Council archive · source document
Noosa Civic-Noosaville- Fauna Management Plan · OPW20/0145
Plans and drawings: the text below has words only, no drawings.
Fauna Management Plan
Stockwell Development Group Pty Ltd
Noosa Civic Subdivision
28 Eenie Creek Rd
Noosaville, Queensland
26th -29th of August 2020
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalFull text of the other 29 pages
Page 2
Document prepared by
Australia Wide Environmental Consultants
ABN 67 618 756 291
33 Ballantyne Crt
Glenview
Queensland 4553 Australia
T: 0458 293 759
E: [email protected]
Revision History
Rev No Issue Date Revision Details Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By
0 August 2020 Issue for Use Yolande Venter Joel Keady Joel Keady
1 September 2020 Issue for Use Yolande Venter Joel Keady Joel Keady
2
Document Approval
Approved: Name Signature Date
Company Director Joel Keady September 2020
This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified and no representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for
the purposes of scientific research or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or electronic
means without the express permission of the client
1|P a g e
Page 3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................ 4-9
2.1 Fauna Habitat Survey............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Survey Methodology........................................................................................................................... 5-7
2.3 Legislation and Permits....................................................................................................................... 8-9
3. Results .................................................................................................................................................... 9-17
3.1 Desktop Review ................................................................................................................................ 9-12
3.2 Habitat Value .................................................................................................................................. 13-17
4. Fauna Management ............................................................................................................................. 18-27
5. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 28
6. References ................................................................................................................................................. 29
List of Tables
Table 1 Significant Species................................................................................................................................................ 10
Table 2 Site Fauna Biodiversity ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Table 3 Significant Habitat Features ........................................................................................................................... 14-15
List of Figures
Figure 1 Extent of Disturbance ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 Vegetation Management Supporting Map ....................................................................................................... 11
Figure 3 Koala Habitat South East Queensland .............................................................................................................. 12
Figure 4 Significant Habitat Features Location ................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 5 Significant Habitat Features Location ............................................................................................................... 17
2|P a g e
Page 4
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
Australia Wide Environmental Consultants (AWEC) were commissioned by Stockwell Development
Group Pty Ltd to compose a Fauna Management Plan for the Noosa Civic Subdivision on 28 Eenie Creek
Rd in Noosaville, Queensland (See Figure 1).
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION of Lots 1-19, 21-24, Easements in Lots 1-4, 11-15, 22 and Covenants in Lots 7-
11 & 23 Cancelling Lot 3 on SP246584, Original Lot 29 on MCH390.
1.2. Ecologist and Qualifications
The AWEC nominated Ecologist is Yolande Venter who is a degree qualified ecologist/environmental
coordinator with over 15 years of field experience within the ecology and environmental sectors.
1.3. Scope
1. A desktop review of the site’s potential ecological value and any planning constraints, including
but not limited to-
a. QLD Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) flora and fauna species database (Wildlife
Online).
b. QLD Sustainable Development Assessment Provisions Module 8 Native Vegetation
Clearing State Code & QLD Vegetation Management Act 1999
c. QLD SEQ Koala State Regulatory Planning Provisions
d. Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) Protected Matters Search Tool database.
2. A site inspection which included ground trothing the desktop review findings and a fauna survey.
3. Management measures to control the risk to native fauna during these works
3|P a g e
Page 5
2. Methodology
2.1. Fauna Habitat Survey
Prior to commencing a survey a desktop review of the intended site needs to be conducted including as
a minimum vegetation mapping (The State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Mines)
2014) to establish the sites RE’s and the significant species associated with those RE’s. Queensland
Government Wildlife Online Database also needs to be consulted to establish which significant species
have been previously sighted within the intended location of the fauna survey. All previous surveys and
management plan related to the site need to be reviewed.
The results of the desktop review will allow the survey to be designed to target the significant species
most likely to be encountered within the proposed survey location. Conducting an ecological survey
prior to commencing the survey will also improve our knowledge of the site. By establishing the overall
habitat value, range of habitat features, floral structural complexity, available water sources and
available food sources. The survey design and techniques can be further adjusted to target specific areas
within the site with the highest habitat value for native wildlife species.
Consideration should also be given to the upcoming weather conditions, weather events such as severe
winds, heavy rain events and extreme temperatures can increase the probability of recording certain
species.
Purpose of the survey is to record the sites overall habitat value, significant habitat features, vegetation
connectivity within the site and surrounding lots, fauna signs and opportunistic fauna sightings and the
site’s suitability for the significant flora species likely to occur in the area.
For this survey, significant fauna habitat features are described as tree hollows (branch and crown),
native wildlife nests (stick nests), burrows (feeding burrows), fallen/felled timber, thick groundcover,
fissured bark, rocky outcrops, aquatic habitat.
This survey is to include a targeted amphibian search which will incorporate frog call recording, playing
frog calls, an active search in suitable habitat and dip netting. At each site a thorough aural / visual
survey was conducted. This involved two observers walking through the site in either one long linear
transect or several shorter transects, totalling approximately 1 km over a 2-hour period. Observers
would systematically search for individuals by detecting eye-shine as well as listening for calling adult
males.
