Talisman Sabre 2013 Public Environment Report - Aurecon

Talisman Sabre 2013

Public Environment Report

Department of Defence

Draft for Consultation

Consultation period: 24 September 2012 – 26 October 2012

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Email: [email protected]

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Mail: Talisman Sabre 2013, Aurecon Australian Reply Paid 85470, Brisbane QLD 4001

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Project 230264 | File PER Draft for Consultation September 2012.docx | 24 September 2012 | Revision 2

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Report Title Public Environment Report

Document ID Project Number 230264

File Path P:\Projects\230264 Talisman Sabre PER\Project template.docx

Client Department of Defence Client Contact

Rev Date Revision Details/Status Prepared by Author Verifier Approver

0 20 July 2012 Preliminary Draft DJM DJM/KH/CF MR

1 28 August 2012 Draft for Defence Clearance DJM DJM/DC MR ML

2 24 September 2012 Draft for Consultation DJM DJM MR ML

Current Revision 2

Approval

Author Signature Approver Signature

Name Name

Title Title


Talisman Sabre 2013

Date | 24 September 2012

Reference | 230264

Revision | 2


ABN 54 005 139 873


GPO Box 320 Canberra City ACT 2601 Australia

T F E W

+61 2 6112 0100 +61 2 6112 0106 [email protected] aurecongroup.com


Contents Acronyms 1

Executive Summary 4

Public Environment Report (PER) 4

Public Consultation Process 5

Building a Knowledge Base 5

Ongoing Environmental Management of the Defence Estate 6

Transparency 7

Environmental Support during TS13 7

Health and Safety during TS13 7

Post Exercise TS13 7

Community Consultation Process 7

TS13 Community Consultation Checklist 8

1 Introduction 9

1.1 Objectives of the PER 10

1.2 Methodology of the PER 10

2 Talisman Sabre 2013 in Context 11

2.1 Exercise Objectives 11

2.2 Locations and Overview 11

2.3 Weapons and Equipment 13

2.3.1 Australian Army 13

2.3.2 Royal Australian Air Force 13

2.3.3 Royal Australian Navy 14

2.3.4 US Air Force 14

2.3.5 US Navy 14

2.3.6 US Marine Corps 15

2.4 Participants 15

2.5 Description of Activities 16

2.5.1 Training in East Australia Range Complex 16

2.5.2 North Australian Range Complex 16

2.5.3 Training in Maritime Areas 16

2.6 Proposed Timing of TS13 16

2.7 Health and Safety 16

2.8 Social and Economic Aspects 17

2.9 Information Regarding Common Perceptions 18


3 Legislative and Policy Framework 23

3.1 Commonwealth Legislation 23

3.1.1 Changes to Legislation since TS11 24

3.1.2 State of the Environment 2008 Report - SWBTA 25

3.2 State Legislation 26

3.2.1 Queensland 26

3.2.2 Northern Territory 26

3.3 Defence Policy 27

3.3.1 Defence Environmental Policy 27

3.3.2 Sustainable Training Area Management 28

3.3.3 Joint Statement of Environment and Heritage Principles 28

3.3.4 Defence Climate Change Policy 29

3.4 Agreements and Assessments 30

3.4.1 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 30

4 Environmental Management Framework 32

4.1 TS13 Environmental Planning 32

4.2 TS13 Environmental Management 33

4.2.1 Environmental Management Plan 33

4.2.2 Environmental Roles and Responsibilities 33

4.2.3 Environmental Controls 38

4.2.4 Environmental Awareness 40

4.3 TS13 Environmental Reporting 40

4.3.1 Environmental Monitoring Group Actions 41

4.3.2 Unit Environmental Liaison Officer Actions 42

4.3.3 Defence Support Operations Actions 42

4.4 Stakeholder and Community Consultation 43

4.4.1 Preparation for Consultation Activity 43

4.4.2 Outcomes of Consultation Activity 44

5 Environmental Risk Management 45

5.1 Environmental Risk Assessment 45

5.1.1 Commitment to Risk Management 45

5.1.2 Environmental Risk Assessment Process 45

5.1.3 Environmental Risk Workshop 46

5.2 TS13 Key Environmental Risks 46

5.3 Risk Reduction Measures 49

5.4 Detailed Management Actions for Areas of Concern 53

5.4.1 Quarantine 53


5.4.2 Waste Management 54

5.4.3 Land and Water Contamination 54

5.4.4 Weed Management 55

5.4.5 Whales and Other Cetaceans 55

5.4.6 Sensitive Vegetation and Habitats 56

5.4.7 Low Flying Aircraft Noise 56

5.4.8 Jamming Signals 57

5.4.9 Fire 57

5.4.10 Oil Pollution 57

5.4.11 Heritage 57

5.4.12 Nuclear Activities and Prohibited Weapons 58

5.4.13 Nuclear Powered Vessels 58

5.4.14 Capricorn Coast Water Catchment Area 59

6 Key Training Areas 61

6.1 Shoalwater Bay Training Area 62

6.1.1 Description of the Area 62

6.1.2 Environmental Values 64

6.1.3 Planned Activities 67

6.1.4 Potential Risks and Impacts 68

6.1.5 Mitigation Measures 71

6.2 Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range 72






6.3 Townsville Field Training Area 75





6.3.5 TS13 Specific Environmental Controls 82

6.4 Cowley Beach Training Area 82






6.5 Canungra Field Training Area 89





6.6 Delamere Range Facility 94

6.6.1 Description of the area 94


6.6.3 Potential Activities 97



6.7 Bradshaw Field Training Area 99



6.7.3 Potential Activities 103



6.8 Mount Bundey Training Area 106






6.9 Coral Sea 112






6.10 Timor and Arafura Seas 117






7 Support Sites 122

7.1 Overview 122


7.2 Aviation - RAAF Bases and Civil Airports 124




7.3 Depots and Staging Sites 127




7.4 Port Facilities 129




8 TS13 Environmental Commitment Summary 132

9 References 134

Index of Figures

Figure 1 | General locality of training activity ................................................................................................. 12 Figure 2 | Outcomes of the 2005 workshop on Assessment of the risks of Defence activities in the Great

Barrier Reef World Heritage Area ........................................................................................................... 30 Figure 3 | Environmental Monitoring Group Structure for TS13 .................................................................... 35 Figure 4 | Structure of the Environmental Management Controls for TS13 ................................................... 39 Figure 5 | Shoalwater Locality Plan ................................................................................................................ 63 Figure 6 | Townsville Field Training Area Locality Plan................................................................................... 76 Figure 7 | Cowley Beach Training Area Locality Plan ..................................................................................... 83 Figure 8 | Delamare Range Facility Locality Plan ........................................................................................... 95 Figure 9 | Bradshaw Field Training Area Locality Plan ................................................................................. 100 Figure 10 | Mount Bundey Training Area Locality Plan ................................................................................. 107

Index of Tables

Table 1 | TS13 Common Perceptions and Response ................................................................................... 18 Table 2 | Group Actions and Responsibilities ................................................................................................ 36 Table 3 | Defence Environmental Controls .................................................................................................... 38 Table 4 | Post Exercise Environmental Reporting ......................................................................................... 41 Table 5 | TS13 Community Consultation Activities ........................................................................................ 44 Table 6 | Summary of Key Environmental Impacts and Risks ....................................................................... 47 Table 7 | Maritime Activities Risk Reduction Measures ................................................................................. 49 Table 8 | Air Activity Risk Reduction Measures ............................................................................................. 51 Table 9 | Land Activity Risk Reduction Measures ......................................................................................... 52 Table 10 | Ports and Other Non-Defence Land Risk Reduction Measures ................................................... 53 Table 11 | TS13 Key Training Areas .............................................................................................................. 61 Table 12 | Key Environmental Values of Shoalwater Bay Training Area....................................................... 64 Table 13 | TS13 Planned Activities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area ........................................................... 67 Table 14 | Potential Impacts at Shoalwater Bay Training Area ..................................................................... 68


Table 15 | Key Environmental Values of Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range ............................................ 73 Table 16 | TS13 Planned Activities at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range ................................................ 74 Table 17 | Potential Impacts at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range ........................................................... 74 Table 18 | Key Environmental Values of Townsville Field Training Area ...................................................... 77 Table 19 | TS13 Planned Activities at Townsville Field Training Area .......................................................... 79 Table 20 | Potential Impacts at Townsville Field Training Area ..................................................................... 79 Table 21 | Key Environmental Values of Cowley Beach Training Area ......................................................... 84 Table 22 | TS13 Planned Activities at Cowley Beach Training Area ............................................................. 87 Table 23 | Potential Impacts at Cowley Beach Training Area ....................................................................... 87 Table 24 | Key Environmental Values of Canungra Training Area ................................................................ 90 Table 25 | TS13 Planned Activities at Canungra Training Area .................................................................... 92 Table 26 | Potential Impacts at Canungra Training Area ............................................................................... 92 Table 27 | Key Environmental Values of Delamere Range Facility ............................................................... 96 Table 28 | TS13 Potential Activities at Delamere Range Facility .................................................................. 97 Table 29 | Potential Impacts at Delamere Range Facility .............................................................................. 98 Table 30 | Key Environmental Values of Bradshaw Field Training Area ..................................................... 101 Table 31 | TS13 Potential Activities at Bradshaw Field Training Area ........................................................ 103 Table 32 | Potential Impacts at Bradshaw Field Training Area .................................................................... 104 Table 33 | Key Environmental Values of Mount Bundey Training Area....................................................... 108 Table 34 | TS13 Planned Activities at Mount Bundey Training Area ........................................................... 109 Table 35 | Potential Impacts at Mount Bundey Training Area ..................................................................... 110 Table 36 | Key Environmental Values of the Coral Sea .............................................................................. 112 Table 37 | TS13 Planned Activities on the Coral Sea .................................................................................. 114 Table 38 | Potential Impacts on the Coral Sea ............................................................................................ 115 Table 39 | Key Environmental Values of the Timor and Arafura Seas ........................................................ 117 Table 40 | TS13 Planned Activities at Timor and Arafura Seas .................................................................. 118 Table 41 | Potential Impacts on the Timor and Arafura Seas ...................................................................... 119 Table 42 | Summary of Support Sites .......................................................................................................... 122 Table 43 | RAAF Bases and Civil Airports ................................................................................................... 124 Table 44 | Staging Properties ...................................................................................................................... 127 Table 45 | Port Facilities .............................................................................................................................. 129


Appendices

Appendix A

Joint Statement of Environmental and Heritage Principles

Appendix B

Defence Environmental Risk Tool (ERT)

Appendix C

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Appendix D

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Saumarez Training Area

Appendix E

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Townsville Field Training Area

Appendix F

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Cowley Beach Training Area

Appendix G

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Canungra Training Area

Appendix H

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Delamere Range Facility

Appendix I

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Bradshaw Field Training Area

Appendix J

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Mount Bundey Training Area

Appendix K

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Coral Sea

Appendix L

List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Timor and Arafura Seas

Appendix M

Community Issues and Responses – Cross Reference Table

Appendix N

Frequently Asked Questions

p 1


ADF Australian Defence Force

ARPANSA Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

ANSTO Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

ASW Anti-submarine Warfare

BFTA Bradshaw Field Training Area

CBD Central Business District

CBTA Cowley Beach Training Area

CDF Chief of the Defence Force

CECG Combined Exercise Control Group

CEI Combined Exercise Instruction

CHL Commonwealth Heritage List

CJOPS Commander Joint Operations

COMARRPLAN Commonwealth Government Maritime Radiological Response Plan

CPX Command Post Exercise

CQPA Central Queensland Port Authority

DAFF Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

DCJOPS Deputy Commander Joint Operations

DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Qld)

DSEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities

DPO Defence Project Officers

DRF Delamere Range Facility

DSG Defence Support Group

DSO Defence Support Operations

EARC East Australian Range Complex

EAXA East Australian Exercise Area

ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone

EMG Environmental Monitoring Group

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMQ Emergency Management Queensland

EMS Environmental Management System

E&E Environment and Engineering Branch

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Acronyms

p 2


ERT Environmental Risk Tool

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

FTX Field Training Exercise

GBRMPA Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

GBRWHA Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

HE High Explosives

HEMP Heritage and Environmental Management Plan

HMP Heritage Management Plan

HQ Headquarters

HQJOC Headquarters Joint Operations Command

ILUA Indigenous Land Use Agreement

JCTC Joint Combined Training Capability

JLVC Joint Live Virtual Constructive

LFX Live Firing Exercise

MARFORPAC US Marine Forces Pacific

MBTA Mount Bundey Training Area

MFAS Mid-Frequency Active Sonar

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

MXA Maritime Exercise Areas

NARC North Australian Range Complex

NAXA North Australian Exercise Area

NGO Non-Government Organisation

NOTAM Notice to Airmen

NOTMARS Notice to Mariners

NQLD North Queensland

NSESD National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development

NT Northern Territory

OCE Officer Conducting the Exercise

OHS Occupational Health and Safety

OPSMAN Defence Operations Manual

PER Public Environment Report

PXR Post Exercise Report

Qld Queensland

RAAF Royal Australian Air Force

RAN Royal Australian Navy

RCC Range Control Centre

RE Regional Ecosystem

p 3


REO Regional Environment Officer

RNE Register of the National Estate

RSO Range Standing Orders

SEM Senior Environment Manager

SI Standing Instruction

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

SO Standing Order

SUBSAFE US Navy quality assurance system

SQLD South Queensland

SRTA Saumarez Reef Training Area

SWBTA Shoalwater Bay Training Area

TASO Training Area Standing Orders

TASMIS Training Area Safety Management Information System

TFTA Townsville Field Training Area

TS07 Talisman Sabre 2007




UELO Unit Environmental Liaison Officer

US United States

USS United States Ship

VSP(N) Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear)

WHA World Heritage Area

WTWHA Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

UXO Unexploded Ordnance

p 4


During July and August 2013, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) plans to undertake a training exercise known as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013 (TS13). TS13 will be conducted at designated ADF training facilities in Queensland, possibly the Northern Territory, the Australian Maritime Zones of Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the United States (US). TS13 will be a major exercise involving the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army in conjunction with US Armed Forces. The exercise forms part of the ADF’s training program to ensure preparedness for any future deployments and the continued readiness to protect and support Australia and its national interests. It also ensures that Australian and US Forces can work together in an effective and safe manner. In achieving its mission to defend Australia and its national interests, Defence is duly committed and accountable to ensure environmental stewardship is effectively promulgated throughout TS13. This is demonstrated by the actions and culture of exercise participants at all levels. From experience gained in previous exercises and similar activities to TS13, the US Armed Forces and ADF understands and is well prepared to provide the necessary resources, controls and tools required to ensure environmental impacts are avoided where possible, and mitigated to the greatest extent practicable. This experience is also gained from the routine and regular use of Defence’s training facilities, providing a pathway of continual improvement in environmental management for Defence training activity and the management of environmental features and aspects of its training areas.

Public Environment Report (PER)

This Public Environment Report (PER) provides a means of communicating the scope, location, receiving environment and potential impacts of the activities that are currently planned as part of TS13, and the associated environmental mitigation controls that Defence proposes to implement. The PER will not be formally assessed by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) because the activities do not trigger a referral under the EPBC Act. In producing the PER, Defence invites individuals, community groups and other stakeholders to provide comment or discuss particular aspects of concern as the exercise planning for TS13 progresses. This feedback will help Defence in finalising the PER and help to refine the TS13 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and other environmental controls that will be implemented for the exercise. As described in this PER, Defence has undertaken an environmental review of planned activities for TS13 and is working closely with relevant government stakeholder representatives to ensure possible environmental impacts are identified and actions will be taken to mitigate potential risks and reduce the likelihood and consequence of environmental impacts occurring.

Executive Summary

p 5


Actions committed for TS13 are summarised as follows and include: Pre-exercise environmental briefings to all participants that will be involved in the TS13 exercise.

This will be carried out through presentations to participants, display of video awareness information and provisioning of training area environmental awareness cards, issued to each participant in a training area.

Establishment of an exercise-specific Environmental Monitoring Group that will provide support and advice to exercise participants, reinforce environmental controls and procedures, undertake comprehensive pre and post exercise monitoring and review environmental performance as part of post-exercise management.

Enforcement of Exercise Instructions outlining responsibilities for environmental management and responsive actions to be taken to deal with incidents and emergencies that can arise.

Enforcement of existing environmental controls that are provided for each training area within Standing Orders and Environmental Management Plans, and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures for specific activities, including environment specific procedures, such as the Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan and Procedure Cards.

Preparation and implementation of an exercise-specific TS13 Environmental Management Plan that will provide clear guidance on responsibilities, environmental management processes and planned controls, including exercise monitoring and incident management.

Public Consultation Process

Defence is committed to ensure community groups and the general public, are well informed of the environmental aspects of staging of major exercises, such as TS13, and the environmental management actions Defence is undertaking for the planning, staging and review of TS13, by: Production and distribution of this PER, via website for electronic access, and distribution of copies

to key government agencies, elected representatives and to all participating libraries, and to individuals upon request.

Receipt of feedback from community groups and individuals on aspects in relation to environmental management for TS13 using the communication channels established.

The consultation period on the draft TS13 PER commenced on 24 September 2012 and is due to conclude on 26 October 2012 (25 working days).

Fact sheets have been developed about the Exercise and PER, activity locations, sustainable environmental measures, environmental controls, legislative requirements, frequently asked questions and the consultation process. These fact sheets and a copy of the draft PER have been distributed to libraries in the Exercise location areas (Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Townsville, Darwin, Canungra and Amberley) in both hard copy and electronic format.

The TS13 PER website was launched on Monday 24 September 2012 and contains the draft PER, fact sheets, maps of the location activities and an online submission facility to allow submissions to be made online.

Defence accordingly invites community groups, government representatives and individuals to take the time to understand the commitments Defence is making to ensure environmental sustainability is a routine part of Defence training.

Building a Knowledge Base

Environmental controls and mitigation measures were developed for risks identified from the environmental risk assessment and workshop. As the majority of activities undertaken for each Talisman Sabre Exercise are routinely undertaken at Defence Training Areas, most controls and mitigation measures are already in place and embedded into training procedures.

p 6


The Defence Environmental Strategic Plan identifies the requirement to balance land, sea and air activities necessary to sustain ADF capability, while using a sustainable management approach that preserves a positive legacy for future generations. Defence also values its role as an environmental steward and recognises the importance of perception within the community. An integral component of TS13 is communicating potential environmental impacts associated with the exercise and the proposed environmental management measures to address these. As previously detailed, Defence is undertaking a community consultation program for TS13, which includes a range of activities aimed at ensuring that the consultation process is open and transparent and the community is well informed and aware of channels to provide feedback. Consultation methods include: Community information sessions in Rockhampton and Yeppoon Advertisements in local and state newspapers Information provided on a dedicated website A free-call number for queries Library displays throughout the consultation period The PER is the key component of environmental planning for TS13. The PER provides for the assessment of potential environment and heritage impacts, and informs the development of specific environmental mitigation and management measures to be implemented for the Exercise. These measures may include site preparation to reduce the risk of negative impacts, or specific matters of focus. Environmental planning is an established, integral component of Defence business.

Ongoing Environmental Management of the Defence Estate

Defence is the largest single landholder in the Commonwealth, and maintains a training area estate that includes high value ecological and heritage assets. Many of these areas are now in better condition today than when they were originally acquired, and form a critical part of Defence’s training capability. Defence has recognised that effective environmental management is an important part of successfully undertaking Defence activities for some time. Defence updated the Defence Environmental Policy in 2010, which established clear objectives for the organisation as a whole. This Policy included the approach to meeting Defence’s obligations under Commonwealth environmental legislation and regulations, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, as well as broader environmental management objectives such as energy efficiency. The Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) is a critical asset for Defence training due to the capacity to integrate training of naval, air and sea units, as well as the capacity to conduct large scale live fire training exercises. The majority of the TS13 exercise activities will be undertaken in this training area. The continuous and relatively undisturbed nature of SWBTA is the key to both a high value for conservation and Defence training capability. There are many environmental and heritage values at SWBTA which are protected under the EPBC Act. As a result maintaining and improving the environmental and heritage values of SWBTA is seen as a key objective within Defence. In recognition of the unique nature of the area, the Department of Defence prepared a State of the Environment Report in 2008 to provide a compendium of current scientific knowledge and understanding of SWBTA. This is intended to act as a reference document for Defence, regulatory agencies and the general public. This also contributes towards meeting the spirit and objectives of the Management Agreement between Defence and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

p 7


Transparency

Through this PER process, Defence aims to dispel misconceptions and provide clear transparent information to the public on the environmental impacts of the Exercise. Further information is provided by the staffed displays and internet site, during the consultation period. This process also enables members of the public to discuss with Defence, and seek further information on, any environmental matter of specific interest relating to TS13.

Environmental Support during TS13

TS13 is scheduled to involve up to 23,000 military personnel in total, with personnel from both the Australian and US Defence Forces involved, spread throughout a range of training environments in Australia and the US. It should be noted that a relatively small proportion of these will be undertaking field or live firing exercises, with the majority involved in planning, adjudication, support and simulation. Specialist support groups will be used in TS13, in particular the Environmental Monitoring Group to provide environmental advice and support to exercise planners and training control staff. The Environmental Monitoring Group is an integrated Australian-US group comprising military and civilian staff, including engineering, environmental and training area management staff.

Health and Safety during TS13

The management of health and safety aspects is paramount throughout TS13, with the safety of the community, military personnel and the environment of utmost priority. Safety is a command responsibility and the wellbeing and safety of all exercise participants is central to the successful conduct of any combined exercise. Safety of the community is paramount and Defence has numerous procedures in place to ensure that the safety of the general public is maintained during the conduct of all military training including Talisman Sabre. Transport safety and management is also of key concern and a range of measures will be implemented to ensure that vehicles and personnel are transported safely and with the least amount of disruption possible when public roads are being used. To this end, a Traffic Management Plan will be developed and implemented for TS13. In undertaking TS13, ADF and US personnel will be stationed at various locations across central and northern Queensland and possibly the Northern Territory. As such, there will be considerable economic benefits to the local and surrounding regions through spending by the ADF on goods and services.

Post Exercise TS13

The ultimate environmental reporting outcome for TS13 will be the Post-Exercise Environment Report. This report outlines the environmental assessment and planning undertaken particularly prior to the exercise, the environmental management undertaken particularly during the Exercise and the environmental outcomes identified particularly post-Exercise.

Community Consultation Process

The Defence Environmental Policy as outlined in the Defence Environmental Strategic Plan identifies the requirement to balance land, sea and air activities necessary to sustain Defence capability, whilst using a sustainable management approach that preserves a positive legacy for future generations. Defence also values its role as an environmental steward and places a high degree of importance to maintaining its environmental credentials. As such, an integral component of TS13 is the communication of potential environmental impacts associated with the exercise and the proposed environmental management measures to address these areas and any community concerns.

p 8


TS13 Community Consultation Checklist

Freecall (1800) exercise information line, reply paid and project email address Advertisements, public facility notices and media releases in local and state newspapers Staffed public displays at Rockhampton and Yeppoon Static public displays throughout the consultation period Feedback forms, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), fact sheets and Draft PER available

during the consultation process at numerous locations Key stakeholder mail-outs of information packs and subsequent briefings in Rockhampton,

Yeppoon, Townsville and Darwin A website containing a range of information and allowing for

www.aurecongroup.com/talismansabre2013

.

http://manage.aurecongroup.com/TalismanSabre

p 9


This Public Environment Report (PER) has been prepared by Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd (Aurecon) for

the Department of Defence (Defence) for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013 (TS13). TS13 is a major

Australia and United States (US) training exercise that will be conducted at designated ADF training

facilities in Queensland (QLD) and possibly the Northern Territory (NT), within the Australian Maritime

Zones of Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone and in the US. The exercise involves the Royal

Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army (Army), the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and US

Armed Forces. The PER has been undertaken to inform Defence, the Australian public and relevant

stakeholders of potential environmental and heritage issues relating to the conduct of TS13.

A core component of the TS13 exercise is Defence’s commitment to, and communication of,

environmental initiatives that will be employed to manage the potential environmental impacts of the

exercise. Defence is committed to sustainable environmental management which is outlined in the

Environmental Vision contained in the Defence Environmental Strategic Plan as follows.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) undertakes a range of extensive training activities across

Australia and overseas. These training activities ensure the ADF’s preparedness for deployment of its

people and equipment as directed by the Australian Government. The training activities establish the

continued readiness of the ADF for the protection and support of Australia and its national interests.

An important component of maintaining operational readiness and capability is the ability to conduct

joint and combined exercises between Australian and allied armed forces, such as those of the US.

ADF and US joint combined exercises are regularly conducted in Australia. The largest of these

activities is the biennial Talisman Sabre series of exercises. The first Talisman Sabre exercise was

conducted in 2005 (TS05) and this was repeated in 2007, 2009 and 2011 (TS07, TS09 and TS11).

Prior to the Talisman Sabre series of Exercises, the Tandem Thrust (2001) and Crocodile (2003)

Exercise series were the major bilateral military Exercise conducted with the US military stationed in

the Pacific.

The Talisman Sabre series of Exercises is designed to develop the ADF and US Armed Forces

capability to undertake joint, combined operations and to improve interoperability at the operational

and tactical level. It complements Australia-US allied forces in strengthening proactive and responsive

strategies and enhances measures to defend Australia and its national interests. Both Australia and

the United States have worked hard to remove barriers to interoperability, to ensure that Australian

and US Armed Forces can work together effectively and safely during overseas deployment.

The US is the lead planning nation for TS13, however Australia maintains responsibility for

environmental compliance and obligations pertaining to the Exercise.

1 Introduction

“Defence’s environmental vision is to be a leader in sustainable environmental

management to support Australian Defence Force’s capability to defend

Australia and its national

p 10


1.1 Objectives of the PER

The PER comprises a desktop environmental review of existing studies and documentation. The

objectives of the PER are to:

Communicate activities planned as part of the exercise to the Australian public and relevant

stakeholders; and

Outline potential environmental issues and risks associated with conduct of the exercise, and

environmental controls to avoid or minimise potential risks.

Community engagement is a key part of the PER process and consultation with relevant stakeholders

and the public will be undertaken at an early stage of planning the TS13 exercise.

1.2 Methodology of the PER

The focus of the environmental assessment process for the PER has been on continual improvement

for Defence through practical management, that is, building on existing information and addressing

lessons learnt from TS05, TS07, TS09 and TS11. This PER is the latest iteration of a series of

Environmental Impact Assessments that have been undertaken for major exercises. These have

included Tandem Thrust 01, Crocodile 03, TS05, TS07, TS09 and TS11. Due to the similarity in the

nature and extent of training activities proposed for TS13, the PER for TS13 reviews and builds upon

these existing assessments.

The methodology adopted for the PER comprised:

Desktop review of existing environmental studies and reports on past military Exercises

(specifically TS09 and TS11 PER, EMP and Environment Post Exercise Report, Incident Reports

and Environmental Clearance Certificates), relevant training areas, and existing Defence

environmental controls

Gap analysis of new activities and locations proposed for the TS13 Exercise

Identification of environmental values of the key training areas and support sites, focusing on

reviewing existing environmental studies / documentation post completion of the TS11 PER

Review of TS11 risk registers, in accordance with the review of past environmental performance,

to determine adequacy of existing environmental controls and procedures

Initial assessment of potential environmental impacts and risks associated with the conduct of

TS13

Environmental risk assessment using the Defence Major Exercises Risk Assessment Tool to

identify and prioritise risks and mitigation (Appendix B)

Focus meeting and risk assessment workshop with Defence stakeholders (Senior Environment

Managers (SEMs), Regional Environment Officers (REOs), Defence Project Officers (DPOs) and

key Australian Government Stakeholders, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

(GBRMPA), to discuss significant environmental issues and prioritise agreed environmental risks

Recommendations for management and mitigation measures

Defence has an internal environmental impact assessment process in place to consider whether the

environmental impacts of a project are likely to have a significant impact on the environment as defined

under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). This process is

based on the Significant impact guidelines 1.2 - Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land

and Actions by Commonwealth Agencies, which includes consideration of the Significant impact

guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance (DSEWPaC, 2010), and has been

followed for the TS13 exercise.

p 11


This section provides context of the TS13 exercise in terms of:

Objectives;

Locations and overview of training to be undertaken;

Timing of the exercise; and

An overview of the approach to social and community concerns.

2.1 Exercise Objectives

The primary aim of TS13 is to improve training and interoperability between the Australian and US

Armed Forces at the operational and tactical level. During exercises such as TS13, credible scenarios

are applied so that the Force’s operational strengths and weaknesses, doctrine (governing principles)

and planning and control processes at all levels are tested and evaluated. This supports the

achievement of the principal tasks of the ADF:

Deterring and defeating armed attacks on Australia;

Contributing to stability and security in the South Pacific and East Timor; and

Contributing to military contingencies in the Asia-Pacific region.

2.2 Locations and Overview

TS13 will be conducted at designated Defence training facilities in Queensland the Northern Territory

(NT), the Australian Maritime Zones of Territorial Sea, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the

United States (US).

Figure 1 shows the general locality of training activity planned for TS13. Field Training Exercises

(FTX) and Live Firing Exercises (LFX) will be conducted at the following key sites:

East Australian Range Complex (EARC) including Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and

Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA);

North Australian Range Complex (NARC) including Delamere Range Facility (DRF), Bradshaw

Field Training Area (BFTA) and Mount Bundey Training Area (MBTA); and

Designated marine areas within the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas (within the Australian Maritime

Zones of Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Support sites, which will be used for staging and minor exercises including:

Port facilities in QLD (Port Townsville, Port Alma, Port Gladstone and Port Brisbane) and NT (Port

Darwin);

RAAF Bases at Darwin, Tindal, Townsville and Amberley for aircraft holding;

Rockhampton and Cairns Airports; and

Defence sites at Townsville, Darwin, Rockhampton and Canungra.

The environmental values for the key training areas and support sites are described in Sections 6.0

and 7.0, respectively.

2 Talisman Sabre 2013 in

Context

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Saumarez ReefTraining Area

RAAF Base Darwin

RAAF Base Tindal

RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Townsville

Canungra Military Area

Delamere Range Facility Cowley Beach Training Area

Mount Bundey Training Area

RockhamptonMulti-User Depot

Shoalwater BayTraining Area

Bradshaw Field Training Area

TownsvilleField Training Area

Figure 1: Defence Facilities with potential Exercise InvolvementPublic Environmental Report Talisman Sabre 2013° 0 100Kilometers

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Notes: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, TomTom, USGS, Intermap, iPC, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand).

Legend

Job No: 230264

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Coordinate System: GCS WGS 1984

A4 scale: 1:20,000,000

GF Defence Facilities with potential Exercise Involvement

Eastern Australian Range ComplexNorthern Australian Range Complex

p 13


2.3 Weapons and Equipment

The following weapons and equipment (including aircraft, vessels and vehicles) may be utilised during

TS13.

2.3.1 Australian Army

M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

M88A1 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES)

Heavy Tank Transporter (HTT)

Truck Tanker Fueler (TTF)

Forward Aircraft Refuelling Park (FARP) Vehicles (tankers)

M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier

ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle)

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV)

Mercedes Unimog and Land Rover 110 FFR

Various earthmoving equipment

Mack Medium Truck

Mercedes G Wagon

Sikorsky S-70A Blackhawk Helicopter

Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter

Eurocopter ‘Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter)

MRH-90 (Multi-Role Helicopter)

Kiowa Light Observation Helicopter (LOH)

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) e.g. RQ-7, Shadow

M777 155mm

L118 105 mm Field Gun

M198 155 mm Howitzer

L16A2 Mortar

RBS-70 (Robotsystem) laser-guided missile system

Javelin

Carl-Gustav 84 mm multi-role recoilless rifle

Various small arms (including Austeyr F88)

AllTerrain Vehicles (ATV)

2.3.2 Royal Australian Air Force

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

Lockheed C-130J Hercules

McDonnell Douglas F/A 18A / F/A 18B Hornet

Boeing F/A 18F Super Hornet

Lockheed P3 Orion

Boeing 737 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) Wedgetail

Pilatus PC-9 Forward Air Control

Beechcraft King Air

Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV)

Mercedes Unimog and Land Rover 110 FFR

Various small arms (including Austeyr F88)

KC-30 tanker aircraft

Hawk 127 aircraft

p 14


114MCRU cabins and support vehicles (Mercedes-Benz heavy rigid trucks, L110 and white fleet

vehicles

Tactical Air Defence Radar System (Radar plus Mercedes-Benz heavy rigid trucks and tanker

vehicle

2.3.3 Royal Australian Navy

ANZAC Class Frigate

Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate

Heavy Landing Ship (HMAS Tobruk)

HMAS Choules (L100) Bay Class Landing Ship Dock

Huon Class Minehunter

Armidale Class Patrol Boat

Fleet Oiler (HMAS Sirius)

Dual Stores Replenishment Vessel (HMAS Success)

Landing Craft (LCM)

MRH-90 (Multi-Role Helicopter)

Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk

Eurocopter Squirrel

2.3.4 US Air Force

Lockheed Martin / Boeing F22 Raptor

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing B52 Stratofortress

Boeing C17 Globemaster III

Boeing V-22 Osprey

Lockheed C5 Galaxy

Gulfstream

Lockheed MC-130 Hercules

2.3.5 US Navy

Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier

Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser

Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer

Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship

Austin Class Amphibious Transport Dock

Harpers Ferry Class Dock Landing Ship

Safeguard Class Salvage Ship

Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate

Los Angeles Class Submarine

Ohio Class Submarine

McDonnell Douglas F/A 18 Hornet

Boeing F/A 18 E/F Super Hornet

Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler

Grumman C-2 Greyhound

Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)

Lockheed P3-C Orion

Sikorsky SH-60 / HH-60 Seahawk Helicopter

p 15


2.3.6 US Marine Corps

M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT)

High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)

LAV-25 Light Armoured Vehicle

AAV-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) (hovercraft)

M198 155 mm Howitzer

M203 40 mm Grenade Launcher

MK 19 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

M224 60 mm Mortar

M252 81 mm Mortar

Shoulder Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)

AT4 84 mm unguided, portable, single-shot recoilless smoothbore weapon

Various small arms including M16 Assault Rifle

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

Lockheed KC-130 Hercules

Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion Helicopter

Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight

Boeing V-22 Osprey

Bell AH-1 Super Cobra Helicopter

Bell UH-1N Twin Huey Helicopter

Unmanned Aerial Systems (e.g. RQ-7 Shadow, Scan Eagle)

McDonnell Douglas F/A 18 Hornet

2.4 Participants

TS13 is scheduled to involve up to 23,000 military personnel in total, with personnel from both the

Australian and US Defence Forces involved, spread throughout a range of training environments in

Australia and the US. It should be noted that a relatively small proportion of these will be undertaking

field or live firing exercises, with the majority involved in planning, adjudication, support and

simulation. Participants will be distributed across a number of geographic locations in Australia (at

land, sea and in the air) and the US. Naval activity will occur within the Australian Maritime Zones of

the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The US Marine Forces - Pacific (MARFORPAC), working with Headquarters Joint Operations

Command, will provide significant input for the planning of TS13. Australian participants will include

members of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as dedicated Defence personnel to manage the

conduct of the exercise including the environment. As part of exercise planning, Australia will retain

the lead in the management of environmental and safety-related aspects.

