Upload
others
View
5
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Site 19 Esperance Flora and Fauna Survey
Prepared for
Talis Consultants
8 March 2017
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D ii
DOCUMENT TRACKING
Item Detail
Project Name Site 19 Esperance Flora and Fauna Survey
Project Number 6236
Project Manager
Sarah Dalgleish
Suite 1 amp 2 49 Ord Street West Perth 6005
(08) 9227 1070
Prepared by Jeni Morris Sarah Dalgleish
Reviewed by Joel Collins
Approved by Joel Collins
Status FINAL
Version Number 3
Last saved on 8 March 2017
Cover photo Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation copy Eco Logical Australia 2017
This report should be cited as lsquoEco Logical Australia 2017 Site 19 Esperance Flora and Fauna Survey
Prepared for Talis Consultantsrsquo
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Talis Consultants
Disclaimer
This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between
Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Talis Consultants The scope of services was defined in consultation with Talis Consultants
by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area
Changes to available information legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to
date information
Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon
this report and its supporting material by any third party Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific
assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited
Template 2992015
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iii
Contents
1 Introduction 1
11 Project background 1
12 Legislative framework 1
2 Desktop review 2
21 Climate 2
22 Database searches 2
23 Bioregion 3
24 Landform geology and soils 3
25 Vegetation 4
26 Conservation significant areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas 4
3 Methodology 8
31 Survey team and timing 8
32 Survey limitations 8
33 Reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey 9
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature 9
34 Level 1 fauna survey 9
35 Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitat 10
351 Opportunistic fauna observations 10
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature 10
4 Results 11
41 Flora and vegetation 11
411 Flora 11
412 Conservation significant flora 11
413 Introduced flora 11
414 Vegetation communities 11
415 Vegetation condition 12
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities 13
42 Fauna 16
421 Fauna species 16
422 Conservation significant fauna 16
423 Introduced fauna 16
424 Fauna habitats 16
5 Summary and conclusions 19
51 Flora and vegetation 19
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iv
52 Fauna 19
53 Potential significance under the EPBC Act 20
References 22
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia 24
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria 32
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence 34
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence 37
List of figures
Figure 1 Study area location 5
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area 6
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study
area 7
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area 14
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area 15
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area 18
List of tables
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field
survey and average monthly rainfall data 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience 8
Table 3 Survey limitations 8
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area 12
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas 13
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D v
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
DEC Department of Environment and Conservation
DER Department of Environment Regulation
DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy
DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife
ELA Eco Logical Australia
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area
ha Hectare
IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia
km Kilometre
mm millimetre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PMST Protected Matters Search Tool
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities
TEC Threatened Ecological Community
WAH Western Australian Herbarium
WAM Western Australian Museum
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D ii
DOCUMENT TRACKING
Item Detail
Project Name Site 19 Esperance Flora and Fauna Survey
Project Number 6236
Project Manager
Sarah Dalgleish
Suite 1 amp 2 49 Ord Street West Perth 6005
(08) 9227 1070
Prepared by Jeni Morris Sarah Dalgleish
Reviewed by Joel Collins
Approved by Joel Collins
Status FINAL
Version Number 3
Last saved on 8 March 2017
Cover photo Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation copy Eco Logical Australia 2017
This report should be cited as lsquoEco Logical Australia 2017 Site 19 Esperance Flora and Fauna Survey
Prepared for Talis Consultantsrsquo
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Talis Consultants
Disclaimer
This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between
Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Talis Consultants The scope of services was defined in consultation with Talis Consultants
by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area
Changes to available information legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to
date information
Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon
this report and its supporting material by any third party Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific
assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited
Template 2992015
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iii
Contents
1 Introduction 1
11 Project background 1
12 Legislative framework 1
2 Desktop review 2
21 Climate 2
22 Database searches 2
23 Bioregion 3
24 Landform geology and soils 3
25 Vegetation 4
26 Conservation significant areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas 4
3 Methodology 8
31 Survey team and timing 8
32 Survey limitations 8
33 Reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey 9
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature 9
34 Level 1 fauna survey 9
35 Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitat 10
351 Opportunistic fauna observations 10
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature 10
4 Results 11
41 Flora and vegetation 11
411 Flora 11
412 Conservation significant flora 11
413 Introduced flora 11
414 Vegetation communities 11
415 Vegetation condition 12
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities 13
42 Fauna 16
421 Fauna species 16
422 Conservation significant fauna 16
423 Introduced fauna 16
424 Fauna habitats 16
5 Summary and conclusions 19
51 Flora and vegetation 19
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iv
52 Fauna 19
53 Potential significance under the EPBC Act 20
References 22
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia 24
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria 32
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence 34
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence 37
List of figures
Figure 1 Study area location 5
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area 6
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study
area 7
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area 14
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area 15
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area 18
List of tables
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field
survey and average monthly rainfall data 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience 8
Table 3 Survey limitations 8
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area 12
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas 13
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D v
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
DEC Department of Environment and Conservation
DER Department of Environment Regulation
DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy
DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife
ELA Eco Logical Australia
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area
ha Hectare
IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia
km Kilometre
mm millimetre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PMST Protected Matters Search Tool
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities
TEC Threatened Ecological Community
WAH Western Australian Herbarium
WAM Western Australian Museum
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iii
Contents
1 Introduction 1
11 Project background 1
12 Legislative framework 1
2 Desktop review 2
21 Climate 2
22 Database searches 2
23 Bioregion 3
24 Landform geology and soils 3
25 Vegetation 4
26 Conservation significant areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas 4
3 Methodology 8
31 Survey team and timing 8
32 Survey limitations 8
33 Reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey 9
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature 9
34 Level 1 fauna survey 9
35 Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitat 10
351 Opportunistic fauna observations 10
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature 10
4 Results 11
41 Flora and vegetation 11
411 Flora 11
412 Conservation significant flora 11
413 Introduced flora 11
414 Vegetation communities 11
415 Vegetation condition 12
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities 13
42 Fauna 16
421 Fauna species 16
422 Conservation significant fauna 16
423 Introduced fauna 16