Call playback using pre-recorded calls for each frog species was undertaken at regular intervals at each
site. Calls were played for several minutes, followed by a period of listening for responses, and
spotlighting adjacent vegetation for frog activity.
4|P a g e
Page 6
2.2. Survey Methodology
Animal Signs
Native wildlife leaves scats, tracks and scratches that can be identified and are described by
Barbara Triggs (2004). These indicators should be used to provide positive identification of
species to be found within the area marked for disturbance. This data should be recorded in the
survey report.
Playback Calls
Playback calls can be used in an area to identify active species via acoustic monitoring these
methods can be used to identify the presence of inconspicuous species. When conducting
playback surveys use a megaphone (Figure 4- play the call of the target species for two minutes.
Allow a five-minute listening period between each playback using an Acoustic recorder (Figure
4- repeat this methodology three time per target species. Call-back session will be limited to one
session per day to limit the disturbance it causes to targeted species.
Playback Calls
Diurnal Bird Survey
This non-intrusive active area search provides a census of the avian biodiversity and abundance
within the survey site. This survey technique requires a highly skilled observe with substantial
experience in local bird species and bird calls. Transect are slowly walked through the site just
after dawn when birds are the most active. Avoid disturbing nesting birds during the survey.
Spotlight Counts
Native wildlife may be detected using a method of spotlighting during nocturnal surveys.
Spotlighting surveys are most effective way to determine arboreal mammal abundance and
density (Braithwaite et al. 1988). Can also be used to spot large terrestrial nocturnal mammals,
5|P a g e
Page 7
frogs, geckoes, nocturnal snakes, nocturnal birds and insects. Spotlighting is usually done in
transects across the site, while walking or driving. When conducting nocturnal surveys with the
use of a spotlight please follow the below procedure:
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the light (i.e. longer than 2 minutes)
• When practical, use a red filter or, preferably, a dimmer switch to reduce light intensity for
prolonged observations once the animal has been located.
Amphibian Survey
Systematically designed active searches should be conducted nocturnally for frogs and frog calls
within the site area, in addition suitable habitat such as streams, wetlands and other water
bodies should be targeted. This survey requires experienced observers and the following needs
to be recorded the length and type of area surveyed, time spent conducting the survey and the
weather conditions. Avoid disturbing breeding sites or having any chemicals on your hands when
handling amphibians. Follow all the recommendations in the Hygiene protocol for handling
amphibians and avoid handling animals where possible or minimise the time spent handling any
animal. All animals are to be returned to the exact location it was captured from, all animals are
to be released as soon as they have been identified.
Swamp Crayfish Survey
Swamp Crayfish Surveys need to be conducted where Swamp Crayfish Habitat is being disturbed.
Surveys are to be conducted prior to disturbance activities commencing. Surveys are to include
trapping, using a burrow scope to inspect each burrow, excavating.
6|P a g e
Page 8
AWEC
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTANTS
Figure 1- Extent of Disturbance
Within
oO
|
AY
+ includes Bushfire Essential
Clearing August 2019
Lot 3 an SP246584;
LY Bushland Habitat
7507 m?
MV Bushland Habitat
15.062 Ha
rads
MV Rehabilitation Habitat
1.837 Ha Pos
Extent of Vegetation tob
cleared to facilitate subd
Total Area 8,887 Ha
LV Bushland Habitat 3631 m2
MY Bushland Habitat 6.789 Ha”
NV Rehabilitation Habitat 7561 m=
Extent of Temporarily
Retained Vegetation
Total Area 7.927 Ha
LV Bushland Habitat 0 m@
MV Bushland Habitat 6.693 Ha
MY Rehabilitation Habitat 1881 m2
=
come wane = lamatne are a Senses.
sO o 50 wo 200 250 woe 350 400
Cc LOT 23 COVENANTS 24/08/20]
B MV REHABILITATION AREAS 21/08/20
A ORIGINAL ISSUE 17/08/20)
is o-
Norris Clarke & O'Brien Pty Ltd
BUSHLAND HABITAT PLAN Pe EY
vm NOOSA CIVIC CENTRE Development Consus
LOT 3 on SP246584
28 Eenie Creek Road
Neesaville
Neesa Shire Council
Ketvin Growe QLD 4050
mm 07 JO12 G00O te OF 3012 GO8s
erat [email protected]
aon O58 8X) 770 ABN 15 O56 870 770
mre Tao.
17/08/2020 1005iBHP—cDwe
Sede Notes
1:3000 at A3
Ref, Issue
10651BHP. c
7|Page
Page 9
2.3. Legislation and Permits
Table 1- Statutory Requirements and Guidelines
LEGISLATION PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION IMPACT ON PROJECT PERSONNEL
Environmental Gives legislative support to various national To abide by the regulations within the DES.