Specialist support groups will be used in TS13, in particular the Environmental Monitoring Group to

provide environmental advice and support to exercise planners and training control staff. The

Environmental Monitoring Group is an integrated Australian-US group comprising military and civilian

staff, including engineering, environmental and training area management staff.

p 16


2.5 Description of Activities

2.5.1 Training in East Australia Range Complex

At Shoalwater Bay Training Area exercises are likely to involve a combination of amphibious landing,

parachute insertion, land force manoeuvre, urban operations and extensive fixed and rotary wing

flying operations.

Using designated areas within Shoalwater Bay Training Area, troops will practice the coordinated firing

of live ammunition from a range of weapon systems delivered from land, air and maritime platforms.

As with other training areas, the impact of live ammunition is carefully controlled and is routinely

performed at Shoalwater Bay Training Area outside the Talisman Sabre series of exercises. At

Townsville Field Training Area, training is likely to involve a combination of land force manoeuvres,

coordinated firing of live ammunition, and fixed and rotary wing flying operations. At Cowley Beach

Training Area this may consist of force preparation activities and may involve rehearsal of an

amphibious landing prior to maritime transit to Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

2.5.2 North Australian Range Complex

Limited activities are likely to occur in Northern Australian Range Complex. Some activities may occur

in the Bradshaw Field Training Area in the lead up to the TS13 exercise. These low level training

activities will be similar to the usual activities which occur within the Bradshaw Field Training Area. In

addition the use of some aircraft may occur in the Northern Australian Range Complex.

2.5.3 Training in Maritime Areas

A substantial component of TS13 will occur at sea, with forces distributed over the Coral, Timor and

Arafura Seas within the Australian Maritime Zones of the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic

Zone. This may include anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare training, use of sonobuoys to

locate submarines, use of sonar for sub-surface vessel detection, clearance diving and logistics

training at sea including mid-frequency active sonar. Naval gun and missile firing (sea to sea and sea

to land) will also be exercised.

Saumarez Reef, a dedicated training area within the Coral Sea, is likely to be used during TS13 for

aircraft live fire practice.

2.6 Proposed Timing of TS13

Planning is at an advanced level for TS13, with a series of planning activities occurring and dedicated

Australian and US staff focusing on the execution of the exercise. The main training event in TS13 is

due to occur during the period 15 July to 6 August 2013, with consolidation and preparation of force

elements commencing prior to the more intensive periods of training. Pre and post-exercise

administration will occur around these dates.

2.7 Health and Safety

The management of health and safety aspects is paramount throughout TS13, with the safety of the

community, military personnel and the environment of utmost priority. Safety is a command

responsibility and the wellbeing and safety of all exercise participants is central to the successful

conduct of any combined exercise.

p 17


Harmonisation of Australian health and safety legislation occurred on 1 January 2012. The Health

and Safety Act 2011 applies to all members of the ADF and Australian Public Service and replaces

the previous Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. All personnel

involved in planning and conducting TS13 holds duties and responsibilities under the Health and

Safety Act 2011.

The relevant codes of practices developed under the Act will be referred to during the exercise, as it is

acknowledged that there are inherent risks in the type of activities that Defence undertakes. In addition

a Risk Management Plan will be developed and control measures implemented to identify and

manage inherent risks required by the exercise.

Many safety aspects are addressed through TS13 exercise constraints and existing ADF

documentation including Range Standing Orders, Training Area Standing Orders and Standard

Operating Procedures. These documents include information on:

Dangers of heat, such as dehydration, heat cramps and exhaustion;

Sun and sunburn, which can result in skin cancer;

Wildlife and the presence of dangerous animals including crocodiles, sharks, marine stingers, feral

pigs, scorpions, spiders and snakes;

Insects such as sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks;

Vehicle speed limits; and

Emergency response / incident procedures.

Additionally, safety of the community is paramount and Defence has numerous procedures in place to

ensure that the safety of the general public is maintained during the conduct of all military training

including Talisman Sabre.

All weapons have safety templates that must be contained within designated Training Areas and

Defence Practice Areas. Considerable security arrangements will be in place to discourage

unauthorised entry to the Training Area during live firing exercises. Additionally, procedures are in

place for Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR) which are issued to close air

and maritime space while training areas and ranges are active.

Transport safety and management is also of key concern and a range of measures will be

implemented to ensure that vehicles and personnel are transported safely and with the least amount of

disruption possible when public roads are being used. To this end, a Traffic Management Plan will be

developed and implemented for TS13.

Addressing specific OH&S aspects are outside of the scope of the PER and are not discussed further.

2.8 Social and Economic Aspects

In undertaking TS13, ADF and US personnel will be stationed at various locations across central and

northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. As such, there will be considerable economic

benefits to the local and surrounding regions through spending by the ADF on goods and services. In

support of TS11, for example, the ADF spent the following amounts (AUD), by area, on local goods

and services:

Over AUD 4 million in the Rockhampton area

Over AUD 200,000 in the Townsville area

Over AUD 235,000 in the Darwin area

There will also be local area spending by individual Australian and US personnel during recreational

leave. Such spending can result in positive economic benefits to communities from support to retail

and entertainment entities.

p 18


The potential for anti-social behaviour by off-duty personnel is recognised. Australian and US

personnel are subject to Australian civil law and Australian Military law in regards to behaviour

including while not on duty – i.e. on leave. US forces are also subject to US military rules and

regulations. Unacceptable behaviour by ADF or by US personnel will not be tolerated. Personnel who

break civil or military regulations will be disciplined.

Social and economic aspects are not detailed in the PER process. These matters are raised and

considered as part of overall Exercise planning and personnel management.

2.9 Information Regarding Common Perceptions

Defence is mindful of its responsibilities to manage its properties with respect for the natural

environment. Public perceptions of the potential impacts on the environment as a result of Defence

activities, and particularly large exercises such as TS13, may be influenced by inaccurate or biased

information. Such information may be propagated by individuals or groups, through a variety of

channels, in support of their own interests or views.

Through this PER process, Defence aims to dispel misconceptions and provide clear transparent

information to the public on the environmental impacts of the Exercise. Further information is provided

by the staffed displays and internet site, during the consultation period. This process also enables

members of the public to discuss with Defence, and seek further information on, any environmental

matter of specific interest relating to TS13.

The following perceptions or areas of interests of the public have been identified from previous TS

Exercises and knowledge of local matters. A response to each of these perceptions is also provided

Table 1 | TS13 Common Perceptions and Response

TS13 Common Perceptions and Associated Information

Perception Talisman Sabre 2013 Response

Risk to public safety

Safety, including of the public, is a key interest to Defence.

Existing restrictions and exclusions of public access to military properties (land) will be enforced during TS13. This enforcement will be as appropriate to the location – such as the clear identification of site boundaries and monitoring/patrols.

Temporary restrictions and exclusions of access to sea (maritime) and airspace will be imposed – and will generally involve the activation of existing as-required restrictions. These are clearly defined and advised through formal channels, in association with State Government Maritime organisations, AMSA and Airservices Australia, as Notices.

Traffic on public roads

There will be movement of military personnel, in considerable numbers, between bases and training areas. This movement, mainly as convoys, will include travel on public roads.

Where possible, the ADF will minimise the disruption to known busy periods on roads, and to manage the movement of slow moving vehicles and convoys.

Movement of vehicles on public roads will be undertaken in strict compliance with traffic regulations and Defence Standard Operating Procedures.

A traffic management plan will be implemented to facilitate the movement of military vehicles including on public roads.

p 19




Environmental degradation – land based

Defence aims to prevent and minimise the potential for environmental

degradation due to the TS Exercise activities. This aim is enacted through

the application of its Environmental Policy and the application of

Environmental Management Plans and Standing Orders, education of

personnel, allocating responsibility for areas, and environmental assessment

and management. These tools are employed in the planning, preparation,

undertaking and completion of land-based activities.

Prior to commencing, and on conclusion of each TS Exercise, locations

requiring remediation are identified and work is undertaken. The pre-

Exercise remediation is to ensure the Exercise does not worsen any existing

environmental degradation – including natural – while post-Exercise

remediation is to redress impacts or damage caused during the Exercise.

The majority of remediation works required following TS11 were for repair of

roads and tracks.

Individual military units are responsible for cleaning up their area of activity

prior to vacating the site.

A dedicated Environmental Monitoring Group will be established for TS13, as

has been in previous Exercises. This Group has overall responsibility for

enforcing and implementing control measures, overseeing responses to

incident management and arranging monitoring of environmental conditions

prior to and post the Exercise. This group will work to improve incident

response and control measures following lessons learnt from TS11.

During TS11, military personnel were trained in and provided mobile data

collection devices with an Environmental Inspection Application through

which data was collected and uploaded remotely. This enabled daily reports

and images of environmental information for more rapid review and

management of any impacts than was possible in previous Exercises. A

similar mobile data collection application will be used during TS13.

Environmental degradation – marine and coastal based

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Defence aims to prevent and minimise the potential for environmental

degradation due to the TS Exercise activities. This aim is enacted through

the application of the Defence Environmental Policy and the application of

Environmental Management Plans, the education of personnel, handbooks,

protocol cards and environmental assessment and management. These tools

are employed in the planning, preparation, execution and completion of

maritime activities.

Military activities for TS13 are undertaken in designated and defined locations

of the ocean.

There has been extensive consultation between the ADF and the GBRMPA,

past and continuing, to identify and minimise impacts on that marine

environment as associated with this Exercise and with Military activities more

broadly. The GBRMPA was represented in discussions for the preparation of

this PER.

p 20




Cetaceans and marine mammals

Sonar impacts

Injury

Other marine species

Both Active and Passive Sonar will be used by Australian Navy and US Navy as part of TS13. The respective Naval forces have operational protocols for their respective sonar systems that will be applied during the Exercise, and for environmental management of maritime activities.

Both Australia and the US take the protection of marine mammals from underwater sound sources very seriously.

All TS13 Anti-submarine warfare exercises, which use mid-frequency active sonar, will be conducted far out to sea in deep water and away from known concentrations of whales or those seabed features likely to attract whales.

Both Australian and US operational procedures require vessels equipment to be powered down or shut down if whales are sighted and move too close to vessels.

The risks to dugong populations, particularly near SWBTA, is considered low as Exercise activities will be focused on areas separate from the seagrass beds in which these mammals tend to concentrate to feed.

A visual survey of ocean areas will be undertaken, prior to any military activities, to identify present large mammals such as whales, dugongs and dolphins and take action to minimise the risk of harm to them.

Given the steps that will be in place as part of routine management and specific responses, the risk of marine mammals being adversely affected by maritime activities is considered low.

Other marine species such as fish are likely to swim away from areas of unnatural disturbance such as vessel motor noise.

The potential for harm to fish and other small marine species is considered low given their size, volume of water, flight response to perceived threat and limited area of ocean to be affected by TS13.

Waste – including pollution, spills and general rubbish

Land based

Marine based

Land Based

Waste and pollution generated on-land is contained during the Exercise and removed from the site and disposed of appropriately. Waste management is captured in Environmental Management Plans and Standing Orders.

The ADF has established processes and procedures for responding to any spills and/or contamination that may occur. These are also to be reported as soon as identified with follow-up actions including any clean-up and/or remediation.

Marine Based

Maritime vessels with in-built capability will treat waste water and release treated water into designated ocean areas. Waste water will be held within the vessel until reaching a designated release area.

Vessels that do not have treatment capability will hold waste water until reaching a suitable location – such as port – to pump out wastes.

The ADF has established processes and procedures for responding to any spills and/or contamination that may occur. These are also to be reported with follow-up actions.

p 21




Construction works of permanent or temporary facilities

No permanent facilities will be constructed during the Exercise.

Temporary facilities will be established – including tent accommodation and portable toilets. These temporary facilities will be dismantled (where required) and removed on conclusion of the Exercise.

Remediation of affected sites to reduce evidence of facilities will be undertaken as required.

All other materials and equipment taken onto the properties is to be removed as far as possible. The only materials that may not be removed from the property are those which are not able to be recovered immediately. This may include lost equipment and/or spent projectiles or shrapnel located in a restricted location. Such items should be recovered at a later date as part of routine range maintenance and remediation activities.

Use of new technologies and equipment. Includes:

Weapons

Vehicles

Equipment

Facilities

‘New’ within Exercise TS refers to technology and equipment that has not previously been used during TS Exercises. As such, the Exercise is to test the operation and functioning of that equipment in collaboration with other known technology and equipment. The key outcome of the exercise, including this testing, is to test inter-operability of US and Australian systems and of personnel activities including training and response.

No equipment or technology will be introduced during the Exercise that has not already undergone substantial testing and introduced into service by its respective nation’s military force.

Noise affecting people – sources being:

Aircraft

Munitions (explosive detonation to small arms fire)

Land vehicles

The Exercise will involve aircraft, vehicles and munitions based activities – all of which generate noise that propagates beyond the immediate activity location. The noise impacts will depend on location, generating force and characteristics (duration, volume and whether continuous or single ‘bang’).

Defence recognises that noise, of any source and characteristic, can be an issue for people. Where possible, Defence will schedule noise-generating activities appropriately (for example minimal night / early morning activities affecting residences), to provide advance notification of activities to communities, and to consider location of an activity in relation to surrounding land uses.

Depleted uranium munitions

Depleted uranium munitions will not be used during TS13. Depleted uranium munitions are not part of the ADF inventory of equipment or supplies. The use of depleted uranium munitions is not permitted by foreign forces in Australia.

p 22




Nuclear powered vessels

Nuclear weapons

Nuclear powered submarines and nuclear powered aircraft carriers of the US military will participate in TS13. The locations of activities for these vessels will be specified and limited to those locations. Radiation testing will be undertaken at those ports visited by nuclear powered vessels before, during and after TS13.

Members of the US Navy operating nuclear powered vessels have a high record of safety and professionalism. The last accident involving a US Navy vessel was in 2005 when the USS San Francisco submarine collided with an undersea mountain (not fully charted) near Guam. The forward elements of the vessel were damaged but the hull was not breached and the nuclear elements were not damaged.

The US Navy has implemented the quality assurance system SUBSAFE in the operation of its nuclear powered vessels.

Nuclear weapons will not be used during TS13.

Environmental compliance by US military personnel

US military personnel undertaking any activities within Australia are bound by both Australian regulatory requirements, including environmental law and Defence regulations, and by US military environmental rules and regulations.

US Military personnel will be required to undergo environmental awareness training prior to deploying to a Defence property. This training may include:

General and/or site specific Inductions; DVD viewing; Cards; Exercise instructions and orders; and Unit and Group briefings.

Defence Training Areas, are governed by Standing Orders that include requirement to manage environmental impacts. Non-compliance with these Orders may result in disciplinary action.

There have been no major breaches of environmental regulations by US Military personnel during any of the previous four Talisman Sabre exercises.

General concerns

Military activities generally

US Forces

It is not the intent of this PER to justify the undertaking of military training and joint military Exercises of the Australian Defence Force with US Forces.

It does recognise however that there are concerns and preconception of the public on undertaking such activities – and the broad social, governance (political) and economic environments this impacts upon.

This PER is to recognise the impact on the natural environments – land and marine – due to TS13. The social and economic impacts are noted. However, these impacts are somewhat separate due to the designated and limited influence of the Exercise given its undertaking on Defence land.

The Government (political) environments for the Exercise are managed and addressed by the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Minister for Defence.

p 23


This section outlines the legislative and policy framework that is relevant to the TS13 exercise. In

particular, the overarching environmental legislation governing Defence activities and impacts, the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is described below.

3.1 Commonwealth Legislation

The Australian Government has extensive legislative powers with respect to the environment, which

are applicable to the management of Defence activities, on both Defence and non-Defence land. The

EPBC Act in particular has specific provisions for actions taken by Australian Government agencies and

actions on Commonwealth land.

The EPBC Act is Australia’s national environmental legislation, and in areas outside of Commonwealth

areas it provides an additional level of environmental protection complementing local and State

legislation. Outside of Commonwealth areas the EPBC Act is designed to complement local and State

legislation, and as a result focused on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). These

MNES matters include:

World Heritage Areas;

National Heritage Places;

Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands);

Nationally threatened species and ecological communities;

Commonwealth marine areas;

the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;

Migratory Species; and

Nuclear Actions.

The trigger for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act is whether a proposed action has a

significant impact on these NES matters. The Commonwealth has produced a wide range of guidance

on what constitutes a significant impact, including specific advice for each NES matter. These

guidelines are available at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/guidelines-policies.html.

Actions by Commonwealth agencies (such as Defence) and actions within Commonwealth areas,

including Defence Bases and Training Areas that will host the majority of activities during the TS13

exercise, the matter protected is the environment in its entirety. As a result the focus of

environmental assessment and impact mitigation planning will be on protecting the integrity of all

environmental assets and ecological processes.

Defence activities that are likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental

significance and/or are likely to have a significant impact on the environment, require approval by the

Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Defence is required to comply with the EPBC Act to ensure protection of the environment and heritage.

Other relevant Commonwealth environment and heritage legislation for the TS13 exercise includes:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003

Australian Maritime Transport Safety Authority Act 1990

3 Legislative and Policy

Framework

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/guidelines-policies.html

p 24


Defence Act 1903 and Defence Regulations 1952

Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975

Hazardous (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Waste Act 1989

Native Title Act 1993

Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability) Act 1981

Protection of the Sea (Powers of Intervention) Act 1981

Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983

Quarantine Act 1908

Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area Conservation Act 1994

Further information regarding Australian Government environmental and heritage legislation can be

found on the Comlaw website http://www.comlaw.gov.au which is administered by the Australian

Attorney-General’s Department.

3.1.1 Changes to Legislation since TS11

In the time since the previous Talisman Sabre Exercise in 2011 there have been several changes to

the matters protected under the EPBC Act. In particular there is on-going work to refine the

understanding of species habitat and ecology, and this is reflected in on-going changes to the

mapping of existing listed species and the addition of new listings.

The most significant change in the listing of threatened species and ecological communities in the

areas covered by TS13 has been the listing of Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Populations of Koala

in Queensland, NSW and the ACT were listed as vulnerable on 2 May 2012, and indicative habitat

distribution maps have been produced showing potential habitat within Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Other changes to listings include:

Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus); and

Brigalow Belt Reptiles.

To manage this on-going process of updates, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water

Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) maintains a Protected Matters Search Tool

(http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html) in the form of an online database. This tool

allows for specific areas to be checked for all matters that may be covered by the EPBC Act. These

tools have been used to identify additional listed areas and these have been incorporated into the

assessment of potential impacts for each of the Defence’s sites covered by the TS13 exercise.

3.1.1.1 Proposed Coral Sea Marine Park

The Australian Government proposes to proclaim a new Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

over an area of 989 842 square kilometres adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The new

Coral Sea Reserve will replace the existing Coral Sea Conservation Zone, providing a greater level of

protection to the conservation and heritage values of the area. The new Marine Reserve will

contribute to the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas which aims to ensure the

ecological viability of marine and estuarine systems, maintain ecological systems and processes and

protect biological diversity. The proposed Marine Reserve will have six zones with varying levels of

protection from general use including tourism, aquaculture and some commercial fishing, to strictly

protected ‘no-take’ nature reserves.

In framing the reserve proposal, the Government considered the central role played by Defence in

managing Australia’s offshore marine areas and island territories through surveillance, hydrographic

survey, transport, search and rescue, and where required, deterrence and enforcement. Defence

activities, including training exercises in offshore marine areas may require shipping or aircraft

manoeuvres and transit through marine protected areas.

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html

p 25


The environmental effects of all such activities are managed under the Defence Environmental

Management System, in particular the RAN Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan and

the RAAF Air Operations Environmental Management Plan.

All six zones in the proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve will permit general transit shipping and

Defence activities. The TS13 activities are not expected to impact on the environmental values of the

Marine Reserve.

3.1.2 State of the Environment 2008 Report - SWBTA

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) is a critical asset for Defence training due to the capacity

to integrate training of naval, air and sea units, as well as the capacity to conduct large scale and live

fire training exercises. The large scale, continuous and relatively undisturbed nature of SWBTA is the

key to both a high value for conservation and Defence training capability. Parts of SWBTA are within

the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, which are protected

under the EPBC Act. As a result maintaining and improving the environmental and heritage values of

SWBTA is seen as a key objective within Defence.

In recognition of the unique nature of the area, the Department of Defence prepared a State of the

Environment Report in 2008 to provide a compendium of current scientific knowledge and

understanding of SWBTA. This is intended to act as a reference document for Defence, regulatory

agencies and the general public. This also contributes towards meeting the spirit and objectives of the

Management Agreement between Defence and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

(GBRMPA).

The Report follows the format recommended by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to

maintain consistency with other State of the Environment Reports prepared at the National and State

level. The State of the Environment Report provides a baseline for tracking environmental changes

over time. In the context of environmental impact assessment under the EPBC Act the report is useful

in assessing the potential for Defence specific actions to impact on the environment, and separating

these from changes in the broader landscape. This is particularly important, as many of the key

environmental assets (such as migratory wading birds and Dugong) range well outside the boundaries

of SWBTA.

Shoalwater Bay – land clearing in 1964 Shoalwater Bay – forest recovery in 2005

(Source: State of the Environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area, 2008)

p 26


3.2 State Legislation

Defence aims to comply with State, Territory and local government legislation and policies, to the

extent that these do not conflict with Commonwealth legislative obligations or unacceptably

compromise operational objectives or capability.

TS13 will be conducted at a number of locations throughout Queensland and possibly the Northern

Territory. State and Territory environment and heritage legislation that may be relevant includes:

3.2.1 Queensland

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 and the Queensland Coastal Plan 2012

Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Environmental Protection Policies (Water, Noise, Air and

Waste Management)

Fisheries Act 1994

Land Protection (Stock and Pest Route Management) Act 2002

Marine Parks Act 2004

Nature Conservation Act 1992 and associated regulations

Queensland Heritage Act 1992

Vegetation Management Act 1999

Water Act 2000

Wet Tropics Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 and Wet Tropics Management Plan

1998

Further information regarding Queensland legislation can be found on the Office of the Queensland

Parliamentary Counsel: http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/OQPChome.htm.

3.2.2 Northern Territory

Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 2006

Bushfires Act 2004

Dangerous Goods Act

Environmental Assessment Act 1994

Environmental Offences and Penalties Act 1996

Environmental Protection Authority Act 2007

Environmental Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Objective

Fisheries Act 1988

Heritage Conservation Act 2008

Marine Pollution Act 2004

Soil Conservation and Land Utilisation Act 2001

Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2009

Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 2009

Water Act 2008

Weeds Management Act 2001

Further information regarding Northern Territory legislation can be found on the Northern Territory

Government Department of the Chief Minister website:

http://www.nt.gov.au/dcm/legislation/current.html.

http://www.nt.gov.au/dcm/legislation/current.html.

p 27


3.3 Defence Policy

3.3.1 Defence Environmental Policy

Defence is the largest single landholder in the Commonwealth, and maintains a training area

estate that includes high value ecological and heritage assets. Many of these areas are now in

better condition today than when they were originally acquired, and form a critical part of

Defence’s training capability.

Defence has recognised that effective environmental management is an important part of

successfully undertaking Defence activities for some time. Defence developed the Defence

Environmental Policy in 2005 to create clear objectives for the organisation as a whole. This Policy

included the approach to meeting Defence’s obligations under Commonwealth environmental

legislation and regulations such as the EPBC Act, as well as broader environmental management

objectives such as energy efficiency.

In 2010, the Secretary for the Department of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force endorsed

the Defence Environmental Strategic Plan 2010-2014 (‘the Plan’). The Plan transitions from an issues

based approach contained in the Defence Environmental Policy towards an activities-based approach,

with specific objectives, commitments and performance metrics. The overall vision within the Plan is:

“Defences will be a leader in sustainable environmental management to support the ADF’s capability

to defend Australia and its interests.”

The Plan includes a recommitment to the Defence Policy Objectives, which are:

1) To implement innovative best practice approaches to environmental management that achieve

Defence and stakeholder requirements.

2) To integrate sustainable environmental management, including resource efficiency and

pollution prevention, into Defence activities, business processes and decisions.

3) To establish clear lines of accountability for environmental outcomes.

4) To raise the environmental awareness of Defence personnel through education, training and

ready access to necessary information.

5) To measure and report environmental performance as a part of a process of continual

improvement.

6) To create a climate of transparency and establish strategic partnerships with key

environmental stakeholders.

Actions to meet these objectives have been implemented or are being implemented at all levels

throughout Defence, reflecting the values and expectations of the Government and the community.

The Plan includes goals and commitments that are directly relevant to TS13. In particular, the sections

of the Plan dealing with ADF Training and Operations state that Defence will:

Ensure that the environmental impacts associated with major training activities and operations, in

which the ADF is involved, both domestically and overseas, are appropriately considered and

managed in accordance with Government and Defence Policies; and

Improve post activity reporting to include environmental considerations, including through use of

the Training Area Safety Management Information System (TASMIS).

The preparation of this PER document is a direct result of this commitment, and the implementation of

the second commitment was completed for TS11 through a post-exercise environmental report, and will

be a key feature of environmental controls for TS13. Specific performance metrics against this area

include no incidents constituting a significant environmental impact under the EPBC Act, as well as

monitoring and investigation of all non-conformances with environmental protection measures (such as

Range Standing Orders).

p 28


For the management of the Defence Estate, the Plan also carries the commitment that Defence will:

Manage land, air, sea across all sites to ensure that it is fit for ADF purposes, and maintains

habitats, landscapes and other cultural and heritage values. This includes managing threatening

processes such as erosion, bushfires and biosecurity risks.

This commitment is reflected in the risk based approach contained in this PER and related

Environmental Management Plans, including specific coverage of the threatening processes identified

above.

In addition, Defence manages a large number of places with identified and potential heritage value,

and is committed to balancing its operational and capability requirements with sound heritage

management. To this end the Defence Heritage and Biodiversity Conservation Section within the

Defence Environment and Engineering (EE) Branch has been established to manage heritage issues

across the Defence Estate. A Defence Heritage Toolkit has been developed to assist this process,

including the Defence Heritage Strategy. These can be accessed from:

http://www.defence.gov.au/environment/heritage.htm

3.3.2 Sustainable Training Area Management

The requirement for sustainable environmental management is integrated into exercise planning and

conduct, both on a daily training basis as well as larger joint and combined exercises that occur more

infrequently. Everyday environmental management practices to manage on-going activities on Defence

training areas such as Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville Field Training Area are included

in Standing Orders which must be complied with. The Environment Officers oversee a number of

environmental management initiatives, from flora and fauna management to conservation of natural

resources including energy and water. They also provide on-going environmental management advice

and guidance to personnel and contractors.

Standing Orders prescribe safety measures and environmental considerations to be observed by all

users of Defence training areas. It is mandatory that all unit commanders and exercise participants

carry out their training activities in accordance with the conditions defined in the relevant Standing

Orders, and in the Environmental Clearance Certificate for the particular activity and location. Standing

Orders are enforced on all Defence training areas, and both the ADF and the US Defence Force are

required to adhere to conditions defined in the relevant Standing Orders as reflected in the Joint

Statement of Environment and Heritage Principles (refer Section 3.3.3).

Guidance relating to processes to be employed in the planning and conduct of ADF exercises has

been developed. ADF Doctrine (Defence Instructions) is applied to both major joint or combined

exercises as well as smaller exercises where applicable.

The key goal of the doctrine is to provide guidance on responsibilities and reporting in relation to

prevention, mitigation and management measures to avoid environmental incidents and impacts.

3.3.3 Joint Statement of Environment and Heritage Principles

In November 2005, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and Commander

United States Pacific Command Admiral William J Fallon signed the historic Statement of Environment

and Heritage Principles. A copy of the Joint Statement is provided in Appendix A. The statement

acknowledges the importance of managing and using training areas sustainably. It demonstrates that

Australia and the US are committed to promoting a strong culture of sustainable environmental

management in all combined military activities. The principles encourage a high-quality and continual

improvement approach to the planning and conduct of Australian and US combined military activities.

http://www.defence.gov.au/environment/heritage.htm

p 29


The principles incorporate:

Environmental protection for current and future generations;

Ecologically sustainable development principles;

Understanding of environmental and heritage obligations and responsibilities;

Requirements to meet relevant obligations;

A commitment to a ‘continual improvement’ approach;

Impact mitigation for activities that may affect neighbouring landowners and communities;

A cooperative approach with relevant stakeholders where appropriate; and

Environmental impact management at the earliest stage of planning.

As the Field Training Exercise will be conducted in Australia, the ADF maintains the lead role in terms

of environmental management of the exercise, with HQJOC personnel supported by personnel from

Environment and Engineering Branch, who are responsible for all environmental approval, compliance

and obligations in relation to the exercise.

3.3.4 Defence Climate Change Policy

Defence aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its broad range of activities. Defence’s

Combat Climate Change initiative aims to increase awareness of climate change and greenhouse gas

emissions, and how individual actions can make a difference.

In a supporting capacity, Defence has a greenhouse gas reduction and energy saving strategy that is

part of its climate change program. Under its Combat Climate Change program, Defence has

committed to reducing energy and water use, minimising waste, enhancing recycling programs, and

implementing an on-going awareness and behavioural change program in its offices and on its bases.

The key elements of this program are communicated to exercise participants as part of the

environmental awareness induction briefings for appropriate application in field situations.

The modern military equipment used in a major exercise like TS13 relies heavily on the use of non-

renewable sources of energy. Though some experimental technologies using alternative fuels are

being explored, widespread use in military applications is still some time away. Major training

exercises use considerable resources and are expensive undertakings, which is why they are

conducted only as frequently as is necessary to meet training and security needs.

Exercise planners pay particular attention to the need to minimise the resources used to sustain the

exercise participants in the field as part of the logistics support planning for the exercise. For example,

very close attention is paid to planning for the fuel needed for an exercise activity to ensure sufficient

supplies are available when and where they are needed. The cost and logistical complexity of getting

fuel into the field minimises use within the limits of achieving training objectives.

During TS13 a Smart Power Technology system is planned to be deployed, to measure the energy

usage at certain power critical nodes, such as the hospital and command HQ.

Advances in computer simulation technology have helped dramatically reduce the need for large

numbers of live participants in military exercise training scenarios. As well as increasing safety and

reducing the cost associated with training, the simulation of exercise scenarios also reduces fuel and

energy used associated with the exercise. However, it should be noted that while simulation

technology can enhance the training effectiveness and lower costs, certain aspects of live field training

cannot be replicated by simulation.

p 30


3.4 Agreements and Assessments

3.4.1 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is the lead management agency for the

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. There has been on-going dialogue between

Defence and GBRMPA regarding the management of Defence training areas within the Great Barrier

Reef Marine Park. There are three training areas within this area, Shoalwater Bay, Halifax Bay and

Cowley Beach. Of these, Shoalwater Bay has remained the premier training location during all past

Talisman Sabre exercises, and it is proposed that the Cowley Beach Training Area may also be used

in TS13.

A workshop to identify the risks to the Great Barrier Reef from Defence Activities was held in 2005,

with the results ranked based on the level of risk and then assigned a management priority. Several

of these risks intersect with the activities planned for TS13. As a result specific management actions

have been developed to manage each of these risks down to a manageable level.

Figure 2 | Outcomes of the 2005 workshop on Assessment of the risks of Defence activities in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

(http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/australian-government-agencies/environmental-management-of-defence-activities)

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/australian-government-agencies/environmental-management-of-defence-activities

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/australian-government-agencies/environmental-management-of-defence-activities

p 31


The post-exercise report from TS11 noted that a small level of residual debris (five parachutes

unaccounted for) was found to have occurred, however the other risks noted in the analysis were

managed without incident.

A joint management agreement between Defence and GBRMPA was established in 2008 to create

agreed protocols for joint planning, management and information sharing. The agreement was to

have effect for three years. A particular feature of this agreement is an undertaking for consultation on

environmental management controls for Defence activities. GBRMPA have been involved in the

preparation of this PER document, and will have observers and communication procedures in place

during the TS13 exercise.

There is a direct linkage to the performance of the joint management agreement and the Great Barrier

Reef Outlook Report.

The latest Outlook Report prepared in 2009 noted that the management systems and processes were

particularly strong for Defence, and that Defence activities presented minimal threat to the Great

Barrier Reef.

In particular, it was noted that adequate resources for environmental management were provided by

Defence, and that there was effective communication with local communities (GBRMPA 2009, p.134).

HMAS Ballarat, Talisman Sabre 2011

p 32


This section outlines the Environmental Management Framework (the Framework) that is applied

during the pre-Exercise, Exercise and post-Exercise stages of TS13 in order to mitigate potential and

actual environmental impacts. The Framework includes the following key components, of which the

first three roughly align with the three Exercise stages:

Environmental Planning;

Environmental Management;

Environmental Reporting; and

Community and Stakeholder Consultation.

The Framework is subject to a process of continual improvement so that the environmental

management of Exercises incorporates and is improved by lessons learned from previous Exercises.

This continual improvement is in line with the broader Defence Environmental Management System

(EMS) for all military activities.

4.1 TS13 Environmental Planning

The PER is the key component of environmental planning for TS13. The PER provides for the

assessment of potential environment and heritage impacts, and informs the development of specific

environmental mitigation and management measures to be implemented for the Exercise. These

measures may include site preparation to reduce the risk of negative impacts, or specific matters of

focus. Environmental planning is an established, integral component of Defence business –

environmental planning is not only applied for major activities and Exercises such as TS13.

The responsibility for environmental planning lies with the HQJOC Joint Exercises and Evaluation

Branch – Environment Team (JEEB-ET). This Team will coordinate environmental aspects of

Exercise planning and the implementation of its identified preparation measures for TS13.

The environmental planning for TS13 comprises an environmental review incorporating the following

tasks:

Review of the nature, scale and extent of proposed TS13 Exercise activities, and the comparison

of these to the TS11 Exercise activities;

Review of the environmental and heritage features of the areas, both Defence and non-Defence,

where the activities will take place;

Review of the existing environmental management and protection controls in place, including

Defence controls. These controls include Training Area, Base or Range Standing Orders,

Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) with specific EMPs for Maritime Activities and RAAF

Operations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP);

Review of environmental impacts and incidents reported for TS09 and TS11;

Review of issues raised during community consultation undertaken for TS11; and

An environmental risk assessment based upon a consideration of information gathered from the

above activities. This risk assessment includes the identification of mitigation measures to reduce

that risk posed to the environment.

4 Environmental

Management Framework

p 33


The environmental risk assessment for the proposed TS13 activities was undertaken by Aurecon with

input from the HQJOC JEEB-ET, DSG environmental personnel and Government agency

stakeholders. The outcomes of the environmental review, including the environmental risk

assessment, are presented in this PER.

