%, not if there is an

increase in daytime traffic of more than 10%. Devils (and quolls) are mainly nocturnal, hence the

concern is primarily if a project will result in a substantial increase in traffic between dusk and

dawn. Even if this proposal were to generate an increase of greater than 10% in daytime traffic,

there is little evidence that this would lead to any increase in the rate of roadkill of devils (and

quolls). As I understand this project, the risk of an increase in the rate of roadkilled devils (and

quolls) is probably negligible because: (a) Bashan Road is a narrow gravel road that winds through

relatively steep terrain, with little opportunity for vehicles (especially heavy gravel trucks) to gain

any significant speed; (b) any vehicle movements are most likely to be in daytime hours; and

(c) most additional traffic (such as gravel trucks) will be moving slowly to and from the wind farm

site on Wild Cattle Hill, which passes through large expanses of short-cropped grazing country only

(i.e. far from ideal “devil country”).

On this basis, unless the proponent presents evidence that clearly demonstrates a significant risk

of the incidence of roadkill of devils (and quolls) increasing (e.g. if there will be a substantial

increase in dusk to dawn vehicle movements), in my opinion, this project should not require special

management for the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll and eastern quoll.

• Pseudemoia pagenstecheri (tussock skink)

Refer to discussion under FINDINGS Vegetation types Vegetation types recorded as part of the

present study, particular Table 1 and the discussion of the classification and composition of

“grassland” areas, which indicates that the mining lease area is probably sub-optimal for this

species, which tends to utilise well-developed tussock grasslands. That said, the species is also

reported from quite degraded grasslands verging on pasture. Unless there is a known site within

proximity of a proposed development, undertaking specialist and targeted surveys for the species

tend to be not much more than “searching for a needle in a haystack”. The species is widespread

and probably vastly under-reported (with some specialists questioning its threatened status). In

my opinion, the gradual expansion of a quarry into what is probably sub-optimal habitat presents

a very low risk to the species, as it would be encroachment into potential habitat only.

• Oreixenica ptunarra (ptunarra brown butterfly)

See discussion under tussock skink as the species share potential habitat to a large degree. There

are known sites for the ptunarra brown butterfly relatively close to the project area viz. Bashan

Plains and Gathering Hill, and slightly further afield viz. eastern side of Lake Echo. If “classic” Poa-

dominated grassland was present and likely to be cleared, a specialist targeted survey during the

flying season may be warranted. However, in the absence of such grassland, with the majority of

the areas more heavily dominated by Poa labillardierei south of the mining lease area and area

proposed for expansion, I do not recommend that such a survey is required.

• Tyto novaehollandiae (masked owl)

While the project area is well above the nominal elevation threshold of 600 m referred to in the

description of potential habitat (FPA 2017), the mining lease area and immediate surrounds support

some very large trees with large hollows (essentially “classic” masked owl roost/nest trees) in a

landscape that is probably ideal (i.e. mosaic of forest, woodland, farms, barns, rivers, etc.). None



of the large hollow-bearing trees showed evidence of occupation by masked owl (e.g. whitewash,

pellets, prey remains, feathers, etc.) but this can be masked by the structure of the tree and hollow.

As such, I mapped the large trees with large hollows encountered (Figure 7). Visibility through

quite open forest to spot stags and senescent crowns was very good and this meant that most, if

not all, such trees have been mapped (refer also to Plates 20-26). No such trees have been mapped

within the area proposed for quarry expansion such that the impact on the masked owl, should it

be present, will not be significant.

Plates 20-26. Examples of large (mainly dead) trees with large hollows

Threatened fauna species potentially present (database analysis)

Table D1 (Appendix D) provides a listing of threatened fauna from within 5,000 m of the mining

lease area (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to

support various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present

for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded.



Other ecological values

Weed species

One plant species classified as a “declared weed” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed

Management Act 1999 was detected from the mining lease area (and nearby areas). Small patches

of Carduus pycnocephalus (slender thistle) were scattered (Figure 7, Plate 27), as it is in most of

the primary production areas in this part of the State. The infestations reported here are very minor

and pose little risk of deleteriously impacting on the ecological integrity of the native vegetation

within the mining lease area.

Plate 27. Patch of Carduus pycnocephalus northwest of the existing quarry

Management actions should aim to minimise the risk of introducing weeds to the mining lease area.

The key to this will be strict hygiene protocols for machinery, vehicles and personnel entering the

work area from a potentially weed-affected site (noting the main roads leading to the quarry appear

to be essentially weed-free (sealed or well-maintained gravel surfaces) such that vehicles travelling

on these routes can be considered clean, unless they have come from a potentially contaminated

site).

Regular monitoring undertaken by suitably qualified personnel (e.g. quarry management staff) in

the spring months during quarry operation is suggested to maximise the opportunity to detect (and

treat) weed outbreaks. If weeds (including ubiquitous species such as thistles) are detected, they

should be relatively simple to treat without herbicides (i.e. grub out). Periodic treatment of the

quarry floor, benches, batters, office areas, access and immediately surrounding areas may be

needed to keep on top of species such as thistles that spread by aerially-dispersed seed that take

advantage of newly-disturbed ground. Maintaining the weed-free status will be important for

delivering product to project sites that may require the weed-free status of the source material to

be certified.

Several planning manuals provide guidance on appropriate management actions, which can be

referred to develop site-specific prescriptions for the operation of the quarry. These manuals

include:



• Allan, K. & Gartenstein, S. (2010). Keeping It Clean: A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to

Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens. NRM South, Hobart;

• Rudman T. (2005). Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Guidelines. Nature

Conservation Report 05/7, Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Department of Primary

Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart;

• Rudman, T., Tucker, D. & French, D. (2004). Washdown Procedures for Weed and Disease

Control. Edition 1. Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart; and

• DPIPWE (2015). Weed and Disease Planning and Hygiene Guidelines - Preventing the

Spread of Weeds and Diseases in Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water

& Environment, Hobart.

Rootrot pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi

Phytophthora cinnamomi (PC) is widespread in lowland areas of Tasmania, across all land tenures.