424 Fauna habitats 16
5 Summary and conclusions 19
51 Flora and vegetation 19
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iv
52 Fauna 19
53 Potential significance under the EPBC Act 20
References 22
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia 24
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria 32
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence 34
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence 37
List of figures
Figure 1 Study area location 5
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area 6
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study
area 7
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area 14
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area 15
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area 18
List of tables
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field
survey and average monthly rainfall data 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience 8
Table 3 Survey limitations 8
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area 12
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas 13
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D v
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
DEC Department of Environment and Conservation
DER Department of Environment Regulation
DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy
DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife
ELA Eco Logical Australia
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area
ha Hectare
IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia
km Kilometre
mm millimetre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PMST Protected Matters Search Tool
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities
TEC Threatened Ecological Community
WAH Western Australian Herbarium
WAM Western Australian Museum
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D iv
52 Fauna 19
53 Potential significance under the EPBC Act 20
References 22
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia 24
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria 32
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence 34
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence 37
List of figures
Figure 1 Study area location 5
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area 6
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study
area 7
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area 14
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area 15
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area 18
List of tables
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field
survey and average monthly rainfall data 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience 8
Table 3 Survey limitations 8
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area 12
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas 13
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D v
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
DEC Department of Environment and Conservation
DER Department of Environment Regulation
DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy
DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife
ELA Eco Logical Australia
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area
ha Hectare
IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia
km Kilometre
mm millimetre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PMST Protected Matters Search Tool
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities
TEC Threatened Ecological Community
WAH Western Australian Herbarium
WAM Western Australian Museum
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D v
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
DEC Department of Environment and Conservation
DER Department of Environment Regulation
DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy
DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife
ELA Eco Logical Australia
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area
ha Hectare
IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia
km Kilometre
mm millimetre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PMST Protected Matters Search Tool
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities
TEC Threatened Ecological Community
WAH Western Australian Herbarium
WAM Western Australian Museum
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D vi
Abbreviation Description
WC Act WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 1
1 Introduction
11 Project background
Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was engaged by Talis Consultants on behalf of the Shire of Esperance to
undertake a survey of Site 19 (the study area) which has been identified as a potentially suitable location
for a proposed Waste Management Facility (the Proposal)
The study area is located approximately 11 kilometres (km) northeast of Esperance covering a total area
of approximately 3317 hectares (ha) It is bound by Kirwan Road to the west and Merivale Road to the
south The eastern boundary is bound by agricultural land (Figure 1) The study area has historically
been utilised for Pastoral purposes and is now a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation (Eucalyptus globulus)
The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to
Undertake a desktop assessment to identify potential presence of Threatened Priority or other
conservation significant flora and fauna species
Undertake a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey to record describe and map vegetation
types
Targeted survey to record conservation listed flora and fauna species or habitats
Level 1 fauna survey to record fauna species and habitats
12 Legislative framework
The reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in place at the time Specifically the survey was
undertaken in accordance with the following
EPA Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)
EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA 2016b)
EPA Guidance Statement No 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b)
EPA Position Statement No 3 - Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002)
EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010) and
EPA Guidance Statement No 33 ndash Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
(EPA 2008)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 2
2 Desktop review
21 Climate
The Esperance subregion experiences a warm dry Mediterranean climate with five to six dry months
(Beard 1980) Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Merivale Farm
Weather Station (Station number 009954 rainfall data 1972 ndash current located approximately 4 km west
of the study area) the study area received a total of 5038 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months
prior to the field survey (BoM 2017 Table 1) This is below the annual average rainfall of 6374 mm with
most rainfall occurring during the months of June August and September (618 mm 914 mm and 696
mm respectively) (Table 1) In the three months prior to the filed survey in February 386 mm of rain was
recorded which was lower than the average rainfall for the same period (946 mm)
Mean monthly maximum temperatures in the area range from 172 degC in July to 262 degC in January and
February and a mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 83 degC in July to 162 degC in February
(based on temperature data recorded at Esperance Weather Station (station number 009789) BoM
2017)
Table 1 Rainfall data collected at Merivale Farm Weather Station (009954) 12 months prior to the field survey and average monthly rainfall data
Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total
Total monthly
rainfall 2015-
16 (mm)
164 402 444 506 618 564 914 696 344 60 264 62 5038
Average
monthly
rainfall (mm)
195 359 440 714 754 941 877 684 464 337 234 375 6374
Data obtained from BoM (2017)
22 Database searches
The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation
significant flora fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to
inform the field survey
Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species and communities
listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act
Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a)
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Western Australian Museum (WAM) NatureMap
online flora and fauna database (DPaW 2007-2017)
DPaW Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DPaW 2017a)
DPaW databases for Threatened Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice and Priority listed flora (DPaW 2017b)
DPaW databases for Scheduled fauna listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially
Protected Fauna) Notice and Priority listed fauna (DPaW 2017c)
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) ESA database (DER 2017) and
Western Australian Organism List (DAFWA 2017a)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 3
The likelihood of occurrence for conservation significant species in the survey area was determined based
on the location of database records the presence of suitable habitat in the survey area and knowledge
of the speciesrsquo ecology A total of 39 conservation significant flora species and 46 conservation significant
fauna species have previously been recorded within a 20 km radius of the study area There are no
previous records of conservation significant flora or fauna species recorded within the study area (Figure
2)
Conservation codes categories and criteria for flora and fauna protected under the EPBC Act and WA
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) are provided in Appendix A Specific criteria were used to