4.2 TS13 Environmental Management

The environmental management for TS13 activities is founded on the integration of three key aspects,

being the:

Outcomes of the environmental review of the individual sites and previous TS Exercises

environmental reviews including risk assessment (Exercise Environmental Planning) as per

section 4.1;

Current environmental management controls; and

Environment Management Controls developed specifically for TS13.

4.2.1 Environmental Management Plan

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for TS13 is being developed to form the central guidance

document for management of all environmental matters throughout the Exercise. The EMP will provide

a summary of environment matters to be managed, clear guidance on responsibilities, environment

management processes and planned controls, including exercise monitoring and incident

management. The EMP will include the direction and responsibilities that mitigate potential

environmental impacts identified in the environmental review including risk assessment process. The

EMP will also provide the link to Controls contained within Training Area, Base or Range Standing

Orders and EMPs as well as in Exercise specific procedures and instructions.

4.2.2 Environmental Roles and Responsibilities

Key roles and responsibilities for particular positions with oversight of Exercise environmental

management have been established as follows:

Officer Conducting the Exercise: Being the Commander Joint Operations Command who

retains overall responsibility for ensuring environmental compliance;

Exercise Director: Responsible for ensuring that environmental management measures are

implemented in all aspects of the Exercise;

Military Commanders: To ensure that their respective units implement the applicable

environmental controls and that all personnel have the means to meet their environmental

responsibilities, including awareness training and the provision of appropriate equipment and

resources to respond immediately to any environmental incidents; and

Regulating Authority. The Regulating Authority provides coordination of environmental reporting

on leaving training areas, and in particular of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Key roles and responsibilities for groups with direct involvement of environmental planning,

management and actions, have been established as follows:

Combined Exercise Control Group: Responsible for the integration of environmental planning

outcomes and environmental risk management strategies into their plans. Environmental input

into Exercise planning is being coordinated by HQJOC JEEB-ET.

Unit Environmental Liaison Officers: Military personnel designated by the Unit Commanders,

will coordinate, monitor and report on environmental matters for each operational unit throughout

TS13. The Unit Environmental Liaison Officers will maintain regular liaison with Range Control

(see below) throughout TS13.

p 34


Environmental Monitoring Group: A team of military personnel with environmental expertise

and knowledge of the training areas, who are responsible for environmental management during

the exercise. Primary responsibilities will include conducting unit level liaison and education,

compliance monitoring and post exercise reporting. Other duties may include vehicle inspections,

assisting with unit march-in/march-out inspections, escort duties and all other environmental

requirements in support of the Exercise.

Defence Support Environmental Team: Within which is a separate and existing environmental

team comprising technical environmental personnel (Regional Environment Officers and Senior

Environment Managers) of the Department of Defence. Defence Support Environmental Team

personnel will develop Environmental Clearance Certificates and provide specific

environmental advice to the Environmental Monitoring Group, conduct pre and post exercise

inspections, liaise with external stakeholders and prepare a list of damages / outstanding

issues / remediation actions.

Range Control: An existing management arrangement responsible for the coordinated and

sustainable use of large field training areas. For the Exercise, Range Control will run its normal

operations such as unit march-in/march-out inspections at Townsville Field Training Area,

Cowley Beach Training Area, Bradshaw Field Training Area, Delamere Range Facility and Mount

Bundey Training Area. Range control will provide further support to the Exercise, beyond its

standard responsibilities, if and when requested.

Detailed responsibilities of the groups identified above are provided in the following sub-sections.

4.2.2.1 Combined Exercise Control Group

Specific responsibilities of the Combined Exercise Control Group (CECG), coordinated through the

HQJOC JEEB senior environmental planner, include:

Engaging with State and Territory Governments, non-government organisations (NGOs) and local

communities throughout the planning and implementation phases of the Exercise as appropriate

and recording all comments or queries;

Managing complaints in accordance with a Complaints Handling Procedure;

Consolidating post activity reports submitted by Unit Environmental Liaison Officers;

Coordinating the assessment of the implementation of environmental controls and any

requirements for post-exercise rehabilitation, in consultation with the Defence Support Group;

Preparing a summary Environment Post Exercise Report, to be submitted to the Australian

Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

(DSEWPaC) and key stakeholders. The report will draw upon the post activity reporting

undertaken by the Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s and Environmental Monitoring Group, and

pre and post exercise inspections undertaken by the Defence Support Group; and

Facilitate a post exercise briefing to identify key issues, logistical problems, ease of application of

environmental requirements and lessons learnt. Any key issues, themes and occurrences are

incorporated as part of planning for future major military exercises.

4.2.2.2 Unit Environmental Liaison Officers

Specific responsibilities of the Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s include:

Advising their Commander, Officers and other Unit personnel on the environmental protection and

mitigation measures relevant to their Unit’s activities;

Monitoring compliance with environmental controls, such as Exercise Instructions, Standing

Orders and Environmental Clearance Certificates (issued by DSO);

Maintaining regular liaison with Range Control throughout the Exercise;

Investigating and reporting environmental incidents to Range Control, DSG and the Environmental

Management Group;

p 35


Ensuring completion of remediation works prior to leaving the site on conclusion of the Exercise

component; and

Ensuring compliance with march-out procedures, including attendance at march-in and march-out

inspections, completing post activity reports (including Environmental Clearance Certificate close

outs), and facilitating unit clearance through Environmental Monitoring Group and Range Control.

The Unit Environmental Liaison Officers will be supported by the Environmental Monitoring Group.

4.2.2.3 Environmental Monitoring Group

The structure of the Environmental Monitoring Group to be established for TS13 is shown in Figure 3.

Environmental Monitoring Group Headquarters will be located at Rockhampton, with deployment to

other Defence and non-Defence sites as required to fulfil the Environmental Monitoring Group’s

responsibilities.

Figure 3 | Environmental Monitoring Group Structure for TS13

The Environmental Monitoring Group will comprise dedicated Environmental Monitoring personnel to

address training areas of the North Australian Range Complex and East Australian Range Complex,

non-Defence land and maritime areas (i.e. Environmental Monitoring Group - Afloat). There will be

personnel focusing on land, air and maritime components, of those physical locations as appropriate.

Specific responsibilities of the Environmental Monitoring Group include:

Providing technical advice, such as environmental protection and mitigation measures, to Unit

Commanders and Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s on environmental protection and mitigation

measures. This advice will be provided as required before, during and after the Exercise;

Conducting unit march-in and march-out (extraction) inspections;

p 36


Monitoring compliance with environmental controls, such as Exercise Instructions, Training Area

Standing Orders and Environmental Clearance Certificates;

Investigating and reporting environmental incidents to Range Control and Combined Exercise

Control Group, if required; and

Providing post-exercise environmental reports on performance.

4.2.2.4 Actions – Environmental Monitoring Group

The Environmental Monitoring Group will undertake a number of management actions throughout

TS13, from pre-Exercise establishment through to post-Exercise reporting and briefing. Table 2

describes the pre-and during Exercise environmental management actions associated with training

elements that are planned for TS13. These are consistent with ADF protocols for major exercises.

Table 2 | Group Actions and Responsibilities

Training Element Description

Pre-Exercise

Actions

Defence will nominate the Environmental Monitoring Group personnel and

establish the structure of the Environmental Management Groups.

Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s will also be assigned by each Unit

Commander.

The roles and responsibilities for individual members and personnel forming the

Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s, the Environmental Monitoring Group and

Defence Support Group will be clearly identified as part of pre-Exercise

briefings.

Defence Support Group will undertake pre-Exercise inspections and

documentation of key Exercise areas as required to identify pre-Exercise

remediation / upgrade works and to assist in the identification of Exercise impacts

during the post-activity checks.

Pre-Exercise (planning phase)

Consultation and

Communications

Defence will engage with Federal, State and Local Government, Non-

Government Organisations and local communities throughout the planning and

execution stages of TS13 as appropriate.

All comments or queries will be logged and any complaints will be managed

appropriately in accordance with a Complaints Handling Procedure. Defence

Support Operations has responsibility to liaise with external stakeholders on

environmental issues.

Deployment for

Exercise Activity

Relevant controls specified in the TS13 EMP will be provided to Exercise

participants - as Exercise Instructions - for a given exercise activity. The Unit

Environmental Liaison Officer’s s will monitor compliance against these Exercise

Instruction Controls.

The Environmental Management Group providing more detailed and secondary

compliance monitoring for key exercise activities and areas.

p 37



Extraction from

Activity

At the close of the Exercise, extraction of personnel is managed on a policy of

“no footprint‟, with all Exercise materials, equipment and debris removed and all disturbances (e.g. tracks, ditches) rehabilitated. Extraction (removal and rehabilitation) requirements will be guided by the Exercise Instructions, EMP and Pre-Exercise inspection, and will be monitored and verified by the Unit Environmental Liaison Officer’s.

The Environmental Monitoring Group will provide more detailed and secondary compliance monitoring for key exercise activities and areas. All visiting units must abide by these requirements.

March-Out Procedures.

The unit must obtain clearance from the Environmental Monitoring Group / Range Control and provide completed Post Activity Reports before they are authorised to leave the Exercise site.

Operational

Corrective Action

Defence recognises that the key to operational corrective action is rapid incident reporting and incident response. The requirements for incident reporting and incident response are included in Exercise Instructions and Environmental Management Plan, including notification of the Unit Environmental Liaison Officer in the first instance and notification and involvement of the Environmental Management Group for more serious incidents.

4.2.2.5 Defence Support Environment Group

A separate group will be established of existing environmental personnel (including Senior

Environment Managers, Environment Officers and Range Control Officers) and will operate

independently from the Environmental Monitoring Group.

Senior Environment Managers and Environment Officers are responsible for the on-going

environmental management of the Defence estate and have specialist environmental expertise. Their

existing on-going responsibility for the sites provides them with knowledge of the properties for some

time prior to the Exercise, as well as post-Exercise management.

Specific responsibilities of the Defence Support (Environment) Group include:

Assessing the need for and developing Environmental Clearance Certificates and providing

tailored advice and approval for specific actions affecting the environment;

Conducting pre and post exercise inspections and basic condition assessment of high priority

sites;

Briefing and advising the Environmental Monitoring Group on specific environmental issues and

mitigation;

Preparing a list of gross environmental damages, outstanding issues and remediation actions; and

Liaising with external stakeholders on environmental issues as required (i.e. GBRMPA, DEHP and

DSEWPaC)

4.2.2.6 Range Control

Range control is the term given to the group of personnel responsible for the coordinated and

sustainable use of training areas. Range Control are dedicated and generally located on-site for those

training areas attached to a base or may be of high use.

Range control will provide support to the Exercise that is part of its routine activities.

p 38


Specific standard responsibilities of Range Control that will apply for this Exercise and relevant to the

Environmental aspect include:

Booking of ranges or parts of ranges;

Managing the quality of the range including infrastructure maintenance and facilities; and

Managing the use of the range to minimise environmental pressures and enable recovery time as

required.

4.2.3 Environmental Controls

4.2.3.1 Documentation

A number of on-going environmental controls are in place for Defence areas and activities to manage

the impacts of routine activities. In additional to these, specific controls will be developed to recognise

the potential impacts from TS13 activities. “Controls” is the term for documents that identify the

requirements, processes and actions to manage the use of a property or equipment safely and

responsibly.

A summary of the on-going (current) and exercise-specific environmental controls applicable to

TS13 is presented in Table 3 below. All controls (documents) are internal Defence documents.

Table 3 | Defence Environmental Controls

Control Description Applicable to

TS13 Exercise EMP Provides overarching guidance on environmental management requirements for TS13, including use of current environmental controls, requirements for exercise-specific controls and a framework for implementation, corrective action and review.

The EMP will be developed from the TS11 EMP and from this TS13 PER.

Whole of exercise

Specific EMP:

ADF Maritime

Activities EMP

Provides guidance on environmental management requirements for Maritime Activities. The Maritime Activities EMP includes the implementation components of: Planning Guides, Planning Handbooks and Procedure Cards.

Maritime Activities

Specific EMP:

RAAF Aircraft

Operations EMP

Provides guidance on environmental management requirements for aircraft operations. It includes the following implementation components: Planning Handbook, Technical Reference Manual, Procedure Cards and Planning Guides.

It is designed to be used in conjunction with the ADF Maritime Activities EMP Planning Guides and Procedure cards (where activity is over-water).

Aircraft operations

Standard EMP:

Site Heritage Management Plans (HMPs)

Site EMPs

Site Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)

Provide overarching guidance on environmental management requirements for a specific Defence training area or base, including environmental controls, implementation, corrective action and review. Site HMPs, EMPs and EMSs are focused on the management of routine activities and maintenance of environmental values on Defence properties rather than the conduct of major exercises.

Most Defence training areas and support sites

p 39


Control Description Applicable to

Standing Orders (SOs) and Standing

Instructions (SIs)

for each Training Area, Base or Range of the Exercise

Regulate the conduct of Defence activities at a specified Defence property, including environment and heritage requirements.

Training Area, Base and Range Standing Orders, and Standing Instructions provide controls for activities within a certain scope. Beyond that addressed scope, activity-specific controls are required through Environmental Clearance Certificates.

It is mandatory for users of Defence training areas (both Australian and foreign Military forces) to adhere to these orders and instructions.

All Defence training areas and support sites

Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC)

Regulates the conduct of Defence activities that lie outside the scope of Training Area, Base or Range Standing Orders or SIs That is, it provides the authority, following inspection and advice, to undertake an activity that may cause limited and specified impacts, and the actions required to minimise, rehabilitate and (if appropriate) offset that impact.

ECCs are investigated and issued for activities undertaken outside of Defence properties.

Specific activities or areas as required

These Controls will inform and be referenced in the Combined Exercise Instruction (CEI) and Exercise

Instructions to be issued to exercise participants, and to be monitored for compliance by the Unit

Environmental Liaison Officer’s and Environmental Monitoring Group during the exercise. The

structure of the environmental Controls for TS13 is illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4 | Structure of the Environmental Management Controls for TS13

p 40


4.2.3.2 Impact Mitigation and Avoidance

Risk elimination is the most effective mitigation measure and has been applied to TS13 activities

where appropriate. For example:

There are no plans for nuclear powered warships to approach within 10km of the coast, except

where approaching ports that have been approved by the Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear);

Certain areas of high sensitivity in Defence training areas have been designated as “no go‟ zones,

therefore not permitting TS13 activities to be undertaken within them and reducing

associated risks;

Potentially contaminating activities (e.g. refuelling, vehicle servicing, latrines, and field kitchens)

are prohibited within the Capricorn Coast water catchment area within Shoalwater Bay Training

Area; and

Use of depleted uranium munitions is not authorised for TS13 or any other exercise in Australia.

Engineering controls have been applied to risks where they are of a localised and predictable nature.

For example, the thinning of vegetation in impact areas / firing ranges and the associated buffer

zones has been undertaken to reduce the impact of fire outbreaks, whilst retaining ample cover to

ensure that erosion and sedimentation is minimised.

Operational controls are readily applied to risks associated with spatially dispersed activities,

activities of a limited duration and/or that may be subject to changes in location or timing to best

meet Exercise requirements. Therefore, operational controls may be more appropriate than

engineering controls for the majority of activities to be undertaken in TS13.

The use of established operational controls, including Standing Orders, Standing Instructions and

Procedure Cards is appropriate as most of the proposed activities for TS13 are of a routine nature.

Where non-routine activities are proposed, specific management requirements are included in

Environmental Clearance Certificates in accordance with established procedures.

4.2.4 Environmental Awareness

Environmental awareness is an important component of the Framework for TS13. It is undertaken to

enable all participants to understand the potential environmental impacts and associated management

requirements for the Exercise. In particular, awareness of the relevant environmental controls to be

implemented during TS13, including the role and responsibility of individual participants is critical to

the successful prevention, minimisation and reporting of environmental impacts.

Environmental awareness will be delivered to Exercise participants, whether from Australian and US

forces, through:

Environmental inductions;

Environmental awareness DVD;

Environmental awareness cards; and

Exercise instructions and orders

Unit and Group briefings.

4.3 TS13 Environmental Reporting

The ultimate environmental reporting outcome for TS13 will be the Post-Exercise Environment Report.

This report outlines the environmental assessment and planning undertaken particularly prior to the

exercise, the environmental management undertaken particularly during the Exercise and the

environmental outcomes identified particularly post-Exercise.

The Post Exercise Environment Report will be prepared by JEEB with input from the preceding

documents (including Controls) and the following reporting elements.

p 41


4.3.1 Environmental Monitoring Group Actions

The Environmental Monitoring Group will be the key authority to undertake reporting and briefing

actions at the conclusion of TS13. These reporting activities are described in Table 4.

Table 4 | Post Exercise Environmental Reporting


Post Activity

Checks

Post activity checks will be undertaken by Environmental Management Group

personnel to verify:

The implementation of environmental controls:

The effectiveness of environmental controls: and

Any additional rehabilitation / remediation works that are required.

The post activity checks will be documented with photographic records. Any

rehabilitation or remedial works identified through the checks will be undertaken

immediately.

DSO will prepare a list of damages, outstanding issues and rehabilitation /

remediation works.

Post Exercise

Report

An Environment Post Exercise Report will be prepared that provides advice on

the:

Compliance with environmental controls;

Any serious incidents and the subsequent reporting and response actions;

Rehabilitation and remedial works required; and

Effectiveness of environmental controls and recommendations for any

improvements for subsequent exercises.

The report will be prepared by the Combined Exercise Control Group with

support from the Defence Support (Environment) Group. It will be prepared

using a range of resources including input from the Unit Environment Liaison

Officers, Unit Commanders, reports (of any incidents), March Outs and physical

site inspections. Once completed, it will be submitted to Senior Defence

management, DSEWPaC and key stakeholders at the end of the exercise. This

report will be used to assess compliance of Exercise activities with the TS13

EMP.

p 42



Post Exercise

Briefing

A post Exercise briefing will be held with key Defence and US personnel to

identify key issues such as:

Environmental incidents that occurred, impacts and response actions;

Effectiveness of environmental controls and implementation (e.g. ease of

understanding, appropriateness of TS13 specific EMPs in undertaking

activities);

Implementation issues for environmental management (e.g. ease of use,

communication);

Community concerns immediately prior to and during the Exercise,

including any complaints registered; and

Lessons learnt and improvements for subsequent Exercises.

The HQJOC JEEB will keep records of this Briefing and maintain these for

input into the environmental planning and management of subsequent

Exercises.

It is proposed that a second post Exercise briefing is held with key

stakeholders including DSEWPaC, GBRMPA, Queensland Department of

Environment and Heritage Protection to discuss any environmental incidents

and compliance with the TS13 EMP and any other relevant matters.

4.3.2 Unit Environmental Liaison Officer Actions

The Unit Environmental Liaison Offices will undertake a number of reporting actions at the conclusion

of TS13 that are to support the Environmental Monitoring Groups’ reporting actions, and to support the

on-going local management of the site. These actions are drawn from the roles and responsibilities of

the Officers and include to:

Document completed and (any) incomplete / additional remediation works for a site;

Ensuring compliance with Unit extraction procedures, including attendance at inspections,

completing post activity reports (including Environmental Clearance Certificate close outs to pass

to the DSO, and facilitating unit clearance with the Environmental Monitoring Group and with

Range Control; and

Documenting compliance with environmental controls, such as Exercise Instructions and

Standing Orders.

4.3.3 Defence Support Operations Actions

The Defence Support (Environment) Group will undertake a number of reporting actions at the

conclusion of TS13 that are to support the Environmental Monitoring Group reporting actions, and to

support the on-going local management of the site. These actions are drawn from the roles and

responsibilities of the Group, and include to:

Confirm compliance with any issued Environmental Clearance Certificate remediation or

management requirements including to review the Close-out of the ECC by the Unit Environment

Liaison Officer;

Conduct post Exercise inspections and basic condition assessment of high priority sites;

Brief the Environmental Monitoring Group on specific environmental issues and mitigations

undertaken during and post Exercise;

p 43


Preparing a list of major environmental damages or impacts, outstanding issues and remediation

actions; and

Liaison and communications with external stakeholders (in particular with GBRMPA, DEHP

and/or DSEWPaC) on environmental issues as held during the Exercise.

4.4 Stakeholder and Community Consultation

4.4.1 Preparation for Consultation Activity

The Defence Environmental Strategic Plan identifies the requirement to balance land, sea and air

activities necessary to sustain ADF capability, while using a sustainable management approach that

preserves a positive legacy for future generations. Defence also values its role as an environmental

steward and recognises the importance of perception within the community. An integral component of

TS13 is communicating potential environmental impacts associated with the exercise and the

proposed environmental management measures to address these.

Defence is undertaking a community consultation program for TS13, which includes a range of

activities aimed at ensuring that the consultation process is open and transparent and the community

is well informed and aware of channels to provide feedback. Consultation methods include community

information sessions, to be held in Rockhampton and Yeppoon, advertisements in local and state

newspapers, information provided on a dedicated website, a free-call number for queries and library

displays throughout the consultation period. These activities are summarised in Table 5 below.

The consultation period on the draft TS13 PER commenced on 24 September 2012 and is due to

conclude on 26 October 2012 (25 working days). Stakeholder briefings are being undertaken across

the project area, and to further support the consultation process, two public information sessions are

being held in Rockhampton and Yeppoon. The sessions are being held in major shopping centres that

are accessible by public transport to provide interested community members with an opportunity to

view and discuss the TS13 PER with the project team. Copies of the Draft PER will be available at

every display and through the dedicated TS13 website.

In addition, fact sheets have been developed about the Exercise and PER, activity locations,

sustainable environmental measures, environmental controls, legislative requirements, frequently

asked questions and the consultation process. These fact sheets and a copy of the draft PER have

been distributed to libraries in the Exercise location areas (Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Townsville,

Darwin, Canungra and Amberley) in both hard copy and electronic format. The TS13 PER website

was launched on Monday 24 September 2012 and contains the draft PER, fact sheets, maps of the

location activities and an online submission facility to allow submissions to be made online.

A letter outlining the Exercise, the PER and the consultation process has been mailed to stakeholders,

community groups and individuals. The letter provides advice about how information about the draft

TS13 PER can be obtained. A consultation database for the TS13 PER has also been established to

ensure that interested stakeholders and groups continue to receive information and updates on the

PER.

Details of the TS13 PER and consultation process have also been provided to organisations to display

on their websites, including the Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development and Fitzroy Basin

Association, and email reminders on the close of the consultation process will be sent to stakeholders

with known email addresses encouraging submissions.

p 44


Table 5 | TS13 Community Consultation Activities

Communication Tool Description

1800 Number, Reply

Paid & project email

address

A freecall (1800) project information line, reply paid facility and project email

address established leading up to the PER and for the duration of the

consultation period to allow for points of contact with the evaluation team, an

avenue for stakeholder feedback and a general point of information.

Advertisements Advertisements and public notices run in state and local newspapers at key

milestones within the project and PER consultation period.

Community

Information

Sessions

Four information sessions held in Rockhampton and Yeppoon. The displays

allow the public access the project team to seek clarifications and submit

project queries.

Static Displays Static displays set up within the areas of public consultation, throughout the

entire consultation period, where information about the PER is freely available.

Fact Sheets Fact sheets available at the information sessions, staffed displays and upon

request to highlight key areas of the PER and general information to better

inform the community about Defence and the exercise itself.

Information Packs Letters sent to key stakeholder groups advising them of the PER, community

consultation dates, website details, and where copies of fact sheets and the

draft PER can be obtained.

Website A website developed for the TS13 PER to promote awareness and progress of

the PER process and to allow access to all information e.g. fact sheets,

publicise community engagement opportunities throughout the PER

consultation period and allow the community to make submissions to project

members. The website can be accessed at

www.aurecongroup.com/talismansabre2013

4.4.2 Outcomes of Consultation Activity

TO BE COMPLETED ON CONCLUSION OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PERIOD


p 45


This section describes the key environmental risks that may arise from activities carried out as part of

TS13, and discusses how these risks will be managed. The following methodology was employed in

the identification of issues:

Liaison with Headquarters Joint Operations Command and Defence Support personnel for

Queensland and Northern Territory to build an understanding of planned activities for TS13,

regional environmental issues and concerns, and experience from TS11;

Desktop review of recent environmental studies, previous studies of major military exercises and

of past environmental performance to build an understanding of the current environmental values,

significant environmental, heritage and social impacts and adequacy of past environmental

mitigation and management; and

Environmental risk assessment to assess the environmental and reputational impacts and risks

associated with each of the proposed activities.

5.1 Environmental Risk Assessment

5.1.1 Commitment to Risk Management

The Joint Statement of Principles (provided in Appendix A), commits Australia and the US Armed

Forces to consider environmental impacts at the earliest stage of planning activities as an integrated

element of risk assessment and to strive to develop and implement measures to mitigate such impacts.

TS13 has evolved from the suite of exercises that have been conducted on a biannual basis since the

first major exercise of this type in 1999. To ensure an appropriate level of environmental management

is applied to identify risks, an environmental risk assessment has been undertaken in addition to the

routine environmental management provisions for military activities such as Training Area Standing

Orders, Standard Operating Procedures and / or specific instructions. Although a risk assessment is

not specifically required under Commonwealth legislation, by undertaking this process the Australian

and US exercise planners are able to systematically consider the potential for environmental impact

and develop appropriate management and mitigation measures to manage potential impacts.

5.1.2 Environmental Risk Assessment Process

An environmental risk assessment for TS13 was undertaken to identify all environmental risks

associated with the TS13 planned activities at the various training locations. The risk assessment

process followed a modified Environmental Risk Tool (ERT) framework developed by Defence and

used in its Environmental Management System. This process is based on the ISO 31000 Risk

Management Standard. The primary purpose of the risk assessment is to prioritise risks, so that

appropriate management measures can be focussed to mitigate adverse environmental, social and

heritage impacts.

5 Environmental Risk

Management

p 46


The TS13 risk assessment has the following key elements:

Activity

Location

Impact

Raw risk (includes existing ‘standard’ Defence controls)

Mitigation measures (TS13 specific)

Residual risk (with controls)

Planned activities were grouped into Live Firing, Non Live Firing, Vehicles and Equipment, Maritime

Operations, Exercise Logistics, Training Area Management and Science and Technology.

The raw and residual risk level of each activity was assessed for two risk dimensions: environment

and heritage; and reputation. Defence recognises that negative environmental impacts also have the

potential to compromise the public reputation of Defence and associated stakeholders in the planning

and staging of a major exercise. Accordingly, the potential for such risks was considered as part of the

risk assessment process to inform Defence of the impact on Defence’s reputation in managing the

estate.

The determination of risk is based on the following formula:

Risk = Likelihood of occurrence of hazard impact X Consequence of hazard impact

It should be noted that even with the application of controls, high risks are still possible, particularly if,

despite a very low likelihood of occurrence, the consequence of the impact is very high. The ERT

framework, including likelihood and consequence descriptors and description of risk dimensions is

provided in Appendix B.

5.1.3 Environmental Risk Workshop

Development of a major military exercise requires a high level of planning and coordination. This is

managed through a series of planning workshops, where proposed activities and requirements can be

discussed openly and issues resolved.

The environmental risk workshop was held during the latter stages of the initial planning conference,

utilising information on proposed activities that had been scoped during the planning workshop.

Environmental risks associated with each activity were assessed and prioritised. Preliminary controls

and mitigation measures were then discussed.

A number of stakeholder groups provided input to the draft risk assessment, including representatives

from Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Defence Support Group environment officers and the

Australian Government agencies, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC).

5.2 TS13 Key Environmental Risks

As part of the identification and assessment of possible environmental, heritage and reputational risks,

all of the TS13 proposed activities were assessed using the Defence ERT. It should be recognised

that most of the training activities proposed as part of TS13 are undertaken on a daily basis at sites

throughout Australia, e.g. Navy activities are regularly conducted in marine exercise areas. These

activities have controls and mitigation measures in place to reduce the risk of potential environmental

impacts. These existing management measures, which are fully integrated into Defence activities,

have been considered when determining the initial risk profile of each activity.

Due to the level of detail and similarities of impacts occurring across multiple locations, only those key

potential environmental impacts found to have medium (M) high (H) or very high (VH) risks of

occurring after the implementation of the standard mitigation measures have been summarised in

Table 6.

p 47


These risks have been grouped based on the environmental impact from the activity, while the risk

management methodologies are based on the actual activities to be undertaken.

For ease of reference, potential environmental impacts and management measures are further

detailed for each training area and support sites in Sections 6 and 7, respectively.

Table 6 | Summary of Key Environmental Impacts and Risks

Summary of Key Environmental Impacts and Risks

Category Potential Impact Potential Residual Risk

Consequence Likelihood Risk Rating

Marine

Soil Acid Sulphate Soils are exposed during marine

operations and coastal construction activities. Major Possible H

The operation of small water craft inshore, anchorage

or construction of wharf / naval lighterage disturbs

marine sediments and degrades marine habitat

(seagrass beds and mangroves).

Minor Likely M

Marine flora

and fauna

The movement of vessels and small water craft

(including amphibious landings) results in interactions

with marine fauna (dugongs, whales, dolphins etc.)

that disrupts or cause injury to marine species

Moderate Likely M

Accident involving nuclear powered vessel resulting in

exposure of reactor core. Severe Rare H

Noise Noise generated from small water craft / vehicles

during amphibious landings and low flying aircraft

disturbs marine fauna in the coastal zone. Note: no

turtles nesting or migratory shorebirds likely to be in

area during southern winter period (July- August).

Minor Possible M

Sonar Emissions of sonar from ships and submarines (or

other device) or sonar buoys deployed by aircraft

causes behavioural effects to marine mammals.

Minor Likely M

Hydrocarbon

storage and

usage

Accidental release of oils or fuels from small water

craft / vehicles during amphibious landings results in

degradation of water quality and impact on marine

habitat.

Severe Rare H

Vessel accident results in major oil spill and causes

damage to marine habitat and listed marine species. Major Unlikely M

Vessel and vehicle refuelling operations results in

minor fuel spills causing localised damage to marine

and intertidal habitat and listed marine species.

Minor Likely M

p 48


Summary of Key Environmental Impacts and Risks

Category Potential Impact Potential Residual Risk

Consequence Likelihood Risk Rating

Waste Non-biodegradable waste material accidentally

released from vessels or aircraft (including

parachutes) degrades water quality and marine

habitat. Plastic waste ingested by marine fauna or

marine fauna becomes entangled in waste.

Minor Likely M

Land and Air

Sediment

and erosion

Clearing of vegetation to establish target areas and

other infrastructure (including excavations) removes

protective vegetative cover and exposes soil,

increasing potential for soil erosion and sedimentation.

Major Possible H

Terrestrial

flora and

fauna

Clearing of target areas and other infrastructure and

movement of armoured vehicles off-road results in

damage or disturbance to vegetation and habitat.

Minor Possible M

Movement of vehicles, personnel and equipment

results in introduction and dispersal of weeds. Major Likely H

Weapons and explosions kills or injures individual

fauna species. Moderate Unlikely M

Aquatic flora

and fauna

Clearing, excavation and fill within a watercourse to

build bridges and culverts that may disturb aquatic

habitat and the flow regime of the watercourse.

Minor Likely M

Fire Fires started by live firing or other exercise results in

damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna,

cultural heritage sites or public/private property.

Major Likely H

Noise and

dust

Noise generated from live firing activity and low flying

aircraft results in disturbance to fauna and members

of the public

Minor Almost

certain M

Cultural

heritage

Clearing, excavations and movement of armoured and

heavy vehicles off-road results in damage or

disturbance to undiscovered cultural heritage sites,

particularly in the coastal zone.

Major Possible H

Hazardous

materials

storage and

usage

Inappropriate handling and storage of hazardous

materials causes accidental release or spillage that

result in contamination of soil, groundwater or surface

water.

Minor Possible M

Hydrocarbon

storage and

usage

Accidental release of fuels or oils from local refuelling

and operation of vehicles, aircrafts and other

equipment that results in contamination of soil, ground

and surface water.

Moderate Likely M

p 49


5.3 Risk Reduction Measures

Environmental controls and mitigation measures were developed for risks identified from the

environmental risk assessment and workshop. As the majority of activities undertaken for Talisman

Sabre are routinely undertaken at Defence Training Areas, most controls and mitigation measures are

already in place and embedded into training procedures.

Additional mitigation measures specific to TS13 were primarily identified where the higher intensity and

combined nature of the activities required additional measures and controls to further minimise the

likelihood and consequence of environmental impacts occurring.

Tables 7 to 10 provides a summary of risk reduction measures planned for key TS13 exercise

activities which include measures for maritime, air and land-based activities on Defence Training

Areas as well as activities on non-Defence land (including ports, roads and staging areas). These

activities were identified as requiring risk reduction measures based on their potential impact,

determined during the risk assessment process.

Table 7 | Maritime Activities Risk Reduction Measures

Maritime Activities Risk Reduction Measures

Maritime Activity Training Areas Risk Reduction Measures

Submarine

Operations

US submarines are

nuclear powered.

These vessels have

been used

previously for

Australian-based

exercises.

Coral Sea

Timor Sea

Arafura Sea

Standard Operating Procedures incorporating the

Maritime Activities EMP and Procedure Cards.

Observing International Maritime Convention for the

prevention of Collision at sea.

Environment and exercise specific briefing.

Issue notification to Mariners (via NOTMARS).

Anti-Submarine

Warfare (ASW)

(ASW) Sonar Use of

medium frequency

active sonar, towed

arrays and sonar

buoys.

Coral Sea Standard Operating Procedures incorporating the


Operating well off coast outside of migratory paths of

cetaceans, and include assigned personnel for

posted lookout for marine fauna. Sonar use

suspended if cetaceans sighted within 3600m of

vessel.

Mine

Countermeasures

Applied in mine

counter measures,

mine shape laying

and retrieval and

tracking of

watercraft.

SWBTA

Coral Sea



Sweeps are monitored and depths determined,

including recovery of all equipment.

Operating well off coast outside of migratory paths of

cetaceans and include assigned personnel for posted

look-out for marine fauna. Sonar use suspended if

cetaceans sighted within 3600m of vessel.

p 50




Underwater

Demolitions

SWBTA Standard Operating Procedures incorporating the

Training Area Standing Orders, Maritime Activities

EMP and Procedure Cards.

Inspections for presence of rocks and wreckages.

Confined to an area that does not contain seagrass

and is less than 2 ha in extent.

Inspection for marine mammals occurs prior to

demolition and no demolition is to take place if

marine mammals or turtles sighted within 2 nautical

miles of the site.

Replenishment at

Sea: Liquids and

Solids

Transfers of liquid

stores (oils) and

solids (equipment,

munitions and

provisions) between

vessels at sea.

Coral Sea

Timor Sea

Arafura Sea



Equipment maintenance.

Place drip trays under all hose couplings.

Ensure spill containment/clean-up equipment

available on deck for immediate response to any oil

spill or leaks.