However, disease will not develop when soils are too cold or too dry. For these reasons, PC is not

a threat to susceptible plant species that grow at altitudes higher than about 700 metres or where

annual rainfall is less than about 600 mm (e.g. Midlands and Derwent Valley). Furthermore, disease

is unlikely to develop beneath a dense canopy of vegetation because shading cools the soils to

below the optimum temperature for the pathogen. A continuous canopy of vegetation taller than

about 2 metres is sufficient to suppress disease. Hence PC is not considered a threat to susceptible

plant species growing in wet sclerophyll forests, rainforests (except disturbed rainforests on infertile

soils) and scrub e.g. teatree scrub (Rudman 2005; FPA 2009).

The mining lease area is above 700 m elevation and essentially within an area of native vegetation

broadly classifiable as dry sclerophyll forest with a well-developed grassy understorey. No evidence

of the pathogen was noted (but the vegetation type and its understorey species are not particular

susceptible). The current quarry is well-drained with well-formed floors, benches and slopes that

do not appear to cause water to pool. It is understood that the re-development of the site will

include specific drainage management and settling ponds.

Unless evidence indicates otherwise, I believe it is reasonable to consider this quarry as source of

PC-free gravel.

Myrtle wilt

Myrtle wilt, caused by a wind-borne fungus (Chalara australis), occurs naturally in rainforest where

myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) is present. The fungus enters wounds in the tree, usually

caused by damage from wood-boring insects, wind damage and forest clearing. The incidence of

myrtle wilt often increases forest clearing events such as windthrow and wildfire.

Nothofagus cunninghamii is absent from the mining lease area. No special management is required.

Myrtle rust

Myrtle rust is a disease limited to plants in the Myrtaceae family. This plant disease is a member

of the guava rust complex caused by Puccinia psidii, a known significant pathogen of Myrtaceae

plants outside Australia. Infestations are currently limited to NSW, Victoria, Queensland and

Tasmania (DPIPWE 2015).



No evidence of myrtle rust was noted. It is recommended that only indigenous native plants be

used in any amenity or rehabilitation plantings.

Chytrid fungus and other freshwater pathogens

Native freshwater species and habitat are under threat from freshwater pests and pathogens

including Phytophthora cinnamomi (root rot), Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Chytrid frog

disease), Mucor amphibiorum (platypus Mucor disease) and the freshwater algal pest

Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo) (Allan & Gartenstein 2010). Freshwater pests and pathogens

are spread to new areas when contaminated water, mud, gravel, soil and plant material or infected

animals are moved between sites. Contaminated materials and animals are commonly transported

on boots, equipment, vehicles tyres and during road construction and maintenance activities. Once

a pest pathogen is present in a water system it is usually impossible to eradicate. The manual

Keeping it Clean - A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests

and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) provides information on how to prevent the spread of

freshwater pests and pathogens in Tasmanian waterways wetlands, swamps and boggy areas.

The mining lease area does not support any waterbodies (dams, streams, drainage depressions,

etc.) such that no special management is recommended in relation to chytrid.

Additional “Matters of National Environmental Significance”

The EPBCA Protected Matters Area report (CofA 2017) indicates that the Threatened Ecological

Communities Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens, listed as Endangered, and Lowland

Native Grasslands of Tasmania, listed as Critically Endangered, are likely to occur within the area.

Database information and field assessment indicates that no such vegetation is present within, or

close to, the mining lease area.

DISCUSSION

Summary of key findings

Threatened flora

• No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) were detected, or are known from database

information, from the mining lease area.

• Three plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995 (TSPA) were detected, or are known from database information, from the mining

lease area (or very close to the mining lease area), as follows:

– Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff) [TSPA: rare]: detected from a

single location outside the mining lease area – no impact anticipated from extractive

activities;

– Discaria pubescens (spiky anchorplant) [TSPA: endangered]: several sites detected

along both sides of Bashan Road and in grassy vegetation south of the mining lease

area – no impact anticipated from extractive activities;



– Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel) [TSPA: vulnerable]: small number of sites

outside (and one within) the mining lease area in open grassy forest on slopes (no

impact anticipated from extractive activities for these sites) and several patches (41)

on benches, slopes and floor of existing quarry (all sites will be impacted by

re-development of quarry in stage 1 – the species does not extend to the stage 2 or 3

sections).

• A permit will be required under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995 (TSPA) to “take” Scleranthus fasciculatus.

Threatened fauna

• No fauna species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) and/or the Tasmanian Threatened Species

Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) were detected, or are known from database information, from

the mining lease area.

• The mining lease area supports potential habitat of several species, as follows:

– marsupial carnivores (Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, eastern quoll): best quality

potential denning habitat (basalt rock outcrops with wombat burrows) is on the higher

slopes away from the extractive part of the lease (no significant impact is anticipated

from quarrying activities on these sites); no significant increase in roadkill is anticipated

and special management prescriptions are not considered warranted;

– eastern barred bandicoot: potential habitat widespread but not significant impact

anticipated from gradual expansion of quarry;

– masked owl: several large trees with large hollows present on slopes above quarry area

(no impact on these trees is anticipated from quarrying activities); and

– tussock skink and ptunarra brown butterfly: marginal potential habitat in open grassy

areas but habitat considered sub-optimal and gradual expansion of quarry is not

expected to have a significant impact (better quality potential habitat occurs south of

the mining lease area).

• Based on the current proposal, no special management in relation to threatened fauna is

recommended.

Vegetation types

• The mining lease area supports the following TASVEG mapping units:

– Eucalyptus delegatensis dry forest and woodland (DDE); and

– extra-urban miscellaneous (FUM).

• None of these mapping units equate to threatened ecological communities listed on

schedules of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999, or are listed as threatened on Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act

2002.

• No special prescriptions are recommended in relation to management of native vegetation

types.

Weeds

• One species classified as a “declared weed” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed

Management Act 1999 was detected from the mining lease area, as follows:

– Carduus pycnocephalus (slender thistle): several localised patches.

• Recommendations are made to maximise the chance of maintaining the mining lease area

as weed-free.



Plant disease

• There is no evidence that the mining lease area supports is infected with Phytophthora

cinnamomi (elevation above 700 m a.s.l.).