Protection Regulation guidelines, plans and Australian Standards. This
2019 regulation also outlines requirements for the
management of fauna and flora.
Environmental The EPBC Act focuses Australian Government To comply with the relevant sections of the Act that
Protection and interests on the protection of matters of national relate to matters of national significance which are
Biodiversity environmental significance, with the states and present in the vicinity of the project works.
territories having responsibility for matters of state
Conservation Act 1999
and local significance.
Nature Conservation The Act provides for the legilative protection of To comply with the relevant sections of the Act and
Act 2016 Queensland’s threatended biota. It is aligned with regulations and the Environmental Authority
the IUCN redlist which categorises biota into their administered by the DES.
current status in the wild.
Nature Conservation This Regulation lists the plants and animals List those animals that may be potentially found on
(Wildlife) Regulation considered presumed extinct, endangered, sites being developed as part of the project and
2006 vulnerable, rare, common, international, and limitations for management.
prohibited. It discusses their significance and states
the declared management intent and the
principles to be observed in any taking and use for
each group.
Nature Conservation This Regulation provides for the management of Provides guidance for the management of wildlife on
(Wildlife Management) wildlife (including taking, keeping and using site, particularly in relation to the interference with
Regulation 2006 wildlife including protected plants). native wildlife during the clearing process.
Nature Conservation • Guideline for identifying koala habitat Provides guidance on where spotter/catcher’s are
and Other Legislation • Managing koala habitat legally required and how they are to manage koala
(Koala Protection) habitat
Amendment
Regulation 2020
Animal Care and • Animal Welfare Outlines that animal ethics approval is needed for
Protection Act 2001 research, survey and/or monitoring involving
vertebrates, where activities such as trapping,
census leading to disturbance of animals (such as
spotlighting or call play-back), abnormal interruption
of behaviour or marking/tagging are involved.
Australian code for the • Ethical framwork for animals used for Governing principles set out in the Code provide
scientific purposes guidance for investigators, teachers, institiutions,
care and use of
animals for scientific animal ethics committees and all the people involved
in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
purposes 8th edition
(2013)
Terrestrial Vertebrate • Guidelines for Fauna Surveys Detailed guidelines on designing a survey, the
Fauna Survey different survey methadologies and the ethical
Guidelines for considerations that need to be made for each
methadology.
Queensland (2018)
Queensland Hygiene • Protocol for handling amphibian species Outlines how to handle and manage amphibian
protocol for handling species to prevent the spread of diseases among
amphibians specimens and colonies.
8|P a g e
Page 10
Code of Practice- Care • Provides guidelines on the rehabilitation Detailed guidelines, in regards to hygiene, housing,
and care of wildlife capture and release, euthanasia and relevant
and rehabilitation of
orphaned, sick or legistation
injured protected
animals by wildlife
carers(2013)
Seqwater-Guideline- • The purpose of this guidance document is Guideline on managing aquatic fauna during
to ensure native fish recovery operations dewatering works.
Fish Stranding and
are conducted in a timely and safe
Salvage manner to minimise or eliminate loss of
fish from stranding.
Fisheries Act 1994 • The main purpose of the Fisheries Act is Outlines fish habitats and fish movement and
to provide for the use, conservation and migration (regulation of waterway barriers).
enhancement of the community's Guidelines on commercial, recreational and
fisheries resources and fish habitats in a indigenous fishing.
way that seeks to apply the principles of
ecologically sustainable development.
Biosecurity Act 2014 • The Biosecurity Act provides a framework Under the Biosecurity Act, pest species must not be
for an effective biosecurity system for kept, fed, given away, sold, or released into the
Queensland, to ensure the safety and environment without a permit. Under the Biosecurity
quality of agricultural inputs, and to align Act, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation to
responses to biosecurity risks in the state take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the
with national and international
risks associated with restricted plants and animals.
obligations.
DAF Guidelines for Fish • Purpose of these guidelines is to minimise These guidelines provide detailed instructions for
the risk to aquatic fauna during dewatering waterbodies and slavaging aquatic fauna.
Salvage, 2018
dewatering works.
Australia Wide Environmental Consultants (AWEC) holds a current DES rehabilitation permit (Permit
#WA0002250), with an extended authority issued by the Department of Environment and Science specifying
that the holder may take, keep or use an animal whose habitat is about to be destroyed by human activity.
3. Results
3.1. Desktop Review
Vegetation within the extent of disturbance is mapped as a non-remnant vegetation community and
does not contain any essential for any significant flora or fauna species (Figure 3).
Northern corner of the site is mapped as a Koala priority area; the site does not contain any mapped
koala habitat (See Figure 4).
See Table 2 for a list of significant fauna species previously recorded within 2 km of the project area
or with essential habitat within 2kms of the site.
9|P a g e
Page 11
Table 1- Significant Species
SIGNIFICANT FAUNA
Significant Mammal Species
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Listed in the Environmental Protection and This site has an intact canopy and is
Biodiversity Conservation Act as Vulnerable dominated by non-juvenile koala food
trees. A few old scratch marks were found
Listed in the Nature Conservation Act as Vulnerable
during the fauna pre-clearance survey.
