Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                           Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



6.2.3.2 Site Assessment
There are no declared Ramsar wetlands on, or within 5km of the subject site. It is
considered that any future development of the site will not occur on any significant
wetland and will not significantly impact on any wetland of international importance.


6.2.4 Commonwealth Listed Threatened Flora and Fauna Species
6.2.4.1 Significant Impact Criteria
An action is likely to have a significant impact on a Critically Endangered, Endangered or
Vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

      lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population;
      reduce the area of occupancy of the species;
      fragment an existing population into two or more populations;
      adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species;
      disrupt the breeding cycle of a population;
      modify, destroy, remove, 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 critically endangered or
       endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
       endangered species’ habitat;
      introduce disease that may cause the species to decline; or
      interfere with the recovery of the species.

A ‘population of a species’ is defined under the EPBC Act as an occurrence of the species
in a particular area. In relation to critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable
threatened species, occurrences include but are not limited to a geographically distinct
regional population, or collection of local populations, or a population, or collection of
local populations that occur within a particular bioregion.

An ‘invasive species’ is an introduced species, including an introduced (translocated)
native species, which out-competes native species for space and resources or which is a
predator of native species. Introducing an invasive species into an area may result in that
species becoming established. An invasive species may harm listed threatened species or
ecological communities by direct competition, modification of habitat or predation.


6.2.4.2 Site Assessment
One (1) EPBC Act (1999) listed Vulnerable species (i.e. Grey-headed flying fox) was
recorded on the subject site. However, it is not considered that a significant population
occurs or utilises the subject site. As such, future development is unlikely to cause a
significant impact on this species. Two (2) vulnerable and one (1) endangered species are
considered possible occurrences on the subject site. However, it is considered that the
subject site does not support any important populations of these species. A significant
impact on these species will therefore not be incurred. A full listing of species identified
as possibly occurring on the subject site is provided in APPENDIX 2.



Job No: Q12038/Rw1                       JWA Pty Ltd                                     35