• There is no evidence that the mining lease area or surrounds supports myrtle wilt (absence

of Nothofagus cunninghamii).

• No special prescriptions are recommended in relation to management of plant disease.

Animal disease (chytrid)

• The mining lease area is not known to support frog chytrid disease and does not support

habitats conducive to the disease persisting (no waterbodies).

• No special management is recommended in relation to chytrid disease.

Legislative and policy implications

Some commentary is provided below with respect to the key threatened species, vegetation

management and other relevant legislation. Note that there may be other relevant policy

instruments in addition to those discussed. The following information does not constitute legal

advice and it is recommended that independent advice is sought from the relevant

agency/authority.

Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

Threatened flora and fauna on this Act are managed under Section 51, where a permit is required

to knowingly “take” (which includes kill, injure, catch, damage, destroy and collect), keep, trade in

or process any specimen of a listed species. Where threatened flora or fauna are likely to be taken,

it is usual to apply for a permit under Section 51 of the Act on the required proforma to the Policy

& Conservation Advice Branch (PCAB, DPIPWE)

In this case, the sites supporting Discaria pubescens (spiky anchorplant) and Asperula scoparia

subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff) are well outside any areas likely to be disturbed so a permit

should not be required in relation to these two species.

Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel) was detected from outside the likely disturbance

footprint (4 sites) and these will not be disturbed. However, several patches (41) were detected

from the existing benches, slopes and floor of the quarry, and works will impact on these during

stage 1 (re-development of the benches). Given the high level of disturbance to the site and the

fact that the species has colonised the existing working surfaces of the quarry post-establishment,

combined with the existence of a current permit to extract 5,000 cubic metres of material from the

site (which would be over the area occupied by the species), active and ongoing conservation

management of this population does not appear to be warranted. Avoidance of the area occupied

by the species is not practical in the context of the quarrying activities as the existing benches

require re-formation as part of the expansion. Alternative management options (e.g. translocation)

would be warranted if the species had a higher conservation status, if the site represented a

significant range extension (the site is a minor but not unexpected range extension to the west),

or if the species was not represented elsewhere in the immediate vicinity (several sites were also

found outside the quarry area, within and outside of the mining lease area). On this basis, the

recommended course of action is to apply for a permit for the total “taking” of all individuals with

no mitigation or offsets.



Potential habitat of threatened fauna is more complex to manage under Section 51 of the Act

because unless works would result in the “taking” of a specimen, a permit under the Act is not

technically possible. However, it is usual for development proposals involving the disturbance of

potential habitat of threatened species listed on the Act to be referred to DPIPWE for advice. In the

absence of being able to issue a permit under Section 51 of the Act, DPIPWE’s Policy & Conservation

Advice Branch (PCAB, DPIPWE) may make recommendations to a development proponent

regarding managing habitat of threatened species and/or may endorse or comment on proposed

offset/mitigation strategies. In this case, site assessment and analysis has indicated that special

management should not be required in relation to threatened fauna.

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The mining lease area does not support any communities listed as threatened under the Act.

The mining lease area does not support known sites or potential habitat of flora species listed on

the Act.

The mining lease area may support populations of the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll and

eastern quoll.

The Commonwealth Department of the Environment & Energy provides a Significant Impact

Guidelines policy statement (CofA 2013) to determine if referral to the department is required. In

my opinion, with respect to the above species, any proposed disturbance within the mining lease

area will not constitute a “significant impact” because while there will be a loss/modification of

potential habitat, the loss is not such that it is likely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of

an important population of a species, reduce the area of occupancy of an important population,

fragment an existing important population into two or more populations, adversely affect habitat

critical to the survival of a species, disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population, modify,

destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the

species is likely to decline, result in invasive species that are harmful to a threatened species

becoming established in the threatened species’ habitat, introduce disease that may cause the

species to decline, or interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.

Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002

Schedule 3A of the Act lists vegetation types classified as threatened within Tasmania. The mining

lease area does not support any such vegetation types.

Tasmanian Forest Practices Act 1985 and associated regulations

The Act provides this definition of the concept of “clearing”:

clearing of trees means the removal of trees by–

(a) clearing, cutting, pushing or otherwise removing; or

(b) destroying the trees in any way.

The Act provides this definition of the concept of “trees”:

trees means –



(a) any woody plants with a height or potential height of 5 metres or more, whether or not living, dead, standing or fallen, that are–

(i) native to Tasmania; or

(ii) introduced into Tasmania and used for the processing or harvesting of timber; and

(b) tree ferns [where tree fern means a plant of the species Dicksonia antarctica].

Within the mining lease area, on this basis, even the removal of seedlings, saplings, logs or trunks

(dead or alive) of various species of trees and tall shrubs may constitute “clearing” of “trees” under

the Act.

Section 4 of the Forest Practices Regulations 2017 specifies the following circumstance in which an

FPP is not required, as follows:

4. Circumstances in which forest practices plan, &c., not required

(i) the harvesting of timber or the clearing of trees on any land, or the clearance and conversion of a threatened native vegetation community on any land, in the course of

mineral exploration activities, or mining activities, that are authorised under –

(i) a permit granted under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993; or

(ii) an exploration licence within the meaning of the Mineral Resources Development Act

1995; or

(iii) a retention licence within the meaning of the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995; or

(iv) a mining lease within the meaning of the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.

It is understood that the quarry will be operated under a mining lease pursuant to the Mineral

Resources Development Act 1995, such that a Forest Practices Plan will not be required.

Tasmanian Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010

While the assessment of the mining lease area indicated the presence of species listed on schedules

of the Regulations (i.e. “specially protected wildlife”, “protected wildlife”, “partly protected

wildlife”), no individuals, or products (e.g. nests, dens, etc.), of these species, are likely to be

directly physically affected by the works.

Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999

One plant species classified as a “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed

Management Act 1999 was detected from the mining lease area. Carduus pycnocephalus (slender

thistle) is localised in several small patches. Carduus pycnocephalus is classified as a “Zone B”

species (widespread infestations known) for the Central Highlands municipality. “Zone B” includes

those Tasmanian municipalities for which containment of the declared weed is the principal

management objective. Such municipalities host large, widespread infestations of the declared

weed that are not deemed eradicable because the feasibility of effective management is low at this

time. These municipalities lack a strategic management plan for the weed and/or resources to

undertake control actions at a level required for eradication have not been secured.

