Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessment Report – Emu Swamp Dam EIS, Stanthorpe Shire. 

(November 2007) for Stanthorpe Shire Council.  The purpose of this consultancy was to provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area covered by the proposed Emu Swamp dam and associated pipeline and road infrastructure, located on the Severn River approximately southwest of Stanthorpe, in order to inform the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment. 

Specific tasks included:

• (a) comprehensive summer and targeted autumn surveys and a detailed report of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna on or that may utilise the study area, including species lists and significance status;
• (b) an evaluation of, and comment on, the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area and the implications of such for the proposed development;
• (c) an evaluation of, and comment on, significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• (d) identification of potential impacts of the proposed dam, pipeline and road realignment on significant terrestrial vertebrate fauna species and associated habitat, and recommendations for impact mitigation and management..

Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment – Wyaralong Dam and Offstream Storage Project. 

November 2007.  Report prepared for Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd.  BAAM Pty Ltd were commissioned to assess the terrestrial fauna within and surrounding the proposed Wyaralong Dam site located between Boonah and Beaudesert.  The purpose of the assessment was to provide a description of the terrestrial fauna (including riparian fauna) in and near the area of inundation, including:

• (a) broad distribution patterns in relation to vegetation type and topography;
• (b) species diversity of all vertebrate groups and comment upon invertebrate species of conservation, economic, cultural or social significance;
• (c) an estimate of abundance of key species;
• (d) species conservation significance, including discussion of range, habitat, breeding, recruitment, feeding and movement requirements and current level of protection;
• (e) feral or exotic animals; and
• (f) site data compatible with EPA WildNet databases. The study area is focused around a 40km stretch of creekline, areas upstream and downstream of this stretch, and the proposed inundation area. 

Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey and Habitat Assessment – Eastern Pipeline Interconnection, North Stradbroke Island.

August, 2007.Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd (BAAM) were commissioned by the Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance (SRWPA) to provide an independent assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and habitat values of the sites of the proposed borefield and pipeline associated with the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector (EPI). 

In addition, the terrestrial vertebrate fauna associated with areas that could be influenced by the extraction of 22 megalitres of groundwater per day from North Stradbroke Island (NSI) were assessed. The Queensland State Government declared the EPI North Stradbroke Island section to be a ‘project of significance’ for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required in accordance with Part 4 of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act). 

The results of the terrestrial fauna assessment are to be incorporated into the EIS. The specific aims of the terrestrial fauna assessment were to provide: a review of Queensland Museum, Wildnet and EPBC Online databases and other available literature pertaining to the terrestrial fauna of NSI; a survey and report of the terrestrial vertebrates present within or that may utilise the study area, including preparation of species lists and determination of the significance of the fauna under the Commonwealth’sEPBC (that includes species listed under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn Convention), Queensland’s NCA and Redland Shire Council’s (RSC) Planning Scheme; evaluation of, and comment on, the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area; and assessment of, and comment on, any significant terrestrial vertebrate faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Assessment, Pimpama Waste Water Treatment Plant – Stage 2 Environmental Impact Statement.

Prepared for MWH. May 2007. BAAM Pty Ltd was commissioned to provide an independent terrestrial flora, fauna, habitat and wetland assessment for land associated with the three alternative waste water release points that were identified as part of the proposed expansion of the existing Pimpama Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). 

Specifically, the assessment provided

• (a) a comprehensive survey and report of the terrestrial flora and fauna surrounding the proposed waste water release points, including recorded species and their status under Commonwealth and State legislation;
• (b) an assessment of, and comment on, significant habitats for terrestrial fauna within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors, as well as an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed activities on these habitats;
• (c) documentation of existing downstream wetland habitat values for birds and marine turtles and evaluation of potential impacts associated with the project on those values; and
• (d) identification of potential constraints to the proposed development in relation to terrestrial flora and fauna.

Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessment Report – Proposed Boral Narangba Quarry Extension.

Report prepared for Chenoweth EPLA, March 2007.  The purpose of this consultancy was to provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and associated habitat values of the site of the proposed extension of Boral’s existing Narangba Quarry.

