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NOOSA COUNCIL
APPROVED PLAN
OPW20/0051 23 SEP 2020
FAUNA MANAGEMENT PLAN v1
LOT 101 ON SP142407, LOT 140 ON MCH978, LOT 3 ON RP137375, LOT
2 ON RP852009 AND LOT 8 ON RP160703
27 WILGEE COURT
COOROY
FOR
SUNSHINE BEACH CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD
AUGUST 2020
PO Box 9566 Pacific Paradise QLD 4564
ABN 60 625 108 625
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Page 2
Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document Fauna Management Plan
Client: Sunshine Beach Constructions Pty Ltd
Project Number: J000662
Site: Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009
and Lot 8 on RP160703
27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
Version Date Distribution Author/s Approver
1 02/09/2020 Sunshine Beach N. Willis (B. Sc., Dip. Joshua Lee (B. Sc.) –
Constructions Pty Ltd CLM., mAABR) – Principal
Principal Ecologist Environmental
Scientist
DISCLAIMER
To the extent permitted by law, North Coast Environmental Services (including its employees, partners and consultants)
excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses,
and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly, from using this publication (in part or whole) and any information
or material contained in it.
© 2020 i
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662 Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1 2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2 2.1 ON-SITE VEGETATION 2 3 FAUNA HABITAT VALUES AND IMPACTS 4 3.1 HABITAT TYPES 4 3.2 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED FAUNA SPECIES 5 3.2.1 HABITAT FOR PREVIOUSLY RECORDED CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA 6 3.3 HABITAT CONNECTIVITY 7 3.4 PROPOSED VEGETATION CLEARING 7 4 FAUNA MANAGEMENT MEASURES – PRE-CLEARING 8 4.1 PROTECTION OF FAUNA HABITAT 8 4.2 INITIAL PRE-CLEARING SURVEY 8 4.3 DAILY PRE-CLEARING SURVEY 8 4.4 RELEASE METHODS 9 5 FAUNA MANAGEMENT MEASURES – DURING CLEARING 10 5.1 VEGETATION CLEARING DIRECTION 10 5.2 SEQUENTIAL VEGETATION CLEARING 10 5.3 FAUNA SPOTTER/CATCHER 11 5.4 KOALAS 11 5.5 FAUNA MONITORING 11 5.6 DAM DEWATERING (IF APPLICABLE) 12 5.6.1 NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 12 5.6.2 DEWATERING SCHEDULE 12 5.6.3 AQUATIC FAUNA CAPTURE 12 5.6.4 AQUATIC FAUNA RELOCATION 12 5.6.5 AQUATIC FAUNA RELEASE 12 5.6.6 PEST SPECIES 13 5.6.7 POST-DEWATERING MANAGEMENT 13 5.7 INJURED FAUNA 13 5.8 VETERINARY CONTACT DETAILS 13 6 REFERENCES 14 © 2020 i
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662 Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background North Coast Environmental Services have been commissioned by to prepare a Fauna Management Plan to manage fauna during and prior to vegetation clearing proposed to be undertaken on land formally known as Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703, located at 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy (referenced hereafter as ‘the site’): The habitat removal predominantly consists of regrowth vegetation which is required to be removed in order to carry out bulk earthworks on the site to accommodate an approved rural-residential development (16 new residential lots). The majority of intact vegetation within the site is proposed to be retained. 1.2 General Responsibilities All fauna management services undertaken within the site are to be conducted in accordance with all applicable and relevant local, State and Commonwealth government guidelines and legislation. A suitably qualified and appropriately experienced fauna spotter/catcher is to be employed to undertake the fauna management services prior to and during all clearing activities. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that all persons directly and indirectly associated with the fauna management activities understand the vegetation and fauna management measures prescribed within this Fauna Management Plan. Failure to comply with the management measures prescribed herein may result in the contravention of local, State and Commonwealth legislative responsibilities. The Project Manager should contact Council’s environmental staff where doubt arises over any vegetation removal/habitat disturbance situations before the activity in question proceeds. © 2020 1
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
2 SITE DESCRIPTION
The site measures a combined area of 27.65ha and is located north-east of the township of Cooroy.
