STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT FOR SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA2008

Published February 2009 by the Department of Defence© Commonwealth of Australia

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Department of Defence.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

Department of DefenceState of the Environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008.

ISBN 978-0-642-29686-3

1. Environment, World Heritage, natural heritage, conservation. 2. Shoalwater Bay, Great Barrier Reef. 3. Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force, 2/14 Light Horse Regiment Queensland Mounted Infantry, 1st Field Regiment, 82 Wing, Royal Australian Navy, Clearance Diving, Amphibious operations.

ii | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008

FOREWORDShoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA or the Area) is one of the largest military training areas in Australia, and a signifi cant asset to Defence and the three Services. It is also regarded as an ‘environmental icon’ in the eyes of many Australians. This is refl ected by its listing on World Heritage as well as Commonwealth Heritage and National Heritage registers.

This report is the fi rst ever attempt to synthesize information about the state of the environment for the entire SWBTA, along with the current human interactions, pressures on the environment and responses to those pressures. It is set against a backdrop of military training values and management arrangements for SWBTA, and incorporates the signifi cant heritage associated with SWBTA.

The publication of this report acknowledges the longstanding public interest in the fate of SWBTA, stemming back to the Commission of Inquiry into the management of the Area in the early 1990s — the commission was set up to investigate the appropriateness of sand mining in the Area. This report is based on published information, along with research and monitoring by both Defence and other agencies, and is the most comprehensive account of the environment of SWBTA to be published to date.

Defence takes environmental management of its estate very seriously. Whilst the Defence Support Group is currently delegated custodial responsibility for SWBTA, it is unequivocally evident that the current state of the environment of the Area is the result of a history of strong performance and management by all Defence Groups and Services over a forty year period. Most notable is the role played by Army in securing SWBTA as a training area in the 1960s, and having the foresight to ensure that the Area had the best environmental management regime possible from its earliest days.

Evidence indicates that the signifi cant environmental and heritage values of SWBTA are in the same condition as when they were fi rst recognised – in some cases, in better condition. This report identifi es that the greatest pressures on the environment of SWBTA are global and not directly related to current use or management of the Area. There are elements of the environment of the Area we are yet to fully understand from a scientifi c perspective, and this report identifi es these areas, with recommendations for further work.

Overall, I believe this report gives us cause to be quietly optimistic about the ongoing state of the environment of SWBTA, but emphasises that the overwhelming theme is one of balance between management and use of SWBTAs environment.

Paul WatsonRegional ManagerDefence Support – South Queensland

State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008 | iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The production of this report has involved the contributions of many people. Sincere thanks go to those listed below, and to all those who provided encouragement to the contributing authors, who are not necessarily all named. Without these people, this report would not have been possible.

SPONSORPaul Watson, Regional Manager, Defence Support SQ

EDITOR AND PROJECT MANAGERLeanne Sommer, Senior Environment Manager, Defence Support SQ

PRIMARY AUTHORPaul O’Neill

REVIEWERSDr Kirstin Dobbs, Director, Strategic Policy, GBRMPAHugh Yorkston, Director, Water Quality and Coastal Development, GBRMPAJon Brodie, Principal Research Offi cer, James Cook UniversityJoy Brushe, Senior Botanist, Queensland HerbariumAndrew Moss, Principal Scientist, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Dr Rhonda Melzer, Principal Conservation Offi cer, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Warren Lee Long, Senior Program Offi cer, Wetlands International – OceaniaRoger Jaensch, Senior Program Offi cer, Wetlands International – OceaniaDr Michael Mathieson, Senior Zoologist, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Dr Errol Stock, Geoscience consultant and adjunct at Griffi th UniversityDr John Robertson, General Manager, Qld Department of Primary Industries and FisheriesPhil Ferenczi, Regional Geologist, Department of Mines and Energy (Qld)Cec Murray, Geoscience Manager, Department of Mines and Energy (Qld)John Ross, Senior Land Resource Offi cer, Department of Natural Resources and Water (Qld)