Undertake regular checking of tank contents and

moderate pumping rates.

Wastewater

Discharge

Discharge of

greywater,

blackwater and

ballast water

SWBTA

Coral Sea

Timor

Arafura Sea



Greywater / blackwater discharge areas designated

by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Ballast water discharged prior to entering the Great

Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Explosive Stores

Handling of

explosive stores in

transfers between

vessels.

SWBTA Standard Operating Procedures for stores handling.

Amphibious operations Standard Operating

Procedures.

Unmanned

Underwater Vehicle

Use of automated

underwater vehicles

for mine

countermeasures.

SWBTA Standard Operating Procedures incorporating the


Beaching of

Amphibious

Landing Craft and

Landing Craft Air

Cushion (LCAC)

Transfers of

personnel and

stores across

coastal areas.

SWBTA

CBTA

Townsville

area (hard

standings)



Planning operation away from reef areas.

GBRMPA Policy and reef grounding procedures.

p 51




Wet Joint Logistics

Over the Shore

(JLOTS)

‘Wet’ joint logistics over

the shore training

which involves the

transfer of liquids via

pipelines or bladders

from ships to

designated shore

landing points

SWBTA Water is used in place of fuel.

Controls for placement, monitoring and recovery of

pipeline to be developed where required.

Control actions (where required) to form part of

communications plan.

Table 8 | Air Activity Risk Reduction Measures

Air Activity Risk Reduction Measures

Air Activity Training Areas Risk Reduction Measures

High explosive

bombing at training

areas

SWBTA

TFTA

DRF

BFTA

MBTA

Training Area and Range Standing Orders.

Safety procedures and buffer zones.

Declared Defence Practice Areas.

RAAF Aircraft Operations EMP.

Practice Bombing

at Training Areas

SWBTA

TFTA

Saumarez

Reef

Training Area and Range Standing Orders.

Safety procedures and buffer zones.

Declared Defence Practice Areas.


Communication

frequency

‘jamming’

SWBTA

BFTA

Coral Sea

Specific Spectrum Management Agency controls (only

on approval from Chief Safety Officer) to avoid

disturbance to domestic and emergency services

communication networks.


Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (UAV)

SWBTA

Coral Sea

Application of Air Space Management Plan to define

designated aerial zones.

Low flying by

aircraft

SWBTA

TFTA

BFTA

MBTA

Coral Sea

Application of Air Space Management Plan to define

designated aerial zones.

Training Area Standing Orders at respective training

areas to avoid known sensitive zones (e.g. Byfield,

Stockyard Point and Marlborough communities, Pelicans

Rock, Akens Island and Bay Island for SWBTA. Herveys

Range community at Thorntons Gap adjoining TFTA

and neighbouring cattle property homesteads).


Air-to-air refuelling SWBTA

TFTA

Coral Sea

Equipment testing and maintenance.

Application of controls within Standard Operating

Procedures.


p 52


Table 9 | Land Activity Risk Reduction Measures

Land Activity Risk Reduction Measures

Land Activity Training Areas Risk Reduction Measures

Waste generation

(at campgrounds,

drop zones and

general training

areas)

TBC Provisioning for waste carriage and collections.

Controls in force through Training Area Standing Orders.

Environmental Monitoring Group & exercise umpires to

monitor.

Environmental awareness video and procedure card for

each training area.

Vehicle movement

into training areas

SWBTA

TFTA

BFTA

MBTA

Training Area Standing Orders controlling vehicle entry and

exit wash down procedures.

Environmental awareness video and procedure card for

each training area.

Environmental Monitoring Group.

Vehicle

manoeuvre and

battle runs

SWBTA

BFTA

Training Area Standing Orders controlling areas that can

be impacted from manoeuvres and battle runs.

Live fire activity

Small calibre firing

and larger

munitions fire

(mortars etc.)

SWBTA

TFTA

BFTA

MBTA

DRF

Training Area Standing Orders strictly applied for all firing

activity.

Designated live fire sectors.

Safety procedures.

Buffer zones.

Checking of firing templates and equipment maintenance.

Fire Management Plans.

Annual water quality monitoring.

Refuelling of

vehicles including:

military transport

vehicles and light

and heavy

armoured vehicles

SWBTA

TFTA

BFTA

MBTA

Provision of spill containment equipment.

Adhere to Australian Standards on fuelling equipment.

Controls in force through Training Area Standing Orders.

For example no potentially contaminating activities such

as refuelling, vehicle servicing and maintenance within

100m of a watercourse or within the Capricorn Coast

Water Catchment Area.

Annual water quality monitoring.

Construction /

demolition /

excavation

SWBTA Provision of “Awareness Cards” to raise environmental

awareness.

Training Area Standing Orders covering construction,

demolition, excavation and remediation.

p 53


Table 10 | Ports and Other Non-Defence Land Risk Reduction Measures

Ports and Other Non-Defence Land Risk Reduction Measures

Planned Activity Training Areas Risk Reduction Measures

Staging of Military

Personnel and

Equipment

(Camps, road transport

of troops and

equipment including

large convoys)

Specific

locations

outside of

Defence

land

Follow Standard Operating Procedures.

Issue awareness cards and briefing on environmental

protocols for TS13.

Weed survey and control before establishing camps.

Community instructions on planned road movements.

Ports: Cargo

(Explosives)

Transfers

Port Alma

Port of

Darwin

Port Alma selected for approved port for handling of

explosives.

Procedure for ammunition handling and accounting

supplemented with operator training and equipment

maintenance (including factory testing of ammunition

safety mechanisms).

Ports: Cargo

(Liquid) Transfers

All Ports Provision of spill containment equipment.

Management response plans including GBRMP reef plan

(and GBRMPA standard guidelines on spill containment),

and Central Queensland Ports Authority plan.

Operator training including procedure briefing to all US

ships officers.

Visiting US Naval

Vessels

All Ports Implementation of quarantine procedures to mitigate

introduction of marine pests including:

Offshore inspections.

Ship hull inspections and cleaning.

Anti-fouling coatings on hulls.

Ballast water exchanges.

5.4 Detailed Management Actions for Areas of Concern

This section details the management actions to mitigate potential impacts that are of concern to the

community, particularly with respect to Australian – US combined exercises such as Talisman Sabre.

These areas of concern were identified in the community consultation undertaken for previous

exercises.

5.4.1 Quarantine

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity (formerly The Australian

Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)) is responsible for maintaining biosecurity within Australia.

All foreign visitors, including US Military personnel must comply with Biosecurity requirements and

specific quarantine controls and inspections apply to all vessels, aircraft and equipment being

introduced into Australia including that proposed for use during TS13. Biosecurity has established

guidelines and resources for administering quarantine for ADF and foreign military activities, which is

managed by the National Coordination Centre – Military.

p 54


As occurred during the TS11 exercise, Biosecurity officers will travel to offshore locations to pre-inspect

US military equipment prior to arriving in Australia for the exercise. This will assist in meeting the short

timeframe requirements of the US military for clearance and will prevent Australian-based Biosecurity

facilities from being overloaded. The Biosecurity website also provides information to assist US military

units and personnel to comply with Australian quarantine requirements, including requirements for

ships and aircraft, vessel refuse, cleaning, food and mail.

5.4.2 Waste Management

Management of waste, both on land and at sea, increases in logistical complexity with larger training

activities such as TS13, due to the large number of personnel and diversity of activities. Training Area

Standing Orders include directives in accordance with Defence Instructions and Australian guidelines,

including those described as follows:

Solid waste is not to be buried, burnt or left on training areas;

All solid waste materials must be taken and disposed of in designated waste collection facilities;

Reticulated sewage systems are used to manage human waste at main camping areas;

Specific storage areas for petrol, oils, lubricants and ammunition must be utilised; and

Maritime dumping of waste is carried out in accordance with RAN Standard Operating Procedures

that meet or exceed Australian Maritime Policy.

Hazardous wastes are primarily related to vehicle or equipment maintenance activities (e.g. oil and

battery changes) which would mostly occur at ports or bases prior to deployment for the exercise, thus

the generation of hazardous wastes during TS13 will be relatively limited. Any hazardous wastes

generated by warships will be contained within these ships and will not be discharged at sea as

specified in accordance with Basel Convention obligations. Nuclear powered warships do not

generate any radioactive waste.

In addition to the existing Standing Orders a waste management strategy will be prepared for the

TS13 exercise, as part of the EMP. This will include the provision of waste collection facilities that

enable the separation of recyclables. Waste will only be disposed by participants in allocated areas.

Measures to reduce water consumption associated with the exercise activities will be implemented

without compromising the training objectives or the health and safety of exercise participants

5.4.3 Land and Water Contamination

All users of Defence training areas are required to adhere to Training Area Standing Orders and

exercise specific Environmental Clearance Certificates to ensure compliance with Defence policy and

Commonwealth legislation including the EPBC Act. Environmental Clearance Certificates specify the

environmental mitigation and management requirements for each training activity and must be

approved before the training can commence. The Training Area Standing Orders detail procedures for

water resource protection and pollution prevention.

Such procedures include:

Shoalwater Bay Training Area:

Under the SWBTA Standing Orders, the Capricorn Coast Water Catchment Area is defined as a

‘Conditional Use’ area, which prohibits potentially contaminating activities such as refuelling,

vehicle servicing and maintenance, field latrines, shower points, field kitchens and sullage

disposal.

The Standing Orders also prohibit any significant land disturbance or engineering works within

the Capricorn Coast Water Catchment Area, and any use of the area is subject to the approval

of Defence’s SWBTA environmental officers.

No use of high explosives is allowed within the Capricorn Coast Catchment Area.

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Mount Bundey Training Area and Bradshaw Field Training Area:

No field camps, administrative / maintenance, refuelling areas, portable toilets or latrines,

disposal of grey water or burying of human waste is permitted within 200 m of a watercourse

(flowing or dry).

Spillage of petrol, oil or other potentially hazardous material to be reported to Range Control

immediately.

Water pollution is to be reported to Range Control Immediately.

Storage and handling requirements for POL and chemicals are specified in Standard Operating

Procedures.

Refuelling facilities are on hardstands and bunded with provision of POL spill clean-up kits.

Annual water quality monitoring is conducted at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Townsville Field

Training Area, Mount Bundey Training Area and Cowley Beach Training Area.

5.4.4 Weed Management

Weed management, both preventing the introduction and dispersal, and control of weed infestations is

carried out on all Defence estates. Information on preventing introduction and dispersal is provided to

personnel by environmental awareness cards and weed prevention activities are specified in Training

Area Standing Orders. Additionally vehicle hygiene facilities including dedicated wash bays are located

at Training Areas, Barracks and other Defence facilities.

Mechanisms used for weed management include the following:

Inspection of ADF and US Armed Forces vehicles prior to entry and departure to training areas.

This includes the cleaning of all vehicles, equipment and vehicle loads prior to entry into the

Training Area at wash-down facilities. This also includes contractor vehicles;

Vehicles, boots and equipment must also be clean and free from contaminants;

Demarcation of ‘No Go’ areas where access is restricted due to safety, heritage or environmental

values or threats. For example areas of weed infestation are clearly marked on maps and

signposted as ‘no go’ areas to prevent dispersal; and

Weed surveys are regularly conducted and weed management plans developed that include

recommendations for management and priority areas for control.

5.4.5 Whales and Other Cetaceans

Both Australia and the US take the need to protect marine mammals from the effects of underwater

sound sources very seriously. RAN and US Navy ships are fitted with different types of mid-frequency

active sonar systems used in anti-submarine warfare and strict procedures, detailed in the RAN

Maritime Activities EMP, govern their use in Australian waters. In international waters, the US Navy

has strict procedures that apply to the systems that are fitted to US Navy ships. These procedures are

consistent with the Joint Statement of Environment and Heritage Principles.

As specified in the Maritime Activities EMP, during the planning phase preference is given to avoiding

known active whale migration times and aggregation areas. Training requirements are balanced with

regulatory obligations and environmental best practice measures to ensure potential impacts to

cetaceans are avoided.

A series of specific Procedure Cards to avoid impacts on marine cetaceans have been developed as

part the Maritime Activities EMP and are used during training exercises. There are several Procedure

Cards for operation of sensor systems, including operation of Anti-Submarine Warfare active sonars,

towed array sonars, minehunting sonars, mine and obstacle avoidance sonars, hydrographic survey

sonars, diver operated sonars, active sonobuoys and miscellaneous active sonars.

p 56


These procedures are among the most stringent in the world. Specific mitigation measures include:

ASW active sonars:

To the greatest extent possible avoid sonar transmissions with source levels above 210dB:

within30nm of the coastline in East Australia Exercise Area over the period May to September;

and the Capricorn Channel, SWBTA and the North Australian Exercise Area over the period July

to September

Maintain effective lookout for whales from the ship out to a range of 3,600 metres beginning 30

minutes before commencing transmission. Monitor any whales sighted in this period

Ensure at least a 3,600 metres separation between the ship and nearest whale at

commencement and during sonar transmission

Suspend sonar transmissions if a whale is sighted less than 3,600 metres from the ship.

Minehunting, mine and obstacle avoidance and hydrographic survey sonars:

Maintain effective lookout for whales in area of ship out to a range of 900 metres beginning 30

minutes before commencing transmission. Monitor any whales sighted in this period

Ensure at least a 900 metres separation between ship and nearest whale at commencement

and during sonar transmission

Suspend sonar transmissions if whale is sighted less than 900 metres from ship.

Both Australian and US procedures require sonar equipment to be powered down or shut down if

whales are sighted and get too close to ships. All TS13 anti-submarine warfare exercises will be

conducted far out to sea in deep water away from known concentrations of whales, migratory routes or

the seabed features likely to attract whales. Overall, given the steps that will be in place, the risk of

cetaceans (particularly whales) being adversely affected by sonar transmissions is considered low.

5.4.6 Sensitive Vegetation and Habitats

Training activities, including land manoeuvres, live fire activities and amphibious landings have the

potential to impact on significant vegetation communities and flora and fauna species. Ecological

surveys and monitoring has been undertaken for key training areas, including Shoalwater Bay Training

Area, Townsville Field Training Area, Cowley Beach Training Area, Bradshaw Field Training Area and

Mount Bundey Training Area. The Training Area Standing Orders specify procedures for the protection

of flora and fauna, including:

Vegetation clearing is prohibited unless specifically approved by REO via an ECC;

Interfering with or deliberately killing / wounding any fauna is prohibited; and

No training in fauna protection areas unless specifically approved by the REO. At Shoalwater Bay

Training Area, areas include Akens Island (migratory birds), Pelican Rock (pelicans), Bay Island

(corals) and Leicester Island (Beach-stone Curlews). Aircraft are also not permitted to overfly

Akens Island, Pelican Rock and Bay Island.

Environmental Clearance Certificates are required for all activities including those that require

clearing of vegetation. Environmental Clearance Certificates specify the environmental mitigation and

management requirements for each training activity and must be approved before the training can

commence.

5.4.7 Low Flying Aircraft Noise

The RAAF Aircraft Operations EMP Environmental Planning Handbook is the primary reference for

noise sensitive areas and low altitude flight. A consolidated list will be promulgated in the Airspace

Management Plan to avoid known noise sensitive areas. Training Area Standing Orders require the

provisions on low flying to be observed for all training exercises including TS13.

p 57


Controls include prohibitions for over flights in ‘Restricted Areas’, for example:

Shoalwater Bay Training Area Standing Orders specify that flying directly over the Byfield,

Stockyard Point and Marlborough communities be avoided and restrictions from flying over

sensitive fauna areas noted as Pelicans Rock, Akens Island and Bay Island;

Townsville Field Training Area Standing Orders specify that flying directly over the Herveys Range

community at Thorntons Gap and neighbouring cattle property homesteads must be avoided. A

2km noise buffer is to be established around the Paynes Lagoon, Fanning River and Dotswood

homesteads and all adjacent residences;

Mount Bundey Training Area Standing Orders specify that there are noise buffer zones over

Arnhem and Barramundi, Kakadu and Annaburroo sectors; and

Delamere Range Facility SIs specify that low flying over the Range Control Centre (RCC) complex

is to be avoided by 150m horizontally or 150m vertically, no other restrictions are specified in the

SIs.

5.4.8 Jamming Signals

Jamming of specific military radio frequencies may be exercised during TS13 in which case Specific

Spectrum Management Agency controls (on approval from the Chief Safety Officer) will be applied to

avoid disturbance to domestic and emergency services communication networks.

5.4.9 Fire

The firing of live ammunition, use of explosives, off road vehicle manoeuvres and general vehicle and

troop activity all increases the potential for bushfires to occur in training areas during TS13. Fire is

acknowledged as a high risk for the management of training areas and Defence has established formal

Fire Management Strategies for each of the training areas involved in TS13. Management includes

periodic hazard reduction burning to reduce the level of fuel loads, as well as the construction and

maintenance of fire breaks.

In addition, live firing is restricted to designated target areas to ensure risk of fire is reduced. Some

types of ammunition firing will also be restricted during periods of high fire danger.

5.4.10 Oil Pollution

The risk of oil pollution from maritime activities is reduced as much as possible through adherence to

Standard Operating Procedures and the use of Maritime Activities EMP Procedure Cards that provide

guidance on risk reduction for marine pollution for specific activities. These include sea disposal of

garbage, sewage and oily wastes, replenishment at sea and refuelling at anchor. These procedures

are among the most stringent in the world. In addition, any spill greater than 80 L (5 L within the GBR

Marine Park) must be reported and information on procedures provided. This includes information on

response resources, both military and civilian that can respond to a spill and how quickly.

5.4.11 Heritage

Due to the restricted public access and the relatively low intensity of land use within the majority of

land within Training Areas, most contain intact indigenous heritage sites. European Heritage sites can

also occur, although the latter is not as common, particularly for Training Areas that have been

managed by Defence for a long period of time and have remained undeveloped. These training areas

often possess considerable natural heritage values, usually because areas surrounding them have

been progressively cleared for agriculture or urban development, modified for other purposes or under-

resourced for land management.

p 58


While training activities, including land manoeuvres, live firing activities and amphibious landings have

the potential to impact on sites or artefacts of cultural heritage significance, the likelihood is low

because these sites are recognised by Defence and management controls implemented to protect

them. Archaeological surveys and heritage assessments have been undertaken for the key training

areas of TS13, including Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Townsville Field Training Area, Cowley Beach

Training Area, Bradshaw Field Training Area and Mount Bundey Training Area.

Both known and unknown Indigenous cultural heritage sites and artefacts are provided for in the

Training Area Standing Orders, which specify the protection mechanism. This ranges from avoidance

and notification, in the event that a possible indigenous artefact is found, to recognised sites and buffer

areas specified as no go areas. Additionally, Range Control maintains a database of all recorded

archaeological sites, which must be consulted prior to any clearing or excavation activities.

5.4.12 Nuclear Activities and Prohibited Weapons

The TS13 exercise does not include any activities that involve the use of depleted uranium or nuclear

munitions or weapons.

Depleted Uranium

No depleted uranium munitions will be used during TS13. Depleted uranium munitions are not

in the ADF inventory and their use is prohibited in all military exercises in Australia.

Nuclear Activities

No nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological munitions will be used during TS13. Nuclear

powered submarines and an aircraft carrier will be participating and these may or may not

have nuclear weapons on board. For security reasons, it has been the long-standing policy of

the United States Government to never confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons on

board their ships.

5.4.13 Nuclear Powered Vessels

Nuclear powered submarines and a nuclear powered aircraft carrier will be participating in the TS13

exercise. These will be operating in the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas within specific designated areas

of operation. Members of the US Navy operating nuclear powered vessels have a high record of safety

and professionalism.

There are a number of provisions for emergency response in the event of a release of radioactive

materials from a nuclear warship. Emergency response provisions for a release in a port or anchorage

is addressed through the Defence Operations Manual (OPSMAN 1): visits to Australia by nuclear-

powered warships. OPSMAN 1 provides clear guidance on the actions required by Commonwealth

and State agencies during nuclear warship visits to Australian ports.

Visits of nuclear powered warships to Australian ports are permitted only to berths and anchorages

that have been assessed as suitable by the Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear) (VSP(N)). The VSP(N)

consists of representatives from a range of Commonwealth Government Departments, Defence,

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australian Radiation Protection

and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities (DSEWPaC), the Attorney General's Department, and Emergency

Management Australia. Within Queensland and the NT, only Gladstone, Brisbane and Darwin are

approved for visits (Darwin for submarines only). Each of these ports has a safety plan that covers

emergency response to nuclear accidents, as well as radiation monitoring during visits. Each port’s

suitability and management plan are re-assessed by the VSP(N) every two years.

p 59


Each State and Territory has its own disaster response arrangements that apply to visits to ports.

Within Queensland, Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) is responsible for coordinating

emergency response, as well as coordinating radiation monitoring during nuclear warship visits.

Prevention and response is planned through EMQ’s Nuclear Powered Warship Visits Committee.

The ‘2000 Reference Accident Used to Assess the Suitability of Australian Ports for Visits by Nuclear

Powered Warships’ indicates that the distance within which emergency protection for the public is

required is limited to a few kilometres in the vicinity of the warship. The report of the 2000 Reference

Accident was prepared for the VSP(N) by ARPANSA, and assesses the impacts posed by a full core

meltdown in a Nimitz class aircraft carrier (http://www.arpansa.gov.au/RadiationProtection/Emergencies/npw.cfm).

Although the 2000 Reference Accident indicates that no emergency plan is required for nuclear

warships out to sea, Defence recognises the concern amongst the community and commits to two

management measures for TS13:

The TS13 EMP specifies that any release of radioactive materials (either actual or imminent) from

a nuclear powered warship is to be reported immediately to the ADF, which will communicate this

immediately to the Australian Government. The US Navy and the ADF will provide support to the

relevant Government agencies as required to minimise any impacts to human health or the

environment; and

Radiation monitoring will be undertaken during all visits of nuclear powered warships to Australian

ports, the results of which will be included in the 2013 – 2014 edition of the VSP(N) Annual

Report.

5.4.14 Capricorn Coast Water Catchment Area

Concern has previously been expressed at the potential for contamination within the Capricorn Coast

Water Catchment Area. Shoalwater Bay Training Area Standing Orders prohibits the use of high

explosives, vehicle maintenance and refuelling in this catchment. Specific aspects of potential

contamination into this water catchment area are addressed as follows. Note that most of the

environmental controls are relevant to all areas used during TS13, not just Shoalwater Bay Training

Area.

5.4.14.1 High Explosive Residues

Wind-borne dispersal of contaminants into the catchment is highly unlikely. Studies of the residues

from high explosives has been found that less than 1% of the explosives used remains, with the

majority of explosive compounds consumed in the explosion (Hewitt, et al., 2003). At Shoalwater Bay

Training Area, the prevailing winds during May and June are from the west, south, south-east and east

(Yeppoon meteorological data), therefore, any airborne residues from high explosives within

designated impact areas during the exercise would generally be dispersed into Shoalwater Bay

Training Area or out to sea, rather than into the water catchment. If unusual wind patterns resulted in

traces of residues being deposited into the catchment, they would be diffused over the catchment

area, promoting attenuation by natural physical, chemical and / or biological processes. Considering

the above factors, the risk posed by airborne high explosive residues to the Capricorn Coast Water

Catchment Area is considered very low.

5.4.14.2 Aircraft Crashes

The likelihood of aircraft crashes occurring during TS13 is very low. For example, there have so far

been a total of eight F-111 (now withdrawn from service) and four F/A-18 crashes worldwide since the

aircraft were introduced to the ADF in 1973 and 1985, respectively. In the event of an aircraft crash

over the land, the impact is likely to be localised, with most of the remaining fuel burning off due to the

crash.

http://www.arpansa.gov.au/RadiationProtection/Emergencies/npw.cfm

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The hazardous components of the aircraft (e.g. from avionics and batteries) are present in relatively

minor quantities and would be scattered over the crash site, and subject to natural transformation,

dispersal and dissipation processes. Any crashes would be responded to immediately by Defence,

with the aircraft wreckage removed and the site (including any contaminated soil) remediated as far as

practicable. The likelihood of a crash occurring in the immediate vicinity of a waterway and thus

directly impacting on water quality is very low. Although large transport aircraft would carry larger fuel

loads, these aircraft have lower crash rates due to greater engine redundancy and avoiding high risk

manoeuvres (e.g. dives and dog fighting). Operations of large transport infrastructure in the vicinity

of the Capricorn Cost Water Catchment Area will be limited. Given the low likelihood of a crash

occurring, the relatively localised impact from crashes, the risk posed to the Capricorn Coast Water

Catchment Area is very low.

5.4.14.3 Aircraft Fuel Dumping

The likelihood of high altitude aerial fuel dumping resulting in measurable ground deposition would be

low, due to the dispersion and turbulence from the aircraft flight, and the volatilisation that would occur

prior to the fuel reaching the ground. Standard practice is to conduct any emergency fuel dumping at a

high altitude (e.g. above 6,000 ft).

Dumping at a lower altitude would occur only in an exceptional emergency and would be very unlikely.

The deposition would be very diffuse due to the large distance over which the fuel is spread (e.g.

several kilometres) and the volatilisation that occurs prior to the fuel reaching the ground. Much of the

deposited fuel would volatilise (vaporise) within a short period, particularly if there are dry ground

conditions as would be expected during May to June. The risk posed to the Capricorn Coast Water

Catchment Area is thus expected to be very low.

5.4.14.4 Fires aboard Vessels

The likelihood of a fire occurring aboard a Navy vessel resulting in a release of hazardous materials to

the atmosphere that causes impacts to the Capricorn Coast Water Catchment supply is very low. The

potential for accidents, potential impacts and management controls for US nuclear warships are

outlined in a Fact Sheet on US Nuclear Powered Warship Safety, available at:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/security/others.html

5.4.14.5 Fires within SWBTA

Fire is a normal part of the Australian Landscape. The likelihood of an uncontrolled fire within

Shoalwater Bay Training Area during TS13 is minimised through the Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Fire Management Strategy and on-going fire management program including firebreaks and

prescribed burning. As evidenced in the results of the water quality monitoring undertaken at

Shoalwater Bay Training Area, there have been no measurable impacts on the water quality of creeks

and streams within Shoalwater Bay Training Area, or the Capricorn Coast Water Catchment Area.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/security/others.html

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Table 11 outlines the key training areas to be utilised during TS13. Detailed information on each

training area is discussed in the following sections. Figure 1 provides an overview of the training area

locations.

Table 11 | TS13 Key Training Areas

TS13 Key Training Areas

Training Area Description

Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA)

Shoalwater Bay Training Area covers approximately 454,500 ha with its southern boundary located 50 km north of Rockhampton. The area includes both terrestrial and marine environments and is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List (CHL). A significant component of the marine environment is encompassed within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) and Marine Park (GBRMP). The site also contains Ramsar listed wetlands.

Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA)

Townsville Field Training Area covers approximately 208,000 ha and is located 50 km southwest of Townsville. The north eastern and eastern boundaries follow the escarpments of the Paluma and Herveys Ranges. The south-eastern part of Townsville Field Training Area is within the Townsville City Council local authority area. The western boundary lies west of Star River. The southern boundary generally follows a line from south of Dotswood Homestead site to Fanning River Station.

Cowley Beach Training Area (CBTA)

Cowley Beach Training Area is located in the wet tropics region on the north Queensland coast, immediately north of the township of Inarlinga and approximately 40 km south of Innisfail. It includes both terrestrial and marine environments and comprises 5,081 ha of land, 8 km of beaches and includes Lindquist Island (located approximately 1 km offshore).

Saumarez Reef Saumarez Reef is a Defence training area located approximately 330 km north east of Gladstone, within the Coral Sea.

Canungra Military Area

Canungra Military Area, located in the hinterland of the Gold Coast Qld, consists of a cantonment and field training area. The Coomera River passes through the property to physically separate these two functional areas. The property is characterised by undulating terrain – in the field training area the terrain is rugged and of substantial vegetation.

Delamere Range Facility (DRF)

Delamere Range Facility is primarily an air weapons range and covers 211,200 ha, located 125 km southwest of Katherine in the Northern Territory. The Delamere Range Facility is bounded by the Buntine Highway to the west and pastoral leases to the north, east and south.

6 Key Training Areas

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TS13 Key Training Areas

Training Area Description

Bradshaw Field Training Area (BFTA)

Bradshaw Field Training Area covers approximately 871,000 ha and is located near Timber Creek, 600km by road south-west of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The training area is bound to the north by the Fitzmaurice River and Wombungi Station, to the west by the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, by the Victoria River to the south, and to the east by pastoral properties. The Bradshaw Field Training Area is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Mount Bundey Training Area (MBTA)

Mount Bundey Training Area covers approximately 117,300 ha and is located approximately 115 km south east of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The Mount Bundey Training Area is bounded by the Arnhem Highway to the north, Mary River and the proposed Mary River National Park to the west, and Kakadu National Park to the east and south. The Mount Bundey Training Area comprises terrestrial environments and is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Coral Sea Maritime operations (transits and training) will be conducted in the Coral Sea in the southwest part of the Pacific Ocean, between Australia, New Guinea and Vanuatu, which includes the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The Coral Sea activities will largely occur in International Waters. Maritime assets will gather East of Townsville prior to activities commencing in the Coral Sea approximately 300 nautical miles east to north-east of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Timor and Arafura Seas

Potential carrier operations, Maritime transits and training will be conducted in the Timor and Arafura Seas to the west of the Indian Ocean, between the north coast of Australia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.

6.1 Shoalwater Bay Training Area

6.1.1 Description of the Area

Shoalwater Bay Training area is located northeast of Rockhampton and north of Yeppoon on the

Central Queensland coast. The closest community to the training area is the township of Byfield,

located near the south-eastern border of the training area. A locality map showing Shoalwater Bay

Training Area is provided in Figure 5.

Shoalwater Bay Training Area is recognised as the ADF’s most important area for the conduct of

amphibious and combined arms exercises due to its accessible coastline. Exercise activities are

undertaken on a regular basis at the training area, by both Australian and International contingencies,

including the Singapore Defence Forces.

Facilities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area includes several airfields, helicopter landing points,

parachute drop- zones, camps and associated infrastructure (food preparation building, administration

building, gravel car parks, tent sites, helipads). Support facilities include, sewage treatment plants,

generators, fuelling and waste transfer stations.

The main point of entry and exit into the training area is via the Green Route, which commences at the

intersection of the Bruce Highway and Raspberry Creek Road, adjacent to the Glen Geddes railway

siding (60 km north of Rockhampton). The Green Route follows the Raspberry Creek Road for a

distance of approximately 30 km to the training area boundary gate. There are three other entry and

exit points into Shoalwater Bay Training Area. However, use of other routes may only occur as

approved by Range Control.

Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Figure 5: Locality MapShoalwater Bay Training Area Queensland° 0 5Kilometers

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A4 scale: 1:800,000

Training Area Boundary

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6.1.2 Environmental Values

Shoalwater Bay Training Area has high biological diversity and a well-preserved environment. The

site comprises coastal and sub-coastal aquatic landscapes and ecosystems, many of which are

relatively undisturbed habitat areas for significant flora and fauna. Fire effects and management are

recognised as a major determinant of habitat structure and landscape sustainability.

The State of Environment Report (Defence 2008) indicates that the Shoalwater Bay Training Area is

in a relatively natural state, with almost 100% vegetation cover. Prior to Defence acquisition in 1965,

the Shoalwater Bay Training Area was used for grazing, logging and gold mining. There is evidence of

vegetation regeneration from these land uses since Defence occupation. Much of the surrounding

area has since been cleared and Shoalwater Bay Training Area is now one of the largest remaining

natural areas in the Central Coast region of Queensland.

A significant component of Shoalwater Bay Training Area is the marine area, which comprises areas

identified as part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, as well as numerous islands within

the Marine Park. It also forms part of the Shoalwater Bay Ramsar site, which is also listed in the

Directory of Important Wetlands. A description of the environmental attributes of Shoalwater Bay

Training Area are summarised in Table 12.

An annual Landscape Monitoring Program is undertaken at Shoalwater Bay Training Area which

includes monitoring of climate, water quality, aquatic habitat condition, vegetation condition, native

terrestrial fauna, feral fauna, weeds, water quality and fire. A water quality monitoring program is

undertaken annually by the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP).

Table 12 | Key Environmental Values of Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Environmental Value

Description

Geology, soils and topography

Shoalwater Bay Training Area has a rich variety of landscapes and

seascapes. The main landscape types comprise hilly to mountainous terrain,

Aeolian sand dunes, undulating and rolling terrain and flat alluvial areas.

Marine and aquatic environment

Mangrove habitats are located on the southern and western fringes of the

Clinton Peninsula.

Several freshwater creeks and wetlands occur. These are characterised by

annual flooding resulting in variable water levels, low diversity of aquatic

plants and increased turbidity in the deeper pools. Most freshwater wetlands

are located in or adjacent to the sand dune areas.

Ephemeral freshwater wetlands include Dismal Swamp, Freshwater Swamp

and Clinton Low Lands.

Flora and vegetation

Shoalwater Bay Training Area contains moderate terrestrial flora diversity

represented in grasslands, forests and woodlands, heathlands, coastal and

dune vegetation and swamplands. Species lists are provided in Appendix C.

Based on the vegetation units mapped by the Queensland Herbarium there

are 68 regional ecosystems present within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area

(Defence 2008). Forty-four of these are Central Queensland Coast regional

ecosystems and 24 are in the Brigalow Belt. Three of the Central

Queensland Coast regional ecosystems and one of the Brigalow Belt

regional ecosystems only occur in the Shoalwater Bay – Byfield area.

Two of the regional ecosystems are listed as threatened ecological

communities under the EPBC Act.

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Environmental Value

Description

The extreme tidal range (> 7m) and extensive intertidal zone supports large

intertidal wetlands from saltpans and mangroves to intertidal mud and sand

flats.

Several weeds species are present including Rubber Vine, Lantana and

Parthenium. Two weed species were newly identified in the area in 2011.

These are Asystasia gangetica subsp. Micrantha (Nees) Ensermu (also

known as the Chinese Violet) and the Indigofera vohemarensis Baill. The

Chinese Violet in particular is noted as being on the Weed alert list as it is

considered to be a Sleeper weed.

Fauna and flora habitat

Intertidal wetlands provide habitat for migratory birds, fish species, crustacea,

marine turtles and dugongs. Shoalwater Bay Training Area is an important

wader migration stopover, has relatively large coastal raptor populations and

supports the largest east coast Green Turtle feeding area in the region. It has

also had the largest dugong population in the southern Great Barrier Reef

since 1987. Species lists are provided in Appendix C.