assess the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora The likelihood of occurrence assessment
was based on the species matching the criteria described in Appendix B The likelihood of occurrence
assessment for each conservation significant species was based on the species matching one or more
of these criteria
23 Bioregion
The Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Version 7 recognises 89 geographically
distinct bioregions based on common climate geology landform native vegetation and species
information The 89 bioregions are further refined into 419 subregions which are more localised and
homogenous geomorphological units in each bioregion (DotEE 2017b)
The study area lies within the Esperance Plains bioregion The Esperance Plains bioregion is further
divided into two subregions
Esperance 1 (ESP1 ndash Fitzgerald subregion) variable relief comprising subdued relief on the
sandplains of the coastal region punctuated with metamorphosed granite and quartzite ranges
both inland and on the coastal plain It lies mainly on the Bremer Sedimentary Basin and the
eastern and western sections of the ESP1 subregion within the Albany-Fraser Orogen of the
Yilgarn Craton It has extensive western plains over Eocene marine sediment basement with
small areas of Gneiss outcropping Archaean greenstones ndash sand sheets with varying levels of
lateritisation with gravel soils also occurs The region is dominated by duplex soils and deep and
shallow sands on the plains and dissected areas and by shallow sandy soils on the mountain
ranges Vegetation types are diverse often cryptic and significantly endemically localised in
nature Eucalypts dominate most systems in an unparalleled array of diversity
Esperance 2 (ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion) variable relief comprising the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more
recent coastal limestones Numerous granitic islands occur in the near shore area of this
subregion Vegetation comprises heath coastal dune scrub mallee mallee-heath and granite
heath Vegetation types are diverse
The study area falls within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion and is characterised by Eucalyptus open
mallee shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath (DAFWA 2017b)
24 Landform geology and soi ls
The study area lies on the Esperance Plains overlying Eocene sediments on abrupt granite and quartzite
ranges that rise from the plain The Esperance Plains subregion comprises the Quaternary coastal
sandplains and dunes overlying Proterozoic gneiss and granite as well as Eocene and more recent
coastal limestones (DotEE 2017b)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 4
Soils comprise of sand or gravel plains quartz sand sheets commonly with ferruginous pisoliths or
pebbles minor clay local calcrete laterite silcrete silt clay alluvium colluvium or Aeolian sand (DAFWA
2017b)
25 Vegetat ion
Vegetation type and extent has been mapped at a regional scale by Beard (1975) who categorised
vegetation into broad vegetation associations Based on Beardrsquos (1975) mapping at a scale of
11000000 DAFWA (2017b) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations
across WA (Shepherd et al 2002)
One broad vegetation association has been previously mapped across the study area
Vegetation association 47 shrublands tallerack mallee-heath Eucalyptus open mallee
shrubland Lambertia mixed shrubland and Andersonia mixed heath
The extent of vegetation association 47 remaining within the ESP2 ndash Recherche subregion is 1506 of
its pre-European extent (Government of Western Australia 2015) Due to the previously historic clearing
of the study area it is expected that vegetation association 47 does not occur
26 Conservation signif icant areas and Environmentally Sensit ive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally
Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)
ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage areas included on the Register of the National Estate1
defined wetlands vegetation containing Threatened flora Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)
and Bush Forever sites
There are no known TECrsquos or PECrsquos occurring within the study area However there are several
occurrences of the Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of the Southeast Coastal Province of
Western Australia outside of the study area This vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority
Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under
the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) The study area occurs within several buffer areas of the Proteaceae
Dominated Kwongan Shrublands however the community does not occur within the study area itself
(DPaW 2017a Figure 3)
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve occurs approximately 2 km to the west of the study area A portion of Mullet
Lake Nature Reserve also comprises Wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental
treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats
(CALM 1999) Portions of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve are located approximately 9 km
to the southsouthwest of the study area and Cape Le Grand National Park is located approximately 145
km to the south of the study area
1 The Register of National Estate was closed in 2007 and is no longer a statutory list The Register of National Estate has been
replaced by the National Heritage List under the EPBC Act
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 5
Figure 1 Study area location
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 6
Figure 2 Previously recorded conservation significant flora and fauna in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 7
Figure 3 Previously recorded Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities in the vicinity of the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 8
3 Methodology
31 Survey team and t iming
A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey was conducted on the 8
February by ELA Senior Botanist Ecology Manager Joel Collins The timing of the survey was
considered outside of the recommended survey timing for the South-West (EPA 2016b) This is not
considered a constraint as the study area has been previously cleared and the area is not likely to support
significant flora and fauna species Joel Collinsrsquos qualifications and relevant licences held are provided
in Table 2
Table 2 Field survey staff qualifications licences and experience
Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience
Joel Collins B Agribus Hort (hons)
Flora scientific collection
licence no SL011816
DRF collection licence no
08-1617
Thirteen yearsrsquo
experience undertaking
ecological surveys
throughout WA south
west and Swan Coastal
Plain as well as the
Wheatbelt
32 Survey l imitat ions
The EPA Technical Guide ndash Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA
2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used
Constraints and limitations for the Level 2 flora and vegetation and Level 1 fauna survey for the study
area are summarised in Table 3
Table 3 Survey limitations
Factor Limitations
Sources of
information
Database searches provide adequate information about threatened and priority flora and
fauna TECs and PECs that may be present or likely to occur within the study area
Scope of works The scope of works provided adequate detail to achieve the survey objectives
Completeness of
survey
The survey requirements of a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1
fauna survey were adequately met Vegetation condition and community were described
and targeted sampling was undertaken to effectively search for Threatened and Priority
flora Habitat assessments were conducted to effectively determine likelihood of
occurrence of the relevant conservation significant flora and fauna species
Intensity of survey
The survey effort was satisfactory for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey and
Level 1 fauna survey and considering the size and location of the study area as per EPA
Technical Guide (EPA 2016b)
Timing weather
season cycle
The timing of the survey was appropriate for a reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey
and Level 1 fauna survey and in accordance with EPA Technical guide (EPA 2016b) and
Guidance Statements 56 (EPA 2004)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 9
Factor Limitations
Disturbances There were indications of disturbance within the study area including historical clearing
and little to no native vegetation remaining
Resources The team members that completed the surveys are suitably qualified in their respective
fields to identify specimens assess habitat and detect species
Accessibility All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed on foot
33 Reconnaissance f lora and vegetation survey
The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor
Guideline Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)
A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on the 9 February 2017 by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins
to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b) The following tasks
were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey
Describe and map vegetation types present
A vegetation condition assessment in accordance with Keighery (1994) and EPA Technical
Guidance (2016b) and
A targeted survey was completed within the study area for conservation listed flora and ecological
communities including
o Threatened flora listed under the EPBC Act
o Threatened (Declared Rare) Flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice
o Priority flora recognised by DPaW
