RFI - Attachment 4B - Flora and Fauna Assessment Rev 5

                                                                                Native Foresters



Two timed meander surveys were conducted in the vegetation communities present around the
survey area in order to determine the presence of EVNT (Endangered, Vulnerable, Near
threatened) flora species within the site’s 100 metre buffer zone as shown in Figure 1. The
following methodology was used to conduct the timed meander survey:

•    The location of the start point of the surveys was determined by the botanist in order to
     maximise the possibility of locating EVNT species (if such species are present).
•    The surveys were conducted in a random manner for a period of 30 minutes with the identities
     of any EVNT plant species recorded and specimens of any unknown species collected.
•    A record of the time was taken every two to five minutes. If the survey was interrupted, then
     this time was not recorded in the survey results.
•    The search was continued until no new EVNT species were recorded for 30 minutes or when
     the entire area of habitat type had been surveyed.
•    Where multiple habitat types or vegetation communities were present within a clearing impact
     area, a timed meander assessment was undertaken within each of these areas.

2.2.2 Fauna survey

A fauna assessment was conducted on the 12th December 2019 to identify the presence of fauna
including reptiles, bats, amphibians, and arboreal mammals by an experienced fauna specialist.
A further survey was conducted on the 12 th January, 27th June 2023 and the 30th November 2023.
The following methods were used in the conduct of the fauna survey:

    •    Active search - searching for fauna under logs, rocks, leaf litter and decorticating bark.
    •    Passive search - identifying species both visually and aurally whenever the opportunity
         arises while onsite.
    •    Tracks and scats – signs of an animal's presence, such as scats and tracks, are
         interpreted. This procedure was generally opportunistic and used whenever specimens
         were located.
    •    Aural survey and/or call playback - where recorded calls of the listed frog species are
         played to determine their presence.
    •    Binoculars were used to identify arboreal species.
    •    A hand-held torch was used for inspecting hollows where accessible.

Targeted surveys (crepuscular and nocturnal) for EVNT-listed Wallum frogs and Swamp crayfish
(Tenuibranchiurus glypticus) were conducted under suitably wet conditions on the 6 th and 11th
February 2020 and the 12th January 2021. The following methods were used in the conduct of
these surveys:

    •    Aural survey and/or call playback - where recorded calls of the listed frog species are
         played to determine their presence.
    •    Opportunistic dip-net surveys - where repeated sweeps with a fine mesh, long-handled
         triangular dip net are used to sample representative aquatic habitats for crayfish and
         tadpoles. All fauna captured are released unharmed.




Central Drive Sippy Downs – Fauna & Flora Assessment                                      10