Sixteen species of migratory shorebirds were recorded at Shoalwater Bay

Training Area in 2007 (GHD, 2007) across 69 roosts. The most abundant

species were Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey- tailed Tattler and Whimbrel. The most

important roosts at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in 2007 were Port Clinton,

southern Shoalwater Bay and Island Head Creek (Jaensch, 2008). The

migratory shorebirds that occur at Shoalwater Bay Training Area breed in the

northern hemisphere during the northern spring-summer (May-July) and

spend the non-breeding period in Australia and nearby regions during the

southern summer (Jan-Feb). Southward migration occurs in the period

August-November and northward migration in March-April. As migratory

shorebirds are expected to be in their northern breeding grounds during the

TS13 exercise in July, there is a low likelihood of impact by the TS13

exercise activities.

Shoalwater Bay provides important feeding habitat for Green turtles, however

is not recognised as a key nesting area. In the southern Great Barrier Reef,

mating begins in October and nesting occurs between October and March,

peaking in January; therefore there is a low likelihood of impact on nesting

turtles by the TS13 exercise which is planned to occur in July.

Feral fauna including horses, cattle, pigs, cats, foxes and rabbits are known

to occur.

Indigenous heritage

Shoalwater Bay Training Area was occupied by the Darumbal people prior to

European settlement in 1855. Finds of cultural significance at the Training

Area include stone artefact quarries and a scarred tree.

The dune systems, mangroves and mudflat areas have relatively higher

densities of cultural heritage sites. Indigenous significant sites are located in

a number of areas including Sabina Point, Freshwater Beach and Dismal

Sector.

p 66



Environmental Value

Description

European heritage

European heritage sites include the Sturzaker Monument, and a number of

historic sites, burial sites and Jubilee mine.

Natural heritage Shoalwater Bay Training Area is listed on the National Heritage List and the

Commonwealth Heritage List as a Listed Place.

The marine component of Shoalwater Bay Training Area is located within the

Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Social environment

Shoalwater Bay Training Area is surrounded by neighbouring pastoral

properties and pine plantations.

The conduct of large-scale military exercises generates significant economic

activity for Rockhampton.

Access roads, access to marine areas, noise and dust, feral animal control,

noxious weeds and fire management are all issues of concern to neighbours.

Matter of National Environmental Significance

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is listed under the EPBC as a Matter of

National Environmental Significance.

World Heritage Properties: marine section of Shoalwater Bay Training Area is

included in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

National Heritage List (Legal Status – Registered) and Commonwealth

Heritage List (Legal Status – Listed Place).

Wetlands of International Importance: Shoalwater Bay Training Area

freshwater and intertidal wetlands are part of an internationally significant site

under the Ramsar Convention.

Listed Threatened Species or Communities, Migratory Species: Shoalwater

Bay Training Area contains two threatened ecological communities, the

Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt, and Littoral rainforest and

coastal vine thickets of Eastern Australia. It is also habitat for a number of

nationally threatened species (terrestrial, aquatic and marine) including 10

plant species, 31 fauna species and 4 listed species of shark, and supports

high populations of migratory waders and shorebirds. This includes species

with a high level of public concern such as Koala, Whales and Dugong.

The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) has only recently been nationally listed

as vulnerable, and is the most significant new listing since TS11. Species

lists are provided in Appendix C.

p 67


6.1.3 Planned Activities

Table 13 provides a summary of the training activities to be undertaken in the Shoalwater Bay Training

Area as part of TS13. Note that maritime activities primarily occur in the East Australian Maritime

Exercise Area in the vicinity of Shoalwater Bay. It is emphasised that these planned exercises are

representative of those activities undertaken at Shoalwater Bay Training Area as part of the ongoing

ADF training program.

Table 13 | TS13 Planned Activities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area

TS13 Planned Activities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Sphere TS13 Planned Activities

Maritime Routine passage and manoeuvres of ships and other small watercraft

Fire-fighting exercises

Refuelling at anchor

Anchoring

Amphibious landings, including Joint Logistics Over The Shore activities

(movement of stores and equipment from ship to shore)

Vehicle manoeuvre in the coastal zone on the beach and dedicated

routes/assembly areas.

Use of countermeasure systems

Weapons practice (submarine torpedo firings will be conducted in International

Waters)

Use of explosive demolition charges, including mine disposal charges

Use of acoustic decoys and pingers

Ship to shore pipeline operations

Use of floating fuel bladders (water used instead of fuel)

Air Air combat and intercept training (<1,000 ft)

Flying aircraft including low-level (<1,000 ft) and supersonic flights

Use of aircraft-deployed countermeasures

Helicopter flying including low-level (<1000 ft), take off/landing and troop

insertions

Emergency dumping of fuel and jettisoning of stores from aircraft (emergency

situations only)

Aircraft gunnery

Live firing of weapons (gunnery, missile and rocket firing, bombing)

Use of aircraft radar and lasers

Land Deployment of personnel/equipment (by land and sea)

Live firing from indirect fire weapons, armoured vehicles and infantry - firing of

ammunition, tank main armaments, small arms, fire support weapons

Establishment and maintenance of target areas and gun positions including

vegetation clearance/management, access and temporary/permanent

infrastructure

Logistics support (facilities, camp sites, infrastructure etc.)

Construction and maintenance (roads, bridges, route clearance)

Detection and removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO)

Tactical manoeuvres and battle runs

Storage and movement of ammunition to the training area

Use of lasers

p 68


TS13 Planned Activities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area


Deployment of smoke canisters

Use of flares and pyrotechnics and battle noise simulation

Military operations in urban terrain

Demolition practices

Road cratering practices

Explosive obstacle clearing

Defensive training against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare (does not

include use of these weapons)

Putrescible / non-putrescible, sewerage and grey water collection, treatment

and disposal

Establishment and operation of fuel farms, field workshops, field medical

facilities, field power generation and distribution, fuel distribution

Internal road and track movements by vehicles including armoured wheeled

and tracked

Other miscellaneous activities.

Non-ADF Vehicle convoys in transit by road to / from Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

6.1.4 Potential Risks and Impacts

A summary of the potential impacts associated with these activities is provided in Table 14.

Table 14 | Potential Impacts at Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Potential Impacts at Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Environmental Aspect

Potential Impacts

Marine environment

Damage or disturbance to marine flora or fauna (e.g. seagrass beds,

mangroves and/or coral reefs) due to anchoring or accidental grounding of

vessels, especially in sensitive areas

Erosion or scouring of marine sediments during amphibious landings

Accidental physical and/or psychological harm to marine fauna caused by

collisions from vessel manoeuvres and amphibious landings

Pollution to marine environments and subsequent impacts to marine flora

and fauna due to vessel accidents resulting in oil and/or fuel spills

Degradation of water quality and subsequent impacts to marine flora and

fauna due to accidental or inappropriate release of liquid waste (e.g. bilge

water, effluent, oils) from vessels

Pollution to marine environments and subsequent impacts to marine flora

and fauna (e.g. death of fauna due to plastic bag ingestion) due to

inappropriate disposal of solid waste (e.g. litter) from vessels

Disturbance to marine fauna due to noise emissions from small vessels

manoeuvring inshore

Damage to marine habitat (e.g. seagrass beds, mangroves) from operation

of small vessels inshore

Disturbance to marine fauna via noise emissions from low flying aircraft

Damage or disturbance to marine flora and fauna from the use of high

explosive ordnance (e.g. ship and aircraft live firing)

p 69




Potential Impacts

Disturbance or harm to marine fauna due to underwater noise emissions

from use of high explosive ordnance or explosive demolition charges

Degradation of water quality due to the release of contaminants from solid

waste

Introduction of marine pests by visiting vessels

Pollution to marine environment due to accidental fire/explosions from

storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition on vessels

Accidental release of fuels / oils into the marine environment from aircraft

incidents or emergency release of aircraft fuel that may cause localised

pollution.

Terrestrial environment

Disturbance to fauna from guns positioned in close proximity to nests /

roosts

Disturbance, damage (injury) or death of flora and fauna from exploding

inert munitions, live firing at static targets, projectiles, rockets and mortars

including in inaccessible areas

Damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna due to clearing of

vegetation to maintain or establish target areas, observation posts and

radar sites

Damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna by off road vehicle

manoeuvres, including by armoured vehicles

Damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna due to bush fires

started during live firing, pyrotechnics activities, or exploding projectiles,

rockets, mortars and inert munitions

Disturbance to breeding/nesting fauna from noise generated by low flying

aircraft over sensitive terrestrial habitats

Weeds introduced from visiting vehicles and equipment

Weed invasion in areas disturbed by bush fires or land clearing.

Erosion of soils from live firing activities, including the detonation of inert

munitions, UXO, projectiles, rockets and mortars and live firing at static

targets

Erosion of soils from vehicles (tracked and wheeled) using unsealed roads

Compaction of soils from live firing activities, including the detonation of

inert munitions, projectiles, rockets and mortars and live firing at static

targets

Compaction of soils from vehicles (tracked and wheeled) using unsealed

roads

Contamination of soils due to projectiles released during live firing activities

Contamination of soils due to release of residual phosphorus contained in

incendiaries

Soil and water pollution caused by inappropriate disposal of wastes (e.g.

sewage, litter, uncollected target material) by Defence personnel during

land-based activities

Soil, surface and / or ground water contamination from accidental release

and / or spill of contaminants (e.g. petrol, oils or chemicals) during

maintenance or refuelling of vehicles

p 70




Potential Impacts

Pollution to soils, surface and/or groundwater due to overloading of training

area solid and liquid waste management facilities

Degradation of water quality from sediment laden and contaminated runoff

from areas disturbed by live firing or clearing activities

Degradation of aquatic and riparian habitat due to over extraction of surface

water

Damage to European or Indigenous cultural heritage due to bush fires

started during live firing, pyrotechnic activities or exploding projectiles,

rockets and inert munitions

Damage to European or Indigenous cultural heritage from live firing or

exploding projectiles, rockets, mortars and inert munitions

Damage to adjacent public/private native vegetation due to bushfires


rockets, mortars and inert munitions. Translocation of weeds and/or pests

from movement of vehicles, equipment and personnel

Depletion of natural resources (hydrocarbons) due to high fuel consumption

by aircraft during long transits from bases with ordnance loading facilities to

Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Atmospheric environment

Air pollution and subsequent climate change from the use of hydrocarbons

as fuels, the rate of consumption of which is increased in armoured

vehicles

Air pollution due to smoke emissions from accidental fire/explosions from

storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition on vessels.

Built environment

Damage to roads from military convoy

Damage to adjacent public / private property infrastructure due to bushfires


rockets and inert munitions.

Defence personnel and civilian health and safety

Injury to observers from the operation of targeting lasers on aircraft.

Health and safety implications to Defence personnel or civilians due to

bushfires started during live firing, pyrotechnic activities or exploding

projectiles, rockets, mortars and inert munitions

Health and safety risk from unexploded ordnance accumulation

Injury or death to Defence personnel or civilians due to accidental fire /

explosions from storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition on

vessels.

Social environment

Disturbance to civilians from noise generated by low flying aircraft over

residential areas

Disturbance to residents adjacent to transport routes and disruption to other

road users from military convoy noise and traffic impacts

Adverse relationships due to damage to Indigenous or European cultural

heritage

Adverse community perceptions of Defence from bushfires started during

live firing or pyrotechnic activities, especially those fires that damage or

disturb adjacent property.

p 71




Potential Impacts

Adverse community perceptions of Defence from disturbance, damage

(injury) or death of marine and/or terrestrial flora and/or fauna

Constraints to future land use from the accumulation of UXO.

6.1.5 Mitigation Measures

6.1.5.1 Current Environmental Controls

There are a number of provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage

attributes of Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

6.1.5.1.1 Shoalwater Bay Training Area Environmental Management System and Standing

Orders

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area Environmental Management System (EMS) provides specific

controls and procedures to manage the underlying natural and heritage values of Shoalwater Bay

Training Area and the impacts of activities on these values.

Standing Orders for Shoalwater Bay Training Area have been developed to provide safety measures

and environmental considerations to be observed by all users of Shoalwater Bay Training Area and

are to be read in conjunction with current instructions and training publications. The Standing Orders

provide specific information on the environmental compliance responsibilities, terrestrial, marine and

estuarine safeguards and heritage protection and provide assistance in managing environmental

aspects of major exercises in the planning, conduct and debriefing stages. The Standing Orders form

part of the EMS for Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Designation of specific training areas, such as approved live fire and high explosive areas are also

managed through the Standing Orders. Reference to other environmental management information

and requirements such as the Awareness Cards and key contacts are also provided.

6.1.5.1.2 Awareness Cards

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area Awareness Card is a pocket reference issued to all personnel

before training at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Summarised information includes management of

waste, heritage areas, plants and animals, soil and erosion issues, fires, and appropriate use and

management of marine areas.

Awareness cards will be provided to participants prior to them embarking at staging areas. The

awareness cards will provide information “in Plain English” on environmental risks and controls

relevant to the training area. Environmental awareness briefings will be provided for all participants at

staging areas, prior to them undertaking exercise activities, which will include the materials covered in

the awareness cards.

Each military unit involved in TS13 will have a Unit Environmental Liaison Officer (UELO) who will be

tasked with promoting environmental awareness and ensuring that environmental controls are

implemented and risks minimised.

6.1.5.1.3 Induction DVD

Shoalwater Bay Training Area will be included within a TS13 Combined Exercise DVD that will be

used in the site induction process. The DVD will provide an introduction to the training area as well as

information about appropriate management of the marine environment during training activities.

p 72


The introductory information will provide information on the location and boundaries of Shoalwater Bay

Training Area identify significant environmental attributes such as the Marine Park and training area

history.

The marine environmental awareness component will provide more detailed information about general

environmental management in the ADF as well as site-based information. Providing additional

information on the significant environmental characteristics of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, this DVD

will also outline Defence’s Environmental Vision and information outlining training requirements that

will assist in environmental protection. These include Procedure Cards, environmental management

requirements, operational requirements of sonar in marine areas, recording of whale sightings and

incident reporting.

6.1.5.1.4 Site Based Regional Environment Officers

Environment Officers are professional environmental personnel that manage specific Defence areas.

Within these groups, personnel may also be assigned to individual training areas, which is the case at

Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The Environment Officer at Shoalwater Bay Training Area is

responsible for management of environment issues on the site, including implementation of the

Shoalwater Bay Training Area EMS incorporating environmental management programmes and

monitoring such as weed management initiatives, water quality monitoring and post exercise audits.

6.1.5.1.5 Environmental Clearance Certificates

Defence manages the identified potential environmental impacts of specific activities through an

internal protocol known as an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). All activities undertaken at a

Range or Training Area must have an approved Environmental Clearance Certificate which must be

reviewed and reissued if there is a change to the activity or change in the location. This process

ensures there is a robust process for environmental management to minimise the potential for adverse

environmental outcomes.

Further information is provided on the Defence website: http://www.defence.gov.au/environment/impact.htm

6.1.5.2 TS13 Specific Controls

In addition, the following TS13 exercise specific environmental controls will be implemented to manage

possible environmental impacts at Shoalwater Bay Training Area:

TS13 Environmental Management Plan

TS13 Combined Exercise Instruction (CEI)

TS13 Induction DVD and briefings

Equipment Standard Operating Procedures

Spill containment equipment and response procedures

Environmental Management Group pre and post exercise monitoring

Traffic Management Plan

6.2 Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range


Saumarez Reef is located approximately 330km north east of Gladstone, within the Coral Sea. It is

one of the southern most reefs to be located on the Coral Sea Shelf. The site contains three main

reefs and two sand cays (North East Cay and South West Cay).

The Saumarez Reef Danger Area is a declared Defence Practice Area promulgated in Commonwealth

Gazette No. GN 46 dated 23 Nov 94.

http://www.defence.gov.au/environment/impact.htm

p 73



Saumarez Reef is located within the Coral Sea; however it is located outside of the Great Barrier Reef

Marine Park. The Reef lies within the proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve. The site is to be included

in the Conservation Park Zone, reflecting the sensitive environmental values of the site.

The reef is known for a high density of shark species and is considered a nursery site for sharks and

mid-sized predatory fish.

Table 15 | Key Environmental Values of Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range

Key Environmental Values of Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range

Environmental Value

Description


Saumarez Reef is located on the Marion Plateau sub-region, which is located off the coast of Mackay-Rockhampton. Saumarez Reef is one of two small drowned reefs located on the Plateau. The plateau feature covers an area of 36,808 km

2 and

lies in the warm tropical waters of the Coral Sea at depths of 100-600 m. The northern boundary is formed by a rift trough, the Townsville Trough, which separates it from the Queensland Plateau sub-region. The eastern margin is created by the relatively steep slope leading to the Cato Trough, which is part of sub-region. The western margin is demarcated by the border with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Marine and aquatic environment

The site is known for a high density of shark species and the lagoons are important nursery sites for sharks and mid-sized predatory fish. Surrounding island areas also support critical nesting sites for the green turtle and a range of seabird species, including the red-footed booby and frigatebirds.

Heritage The Reef lies within the proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve. The site is to be included in the Conservation Park Zone, reflecting the sensitive environmental values of the site.

Saumarez Reef also contains a number of heritage sites, grave sites and artefacts

Social environment

Saumarez Reef is an important recreational and charter fishing area. Recreational and charter fishing targets large pelagic predators such as black marlin in the area. The area is also important for tourism, particularly diving, as well as boating and shipping.

The Queensland Pot and Spanner Crab Fisheries may also operate at times around Saumarez Reef.


The Reef lies within the proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve. The site has been listed in the Conservation Protection Zone (IUCN IV). The waters surrounding the reef are Multiple Use Zone (IUCN VI).

This zone will allow a range of existing activities to continue but will exclude activities that carry a high risk to the conservation values of the area.

p 74



It is noted that these potential exercises are recognised under the Defence Practice Area Gazettal for

Saumarez Reef, as part of the ongoing ADF training program, and are not limited to the TS13

Exercise.

Table 16 | TS13 Planned Activities at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range

TS13 Planned Activities at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range


Air Low level flying by fixed wing aircraft

Air combat and intercept training (<1,000 ft or 300 m)

Flying aircraft including low-level supersonic speed (<1,000 ft or 300 m)

Aircraft gunnery, bombing and rocketry practice

Air to ground gunnery and rocketry practice

Live firing of weapons (gunnery and practice bombs)

Use of aircraft radar and lasers

Non-ADF Commercial and recreational fishing


Table 17 | Potential Impacts at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range

Potential Impacts at Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range


Potential Impacts

Marine environment

Disturbance to marine fauna due to noise emissions from low flying aircraft

Damage or disturbance to marine flora and fauna from the use of high explosive

ordnance (e.g. aircraft live firing)

Injury to fauna due to accidental exposure to high-powered laser


Air pollution and subsequent climate change impacts from the use of

hydrocarbons as fuels.

Air pollution due to smoke emissions from explosions from live firing activities


Injury to Defence personnel or civilians due to accidental exposure to high-

powered laser

Social environment

Impact on commercial and private charter fishing business, due to restrictions

on access to of the area during the exercise.



Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of Saumarez Reef

Air Weapons Range are listed below:

p 75


Saumarez Reef Air Weapons Range Standing Instructions

The Amberley Air Weapons Range Standing Instructions (AMB AWR SI) incorporates the Saumarez

Reef Air Weapons Range and provides specific details on the obligations that Defence is required to

undertake in accordance with the proposed Defence uses on the training area. The Standing

Instructions also sets out the environmental conditions that must be met by all users of Saumarez

Reef Air Weapons Range and provide specific instructions for environmental approvals and

management.

Environmental Officers


The SEM and EOs for the Queensland region are responsible for management of environmental

issues at Saumarez Reef.

Environmental Clearance Certificates







Further information is provided on the Defence website: http://www.defence.gov.au/environment/impact.htm

6.2.5.2 TS13 Specific Controls

In addition to the AMB AWR SI, the following TS13 exercise specific environmental controls will be

implemented to manage possible environmental impacts at Saumarez Reef Training Area:





6.3 Townsville Field Training Area

Townsville Field Training Area is a military training area of approximately 208,000ha, located mainly

within the Charters Towers Regional Council local authority area, some 50 km southwest of Townsville.

Townsville Field Training Area comprises a High Range Training Area, acquired by the Commonwealth

in 1967, and Dotswood Station, purchased in 1988.

Townsville Field Training Area has a seasonal tropical climate, with most of the Townsville Field

Training Area semi-arid except for the north-eastern area in the vicinity of the Paluma Range, which

receives higher rainfall.

Townsville Field Training Area offers a wide variety of terrain types suitable for Training. The training

area has a 350 person camp in Kempvale Sector adjacent to Keelbottom Creek and 250 person camp

in Pretty Sector some 10 kilometres south east of Herveys Range Road. There are airfields located at

Kempvale Sector A, Horne Dam, Woolshed, Star and Dotswood homesteads and at Picanniny. A map

showing the location of the Townsville Field Training Area is provided in Figure 6.


Townsville Field Training Area

Figure 6: Locality MapTownsville Field Training Area Queensland° 0 5Kilometers

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p 77



The Townsville Field Training Area adjoins an area of World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest in the

north and undulating plains in the south-west. It includes areas that are identified as possessing

important geological and ecological values, which are managed as ‘No Go’ areas. Cultural sites

include those significant to the Gudjala people, in addition to sites associated with mining and the

pastoral industry. All important cultural sites are also managed as ‘No Go’ areas.

The majority of the military exercise area is within the upper catchments of the Star, Little Star and,

Fanning Rivers and Keelbottom Creek. The western boundary is to the west of the Star River and the

southern boundary generally follows a line from south of Dotswood Homestead site to Fanning River

Station. Vegetation varies throughout the Townsville Field Training Area, with low to medium height

Open Eucalypt Woodland present on the undulating plains of the south-west part of the Einasleigh

Uplands bioregion of Queensland, while areas of high conservation and ecological importance include

riverine habitat.

Townsville Field Training Area has been nominated for inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

The assessment of that nomination, being the natural and/or cultural heritage values of that place

against the Listing Criteria, is in progress by the DSEWPaC as the responsible authority. In April

2012 a second extension of the assessment report was granted by the Minister for SEWPC, and the

new assessment deadline is 30 June 2013. A determination would then be made. If the Minister for

SEWPC decides to include Townsville Field Training Area on the Commonwealth Heritage List then

Defence is obliged to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values identified by the Minister are

protected from significant impacts. It is reasonable to conclude that the military training activities

conducted regularly under the existing environmental management regime are unlikely to pose a

serious threat to the heritage values of the place.

There are also areas with specific plants of conservation importance. Defence training activities are

restricted in areas of habitat for these species. Table 18 lists the key environmental attributes of

Townsville Field Training Area.

Table 18 | Key Environmental Values of Townsville Field Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Townsville Field Training Area

Environmental Value

Description


Townsville Field Training Area comprises four broad landforms: alluvial

plains and levees of the rivers/creeks, gently undulating plains mostly

adjoining the alluvial landforms, undulating rises to low hills that are

predominantly in the western and central areas, and steep hill and

mountainous terrain associated mostly with the Paluma and Hervey

Ranges along the eastern side of the Townsville Field Training Area


Townsville Field Training Area supports a wide variety of vegetation

communities due to the diversity in rainfall, landforms and soils. Small

areas of rainforest occur in the high rainfall areas in the north-east, with tall

open forest and vine thicket occurring in scattered patches throughout the

wetter eastern section. Eucalypt dominated woodlands and open

woodlands cover most of the drier areas, with narrow fringes of riparian

vegetation along most streams.

34 regional ecosystems have been identified in the Townsville Field

Training Area, including 13 that are listed as ‘of concern’ under Queensland

legislation

p 78


Key Environmental Values of Townsville Field Training Area

Environmental Value

Description

The Townsville Field Training Area is known to support 4 species of flora

listed as ‘rare’ under Queensland legislation, with another 22 listed species

potentially present


Twelve species of rare or threatened fauna under Queensland Legislation

have been recorded at Townsville Field Training Area. Of these, three are

listed as vulnerable and one as endangered under the EPBC Act.

A list of Threatened Species or Communities, Migratory Species and

Known Habitats for Townsville Field Training Area are provided in

Appendix D. Approximately 76 mammal species occur in the region and 55

of these have been found on Townsville Field Training Area, with relatively

few classified as uncommon or rare.

Weeds and pests

Numerous weeds have been recorded at Townsville Field Training Area,

including four weeds listed as of national significance (rubber vine, lantana)

or declared under the Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route

Management) Act 2002 (rubber vine, lantana, prickly pear, and chinese

apple).

A number of feral animal species are known to inhabit Townsville Field

Training Area, including horses, pigs, cattle and cats

Active management programs for the control of weeds and pest animals

are in place at Townsville Field Training Area

Indigenous heritage

A number of sites and areas of indigenous cultural heritage occur within the

Townsville Field Training Area, varying in significance from small surface

scatters of Aboriginal artefacts of minor importance to highly important sites

such as the ‘Gallery’

European heritage

A number of European heritage sites are present e.g. Argentine mine

Social aspects Community uses of the site and surrounds include occasional access by

university geology groups, mining company and Aboriginal community

members (who may access cultural sites)


Townsville Field Training Area possesses natural and cultural heritage

values that are presently being assessed against Commonwealth Heritage

criteria.

Three fauna species listed as vulnerable and one as endangered under the

EPBC Act have been recorded

Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and

Nandewar Bioregions are listed as endangered ecological communities

under the EPBC Act. These communities occur in small patches in the

eastern fringes of the Training Area.

p 79



It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Townsville

Field Training Area Facility as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location and are not

limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 19 | TS13 Planned Activities at Townsville Field Training Area

TS13 Planned Activities at Townsville Field Training Area


Air Flying aircraft including low-level (<1,000ft) and supersonic flights

Helicopter flying including low-level (<1,000ft), take off/landing and troop

insertions

Use of aircraft radar


Use of aircraft-deployed countermeasures

Air to air refuelling

Emergency dumping of fuels and jettisoning of stores (in emergency situations

only)

Land Deployment of personnel/equipment by land

Live firing of weapons (artillery and mortars, armoured vehicles, infantry)

Establishment and maintenance of target areas, gun positions


Construction and maintenance (roads, bridges, vegetation, route clearance)




Use of lasers

Use of flares, smoke canisters, pyrotechnics and battle noise simulation

Explosive obstacle clearing and road cratering



Putrescible / non-putrescible waste, sewage and grey water collection,

treatment and disposal

Establishment and operation of field workshops, field medical facilities, field

power generation and distribution, fuel distribution

Internal road and track movements by wheeled and tracked vehicles


Table 20 | Potential Impacts at Townsville Field Training Area

Potential Impacts at Townsville Field Training Area


Potential Impacts


Damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna from munitions landing

outside designated impact areas during land and air based live firing

activities

Disturbance to soil from live firing activities increasing the potential for soil

erosion

Contamination of soils from live firing activity in impact areas


p 80




Potential Impacts


Damage or disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna within training areas

due to bushfires started during live firing or pyrotechnics activities

Damage to cultural heritage sites within training areas due to bushfires

started during live firing activities

Damage to public / private property outside training areas due to bushfires

started during live firing or pyrotechnic activities


due to clearing of vegetation to maintain or establish target areas


manoeuvres within training areas

Accidental release and / or spill of contaminants (petrol, oils or chemicals)

during maintenance or refuelling of vehicles within training areas that may

cause soil, surface or ground water contamination

Inappropriate disposal of wastes (litter, garbage) by military personnel in

land-based manoeuvres within training areas that may cause pollution

Overloading of training area facilities for solid and liquid waste

management, resulting in pollution to soil, surface or groundwater

Soil erosion caused by vehicles (tracked and wheeled) using unsealed

roads within training areas

Translocation of weeds and/or pests from movement of vehicles,

equipment and personnel

Health and safety risk from increased unexploded ordnance accumulating

in training areas

Noise generated by low flying aircraft over sensitive terrestrial habitats has

the potential to disturb breeding/nesting fauna




vehicles



Built environment






Injury to observers from the operation of targeting lasers on aircraft






explosions from storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition

Social Noise generated by low flying aircraft over residential areas has the

p 81




Potential Impacts

environment potential to disturb people

Noise and traffic impacts from military convoy movements to / from

Townsville Field Training Area have the potential to disturb residents

adjacent to transport routes and disrupt other road users



Provisions in place to manage the on-going environmental and heritage attributes of Townsville Field

Training Area include:

6.3.4.1.1 Townsville Field Training Area Standing Orders

Standing Orders for Townsville Field Training Area have been developed to provide safety measures

and environmental considerations to be observed by all users of Townsville Field Training Area and

are to be read in conjunction with current instructions and training publications (ADF, 1999). The

Standing Orders provide specific information on the environmental compliance responsibilities,

environmental safeguards and heritage protection.

Designation of specific training areas, such as approved live fire and high explosive areas are also

managed through the Standing Orders. Reference to other environmental management information

and requirements such as the Awareness Cards and key contacts are also provided.


The Townsville Field Training Area Awareness Card is a pocket reference issued to all personnel

before training at Townsville Field Training Area. Summarised information includes management of

waste, heritage areas, plants and animals and soil and erosion issues

Awareness cards will be provided to participants prior to them embarking at staging areas. The

awareness cards will provide information in ‘Plain English’ on environmental risks and controls relevant

to the training area. Environmental awareness briefings will be provided for all participants at staging

areas, prior to them undertaking exercise activities, which will include the materials covered in the

awareness cards.

6.3.4.1.3 Environment Officers


The SEM and EOs for the Northern Queensland region are responsible for management of

environmental issues at Townsville Field Training Area.








Further information is provided on the Defence website:



p 82


6.3.5 TS13 Specific Environmental Controls

In addition, the following TS13 exercise specific environmental controls will be implemented to

manage possible environmental impacts at Townsville Field Training Area:

TS13 EMP







6.4 Cowley Beach Training Area

Cowley Beach Training Area is located within the wet tropics region of far North Queensland,

approximately 40 km south of Innisfail. The regional locality of Cowley Beach Training Area is shown

in Figure 7. Cowley Beach Training Area is bound by Browns Range and Inarlinga to the south,

Cowley Beach to the east, Mourilyan Harbour to the north and the Moresby River system to the west.

It comprises 5,081 ha of coastal lowland plains consisting of rainforest, woodland, swamps and 8 km

of beaches, and includes Lindquist Island (located 1 km offshore). Included in the Cowley Beach

Training Area is a Defence Closure Area that extends seaward to the eastern edge of the Great

Barrier Reef. Main access to the area is from the Bruce Highway on the Cowley Beach Road.

Exercises conducted at Cowley Beach Training Area are concentrated in the cantonment area, on the

rocket range, on Browns and Cowley Beaches, and on Browns and Esmeralda Ranges. Other than

the road network, little of the broad ridge-swales system (the majority of Cowley Beach Training Area)

is used.

Cowley Beach Training Area is part of the Cassowary Coast which was significantly affected by

Cyclone Yasi which made landfall in the area in early February 2011. As with cyclones impacts

generally (per Cyclone Winifred 1986 and Cyclone Larry 2006) extensive damage occurred to the

natural environment including vegetation and wildlife habitats. While quickly regenerating, such

damage affects safety of animals and the availability of food. In particular, the cassowary population

around Cowley Beach Training Area was affected by the habitat damage and reduced food supply.

Cassowaries are listed as an endangered species under the EPBC Act. With QPWS, Defence

personnel established feeding stations to support local cassowary populations. The natural food

supply has since regrown and the habitat is regenerating.

Cowley Beach Training Area

Figure 7: Locality MapCowley Beach Training Area Queensland° 0 1Kilometers

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Cowley Beach Training Area provides a variety of environments including beaches, near off-shore

areas, coastal wetlands and rainforest. Cowley Beach Training Area is located within the Wet Tropics

World Heritage Area (WTWHA) and is subject to management cooperation between the Wet Tropics

Management Authority and Defence. The key environmental features of Cowley Beach Training Area

are summarised in Table 21.

Table 21 | Key Environmental Values of Cowley Beach Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Cowley Beach Training Area

Environmental Value

Description


The majority of Cowley Beach Training Area occurs on Quaternary marine

deposits. The eastern half of Cowley Beach Training Area consists of

beach ridges and estuarine deposits of sands, muds and clays dominate

the western half of Cowley Beach Training Area.

Quaternary flood plain deposits occur on slightly higher land along the

south west boundary and peats have developed in freshwater swamps

along the margins of the estuarine and beach ridge deposits.

Three isolated uplands at Brown Range, Double Point and Esmeralda Hill

to Georgie Hill consist of Barnard Metamorphics.

Two beach ridge plains consisting of a series of parallel beach ridges with

slopes mainly below 1% cover more than 40% of Cowley Beach Training

Area. Tidal flats cover approximately 37% of Cowley Beach Training Area

and consist mainly of regularly inundated areas with mangroves and tidal

creeks.

Most of Cowley Beach Training Area is level or near level, and therefore

has low erosion hazard. There is potential for erosion on steep hills and

metamorphic rocks (HLA, 2004a).

Marine and Aquatic Environment

The marine waters adjacent to Cowley Beach Training Area (Coral Sea) are

contained within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, which form

part of the Marine Park.

The section of the Marine Park adjacent to Cowley Beach Training Area,

from the shore to the inner reefs (Ellison Reef), has been designated as a

Defence Area.

Three island groups lie within the Defence Area: North Barnard Islands,

South Barnard Islands and Linquist Island. Only Linquist Island is part of

Cowley Beach Training Area, the others are National Parks. The estuarine

areas located in the tidal mangrove swamp surrounding Mourilyan Creek

are also zoned National Park. The tidal mangrove swamps around the

Moresby River are nominated as an Estuarine Conservation zone

(HLA,2004b)

Five marine habitats occur in the vicinity of Cowley Beach Training Area,

including beaches and foredunes (Cowley, Browns and Robinson Beaches),

mangroves, rocky intertidal areas, seagrass and coral reef.

p 85



Environmental Value

Description

No marine ecological surveys have been conducted adjacent to Cowley

Beach Training Area. However, the marine area is likely to contain a high

diversity of protected marine fauna including marine reptiles, including the

Green Turtle and Saltwater Crocodile, and marine mammals, such as the

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, Irrawaddy Dolphin and Dugong. A list of

EPBC Act listed marine fauna potentially occurring in the marine area of

Cowley Beach Training Area is provided in Appendix E.

Streams and wetlands within Cowley Beach Training Area are generally

ephemeral ranging from very short coastal drainages to inter-dune swale

wetlands.

The swale wetlands and peat wetlands of Cowley Beach Training Area are

valuable habitat listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands (HLA, 2004b).


Cowley Beach Training Area consists of a mosaic of lowland coastal

communities and habitats including rainforest, mangroves, open forests,

wetlands and beach dune communities. The extant habitats of Cowley

Beach Training Area are regionally and locally rare. The Cowley Beach

Training Area dune system provides one of the few large and intact areas

of sclerophyll vegetation on sand in the Wet Tropics.

Twenty three Regional Ecosystems have been identified in Cowley Beach

Training Area including state significant Regional Ecosystems. Most of the

vegetation consists of mangroves and dune/swale complex with smaller

areas of paperbark swamps in poorly drained areas and rainforest in the

north classed as ‘not of concern’ Regional Ecosystems.