This site has formally been used for extractive industry and currently supports cleared areas,
vegetated areas and areas previously exposed to bulk earthworks. Lake MacDonald Drive is located
along the site’s eastern boundary while residential and rural-residential land uses are present to the
north, south and west (refer to Plate 1).
Plate 1 – Site Conditions (Source: Queensland Globe)
2.1 On-Site Vegetation
The vegetation with the highest habitat value is proposed to be retained within the vegetation
covenant areas located across multiple lots within the site. The vegetation to be retained was
observed to exhibit an average canopy height of approximately 20-30m with an average projective
foliage canopy cover of 50%. The canopy was dominated by a range of myrtaceous species
including Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum), Eucalyptus microcorys (tallow wood), Lophostemon
confertus (brush box) and Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood). The midstorey was characterised
by juvenile canopy species whilst the understorey was dominated by a dense to mid dense
assemblage of native open forest to vine forest shrubs and vines. The ground cover was dense to
mid-dense and dominated by a range of native species including ferns, grasses and herbs. Plate 2
depicts typical conditions within the high value vegetation to be retained.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
Plate 2 – Characteristic vegetation within the vegetation covenant
The vegetated areas on site which are proposed to be cleared/developed were observed to exhibit
an average canopy height of approximately 16m with an average projective foliage canopy cover of
40%. The canopy was dominated by regrowth Acacia melanoxylon (black wattle) and A. disparrima
(hickory wattle), with juvenile Lophostemon confertus (brushbox) and numerous Eucalyptus species
also present at low densities. The exotic species Pinus elliottii (slash pine) is present in varying
densities including areas of high density. The understorey was generally dominated by exotic grass
species with occasional native shrubs present. Plate 3 depicts typical conditions within the vegetation
to be cleared.
Plate 3 – Characteristic vegetation within clearing footprint
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
3 FAUNA HABITAT VALUES AND IMPACTS
3.1 Habitat Types
The majority of the vegetation within the site has been subjected to previous disturbance including
broad-scale clearing and subsequently comprises regrowth vegetation with varying levels of weed
intrusion. The intact Open eucalypt forest over shrubby understorey community is anticipated to
provide fauna with high value complex habitat opportunities hence increased likelihood of high
species richness. The limited spatial extent of the open forest unit however acts as a limiting factor
to potential population sizes within the community. In contrast, the disturbed regrowth vegetation unit
habitat is anticipated to exhibit restricted fauna species richness as a result of its inherent early phase
structural and floristic characteristics, which limits the range of available nesting and foraging
opportunities.
The on-site vegetation has the potential to offer fauna species the following habitat opportunities:
· Open canopy and mid-canopy nesting sites and perches which may be used by birds and
arboreal mammals;
· A mix of vegetation communities which provides a wide range of foraging and breeding
opportunities;
· Flower pollen from the mix of canopy and mid-strata species may provide a food source for
nectivorous species;
· Sun exposed areas below canopy gaps and on forest fringes may be suitable habitat for
exothermic reptiles such as snakes, skinks, small lizards and possibly larger reptiles such as
lace monitors;
· Areas of light to heavy leaf litter have the potential to host small reptiles, amphibious species
and may provide breeding opportunities for brush turkeys;
· Ephemeral drainage lines which may provide suitable habitat for amphibian species;
· Grass and sedge groundcovers (native and exotic) have the potential to provide shelter and
movement pathways for small terrestrial mammals (e.g. bush rats, melomy’s, antechinus,
bandicoots;
· Open grassland which is likely to provide grazing habitat for macropods; and
· Dams which are anticipated to provide habitat value for hydrophilic birds and amphibious
fauna species.
The on-site waterway and dams are anticipated to provide suitable habitat for the previously
recorded Adelotus brevis (tusked frog) (refer to Plate 4).