1 Confirmed sightings within 2 km of the site The chances of encountering this species
is moderate.
Significant Amphibian Species
Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) Site lacked suitable breeding sites at the
time of the survey. Site contained foraging
Listed in the Nature Conservation Act as Vulnerable
habitat for this species. This species was
1 Confirmed sightings within 2 km of the site not recorded within the site during any
targeted surveys. This species has been
Wetland is mapped as essential habitat for this
recorded utilising this habitat during
species. Recorded within the site during previous
several previous surveys conducted within
amphibian surveys
the site. The probability of encountering
this species on site is high.
10 | P a g e
Page 12
Figure 3-Vegetation Management Supporting Map
Project Client Prepared By
Noosa Civic Stockwell Development Group Pty Ltd
Walter Hay Drive
Noosaville, Queensland
11 | P a g e
Page 13
Figure 4- Koala Habitat SPRP
Project Client Prepared By
Noosa Civic Stockwell Development Group Pty Ltd
Walter Hay Drive
Noosaville, Queensland
12 | P a g e
Page 14
3.2. Habitat Value
Dry Sclerophyll Forest consisted predominately of regrowth with a few scattered mature habitat
trees.
Habitat features within the proposed disturbance area included branch and crown hollows, large
hollow stags, fissured bark, arboreal and terrestrial termite mounds, patches of thick leaf
litter/bark shedding’s and woody debris. Fauna signs included small feeding nosing’s (bandicoot),
burrows, possum scratch marks, small and large macropod scat, brush turkey diggings and
mounds and black cockatoo feeding signs.
The significant species most likely to be encountered on site is the Vulnerable Koala
(Phascolarctos cinereus) and Vulnerable Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula) (See Table 1). A few
scattered old koala scratch marks were found within the site during the pre-clearance survey.
See Table 2 for all the opportunistic fauna sightings recorded during the Fauna Pre-Clearance
Survey.
Table 2-Sighted Fauna
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS
Amphibian
Cane Toad Rhinella marina Introduced
Striped marsh frog Limnodynastes peronii Least Concern
Reptiles
Bar sided skink Concinnia tenuis Least Concern
Garden Skink Lampropholis delicata Least Concern
Lace Monitor Varanus varius Least Concern
Snake eyed skink Cryptoblepharus litoralis Least Concern
Avian
Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami Least Concern
Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis Least Concern
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Least Concern
Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Least Concern
Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Least Concern
Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Least Concern
Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis Least Concern
Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Least Concern
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Least Concern
Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii Least Concern
Noisy miner Manorina melanocephala Least Concern
Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Least Concern
13 | P a g e
Page 15
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CONSERVATION STATUS
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Least Concern
Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiates Least Concern
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Least Concern
Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Least Concern
Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda Least Concern
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Least Concern
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Least Concern
Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Least Concern
Torresian Crow Corvus orru Least Concern
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Least Concern
White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Least Concern
Table 3-Significant Habitat Features
Number Habitat Feature Description
1 Large Stag- Three branch hollows
2 Arboreal Termite Mound
3 Decaying Hollow Log
4 Branch Hollow
5 Terrestrial Termite Mound
6 Brush Turkey Nest- signs of recent activity
7 Two terrestrial termite mounds
8 Stag- Crown hollow
9 Terrestrial Termite Mound
10 Arboreal Termite Mound
11 Stag- Crown hollow
12 Two crown hollows
13 Terrestrial Termite Mound
14 Decaying Hollow Log
15 Large macropod tracks and scat
16 Small burrow
17 Small burrow
18 Two Large Stags- Two crown hollows and a branch hollow
14 | P a g e
Page 16
19 Scratch marks and arboreal termite mound
20 Stag
21 Woody Debris
22 Terrestrial Termite Mound
23 Decaying Hollow Log
24 Terrestrial Termite Mound
25 Large Crown Hollow
26 Stag
27 Terrestrial Termite Mound
28 Branch Hollow
29 Decaying Hollow Log
30 Decaying Hollow Log
31 Terrestrial Termite Mound
32 Dense patch of sedges
33 Terrestrial Termite Mound
34 Black Cockatoo Feeding Signs
15 | P a g e
Page 17
Figure 5- Significant Habitat Feature Locations
Page 18
2 < 5 g % 8 3 o 2 5 2 © @ iL . & = 5 © = 2 < 6 S e < ob a ww o 2 5 Oo ir
Page 19
4. Fauna Management
4.1. Occupational Health and Safety
Before commencement of work on the site all inductions including client, inductions must be
completed; all onsite requirements outlined in the inductions must always be adhered to. Before
handling any venomous snakes, you must have completed a Venomous snake relocation coarse
and an acceptable level of attainment must have been achieved.
