OPW Fauna Management Plan RFI Response · OPW25/0057

Fauna Management Plan v1                                                                  NCES REF: J001343
Lot 105 on SP118458 – 62 Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy, QLD



6     FAUNA MANAGEMENT MEASURES – DURING EARTHWORKS

6.1       Minimisation of Impacts to Ground Dwelling Fauna
During the earthworks phase, trenches and pits may be established and may be kept open
temporarily. Fauna can become trapped during this time and if not removed quickly it can potentially
result in sickness or death due to prolonged exposure to hot daytime temperatures.
Therefore, where applicable the following measures should be implemented during earthwork stages
of the development to minimise impacts to ground dwelling fauna:
      •    All excavations (including but not limited to trenches and pits) that are left open for more than
           12 hours must have a suitable fauna egress measure installed that grants egress to all fauna
           (i.e., caters for fauna of all sizes such as small skinks and mice and large goannas).
              o   e.g. a temporary earthen ramp, plank of timber or rope, which allows fauna to escape
                  the trench or pit.
      •    All trenches and pits are inspected each morning prior to earthworks and civil construction
           activities commencing;
      •    All fauna requiring removal is to be handled by a suitably qualified and appropriately
           experienced fauna spotter/catcher.
      •    Physical barriers and fencing can be erected around known trenches or pits that must remain
           open for prolonged periods (>48 hours) to prevent access by ground-dwelling fauna. Ensure
           these barriers are properly installed and regularly maintained to prevent fauna from entering
           the areas.
              o   Fencing can include temporary erection of an unclimbable material to a min. height
                  of 500mm secured and supported with wooden stakes (min. 500mm height and
                  spaces max. 1000mm) secured on the inside of the fenced area to ensure fauna
                  cannot climb the stakes from the outside.
      •    An adaptive management approach is to be undertaken in which the impacts to fauna by
           earthworks are monitored and if required alternative strategies or management techniques
           can be employed based on monitoring results.
By integrating these strategies during earthworks, the impacts to ground-dwelling fauna is expected
to be effectively minimised.

6.2       Minimisation of Impacts to Aquatic Dwelling Fauna
IMPORTANT NOTE: SECTIONS 6.2 IS ONLY REQUIRED IF THE WATERWAY EXHIBITS
STANDING OR FLOWERING WATER AT THE TIME OF CLEARING/EARTHWORKS.
An appropriately qualified and suitably experienced aquatic specialist (which can be an aquatic
ecologist or fauna spotter/catcher) is to be engaged to supervise the filling of the Stream Order 1
waterway. The following management strategies are to be enacted to minimise harm to amphibian
and aquatic fauna species.
6.2.1      Dewatering Schedule
A dewatering schedule is be developed with input from the aquatic specialist which is to allow for an
appropriate amount of time for aquatic rescue, especially during the final 0.3 – 0.5m water depth.
The dewatering schedule should allow for fauna to be captured in one day. This will require the
pumps to be of an adequate size and placed in an area free from mud and debris (e.g., inside
excavator bucket or screened sump pit).
If wetland birds are observed nesting within the waterbody, or if young birds (chicks) are using the
waterbody, the aquatic specialist is to be advised immediately for advice as to whether the
dewatering can proceed or if additional management measures are required. Depending on species
and age of the birds, they may be able to self-relocate.




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