Plate 4 – Suitable Adelotus brevis (tusked frog) habitat
A specific fauna survey of the site was not undertaken as part of the Development Approval
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
ecological assessments. Nonetheless, inferences about the composition of the local fauna
assemblage can be drawn from local knowledge, site conditions and database search results. Based
on the Wildlife Online database results and general site observations, bird assemblages represent
the greatest observable species richness within the site.
The site does not support estuarine areas that would provide high value habitat for most wetland
migratory bird species.
3.2 Previously Recorded Fauna Species
The Queensland Government’s Wildlife Online database was queried on 27 August 2020 and holds
records for 197 fauna species within a 2km radius of the site. In addition to several ‘special least
concern’ and migratory species, the following conservation significant species (i.e. those listed as
‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘near threatened’ under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) or ‘threatened’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)) were recorded within a 2km radius of the site:
· Adelotus brevis (tusked frog) – listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the NC Act;
· Erythrotriorchis radiatus (red goshawk) – listed as ‘endangered’ under the NC Act and
‘Vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act;
· Hirundapus caudacutus (white-throated needletail) – listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the NC Act
and the EPBC Act;
· Litoria pearsoniana (cascade treefrog) – listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the NC Act; and
· Mixophyes iteratus (giant barred frog) – listed as ‘endangered’ under the NC Act and
‘endangered’ under the EPBC Act.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
3.2.1 Habitat for Previously Recorded Conservation Significant Fauna
Table 1 identifies the habitat values for the conservation significant fauna species which have been
previously recorded within a 2km radius of the site on the Wildlife Online database.
Table 1 – Habitat value for previously recorded conservation significant fauna species
Previously Recorded Preferred Habitat Habitat Value within the Site
Fauna Species
Adelotus brevis Lives in rainforests, open forests Foraging and breeding – dams and
and woodlands in association with drainage lines may provide breeding
tusked frog
water. Also found in suburban habitat. No individuals were
gardens. incidentally heard calling during the
site assessment.
Erythrotriorchis radiatus Occurs in coastal and sub-coastal Species is considered functionally
areas in wooded and forested lands extinct on the Sunshine Coast.
red goshawk
of tropical and warm-temperate
Australia
Hirundapus caudacutus A migratory aerial bird which winters Suitable habitat exists however would
in Australia. It forages on flying not be considered important for the
(white-throated needletail)
insects in forests shrublands and species which is only an occasional
grasslands on the east and north migratory visitor to the region.
coast of Australia and roosts in trees
(DES, 2020).
Litoria pearsoniana Inhabits streams in rainforest and Nil – No streams in rainforest
adjacent wet sclerophyll forest at vegetation communities present
cascade treefrog
elevations of 200-1000m in south- within the site.
east Queensland
Mixophyes iteratus In rainforests and wet sclerophyll Nil – No streams in rainforest
forests in upper to lower catchment vegetation communities present
giant barred frog
areas within the site.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
3.3 Habitat Connectivity
Aaerial imagery was reviewed to assess the extent of vegetation/habitat surrounding the site which
has the potential to facilitate dispersal opportunities for flora and fauna species. Major dispersal
opportunities are generally restricted to within the larger tract of vegetation present to the north-west
of the site (which is proposed to be retained). The vegetation to the east of the site has been
subjected to high levels of fragmentation and only narrow and linear strips of vegetation remain in
the landscape. Additionally, Lake MacDonald Drive presents a potential barrier to terrestrial fauna
movement to the east (refer to Plate 5).
Plate 5 – Local Connectivity (Source: Queensland Globe)
3.4 Proposed Vegetation Clearing
The majority of regrowth vegetation within the development area can be removed for the
establishment of the residential subdivision. The high value vegetation within the site is not proposed
for removal and is protected within conservation covenants.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
4 FAUNA MANAGEMENT MEASURES – PRE-CLEARING
4.1 Protection of Fauna Habitat
The following list identifies measures to be enacted prior to vegetation clearing to conserve the
vegetation/habitat resources located external of the disturbance footprint.
· The boundaries of bulk earthworks which interface off-site trees to be retained are to be
clearly defined with temporary fencing prior to the commencement of works and
maintained/retained until the conclusion of operational works activities.
