MCU14/0056 - Attachment I -Environmental Report

e.

environmental management
ecological assessment report

Ecological Assessment Methodology
and Process

The following steps were undertaken in the preparation of this assessment:

e.l.

Desktop Analysis

Legislation and Policy Review
Field Survey

Analysis and Recommendation

AWN >

Desktop Analysis

Prior to the commencement of field surveys, a desktop analysis was conducted to identify relevant information for
the site. The following information was reviewed:

ee.

Search of the Commonwealth’s EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool

Search of DEHP’s Wildlife Online Database for the study area and surrounds

Federal and State Government Environmental Databases

State Government Environmental Overlay Mapping i.e. Regulated Vegetation, Koala Habitat
Planning Scheme Documents and Maps

Field Survey

A vegetation survey utilising the following methods was conducted to describe on-site vegetation.

General Searches & Species Identification - The allotment was walked to ensure all vegetation
communities and species were recorded and identified. Particular attention was paid to any threatened
species that were listed as possibly occurring on or within the vicinity of the application site and specific
micro assemblages which may support these threatened species;

GPS Tree Plot - A plot and schedule of trees comprising the Ecologically Dominant Layer across the site
was completed using hand-held GPS units accurate to 1 m.

Observational Survey — A detailed observational survey of the vertebrate fauna present on or that may
utilise the study area, including faunal lists and significance status of species under the Commonwealth’s
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) that includes the Japan -
Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn Convention; and Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act
1992 (NCA);

Identification - Identification of habitat values within the area relevant to terrestrial vertebrate fauna,
including ecological corridors; and

Description — A description of the major fauna habitats present.

Sisaunders havill group Page 7