The specific aims of the assessment were to provide:

• (a) a survey and report of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna present on or that may utilise the study area, including species lists and significance under the Commonwealth’s EPBC and Queensland’s NCA;
• (b) an evaluation and comment on the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area and the implications of such for the proposed extension;
• (c) an assessment of, and comment on, any significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors, with particular emphasis on Koalas; and
• (d) identification of potential impacts of the proposed extension on significant fauna species and associated habitat on the subject lands, and subsequent recommendations for impact mitigation and on-site fauna management, with particular reference to the Specific Outcomes of the Pine Rivers Shire Council Biodiversity Overlay Code and relevant State and Commonwealth legislation.

Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Springwood Connection Road (Wembley Road), Berrinba.

Prepared for the QLD Department of Main Roads.  February 2007.  The purpose of the report was to provide an independent assessment of the flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna, aquatic fauna and associated habitat values of the site of the proposed Springwood Connection Road (Wembley Road) at Berrinba on the southern boundary of Brisbane City.

The specific aims of the assessment were to provide:

• (a) a survey and report of the flora and terrestrial vertebrate fauna present on or that may be present in the study area, including species lists and associated conservation significance under Commonwealth, State and Local Government legislation;
• (b) a survey and report of the aquatic species present within Scrubby Creek at the time of survey;
• (c) an evaluation and comment on the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of the study area and the implications of their presence for the proposed works;
• (d) an assessment and comment on any significant habitats within the study area, including their contribution to wildlife movement corridors; and
• (e) identification of potential impacts of the proposed development on significant flora and/or fauna species and associated habitat, and recommendations for impact mitigation and management, with particular reference to relevant BCC Codes and Planning Scheme Policies, and State and Federal Legislation.

Terrestrial Flora, Terrestrial Fauna and Aquatic Fauna Assessment - Ella Bay Integrated Development, Innisfail.

Report prepared for John Holland Services Pty Ltd, February 2007.  Ella Bay is situated east of Innisfail in north Queensland and is surrounded by Ella Bay National Park.  BAAM was engaged by John Holland Services to undertake a variety of environmental studies on the study site, including detailed floristic and vegetation surveys, terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys and aquatic invertebrate surveys to inform an EIS submission.  A large suite of species was identified, including many significant species recognized under state and federal legislation.

Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey and Habitat Assessment – Ferntree Landfill.

November, 2006. BAAM was commissioned by IDSM Pty Ltd to provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and associated habitat values of the site of the proposed Ferntree Landfill site, and include an assessment of an associated access roadways. On completion of the fauna surveys, Fauna Management Plans for conservation significant species (Elf Skink, Tusked Frog, and Richmond Birdwing Butterfly) were produced.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Assessment - Jubilee Grove Residential Development, Innisfail.

Report prepared for Freehills Pty Ltd, October 2006. BAAM were engaged to undertake a detailed survey of terrestrial flora and fauna values in an area of lowland rainforest situated to the east of Innisfail. 

The survey involved all standard detection techniques and resulted in the identification of numerous significant species, including Southern Cassowary and Common Mist Fog (Litoria rheocola), both of which are recognized as nationally endangered.The subsequent report recommended areas suitable for development that ensure the balance between development and environmental protection is sustainable. 

Fauna Survey and Habitat Assessment Report – Caboolture to Landsborough Rail Corridor. 

Prepared for WBM Oceanics.  March 2006. BAAM was engaged to provide a comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna values of the proposed route and surrounding lands (‘the study area’), focusing primarily on species of conservation significance known or predicted to occur. 

This included

• (a) a survey and detailed report on the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and their habitats within the study area, including faunal lists and status under National, State and Local legislation;
• (b) a detailed assessment and comment on significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• (c) recommendations for the mitigation of any potential ecological impacts of the proposed activities.

Flora and Fauna Assessment Report – Sandhills Estate, Byron Bay. 