CONTRIBUTIONS AND ASSISTANCE - EXTERNALJoy Brushe, Senior Botanist, Queensland HerbariumGrahame Byron, Director, Department of the Premier and Cabinet (Qld)Maree Cali, Senior Project Offi cer, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Don Cook, Principal Environmental Offi cer, Department of Main Roads (Qld)MAJ Jack Crigan (retired)Andrew Densley, Principal Planning Offi cer, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Jim Edwards (retired), previous SWBTA Environmental Offi cerNigel Holmes, Principal Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Dr Col Limpus, Chief Scientist, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld)Andrew McDougall, Conservation Offi cer, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Cameron Mulville, Shipmaster/Ranger, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Frank and Margaret Pocock, previous landholders and caretaker, SWBTAWO2 Wally Syrett (retired)Amanda Meredith, DarumbalDr Bruce Sommer (retired) consultant anthropologist and linguist Ron Toon, retired professional fi sherman, Byfi eld resident

PHOTOGRAPHSCredited individually, where not taken by Defence staff

iv | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008

State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008 | v

CONTRIBUTIONS AND ASSISTANCE – DEFENCE CMDR Steve Cole, RAN Environment Manager, Royal Australian NavyCMDR Ashley Shanks, OIC RAN Diving School, Royal Australian Navy LTCOL Simon Hardy, Chief of Staff, 7th Brigade, Australian ArmyLTCOL Sam McPhee, Capability Development, 7th Brigade, Australian ArmyMAJ Philip Lilliebridge, A/CO 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, QMI, Australian ArmySQNLDR Howard Robertson, F-111 Planning 82Wing, Royal Australian Air ForceCAPT Eric Kerr, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, QMI, Australian ArmyCAPT Glenn Scott, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, QMI, Australian ArmyCAPT Lindsay Holmes, Training Area Manager, Defence Support SQCAPT Lyndon Jackson, Operations Offi cer, Joint Logistics Unit NQWO2 David Kristan, 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), Australian ArmyWO2 Kim Johansen, 1st Field Regiment, RAA, Australian ArmySGT Vidal Shearer, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, QMI, Australian ArmySteve Olsen, Manager Technical Services, Defence Support SQBill Byrne, Manager Base Services, Defence Support CQMargot Drewe, Environment Offi cer, Defence Support SQRebecca Worrall, Environment Offi cer, Defence Support SQPeter Krogh, Environment Offi cer, Defence Support SQChristine Bell, Environment Offi cer, Defence Support CQLinda Oliver, Environment Offi cer, Defence Support SQKim Moore, Assistant Environment Offi cer, Defence Support CQTennille Danvers, Assistant Environment Offi cer, Defence Support CQKevin Bridge, Energy and Sustainability Offi cer, Defence Support SQCameron Hurtz, Business Manager, Defence Support CQScott Mackie, Data Manager, Defence Support CQJohn Webb, Range Control Offi cer, SWBTA, Defence Support CQSteve Grant, Assistant Range Control Offi cer, SWBTA, Defence Support CQMichael Stoddart, Ranger, SWBTA, Defence Support CQNeil Godden, Ranger, SWBTA, Defence Support CQKim Byrne, Administrative Offi cer, Defence Support CQDick Brearley, Estate Support Offi cer, Defence Support CQWayne Cadan, Estate Support Manager, Defence Support CQPeter Webley, Data Manager, Defence Support CQ (previous)Odette Hopwood, Manager, Defence Library Service, BrisbaneDr Doug Cato, Research Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Organisation

TECHNICAL ADVISORS – ESTATE POLICY AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, DEFENCE SUPPORT GROUPTerry Weston, Assistant SecretaryColin Trinder, Director, Environmental Impact ManagementDr David Carter, Acting/Director, Environmental Program IntegrationGeoff Stone, Director, Training Area Management