· Clearance of, or impact to, native vegetation located within all off-site vegetation is strictly
prohibited without consent of the neighboring property owners and Council.
· Suitable and effective erosion and sediment control measures are to be employed along the
downslope interface between all vegetation removal zones and adjacent areas likely to
experience erosion and run-off.
· The earthworks disturbance zones are to be appropriately re-surfaced as soon as possible
following completion of disturbance activities (e.g. excavation and filling) to minimise erosion
and sedimentation impacts.
4.2 Initial pre-clearing survey
Prior to vegetation clearing, the fauna spotter/catcher is required to carry out an initial pre-clearing
survey to minimise the risk of fauna injury during clearing and limit the abundance of available hollow
and nesting areas prior to clearing. The Initial pre-clearing survey will predominantly involve:
· Identification of any potential arboreal habitat (e.g. habitat trees and nests) within the works
area and the presence or potential presence of arboreal fauna within trees and large
branches (living or dead), which may include mammals such as possums, gliders and
microchiropteran bats, birds including parrots and owls, reptiles and tree frogs.
· Identification of any potential terrestrial habitat within the works area related to fallen hollows,
leaf litter, nests and mounds and the presence of ground dwelling fauna, such as reptiles,
amphibians and small mammals.
· Collection and relocation of any viable native bee hives.
· The closure i.e. ‘plugging’ of unoccupied arboreal hollows prior to site clearing to prevent
native fauna from potentially moving into the hollows during clearing operations.
4.3 Daily pre-clearing survey
A daily pre-clearing site survey is to be undertaken by the fauna spotter/catcher prior to the
commencement of each day’s clearing activities. This survey is required to identify the presence of
fauna within or immediately adjacent to the proposed clearing zone via visual inspection of known
and/or potential habitat elements. The daily pre-clearing survey is to include but not be limited to:
· Inspection of all arboreal and fallen hollows, that have not been plugged, identified by the
fauna spotter/catcher during the initial pre-clearing survey; and
· Removal of as much fauna as practically possible from within the clearing zone prior to
vegetation clearing occurring including;
· Physical removal of fauna may be required where they do not choose to move on of their
own accord. The spotter catcher is to determine the most sensitive and practical method for
fauna removal. Removal of fauna from arboreal hollows may comprise:
A record of all observed fauna, excluding birds that are not nesting within the clearing zone, is to be
recorded for monitoring purposes. Clearing is prohibited from occurring until the daily pre-clearing
fauna and habitat assessment has been completed. Methods to be used for the fauna and habitat
assessment shall be in accordance with the methodology set out in the:
· Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al., 2012); and
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Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
· Threatened species survey and assessment guidelines: field survey methods for fauna –
Amphibians (NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change, 2009).
Fauna observed during the pre-clearing site survey are to be monitored throughout the day’s clearing
to maintain knowledge of their movement and presence on the site.
4.4 Release Methods
Any native fauna captured during the pre-clearing site survey are to be relocated into suitable habitat
(appropriate to each species) where the potential for re-entry into the site is minimal. The release
location is to be determined by the fauna spotter/catcher with preference given to a location in close
proximity to the site.
Note: Handling of amphibians is to be in accordance with the former Department of Environment and
Heritage Protection’s Technical Manual – Interim Hygiene Protocol for Handling Amphibians.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
5 FAUNA MANAGEMENT MEASURES – DURING CLEARING
5.1 Vegetation Clearing Direction
All trees are to be searched for wildlife presence prior to felling and potential or known habitat trees
are to be left standing for a minimum of one night prior to eventual felling.
Vegetation clearing is recommended to be undertaken such that only one clearing front is progressed
at any one time within any one vegetation community. This will allow fauna to move away from the
clearing front into adjacent vegetation or seek refuge in other retained vegetation communities within
the site or adjacent to the site. The spotter catcher shall determine the direction of clearing and
advise the clearing contractors accordingly.