Regular monitoring undertaken by suitably qualified personnel (e.g. quarry management staff) in

the spring months during quarry operation is suggested to maximise the opportunity to detect (and

treat) weed outbreaks. If weeds (including ubiquitous species such as thistles) are detected, they

should be relatively simple to treat without herbicides (i.e. grub out). Periodic treatment of the



quarry floor, benches, batters, office areas, access and immediately surrounding areas may be

needed to keep on top of species such as thistles that spread by aerially-dispersed seed that take

advantage of newly-disturbed ground. Maintaining the weed-free status will be important for

delivering product to project sites that may require the weed-free status of the source material to

be certified.

Tasmanian Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993

The applicable planning scheme for the mining lease area is the Central Highlands Interim Planning

Scheme 2015.

Under 3.0.5 – R Productive Resources: Regional Objectives, the objective is stated as “to support

the region’s productive resources”, a desired outcome is “(c) regionally significant extractive

industries are supported and protected”, and the outcome is to be achieved by “(g) providing for

non-agricultural resource development, such as forestry, extractive industry and onshore

aquaculture facilities within the Rural Resource Zone”.

Under 26.1 Zone Purpose, specifically 26.1.1 Zone Purpose Statements, mining is recognised as

follows: “26.1.1.1 To provide for the sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture,

aquaculture, forestry, mining and other primary industries, including opportunities for resource

processing”.

Under 26.2 Use Table, extractive industry is listed as discretionary use.

Under 26.3 Use Standards, specifically 26.3.3 Discretionary Use, the objective is stated as “to

ensure that discretionary non-agricultural uses do not unreasonably confine or restrain the

agricultural use of agricultural land”. There are no Acceptable Solutions, such that the Performance

Criteria apply. There are no matters related to biodiversity/ecological values (i.e. those relevant to

the present report) under the Performance Criteria (all relate to the objective i.e. agricultural use).

Under 26.4 Development Standards for Buildings and Works, the only sub-clauses that relate to

biodiversity/ecological values (i.e. those relevant to the present report) are found under 26.4.3

Design, which has the objective stated as “to ensure that the location and appearance of buildings

and works minimises adverse impacts on the rural landscape”. This proposal is for a relatively

minor expansion of an existing quarry facility. The Acceptable Solution of A1(c) “the location of

buildings and works must comply with…(c) be located in and [sic] area not required [sic] the

clearing of native vegetation and not on a skyline or ridgeline”. Because of the almost all-

encompassing definition of “native vegetation”, which is “plants that are indigenous to Tasmania

including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses that have not been planted for domestic or commercial

purposes”, it is almost always impossible to meet A1(c) – note that the site is not on a skyline or

ridgeline. The Performance Criteria require that “the location of buildings and works must

satisfy…(c) be located in and [sic] area requiring the clearing of native vegetation only is: (i) there

are no sites clear of native vegetation and clear of other significant constraints such as access

difficulties or excessive slope, or the location is necessary for the requirements of infrastructure;

(ii) the extent of clearing is the minimum necessary to provide for buildings, associated works and

associated bushfire protection measures”. It is clear that the intent of 26.4 relates to buildings and

associated works but on the assumption that “works” (as defined under the Act) include extractive

industry, removal of vegetation, placement of a buildings, etc., then the question is whether P1(c)

is met. The assessment and report have clearly indicated that there are no areas “clear of native

vegetation” within the mining lease area (except for Bashan Road itself and the existing quarry

area but even that supports native vegetation as per the definition) and that the relatively minor

expansion will be into the least “native” vegetation within the mining lease area.

In my opinion, the intent and specifics of the clauses in the Scheme related to “natural values” will

be met by the present proposal.



Recommendations

The recommendations provided below are a summary of those provided in relation to each of the

ecological features described in the main report. The main text of the report provides the relevant

context for the recommendations. It is assumed that the phrasing below will be modified in planning

documents for the project.

Vegetation types

There are no specific constraints on the operation of the quarry based on the vegetation types

identified.

Threatened flora

The presence of Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel), listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, will need to be taken into account (see section on

Legislation and policy below).

Threatened fauna

Provided that the sites identified that may have particular significance to threatened fauna

(i.e. potential devil/quoll den sites and large hollow-bearing trees, both on the forested upper

slopes) are protected from extractive works (as per the current intention), no special management

is considered warranted.

Weed management

It is recommended that specific weed management actions be incorporated into any quarry

operations plans.

Legislation and policy

No formal referral to the relevant Commonwealth government agency under the provisions of the

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is considered

warranted but this should be confirmed by the client through their own consideration of the

Significant Impact Guidelines (or through discussion with DPIPWE and/or the Commonwealth

Department of the Environment & Energy).

A permit under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will be required to “take”

threatened flora (Scleranthus fasciculatus) but not fauna (only potential habitat, not known sites,

present). Permits are sought from the Policy & Conservation Advice Branch (DPIPWE).

It is assumed a development application will be required to be prepared under the provisions of

the Central Highlands Interim Planning Scheme 2015.

REFERENCES

Allan, K. & Gartenstein, S. (2010). Keeping It Clean: A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent

the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens. NRM South, Hobart.



APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) (2016). An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group

classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG IV. Botanical Journal of the

Linnean Society 181(1): 1–20.

Bryant, S.L. & Jackson, J. (1999). Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook: What, Where and How

to Protect Tasmania’s Threatened Animals. Threatened Species Unit, Parks & Wildlife Service,

Hobart.

CofA (Commonwealth of Australia) (2017). Department of the Environment & Energy’s Protected

Matters Search Tool Report for coordinates -42.16147 146.75302 defining the approximate

centroid of the mining lease area, buffered by 5 km, dated 31 July 2017 – Appendix G.