CARTOGRAPHY AND SPATIAL ANALYSISPaul O’Neill, Principal Scientifi c Advisor, Defence Support SQ

PROOF READINGDr Kelly Lyonns, Environmental Projects

DESIGN AND PUBLICATIONKelli Geary, See-Saw Illustration & Design

Delmomyn Coastline

CONTENTSSummary xiii1 Introduction 12 The Defence Environment 5

Enabling Australian Defence Force Capability 8The managed environment 22

SWBTA Sectors 22SWBTA Infrastructure 23Range management 25The Legislative Framework 31Marine Parks 32

The Commonwealth Commission of Inquiry into SWBTA 1994 34Working in Partnership 36Bibliography 38

3 Heritage 39Natural Heritage 40

World Heritage 40National Heritage 42Commonwealth Heritage 42Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands) 43Wetlands of national importance 44Threatened species and ecological communities 44Migratory species 45Wilderness and scientifi c reference values 46Vicarious use 46

Indigenous heritage 47The original Shoalwater Bay people and their lifestyle 47The Story of Sonny Sunfl ower 50Archaeology 56Darumbal relationships with SWBTA and Defence 58

European Heritage 61Explorers 61pastoralists and fi shermen 63

Military heritage 67Bibliography 69

4 Climate, Geology and Soils 71Climate 72Geology 74Sand dunes 82

Townshend Island Sector 83Gibraltar Sector 83What are parabolic dunes? 84Freshwater Sector 85Dismal Sector 86Clinton Low Lands 88

State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008 | vii

viii | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008

Sinkholes 89What are sinkholes? 90

Soils 91What is a soil profi le? 91What are Acid Sulfate Soils? 96

Recommendations 97Bibliography 98

5 Water 101The environment and its condition 102

Water quality monitoring 104Waterway habitat assessment 122

Managed interactions 126Pressures 128Responses 128Recommendations 129Bibliography 130

6 Forests, woodlands and freshwater wetlands 133The environment and its condition 134

Forest and woodland communities 136Freshwater wetlands 153Condition assessments 157Signifi cant fl ora species 158

Managed interactions 160Fire 161Fire management 163Introduced plants 169

Pressures 173Climate change 173Trespass 173

Responses 174Recommendations 175Bibliography 176

7 Seagrasses, Mangroves and Saltmarshes 179The environment and its condition 180

Marine Bioregions 180Seagrass communities 182Mangrove and saltmarsh communities 186Ecological transition zones 196Lyngbya majuscula 196

Managed interactions 198Defence training 198Feral pigs 199

Pressures 201Climate change 201Pollution 202

Responses 203Climate change 203Pollution 203

Recommendations 205Bibliography 205

8 Terrestrial fauna 209The environment and its condition 210

Mammals 212Birds 216Amphibians 220Reptiles 222Freshwater fi shes 227Bioregional wildlife corridors 229

Managed interactions 231Pest animals 231Fire 233Training activities 233

Pressures 234Climate change 234Habitat loss 235

Responses 235Climate change and habitat loss 235

Recommendations 236Bibliography 236

9 Marine fauna 239The environment and its condition 240

Mammals 240Shorebirds, seabirds and other birds using marine habitats 244Reptiles 252Fish and invertebrates 254

Managed interactions 256Commercial fi shing 256Recreation 258Traditional hunting 259Defence training 259

Pressures 264Marine Pollution 264

Responses 265Marine pollution 265

Recommendations 265Bibliography 266

State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008 | ix

x | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area

10 Future Directions and Challenges 271Climate change 272Regional Development 275Environmental status of SWBTA 276Changing Defence technology and training 277Maintaining the balance 278Bibliography 278