331 Specimen identification and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the WA Plant Census as available on
FloraBase (DPaW 2017e) Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential
conservation listed flora species Collections were made of other species if required that commonly
occurred in the habitat of the conservation listed species to enable correct identification All collections
were assigned a unique collecting number
Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins Species identification
utilised taxonomic literature and keys with required specimens confirmed using the Western Australian
Herbarium (WAH) reference collection Suitable material that meets WAH specimen lodgement
requirements such as flowering material and range extensions will be submitted along with Threatened
and Priority Report forms to DPaW as required by conditions of collection licences issued under the WC
Act
34 Level 1 fauna survey
The survey design was aligned with methodology outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No 56 Terrestrial
Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) the principles
outlined in EPA Position Statement No 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity
Protection (EPA 2002) and the Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 10
35 Conservation signif icant fauna and fauna habitat
An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna along
with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix
D) was undertaken during the survey The habitat characteristic and fauna database records used in
assessing likelihood of occurrence for fauna included
Vegetation community type structure and condition
Soil and landform type
Extent and connectivity of potential habitat
Fauna species habitat preferences
Proximity of conservation significant fauna records and
Signs of species presence
351 Opportunistic fauna observations
Opportunistic fauna recording was an integral technique of this fauna study Opportunistic recordings
were made at all times during the field survey These included visual sightings of active fauna such as
reptiles and birds records of bird calls and signs of species presence such as tracks diggings burrows
scats and any other signs of fauna activity
352 Taxonomy and nomenclature
Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian
Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017) Where common names
were not stated for certain species the following references were consulted
Amphibians and reptiles Bush et al (2010)
Reptiles Wilson and Swan (2013)
Birds Simpson and Day (2010) and
Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 11
4 Results
41 Flora and vegetation
411 Flora
A total of 13 dominant flora species were recorded within the study area This total included six (46 of
the total) native and seven (54 of the total) introduced taxa The taxa comprised nine families and 13
genera
Native species recorded within the study site include
Acacia cyclops
Eucalyptus globulus (eastern states species - plantation)
Ficinia nodosa
Hypolaena exsulca
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis and
Typha domingensis
412 Conservation significant flora
No conservation significant flora species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017b) An initial 39 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant flora recorded within the study area This was due to the study
area lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
A full list of conservation listed flora species is presented in Appendix C
413 Introduced flora
Introduced (weed) species represented 54 of the total flora species recorded in the study area with a
total of 7 taxa recorded
Bromus diandrus (Great Brome)
Carduus pycnocephalus (Slender Thistle)
Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)
Lagurus ovatus (Harersquos Tail Grass)
Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) and
Pelargonium capitatum (Rose Pelargonium)
414 Vegetation communities
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) plantation (30375 ha 916)
Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges (252 ha 08)
and
Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (890 ha 27)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 12
Table 4Vegetation communities identified in the study area
Vegetation community Hectares
(ha) Image
Eucalyptus globulus
(Tasmanian Blue Gum)
plantation on grey sand over
claygravel The plantation
has been established
approximately 7-10 years ago
on previously cleared
farmland Acacia cyclops was
also occasionally present in
the mid storey This species
has either been planted or as
germinated from the soil seed
bank
30375
Typha domingensis and
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
growing on white clay within
man made dams
252
Juncus kraussii subsp
australiensis scattered sedges
and Eragrostis curvula and
other introduced grasses
growing on previously cleared
areas
890 NA
415 Vegetation condition
All areas of vegetation within the study area was classed as Completely Degraded based on the Keighery
(1994) Vegetation Scale (Table 5 Figure 5) This area has been historically cleared with little to no native
vegetation remaining and a Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation has subsequently been established Tracks
throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 13
Table 5 Vegetation condition areas
Vegetation condition Total Area (ha) Portion of the study area ()
Completely Degraded 31517 95
Tracks 1656 5
Total 33173 100
416 Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities
There are no State or Commonwealth listed TECs or PECs inferred to be present within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 14
Figure 4 Vegetation communities within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 15
Figure 5 Vegetation condition within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 16
42 Fauna
421 Fauna species
A total of 11 fauna species were observed opportunistically or signs of them detected during the field
survey This comprised seven birds and four mammals
The bird species observed included
Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven)
Cracticus (Butcherbird)
Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie)
Falco berigora (Brown Falcon)
Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark)
Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated Miner) and
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe)
The mammal species observed or signs of them observed included
Macropus fuliginosus (Western Grey Kangaroo)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit scats observed)
Ovis aries (Sheep scats observed) and
Vulpes vulpes (European Fox)
422 Conservation significant fauna
No conservation significant fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (DPaW
2017c) An initial 46 conservation listed flora species were identified from database records as having
previously been recorded within 20 km of the study area
There was no conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area Following the field survey
it was determined that the vegetation present has the potential to support four conservation significant
fauna species
Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act
WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Calyptorhynchus latirostris (Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo) listed as Endangered under the EPBC
Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) listed as Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna under
the WC Act and
Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) listed as Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an
international agreement under the WC Act
A full list of conservation listed fauna species is presented in Appendix D
423 Introduced fauna
Three introduced fauna species were observed or signs of them observed during the field survey These
included European Fox European Rabbit and Sheep
424 Fauna habitats
The study area contains two fauna habitat types Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small cleared
areas (31265 ha 945) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (252 ha 08)
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 17
Tracks throughout the study area accounted for 5 of the total area (1656 ha) Fauna habitats within
the study area were in Completely Degraded condition
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 18
Figure 6 Fauna habitats within the study area
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 19
5 Summary and conclusions
51 Flora and vegetation
A total of 13 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area (six native and seven introduced
taxa) There were no conservation significant flora species recorded This was due to the study area
lacking suitable habitat as a result of being historically cleared
Three vegetation communities were recorded within the study area Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue
Gum) plantation (916) Typha domingensis and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges
(08) and Juncus kraussii subsp australiensis scattered sedges with introduced grasses (27) Tracks
accounted for 5 of the study area Condition throughout the study area was Completely Degraded due
to the historic clearing
To the south of the study area along Merivale Road there is adjoining native vegetation that forms part
of the drainage system that drains into Doombup Lake This vegetation predominately consists of
communities dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis with Gahnia trifidia and Juncus kraussii and mallee