CofA (Commonwealth of Australia) (2013). EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1: Significant Impact

Guidelines – Matters of National Environmental Significance. Commonwealth of Australia,

Canberra.

de Salas, M.F. & Baker, M.L. (2017). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania, including

Macquarie Island. Tasmanian Herbarium, Hobart.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Weed and

Disease Planning and Hygiene Guidelines – Preventing the Spread of Weeds and Diseases in

Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Guidelines for

Natural Values Surveys – Terrestrial Development Proposals. Department of Primary Industries,

Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Survey

Guidelines and Management Advice for Development Proposals that may Impact on the

Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): A Supplement to the Guidelines for Natural Values

Surveys - Terrestrial Development Proposals. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water

& Environment, Hobart.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Biosecurity

Factsheet: Myrtle Rust. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2017). Natural Values

Atlas report ECOtas_DownieQuarry_BashanRoad for a point (479596mE 5332260mN) defining

the approximate centroid of the mining lease area, buffered by 5 km, dated 31 July 2017 –

Appendix E.

DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2017) Threatened

Native Vegetation Communities List, as per Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation

Act 2002. http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/conservation/flora-of-tasmania/monitoring-and-mapping-

tasmanias-vegetation-(tasveg)/tasveg-the-digital-vegetation-map-of-tasmania/threatened-

native-vegetation-communities.

Duretto, M.F. (Ed.) (2009+) Flora of Tasmania Online. Tasmanian Herbarium, Hobart.

FPA (Forest Practices Authority) (2009). Management of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Production

Forests. Flora Technical Note No. 8. Forest Practices Authority, Hobart.

FPA (Forest Practices Authority) (2016). Habitat Descriptions of Threatened Flora in Tasmania.

Forest Practices Authority, Hobart.

FPA (Forest Practices Authority) (2017). Biodiversity Values Database report, specifically the

species’ information for grid reference centroid 479596mE 5332260mN (i.e. the centroid of the

Natural Values Atlas search area), buffered by 2 km, hyperlinked species’ profiles and predicted

range boundary maps, dated 31 July 2017 – Appendix F.

Kitchener, A. & Harris, S. (2013). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s

Vegetation. Edition 2. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.



Rudman T. (2005). Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Guidelines. Nature Conservation

Report 05/7, Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water &

Environment, Hobart.

Rudman, T., Tucker, D. & French, D. (2004). Washdown Procedures for Weed and Disease Control.

Edition 1. Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart.

TSS (Threatened Species Section) (2003+). Notesheets and Listing Statements for various

threatened species. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.

Wapstra, H., Wapstra, A., Wapstra, M. & Gilfedder, L. (2005+, updated online at

www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au). The Little Book of Common Names for Tasmanian Plants. Department

Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.



APPENDIX A. Vegetation community structure and composition

The table below provide basic information on the structure and composition of the native vegetation

mapping unit identified from the mining lease area.

Eucalyptus delegatensis dry forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DDE)

The forested slopes are dominated by a forest canopy of pure Eucalyptus dalrympleana (mountain white gum) over a

largely grassy understorey. This community is strangely best classified under TASVEG as a mapping unit dominated by Eucalyptus delegatensis, namely DDE. The intersectional key in Kitchener & Harris (2013) clearly allocates the vegetation of the subject area as dry forest and woodland, and therefore to DDE when the forest is dominated by Eucalyptus dalrympleana but not co-occurring with Eucalyptus pauciflora. Where the canopy shares dominance between these latter two species, the area would be classified as Eucalyptus dalrympleana – Eucalyptus pauciflora forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DDP) but the detailed description of DDP clearly indicates it to be a subalpine community of quite different environments to that of the mining lease. Annoyingly, the detailed description of DDE seems to imply that this site would be better classified as Eucalyptus dalrympleana forest (TASVEG code: WDA), a wet sclerophyll mapping unit, which is partially supported by the phrasing under the detailed description of WDA. I do not accept this interpretation for the forest in the mining lease area, which is clearly dry sclerophyll forest, such that it must be classified as DDE.

The “DDE” community is in generally excellent ecological condition, with only minor occurrences of weeds (mainly on the fringes), and some evidence of stock grazing (albeit quite minor, as stock are clearly preferring the higher and lower areas with gentler slopes and more open grass). There is a complex structural diversity that includes numerous mature trees bearing large hollows. The understorey is relatively simple floristically, quite typical of this type of forest in this part of the State. Rock outcrops add considerably to the conservation significance of the vegetation, with the outcrops actively used by wombats and potentially species such as Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls and eastern quolls. The “DDE”

also supports two species of threatened flora, namely Scleranthus fasciculatus (spreading knawel) and Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia (prickly woodruff).

Typical “DDE” on the slope above the existing quarry



Stratum Height (m)

Cover (%)

Species

(underline = dominant, parentheses = sparse or occasional)

Trees 45 m

<5% Eucalyptus dalrympleana

Trees 25-35 m

30% Eucalyptus dalrympleana

Trees 15-18 m

<5% Eucalyptus dalrympleana

Tall shrubs 3-7 m

<5% Acacia dealbata

Low shrubs <0.5 m

<5% Acrothamnus hookeri, Leptecophylla parvifolia, Pultenaea juniperina

Ground ferns <5% Pteridium esculentum

Grass 80% Poa labillardierei, (Poa rodwayi), Anthosachne scabra, Deyeuxia quadriseta, Themeda triandra

Graminoids + Lomandra longifolia

Herbs 5% Acaena spp, Galium ciliare, Asperula scoparia, Dichondra repens, Veronica calycina



APPENDIX B. Vascular plant species recorded from mining lease area

Botanical nomenclature follows A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania (de Salas & Baker

2017), with family placement updated to reflect the nomenclatural changes recognised in the Flora

of Tasmania Online (Duretto 2009+) and APG (2016); common nomenclature follows The Little

Book of Common Names of Tasmanian Plants (Wapstra et al. 2005+, updated online at

www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au).

i = introduced/naturalised; e = endemic to Tasmania

TSPA = threatened under Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (status shown)

DW = declared weed within meaning of Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999