SWBTA SoE Acronyms 279Tables

3.1 Status of dwellings associated with the pastoral history of SWBTA 644.1 Descriptions and ages of the geology of SWBTA 754.2 Summary of results for acid sulfate soils testing in SWBTA 955.1 Explanation of water quality parameters and QWQG 2006/ANZECC 2000 Guidelines trigger values 1095.2 Comparison of physicochemical and water quality monitoring results with QWQG 2006 or ANZECC 2000 Guidelines 1125.3 Results of high explosive residue testing in 2007 in SWBTA 1215.4 AusRivAS habitat assessment scores and ratings for SWBTA 1246.1 Description and extent of endangered Regional Ecosystems in SWBTA 1456.2 Regional Ecosystems reliant on SWBTA for their conservation security 1526.3 Description of freshwater wetland types occurring in SWBTA 1556.4 Listed rare or threatened plant species known to occur in SWBTA 1586.5 Recommended fi re frequencies for broad vegetation types in SWBTA 1666.6 Lists of priority weeds and introduced plants associated with old homestead sites in SWBTA 1717.1 Seagrass species recorded in SWBTA 1827.2 Mangrove and saltmarsh communities of SWBTA and their extent 1867.3 Mangrove species of SWBTA 1937.4 Description and biodiversity status of regional ecosystems occurring in SWBTA that contain mangrove or saltmarsh species 1947.5 Saltmarsh species of SWBTA 1958.1 Ground-dwelling and arboreal native mammal species recorded in SWBTA 2138.2 Bat species recorded in SWBTA 2158.3 Amphibian species recorded in SWBTA 2218.4 Turtle and lizard species recorded in SWBTA 2238.5 Snake species recorded in SWBTA 2258.6 Freshwater fi sh species recorded in SWBTA 228

Figures2.1 Localities within SWBTA 62.2 Restricted Access Areas in SWBTA 262.3 Marine conservation areas in SWBTA 33

x | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008

4.1 Geology of SWBTA 774.2 Parabolic sand dunes of Townshend Island Sector, SWBTA 784.3 Parabolic sand dunes of Gibraltar Sector, SWBTA 794.4 Parabolic sand dunes of Freshwater Sector, SWBTA 804.5 Parabolic sand dunes of Dismal Sector, SWBTA 814.6 Soils of SWBTA 925.1 Water catchments within SWBTA 1056.1 Areas of cleared vegetation in SWBTA 1376.2 Logging history within SWBTA 1396.3 Bioregions and Sub-regions (provinces) within SWBTA 1406.4 Land zones within SWBTA 1416.5 Threatened ecological communities in western SWBTA (EPBC Act) 1446.6 Threatened ecological communities in eastern SWBTA (EPBC Act) 1486.7 Biodiversity status of Regional Ecosystems in SWBTA 1496.8 Areas dependant on SWBTA for conservation security 1516.9 Palustrine wetlands in SWBTA 1546.10 Fire management map for SWBTA 1657.1 Marine Bioregions (non-reef) 1817.2 Seagrass communities of SWBTA 1837.3 Intertidal vegetation of western Shoalwater Bay (northern section) 1877.4 Intertidal vegetation of western Shoalwater Bay (central section) 1887.5 Intertidal vegetation of western Shoalwater Bay (southern section) 1897.6 Intertidal vegetation of northern Shoalwater Bay and Townshend Island 1907.7 Intertidal vegetation of Island Head Creek 1917.8 Intertidal vegetation of Port Clinton 1928.1 Fauna habitats in SWBTA 2118.2 Wildlife corridors 2299.1 Beach Stone-curlew sites in SWBTA 2469.2 Migratory shorebird roost sites in SWBTA 2479.3 Restricted areas at Triangular Island 2489.4 Recorded raptor nest sites 2509.5 Reported fi shing catch data from commercial net fi shing for all species and mud crab fi sheries in the Shoalwater Bay area from 1988 to 2005 2579.6 Reported fi shing effort data from commercial net fi shing and mud crab fi sheries in the Shoalwater Bay area from 1988 to 2005 257