Twenty three plant species of conservation significance were identified as

occurring or potentially occurring in Cowley Beach Training Area. Three of

these species have been recorded from Cowley Beach Training Area: the

nationally significant Myrmecodia beccarii (Melaleuca forest) and the state

significant Rourea brachyandra and Macaranga polyadenia (rainforest). A

list of EPBC Act listed flora species potentially occurring at Cowley Beach

Training Area is provided in Appendix E.

Fauna habitat The major fauna habitats at Cowley Beach Training Area are beach, littoral

sand, rainforest, mixed open forest, Melaleuca swamp, sedge swamp,

freshwater aquatic, estuarine aquatic and marine aquatic.

Three hundred and ninety-six terrestrial and marine fauna species that

have been recorded or have the potential to occur at Cowley Beach

Training Area including 54 terrestrial mammals, 241 birds, 28 frogs and 73

reptiles (including marine turtles and the saltwater crocodile). This includes

120 fauna species of state and national conservation significance.

Fauna species of highest conservation significance known or likely to occur

in Cowley Beach Training Area include the Southern Cassowary (known)

and the Little Tern (likely), both listed as endangered under the EPBC Act.

Cowley Beach Training Area is also notable for its nationally significant

populations of migratory birds.

EPBC Act listed fauna species potentially occurring at Cowley Beach

Training Area are provided in Appendix E.

p 86



Environmental Value

Description

Weeds and pests

Thirty five weed species have been identified along roads, in the camp area

and on the rocket range within Cowley Beach Training Area.

Twelve feral animal species have been recorded or have the potential to

occur at Cowley Beach Training Area including three declared animals

under the Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route

Management) Act 2002 (feral pig, dog and feral cat).

Heritage The Mamu and Djiru groups have traditional ties to the Cowley Beach

Training Area and are part of a broader ‘tribe’ of people referred to as the

rainforest cultural group.

A cultural heritage survey identified several use sites within Cowley Beach

Training Area including rock shelters/overhangs, fish trap/fishing zone,

fishing platforms, settlement/school site, middens and settlement/camp site,

which are of local or regional Aboriginal and / or European cultural heritage

significance (HLA, 2004a). The study concluded that none of these

heritage sites would meet the criteria for inclusion on the Register of

National Estate.

Social aspects Local residents enjoy the use of Cowley Beach immediately adjoining

Cowley Beach Training Area. Cowley Beach Training Area is signposted

and during amphibious or live firing exercises the beach is closed to civilian

access.

Mourilyan Harbour lies to the north of Cowley Beach Training Area. This is

a major sugar loading port and also provides facilities for small water craft.

Defence uses the anchorage during poor weather.

Areas immediately adjoining the western boundary of Cowley Beach

Training Area have been cleared for sugar cane farming. Defence interacts

with the local community through liaison with landholders with respect to

weed and feral animal control and fire management and through its active

participation in the Johnstone River Catchment Management Group.

Matters of National Environmental Significance

World Heritage Properties: Marine section of Cowley Beach Training Area

is included in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Cowley Beach

Training Area is also located within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

(WTWHA).

National Heritage Places: Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of

Queensland are both National Heritage places.

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities; Littoral rainforest and coastal

vine thickets of Eastern Australia. Threatened species (31) and migratory

species (33) that may, or are known to occur at the site are listed in

Appendix E.

p 87



It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Cowley Beach Training Area, as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location, and are not limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 22 | TS13 Planned Activities at Cowley Beach Training Area

TS13 Planned Activities at Cowley Beach Training Area


Maritime Routine passage and manoeuvres of ships and other small watercraft

Anchoring

Hovercraft operations

Ballast water uptake and discharge

Amphibious landings, including Logistics Over The Shore activities (movement

of stores and equipment from ship to shore)

Vehicle manoeuvre in the coastal zone on the beach and dedicated

routes/assembly areas.

Air Helicopter flying including low-level (<1,000ft), take off/landing and troop

insertions.

Land Movement of vehicles from the coastal zone through the Cowley Beach

Training Area on existing internal roads/tracks.

Non ADF Vehicle convoys in transit by road from Cowley Beach Training Area.


Table 23 | Potential Impacts at Cowley Beach Training Area

Potential Impacts at Cowley Beach Training Area


Potential Impacts

Marine environment

Damage to seagrass beds, mangroves and/or coral reefs from anchoring or

accidental grounding of vessels. Disturbance to the sea floor may also

result in release of sediments and degradation of water quality.

Accidental harm to marine fauna caused by collisions from vessel

manoeuvres and amphibious landings.

Vessel accidents that may result in oil and/or fuel spills causing localised

pollution that may impact on marine habitat and fauna.

Accidental release of hazardous liquid waste from ships (used for

maintenance) that may cause degradation of water quality and impact

marine habitat / fauna.

Intentional release of liquid waste (bilge water, grey water or wastewater)

that may cause degradation of water quality and impact on marine habitat /

fauna.

Accidental release of waste (litter) from ships is washed up on beaches or

ingested by marine fauna causing localised pollution that may impact on

marine fauna.

p 88


Potential Impacts at Cowley Beach Training Area


Potential Impacts

Noise emissions from small water craft manoeuvring inshore may disturb

sensitive marine fauna.

The operation of small water craft inshore disturbs seagrass beds and

mangroves that may impact on marine habitat and fauna.

Introduction of marine pests by vessels visiting training areas.

Terrestrial Environment

Damage or disturbance to dune vegetation and protected fauna (seabird

roosts and turtle nests) from vehicle manoeuvres in the coastal zone

(beach)

Damage or disturbance to cultural heritage sites along the Cowley,

Robinson and Brown Beaches from amphibious landings

Dispersal of weeds and / or pests from vehicle and equipment movements

within the training area

Soil erosion caused by vehicles using unsealed roads within the training

area

Accidental spill/leak of oils/ fuels from vehicle movements within the

training area.




vehicles.

Air pollution due to smoke emissions from accidental fire / explosions from

storage, transport and / or handling of ammunition on vessels.

Built environment




rockets and inert munitions.




projectiles, rockets, mortars and inert munitions.



explosions from storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition.



Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of Cowley Beach

Training Area are listed below.

6.4.4.1.1 Cowley Beach Training Area Environmental Management Plan and Standing Orders

An EMP has been prepared to integrate management for Cowley Beach Training Area. The Cowley

Beach Training Area EMP provides specific details on the obligations that Defence is required to

undertake in accordance with the proposed Defence uses on the training area.

p 89


The Standing Orders for Cowley Beach Training Area set out the environmental conditions that must

be met by all users of Cowley Beach Training Area and provide specific instructions for environmental

management at Cowley Beach Training Area (ADF, 2001).

6.4.4.1.2 Cowley Beach Training Area Land Management Plan

A Land Management Plan has been prepared to facilitate the sustainable use of Cowley Beach

Training Area and is based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Defence Training

Activities at Cowley Beach Training Area. The need for the Land Management Plan arose from the

provisions of the Wet Tropics Management Plan (1998) policy document Protection through

Partnerships (1997). Together, the EIA and EMP fulfil the Wet Tropics Management Plan policy of ‘an

agreed Defence Use Management Code of Practice… and an approved Environmental Management

Plan’ for the Cowley Beach Training Area. The Land Management Plan provides a strategy for

managing training activities and maintenance activities.



The SEM and EOs for the Northern Queensland region are responsible for management of

environmental issues at Cowley Beach Training Area.







environmental outcomes. Further information is provided on the Defence website:


6.4.4.2 TS13Specific Environmental Controls


possible environmental impacts at Townsville Field Training Area:








6.5 Canungra Field Training Area

The Canungra Military Area is approximately 6000 ha in size consisting of the built working area (the

Cantonment) and the Canungra Field Training Area (CFTA). It is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland

approximately 90km south of Brisbane and 35km west of Surfers Paradise (Broadbeach). Being

within the hinterland, the terrain comprises the highly undulating foothills of the Great Dividing Range

and deep river gullies including of the Coomera River. Within the Training Area, the elevation

difference between the peaks to gullies can be 450m. The area of the cantonment is of flatter

topography, constructed on slightly sloping land overall with five (5) distinct gullies running roughly

east-west though the property. These gullies have approximately 15m elevation difference to the built

flatter area. An informal ‘buffer’ of open space between the Cantonment and the training area exists –

consisting mainly of disturbed and managed open space providing a golf course, married quarters,

sports fields and helicopter landing areas.


p 90



The Cantonment, and the adjacent cleared open space areas including the potential Landing Zone,

are heavily disturbed and undergo on-going management. Although these areas are void of native

vegetation they still support fauna populations such as macropods and are surrounded by native

vegetation.

Canungra Field Training Area is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its natural values. It

also contains sub-tropical rainforest and is important for its diverse landscape and as a key wildlife

corridor between the coastal lowlands and the conservation areas at Mt Tamborine, Springbrook and

Lamington National Parks. CFTA supports a number of threatened wildlife EPBC Act listed species

and State listed species. CFTA supports 13 different Regional Ecosystems (RE's) mapped under the

Queensland vegetation management system. These Regional Ecosystems contain some vegetation

communities that are considered 'endangered' and 'of concern'.

Table 24 | Key Environmental Values of Canungra Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Canungra Training Area

Environmental Value

Description


The mountain foothills within which Canungra Military area is located is predominantly volcanic – however there are areas of sedimentary and metamorphic rock as a result of the Ranges’ development. The cantonment and land near the Coomera River and other waterways sees alluvial deposits as a common geology associated with on-going erosion and deposition. These alluvial soils have a clay component and some have reactive soil characteristics.

The Coomera River passes through the property and provides a physical transition between the Cantonment and the Training Area. The Coomera River has been noted as of ‘exceptional health and integrity’ (per Commonwealth Heritage Listing details). The Coomera River and its feeder streams are ephemeral, relying on local rainfall for flow levels. A small weir has been constructed near the Cantonment too support the local water supply. Both the waterways and the weir support a range of aquatic life.

The terrain of the Cantonment and the associated managed open space areas is substantially flatter than the training area and has a gentle slope downward to the Coomera River. The Cantonment itself is built on ridges of five gullies that trend east-west, linked by roads and areas of reduced gully depth. The managed open space areas near the river are of low elevation and flat.

The terrain of the training area is varied from ridges and mountain peaks to river and waterway gullies. Some sections may have terrain changes from 550m (AHD) to 100m (AHD) in the gullies – an elevation difference of 400m or more, slopes vary accordingly – with most slopes of between 1-5

but some slopes are as much as

20o.


The Cantonment and associated open space areas is highly disturbed and subject to on-going management. There is a mix of native and exotic flora species in the Cantonment for landscaping. Areas of open space, particularly the helicopter landing areas and the golf course, are maintained with low cut grasses.

The majority of the Training Area is contained on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its natural values – notably for its Eucalypt forests and the landscape character supported by the vegetation.

p 91



Environmental Value

Description


A number of protected flora species and fauna species have been recorded or have suitable habitat in the vegetated Training Area. There are 23 EPBC listed threatened flora species listed as likely to occur on this site, including various Orchids, Wild Macadamia, ,Onion Cedar, Ball Nut, jointed baloghia, Stinking cryptocarya, Zieria collina, nightcap plectranthus and the Notophyll vine forests that support the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly populations. A wide range of fauna species have also been observed on the site, and the site includes either suitable habitat or known populations for a range of listed species that includes:

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Fleay's frog (Mixiophes fleayi)

Giant Barred Frog (Mixophes iterates)

Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)

Spot-Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus)

Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Other notable species known to be present on the site include Yellow -Bellied

Gliders, Superb Lyrebirds, Black Breasted Button Quail, Richmond Birdwing

Butterfly, Echidna and Potaroo.

Weeds and pests

Land clearing and disturbance in the cantonment, open space areas, roads and infrastructure provides an opportunity for weeds to establish. Weeds found in these areas include Camphor Laurel, Chinese Elm, Verbena, Annual Ragweed, Wild Tobacco, Groundsel, Easter Cassia, Silver-leafed Desmodium, and Lantana. Weeds have mainly become established along the waterways, roads and open and/or exposed areas. Annual ongoing weed management programs continue to be undertaken to minimise the presence of these weeds.

The rugged terrain and high vegetation cover of the training area provides opportunities for feral animals. Known species include the European Red Fox, wild dog and feral cat. The European hare, although not recorded on the property, is also likely to exist. The Cantonment, being a more disturbed and open site, with management of attractive elements (eg food supply) is believed to be less affected by pests.

The areas of managed open space would be visited by pests but provide little

protection. An annual pest management program is also undertaken mainly

targeting wild dog, fox and wild cat populations.

Indigenous heritage

A number of Indigenous Heritage sites have previously been identified by survey. Sites are located both on and around the cantonment area as well as the Training Area. These include scarred trees, scatters of artefacts, graves, important ritual sites and sites of occupation.

European heritage

A survey in 2008 identified 24 sites of potential historic European heritage within the cantonment area. Ratings of these sites varied from high significance, to little significance. Some of the 24 sites no longer exist. A formal assessment as part of a listing process has been undertaken but is out of date and need updating. These sites include memorials, office buildings, messing and accommodations buildings and chapel.

The TA contains a number of potential European and Military heritage sites that have not been formally assessed or recorded.

p 92



Environmental Value

Description

Social aspects The Canungra property is surrounded by rural land uses, small villages and the towns of Canungra and Mount Tambourine.

The Cantonment is accessible from one road. The landscape of the area results in villages and the Defence property being physically separated by the mountains and vegetation. The operation of the Military site has little impact on the surrounding communities, other than some local business.

A key challenge for the property is, by its location in the hinterland, the narrow and sometimes winding road to reach the major highways of the coastal strip (eg leading to Brisbane). This challenge is heightened with larger-than-average military vehicles and the number of vehicles (convoy).


As previously noted, the site contains both potential habitat and known populations for a range of flora and fauna species listed under the EPBC Act. The site also contains areas that may be visited by up to 16 migratory species. While the TA is within the catchment for the Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland, it is significantly removed from the site itself (over 30 km) making impacts unlikely.

Threatened species and migratory species that may, or are known to occur at the site are listed in Appendix G.


It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Canungra Military Area, as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location, and are not limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 25 | TS13 Planned Activities at Canungra Training Area

TS13 Planned Activities at Canungra Training Area


Air Aircraft overflights for Parachute jumps

Land Landing of parachutists in designated location – Mango Flats Helicopter

landing Zone

Vehicle move-out of parachutists (personnel and equipment)

Observation points and communications point

Deployment of smoke canisters to locate drop zone


Table 26 | Potential Impacts at Canungra Training Area

Potential Impacts at Canungra Training Area

Environmental

Aspect

Potential Impacts


Uncontrolled clearing of vegetation

Dispersal of weeds and / or pests from vehicle and equipment movements

within the training area

Soil erosion and damage to track infrastructure caused by vehicles using

unsealed roads or leaving designated tracks and fire trails within the

training area

p 93


Potential Impacts at Canungra Training Area

Environmental

Aspect

Potential Impacts

Unplanned fire due to smoke flares and other military pyrotechnics

Road strike/trampling of fauna and flora

Pollution from rubbish, hydrocarbons or human waste


Air pollution (minor) from the use of hydrocarbons as fuels

Air pollution (minor) from smoke canisters used to designate the landing zone

Smoke pollution from unplanned fires



Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of the Canungra


6.5.4.1.1 Canungra Field Training Area (CFTA) Standing Orders

Training Area Standing Orders apply to all planned activities at CFTA during TS13, managed by the

Range Control Officer.

6.5.4.1.2 Site Based Environment Officers


The SEM and EOs for the Southern Queensland region are responsible for management of

environmental issues at Canungra Field Training Area.



internal protocol known as an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). All activities undertaken at

a Range or Training Area must have an approved Environmental Clearance Certificate which must be


ensures there is still a robust process for environmental management to minimise the potential for

adverse environmental outcomes.



6.5.4.2 TS13 Environmental Controls


possible environmental impacts at Canungra Field Training Area:






p 94


6.6 Delamere Range Facility

6.6.1 Description of the area

The Delamere Range Facility is located approximately 125 km south-west of Katherine, on the

eastern edge of the Sturt Plateau, in the Northern Territory. It is accessed by the Buntine Highway

via the Victoria Highway. The Delamere Range Facility is an important gazetted Defence Practice

Area – providing air to ground and on-ground weapons firing and bombing training - for the ADF.

These activities support operational readiness training in offensive air and ground support and

strategic interdiction.


Delamere Range Facility lies at the southern reach of the seasonal monsoon high rainfall zone and the

northern reach of the arid inland zone. As a consequence it contains vegetation characteristic of both

these climatic zones. Vegetation primarily consists of woodland and forest communities with broad,

shallow drainage lines supporting sparse to dense grassland and open woodland.

Delamere Range Facility is broadly contained within a poorly watered flat to gently undulating plateau,

which consists of a virtually featureless plain with entrenched broad shallow valleys up to 1km wide

that form headwater catchment of several creeks to the north east. The landscape comprises all the

elements of the erosion sequence including source, transit and sink areas.

There are no marine areas associated with the Delamere Range Facility. A regional map showing the

Delamere Range Facility area is provided in Figure 8.

Two US Marines help secure a beach during TS11

Delamere Range Facility

Figure 8: Locality MapDelamere Range Facility Queensland° 0 5Kilometers

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Table 27 provides a summary of the key environmental attributes of Delamere Range Facility. It is

noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Delamere

Range Facility as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location and are not limited to the

TS13 Exercise.

Table 27 | Key Environmental Values of Delamere Range Facility

Key Environmental Values of Delamere Range Facility

Environmental Value

Description


Ephemeral streams are located throughout the site and carry significant

flows during the monsoon period from December to February. There are no

significant permanent natural water sources on the site. Two dams have

been constructed within the site boundary to provide for local water

requirements.


The vegetation is mainly low open Eucalypt woodland with some acacia

scrubland and tussock grasslands that have been heavily modified by

grazing. The laterite areas are generally woodland and forest communities

with grassland, varying from sparse to dense and open woodland in the

broad shallow drainage lines. The site overlaps a seasonally high rainfall

zone and an arid inland zone and consequently contains natural features

characteristic of both.


Most on-site fauna is either common or abundant. A list of threatened and

migratory species potentially occurring in Delamere Range Facility is

provided in Appendix F.

The site supports approximately 59 bird species

Weeds and pests

The range facility is largely free of weed infestation. Weeds have been

identified including a small number of introduced rubber bush (Calotropis

procera) located at Browns Dam in the north-west of the property and the

native pastoral weed Hyptis suaveolens adjacent to the Dry River.

Feral pigs are relatively common. Cats and dingoes have been seen, but

are not considered to be present in high numbers. As many as 150 cattle

remain on the Delamere Range Facility.

Indigenous heritage

Archaeological surveys of the range identified comparatively few sites of

archaeological significance

An Indigenous Land Use Agreement has been made for an area of land

incorporating the area of the Delamere Range


A list of threatened and migratory species potentially occurring at Delamere

Range Facility is provided in Appendix F

p 97


6.6.3 Potential Activities

It is considered unlikely that the Delamere Range Facility will be required during TS13.

It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Delamere

Range Facility as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location and are not limited to the

TS13 Exercise.

Table 28 | TS13 Potential Activities at Delamere Range Facility

TS13 Potential Activities at Delamere Range Facility

Sphere TS13 Potential Activities


Helicopter flying including low-level (<1,000ft), take off / landing and troop

insertions


Use of lasers


Aircraft / Airfield exercise logistics operations and air transport



only)

Land Deployment of personnel / equipment by land

Live firing of weapons (infantry)


Logistics support (establishment and maintenance of facilities, camp sites,

infrastructure, etc.)

Construction and maintenance (roads, bridges, vegetation, route clearance)




Putrescible / non-putrescible waste, sewerage and grew water collection,


Establishment and operation of field workshops, field medical facilities, field

power generation and distribution, fuel distribution

Internal road and track movements by wheeled and tracked vehicles

Other miscellaneous activities

p 98



Table 29 | Potential Impacts at Delamere Range Facility

Potential Impacts at Delamere Range Facility


Potential Impacts



outside designated impact areas during air based live firing activities


erosion

Contamination of soils from concentrated live firing activity in impact areas

Accidental release and/or spill of contaminants (petrol, oils or chemicals)

during emergency fuel dumping that may cause soil, surface or ground

water contamination


in training areas



as fuels, the rate of consumption of which is increased in armoured vehicles



Built environment















Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of Delamere

Range Facility are listed below.

6.6.5.1.1 Delamere Range Facility Standing Orders

Standing Orders apply to all planned activities at Delamere Range Facility during TS13, managed by

the Range Control Officer.

p 99




Within these groups, personnel may also be assigned to individual training areas, which is the case at

RAAF Tindal and the associated Delamere Range Facility. The Environment Officer for RAAF Tindal /

Delamere Range Facility is responsible for management of environment issues on the site, including

implementation of the Northern Territory / Kimberley Defence EMS incorporating environmental

management programmes and monitoring.










6.6.5.2 TS13 Environmental Controls


possible environmental impacts at Delamere Range Facility:







6.7 Bradshaw Field Training Area


The Bradshaw Field Training Area comprises an area of 870,000 ha, and is located near Timber Creek

within the Victoria River region of the Northern Territory. A regional map showing the Bradshaw Field

Training Area is provided in Figure 9.

The Bradshaw Field Training Area is designed to support training in formation manoeuvre, field live

firing and aerial live firing and bombing. It includes field firing areas, high explosive impact areas,

manoeuvre areas, training sectors and infrastructure to support management and operational use.

Infrastructure at Bradshaw Field Training Area includes a limited road network, maintenance areas, a

Range Control facility, a 500 person camp site and support facilities.

External access to the Bradshaw Field Training Area is provided via a bridge across the Victoria River,

approximately 8km west of Timber Creek and an access road from the Victoria Highway to the bridge.

The bridge and roads are able to accommodate all ADF wheeled and tracked vehicles.

The Bradshaw Field Training Area has an internal road network of unsealed gravel two-lane

formations, appropriate for all-weather use (although movement is generally restricted during the wet

season to prevent damage to roads and tracks). The main internal road corridor is North Angalarri

Road.


Bradshaw Field Training Area

Figure 9: Locality MapBradshaw Field Training Area Queensland° 0 5Kilometers

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p 101



Table 30 provides a summary of the key environmental attributes of Bradshaw Field Training Area. It

is emphasised that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at

Bradshaw Field Training Area as part of the on-going ADF training program at this location and are

not limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 30 | Key Environmental Values of Bradshaw Field Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Bradshaw Field Training Area

Environmental Value

Description


Water resources include perennial streams, ephemeral streams, springs,

waterholes and groundwater aquifers, which have good quality

groundwater. The Victoria and Fitzmaurice Rivers, which flow throughout

the year, form the southern and northern boundaries respectively. There

are numerous major and unnamed watercourses on Bradshaw Field

Training Area some of which flow from monsoon rains.


Bradshaw Field Training Area contains a diversity of flora species, with 851

flora species identified within the site. Some flora species are listed under

international agreements and are of national conservation significance.

Three flora species are currently listed as rare in the Victoria – Bonaparte

Bioregion.

Significant vegetation communities noted on the Commonwealth Heritage

List and Register of National Estate include rainforests, Northern Cypress

Pine, tropical heath, riparian communities, Xerochloa grassland and

Melaleuca minutifolia woodland. There are no threatened ecological

communities.

A total of 14 weed species have been recorded, six of which are declared

noxious as defined by the Northern Territory Weed Management Act, of

which three pose a serious threat to conservation – Parkinsonia, Noogoora

Burr and Rubber Bush.


A total of 377 species, comprising 26 fish species, 22 frogs, 77 reptiles, 212

birds and 50 mammals were identified in the area (in 2002).

Threatened fauna species recorded at Bradshaw Field Training Area and

listed under the EPBC Act include the Gouldian Finch, Purple-crowned

Fairy-wren, and Northern Quoll, details are provided in Appendix H.

A population of the Gouldian Finch is known to be present on the Mt

Thymanan and Ikymbon areas in Bradshaw Field Training Area. Known

habitat is located within a High Explosive Impact Area and has been

therefore been designated as a No-Go area for safety reasons. Habitat

includes an abundance of suitable nesting trees on stony, Sorghum

covered hillsides, nearby permanent waterholes and a variety of perennial

feed grasses on the adjacent lowlands including Alloteropsis semialata and

Mnesithia formosa (URS, 2002).

Primary habitat for the Purple-crowed Fairy-wren at Bradshaw Field

Training Area is Canegrass (Chionachne cyathopoda), particularly when

interspersed with Pandanus.

p 102


Key Environmental Values of Bradshaw Field Training Area

Environmental Value

Description

There are 32 migratory species that have been recorded which include 16

bird species, turtles, whales, the Dugong and the Saltwater Crocodile

Three habitats within Bradshaw Field Training Area are considered core

fauna habitats: rocky slopes and gullies with monsoon forest, streams and

riparian habitats associated with rocky hills, and grasslands and swamps

Bradshaw TA is considered part of a regional environmental corridor

linking with Gregory National Park and is part of a broader link to the

Kimberley region

Heritage Defence has an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the traditional

owners of the site

The Bradshaw Field Training Area Heritage and Environmental

Management Plan (HEMP) (HLA, 2006) details procedures for the

protection of culturally significant sites

There are also a number of places and objects relating to early European

activities and occupation in the area (e.g. scarred trees)

Bradshaw Field Training Area is entered on the Commonwealth Heritage

List and there are 10 sites of historic heritage significance listed on the

Register of National Estate

Social aspects Key social issues for the Timber Creek community identified during

preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the training area

included Aboriginal community’s access to, and protection of, sacred sites;

Timber Creek economy, mining industry exploration access; fishing industry

access; pastoral enterprises; infrastructure; environmental sustainability;

noise (operational issues).

Current strategies include landholders and local community’s consultation

and the establishment of an Environmental Advisory Committee with local

representation

Matters of

National

Environmental

Significance

National Heritage List: There are a number of sacred sites and

archaeological places on Bradshaw Field Training Area, mainly located on

the banks of the Victoria River, the Ikymbon River and the escarpments and

gorges of the Yambarran Plateau.

Listed Threatened Species or Communities, Migratory Species: There are

no threatened ecological communities. A list of threatened and migratory

species potentially occurring at Bradshaw Field Training Area is provided in

Appendix H. Five threatened fauna species and 17 migratory species have

been recorded at Bradshaw Field Training Area.

p 103


6.7.3 Potential Activities

It is considered unlikely that the Bradshaw Field Training Area will be required during TS13.

It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at Bradshaw

Training Area as part of the ongoing ADF training programme at this location and are not limited to the

TS13 Exercise.

Table 31 | TS13 Potential Activities at Bradshaw Field Training Area

TS13 Potential Activities at Bradshaw Field Training Area

Sphere TS13 Potential Activities


Helicopter flying including low-level (<1,000ft), take off/landing and troop

insertions


Use of lasers


Exercise logistics operations (e.g. loading/unloading, landing, parking, etc)

Air mobile operations



only)

Land Deployment of personnel/equipment by land/air

Live firing of weapons (infantry, artillery, mortars and armoured vehicles)

Military operations in urban terrain


Logistics support (facilities, camp sites, infrastructure etc)





Explosive obstacle clearing, road cratering and demolition practice







Other miscellaneous activities

p 104



Table 32 | Potential Impacts at Bradshaw Field Training Area

Potential Impacts at Bradshaw Field Training Area


Potential Impacts



outside designated impact areas during land and air based live firing

activities


erosion

Contamination of soils (heavy metals) from live firing activity in impact

areas - release of solid waste (munitions)




due to clearing of vegetation to maintain or establish target areas. This

may also promote weed colonisation



Accidental release and/or spill of contaminants (petrol, oils or chemicals)












in training areas


the potential to disturb breeding/nesting fauna

Built environment










Social environment

Noise and traffic impacts from military convoy movements to/from

Bradshaw Field Training Area have the potential to disrupt other road users

p 105




Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of Bradshaw Field


6.7.5.1.1 Bradshaw Field Training Area Standing Orders

Training Area Standing Orders will apply to all planned activities at Bradshaw Field Training Area

during TS13, and are managed by the Range Control Officer.



Within these groups, there is an Environment Officer responsible for management of Ranges and

Training Areas. The Environment Officer – Ranges and Training Areas is responsible for management

of environment issues on the site, including implementation of the Northern Territory / Kimberley

Defence EMS incorporating environmental management programmes and monitoring.

6.7.5.1.3 Heritage and Environmental Management Plan

The Bradshaw Field Training Area Heritage and Environmental Management Plan (HEMP) (HLA,

2006) provides an integrated framework and strategies for management of the significant natural and

cultural heritage values at Bradshaw Field Training Area, including management requirements during

major exercises.

6.7.5.1.4 Indigenous Land Use Agreement

The use of Bradshaw Field Training Area is subject to an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA)

which requires all Defence activities to be undertaken in accordance with Defence Activity Plans which

are subject to consultation and approval with traditional owners and the Northern Land Council.










6.7.5.2 TS13 Specific Environmental Controls


possible environmental impacts at Bradshaw Field Training Area:









p 106


6.8 Mount Bundey Training Area


The Mount Bundey Training Area covers approximately 117,300 ha and is located approximately

115km south east of Darwin CBD in the Northern Territory. A map showing the location of Mount

Bundey Training Area and relative to Darwin is provided on Figure 10.

The Mount Bundey Training Area is bounded by the Arnhem Highway to the north, Mary River and the

proposed Mary River National Park to the west, and Kakadu National Park to the east through to the

south. The Mount Bundey Training Area is included on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its variety

of fauna habitats of waterways, floodplains and rainforest pockets supporting a range of species.

Mount Bundey Training Area is designed to support training in field manoeuvres and field live firing. It

has field firing areas, high explosive impact areas, training sectors and infrastructure to support

management and operational use. Infrastructure at Mount Bundey Training Area is limited, and

includes a road network, maintenance areas, a Range Control facility, a 200 person campsite and a

number of support facilities including built ranges.

External access to the Mount Bundey Training Area is provided via the Arnhem Highway, which has

direct connection to Stuart Highway providing direct transport link to Darwin. The Mount Bundey

Training Area has an internal road network of unsealed gravel roads, appropriate for all weather use -

although movement is generally restricted during the wet season to prevent damage to roads and

tracks and damage to vehicles.

Mount Bundey Training Area

Figure 10: Locality MapMount Bundey Training Area Queensland° 0 1 2 3 4Kilometers

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p 108



Table 33 provides a summary of the key environmental attributes of Mount Bundey Training Area. It

is emphasised that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken at

Mount Bundey Training Area as part of the on-going ADF training program and are not limited to the

TS13 Exercise.

Table 33 | Key Environmental Values of Mount Bundey Training Area

Key Environmental Values of Mount Bundey Training Area

Environmental Value Description


The Mount Bundey Training Area is drained to the north-west and north-

east by the Mary and Wildman Rivers respectively. Both watercourses

form part of wetlands of national importance. The Mary River forms a

floodplain in the western portion of the Mount Bundey Training Area.

There are numerous unnamed watercourses across Bradshaw Field

Training Area – many of which only flow during the wet (monsoon)

season.


The area is predominately covered by melaleuca savannah woodlands

and open forests, along with grassed floodplains. Significant vegetation

communities include vine (monsoon rainforest) thickets, which provide

important seasonal and short-term refuge for fauna including from fire.


The Mount Bundey Training Area has a high diversity of significant

fauna habitats including seasonal Melaleuca and grassland floodplains

and permanent waterholes and waterways of the Mary and Wildman

Rivers and Craig Creek rockholes, which are valuable dry season

refuges and the grassy savannah woodland and open forests with grass

understory. Pockets of monsoon rainforest represent important

seasonal and short-term refuges for fauna.

Baseline surveys have recorded a total of 270 fauna species at the

Mount Bundey Training Area, including 140 birds, 60 reptiles, 17 frogs,

28 mammals and 25 fish

Eight EPBC listed threatened species have been recorded on Mount

Bundey Training Area, including the Gouldian Finch, Red Goshawk,

(eastern) Partridge Pigeon, Masked Owl, Northern Quoll, Golden-

backed Tree-rat, Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat; and Freshwater SawFish

Seventeen EPBC listed migratory species have been recorded at Mount

Bundey Training Area, nine terrestrial and eight wetland as well as the

Saltwater Crocodile

Weeds and pests At least 6 weed species have been recorded at the Mount Bundey

Training Area, including Misson Grass, Gamba Grass, Buffel Grass,

Caltrop, Hyptis and Spinyhead Sida

p 109


Key Environmental Values of Mount Bundey Training Area

Environmental Value Description

Heritage There is one registered and one recorded Indigenous sacred site at

Mount Bundey Training Area, with 117 archaeological sites recorded

Mount Bundey Training Area contains no known European heritage

sites

Mount Bundey Training Area is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage

List for its natural heritage values

Social aspects The Mount Bundey Training Area is approximately 115 km to the south-

east of Darwin and approximately 100 km to the west of the town of

Jabiru. There are no townships or small villages in the vicinity. The area

is large pastoral grazing land uses with extremely low population levels.

There is significant use of Arnhem Highway for tourist vehicles to and

from the adjacent Kakadu National Park. Jim Jim Road, which bisects

the Mount Bundey Training Area, is a public road that is occasionally

used.


Mount Bundey Training Area borders Kakadu National Park. Kakadu

National Park is entered on the World Heritage List and a Ramsar site.

Eight threatened and 14 migratory species have been recorded at the

Mount Bundey Training Area. A list of threatened and migratory species

potentially occurring at Mount Bundey Training Area is provided in

Appendix I.


It is considered unlikely that the Mount Bundey Training Area will be required during TS13.

Table 34 provides a summary of the training activities that may potentially be undertaken at Mount

Bundey Training Area as part of TS13. It is emphasised that these potential exercises are

representative of those activities undertaken at Mount Bundey Training Area as part of the ongoing

ADF training program and are not limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 34 | TS13 Planned Activities at Mount Bundey Training Area

TS13 Planned Activities at Mount Bundey Training Area


Air Helicopter flying including low-level (<1,000ft), take off / landing and troop

insertions

Live firing of weapons (gunnery, bombing, missiles and rockets)


only)

Aircraft deployed countermeasures


Use of lasers

p 110


TS13 Planned Activities at Mount Bundey Training Area


Land Deployment of personnel/equipment by land

Live firing of weapons (armoured vehicles, artillery, mortar, infantry)







Use of lasers

Deployment of smoke canisters


Explosive obstacle clearing








Table 35 | Potential Impacts at Mount Bundey Training Area

Potential Impacts at Mount Bundey Training Area


Potential Impacts



outside designated impact areas during land based live firing activities


erosion

Contamination of soils from live firing activity in impact


due to clearing of vegetation to maintain or establish target areas or

Forward Operating Bases



Accidental release and / or spill of contaminants (petrol, oils or chemicals)











p 111


Potential Impacts at Mount Bundey Training Area


Potential Impacts


in training areas


the potential to disturb breeding / nesting fauna

Built environment

Damage to roads from military convey









Social environment

Noise and traffic impacts from military convoy movements to / from Mount

Bundey Training Area have the potential to disturb residents adjacent to

transport routes, damage existing road infrastructure, disrupt other road

users, and result in accidental spills/ leaks of hydrocarbons and accidental

injury to animals



Provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage attributes of Mount Bundey


6.8.5.1.1 Mount Bundey Training Area Standing Orders

Mount Bundey Training Area Training Area Standing Orders apply to all planned activities at Mount

Bundey Training Area during TS13, and are managed by the Range Control Officer.