woodlands of Eucalyptus occidentalis and other mixed mallee species over Acacia cyclops and
Xanthorrhoea sp shrublands There are occurrences of Proteaceae Dominated Kwongan Shrublands of
the Southeast Coastal Province of Western Australia along this drainage system to Doombup Lake This
vegetation community is listed on DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community list (Priority 3) and as a
Threatened Ecological Community (Endangered) under the EPBC Act (DPaW 2017a) It is considered
unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental effect on the ecological values of this system if all
precautionary steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is secure and contained to the study area
52 Fauna
A total of 11 fauna species were observed or traces observed opportunistically within the study area This
included seven bird species and four mammal species Three of these mammal species European Fox
European Rabbit and Sheep are introduced to the study area There were no conservation significant
fauna species observed during the field survey
The study area contains two fauna habitat types comprising Tasmanian Blue Gum plantation with small
cleared areas (942) and small man-made dams with Typha sp and sedges (08) These habitats
are in Completely Degraded condition Tracks accounted for 5 of the study area
Following the field survey it was determined that Baudinrsquos Black Cockatoo and Carnabyrsquos Black Cockatoo
have the potential to occur within the study area as both of these species could potentially utilise the
Tasmanian Blue Gum species for night roosting (SEWPaC 2012) However as the Proposal does not
propose to clear all Tasmanian Blue Gum trees in this plantation and as these Black Cockatoo species
do not utilise these trees for breeding or foraging it is unlikely that the Proposal will have a detrimental
impact on this species The trees that will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting
trees in the future The study area is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016)
In addition to the Black Cockatoo species it was found that the Peregrine Falcon and the Rainbow Bee-
eater also have the potential to occur This assessment is based on the availability of suitable habitat for
these species with sandy soils available for the Rainbow Bee-eater to utilise for nestingburrowing and
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 20
foraging habitat available for the Peregrine Falcon In addition there are records of both species within
2 km of the study area However neither species has previously been recorded within the study area
Due to the already highly degraded nature of the study area and the availability of suitable habitat in
nearby areas any potential impacts to these species from the Proposal are unlikely to be significant on
these species
53 Potent ial signif icance under the EPBC Act
Proposed clearing actions that have will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a Matter of
National Environmental Significance (MNES) such as Black Cockatoos and RAMSAR wetlands are
required to be referred to the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act
The results of the Black Cockatoo habitat assessment have been considered in reference to the EPBC
Act referral guidelines (SEWPaC 2012) which state that actions at high risk of having a significant impact
on Black Cockatoos should be referred to the Commonwealth environment minister
The Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos as the study area
does not appear to contain any important habitat values to support Black Cockatoo species (eg foraging
habitat breeding habitat known roosting sites) There is the potential for trees within the study area to
be used as roosting trees however it is not currently known as a confirmed roosting site and was not
monitored during the 2016 Great Cocky Count (Peck et al 2016) The closest known roosting site is
located approximately 4-6 km to the north-west of the study area (Peck et al 2016) This roosting site is
most likely situated in close proximity to quality foraging habitat such as a pine plantation The trees that
will be retained within the study area may be utilised as roosting trees in the future however as they are
still relatively young (approx 7-10 years old) they will potentially only be used once they reach a greater
height as the trees mature Generally night roosts for Black Cockatoos are located in the tallest trees in
an area that are near water and foraging habitat (SEWPaC 2012) It is considered that the loss of trees
would not have a significant impact on the species as there are other suitable roosting trees in the local
area that are currently been utilised the study area is not a known roosting site and that the trees are
most likely still too young to be suitable for roosting As many of the other trees are intended to be
retained across the site these trees will still be available to be utilised in the future as roosting trees and
therefore the Proposal is considered to have a low risk of significant impacts to Black Cockatoos
In regards to potential impacts of the Proposal on other MNES wetlands of International Importance
under the RAMSAR Convention will need to be considered by the proponent as it has been identified in
the PMST database search (DoTEE 2017a) It is noted that the study area is located in the Doombup
Catchment and not in the Lake Warden System which contains the RAMSAR listed wetland Lake
Warden A recent review undertaken by Talis Consultants (2017) has indicated that the Doombup
Catchment is not hydrologically connected to the Lake Warden Catchment area (or thus the RAMSAR
listed wetland) It is understood that Talis Consultants are currently undertaking a Hydrological Risk
Assessment to determine and assess any potential impacts associated with the Proposal on the
groundwater and surface water values on and surrounding the study area (Talis 2017) The outcomes of
this assessment will provide an indication of whether the RAMSAR Lake Warden System could potentially
be impacted significantly by the Proposal However in advance of the risk assessment being prepared
the findings of Talis (2017) suggest it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on the
RAMSAR Lake Warden System There are no other MNES that are relevant to the study area and the
Proposal
Any decision on whether to refer should be based on a number of factors including potential significance
of impact to MNES and the risk of a government agency requesting the Proposal be referred or a member
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i t e 1 9 E s p e ra n ce F l o r a a nd F a un a S u r v e y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 21
of the public notifying DotEE of the Proposal and suggesting that it may need approval under the EPBC
Act
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 22
References
Beard JS 1975 The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia Vegetation Vol 30 No 3 pp 179-187
Beard J S 1980 A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia Western Australian Herbarium
Research Notes (3) 37ndash58
Bush B Maryan B Browne-Cooper R and Robinson D 2010 Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of
the Perth Region
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017a Western Australian Organism
List (WAOL) Available from httpswwwagricwagovaubamwestern-australian-organism-list-waol
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) 2017b Soil-landscape systems
mapping of Western Australia version 5 Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Perth
Available from httpcataloguebetadatawagovaudatasetsoil-landscape-systems
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) 1999 Esperance Lakes Nature Reserves
Management Plan 1999-2009 Available from
httpswwwdpawwagovauimagesdocumentsparksmanagement-plansdecarchivewetlands-
esperance_lakes-managment-planpdf
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool
Available from httpwwwenvironmentgovauepbcpmst
Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017b Australiarsquos bioregions (IBRA) Available from
httpwwwenvironmentgovauparksnrssciencebioregion-frameworkibra
Department of Environment Regulation (DER) 2017 Clearing Permit System Available from
httpscpsderwagovaumainhtml[22xclass223A22appmapMain222C22xclass22
3A22appContent22
darks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2007-2017 NatureMap Available from
httpNatureMapdecwagovaudefaultaspx
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017a Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
database search Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017b Threatened and Priority Flora database search
Reference number Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017c Threatened and Priority Fauna database search
Reference number FAUNA5394 Department of Parks and Wildlife Perth
Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) 2017e FloraBase Available from
httpsflorabasedpawwagovau
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (SEWPaC) 2012 EPBC
Act referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species Commonwealth of Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection Position Statement No 3 Perth Western Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 23
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia Guidance Statement No 56 Perth Western Australia
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a Environmental Factor Guideline Flora and Vegetation
Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceGuideline-Flora-Vegetation-
131216_4pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016b Technical Guidance Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment Perth Western Australia Available from