Appendices and index 297Appendix 1 Findings from the 1994 Commission of Inquiry into Shoalwater Bay Training Area 282Appendix 2 Regional Ecosystems mapped in Shoalwater Bay Training Area 285Appendix 3 Native terrestrial plant species recorded in Shoalwater Bay Training Area 289Appendix 4 Native bird species recorded in Shoalwater Bay Training Area 313Index 318

State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008 | xi

xii | State of the environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area 2008

SUMMARY

xiv | Summary

SWBTA also contains a high diversity of landscape types and the area is characterised by steep climatic gradients (transiting east to west mean annual rainfall typically falling by half). Thus the Area acts as an important refugium, allowing the survival of fl ora and fauna that were considerably more widespread in the past.

Freshwater and intertidal wetlands within Shoalwater Bay are recognised as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, in particular the Shoalwater and Corio Bays area. This is the largest area in Central Queensland where terrestrial and major estuarine and marine environments are all represented. The area meets Ramsar criteria for wetlands — containing coastal, subcoastal and aquatic landscapes and ecosystems with relatively undisturbed habitat areas for signifi cant fl oral and faunal assemblages, including populations of rare and threatened species. The Area contains a high diversity of seagrass species in some of the most extensive seagrass meadows on the east coast of Australia. Consequently SWBTA is signifi cant as a feeding area for migratory dugong and nationally vulnerable sea turtles. Additionally the area provides nursery habitat, food and shelter for commercially and recreationally important prawn and fi sh species.

Much of the intertidal area of SWBTA is covered with mangroves, with 43% of all Australian mangrove species represented. These areas provide high tide roosts for migratory shorebirds. The marine component of SWBTA lies within the Great Barrier Reef marine parks. While the internal Queensland waters of Port Clinton are not included in a marine park, the importance of these waters to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage values is well documented.

The outstanding natural values and biodiversity of Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA or the Area) on the Central Queensland coast are well known and recognised. Most of SWBTA is in a relatively natural state, with almost 100% vegetation cover. Prior to acquisition by Defence in 1965, only 4% of the area had been cleared for grazing with around 22% selectively logged, but most of the disturbed areas have since regenerated. Consequently the area exhibits high natural integrity, with continuous ecosystem gradients from the eastern wet coastal forests to the western semi-arid woodlands, and from extensive coastal mangrove forests to vine forests and montane heaths in the hills and on higher ridges and plateaus. Few other areas in eastern Australia combine such a diversity of ecosystems and species with the landscape scale, ecological connectivity and continuity presented in SWBTA—demonstrating the Area’s national importance in the maintenance of ecological and biological processes (DEH 2006).

Much of the biodiversity value of SWBTA lies not simply in the number of species present but in the diversity of species assemblages all within a relatively small area (DEH 2006). There are a number of contributing factors. The Area lies in the transition zone between the tropics and the sub-tropics and straddles the Central Queensland Coast and Brigalow Belt Bioregions. Consequently at least 201 plant and animal species recorded in SWBTA are at or near their known southern or northern distribution limits, which represents a higher number of species at their distribution limits than most other areas of similar size in Australia (Schodde et al 2006). A signifi cant number of endangered, vulnerable or rare plant and animal species either occur in the Area, or depend on the Area during their migrations.

Summary| xv

Due to the large size, isolation from human settlement, restrictions on access, and generally low level of disturbance within SWBTA, the catchment of SWBTA is relatively undisturbed and is important in maintaining natural estuarine processes. SWBTA contains one of the few large undisturbed estuarine areas on the east coast of Australia. Three SWBTA wetlands are listed as nationally important — because they contribute to the greater Shoalwater Bay area, they are removed from large river systems impacted by highly disturbed catchments, and in the case of Shoalwater Bay wetland, represent a particularly good example of a shallow marine and estuarine wetland type. The SWBTA wetlands are additionally signifi cant because of the extent and richness of the habitats due to the extreme tidal range, the sheltered environment and the relatively undisturbed nature of the area.

