Appendix H - Biodiversity Code

                                                                                 Native Foresters




1.5      Impacts on fauna habitat

Direct impacts to existing flora and fauna habitat from the proposed works include:

        Loss of habitat, including the loss or disturbance of leaf litter, woody debris, vegetation
         and ephemeral ponds that provide habitat, including breeding habitat, for native fauna.
        Changes to the profile and hydrology of the site may reduce habitat suitability for native
         fauna, particularly EVNT – listed amphibians and aquatic invertebrates including the
         Endangered Swamp crayfish (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus).
        Contamination of Melaleuca wetland with stormwater inputs, that may carry detergents,
         disinfectants and other pollutants.
        Changes to vegetation structure, microhabitat conditions and connectivity affect habitat
         quality and species dispersal.
        Compaction of soil and destruction of depressions/burrows used by native fauna.
        Disturbance of habitat through stockpiling of vegetation, soil and materials.
        Introduction/dispersal of undesirable weed species and other edge effects that reduce
         habitat integrity and ecosystem resilience over the long term.

Potential indirect impacts to existing flora and fauna habitat include:

        Prescribed setback zones around the buildings may involve replacement of native
         species with mown grass requiring fertiliser and irrigation. Associated nutrient-enriched
         runoff may impact the adjoining Melaleuca wetland and closed sedgeland ecosystems.

Proposed works will occur on the western edge of the Melaleluca woodland and wetland area,
with limited incursion into the areas of ephemeral ponding.

It is likely that impacts on local fauna populations and their breeding habitat will be able to be
minimised and /or avoided through careful consideration of drainage flows and stormwater
runoff during construction and ongoing operation of the proposed facilities. This may include the
use of sediment and stormwater retention basins.




Carramar Extension – Fauna and Flora Assessment                                                     8