210055 - 327 Kinmond Creek Road, COOTHARABA - Ecological Assessment Report

                                                                               Ecological Assessment Report
                                                                          327 Kinmond Creek Rd, Cootharaba



2.2       Field Survey

Two site assessments were conducted on 16th July 2020 and the 23rd July 2020. The assessment involved
the following:

      •   Validation of desktop findings;

      •   Verifying the floristic structure and composition of vegetation communities present;

      •   Describing the fauna habitat present and recording any incidental fauna sightings;

      •   Searching for potentially occurring significant species (and associated habitat) as listed under the
          EPBC Act and/or Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act);

      •   Identifying weed species and documenting vegetation disturbance;

      •   Assessment of the ecological values on site with respect to the mapped environmental values on
          the site.


2.2.1 Flora Species Survey

General baseline botanical surveys were undertaken to describe the vegetation communities, dominant
flora species and their extent. Fauna habitat values and opportunistic sightings of fauna were also recorded.
The survey was undertaken in accordance with quaternary survey methods described in Neldner et al.
(Version 5.1) (2019) by compiling a species inventory and assigning relative dominance of each flora
species within the dominant structural layer.

Threatened species searches were undertaken using the random meander technique described by Cropper
(1993), which involved traversing areas of suitable habitat in a non-standardised manner. Where identified,
samples from each threatened flora species were sent to the Queensland Herbarium to confirm
identification.


2.2.2     Fauna Species and Habitat Survey

Fauna and habitat values were assessed at the same time as conducting the vegetation survey. The
following characteristics were observed to determine fauna likely to be present on-site based on the type
and quality of habitat present:

      •   Confirmation of habitat units and habitat structure including an analysis of habitat quality;

      •   Presence of Koala food and habitat trees;

      •   Targeted searches for Koalas and evidence of Koala presence (scats and scratches);

      •   Presence of hollow-bearing trees, their form and size;

      •   Presence of scratches on tree trunks and scats of wildlife;

      •   Presence of hollow logs/debris and areas of dense leaf litter cover;

      •   Level of disturbance (e.g. weed, litter); and,

      •   Habitat connectivity within the network.




PR20257_EA_327 Kinmond Creek Rd, Cootharaba                                                               Page 5