The main focus of this report is the status of SWBTA’s major environment and heritage assets. All seven environment and heritage chapters draw on extensive surveys conducted throughout the Area. Some environmental attributes have been surveyed over time, allowing evaluation of trends eg data on shorebirds, dugongs, water quality and the extent of vegetation communities, including seagrass and mangroves. This trend data will become more important with time, as natural ecosystem variability and larger syetems effects such as climate change, become apparent. Long term trend data is invaluable when designing use and management programs for the Area—allowing greater confi dence in ongoing decision making.

There are some knowledge gaps and data updating issues—particularly in regard to both marine and terrestrial invertebrates, Australian snubfi n and Indo-Pacifi c humpback dolphins, the terrestrial mammal fauna, and some aspects of the geology and hydrology including the signifi cance of coastal sand dunes, sinkholes and the springs that emanate from them.

However, lack of any detectable species or population declines or unmanaged human pressures specifi c to the Area is reason to be optimistic about the future state of the environment in SWBTA. The current status refl ects the value in being able to manage a large natural area in a holistic way, protecting it from major habitat modifi cation or fragmentation. As large scale habitat modifi cation and development continues regionally, the already very high environmental value of SWBTA will continue to increase.

This report details the human impacts on the environments of SWBTA, and the management of those impacts along with responses to identifi ed environmental pressures. Some human impacts on SWBTA are global in nature, climate change effects and marine pollution are two such issues. SWBTA is well placed to deal with the fi rst issue in the short to medium term. The latter issue is addressed through regular Defence clean-ups of a few accessible beaches. Management issues of this nature will practically continue to be addressed at local level impact, while supporting any international or global initiatives where possible.

While this report suggests areas for further work to inform our understanding of the environmental values, condition or management of the Area, the report also demonstrates a strong commitment by Defence to maintain and manage the Area in a sustainable way. This has been achieved in partnership with major stakeholders, particularly Australian and Queensland Government agencies. In terms of overall environmental condition and management, SWBTA compares favourably with all lands adjoining the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, including protected areas.

The following table is a summary of the status of the major environmental attributes of SWBTA, refl ecting the broad structure of the report’s chapters.

xvi | Summary

TABLE 1Summary of major environmental attributes of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Attribute Condition Pressure Response

Soils and geomorphology

• soils are in inherently good condition due to vegetation retention & lack of grazing pressure

• eastern parabolic dune systems are in excellent condition

• illegal use of recreational vehicles in south-east sand dunes threatens their stability

• strict management of training activities and appropriate rehabilitation ensures soil erosion is minimal

• a cooperative approach with other management agencies is seeking to resolve trespass issues

Water • water quality status well known

• freshwater and marine waters remain in natural condition

• no obvious trends• some creeks and

waterways are being used as scientifi c reference sites by other government agencies

• currently no threats to water quality

• major infl uences affecting Great Barrier Reef water quality, such as over- grazing or vegetation clearing, are not present in the Area

• Defence training activities are strictly controlled

• comprehensive water quality monitoring is in place

• recommendations for additional work have been identifi ed

Forests & woodlands

• highly diverse & unfragmented vegetation

• despite extensive early logging and some clearing, forests & woodlands have largely recovered

• less than 1% of the land area is cleared

• some introduced species are widespread, but vegetation communities are generally in excellent condition

• some vegetation community types are being used as reference sites by the Qld Herbarium

• fi re can be a threat to vegetation communities, but is currently well managed

• introduced species can be a threat to vegetation communities, but are currently well managed

• a comprehensive fi re management plan based on ecological principles is in place

• introduction of weed species is minimised by inspection and wash down of all vehicles prior to entry