httpwwwepawagovausitesdefaultfilesPolicies_and_GuidanceEPA20Technical20Guidance
20-20Flora20and20Vegetation20survey_Dec13pdf
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
2010 Technical Guide ndash Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t
(eds BM Hyder J Dell and MA Cowan) Perth Western Australia
Government of Western Australia 2015 2015 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve
Analysis) - Full Report SLIP Enabler Available from httpswww2landgatewagovauwebguesthome
Keighery B J 1994 Bushland Plant Survey A guide to plant community survey for the community
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Nedlands
Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition Oxford
University Press Victoria Australia
Peck A Barrett G and Williams M 2016 The 2016 Great Cocky Count A community‐based survey for
Carnabyrsquos Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) BirdLife Australia Floreat Western Australia
Shepherd DP Beeston GR and Hopkins AJM 2002 Native Vegetation In Western Australia
Technical Report 249 Department of Agriculture South Perth Western Australia
Simpson K and Day N 2010 Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Eighth Edition Penguin Group
Victoria Australia
Talis Consultants (2017) Information Sheet 2 Lot 12 Kirwan Road Wetlands and Catchment Areas
Unpublished report for the Shire of Esperance
Western Australian Museum (WAM) 2017 Checklist of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of Western
Australia Available from httpmuseumwagovauresearchdepartmentsterrestrial-zoologychecklist-
terrestrial-vertebrate-fauna-western-australia
Wilson S and Swan G 2013 A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition New Holland
Publishers Sydney Australia
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 24
Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna in Western Australia
CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179
of the EPBC Act Species listed as conservation dependent and extinct are not Matters of National
Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act
Category Definition
Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside
its past range or taxa has not been recorded in its known andor expected habitat
at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys
over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form
Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered (EN) Taxa considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) Taxa considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Near Threatened (NT) Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered or Vulnerable now but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
Least Concern (LC)
Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
Endangered Endangered Vulnerable or Near Threatened Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category
Data Deficient (DD) There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of taxarsquos
risk extinction based on its distribution andor population status
Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
Migratory (M)
Not an IUCN category
Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement
approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister including
bull the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state
bull the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of
the Peoplersquos Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their
environment (CAMBA)
bull the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of
Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction
and their Environment (JAMBA) or
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 25
Category Definition
bull the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a
bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to
migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the
protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA)
CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA
Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed
to be in the wild either rare at risk of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection and have
been gazetted as such
Threatened species (T)
Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and listed under Schedules
1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife
Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare
Flora)
Threatened fauna is that subset of lsquoSpecially Protected Faunarsquo declared to be lsquolikely to become extinctrsquo
pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be lsquolikely to become extinct or is rare or otherwise in
need of special protectionrsquo pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act
The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked
according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 1
Critically Endangered species
S1 (CR)
Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 2
Endangered species
S2 (EN)
Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened
Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened
Flora
Schedule 3
Vulnerable species
S3 (VU)
Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
in the wild Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and
Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 26
Schedule Code Description
Schedule 4
Presumed extinct species
S4 (EX)
Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no
reasonable doubt that the last individual has died Published as
Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in
Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)
Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare
Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora
Schedule 5
Migratory birds protected
under an international
agreement
S5 (IA)
Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of
Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA) China (CAMBA)
and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention
relating to the protection of migratory birds Published as Specially
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 5
of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 6
Conservation dependent fauna
S6 (CD)
Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on
ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for
listing as threatened Published as Specially Protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife
Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Schedule 7
Other specially protected
fauna
S7 (OS)
Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their
conservation Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife
Conservation Act 1950 in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation
(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice
Priority species (P)
Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria or are otherwise data deficient are added
to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1 2 or 3 These three categories are ranked
in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to
their declaration as threatened flora or fauna
Species that are adequately known are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for near threatened or
that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for
other than taxonomic reasons are placed in Priority 4 These species require regular monitoring
Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species unless the
distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States as defined by the
known spread of locations
Category Code Definition
Priority 1 P1
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk All occurrences are either very small or on lands not managed for conservation eg agricultural or pastoral lands urban areas road and rail reserves gravel reserves and active mineral leases or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 27
Category Code Definition
survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 2 P2
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation eg national parks conservation parks nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed for conservation Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes Such species are in urgent need of further survey
Priority 3 P3
Poorly-known species
Species that are known from several locations and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat much of it not under imminent threat Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them Such species are in need of further survey
Priority 4 P4
Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
(a) Rare Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These species are usually represented on conservation lands
(b) Near Threatened Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but are not listed as Conservation Dependent
(c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy
DEFINITIONS CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL
COMMUNITIES
An Ecological Community is described as ldquoa naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a
particular type of habitatrdquo
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories
ldquopresumed totally destroyedrdquo ldquocritically endangeredrdquo ldquoendangeredrdquo or ldquovulnerablerdquo
Possible TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaWrsquos Priority Ecological Community Lists
under Priorities 1 2 and 3 Ecological Communities that are adequately known are rare but not
threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened
list are placed in Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation
Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5
Definitions and Criteria for Presumed Totally Destroyed Critically Endangered Endangered and
Vulnerable Ecological Communities
Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD)
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative
occurrences have been located The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 28
modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition andor
structure in the foreseeable future
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the
community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B)
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely
habitats
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or
destruction throughout its range in the immediate future or is already severely degraded throughout its
range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed
and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences
since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90 and either or both of the following apply
(i or ii)
i) geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences are
continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within
approximately 10 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within
approximately 10 years) the c
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Endangered (EN)
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 29
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major
contraction in area andor was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification
throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future This will be
determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following
criteria (A B or C)
A) The geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete occurrences have been
reduced by at least 70 since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)
i) the estimated geographic range andor total area occupied andor number of discrete
occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the
short term future (within approximately 20 years)
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within
approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored
or rehabilitated
B) Current distribution is limited and one or more of the following apply (i ii or iii)
i) geographic range andor number of discrete occurrences andor area occupied is highly
restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely
to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20
years)
ii) there are few occurrences each of which is small andor isolated and all or most occurrences
are very vulnerable to known threatening processes
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small
andor isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately
20 years)
Vulnerable (VU)
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining andor has
declined in distribution andor condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured andor a
community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near
future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not
Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification
in the medium to long-term future This will be determined on the basis of the best available information
by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A B or C)
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being
substantially restored or rehabilitated
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 30
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes
is restricted in area andor range andor is only found at a few locations
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of
higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes
Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately
defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List under priorities 1 2 and 3 These three
categories are ranked in order of priority for survey andor definition of the community and evaluation of
conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological
communities Ecological communities that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened or meet
criteria for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list are placed in
Priority 4 These ecological communities require regular monitoring Conservation Dependent ecological
communities are placed in Priority 5
Priority One Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution
(generally le5 occurrences or a total area of le 100ha) Occurrences are believed to be under threat either
due to limited extent or being on lands under immediate threat (eg within agricultural or pastoral lands
urban areas active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist May include communities with
occurrences on protected lands Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from
one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and
appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range
Priority Two Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally le10
occurrences or a total area of le200ha) At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate
threat of destruction or degradation Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known
from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined
and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes
Priority Three Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences a significant number or area of which
are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or
(ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences which are either large or with significant
remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur much of it not under imminent threat
or
(iii) communities made up of large andor widespread occurrences that may or may not be represented
in the reserve system but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes
such as grazing by domestic andor feral stock and inappropriate fire regimes
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet
adequacy of survey requirements andor are not well defined and known threatening processes exist that
could affect them
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 31
Priority Four Ecological communities that are adequately known rare but not threatened or meet criteria
for Near Threatened or that have been recently removed from the threatened list These communities
require regular monitoring
(i) Rare Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been
adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and that are considered not currently
threatened or in need of special protection but could be if present circumstances change These
communities are usually represented on conservation lands
(ii) Near Threatened Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and
that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable
(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the
past five years
Priority Five Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program the
cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 32
Appendix B Likelihood of occurrence criteria
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Recorded
The species has previously been recorded within study area from database searches
andor from previous surveys of the study area
The species has been confirmed through a current vouchered specimen at WA
Herbarium
Recent evidence of species positively identified within study area such as fresh scats
foot prints or burrows or foraging residues
Likely
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
the species has been recorded in close proximity (lt5 km) to the study area and
occurs in similar habitat to that which occurs within the study area
core habitat and suitable landforms for the species occurs within the study area
either year-round or seasonally In relation to fauna species this could be that
a host plant is seasonally present on site or habitat features such as caves
are present that may be used during particular times during its life cycle eg
for breeding In relation to both flora and fauna species it may be there are
seasonal wetlands present
there is a medium to high probability that a species uses the study area
Potential
The species has not previously been recorded from within the study area However
targeted surveys may locate the species based on records occurring in proximity
to the study area and potentially suitable habitat occurring in the study area
extensive survey effort has not detected the species however species is known
to be cryptic and no effective standardised procedure is available therefore
occurrence should not be ruled out without further investigation
the species is highly mobile and has an extensive foraging range so may not
have been detected during previous surveys
The species has been recorded in the study area by a previous survey or there is
historic evidence of species occurrence within the study area However
doubt remains over taxonomic identification or the majority of habitat does not
appear suitable (although presence cannot be ruled out due to factors such
as species ecology or distribution)
coordinates may be incorrect
while not considered locally extinct species is occasionallyrarely recorded
locally based on available data
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 33
Likelihood Rating Criteria
Unlikely
The species has been recorded locally through database searches However it has
not been recorded within the study area and
it is unlikely to occur due to the site lacking critical habitat having at best