Training Areas. The Environment Officer – Ranges and Training Areas is responsible for management

of environment issues on the site, including implementation of the Northern Territory / Kimberley

Defence EMS incorporating environmental management programmes and monitoring.

6.8.5.1.3 Heritage and Environmental Management Plan

The Mount Bundey Training Area Heritage and Environmental Management Plan (HEMP) (AECOM,

2010) provides an integrated framework and strategies for management of the significant natural and

cultural heritage values at Mount Bundey Training Area, including management requirements during

major exercises.

p 112













possible environmental impacts at Mount Bundey Training Area:








6.9 Coral Sea


The Coral Sea is located along the north east coast of Australia, between Queensland (east of and

excluding the Great Barrier Reef), New Guinea and Vanuatu, and part of the gazetted East Australia

Exercise Area (EAXA). It should be noted that the Exercise will not involve activities within the

Coringa-Herald or Lihou Reef National Nature Reserves or any other Marine Protected Areas.

Vessels will transit through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to reach the Coral Sea – activities

within the Park are captured under their respective and specific locations e.g. SWBTA, CBTA


The Coral Sea encompasses a variety of migratory species, reef environments and marine habitat

features. A description of the key environmental values of the Coral Sea are summarised in Table 36.

Table 36 | Key Environmental Values of the Coral Sea

Key Environmental Values of the Coral Sea

Environmental Value

Description

Aquatic Environment

Coral reefs within the Coral Sea support a distinct community of marine

benthic (ocean floor environment) flora and fauna, a relatively rich diversity

of decapods crustacean and hydroid (predatory) fauna, and significant

feeding habitat for migratory birds and sea birds generally

Flora and Fauna

There are several islets within the Coral Sea comprising sandy habitats with

forest and shrubland, seagrasses and mangroves which often form in the

near shore fringe where the Coral Sea intersects with land


p 113


Key Environmental Values of the Coral Sea

Environmental Value

Description

There are 43 whale species and three dolphin species that migrate through

the region, including the humpback whale, Irawaddy dolphin, Indo-Pacific

humpback dolphin and bottlenose dolphin which are listed under the EPBC

Act. The Coral Sea islets support green turtle nests within sandy habitat, as

well as a number of important breeding populations of terns and other

seabirds within forests and shrublands. At least eight species of migratory

birds, including Pacific golden plover and ruddy turnstone, use reefs and

cays during migration. A list of EPBC listed species potentially occurring in

the Coral Sea is provided in Appendix J.

Heritage Marine Protected Areas in the Coral Sea include the Coringa-Herald

National Nature Reserve, the Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve. The

proposed activities will be conducted outside the Coringa- Herald and Lihou

Reef National Nature Reserves.

The Great Barrier Reef is outside the recognised area of the Coral Sea to

be used in the Exercise activities

There are heritage sites – historic shipwrecks – associated with vessels

sunk in the Coral Sea during World War II

Social aspects Commercial and private vessels travel through the Coral Sea for activities

including recreational (boating, snorkelling, diving), fishing (recreational

and commercial)


The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is listed under the EPBC Act as a

Matter of National Environmental Significance. It is also listed as a National

Heritage Place. Although the Reef is outside the designated Coral Sea

area, the proximity and interactions of these two environments and their

elements are taken into account.

Transit of naval vessels will cross Commonwealth marine areas

Threatened and migratory marine species occurring in the Coral Sea are

listed in Appendix I

Future Issue –

Coral Sea

Commonwealth

Marine Reserve

Proposal

Currently a proposal in progress, the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine

reserve is to protect the waters, and the broader environmental values

contained, within the designated area. This protection will be against

mining, some fishing and other activities that would have a significant

impact on the values of the area and to ensure its health.

The values to be protected by the Marine Reserve designation are:

The landscape of coral reefs, sandy cays, underwater (deep sea)

plains and canyons;

The animals including turtles, sea birds, predatory and tropical (reef)

fish, whales, sharks;

The heritage particularly associated with naval vessels sunk during

WWII including the USS Lexington, USS Sims and USS Neosho; and

The final proposal permits Defence operations and training exercises

to occur within the marine reserve.

p 114



It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken within the

Coral Sea (Designated Area) as part of the on-going ADF training program in this area and are not

limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 37 | TS13 Planned Activities on the Coral Sea

TS13 Planned Activities on the Coral Sea


Maritime Maritime transit to Coral Sea from Timor and Arafura Seas

Routine passage and manoeuvres

Operation of ship’s boats and other small watercraft

Amphibious landings(movement of stores and equipment from ship to shore)

Refuelling at anchor

Anchoring

Putrescible and non-putrescible waste collection and sea disposal of

garbage, sewage and oily wastes

Hovercraft and amphibious vehicle operations


Submarine operations, including bottoming

Anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare operations

Use of countermeasures systems

Weapons practice (ship missile and submarine torpedo firings will be

conducted in International Waters)

Ship and submarine mid-frequency active sonar usage

Mine warfare and diver training

Use of acoustic decoys, trackers and pingers


Streaming of submarine buoyant wire aerials

Use of underwater telephones

Use of ship radars

Movement of stores and equipment from ships to shore

Use of floating fuel bladders (filled with water for exercise purposes)

Air Air transit to the Coral Sea from Queensland airfields

Low-level flying by fixed wing aircraft and helicopters

Air combat and air intercept training

Supersonic flight by manned aircraft


Transfer of stores

Dumping of fuel and jettisoning of stores from aircraft in emergency situations

only

Weapons training (gunnery, aircraft missile and rocket firings, and bombing

will be conducted in International Waters)

Parachute drops over water of personnel, stores and equipment

Use of acoustic trackers, pingers, locators, markers and release devices

Use of aircraft radars and lasers

Use of miscellaneous explosive and non-explosive aircraft stores

(sonobuoys)

High altitude sensor aircraft

p 115



Table 38 | Potential Impacts on the Coral Sea

Potential Impacts on the Coral Sea


Potential Impacts

Maritime environment


accidental grounding of vessels. Disturbance to the sea floor may also result

in release of sediments and degradation of water quality


collisions from vessel manoeuvres and amphibious landings


pollution that may impact on marine habitat and fauna


maintenance) that may cause degradation of water quality and impact marine

habitat / fauna

Intentional release of liquid waste (ballast water, bilge water, grey water or

wastewater) that may cause degradation of water quality and impact on

marine habitat / fauna

Accidental release of waste (litter) from ships is washed up on beaches or

ingested by marine fauna causing localised pollution that may impact on

marine fauna

Noise emissions from small water craft manoeuvring inshore may disturb

sensitive marine fauna

The operation of small water craft inshore disturbs seagrass beds and

mangroves that may impact on marine habitat and fauna

Accidental fuel spill from refuelling at sea that may cause degradation of

water quality and impact on marine habitat and fauna

Accidental release of fuels / oils into the marine environment from aircraft

incidents that may cause degradation of water quality and impact marine

habitat / fauna

Munitions fired from ships / aircrafts (live firing, explosions) may impact on

marine habitat and kill or injure marine fauna

Use of underwater sonar may interfere or cause harm to marine fauna

Underwater noise emissions from explosions and use of explosive demolition

charges may interfere with or harm marine fauna

Solid waste from munitions potentially release contaminants into the marine

environment and degrades water quality

Introduction of marine pests by vessels visiting training areas


Air pollution and subsequent climate change from the use of hydrocarbons as

fuels





explosions from storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition on vessels

p 116


Potential Impacts on the Coral Sea


Potential Impacts

Social environment

Vessel manoeuvres have the potential to collide with a third party

(recreational and commercial ships/boats) causing damage to property and/or

injury to civilians.



6.9.5.1.1 Maritime Activities EMP, planning guides and procedures cards

The ADF Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan has been developed to assist ADF units

and support organisations to conduct maritime activities in a manner which balances training and

operational requirements with regulatory obligations and environmental best practice measures. The

Maritime Activities EMP comprises of three elements: the Planning Guides, Planning Handbooks and

Procedure Cards.

The Planning Guides are intended to provide guidance for exercise planners and programmers so that

potential environmental impacts can be avoided in the first instance by separation in space and/or time

from environmentally sensitive areas. They should be used in conjunction with the relevant

Environmental Planning Handbooks for specific Maritime Exercise Areas (MXA) and the Procedure

Cards.

The Environmental Planning Handbooks provide a reference with pertinent background information

designed to assist in the planning of Defence activities in or adjacent to the Maritime Exercise Areas.

The Procedure Cards provide guidance on unit-level risk reduction and response measures for

individual activities including platforms/ships, platforms/aircraft, weapons system, sensor systems,

communications equipment, countermeasures systems, targets, instrumented ranges, mine warfare

and diver training and miscellaneous.












possible environmental impacts within the Coral Sea:







p 117


6.10 Timor and Arafura Seas


The Timor Sea is located along the north coast of Australia, between Australia and Timor Leste and is

bound by the Arafura Sea to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west. A number of significant

islands and reefs are located in the Timor Sea, notably Melville Island, Ashmore Reef and Cartier

Islands and Scott and Seringapatam Reefs and their surrounds.

The Arafura Sea is located along the north coast of Australia, between the Gulf of Carpentaria and

Papua New Guinea and is bound by the Coral Sea to the east and the Timor Sea to the west.


The Timor and Arafura Seas encompass a variety of migratory species and habitat features. A

description of the key environmental attributes is summarised in Table 39.

Table 39 | Key Environmental Values of the Timor and Arafura Seas

Key Environmental Values of the Timor and Arafura Seas

Environmental Value

Description


Several marine habitats occur in the Timor and Arafura Seas including

seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs. Seagrass beds occur in shallow

waters (<15m deep). Mangroves occur in the intertidal areas of the

Northern Territory coast. True coral reefs are not abundant in the region,

but diverse assemblages of corals on rocky substrate are widely distributed

in shallow water.


Seagrass and mangroves occur in shallower inshore areas

Fauna habitat The Timor and Arafura Seas provide habitat for several threatened and

migratory marine species listed under the EPBC Act. These are listed in

Appendix K. Species of special concern include:

Mammals – dugong, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Irrawady dolphin

Reptiles – loggerhead turtle, green turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill

turtle, olive ridley turtle, flatback turtle, saltwater crocodile

Sharks – grey nurse shark, northern river shark, speartooth shark

Seabirds – silver gulls, crested terns, Caspian tern, lesser crested tern,

roseate tern, black-naped tern, little tern, bridled tern and the common

noddy.

Marine turtles are likely to nest on any sandy beaches, however

regionally and nationally important nesting locations include Greenhill

Island and Morse Island. Nesting season is typically between

November and February. Important seabird populations are found at

Melville Island, Cobourg Peninsula and Croker Island.

Heritage Heritage sites within the coastal fringes of the Timor and Arafura Seas

listed on the Register of National Estate include Cobourg Peninsular

National Park, Cobourg Peninsula Marine Park, Reynolds River / Tabletop

Range and Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve (also on the

Commonwealth Heritage List).

p 118


Key Environmental Values of the Timor and Arafura Seas

Environmental Value

Description

Social aspects Commercial shipping, recreational boating and commercial fisheries occur

in the Timor and Arafura Seas. Recreational boating occurs mainly close to

Darwin, however fisheries and shipping occur throughout the Timor and

Arafura Seas.


Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve and Cobourg Peninsula Wildlife

Sanctuary are Ramsar listed wetlands

Transit of naval vessels will cross Commonwealth marine areas

Threatened and migratory marine species potentially occurring in the Timor

and Arafura Seas are listed in Appendix K


Table 40 provides a summary of the training activities to be undertaken in designated portions of the

Timor and Arafura Seas as part of TS13. These are similar to those activities planned for the Coral

Sea.

It is noted that these potential exercises are representative of those activities undertaken within the

Timor and Arafura Seas (Designated Area) as part of the on-going ADF training program in this area and

are not limited to the TS13 Exercise.

Table 40 | TS13 Planned Activities at Timor and Arafura Seas

TS13 Planned Activities at Timor and Arafura Seas


Maritime Maritime transit to Coral Sea from Timor and Arafura Seas

Routine passage and manoeuvres

Operation of ship’s boats, amphibious vehicles and other small watercraft

Replenishment at sea

Heavy and light jackstay transfers

Putrescible and non-putrescible waste collection and sea disposal of garbage,

sewage and oily wastes


Anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare operations

Weapons practice (ship gunnery only)

Submarine operations (including bottoming)

Ship and submarine mid-frequency active sonar usage

Towed array operations

Use of ship and submarine acoustic decoys

Use of flares, smoke floats and other pyrotechnic devices

Streaming of submarine buoyant wire aerials

Use of underwater telephones

Use of ship radars

Use of countermeasures systems

Mine sweeps and non-explosive diver training

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TS13 Planned Activities at Timor and Arafura Seas


Air Air transit to the Timor and Arafura Seas from Northern Territory airfields

Low-level flying by fixed wing aircraft and helicopters

Air combat and air intercept training

Supersonic flight by manned aircraft


Transfer of stores

Dumping of fuel and jettisoning of stores from aircraft in emergency situations

only

Weapons training (aircraft missile and rocket firings will be conducted in

International Waters, no bombing)

Parachute drops over water of personnel, stores and equipment

Use of acoustic trackers, pingers, locators, markers and release devices

Use of aircraft radars and lasers

Use of miscellaneous explosive and non-explosive aircraft stores (sonobuoys)


Table 41 | Potential Impacts on the Timor and Arafura Seas

Potential Impacts on the Timor and Arafura Seas


Potential Impacts

Marine environment


accidental grounding of vessels. Disturbance to the sea floor may also

result in release of sediments and degradation of water quality


collisions from vessel manoeuvres


pollution that may impact on marine habitat and fauna


maintenance) that may cause degradation of water quality and impact


Intentional release of liquid waste (ballast water, bilge water, grey water or

wastewater) that may cause degradation of water quality and impact on


Accidental fuel spill from refuelling at sea that may cause degradation of

water quality and impact on marine habitat and fauna

Munitions fired from ships / aircrafts (live firing, missiles) may impact on

marine habitat and kill or injure marine fauna

Use of underwater sonar may interfere or cause harm to marine fauna

Underwater noise emissions from explosions may interfere or harm marine

fauna

Solid waste from munitions potentially release contaminants into the marine

environment and degrades water quality

Introduction of marine pests by vessels visiting training areas

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Potential Impacts on the Timor and Arafura Seas


Potential Impacts



as fuels





explosions from storage, transport and/or handling of ammunition on

vessels



6.10.5.1.1 Maritime Activities EMP, planning guides and procedures cards

The ADF Maritime Activities EMP has been developed to assist ADF units and support organisations

to conduct maritime activities in a manner which balances training and operational requirements with

regulatory obligations and environmental best practice measures. The Maritime Activities EMP

comprises of three elements: the Planning Guides, Planning Handbooks and Procedure Cards.

The Planning Guides are intended to provide guidance for exercise planners and programmers so that

potential environmental impacts can be avoided in the first instance by separation in space and/or time

from environmentally sensitive areas. They should be used in conjunction with the relevant

Environmental Planning Handbooks for specific Maritime Exercise Areas (MXA) and the Procedure

Cards.

The Environmental Planning Handbooks provide a reference with pertinent background information

designed to assist in the planning of Defence activities in or adjacent to the Maritime Exercise Areas.

The Procedure Cards provide guidance on unit-level risk reduction and response measures for

individual activities including platforms/ships, platforms/aircraft, weapons system, sensor systems,

communications equipment, countermeasures systems, targets, instrumented ranges, mine warfare

and diver training and miscellaneous.











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possible environmental impacts within the Arafura and Timor Seas:






p 122


7.1 Overview

A number of sites will be required to support the TS13 Exercise. These support sites typically provide

the following types of requirements: aircraft and aviation facilities, personnel transit and temporary

accommodation, delivery of supplies and equipment and similar logistics and staging activities. The

support sites and their description are summarized in Table 42.

Table 42 | Summary of Support Sites

Support Sites

Support Site Description and Location

RAAF Base Townsville

RAAF Base Townsville is located in Garbutt, 5 km west of the Townsville CBD in a developed urban / residential area. RAAF Base Townsville air movement areas and some airside services are shared with the Townsville International Airport. The combined RAAF Base / Airport site is identified as a Joint User Airport under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996.

Adjoining the property to the north is the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.

RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Amberley is located 8 km from Ipswich, and approximately 50 km south-west of Brisbane.

This base is a major operational and deployment base for the Air Force.

RAAF Base Darwin

RAAF Base Darwin is located approximately 7 km north-east of the Darwin CBD. RAAF Base Darwin air movement areas and some airside services are shared with the Darwin International Airport. The combined RAAF Base / Airport site is identified as a Joint User Airport under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996.

RAAF Base Tindal

RAAF Base Tindal is located approximately 13 km south east of Katherine (NT) and approximately 230 km south-east of Darwin.

The Base is approximately 12,200 ha of land. It is surrounded by pastoral and agricultural land, with quarries and the Cutta Cutta Caves National Park also in the area.

RAAF Base Richmond

RAAF Base Richmond is located approximately 50 km north west of the Sydney CBD and within the Sydney metropolitan area.

It is located adjacent to agricultural land uses leading to the Hawkesbury River and to residential land uses.

Rockhampton Airport

Rockhampton Airport is located 5 km to the west of the Rockhampton CBD. It is owned by the Rockhampton City Council.

Defence leases facilities within the Airport property.

7 Support Sites

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Support Sites

Support Site Description and Location

Western Street Rockhampton Multi-User Depot

The Multi-User Depot is located in Western Street, Rockhampton.

The site comprises a number of office and training building, storage and open areas.

It is routinely used by military Reserve personnel and as temporary accommodation and equipment staging support for personnel attending training activities at SWBTA.

Port of Townsville

The Port of Townsville is located approximately 3 km to the north-east of Townsville CBD. It is an important sea port for Townsville and north Queensland, also serving the mining communities in western Queensland.

The port is used to both import and export goods. Imports include refined fuel products, nickel ore, vehicles and general cargo. Exports include refined metals, cattle and beef, sugar industry products.

The Port is also a regular stop for cruise ships and naval vessels.

Port of Gladstone

The Port of Gladstone is located approximately 520 km north of Brisbane and 2 km north of Gladstone on the town outskirts. It is an important Port for Central Queensland including inland areas with resource mining industries.

The main cargoes handled through the Port are based on these mining industries including coal and petroleum products, bauxite and its refined alumina and aluminium, and wheat.

Port Alma Port Alma is located approximately 60 km south of Rockhampton and is the sea-port for Rockhampton.

The main cargoes handled through the port are some explosives and chemicals (including used by the mining industry), bulk tallow and military equipment on transit to SWBTA.

Port of Darwin The Port of Darwin, and in particular Fort Hill Wharf, is located approximately 1.5 km from Darwin CBD. The Wharf is used mainly for visiting cruise ships and naval operations. Port of Darwin also consists of Stokes Hill Wharf and East Arm Wharf.

Sections 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 following provide details of these sites including:

Description of the areas

Environmental values

Planned military activities

Potential risks and impacts of those activities

Mitigation measures

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7.2 Aviation - RAAF Bases and Civil Airports

A number of RAAF Bases and civil airports will be utilised for aircraft movements and to

facilitate movement of personnel and equipment between Defence properties. A list and

description of these sites is provided below in Table 43.

Table 43 | RAAF Bases and Civil Airports

RAAF Bases and Civil Airports

RAAF Base / Civil Airport

Site Description

RAAF Base Townsville, North Queensland

RAAF Base Townsville is located on approximately 700 ha of land, 5 km west of the Townsville CBD. RAAF Base Townsville air movement areas and some airside services are shared with the Townsville International Airport. The combined RAAF Base / Airport site is identified as a Joint User Airport under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996. Military aircraft operations and civil aircraft operations – regular passenger and general aviation – are co-ordinated and directed by the Townsville Air Traffic Control tower.

The surrounding land uses include light industrial uses to the south, residential to

the east, open public spaces to the north (Rowes Bay) and the Townsville Town

Common Conservation Park. This Park, managed by Queensland Parks and

Wildlife Service, is an ephemeral wetland listed on the Register of the National

Estate. The RAAF Base is built on low lying wetlands and coastal sediments and

forms part of the local wetlands system that includes the Town Commons.

RAAF Base Amberley, South Queensland

RAAF Base Amberley is the largest operational base for the ADF and is located 8 km from Ipswich and 50 km southwest of Brisbane. RAAF Base Amberley covers an area of 330 ha. The Cunningham Highway runs close to the Base and provides the major road link.

The Base is bordered to the north, west and east by the Bremer River, and Warrill

Creek to the south and east. The proximity and nature of these waterways poses a

flood risk to proximate portions of the Base. The area surrounding the Base is

primarily agricultural, with some residential areas which lead into Ipswich city to the

north-west.

RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory

RAAF Base Darwin covers an area of approximately 1,300 ha and is located 7 km from the Darwin CBD. Darwin International Airport is located northwest of the RAAF Base, The combined RAAF Base / Airport site is identified as a Joint User Airport under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996. Military aircraft operations and civil aircraft operations – regular passenger and general aviation – are co-ordinated and directed by the Darwin Air Traffic Control tower. The Darwin International Airports owner has supported some non-aviation development to occur on its property.

Surrounding land uses include recreation, residential areas, open space, semi

broad acre commercial and agricultural development, rural small holdings and light

industrial uses. The RAAF Base is located at the headwaters of the Rapid Creek

catchment which includes Marrara Swamp.

A number of sites of Heritage value exist on the Base that are contained within the

Commonwealth Heritage List. These include the Commanding Officers Residence,

Water Tower, two types of Tropical House and the Base Precinct which contains on-

Base living accommodations (some dated pre-1945), messing, cinema and chapel,

as well as recognising the overall layout and streetscape of the precinct.

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RAAF Bases and Civil Airports

RAAF Base / Civil Airport

Site Description

RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory

RAAF Base Tindal is the main tactical fighter Base in the Northern Territory and is located approximately 320 km south-east of Darwin and approximately 13 km south-east of the township of Katherine. The base lies adjacent to the Stuart Highway, which provides direct access to Katherine and Darwin. RAAF Base Tindal covers approximately 12,200 ha of land.

RAAF Base Tindal is the main fighter aircraft base in the Northern Territory and hosts both Australian and foreign fighter squadrons, including US and other nations. The fighter role of the base is supported thorough weapons exercises conducted at the nearby Delamere Range Facility.

Tindal Creek flows through the site, a tributary of the Katherine River, and is an

ephemeral stream that is subject to flooding. The base is underlain by Tindal

limestone and there are numerous sinkholes at the site that may support rainforest

habitats as well as the potential for caves that support troglodytic fauna. The Base

is surrounded by pastoral and agricultural land, quarries and the Cutta Cutta Caves

National Park.

RAAF Base Williamtown

RAAF Base Williamtown is located approximately 20 km north of Newcastle (NSW)

It is located adjacent to pastoral land, to Stockton Beach (Woormi Conservation Land) and the Tomago Sandbeds (Hunter Water Catchment Area)

RAAF Base Richmond

NSW

RAAF Base Richmond is located between the communities of Windsor and Richmond of the Sydney Metropolitan Area, and approximately 50 km to the north west of Sydney CBD. It is bound to the northern side by agricultural land uses leading down to the Hawkesbury River. On the southern side are residential and other urban land uses.

RAAF Base Richmond is contained on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its historic heritage values.

The base is known for its transport aircraft including Hercules aircraft supplying military equipment and various supplies – particularly in support of disaster relief.

Rockhampton Airport, Central Queensland

Rockhampton Airport is located 5 km from the Rockhampton CBD, with immediate surrounds comprising predominately residential, light industrial and agricultural land uses.

Rockhampton Airport is often utilised in the transport of military personnel (including by direct international charter) to Rockhampton Airport for transit to SWBTA (which is located approximately 70 km to the north). To facilitate this, Defence leases facilities at Rockhampton Airport. Rockhampton has traditionally been the main logistic and administrative support location for major Exercises.

p 126



RAAF Bases Amberley, Townsville, Darwin, Tindal and Richmond will be used for aircraft take-off and

landing, refuelling and loading of ordnance. Aircraft involved will range in type from jet fighters to

transport carriers. In addition personnel may also transit through these Bases (onto a training area)

and also will temporarily camp (and their equipment will be stored) at RAAF Base Townsville

Rockhampton Airport will be used for its airfield facilities, associated apron areas and Defence leased

areas including Operations Technical (Optech) facilities. Aircraft landing and take-off including

refuelling will occur at Rockhampton Airport, with land movement of personnel and equipment from

the airport to the Western St Rockhampton facility.

All activities planned for these support sites are consistent with the activities currently undertaken at

these locations on a regular basis.

There will be a comparatively minor requirement for aircraft movement of personnel and equipment,

refuelling of aircraft and force build- up requiring landing and take-off of military aircraft at Brisbane

and Cairns airports. This is routine in nature for both military aircraft and the airports.


Key potential environmental impacts for RAAF Bases and civil airports (Aviation) include:

Fuel spills during aircraft refuelling

Translocation of weeds and / or pests from movement of vehicles, equipment and troops into or

from the airport property

Vehicle noise and road safety issues arising from movement of troops, vehicles and equipment

Ordnance detonation

Aircraft noise, in particular any changes in number, noise profile, etc. from the norm



There are a number of provisions in place to manage the day-to-day environmental and heritage

attributes.

7.2.3.1.1 Standing Instructions

Standing Instructions have been developed for RAAF Bases Townsville, Amberley, Tindal, and Darwin

to provide the minimum safety measures and environmental considerations to be observed by all users

of the Bases and are to be read in conjunction with current instructions and training publications. The

Standing Instructions provide location-specific information on the environmental compliance

responsibilities, terrestrial, marine and estuarine safeguards and heritage protection.


RAAF Base Townsville and RAAF Base Darwin will be supplied with the Awareness Card pocket

reference issued to all personnel involved in TS13 at each of these Bases. Summarised information

includes management of waste, heritage areas, plants and animals, soil and erosion issues, and

appropriate use and management of marine areas.

7.2.3.1.3 Environmental Management Systems

Site specific Environmental Management Systems are in place at RAAF Bases Townsville, Amberley,

Williamtown and Richmond. The Environmental Management System for RAAF Base Townsville has

been certified to the international standard, ISO 14001.

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Training Areas. The RAAF bases involved in TS13 are supported by SEMs and EOs from the

respective Defence Management Regions. The Environment Officer is responsible for management of

environment issues on the site, including implementation of environmental management programmes

and monitoring.



internal protocol known as an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). Activities undertaken at a

property that area assessed, typically by the authorised property Environment Officers, as being

environmentally detrimental must have an approved ECC. This Certificate must be reviewed and

reissued if there is a change to the activity or change in the location. This process ensures there is a

robust process for environmental management to minimise the potential for adverse environmental

outcomes.





possible environmental impacts at the support sites:




Safety procedures and buffer zones


Each military unit involved in TS13 will have a unit Environmental Liaison Officer who will be tasked

with promoting environmental awareness and ensuring that environmental controls are implemented,

and risks minimised.

7.3 Depots and Staging Sites

Table 44 | Staging Properties

Depots

Depot Site Site Description

Western Street Rockhampton Multi-User Depot, Central Queensland

The Defence property at 68 Western Street Rockhampton, is approximately 37.6 ha and is located adjacent to Rockhampton Airport.

The core function of the site is as a multi-user depot for reserve personnel yet has an alternate and important function to support exercises conducted in SWBTA.

During major combined exercises up to 2,000 personnel occupy the Western Street property. Current facilities at the Western Street site include purpose built facilities for operations support and a 500 person camp with a limited assortment of spare facilities.

Staging may be undertaken at other Defence sites, such as within Training areas – but those staging

activities will be captured as part of the overall planned activities in the training area.


p 128



Staging support provides the land area required by personnel and the equipment – including vehicles

– in preparation for a deployment or move-out to an exercise. Key staging activities include:

Temporary sleeping and living accommodations - in existing buildings or tented on hardstand

Equipment storage. Equipment maintenance / checking if required.

Parking area for vehicles

Space for vehicles to be loaded/unloaded and moved out / in of the property in safety

Area for physical training (exercise)

Area for other training or preparation activities


Key potential environmental risks and impacts for staging areas include:

Fuel spills during vehicle refuelling

Translocation of weeds and/or pests from movement of vehicles, equipment and troops between

staging and training areas

Noise and road safety issues arising from movement of troops, vehicles and equipment within

the staging area and between staging - training areas

Noise from personnel movements, living and training at the staging property




Awareness cards will be provided to participants prior to them at staging areas. The awareness cards

will provide information in “Plain English” on environmental risks and controls relevant to the property

and the subsequent training area they will move to. Environmental awareness briefings will be

provided for all participants at staging areas, prior to them undertaking Exercise activities, which will

include the materials covered in the awareness cards.



Within these groups, there is an Environment Officer (EO) responsible for management of Ranges

and Training Areas. The properties involved in TS13 are supported by SEMs and EOs from the

respective Defence Region. The Environment Officer is responsible for management of environment

issues on the site, including implementation of environmental management programmes and

monitoring.



internal protocol known as an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). Activities undertaken at a

property that area assessed, typically by the authorised property Environment Officers, as being

environmentally detrimental must have an approved ECC. This Certificate must be reviewed and

reissued if there is a change to the activity or change in the location. This process ensures there is a


outcomes.




p 129



In addition, the following TS13 Exercise specific environmental controls will be implemented to

manage possible environmental impacts at the support sites:




Safety procedures and buffer zones


Each military unit involved in TS13 will have a Unit Environmental Liaison Officer who will be tasked

with promoting environmental awareness and ensuring that environmental controls are implemented

and risks minimised.

7.4 Port Facilities

A number of port facilities will be utilised for entry and exit of personnel, discharge of cargo (such as to

support Training Areas and minimise road traffic) and to support Naval vessel departures to and return

from off-shore Exercise activities. A list and description of these Ports is provided below in Table 45.

All ports, excluding Military activities, are operational 24 hrs per day; seven days a week.

Table 45 | Port Facilities

Port Facilities

Port Facility Site Descriptions

Port of Gladstone

The Port of Gladstone is located 525 km north of Brisbane and near Gladstone city. The ports’ facilities cater for the import of raw material and the export of finished product associated with major resource-based industries in the region. In particular this includes the coal and mineral mining industries and agricultural resources.

The Port is managed by Gladstone Ports Corporation - being a statutory corporation of the Queensland Government. Management includes provision of dredging and security measures; berthing and port operations.

The Port consists of 15 operational berths, with an additional berth under construction. This includes a dedicated tanker berth. Some berths are owned independently (such as by mining companies) for their use; other are owned by Gladstone Port Corporation and are available for multiple (non-dedicated) use.

Port Alma Port Alma is the ocean port for the city of Rockhampton and provides import and export facilities. Port Alma is a deep water harbour offering security and shelter that can accommodate vessels up to 180 m in length.

It is the main designated port on the East coast of Australia to handle explosive material and chemical.

The Port is managed by Gladstone Ports Corporation - being a statutory corporation of the Queensland Government. Management includes provision of dredging and security measures; berthing and port operations.

The Port consists of three operational berths.

p 130


Port Facilities

Port Facility Site Descriptions

Port of Townsville

The port of Townsville is a significant access cargo imports and exports for north Queensland. The port supports the immediate region as well as inland areas to outback Queensland. Imports include refined fuel products, nickel ore, vehicles and general cargo. Exports include refined metals, cattle and beef, raw sugar and molasses.

Safe operation of the port is guided by Maritime Safety Queensland. Port operating procedures take into consideration the environmental aspects of its location, in particular the nearby marine environment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Areas.

The port is also in proximity to residential areas.

The Port is managed by the Port of Townsville Ltd - being a statutory corporation of the Queensland Government. Management includes provision of dredging and security measures; berthing and port operations.

The Port consists of nine operational berths, including a dedicated tanker berth. There are a number of breakwaters in the Port area that create a safe harbour.

Port Darwin Port of Darwin is a naturally occurring deep water port. It is one of only a few ports near an urban centre for the northern coast of Australia and so provides access to coastal areas east and west, as well as the shipping routes into Asia.

The Port of Darwin consists of three civil use wharfs, as well as port facilities at HMAS

Coonawarra (mainly patrol boats).

The three civil wharfs are:

East Arm Wharf – mainly for cargo of containers and resource based goods

Stokes Wharf – primarily a tourist location of non-maritime function. Also

provides the embarkation point for harbour cruises.

Fort Hill Wharf – predominantly used for cruise ship docking, non-cargo ship

docking and Naval ships


Wharves at Port of Gladstone, Port Alma, Port of Brisbane, Port of Townsville and Port of Darwin will

be used for the entry of naval personnel and discharge of cargo from vessels. It should be noted that

the TS13 exercise munitions / explosives will be off-loaded from ships at a licensed facility at the Port

of Darwin and Port Alma or Port of Gladstone for activities in the Northern Territory and Queensland

respectively. These munitions will then be transported by road. This is standard practice and such

movement of munitions and explosives is undertaken not only by Defence but also other industries.

At Townsville Port, in-stream and pier-side cargo discharge from vessels will be necessary.

Associated activity may include underwater hydrography (by swimmers), vessel manoeuvres and

Special Forces helicopter-platform exercises.

p 131



Significant potential environmental risks and impacts for ports include:

Accidental fires / explosions during ammunition handling, transport or storage during transfer of

stores from ship to port during berthing, and from port to road vehicles

Release of contaminants (petrol, oils and lubricants or chemicals (POL)) due to storage vessel

rupture on port wharf areas

Inadvertent release of solid materials (non-waste) such as equipment into the sea during

anchoring within ports

Introduction of marine pests via release of ballast water, in a non-compliance area within port

Biosecurity risks due to inadequate quarantine measures




7.4.3.2.1 Standard Operating Procedures

Defence has established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) that include environmental controls, for the handling, storage and movement of munitions, explosives and other hazardous materials. Procedures also cover the enacting of safety zones (exclusion zones) at times of handling and storing those materials.

7.4.3.2.2 Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan

All maritime activity must accord with the ADF Maritime Activities EMP, planning guides and Procedure Cards.


Where necessary Defence may assess and issue ECCs for military activities to ensure there is a


outcomes. ECCs specify the environmental mitigation and management requirements for each training

activity and must be approved before the training can commence.


