20517 App M.pdf [As Published] · 132007.1259

SCANLON PROPERTY GROUP _

Ecological Assessment :
natural solutions

environmental consultants

Draft Report

 

3.2 Sit—E ASSESSMENT

A site inspection was conducted by Natural Solutions in May 2007. The primary objective of this
inspection was to conduct a rapid assessment of the flora and fauna present on the subject site,
and to identify development constraints in relation to flora and fauna. The assessment included:

. Identification of the broad vegetation communities and identification of incidental flora
species observation on site;

. Identification of incidental fauna species and fauna trace observations;

. Identification of any habitat resources located on, or surrounding, the site;

. Ground-truthing of EPA mapped RE type and extent;

Ls Consideration of ecological value of the subject site for the conservation of significant
species;

. Review of previous studies and reports conducted by C&B Group for the site.

The aim of the flora survey was to identify the broad vegetation communities that currently exist
on the site. Emphasis was placed on identifying significant flora species, and on analysing
vegetation communities to determine the likelinood of occurrence of any significant flora and
fauna species.

The aim of the fauna survey was to identify native and exotic species occurring on. site,
including significant fauna species, and potential key habitat and food resources that would
indicate the likelihood of significant species occurring within the subject site, even though they
may not have been detected during the fauna surveys.

3.2.1 Flora Assessment

The random meander technique was used to identify the flora species present on the site and
determine site vegetation communities. A broad sweep of individual vegetation communities
was undertaken to identify any significant flora species and assess the presence of habitat for
threatened plants and animals. Plant identifications were carried out by experienced ecologists
and using available flora and botanical reference material, where necessary.

It should be noted that the detectability of plants and the ability to accurately identify plants to
species level may vary greatly with the time of year, prevailing climate conditions, and the
presence of reproductive material (e.g. flowers, fruit, and seed capsules). Consequently, the
survey conducted for the subject site should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that
certain protected plants do not occur within the study site.

3.2.2 Fauna Assessment

An incidental fauna survey of the site was conducted concurrently with the flora assessment. All
species observed using or flying over the site were identified. In addition all scats, tracks, and
other fauna traces that were observed were identified. Scat samples were sent to Barbara
Triggs for expert analysis.

 

June 2007 ( 20 )

Y:\07\J07-049_215-219 David Low Way,Peregian\Reports\Draft\070618_DR Ecological Assessment_JO7-049_JW.doc