4.1.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The PPE required on site must always be worn. As a minimum long sleeve high visibility work
shirt, long work pants, hard hat with sun brim, lace up work boots, safety glasses and suitable
gloves for your planned task are to be worn.
4.1.2. First Aid
It is a requirement of your position as a Fauna Handler that you have a current first aid
certificate and first aid kits have been placed in every vehicle for your use. If working in the
field and are situated away from your site vehicle you must carry a snake bit kit.
4.1.3. Working around plant
Placement
When working besides plant (Bulldozers and Excavators) a clear line of sight to the machine
operator is required. For the operator to maintain line of sight it is important to be on the
correct side of the machine, for excavators this is the left side (operator cabin side). For
bulldozers, the correct place is on either side, not in front or behind the machine and always
maintain positive communication with the operators. When vegetation is being felled it is
important to stand well clear (but still within sight of the operator). If further inspection of a
tree is required, the operator must be contacted and place the machine in the “safe” position
(Stationary with the bucket or blade on the ground) before you can approach the tree.
Clearing zone
Clearing zone is defined as that area within two tree lengths (50 Meters) from the operating
machine. This zone is a hazardous area, care must always be taken while working within this
zone. The clearing zone is where most of the spotter/catcher’s work occurs.
Communication
Communication with the plant operator is to be made via hand help UHF radios. Radios must
always be charged and carried on your person. Clear communication with the operator is
essential to ensure safety and the required co-operation is achieved. The operator must be
informed upon the sighting of any wildlife and of your intentions to catch the animal; you
require positive communication before approaching the machinery.
18 | P a g e
Page 20
4.2. Fauna Management
4.2.1. Prior to Work Commencing
A quick inspection of the site prior to any construction activities commencing every morning.
The purpose of this inspection is to check for any fauna (in particular Koalas) are present
within the next area to be cleared, if any habitat features or nesting sites are located within
the site and that their clearly marked out and that their planned mitigation measures have
been discussed with the clearing crew.
4.2.2. During Disturbance Works
During clearing works a spotter/catcher is to be present to manage the risk to native fauna
within the site. The spotter/catcher will ensure that significant habitat features, and breeding
sites are cleared in a manner that best mitigates the risk to fauna potentially in-habiting them.
The spotter-catcher will also manage the direction of clearing to ensure that fauna is directed
into a suitable location.
4.2.3. Fauna Capture
One of the roles of the fauna spotter/catcher on site is to remove any fauna within the
disturbance site. Where practical animals are to be moved out of an area proposed for
disturbance before clearing/stripping works commence.
Where there is a risk to native fauna a spotter/catcher is to be present during clearing works
and watch out for any fauna, fauna signs and significant habitat features. When an animal is
sighted, and it is deemed safe to approach the animal the capture procedure listed below will
be adhered to.
4.2.4. Fauna Identification
It is important that correct identification (Fauna/Flora) is made for record keeping purposes.
If a sighted or captured/collected flora or fauna specimen can’t be identified on site an
ecologist is to be contacted who will direct the Spotter/Catcher on site on the types of images
they require to correctly identify the specimen.
4.2.5. Fauna Handling Equipment
Various methods can be used to safely capture native wildlife in the field, capturing native
wildlife does not only pose a risk to the handler’s personal safety but could also cause
unnecessary stress and or injury to the animal involved. Before capturing any wildlife plan
your capture, handle the animal as per training and have the correct equipment available.
19 | P a g e
Page 21
4.3. Fauna Handling Procedure
Possums
To capture possums on the ground, it is best practice to grab the tail and the back of the neck.
This will ensure the best grip on the animal and ensures that the handler is not in danger of
being scratched or bitten, where practical the spotter/catcher should wear the appropriate
gloves. Once the possum is restrained, it should be placed into an appropriately sized calico
bag or pet carrier.
Where the presence of a possum is confirmed within a drey or hollow using an EWP or
inspection camera, the spotter/catcher will deem which method is practical and will gain the
best outcome for the in-habitant. Potential methods include removal using an EWP where
practical or soft felling the tree. As possums are predominantly nocturnal, they should be
released after sunset.
Gliders
To capture gliders on the ground it is best practice to grab the tail and the back of the neck.
This will ensure the beast grip on the animal and ensures that staff are in no danger of being
scratched or bitten, where practical the spotter/catcher should wear the appropriate gloves.
Gliders are smaller than possums so it will be easier to get a grip around the back of the neck.
Once the glider is caught it is to be placed into an appropriately sized calico bag, where
multiple gliders are found in one hollow, they should be housed in one large calico bag.
Where the presence of a possum is confirmed within a hollow using an EWP or inspection
camera, the spotter/catcher will deem which method is practical and will gain the best
outcome for the in-habitant. Potential methods include removal using an EWP where practical
or soft felling the tree. As gliders are predominantly nocturnal, they should be released after
sunset.
Non-venomous Snakes
Caution should be taken when handling non-venomous snakes. If the identification cannot be
confirmed prior to handling or if there is any uncertainty the snake should be handled as if it
is venomous. Where possible the hook and bag technique should be used, where this is not
possible the animal can be restrained at the base of the skull with a thumb and forefinger
either side of the head and to the rear of the lower jaw.