Table B1. Summary of vascular species recorded from the mining lease area and immediate

surrounds

ORDER

STATUS DICOTYLEDONAE MONOCOTYLEDONAE GYMNOSPERMAE PTERIDOPHYTA

19 9 - 2

e 1 - - -

i 4 6 - -

Sum 24 15 0 2

TOTAL 41

DICOTYLEDONAE

ASTERACEAE

i Carduus pycnocephalus slender thistle DW

Cassinia aculeata subsp. aculeata common dollybush

i Cirsium vulgare spear thistle

Euchiton japonicus common cottonleaf

Senecio linearifolius var. linearifolius common fireweed groundsel

CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Scleranthus biflorus twinflower knawel

Scleranthus fasciculatus spreading knawel TSPA (vulnerable)

CONVOLVULACEAE

Dichondra repens kidneyweed

CRASSULACEAE

Crassula sieberiana rock stonecrop

ERICACEAE

Acrothamnus hookeri mountain beardheath

e Leptecophylla parvifolia mountain pinkberry

FABACEAE

Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata silver wattle

Pultenaea juniperina prickly beauty

i Vicia sativa subsp. sativa common vetch

HALORAGACEAE

Gonocarpus tetragynus common raspwort

MYRTACEAE

Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana mountain white gum

PROTEACEAE

Hakea microcarpa smallfruit needlebush

RHAMNACEAE

Discaria pubescens spiky anchorplant TSPA (endangered)

ROSACEAE

Acaena echinata spiny sheepsburr

Acaena novae-zelandiae common buzzy

i Rosa rubiginosa sweet briar



RUBIACEAE

Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia prickly woodruff TSPA (rare)

Galium ciliare subsp. terminale multiflower hairy bedstraw

SCROPHULARIACEAE

Veronica calycina hairy speedwell

MONOCOTYLEDONAE

ASPARAGACEAE

Lomandra longifolia sagg

CYPERACEAE

Carex breviculmis shortstem sedge

Carex iynx tussock sedge

JUNCACEAE

Juncus australis southern rush

POACEAE

i Agrostis capillaris var. capillaris browntop bent

Anthosachne scabra rough wheatgrass

i Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernalgrass

i Cynosurus cristatus crested dogstail

i Cynosurus echinatus rough dogstail

i Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot

Deyeuxia quadriseta reed bentgrass

i Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog

Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei silver tussockgrass

Poa rodwayi velvet tussockgrass

Themeda triandra kangaroo grass

PTERIDOPHYTA

ASPLENIACEAE

Asplenium flabellifolium necklace fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE

Pteridium esculentum subsp. esculentum bracken



APPENDIX C. Analysis of database records of threatened flora

Table C1 provides a listing of threatened flora from within 5,000 m of the mining lease area

(nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to support

various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the

species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded.

Table C1. Threatened flora records from within 5,000 m of boundary of mining lease area

Species listed below are listed as rare (r), vulnerable (v), endangered (e), or extinct (x) on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA); vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN), critically endangered (CR) or extinct (EX) on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA). Information below is sourced from DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE 2017) and other sources where indicated. Habitat descriptions are taken

from FPA (2016) and TSS (2003+), except where otherwise indicated. Species marked with # are listed in CoFA (2017).

Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA

Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution)

Comments on mining lease area and database records

Acacia axillaris

midlands wattle

v

VU

# only

Acacia axillaris is mainly confined to riparian habitats such as dense riparian scrub and associated floodplains but also extends to paddocks and open grassy forests in frost hollows and areas of poor drainage, but also occasionally occurs on rocky slopes (there is a somewhat anomalous population on the midslopes of Mt Barrow in the northeast). All populations are strongly associated with dolerite. Records outside the core of the range (e.g. Prosser River, Broad River, River Clyde) need to be treated carefully as they may represent the more recently described Acacia derwentiana.

Potential habitat absent.

Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia

prickly woodruff

r

-

Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia is widespread in Tasmania, and is mainly found in native grasslands and grassy forests, often on fertile substrates such as dolerite-derived soils. Forested sites are usually dominated by Eucalyptus globulus and E. viminalis (lower elevations) and E. delegatensis (higher elevations).

Species detected. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more details.

Australopyrum velutinum

velvet wheatgrass

r

-

Australopyrum velutinum has a restricted distribution in montane grasslands. It can extend into associated grassy woodlands and forest.

Historical record with low precision only. Potential habitat superficially present but highly atypical of known sites. The survey was well before the spring-summer flush of growth of this perennial grass but a follow-up survey is not considered warranted because of the highly marginal habitat.

Barbarea australis

riverbed wintercress

e

EN

Barbarea australis is a riparian species found near river margins, creek beds and along flood channels adjacent to the river. It tends to favour the slower reaches, and has not been found on steeper sections of rivers. It predominantly occurs in flood deposits of silt and gravel deposited as point bars and at the margins of base flows, or more occasionally or between large cobbles on sites frequently disturbed by fluvial processes. Some of the sites are a considerable distance from the river, in




Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



flood channels scoured by previous flood action, exposing river pebbles. Most populations are in the Central Highlands, but other populations occur in the northeast and upland areas in the central north.

Carex gunniana

mountain sedge

r

-

The habitat of Carex gunniana is poorly understood and highly variable. It includes wet eucalypt forest, sandy heathlands, margins of streams, littoral sands, shingle with seepage, damp grasslands within dry forest and rough pasture.

No database records within 5,000 m of study area. Potential habitat present. This perennial sedge (detectable and identifiable at any time of the year) was not detected.

Carex longebrachiata

drooping sedge

r

-

Carex longebrachiata grows along riverbanks, in rough grassland and pastures, in damp drainage depressions and on moist slopes amongst forest, often dominated by Eucalyptus viminalis, E.

ovata or E. rodwayi.

Potential habitat present. This perennial sedge (detectable and identifiable at any time of the year) was not detected. Note that Carex iynx, a very similar species (but unlisted), was recorded from

the wider study area (outside the mining lease).

Colobanthus curtisiae

grassland cupflower

r

VU

#

Colobanthus curtisiae occurs in lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands but is also prevalent on rocky outcrops and margins of forest on dolerite on the Central Highlands (including disturbed sites such as log landings and snig tracks).

Potential habitat absent (highly atypical of known sites).