• efforts are being made to remove the risk of trespass introducing weed species

Freshwater wetlands

• generally excellent condition

• status of wetlands in sand dunes recognised through Ramsar listing

• no current pressures • regular scientifi c assessment of wetland condition

• training activities are restricted in wetland areas

Summary| xvii

TABLE 1 CONTINUEDSummary of major environmental attributes of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Attribute Condition Pressure Response

Seagrasses • status well known• good information

on trends• no adverse trends

detected

• no current pressures • trawling is prohibited within Shoalwater Bay and many eastern offshore areas

Mangroves • status well known• vast areas, all in

excellent condition• status of mangroves

recognised through Ramsar listing

• no current pressures • mangroves are protected by legislation from damage and removal

• Standing Orders restrict activities in mangrove areas

Saltmarsh • extensive saltmarsh areas present within SWBTA

• all in excellent condition

• status of saltmarsh areas recognised through Ramsar listing

• only a few localised vehicle impacts recorded, thought to pre-date Defence ownership

• Standing Orders restrict activities in saltmarsh areas

Terrestrial fauna • contains a diverse & abundant terrestrial fauna

• large & diverse natural habitats in good condition

• status not thoroughly investigated since 1994

• generally in natural condition, except some reptile numbers may have declined due to cane toads

• other than feral animals such as cane toads, foxes, pigs & wild dogs, pressures are limited

• extensive feral animal control program in place

• very tight controls over training activities in recognition of known terrestrial wildlife values

• fauna is of increasing scientifi c interest because it is largely intact

• fauna condition assessments by other agencies encouraged

Marine fauna • contains a diverse & abundant marine fauna

• status of dugong, turtles & shorebirds highly signifi cant nationally & state wide

• status of shorebirds recently re-assessed & has not changed

• status of inshore dolphin species not well known

• by-catch in mesh nets & boat strike

• marine pollution from coastal shipping

• loss of shorebird habitat at stopover points in the northern hemisphere

• Dugong Protection Areas enforced by GBRMPA, QPW & QDPI&F

• regional oil spill response plan in place; oil spill response equipment stored within SWBTA

• very tight controls over Defence training activities in recognition of known marine wildlife values

• Ramsar values recently confi rmed

xviii | Summary

TABLE 1 CONTINUEDSummary of major environmental attributes of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Attribute Condition Pressure Response

Heritage • contains a diversity of heritage values

• status of natural heritage values is well known and increasing relative to surrounding landscapes

• status of Aboriginal heritage values not well known, but thought to be in good condition

• status of European & military heritage values fairly well known

• evidence of some Aboriginal, European & military heritage gradually disappearing through natural processes

• highest Aboriginal heritage values thought to be in coastal areas which are well protected from training activities

• contemporary Aboriginal heritage values increasing

• some European heritage values removed & protected

GBRMPA – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityQDPI&F – Queensland Department Primary Industries and ForestryQPWS – Queensland Parks and Wildlife

1INTRODUCTION

Author: Leanne Sommer

2 | Introduction

Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA or the Area) is located 80 kilometres north of Rockhampton and covers a total area of approximately 453 700 hectares. The Area includes both terrestrial (289 700 hectares) and marine environments (164 000 hectares). Prior to Commonwealth acquisition in 1965, SWBTA consisted of a number of pastoral leases. Currently the Area is surrounded by a variety of land uses including local government roads, State Forests, National Parks and pastoral properties.

SWBTA is an important asset for Defence as a suitable venue for effectively integrating blue water naval forces with comparable air and land assets. Currently, it is the only economically viable location that allows large-scale joint and combined exercises where most weapon systems can be employed and integrated with live ammunition. Many activities necessary for the development of alliances and multi-lateral Defence agreements, commonly involving Defence forces of the United States, New Zealand and the Republic of Singapore, are conducted in SWBTA.