When a snake is sighted, warn others of its location and ask them to stand back as you capture
and secure the animal. Place the animal into snake hoop bag and securely close the bag. The
bag should be placed in safe location and everyone should be made aware not to touch any
bags containing fauna.
Venomous Snakes
Do not handle Venomous snakes unless you have completed a venomous snake handling
course with a suitably qualified trainer and have been approved by Joel Keady to handle
venomous snakes. Where practical use the hook and bag method to capture venomous
snakes.
When a snake is sighted, warn others of its location and ask them to stand back as you capture
and secure the animal. Place the animal into snake hoop bag and securely close the bag. The
20 | P a g e
Page 22
bag should be placed in safe location and everyone should be made aware not to touch any
bags containing fauna. All containers or bags containing a venomous animal should be labelled
and closed using zip ties.
Monitors
Monitors can be caught by the base of the tail; caution should be taken as these animals are
powerful and their bite can easily result in severe infections. When you have grabbed an
animal take care as they will easily swing towards the handler and can cause severe injuries
through scratching and biting. Once the animal is under some control, use a catch bag or towel
to cover their head, this will allow the handler to take hold of the neck. The hand/arm holding
the neck must align the wrist and forearm along the back of the monitor, the animal can then
be lifted. Tilt the head/neck back a small amount and hold the animal (away from your body)
be careful of the tail as it will be used to strike.
These animals need to be released straight away or placed into a suitably sized pet carrier or
calico/hessian bag.
Frogs
The spread of disease, such as the chytrid fungus, may occur as a result of handling frogs.
Unnecessary handling should be avoided, and the specimen released as soon as possible.
When handling amphibians, the handler should wear unused disposable gloves or capture and
handle frogs in single use lightweight plastic bags. Bare hands may be used provided they are
wiped before each capture with a sterilising alcohol-based hand disinfectant.
Bats/Flying Foxes
Bats should not be handled by staff that are not immunised. Bats should always be handled
with gloves, flying foxes should be handled with heavy duty gloves. Bats can carry a disease
called Lyssavirus which is closely related to the common rabies. If handlers are bitten or
scratched it should be reported immediately.
If several micro-bats are removed from one hollow, they should all be stored in the same
calico bag.
4.4. Storing Captured Fauna
Captured fauna should be secured in either a calico bag, snake bag or pet carrier after being
captured. If an animal is placed into a bag the end should be securely knotted closed and then tied
using a bag tie or zip-tie.
These bags should be placed in a quite dark location that is the appropriate temperature for the
species that has been captured. Captured fauna should be released into suitable habitat as soon
as possible. Some species are nocturnal and cannot be released till dusk, extra care should be
taken when storing an animal for this long a period to ensure it is not stressed or over/under
heated.
If an animal is injured or orphaned, it should be secured in a manner that prevents unnecessary
stress or increases the severity of its injuries. It should be transported to a wildlife carer or vet
clinic as soon as possible.
21 | P a g e
Page 23
4.5. Releasing Captured Fauna
When releasing animals away from disturbed habitat, attention must be paid to several factors,
including weather conditions, seasonal conditions and the animal’s ecology. More partially the
animal should be released:
• Into suitable Habitat with an adequate food supply
• In appropriate weather, season and time of day. This is particularly important for migratory
species.
• Under circumstances which will not cause additional stress, such as extreme weather
conditions, the wrong time of day (i.e. nocturnal species)
• In the appropriate social group. Some animals fare better if released into social groups.
• Within 1km of the site as per DES guidelines.
Fauna should be released at a suitable time of day, in a protected location close to the site. Data
should be recorded and kept on all fauna species trapped and relocated in accordance with DES
guidelines under the Rehabilitation Permit issued to AWEC. If situations occur where animals can
be re-released on the clearing site once clearing is complete the following criteria must be
followed:
• Sufficient habitat is retained on site to support the animal’s required niche, considering
factors such as: vulnerability to predation; availability of nesting sites, hollows or
microhabitats and the availability of water and sufficient food sources.
• Habitat corridors retained are of a suitable size, topography and vegetation cover to
provide effective routes for normal ecological processes such as immigration, emigration,
recruitment and dispersal.
• Habitat blocks and corridors are of sufficient size to maintain ecological integrity and
effectiveness, considering likely edge effects.
• Long term risk factors to individual and population survival associated with the
development have been (or will be) adequately managed or mitigated. For example:
domestic animal control, motor vehicle/road impacts, swimming pool risk.
4.6. Injures & Euthanasia
Euthanasia is sometimes required to alleviate any pain or suffering of an injured captured animal
that is not capable of recovering to a degree to be released back into its natural habitat. Any
euthanasia that is required should be done promptly and, in the manner, most humane to that
species.