5.2 Sequential Vegetation Clearing
Vegetation clearing is to be carried out using a sequential clearing method as follows:
1. The groundcover and mid-storey are to be cleared first utilising a slasher with a mulching
head attachment or similar. Any hollow-bearing trees and/or other significant habitat features
identified during the initial site inspection will be retained. All under scrubbing works will be
completed with a suitably qualified fauna spotter/catcher in attendance.
2. After under scrubbing of each area is complete, non-habitat trees (i.e. trees other than those
identified as habitat trees) will be cleared and stockpiled for mulching. Clearing of non-habitat
trees will only occur where their removal will not impact on identified habitat trees (e.g.
canopies do not interconnect with habitat trees).
3. After under scrubbing and clearing on non-habitat trees, an elevated work platform or cherry-
picker will be used in conjunction with a chainsaw operator and suitably qualified fauna
spotter/catcher to inspect and remove hollows as necessary prior to habitat tree felling. This
method involves the fauna spotter/catcher inspecting each of the potential habitat features
(usually hollows, dreys and arboreal termite nests) to determine the presence of arboreal
fauna. This process is detailed following the step by step basis below:
i. The fauna spotter/catcher (with arborist unless the fauna spotter/catcher is a qualified
chainsaw operator) will inspect each visible hollow or potential habitat resource (i.e.
ringtail possum drey) identified in each tree using the cherry-picker. This is usually carried
out by simply looking into hollows with the assistance of a small torch, however, burrow
and bore-scopes can also be useful for deep hollows.
ii. If fauna is located within a hollow, a piece of towel or rag will be firmly laced in the entrance
to prevent the wildlife form escaping as in most cases arboreal fauna become aware of
the presence of the fauna spotter/catcher and may attempt to flee the nesting/denning
hollow due to a perceived threat. If an occupied ringtail possum drey is encountered, the
fauna spotter/catcher should quietly approach (i.e. avoid contacting other branches) the
drey in the cherry-picker bucket and physically capture the possum by placing the entire
drey in a catch bag or only the possum if it emerges from the drey.
iii. Once the hollow entrance has been secured the arborist or fauna spotter/catcher will cut
the entire hollow limb off below the cavity where the branch remains solid. In
circumstances where a hollow continues into the main stem of the tree, a small window
will be carefully cut into the hollow, allowing the fauna spotter/catcher to plug the hollow
above and below the window, then the hollow limb removed and lowe4red to the ground
in sections.
iv. When the fauna has been safely secured within its hollow, the entire limb can then be
placed in the cherry-picker bucket or lowered to the ground using ropes depending on
the size of the limb.
v. This limb will then be placed in a cool, quiet location until translocation to the recipient
habitat site, when at dusk the follow entrance is re-opened to allow the fauna to emerge
of its own accord.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy
All vegetation is to be felled onto the site and is to avoid impacts to offsite vegetation including
retained vegetation to the north and east of the site. Any disturbance to adjoining vegetation,
including incidental deposition of vegetative waste material, is to be remedied as soon as possible
following completion of clearing works.
5.3 Fauna Spotter/Catcher
A suitably qualified and experienced licensed fauna spotter/catcher is to be present for the duration
of clearing works to monitor and manage fauna species observed during the clearing process.
Individual trees within and immediately adjacent to the clearing zone will continue to be inspected
from ground level to canopy throughout each day’s clearing activities.
The management of fauna may require specific actions as follows:
· Directing clearing contractors to undertake clearing in a direction that encourages wildlife to
move off-site unassisted and toward adjacent suitable habitat;
· Directing clearing contractors to maintain corridor or linkage vegetation connected to
identified habitat trees/nests to assist wildlife to move off-site;
· Directing clearing contractors to undertake sequential clearing of understorey vegetation
prior to potential/known habitat trees to disturb the existing habitat and encourage wildlife to
move off-site;
· Directing clearing contractors to retain individual standing trees that are host to wildlife until
the wildlife has moved on;
· Directing clearing contractors to retain all felled hollow bearing trees in-situ until they have
been thoroughly inspected and where fauna is identified then the trees be left in-situ
overnight to allow fauna to move to nearby habitat;
· Monitoring potential nests for signs of active occupation prior to clearance of the tree and
where fauna is identified (i.e. nestlings) leaving the tree standing until it has been vacated;
· Hand capture of displaced fauna that is unable to move off site without assistance;
· Herding macropods and other terrestrial fauna away from the clearing footprint;
· Monitoring of bird and other species utilising the site (other than those known to be nesting
on site);
· Immediate on-site assessment of injured fauna and delivery to the nearest veterinarian for
treatment if required; and
· Delivery of injured or orphaned fauna to wildlife carers for rehabilitation where veterinary
inspection is not warranted.
