Development Application part 2 OF 2 All of CD, Information in notes - MCU12/0216

CSR Building Products Limited                                                                                              Page 32
West Ridge Quarry
Site Based Management Plan


3.6          Weeds

3.6.1        Purpose
      A ‘weed’ is a plant which, because of its characteristics and location, is causing economic, ecological, physical or
      aesthetic problems.
      Weeds have significant economical, environmental and social impact, directly or indirectly, to all Queenslanders.
      Weeds can dramatically alter the ecosystem function, cause human health problems, reduce primary production and
      profitability and limit the long-term sustainability of natural and agricultural resources if not appropriately controlled.
      Weed related impacts that may occur due to the quarry operations include:
      - areas of exposed earth available for weed colonisation including topsoil stockpiles;
      - spread of existing weed infestations due to disturbance and vehicle traffic;
      - spread of existing weed infestations due to grazing animals; and
      - unsuccessful or weed-infested revegetated areas.
      The main legislation governing the management of weeds within Queensland is the LP Act.
      This Act declares plants considered to be serious or potentially serious and imposes legal responsibility for control of
      these plants by all landowners or land under management. Three classes of declared plants exist and are targeted for
      control because they have, or could have serious economic, environmental or social impacts:
      - Class 1 has the potential to become a serious pest and is subject to eradication from the State;
      - Class 2 has already spread over Queensland and gaining control is considered to be very important; and
      - Class 3 is commonly found in Queensland and prevention of the sale of Class 3 declared plants is expected to
           reduce their spread, especially if land is adjacent to an environmentally significant area. Landowners are not
           expected to try to control them.

3.6.2        Operational Policy
To ensure adequate control measures are implemented to remove and/or control the spread and infestations of declared
plants and other environmental weeds within the quarry development area.

3.6.3        Performance Targets
      The following performance targets have been identified for weed management issues:
      - control any existing weed infestations;
      - reduce, where practicable, the extent of infestations of established weeds;
      - prevent the potential introduction or establishment of new weed species; and
      - ensure rehabilitated areas are free from noxious weeds.

3.6.4        Implementation Strategy/Mitigation Measures
General
      Identify weeds on-site and in surrounding areas, prioritise weeds and weed management options, and determine the
      cause.
      Control infestations as soon as possible to prevent further spread of weeds.
      Adopt a combination of weed management options to reduce weeds on-site. Depending on the weed types these may
      include mechanical, chemical, biological, slashing, burning and hand removal practices.
      Monitor and evaluate the progress of weed management efforts on-site.
      Educate to train employees in the recognition of existing and potential weeds present on-site and within the
      surrounding area to ensure they are not inadvertently brought in via items contaminated by seed (e.g. vehicles,
      machinery, hand tools, soil, mulch or livestock).
      Use established roads and tracks and avoid weed-infested areas/sites.




December 2012 / file ref. 1271_610_001                                                                          GROUNDWORK p l u s