Any injured animals that have a reasonable chance of being rehabilitated and released back into
their natural habitat should immediately be given the care that they require. Any animals that
require medical attention to treat or diagnose an injury should be taken to the closest vet. Any
orphaned young or fauna with minor injuries (e.g. concussion) should be taken to the closest carer.
Some animals for example koalas will require specialist care and the closest suitable care facility
should be contacted.
22 | P a g e
Page 24
4.7. Clearing Methodology
a) 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).
b) After under scrubbing and clearing on non-habitat trees, an elevated work platform
or EWP will be used in conjunction with a chainsaw operator and suitably qualified
fauna spotter/catcher to inspect and remove hollows a 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:
1. 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 EWP. 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.
2. 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 EWP 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.
3. 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 lowered to the ground in sections.
4. When the fauna has been safely secured within its hollow, the entire limb can
then be placed in the EWP bucket or lowered to the ground using ropes depending
on the size of the limb.
5. 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.
(f) Provide a written report to council following clearing that addresses the following:
Fauna Report detailing:
(i) The length of clearing time.
(ii) Animal trapping prior to and during clearing.
(iii) Animal relocations.
(iv) Fauna injuries and euthanisations.
(v) Monitoring findings from nest boxes
23 | P a g e
Page 25
4.8. Native Beehive Relocation
All native bee hives of the genera Tetragonula (syn Trigona) and/or Austroplebelia are to be
recovered during vegetation clearing associated with “bulk earthworks/civil works” for
relocation into the Vegetation Protection Covenants and/or recovered and “boxed up” (if
damaged) for later installation.
If a native beehive is located on site, its entrance is to be blocked off prior to sunrise. The
extent of the beehive within the hollow is to be established using a fibre optic camera. The
beehive is then to be cut out and both ends of the hive sealed off using treated wood. The
beehive is then to be relocated to a suitable location and left-over night. The next morning at
sunrise the entrance is to be opened.
Figure 5- Relocated Native Beehive
4.9. Nest Boxes
The aim of nest boxes is to compensate for the loss of habitat features by developing the site
(See Figure 1). In order to identify whether habitat replacement will be required and the
quantity that may be required a pre-disturbance survey was conducted on site to identify all
significant habitat features.
The amount of arboreal fauna captured during the disturbance activity will also influence the
quantity of habitat replacement features that will be required. Suitable nest boxes will be
provided if possums, gliders or hollow dependent birds are found to be utilising hollows within
the proposed disturbance site.
The compensation ratio to be applied where hollows are identified as being utilised by
possums, gliders or hollow dependant bird species will be a 1:1 ratio. In the case where
hollows are identified but occupancy is not confirmed a 3:1 compensation ratio will be utilised
(Smith, 1999).
Nest boxes will be fixed to trees using a method designed to ensure no damage is done to the
tree as the tree matures. Possum and glider boxes will be placed in the foliage to protect them
from hot afternoon sun and can be positioned facing any direction except for west. The nest
boxes should be placed in an area that gives protection from direct sunlight and the entrance
should face away from prevailing winds and rain. Nest boxes for possums should be attached
approximately 2-4m off the ground and 3- 6m high for glider and bird boxes (Franks, 2006).
24 | P a g e
Page 26
The nest boxes should be placed within an area that contains suitable species and quantities
of food trees that are favoured by the species that the nest box was designed for.
A minimum of thirteen nest boxes will be required to compensate for the hollows proposed
to be removed. More may be required depending on the hollow occupancy numbers. The type
of nest boxes required will also be impacted by the species sighted and captured during
clearing works.
Hollows and hollow logs should be retained where practical and placed into retained
vegetation. To minimise the loss of terrestrial habitat within the site.
4.10. Management Measures
Table 3- Fauna Management Measures- Clearing Works
Objective Management Methods Responsibility Timing
A) Pre-clearing
1. An active fauna inspection is to be conducted the morning
prior to clearing works commencing, active search over
micro-habitats for any fauna, locate and marks any Pre-
Pre-clearance Fauna Spotter
construction
Survey potential nesting sites/high value habitat features and
inspect canopy for the presence of koalas.
2. Any fauna sighted during the pre-clearance survey should
be relocated to a nearby suitable habitat.
25 | P a g e
Page 27
B) Clearing and Grubbing
1. Suitably qualified S/C’s are to be present for all clearing and
grubbing activities where there is a risk to native fauna.
S/C’s are to implement and check that all practical measures
to minimise the risk to fauna during construction are
adhered to. S/C’s must hold or be approved to work under
DES a Rehabilitation spotter/catcher endorsed permit and
damage mitigation permit.
2. Vegetation must be cleared sequentially to direct wildlife
into surrounding retained vegetation and prevents isolates Fauna spotter
Reduce risk to
and
native fauna
patches of vegetation where wildlife may seek refuge. construction/
during Earthworks
3. Any occupied trees will be left for 48 hours to allow the clearing crew
disturbance
activities
fauna to self-relocate. This reduces the stress on the
animals and allows them to locate a suitable alternative
habitat.