Discaria pubescens

spiky anchorplant

e

-

Discaria pubescens is found sporadically in the Midlands and more abundantly in drier parts of the Central Highlands. It grows on sandy or gravelly soil, in basalt talus slopes and clefts amongst fractured dolerite rocks and flood channels. Many sites are in rough pasture, and it also grows on roadsides. Recent collections indicate the species is occasionally associated with sandstone outcrops.

Species detected. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more details.

Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata

miena cider gum

e

EN

#

Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata dominates open woodland and woodland with grassy/heathy/shrubby understoreys

on dolerite around the Great Lake region on the Central Plateau. The most characteristic forms are found towards the exposed edges of treeless flats, which tend to be poorly drained and prone to severe frost (the species is the most frost-tolerant of any eucalypt). It also extends to adjacent rocky slopes, often dominated by E. delegatensis. The recorded altitude range is 865-1150 m a.s.l. Unfortunately, there has been significant dieback of trees of E. gunnii subsp. divaricata, coupled with browsing of regeneration, so many sites are marked by dead stags and dying trees, with little prospect of replacement.




Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



Glycine latrobeana

clover glycine

v

VU

#

Glycine latrobeana occurs in a range of habitats, geologies and vegetation types. Soils are usually fertile but can be sandy when adjacent to or overlaying fertile soils. The species mainly occurs on flats and undulating terrain over a wide geographical range, including near-coastal environments, the Midlands, and the Central Plateau. It mainly occurs in grassy/heathy forests and woodlands and native grasslands.

Potential habitat superficially present but highly atypical of known sites. The survey was well before the spring-summer flush of growth of this perennial herb but a follow-up survey is not considered warranted because of the highly marginal habitat.

Hovea tasmanica

rockfield purplepea

r

-

Hovea tasmanica occurs in central and northeastern regions. It is usually found on dry, rocky ridges or slopes (mostly dolerite) in forest and riverine scrub.


Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor

grassland paperdaisy

e

EN

# only

Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor occurs in the west and on the Central Plateau and the Midlands, mostly on basalt soils in open grassland. This species would have originally occupied Eucalyptus pauciflora woodland and tussock grassland, though most of this habitat is now converted to improved pasture or cropland.


Muehlenbeckia axillaris

matted lignum

r

-

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is predominantly found in moist gravely or rocky places on the Central Plateau, extending out to the west, northwest and lower reaches of the South Esk River.


Pimelea curviflora var. gracilis

slender curved riceflower

r

-

Pimelea curviflora var. gracilis occurs in a range of vegetation types from wet and dry sclerophyll forest to hardwood plantations. Understories vary from open and grassy to densely shrubby. It can densely colonise disturbed sites such as firebreaks, log landings and tracks.

Potential habitat present. This shrub (detectable and identifiable at any time of the year) was not detected.

Prasophyllum crebriflorum

crowded leek-orchid

e

EN

#

In northwestern Tasmania, Prasophyllum crebriflorum occurs in montane tussock grassland dominated by Poa labillardierei (silver tussock grass), with scattered patches of the woody shrub Hakea microcarpa (smallfruit needlebush). On the Central Plateau, plants currently ascribed to Prasophyllum crebriflorum occur in highland native grassland dominated by Poa gunnii (gunns snowgrass) and grassy woodland with a sparse overstorey of Eucalyptus gunnii.

Potential habitat absent. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more detailed discussion of this species.

Pterostylis pratensis

liawenee greenhood

v

VU

#

Pterostylis pratensis is restricted to the Central Highlands of Tasmania, growing at an elevation of 850-1100 m a.s.l. in subalpine Poa labillardierei tussock grassland that is very exposed, low and open, with patches of often stunted Olearia algida (alpine daisybush) and Hakea microcarpa (smallfruit needlebush) scrub on red–brown loamy to clay soils derived from basalt.

Potential habitat absent. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more detailed discussion of this species.



Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



Rhodanthe anthemoides

chamomile sunray

r

-

Rhodanthe anthemoides occurs in montane grasslands, heath and heathy scrub in central and northwestern Tasmania.


Scleranthus brockiei

mountain knawel

r

-

Scleranthus brockiei mainly occurs at mid to higher elevations in native grasslands and grassy forests/woodlands, often in slightly poorly-drained sites (usually wetter sites than S. biflorus, which can co-occur). Some sites are in lowland habitats, usually native grasslands and grassy woodlands.

Potential habitat widespread. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more detailed discussion of this species, which was not detected.

Scleranthus fasciculatus

spreading knawel

v

-

Scleranthus fasciculatus is only recorded from a few locations in the Midlands and southeast. The vegetation at most of the sites is Poa grassland/grassy woodland. Scleranthus fasciculatus appears to need gaps between the tussock spaces for its survival and both fire and stock grazing maintain the openness it requires. Often found in areas protected from grazing such as fallen trees and branches.

No database records within 5,000 m of study area. Species detected. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Threatened flora species recorded from the mining lease area for more details.

Uncinia elegans

handsome hooksedge

r

-

Uncinia elegans occurs in a wide range of forest types including wet sclerophyll forest, dry sclerophyll forest and open grassy woodlands. It is most often associated with damp grassy habitats and can occur on disturbed sites.

Potential habitat present. This perennial sedge (detectable and identifiable at any time of the year) was not detected.



APPENDIX D. Analysis of database records of threatened fauna

Table D1 provides a listing of threatened fauna from within 5,000 m of the mining lease area

(nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to support

various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the

species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded.

Table D1. Threatened fauna records from 5,000 m of boundary of mining lease area

Species listed below are listed as rare (r), vulnerable (v), endangered (e), or extinct (x) on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA); vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN), critically endangered (CR) or extinct (EX) on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA). Information below is sourced

from the DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE 2017), Bryant & Jackson (1999) and FPA (2017); marine, wholly pelagic and littoral species such as marine mammals, fish and offshore seabirds are excluded. Species marked with # are listed in

CoFA (2017).

Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



Accipiter novaehollandiae

grey goshawk

e

-

Potential habitat of Accipiter novaehollandiae is native forest with

mature elements below 600 m altitude, particularly along watercourses. Significant habitat may be summarised as areas of wet forest, rainforest and damp forest patches in dry forest, with a relatively closed mature canopy, low stem density, and open understorey in close proximity to foraging habitat and a freshwater body (i.e. stream, river, lake, swamp, etc.).

