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



6.2.2    Aquatic Fauna Capture
Fish and any other aquatic fauna are to be collected by hand nets during the final stages of
dewatering (i.e., when water is at a suitable depth for the aquatic specialist(s) to capture fish) with
larger fish targeted first. Fish collection is most effective when the water is less than 0.3m deep. Fish
collection should be progressed as rapidly as possible as dissolved oxygen concentrations reduce
rapidly as water volume decreases, especially in warm water or if high numbers of fish are present.
Wetland birds will scavenge for small fish in the shallows (e.g., Gambusia). Most small fauna will
likely remain uncaptured in the creek until the water becomes very shallow (especially eels and
turtles). Eels are best captured by large hand nets when the water is <0.3m deep.
When the water is extremely low, turtles and fish may head towards the in-take pump (placed in
deepest part). This area should be monitored to intercept fauna (e.g., stand in water next to intake).
Turtles will burrow into mud and may require observation and rescue the following morning; but can
also move themselves to suitable nearby habitat if an escape ramp is graded.
For safety, at least two people are required when wading and handling heavy tubs of water/fish up
banks (excavator can dig access steps/ramp).
6.2.3    Aquatic Fauna Relocation
Native fish healthy enough for relocation are to be contained and transported in an aerated
tub/bucket/tank to an appropriate dam/lake/waterhole/creek. DPI Fisheries advise that the host
location should be large enough to accommodate additional fish, especially predatory eels.
Additional release sites may be needed. Do not overstock tubs or leave in direct sun for extended
periods. Aeration can be provided by battery aquarium pumps or manual turbulence if only stored
for a short period. Turtles can be transported in a shaded tub with a wet hessian bag placed inside
for moisture and support during transport. Tadpoles can be transported in small buckets.
6.2.4    Aquatic Fauna Release
Water from the receiving waterbody should be mixed slowly over 5 – 10 minutes with the tank water
to allow fauna to acclimatise to the new water quality. Care should be taken when releasing fauna
not to also transfer weeds or invasive species (e.g., Carp eggs and Gambusia). Transfer animals via
hand nets, rather than tipping the tub with water. Eels can be released on land a few metres from
edge and pointed towards the water.
6.2.5    Pest Species
Exotic fish (e.g., Carp, Gambusia, Goldfish, Redfin Perch, Spotted Livebearer) are to be intercepted,
euthanised and disposed of in accordance with the ecologist’s Animal Research Authority (issued
by the Secretary’s Animal Care & Ethic Committee). Exotic Trachemys scripta (Red-eared Slider
Turtle) are to be contained humanely and Biosecurity Queensland immediately notified on 13 25 23.
6.2.6    Post-Dewatering Management
Depending on the gradient of the bank an escape ramp is to be graded to allow trapped fauna to
escape overnight. Sediment should be left up to two nights to allow hidden fauna to emerge, unless
the ecologist confirms there are no fauna remaining (site specific assessment). Earthworks staff
should notify the appointed aquatic ecologist if stranded fish or turtles are observed post-dewatering.




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