4. All significant habitat trees will be pieced down with an EWP
or climbers.
5. Any injured wildlife will be taken to receive veterinary
attention within 24 hours if required. If veterinary attention
is not required any injured or orphaned wildlife is to be
transferred to a suitably qualified Wildlife Carer.
C) Koala Management
1. The following measures will be undertaken to minimise,
reduce or mitigate impacts to koalas in potential koala
habitat areas:
a. Sequential clearing will be utilised to assist fauna in
relocating to nearby habitat on their own accord.
b. No tree in which a Koala is present and no tree with
To protect the Fauna spotter
a crown overlapping a tree with a Koala present
local population and clearing Earthworks
of Koalas will be disturbed. A 50m buffer around any tree crew
containing a Koala is to be established and works
to seize within this buffer until the has moved off
on its own accord.
c. A vegetation corridor is to be left where practical to
allow the koala to self-relocate to a suitable area
that is not a proposed disturbance site.
26 | P a g e
Page 28
d. In areas containing a dominance of koala food trees
and positively identified Koala sightings and/or
identified scat or scratch marks a koala spotter is
to be present during clearing activities.
e. If a Koala is not injured but refuses to move from the
clearance area on its own accord after two days,
the S/C will liaise with DES and negotiate
appropriate methods for removal and relocation.
D) Releasing Fauna
1. The animal must be released as near as practical to the
point of capture.
2. Where practical animals should be relocated with the
To reduce the hollow in which they were found or a suitable nest box.
impact the 3. When releasing wildlife attention must be paid to several Fauna spotter Project Duration
project has on
native fauna factors, including weather conditions, seasonal conditions
and the animal’s ecology.
4. Fauna should be released at a suitable time of day in a
suitable location.
E) Mulching Works
1. All the hollow features within the cleared vegetation should
To reduce the either be removed so that they can relocated into the
impact the Fauna spotter
protected areas or destroyed. This reduces the risk of any Clearing Works
project has on and
native fauna native fauna occupying the cleared vegetation stockpiles construction/
clearing crew
and being injured during the mulching works.
F) Reporting
1. At the end of clearing works the spotter/catcher is to
compile a post-clearing fauna report which is to include-
a. Number of hollows and occupancy
To reduce the b. Which species occupied the hollows
impact the c. Capture and Release GPS of each animal Post-clearing
Fauna Spotter
project has on Works
native fauna d. Sighted Fauna
e. Whether any breeding sites were disturbed
f. Whether any significant fauna species were
sighted/encountered and management measures.
27 | P a g e
Page 29
G) Earthworks and Construction Phase
1. The Contractor shall ensure that to the extent possible
project infrastructure and auxiliary works (laydown areas,
stockpile sites, site office) are constructed in a manner that
does not create additional hazards for wildlife.
2. Inspect open trenches, culverts and other structures prior
to works being undertaken within an area to determine
whether there are any trapped or injured native fauna
species present and act as appropriate.
To reduce the 3. Educate staff, including sub-contractors, in relation to the
impact the Construction
risk of fauna injury and deaths and how to manage animals Clearing Works
project has on Crew
native fauna which are displaced, including threatened species
4. All native wildlife is protected (including snakes) and shall
not be intentionally harmed as a result of work or workers
actions.
5. The Contractor is obliged to ensure that any fauna injured
during construction should be promptly treated by a
veterinarian. Any fauna that are injured or killed during
construction by actions related to the contract shall be
reported as an environmental incident.
5. Conclusion
Australia Wide Environmental Consultants (AWEC) were commissioned by Stockwell Development
Group Pty Ltd to compose a Fauna Management Plan for the Noosa Civic on Walter Hay Drive in
Noosaville, Queensland (See Figure 1).
The aim of this Fauna Management Procedure is to outline the fauna management measures that are
to be implemented pre, during and post clearing works. The fauna management measures in this
procedure are designed to minimise the impact that this development will have on any fauna occupying
or utilizing the site.
All the fauna management measures need to be adhered to throughout the clearing, earthworks and
construction phases of this project in order to minimise the impact on native fauna.
28 | P a g e
Page 30
6. References
Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld),
Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 (Qld), http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SL_N.htm
Ryan M, 2007, Wildlife of the Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
Wilson S, 2005, A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland, Reed New Holland, Sydney
Ryan M, 2007, Wild plants of the Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
Lee K Curtis & Andrew J Dennis, 2012, Queensland’s Threatened Animals, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria
Nita C.Lester, 2008, Woodland to Weeds- Southern Queensalnd Brigalow Belt, Second Edition, CopyRight Publishing, Brisbane
Nick Romanowski, 2011, Australian Grasses, Hyland House Publishing, Australia
29 | P a g e
Used in these records
Noosa Civic-Noosaville- Fauna Management Plan.pdfRelated documentApplication case desk ↗
About this file
- File size
- 2.2 MB (large file)
- File type
No other editions are linked here.
Original file
Log in to download the original file
The download may take up to a minute.