Much of the conservation and training value of SWBTA lies with its very large areas of essentially intact, continuous vegetation and coastal waters. SWBTA stretches from spectacular eastern coastal landscapes, over coastal ranges and forests to the more open western plains of the Brigalow Belt. The deeply indented coastline contains vast areas of seagrass and mangrove, and numerous beaches and rocky shorelines. SWBTA is also recognised for its ‘ vicarious use’ – the value of knowing it exists - in much the same way as we might value the existence of Antarctica although we are unlikely to ever actually experience it. One of the enduring observations about the environment of SWBTA is that its attributes, and the condition of those attributes, are highly signifi cant and inextricably linked. Some attributes only exist because of the condition of the supporting environment.

For over forty years, Defence investment in the management of SWBTA has been aimed at striking a sustainable balance between supporting military training and conserving the natural environment. In 2007, Defence made a decision to publish a State of the Environment Report (SoE Report) for SWBTA. The purpose of this publication is to provide an easily understood, comprehensive scientifi c compendium of current knowledge and understanding of SWBTA, and to provide a reference document for Defence, environmental regulators and the general public.

This SoE Report draws on information from many sources, both internal and external to Defence. Much of the recent information comes from results of the SWBTA Landscape Monitoring Program.

The format chosen for the publication of this information is consistent with the concept developed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Australia, along with many OECD countries, provides a range of SoE Reports tailored to address reporting requirements under UNEP. SoE Reports generally pivot upon condition–pressure–response statements (also referred to as pressure–state–response). Such reports generally address the state of the environment for entire nation states or oceans or protected areas.

The Area represents a tiny portion of Australia’s land mass and territorial waters, has a defi ned single land tenure and associated waters, and enjoys relatively limited resource use compared with most parts of Australia or indeed, the state of Queensland. The close scrutiny of such a relatively small area means that this SoE Report is at a fi ner scale and more detailed than most. In reporting the environmental attributes of SWBTA and their condition, this report seeks to compare environmental performance of the Area with adjacent landscapes and protected areas.

Introduction | 3

Most human interactions with the environments of the Area are currently well managed and not considered pressures. A discussion of these managed interactions was considered important, however, to provide a rounded picture of the environment of the Area, as well as its management. Hence, the UNEP SoE Report format has been adapted to include:

• The environment and its condition A description of the environmental

attributes and their condition.• Managed interactions A description of current use, both by

Defence and the wider community, and how this use is managed.

• Pressures A description of current pressures

affecting the condition of the environment, based on evidence.

• Responses A discussion of management

responses to the pressures.• Recommendations Additional work recommended to

secure more information about the environment or to improve future management of the environment.

Chapter 2 ‘The Defence Environment’ is a summary of the current management regime for SWBTA, incorporating case studies from military units that depend on SWBTA for part of their ‘raise, train and sustain’ cycle. In particular, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Clearance Diving School, the RAN Amphibious Force Element Group, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), 1st Field Regiment (Royal Australian Artillery), and 82 Wing of Air Combat Group of RAAF have contributed their proud stories for incorporation into this chapter. The chapter thus provides a Defence context for the remainder of the report.

Chapter 3 ‘Heritage’ discusses SWBTA in terms of Australian’s shared heritage, incorporating natural, Indigenous, European and military heritage values and stories.

Chapter 4 ‘Climate, Geology and Soils’ provides information on the existing climate, geology and soils of SWBTA. Chapter 5 is devoted to the topic of water and catchments within SWBTA. Chapters 6 and 7 detail what is known about the vegetation of the Area, both terrestrial and marine respectively. Chapters 8 and 9 describe what is known about both terrestrial and marine fauna.

Finally, Chapter 10 ‘Future Directions and Challenges’ broadly outlines what may lie ahead for Defence as the custodian of SWBTA. This last chapter discusses the future for SWBTA in the face of climate change, environmental legislative reform, pressures on resources and landscapes, and the changing needs of Defence training in the Area.

Townshend Island

4 | Introduction