5.4 Koalas
Clearing of koala habitat trees with a trunk diameter of more than 10cm at 1.3m above the ground is
to be carried out in the presence of a koala spotter. The clearing of koala habitat trees must be
carried out in a way that complies with the sequential clearing conditions for Koala District A, as
outlined in Part 3 of the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017 and requirements for
native vegetation clearing as outline in Part 3 of the Planning Regulation 2017 by ensuring that not
more than 50% of the site is cleared in any 1 stage (as the clearing area is less than 6ha). Clearing
must also ensure that between each stage and the next there is at least 1 period of 12 hours starting
at 6p.m. on a day and ending at 6a.m. on the following day during which no trees are cleared on the
site.
5.5 Fauna Monitoring
During vegetation clearing, the fauna spotter/catcher is to monitor all fauna that may be at risk of
injury or death by the vegetation clearing. The fauna spotter/catcher is responsible for removing all
wildlife from within the clearance zone to minimise the potential for injury or death.
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662 Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy 5.6 Dam Dewatering (if applicable) Where required, an appropriately qualified and suitably experienced aquatic specialist (which can be an aquatic ecologist or fauna spotter/catcher) is to be engaged to supervise if any of the dams located onsite are required to be dewatered or filled. The following dewatering management strategies are to be enacted to minimise harm to aquatic fauna species. 5.6.1 Notification Requirements The aquatic specialist is to notify the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the activity 48 hours prior to fish relocation (unless an agreement is in place), including locations of dewatered and relocation sites. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries require permits to be carried by the aquatic specialist who may be required to display a sign clearly showing licence number which should be confirmed prior to works commencing. 5.6.2 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 fish 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 dams or if young birds (chicks) are using the dam, 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. 5.6.3 Aquatic Fauna Capture Fish 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 dam 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). 5.6.4 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. 5.6.5 Aquatic Fauna Release Water from the receiving waterbody should be mixed slowly over 5 – 10 minutes with the tank water to allow fish 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 © 2020 12
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662 Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy edge and pointed towards the water. 5.6.6 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. 5.6.7 Post-Dewatering Management 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. 5.7 Injured Fauna In the instance of fauna injury, the subject animal/s and injuries are to be assessed on site by the fauna spotter/catcher and where the injury is of a minor nature then the animal is to be released into suitable habitat adjacent to the site. Alternatively, injured fauna is to be taken to a veterinarian or a registered wildlife carer as deemed required by the fauna spotter/catcher. All fauna removed from the site by the fauna spotter/catcher due to injury or requiring care are to be returned by the fauna spotter/catcher to the relocation habitat in the north of the site in the first instance, or where not suitable similar habitat (as deemed appropriate by the fauna spotter/catcher) in proximity to the site. 5.8 Veterinary Contact Details The following veterinary surgery is located in the local area and should be used in the case of fauna injury or if euthanasia is required: Cooroy Veterinary Surgery 47 Myall St, Cooroy QLD 4563 (07) 5441 © 2020 13
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Fauna Management Plan v1 NCES REF: J000662 Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375, Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy 6 REFERENCES Eyre TJ, Ferguson DJ, Hourigan CL, Smith GC, Mathieson MT, Kelly, AL, Venz MF, Hogan, LD & Rowland, J. 2014. Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Department of Environment and Climate Change. 2009. Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Guidelines: field Survey Methods for Fauna – Amphibians. Sydney. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s Technical Manual – Interim Hygiene Protocol for Handling Amphibians. © 2020 14