In addition, the following TS13 Exercise specific environmental controls will be implemented to

manage possible environmental impacts at the Port facilities:




Safety procedures

Quarantine inspections

p 132


In achieving its mission to defend Australia and its national interests, Defence is duly committed and

accountable to ensure environmental stewardship is effectively promulgated throughout TS13. This is

demonstrated by the actions and culture of exercise participants at all levels.

From experience gained in previous exercises and similar activities to TS13, the US Armed Forces and

ADF understands and is well prepared to provide the necessary resources, controls and tools required

to ensure environmental impacts are avoided where possible, and mitigated to the greatest extent

practicable. This experience is also gained from the routine and regular use of Defence’s training

facilities, providing a pathway of continual improvement in environmental management for Defence

training activity and the management of environmental features and aspects of its training areas.

As described in this PER, Defence has undertaken an environmental review of planned activities for

TS13 and is working closely with relevant government stakeholder representatives to ensure possible

environmental impacts are identified and actions will be taken to mitigate potential risks and reduce the

likelihood and consequence of environmental impacts occurring.

Actions committed for TS13 are summarised as follows and include:

Pre-exercise environmental briefings to all participants that will be involved in the TS13 exercise.

This will be carried out through presentations to participants, display of video awareness

information and provisioning of training area environmental awareness cards, issued to each

participant in a training area.

Establishment of an exercise-specific Environmental Monitoring Group that will provide support

and advice to exercise participants, reinforce environmental controls and procedures, undertake

comprehensive pre and post exercise monitoring and review environmental performance as part of

post-exercise management.

Enforcement of Exercise Instructions outlining responsibilities for environmental management and

responsive actions to be taken to deal with incidents and emergencies that can arise.

Enforcement of existing environmental controls that are provided for each training area within

Standing Orders and Environmental Management Plans, and enforcement of Standard Operating

Procedures for specific activities, including environment specific procedures, such as the Maritime

Activities Environmental Management Plan and Procedure Cards.

Preparation and implementation of an exercise-specific TS13 Environmental Management Plan that

will provide clear guidance on responsibilities, environmental management processes and planned

controls, including exercise monitoring and incident management.

8 TS13 Environmental

Commitment Summary

p 133


Defence is also committed to ensure community groups and the general public, are well informed of

the environmental aspects of staging of major exercises, such as TS13, and the environmental

management actions Defence is undertaking for the planning, staging and review of TS13, by:

Production and distribution of this PER, via website for electronic access, and distribution of copies

to key government agencies, elected representatives and to all participating libraries, and to

individuals upon request.

Information on frequently asked questions and Fact Sheets about major exercises and TS13.

Receipt of feedback from community groups and individuals on aspects in relation to

environmental management for TS13 using the communication channels established.

Defence accordingly invites community groups, government representatives and individuals to take the

time to understand the commitments Defence is making to ensure environmental sustainability is a

routine part of Defence training.

p 134


ADF (2001) Standing Orders for Cowley Beach Training Area, Chapter 13 Environmental and Heritage

Management, Australian Defence Force, December 2001

Aecom (2011) Talisman Sabre 2011 – Public Environmental Report, April 2011

Aecom (2010) Heritage and Environmental Management Plan: Mount Bundey Training Area.

Unpublished Report Prepared by Department of Defence

Department of Defence (2008) State of the Environment Report for Shoalwater Bay Training Area

2008

DSEWPaC (2012) EPBC Protection Matters Search Tool, Accessed August 2012, Commonwealth

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

DSEWPaC (2009) Significant impact guidelines: 1.2 – Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth

land and Actions by Commonwealth Agencies, Commonwealth Department of Sustainability,

Environment, Water, Population and Communities

GHD (2007) Shoalwater Bay Landscape Monitoring Program Report 2007 Implementation,

Unpublished Report Prepared for the Department of Defence, September 2007

Hewitt AD, Jenkins TF, Ranney TA, Stark JA, Walsh ME, Taylor S, Walsh MR, Lambert DJ, Perron

NM, Collins NH and Karn R (2003) Estimates for Explosive Residue for the Detonation of Army

Munitions US Army Corps Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Centre

HLA (2004a) Cowley Beach Training Area Land Management Strategy Prepared for Corporate

Services Infrastructure – NQ. Unpublished Report Prepared for Department of Defence, April 2004

HLA (2004b) Environmental Impact Assessment of Defence Training Activities at Cowley Beach

Training Area Unpublished Report Prepared for the Department of Defence

HLA (2006) Draft Heritage and environmental Managmenet Plan: Bradshaw Field Training Area

Unpublished Report Prepared for the Department of Defence

Jaensch R (2008) A condition assessment of wetlands and waterbirds in the Shoalwater Bay Training

Area Wetlands International, February 2008

URS (2002) Bradshaw Field Training Area Gouldian Finch Management Plan Unpublished Report

Prepared for the Department of Defence

9 References

Appendices

Appendix A Joint Statement of Environmental and Heritage Principles

p 1


Appendix B Defence Environmental Risk Tool (ERT)

p 1


Risk Assessment Matrix

Likelihood Rating

Consequence Rating

Severe Major Moderate Minor Negligible

Almost Certain Very High Very High High Medium Low

Likely Very High High Medium Medium Low

Possible High High Medium Medium Low

Unlikely High Medium Medium Low Low

Rare High Medium Low Low Low

Description of Risk Dimensions

Risk Dimension Description

Environment and Heritage Impact on the environment, including contamination, damage to flora and

fauna, fire, noise, soil damage and erosion, greenhouse gas emission, bio-

diversity, feral animals and water quality.

Environmental management in the strategic context of Defence business.

Impact on Heritage listed assets.

Likelihood of the consequences occurring in the exercise period

Likelihood Description

Almost certain (1) Has occurred several times in the past year and in each of the previous 5 years OR has a > 90% chance of occurring before the risk assessment is reviewed (12 months) if the risk is not mitigated.

Likely (3) Has occurred at least once in the past year and in each of the previous 5 years OR has a 60-90% chance of occurring before the risk assessment is reviewed (12 months) if the risk is not mitigated.

Possible (5) Even probability of consequences occurring before the risk assessment is reviewed (12 months). Has occurred two or three times during the past 5 years OR has a 40-60% chance of occurring before the risk assessment is reviewed (12 months) if the risk is not mitigated.

Unlikely (7) Has occurred once in the last 5 years OR has a 10-30% chance of occurring in the future if the risk is not mitigated.

Rare (9) Has not occurred in the past 5 years OR may occur in exceptional circumstances, i.e. less than 10% chance of occurring in the next funding period if the risk is not mitigated.

p 2


Consequences: if the impact occurs

Severe (1) Major (6) Moderate (11) Minor (16) Negligible (21)

Environment and Heritage

Irreversible and extensive:

impact on a listed species; or

damage to the values of a listed or indigenous heritage site.

Irreversible and extensive damage to heritage, the environment or native fauna. OR

Extensive and reversible or irreversible and localized:


damage to the values of a listed or indigenous heritage site. OR

Extensive unnecessary production of waste or consumption of resources.

Extensive and reversible or irreversible and localized damage to heritage, the environment or native fauna. OR

Localised and reversible:


damage to the values of a listed or indigenous heritage site. OR

Production of waste or consumption of resources substantially higher than necessary.

Localized and reversible damage to heritage, the environment or native fauna. OR

Production of waste or consumption of resources that is slightly higher than necessary.

Environmental or heritage impact, production of waste or consumption of resources that would not be of concern to a reasonable person.

p 1


Appendix C List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Shoalwater Bay Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the SWBTA

Scientific name Common name EPBC Status Likelihood of Occurrence

Threatened Ecological Communities

Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia CE Known (O’Neill P. 2008. Forests,

Woodlands and Freshwater Wetlands.

In: SWBTA State of the Environment

Report. Chapter 6. Department of

Defence. Canberra, as cited in TS11)

Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions

E Community likely to occur within area

Birds

Epthianura crocea macgregori Yellow Chat (Dawson) CE May; Suitable marine plain wetlands are present in SWBTA and Yellow Chat population present at Torilla Plains just west of SWBTA, however, never recorded in fauna surveys of SWBTA (as cited in TS11)

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (southern) V Known; Recorded at site. Plain eucalypt woodland / open forest, hill eucalypt woodland / open forest, riparian forest / woodland, swamp forest / woodland, cleared land (HLA 2006, as cited in TS11)

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel E, M May; Occasionally forages in waters off central Queensland coast during winter (as cited in TS11)

Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda Star Finch (eastern), Star Finch (southern)

E Improbable; Suitable grassy woodland habitat present close to water, but no records from recent fauna surveys in SWBTA or central Queensland (as cited in TS11)

Poephila cincta cincta Black-Throated Finch E Improbable; Suitable habitat is present, but not recorded in fauna surveys of SWBTA and no records from Rockhampton area since 1970s (as cited in TS11)

Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Kermadec Petrel (western) V May; Occasionally forages in waters off central Queensland coast during winter (as cited in TS11)

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V May; Suitable shallow terrestrial freshwater wetlands are present (as cited in TS11)

p 2




Birds

Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted Button-quail V May; Suitable drier low closed forests are present, not recorded in fauna surveys in SWBTA but species is highly cryptic and difficult to detect (AECOM, 2010a, as cited in TS11)

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern E Species or species habitat may occur within area

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White-bellied Storm-Petrel (Tasman Sea), White-bellied Storm Petrel (Australasian)

V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch M Breeding may occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch M Breeding likely to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail M Breeding may occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within area

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M Roosting known to occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within area

Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area

p 3




Birds

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within area

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M Roosting known to occur within area

Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot M Roosting known to occur within area

Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover, Large

Sand Plover

M Roosting known to occur within area

Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover

M Roosting known to occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese

Snipe

M Roosting may occur within area

Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler M Roosting known to occur within area

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M Roosting known to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew M Known; in beaches and sea, Estuarine mudflats (as cited in TS11)

Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel M Roosting likely to occur within area

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M Roosting known to occur within area

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover M Roosting known to occur within area

Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M Roosting known to occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato).

Painted Snipe V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little

Greenshank

M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area

Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within area

Mammals

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M Improbable; Waters off Queensland are unlikely to provide significant feeding habitat for this species (as cited in TS11)

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large

Pied Bat

V Known; Recorded at site. Mangroves, coastal vine forest, riparian forest / woodland, freshwater wetlands are present at site (HLA 2006, as cited in TS11)

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E May; suitable rocky country in open eucalypt forest is present but species not recorded in fauna surveys at SWBTA (AECOM, 2010a, as cited in TS11)

p 4




Mammals

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V, M Breeding known to occur within area

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V Improbable; Current northern limit is Maryborough (Churchill, 2008, as cited in TS11)

Xeromys myoides Water Mouse, False Water

Rat

V May; Mangroves and sedgelands are present on site (HLA 2006, as cited in TS11)

Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback

Dolphin

M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Nyctophilus corbeni South-eastern Long-eared Bat V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT)

Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory)

V Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Orcaella brevirostris Irrawaddy Dolphin M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Known (Breeding); Species has been recorded at site (L. Sommers and GBRMPA, pers. comm., as cited in TS11)

Denisonia maculata Ornamental Snake V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth

E, M Known (Breeding); Species has been recorded at site (M. Drewe and GBRMPA, pers. comm., as cited in TS11)

Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

p 5




Reptiles

Furina dunmalli Dunmall's Snake V Improbable; Suitable brigalow habitat not present in SWBTA (as cited in TS11)

Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle

E, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Known; Recorded on site (PPK 1999, as cited in TS11)

Rheodytes leukops Fitzroy River Turtle, Fitzroy Tortoise, Fitzroy Turtle

V May; SWBTA is in Fitzroy River catchment and contains suitable fast-flowing clear water (as cited in TS11)

Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile

M Known; Present in larger coastal streams (as cited in TS11)

Paradelma orientalis Brigalow Scaly-foot V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sharks

Carcharias taurus (east coast population)

Grey Nurse Shark (east coast population)

CE Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pristis zijsron Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish

V May; juveniles found inshore in

foreshores and embayments (QLD DPI,

2009, as cited in TS11)

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Lamna nasus Porbeagle, Mackerel Shark M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Plants

Comesperma oblongatum Byfield Matchstick V Known; Recorded in headland grassfield

and shrubfield at site (REs 8.2.3b,

8.2.7e, 8.2.8) (HLA 2006, as cited in

TS11)

Cycas megacarpa E May; Ridge forest, hill Eucalypt

woodland and open forest are present at

site (HLA 2006, as cited in TS11)

Cycas ophiolitica E Known; Recorded in ridge forest, hill

eucalypt woodland / open forest, hill

rainforest and vine thicket in association

with RE 11.11.15 at site (HLA 2006, as

cited in TS11)

Grevillea venusta V Known; Recorded in riparian forest and

woodland at site (REs 8.1.1, 8.3.3b,

8.11.3b,8.12.3c, 8.12.10a) (HLA 2006,

as cited in TS11)

p 6




Plants

Leucopogon cuspidatus V Known; Recorded in eucalypt woodland

in Pyri Pyri Sector (Queensland

Herbarium, 2010, as cited in TS11)

Sowerbaea subtilis V Known; Recorded in swamp forest and

woodland and freshwater wetlands (Res

8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4b) (HLA 2006, as cited

in TS11)

Taeniophyllum muelleri Minute Orchid, Ribbon-root

Orchid

V Known; in riparian closed Forest (as

cited in TS11)

Omphala celata V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Samadera bidwillii V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Streblus pendulinus Siah’s Backbone, Sia’s Backbone, Isaac Wood

E Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

p 1


Appendix D List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Saumarez Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the SRTA

Scientific name Common name EPBC Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

Birds

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White-bellied Storm-Petrel


Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel E, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pterodroma heraldica Herald Petrel CE Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Kermadec Petrel (western)

V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Mammals

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback whale V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Balaenoptera bonaerensis Antarctic Minke Whale, Dark-shoulder Minke Whale


Balaenoptera edeni Bryde’s Whale M Species or species habitat may occur within area


Physeter macrocephalus Sperm Whale M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within

area

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within

area



Eretmochelys imbricate Hawksbill Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area



Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sharks

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

p 1


Appendix E List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Townsville Field Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the TFTA


Birds

Casuarius casuarius johnsonii Southern Cassowary

(Australian), Southern

Cassowary

E Improbable; Suitable rainforest habitat not present in TFTA (as cited in TS11)

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V Known; Confirmed occurrence on site (EES 2004). Species is known to occur along or near watercourses, in swamp forests and woodlands (NPWS 2002, as cited in TS11)

Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (southern) V Known; Recorded in grassy woodland on site (EES 2004, as cited in TS11)

Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda Star Finch (eastern), Star Finch (southern)

E Improbable; Grasslands and grassy woodlands close to freshwater bodies are not present on site (EES 2004, as cited in TS11)

Poephila cincta cincta Black-throated Finch (southern) E Likely; Suitable grassy, open woodlands and forests are present in site (as cited in TS11)

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V May; Suitable shallow terrestrial freshwater wetlands are present (as cited in TS11)





Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail M Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow M Species or species habitat may occur within area


Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch M Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch M Breeding likely to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area


p 2




Birds

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Grus antigone Sarus Crane M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato)

Painted Snipe M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Mammals

Bettongia tropica Northern Bettong E May; Grassy woodland is present on

site in association with RE 9.3.3

(SMEC 2004, as cited in TS11)

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Likely; Suitable rocky country in open

eucalypt forest is present (Peter Buosi,

pers. comm., as cited in TS11)

Dasyurus maculatus gracilis Spotted-tailed Quoll or Yarri

(North Queensland subspecies)

E Improbable; Suitable upland rainforest

habitat not present in TFTA (as cited in

TS11)

Hipposideros semoni Semon's Leaf-nosed Bat,

Greater Wart-nosed Horseshoe-

bat

E Improbable; Species prefers caves or

abandoned mines (roosting habitats)

and rainforests / vine thickets (foraging

habitats) (SMEC 2004, as cited in

TS11). This is not present on site

(SMEC 2004, as cited in TS11)

Pteropus conspicillatus Spectacled Flying-fox V Improbable; Suitable rainforest habitat

not present at site (HLA 2007, as cited

in TS11). Species is not found more

than 7 km from rainforest (Hall 1983,

as cited in TS11)

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V Improbable; Current northern limit is

Maryborough (Churchill, 2008, as cited

in TS11)

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus

Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat CE May; Suitable poplar gum woodland is present in site (as cited in TS11)

Xeromys myoides Water Mouse, False Water Rat V Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT)

Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory)

V Species or species habitat known to occur within area

p 3




Frogs

Litoria nannotis Waterfall Frog, Torrent Tree Frog

E Improbable; Species requires water for feeding (commonly located adjacent to river/creek systems) and suitable habitat is not present on site (SMEC 2004, as cited in TS11)

Nyctimystes dayi Lace-eyed Tree Frog, Australian Lacelid

E May; suitable rocky streams in closed forest present in site (as cited in TS11)

Litoria rheocola Common Mistfrog E Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Reptiles

Delma labialis Striped-tailed Delma, Single-striped Delma

V May; Suitable forest with grassy

understorey is present in site (as cited

in TS11)

Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink V May; Eucalypt woodlands are present

on site (EES 2004, as cited in TS11)

Denisonia maculata Ornamental Snake V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Lerista vittata Mount Cooper Striped Lerista V Species or species habitat may occur within area


M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Plants

Acacia ramiflora V Improbable; suitable sandstone habitat

not present in site (as cited in TS11)

Croton magneticus V May; Vine thickets are present on site

in association with HRTA, Special

Lease and Star subregions (EES


Hydrocharis dubia Frogbit V May; Slow moving waterways are

present on site (SMEC 2004, as cited

in TS11)

Leucopogon cuspidatus V Likely; Montane heathy woodlands on

skeletal soils are present at site (as

cited in TS11)

Marsdenia brevifolia V Likely; Montane open woodlands on

skeletal soils are present at site (as

cited in TS11)

Taeniophyllum muelleri Minute Orchid, Ribbon-root

Orchid

V Species or species habitat likely to

occur within area

p 4




Plants

Tephrosia leveillei V Likely; Suitable eucalypt woodland /

forest present in site (as cited in TS11)

Tylophora williamsii V Likely; Suitable vine thicket and gallery

forest habitats present in site (as cited

in TS11)

Cajanus mareebensis E Species or species habitat may occur within area

Omphalea celata V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area



p 1


Appendix F List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Cowley Beach Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the CBTA



Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia CE Community likely to occur within

area

Birds

Casuarius casuarius johnsonii Southern Cassowary

(Australian), Southern

Cassowary

E Known; recorded in coastal

rainforests and mixed open

forests in site (as cited in TS11)

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V Species or species habitat likely

to occur within area

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White-bellied Storm-Petrel

(Tasman Sea), White-bellied

Storm-Petrel (Australasian(

V Species or species habitat likely


Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V May; Suitable shallow terrestrial

freshwater wetlands are present

(as cited in TS11)

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle M Species or species habitat likely


Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail M Species or species habitat likely


Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch M Species or species habitat known


Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch M Breeding likely to occur within

area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Species or species habitat likely


p 2




Birds


Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within

area

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone M Roosting known to occur within

area

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M Roosting known to occur within

area

Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover, Large

Sand Plover

M Roosting known to occur within

area

Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian

Plover

M Roosting known to occur within

area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe M Roosting may occur within area

Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler M Roosting known to occur within

area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew M Roosting known to occur within

area

Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel M Roosting likely to occur within

area

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M Roosting known to occur within

area

Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M Roosting known to occur within

area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu

lato)

Painted Snipe V, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper M Roosting known to occur within

area

Mammals

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Known; recorded at BFTA sites

01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 08 and NT1 in

2002 (Australian Heritage

Commission 2002, as cited in

TS11)

p 3




Mammals

Hipposideros semoni Semon's Leaf-nosed Bat,

Greater Wart-nosed Horseshoe-

bat

E Improbable; Suitable roosting

habitat (caves and abandoned

mines) not present in site (as cited

in TS11)

Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Pteropus conspicillatus Spectacled Flying-fox V Known; recorded in rainforest and

open forest habitat in site (as cited

in TS11)

Xeromys myoides Water Mouse, False Water Rat V Likely; inhabits mangrove forests,

freshwater swamps and floodplain

saline grasslands and feeds on

marine and freshwater

invertebrates, including crabs,

pulmonates and molluscs

(Woinarski 2006, as cited in

TS11)

Balaenoptera edeni Bryde’s Whale M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area





Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphine M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Frogs

Litoria nannotis Waterfall Frog, Torrent Tree

Frog

E Improbable; open waterbodies

required for feeding are not

present in site (as cited in TS11)

Litoria rheocola Common Mistfrog E Improbable; fast flowing rocky

stream habitats are not present in

site (as cited in TS11)

p 4




Frogs

Nyctimystes dayi Lace-eyed Tree Frog, Australian

Lacelid

E Improbable; rocky streams in

rainforest are not present in site

(as cited in TS11)

Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Likely; Beaches, littoral strands

and marine aquatic areas are

present on site (HLA 2004, as

cited in TS11)

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Known (Breeding); Beaches and

littoral strands are present at site.

Recorded in marine / aquatic

habitat at site (HLA 2004, as cited

in TS11)

Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery

Turtle, Luth

E, M Species or species habitat likely


Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle V, M Likely; Beaches, littoral strands



cited in TS11)

Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific

Ridley Turtle

E, M Likely; Beaches, littoral strands



cited in TS11)

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Likely (Breeding); Beaches, littoral

strands and marine aquatic

habitats are present on site (HLA


Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine

Crocodile

M Known; recorded in estuarine

habitats in site (as cited in TS11)

Sharks

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Pristis clavata Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish




Lamna nasus Porbeagle, Mackerel Shark M Species or species habitat may occur within area

p 5




Plants

Arenga australasica Australian Arenga Palm V Likely; suitable near-coastal

rainforest habitats are present in

site (as cited in TS11)

Chingia australis E May; rainforest habitats on steep

creek banks and slopes are

present in site (as cited in TS11)

X Vappaculum superbiens (syn.

Dendrobium superbiens)

Curly Pinks V Likely; suitable coastal scrub

habitat is present in site (as cited

in TS11)

Durabaculum mirbelianum (syn.

Dendrobium mirbelianum)

an orchid E May; coastal swamps and

mangroves are present in site (as

cited in TS11)

Huperzia phlegmarioides Layered Tassel-fern V May; rainforest is present in site

(as cited in TS11)

Dendrobium bigibbum Cooktown Orchid V Species or species habitat may occur within area



p 1


Appendix G List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Canungra Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the CTA



Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia CE Community may occur

Birds

Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen’s Fig-Parrot E, M Species or species habitat likely


Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern Bristlebird E Species or species habitat likely




Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (southern) V Species or species habitat likely


Lathamus discolour Swift Parrot E Species or species habitat likely


Peophila cincta cincta Black-throated Finch (southern) E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted Button-quail V Species or species habitat likely



occur within area


occur within area


occur within area



Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail M Species or species habitat known



occur within area

p 2




Birds

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch M Breeding likely to occur within

area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Breeding likely to occur within

area


Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater E, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham’s Snipe, Japanese

Snipe

M Species or species habitat may

occur within area


lato)

Painted Snipe V, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Mammals

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large

Pied Bat

V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus

(SW mainland population)

Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail

Qholl, Tiger Quoll (southeastern

mainland population)

E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby V Species or species habitat known


Phascolarctos cinereus

(combined populations of Qld,

NSW and the ACT)

Koala (combined populations of

Queensland, New South Wales

and the Australian Capital

Territory)

V Species or species habitat known


Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo (SE

mainland)

V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V Roosting known to occur within area

Frogs

Mixophyes fleayi Fleay’s Frog E Species or species habitat likely


Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog, Southern

Barred Frog

E Species or species habitat likely


p 3




Reptiles

Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Delma torquata Collared Delma V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Furina dunmalli Dunmall’s Snake V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Insects

Phyllodes imperialis (southern

subsp.)

Pink Underwing Moth E Species or species habitat likely


Plants

Allocasuarina defungens Dwarf Heath Casuarina E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Arthraxon hispidus Hairy-joint Grass V Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Baloghia marmorata Marbled Balogia, Jointed Baloghia



Bosistoa selwynii Heart-leaved Bosistoa V Species or species habitat likely


Bosistoa transversa Three-leaved Bosistoa V Species or species habitat likely


Bulbophyllum globuliforme Miniature Moss-orchid V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Cryptocarya foetida Stinking Cryptocarya, Stinking Laurel


Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue-orchid V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Cyperus semifertilis V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Endiandra hayesii Rusty Rose Walnut, Velvet Laurel


Floydia praealta Ball Nut, Possum Nut, Big Nut, Beefwood


Lepidium peregrinum Wandering Pepper-cress E Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut, Smooth-shelled Macadamia, Bush Nut, Nut Oak


p 4




Plants

Notelaea ipsviciensis Cooneana Olive CE Species or species habitat may occur within the area

Notelaea lloydii V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Owenia cepiodora Onionwood, Bog Onion, Onion Cedar


Phebalium distans Mt Berryman Phebalium CE Species or species habitat may occur within area

Plectranthus nitidus Nightcap Plectranthus E Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sarcochilus hartmannii Waxy Sarcochilus, Blue Knob Orchid


Sophora fraseri V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area


E Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Syzygium hodgkinsoniae Smooth-bark Rose Apple, Red Lilly Pilly


Taeniophyllum muelleri Minute Orchid, Ribbon-root Orchid


Zieria collina V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

p 1


Appendix H List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Delamere Range Facility

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the DRF


Birds

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V May; lack of available information

on DRF vegetation, fauna and

habitat (as cited in TS11)

Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch E, M Known; E. gouldiae documented

in the Delamere region by Low,

Dobbie and Roeger (1988) (Low

Ecological Services 2000, as cited

in TS11)

Falcunculus frontatus whitei Crested Shrike-tit (northern),

Northern Shrike-tit

V, M Likely; species may be present in

eucalypt woodland and forest

habitat at DRF (Woinarski and

Ward 2006, as cited in TS11)

Malurus coronatus coronatus Purple-crowned Fairy-wren

(western)

V May; lack of available information

on DRF vegetation, fauna and

habitat (as cited in TS11)

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V May; it is considered possible that

R. australis could occur in

northern NT (Taylor, Chatto and

Woinarski 2006, as cited in TS11)


occur within area





Charadrius veredus Oreintal Plover, Oriental Dotterel M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato)

Painted Snipe V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

p 2


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the DRF


Mammals

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Likely; potentially present in rocky

outcrops and near creek lines

(Spotless Services 2007, as cited

in TS11)

Phascogale pirata Northern Brush-tailed

Phascogale



Saccolaimus saccolaimus

nudicluniatus

Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat CE Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Macrotis lagotis Greater Bilby V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles

Elseya lavarackorum Gulf Snapping Turtle E Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sharks

Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish V Improbable; within range of

species (Larson, Stirrat and

Woinarski 2006, as cited in TS11);

DRF topography is escarpment

country with small ephemeral

water bodies; probability of this

species occurring at DRF likely to

be low during the wet season, and

impossible in the dry season (as

cited in TS11)

p 1


Appendix I List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Bradshaw Field Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the BFTA


Birds



Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch E, M Known; recorded at BFTA in hilly

woodland and grasslands (SKM

2006, as cited in TS11); nests

almost exclusively tree hollows in

Salmon Gums (Eucalyptus

tintinnans) in the NT in stony hills

in the dry season, floodplain and

lowland habitat in the wet season

(as cited in TS11)

Malurus coronatus coronatus Purple-crowned Fairy-wren

(western)

V Known; Two records of M. c.

coronatus at BFTA (SKM 2006, as

cited in TS11)

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe V Species or species habitat likely


Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli Masked Owl (northern) V Known; recorded at BFTA in

woodlands and riparian areas

(SKM 2006, as cited in TS11)


occur within area


occur within area


occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Coracina tenuirostris melvillensis Melville Cicadabird M Species or species habitat may

occur within area




occur within area

p 2




Birds


occur within area

Poecilodryas superciliosa

cerviniventris

Derby White-browed Robin M Species or species habitat likely


Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole M Species or species habitat may

occur within area


lato)

Painted Snipe V, M Species or species habitat likely


Mammals

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Known; recorded at BFTA sites

01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 08 and NT1 in

2002 (Australian Heritage

Commission 2002, as cited in

TS11)


Phascogale




nudicluniatus

Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat CE Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Xeromys myoides Water Mouse, False Water Rat V Likely; inhabits mangrove forests,

freshwater swamps and floodplain

saline grasslands and feeds on

marine and freshwater

invertebrates, including crabs,

pulmonates and molluscs

(Woinarski 2006, as cited in

TS11)

p 3




Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Species or species habitat likely


Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area


E, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricate Hawksbill Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area



Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area


Crocodile


Sharks

Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

p 1


Appendix J List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Mount Bundey Training Area

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the MBTA


Birds

Epthianura crocea tunneyi Yellow Chat (Alligator Rivers) E Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V Species or species habitat known


Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch E, M Known; Craig Creek Sector

(1989); near Western Road

(2006-07); stony hills in the dry

season, floodplain and lowland

habitat in the wet season (as cited

in TS11)

Geophaps smithii smitii Partridge Pigeon (eastern) V Known; recorded in woodland

(type 2) habitat (HLA 2002, as

cited in TS11)

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli Masked Owl (northern) V Likely; within range; occurs mainly

in tall eucalypt open forests

(especially those dominated by

Darwin Woollybutt and Darwin

Stringybark), but also roosts in

monsoon rainforests, and forages

in more open vegetation types,

including grasslands (as cited in

TS11)


occur within area


occur within area


occur within area

Coracina tenuirostris melvillensis Melville Cicadabird M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea- Eagle M Species or species habitat likely



occur within area

p 2




Birds


occur within area

Poecilodryas superciliosa

cerviniventris

Derby White-browed Robin M Species or species habitat likely


Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M Species or species habitat likely


Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M Species or species habitat likely


Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M Species or species habitat likely


Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little

Greenshank

M Species or species habitat likely


Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper M Species or species habitat likely


Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Mammals

Conilurus penicillatus Brush-tailed Rabbit- rat, Brush-

tailed Tree-rat

V Likely; may be present in tall open

woodland habitat at MBTA (as

cited in TS11)

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E Known; recorded from a scat

located at Woodland I, has

previously been recorded in

Woodlands I, II and III (Spotless

Services 2007, as cited in TS11)

p 3




Mammals

Mesembriomys macrurus Golden-backed Tree- rat V May; last known NT record 1969

at Deaf Adder Gorge, all NT

records from riverine habitat -

known from a broad range of

habitat types in the Kimberley

(Woinarski and Palmer 2006, as

cited in TS11)


Phascogale




nudicluniatus

Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat CE Likely; all confirmed records for S.

s. nudicluniatus are from the

lowlands within Kakadu National

Park, in open Pandanus woodland

fringing the sedgelands of the

South Alligator River. It has also

been recorded from eucalypt tall

open forests in the NT. In

Queensland, it is known mainly

from coastal lowlands, including

eucalypt woodlands and

rainforests and is known to roosts

in tree hollows and caves (Milne

and Woinarski 2006, as cited in

TS11)

Zyzomys maini Arnhem Rock-rat, Arnhem Land Rock-rat


Reptiles

Lucasium occultum Yellow-snouted Gecko E Known; woodland (type 3) habitat

near JimJim Road 2004 (one

record); potentially present

northeastern MBTA, particularly

Arnhem and Barramundi sectors;

a single individual was caught in a

pitfall trap during the 2004 survey

in Woodland III habitat beside Jim

Jim Road (HLA 2007, as cited in

TS11)


M Species or species habitat likely


p 4




Sharks

Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish V May; within range (Larson, Stirrat and Woinarski 2006, as cited in TS11)

p 1


Appendix K List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Coral Sea

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the Coral Sea


Birds

Diomedea dabbenena Tristan Albatross E,M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White-bellied Storm-Petrel V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant Petrel E,M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macronectes halli Northern Giant Petrel V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pterodroma heraldic Herald Petrel CE Breeding known to occur within area

Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Kermadec Petrel V Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatoss V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Anous stolidus Common Noddy M Breeding known to occur within area


Ardea alba Great Egret M Breeding likely to occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret M Breeding likely to occur within area

Calonectris leucomelas Streaked Shearwater M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird

M Breeding known to occur within area

Fregata minor Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird


Puffinus leucomelas Streaked Shearwater M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater M Breeding known to occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern M Breeding may occur within area

Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

p 2




Birds

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sula dactylatra Masked Booby M Breeding known to occur within area

Sula leucogaster Brown Booby M Breeding known to occur within area

Sula sula Red-footed Booby M Breeding known to occur within area

Mammals

Balaenophtera borealis Sei Whale V, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Balaenoptera physalus Fin Whale V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale E, M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area


Balaenoptera bonaerensis Antarctic Minke Whale, Dark-shoulder Minke Whale


Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Dugong dugong Dugong M Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lagenorhynchus obscurus Dusky Dolphin M Species or species habitat may occur within area



Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin M Species or species habitat may occur within area


p 3




Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Breeding known to occur within

area

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area


V, M Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricate Hawksbill Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area


E, M Breeding known to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area


Crocodile


Sharks

Carcharias taurus (east coast population)

Grey Nurse Shark (east coast population)

CE Congregation or aggregation known to occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark V, M Species or species habitat may occur within area






Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako, Mako Shark M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Isurus paucus Longfin Mako M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fish

Epinephelus daemelii Black Rockcod, Black Cod, Saddled Rockcod


p 1


Appendix L List of Threatened Communities, Species and Migratory Species for Timor and Arafura Seas

p 1


List of Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to occur in the Timor and Arafura Seas


Birds




Calonectris leucomelas Streaked Shearwater M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Puffinus leucomelas Streaked Shearwater M Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Anous stolidus Common Noddy M Breeding known to occur within area

Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird


Fregata minor Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird


Phaethon lepturus White-tailed Tropicbird M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area

Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern M Breeding known to occur within area

Sula leucogaster Brown Booby M Breeding known to occur within area

Sula sula Red-footed Booby M Breeding known to occur within area

Mammals

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

p 2




Mammals

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V, M Breeding known to occur within

area

Balaenoptera bonaerensis Antarctic Minke Whale, Dark-

shoulder Minke Whale

M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale M Species or species habitat may

occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong M Species or species habitat known


Orcinus orca Killer Whale M Species or species habitat may

occur within area


Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin M Breeding known to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin

(Arafura/Timor Sea populations)



Reptiles

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M Foraging, feeding or related

behaviour known to occur within

area

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area




V, M Breeding known to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area

p 3




Reptiles

Lepidochelys olivacea Pacific Ridley Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle

E, M Breeding known to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, M Breeding known to occur within area

Aipysurus apraefrontalis Short-nosed Seasnake CE Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Aipysurus foliosquama Leaf-scaled Seasnake CE Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sharks

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V, M Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area



Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish V Species or species habitat likely to occur within area



Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako, Mako Shark M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Isurus paucus Longfin Mako M Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Appendix M Community Issues and Responses – Cross Reference Table

TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PERIOD

Appendix N Frequently Asked Questions

TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PERIOD


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Documents

Talisman Sabre 2013 Public Environment Report - Aurecon