marginally suitable habitat andor being severely degraded
it is unlikely to occur due to few historic records and no other current collections
in the local area
extensive on-site searching has not detected species
The species has been recorded within the bioregion based on literature review but
has not been recorded locally or within the study area through database searches
The species has not been recorded in the study area despite adequate survey efforts
such as a standardised methodology or targeted searching within potentially suitable
habitat
No
The species is not known to occur within the IBRA bioregion based on current
literature and distribution
The study area lacks important habitat for a species that has highly selective habitat
requirements
The species has been historically recorded within study area or locally however it is
considered locally extinct due to significant habitat changes such as land clearing
andor introduced predators
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 34
Appendix C Flora likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Acacia incanicarpa - P2 Loamy sand Granitic slopes amp
ridges No
Aldrovanda vesiculosa - P2 Shallow freshwater billabongs No
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp minor EN -
Grows in moist sandy soil in heath
communities and in shallow soils
over granite
No
Astartea eobalta - P2 Ridge Grey sand over ironstone
gravel Winter wet No
Banksia prolata subsp calcicola - P4 White sand over limestone Coastal
areas No
Caladenia huegelii EN - Deep grey-white sand No
Comesperma calcicola - P3
Calcareous or semi-saline clay
loams limestone Areas around
saline water
No
Comesperma lanceolatum - P2 White sand Marine plains sand
dunes quartzite ridges No
Cyathostemon sp Esperance (A
Fairall 2431) - P1 Sandy gravel No
Dampiera decurrens - P2 Sandy soils Granite rocks No
Dampiera sericantha - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
Daviesia pauciflora - P3 White or grey sand over laterite or
limestone Flats No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 35
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Eucalyptus aquilina - P4 Shallow soils over granite Shallow
valleys creek beds hillsides No
Eucalyptus insularis subsp
continentalis EN -
Occurs on slopes of granite rocks in
either sand or loam No
Eucalyptus ligulata subsp ligulata - P4
Sand sandy clay rocky loam
granite Near large coastal granite
domes
No
Eucalyptus semiglobosa - P3
White sand over laterite silty sand
on edge of granite shelf limestone
Hillslopes gullies cliffs
No
Eucalyptus x missilis - P4 Sand over limestone or granite
Coastal sites No
Gonocarpus simplex - P4 Peaty sand Swamps seasonally
inundated areas No
Goodenia quadrilocularis - P2 Sand dunes granite slope amp
outcrops No
Grevillea baxteri - P4 Sand Sandplains No
Hibbertia carinata - P1 Well-drained gravelly sand yellow
sand with gravel No
Hopkinsia adscendens - P3 Sand Dry or seasonally damp
habitats along streams No
Kennedia glabrata VU -
Inhabits shallow pockets of soil on
granite outcrops in association with
mosses and herbs
No
Lambertia echinata subsp echinata EN -
Inhabits sandy loams over granite
and laterite sheeting on windswept
coastal slopes
No
Lasiopetalum maxwellii - P2 Sandy soils Granite slopes No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 36
Scientific name
Conservation
status
Preferred habitat Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC
Act
DPaW
Lepidium fasciculatum - P3 Plains Brown cracking clay No
Lepyrodia fortunata - P2 Peaty swampy sand Seasonally
inundated swamps No
Leucopogon apiculatus - P3
Skeletal sandy or stony soils over
quartzite or granite Granite
outcrops amp hills quartzite ridges
rocky slopes
No
Leucopogon corymbiformis - P2 Dry white sand coastal dunes No
Leucopogon interruptus - P3 Grey sand over granite No
Leucopogon rotundifolius - P3 Skeletal soils Granite outcrops
steep hillslopes No
Lobelia archeri - P1 Growing in deep sand on a
stabilised acid sand mound No
Pityrodia chrysocalyx - P3 Sandy soils No
Pleurophascum occidentale - P4 Gentle slope Sand on laterite No
Pultenaea vestita - P3 Sandy soils Coastal cliffs granite No
Scaevola paludosa - P2 Sandy soils No
Tecticornia indefessa - P2 White to brown-grey sand Near the
edges of salt lakes No
Utricularia helix - P2 In shallow water 5-15 cm deep
Seasonal swamps No
Utricularia westonii - P2 Wet soils Swamps small shallow
pools No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 37
Appendix D Fauna likelihood of occurrence
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Acanthophis antarcticus Southern Death Adder - P3 Unlikely
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M S5 No
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S5 No
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - S5 No
Ardea modesta Great Egret White Egret - S5 No
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M S5 No
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN S2 No
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris alba Sanderling M S5 No
Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot M S5 No
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR M S3 S5 No
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper M S5 No
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M S5 No
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot CR M S3 S5 No
Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudins Black Cockatoo VU S2 Potential
Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnabys Black Cockatoo EN S2 Potential
Cereopsis novaehollandiae subsp
grisea
Recherche Cape Barren
Goose VU M S3 No
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover VU M S3 S5 No
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover EN M S2 S5 No
Charadrius rubricollis Hooded Plover - P4 No
Dasyurus geoffroi Chuditch Western Quoll VU S3 No
Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite - P4 No
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon - S7 Potential
Isoodon obesulus subsp
fusciventer
Quenda Southern Brown
Bandicoot - P4 No
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M S5 No
S i te 19 E s p er a nc e F l or a a n d Fa u n a S ur ve y
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 38
Scientific name Common name
Conservation status1
Likelihood of
occurrence EPBC
Act
WC Act
DPaW
Limosa lapponica subsp baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed
Godwit VU S3 No
Limosa lapponica subsp
menzbieri
Northern Siberian Bar-tailed
Godwit CR S3 No
Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby - P4 No
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - S5 Potential
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR M S3 S5 No
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M S5 No
Oceanites oceanicus Wilsons Storm-petrel M S5 No
Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck - P4 No
Pezoporus flaviventris Western Ground Parrot CR S1 No
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M S5 No
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M S5 No
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M S5 No
Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater M S3 S5 No
Puffinus huttoni Huttons Shearwater - S2 No
Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater M S5 No
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Arctic Skua M S5 No
Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU M S3 S5 No
Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatross M S3 S5 No
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper M S5 No
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank M S5 No
1EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act WC Act andor the IUCN red list
M = listed as Migratory species under the EPBC Act
P3 = Priority 3 Poorly-known species
P4 = Priority 4 Rare Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring
S2 = Schedule 2 Fauna that is rare or is likely yo become extinct as endangered fauna (EN)
S3 = Schedule 3 Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna (VU)
S5 = Schedule 5 Migratory birds protected under an international agreement
S7 = Schedule 7 Other specially protected fauna (OS)
copy E CO LO G ICA L A U S T RA L IA P T Y LT D 39
HEAD OFFICE
Suite 2 Level 3
668-672 Old Princes Highway
Sutherland NSW 2232
T 02 8536 8600
F 02 9542 5622
SYDNEY
Suite 1 Level 1
101 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
T 02 8536 8650
F 02 9542 5622
HUSKISSON
Unit 1 51 Owen Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
T 02 4201 2264
F 02 9542 5622
CANBERRA
Level 2
11 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6103 0145
F 02 9542 5622
NEWCASTLE
Suites 28 amp 29 Level 7
19 Bolton Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
T 02 4910 0125
F 02 9542 5622
NAROOMA
520 Canty Street
Narooma NSW 2546
T 02 4302 1266
F 02 9542 5622
COFFS HARBOUR
35 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450
T 02 6651 5484
F 02 6651 6890
ARMIDALE
92 Taylor Street
Armidale NSW 2350
T 02 8081 2685
F 02 9542 5622
MUDGEE
Unit 1 Level 1
79 Market Street
Mudgee NSW 2850
T 02 4302 1234
F 02 6372 9230
PERTH
Suite 1 amp 2
49 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
T 08 9227 1070
F 02 9542 5622
WOLLONGONG
Suite 204 Level 2
62 Moore Street
Austinmer NSW 2515
T 02 4201 2200
F 02 9542 5622
GOSFORD
Suite 5 Baker One
1-5 Baker Street
Gosford NSW 2250
T 02 4302 1221
F 02 9542 5622
DARWIN
1656 Marina Boulevard
Cullen Bay NT 0820
T 08 8989 5601
F 08 8941 1220
BRISBANE
Suite 1 Level 3
471 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7192
F 07 3854 0310
ADELAIDE
2 70 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
T 08 8470 6650
F 02 9542 5622
1300 646 131
wwwecoauscomau