Prepared for Tony Charters and Associates. January 2006. The specific aims of this assessment were to provide:

• (a) a comprehensive survey and report of the vegetation and flora within the study area including lists and significance under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and New South Wales’ Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC);
• (b) a comprehensive survey and report of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and their habitats within the study area, including faunal lists and significance status under the EPBC and TSC;
• (c) an assessment of the nature and condition of natural and anthropogenic biotic landscapes within the study area and the significance of noteworthy flora and/or ecosystems in a regional or national context;
• (d) an assessment and comment on significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• (e) advice regarding the potential ecological constraints to future development of the land, and identification of opportunities for habitat enhancement.

Flora and Fauna Assessment - Queensland Alumina Red Mud Dam Project, Boyne Island, Gladstone.

Prepared for Queensland Alumina (QAL).  November 2005. QAL is Queensland’s largest alumina refinery, located on Boyne Island near Gladstone in south-eastern Queensland.  Biodiversity Assessment and management were contracted to undertake baseline surveys for the proposed red mud storage facility upgrade.  These baseline studies were to provide important information for necessary community consultation and referral to relevant government agencies. 

The baseline assessments identified a variety of values, including the federally significant Black-breasted Button-quail and Brigalow Scalyfoot.  However, in order to adequately gauge potential impacts on these species, targeted surveys and research was required to identify areas of occupancy and habitat use.  Particular attention was given to the Black-breasted Button-quail population, which had not been recorded within the area since 1906.  The study identified that existing threats pose the greatest impacts to these species.  In particular, weed infestations including exotic grasses and creeping lantana, which increased the risk and potential impact of fires on existing fragmented habitats. 

In order to address these concerns, BAAM produced a detailed management plan specific to the red mud dam area.  The plan included: rehabilitation and revegetation to reduce edge effects and improve connectivity; weed management strategies to reduce weed invasions; the management of feral species populations; and a fire management strategy aimed at using traditional fire regimes.  Subsequent submission of the proposal to the Department of Environment and Heritage resulted in the project being deemed “Not a Controlled Action”. 

Proposed Mackay Airport Extension–Fauna Investigation. 

Report prepared for Environment Science and Services on behalf of the Mackay Port Authority.  May 2004.  The study provided an independent faunal assessment of the area covered by the proposed Mackay Airport Growth Strategy.  The overall purpose of the report was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and faunal values of the Airport lands, focussing primarily on species of conservation significance known or predicted to occur. 

The study resulted in: a comprehensive survey and detailed report of the vertebrate fauna of the study area, including faunal lists and significance status under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) (which includes the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn Convention) and Queensland’s Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 (NCWR); a detailed evaluation of the ‘at-risk’ species and migratory species;  an assessment of significant faunal habitats within the study area; and an assessment of the fauna and associated habitats that will be affected by the proposed development, including recommendations on appropriate fauna management actions.

Ecological Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for Dauan Island and Pumpkin (Koey) Islet HFSWR Project, Torres Strait. 

Reports prepared for Daronmont Technologies on behalf of CoastWatch and the Department of Defence.  June 2004. BAAM Pty Ltd were commissioned by the Commonwealth Government (via Daronmont Technologies) and on behalf of the Dauan and Badu People, to address environmental issues associated with the Commonwealth Government’s proposal to install a high frequency Surface Wave Extended Coastal Area Radar (SECAR) receiving facility on Dauan Island in the Torres Strait, linking with a proposed transmit site on Koey Ngurtai (Pumpkin Islet), for off-shore surveillance purposes. 

Specific aims of the assessment were to:

• (a) describe the proposed facilities, their purpose, and how they will be constructed, operated and decommissioned;
• (b) describe the lease area and surrounds, including the flora, fauna, marine environment, soils and water;
• (c) describe the impacts that the facilities may have on the environment and the people, the resilience of the environment to the proposed changes, and how any negative impacts would be prevented or managed, taking into account the environmental legislation and guidelines of the Queensland Government; and
• (d) determine the likelihood of the project causing impacts of National Environmental Significance as described in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.