Potential habitat absent (mining lease area is above 600 m elevation).

Aquila audax subsp. fleayi

Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle

e

EN

#

Potential habitat of Aquila audax subsp. fleayi comprises potential nesting habitat and potential foraging habitat. Potential foraging habitat is a wide variety of forest (including areas subject to native forest silviculture) and non-forest habitats.

Potential nesting habitat is tall eucalypt trees in large tracts (usually more than 10 ha) of eucalypt or mixed forest. Nest trees are usually amongst the largest in a locality. They are generally in sheltered positions on leeward slopes, between the lower and mid sections of a slope and with the top of the tree usually lower than the ground level of the top of the ridge, although in some parts of the State topographic shelter is not always a significant factor (e.g. parts of the northwest and Central Highlands). Nests are usually not constructed close to sources of disturbance and nests close to disturbance are less productive. More than one nest may occur within a territory but only one is used for breeding in any one year. Breeding failure often promotes a change of nest

in the next year.

No known nests within 1,000 m of boundary of mining lease area. No novel nests were detected as a consequence of the survey (noting that the mining lease area and a substantial area to the north and south has now been criss-crossed by both Barry Williams and Mark Wapstra on separate occasions).

The species will utilise the mining lease area and surrounds for foraging but works will not deleteriously impact on this aspect of the life history of the species.



Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus

spotted-tailed quoll

r

VU

#

Potential habitat of Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus is coastal scrub, riparian areas, rainforest, wet forest, damp forest, dry forest and blackwood swamp forest (mature and regrowth), particularly where structurally complex and steep rocky areas are present, and includes remnant patches in cleared agricultural land.

Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna species recorded from the mining lease area for more details.

Dasyurus viverrinus

eastern quoll

-

EN

#

Potential habitat of Dasyurus viverrinus is a variety of habitats including rainforest, heathland, alpine areas and scrub. However, it seems to prefer dry forest and native grassland mosaics which are bounded by agricultural land.


Haliaeetus leucogaster

white-bellied sea-eagle

v

-

Potential habitat of Haliaeetus leucogaster comprises potential nesting habitat and potential foraging habitat. Potential foraging habitat is any large waterbody (including sea coasts, estuaries, wide rivers, lakes, impoundments and even large farm dams) supporting prey items (fish). Potential nesting habitat is tall eucalypt trees in large tracts (usually more than 10 ha) of eucalypt or mixed forest within 5 km of the coast (nearest coast including shores, bays, inlets and peninsulas), large rivers (Class 1), lakes or complexes of large farm dams. Scattered trees along river banks or pasture land may also be used.

Potential habitat absent (the mining lease area is far inland and well away from any major inland waterbody).

Lathamus discolor

swift parrot

e

CR

# only

Potential habitat of Lathamus discolor comprises potential foraging habitat and potential nesting habitat. Potential foraging habitat comprises Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) or Eucalyptus ovata (black gum) trees that are old enough to flower. For management purposes, potential nesting habitat is considered to comprise eucalypt forests that contain hollow-bearing trees.

Potential habitat absent (E. globulus and E. ovata are not present; no hollow-bearing trees within mining lease area will be removed – site highly atypical of all known nesting sites).

Oreixenica ptunarra

ptunarra brown butterfly

v

EN

Potential habitat Oreixenica ptunarra is native grasslands, sedgelands, heathlands, shrublands or grassy woodlands with tussock grass (Poa) cover of more than 20%.




Scientific name

Common name

Status

TSPA

EPBCA



Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii

eastern barred bandicoot

-

VU

# only

Potential habitat of Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii is open vegetation types

including woodlands and open forests with a grassy understorey, native and exotic grasslands, particularly in landscapes with a mosaic of agricultural land and remnant bushland.

Potential habitat widespread. Gradual expansion of the quarry into grassy woodland is not expected to have a significant impact on the species.

Pseudemoia pagenstecheri

tussock skink

v

-

Potential habitat of Pseudemoia pagenstecheri is grassland and grassy woodland (including rough pasture with paddock trees), generally with a greater than 20% cover of native grass species, especially where medium to tall tussocks are present.


Sarcophilus harrisii

Tasmanian devil

e

EN

#

Potential habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is all terrestrial native habitats, forestry plantations and pasture. Devils require shelter (e.g. dense vegetation, hollow logs, burrows or caves) and hunting habitat (open understorey mixed with patches of dense vegetation) within their home range (427 km2). Significant habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is a patch of potential denning habitat where three or more entrances (large enough for a devil to pass through) may be found within 100 m of one another, and where no other potential denning habitat with three or more entrances may be found within a 1 km radius, being the approximate area of the smallest recorded devil home range. Potential denning habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is areas of burrowable, well-drained soil, log piles or sheltered overhangs such as cliffs, rocky outcrops, knolls, caves and earth banks, free from risk of inundation and with at least one entrance through which a devil could pass.


Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops

Tasmanian masked owl

e

VU

#

Potential habitat of Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops is all areas with trees with large hollows (≥15 cm entrance diameter). In terms of using mapping layers, potential habitat is considered to be all areas with at least 20% mature eucalypt crown cover (PI type mature density class 'a', 'b', or 'c'). Remnants and paddock trees (in any dry or wet forest type) in agricultural areas may constitute potential habitat. Significant habitat for the masked owl is any areas within the core range of native dry forest with trees over 100 cm dbh with large hollows (≥15 cm entrance diameter).




APPENDIX E. DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas report for mining lease area

Appended as pdf file.

APPENDIX F. Forest Practices Authority’s Biodiversity Values Atlas report for mining

lease area


APPENDIX G. CofA’s Protected Matters report for mining lease area


ATTACHMENTS

• .shp file of revised vegetation mapping;

• .shp files of point locations for: (1) Scleranthus fasciculatus; (2) Asperula scoparia; (3) Discaria

pubescens; (4) weeds; (5) hollow-bearing trees; (6) devil habitat features.

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